Airplane News Update

This week in airplane news: A bill has been introduced in Congress to raise the retirement age of pilots, a congressional committee will hold a hearing on 100LL avgas, a plane crash near lifeguard training, CAE & Piper have partnered to develop an Archer electric conversion kit, and JetBlue will be buying Spirit airlines after a months-long battle with Frontier.

Two bills introduced in congress would raise the airline retirement age from 65 to 67.

These bills seek to reduce the pilot shortage, and this would be another increase in pilot retirement age since it was changed in 2007.

ALPA said, “This discussion is yet another attempt to distract the conversation from the real issue which is the failure of airlines to deliver on a key goal of the multibillion-dollar relief plan Congress provided them during the pandemic which was to effectively manage air-service operations as travel resumes. ALPA strongly opposes this proposed legislation as there is no reason to change the retirement age today and doing so would only increase costs for airlines as well as introduce unnecessary risks to passengers and crew alike.”

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/congressional-bills-would-raise-airline-retirement-age-to-67

Congressional Committee is going to hold a hearing called “Toxic Air: How Leaded Aviation Fuel is Poisoning America’s Children”

This committee is looking to ban 100LL

It is expected that the EPA will issue a finding on leaded avgas next year

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/congressional-committee-looking-at-national-100ll-ban

An airplane crashed in Huntington Beach California this week during a lifeguard competition

This competition quickly turned into a real rescue.

The crash happened in between events and the veteran lifeguards quickly swarmed the wreck.

The pilot was taken to the hospital with bruises but was otherwise unharmed. 

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/plane-crashes-lifeguarding-competition-pilot-rescued-87269378

CAE announced that they are working with Piper Aircraft to develop an Electric Propulsion Conversion Kit for the Piper PA-28-181 Archer.

The development of this technology is a first for CAE,” said CAE President and CEO Marc Parent. “As an engineering powerhouse and one of the largest Piper Archer operators, CAE is uniquely positioned to make the electric-powered flight a reality at our flight schools and beyond. CAE’s partnership with the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec for investment into R&D has enabled us to boldly look to the future and prepare our electric aircraft for take-off.”

https://www.avweb.com/air-shows-events/farnborough/cae-piper-to-develop-archer-electric-conversion-kit/

JetBlue will buy Spirit for 3.8 billion after a months-long battle between JetBlue and Frontier. 

This merger will create the 5th largest airline in the country

The deal must be approved by regulators and will be the largest deal since Alaska Airlines beat out JetBlue for Virgin America.

“We have two priorities: one is to get this deal closed and get the airline integrated and build a bigger JetBlue,” JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes said in an interview Thursday. “Secondly to run a reliable operation in the meantime.”

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/28/jetblue-airways-reaches-deal-to-buy-spirit-airlines.html

This week in airplane news: A student pilot has been charged with DWI among other things after landing on a road, London temperatures got hot enough to melt portions of the runway, a mid-air collision with no survivors, and the military is exploring single pilot operations.

An airplane crash-landed in Kansas City this week, and the pilot was charged with DWI.

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/student-pilot-charged-with-dwi-after-interstate-landing

London Luton airport was temporarily closed due to the heat wave in the UK.

The heat (100F) caused surface defects and melted portions of the runway.

Repairs were made to the runway and the airport opened a number of hours later.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11025115/UK-heatwave-London-Luton-Airport-SHUT-record-heat-runway-melts.html

A mid-air collision occurred at the North Las Vegas Airport this week

Both aircraft, A piper PA-46 and a Cessna 172, were preparing to land at the airport

There were no survivors of the crash.

https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/plane-crashes-at-north-las-vegas-airport/

The US Air Force is exploring the potential of allowing a single pilot for KC-46 tankers.

This would reduce the crew to just the boom operator and the pilot.

This release has triggered an intense discussion of safety and pilot workload.

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/single-pilot-kc-46-tanker-operations-eyed-by-air-force-for-major-conflicts

Join Greg as we look at this week's airplane news. A dramatic video shows a pilot and passenger making an emergency landing on a busy highway, thankfully no one was harmed. New footage was released of the baggage officer at SEATAC that stole an airliner back in 2018, the footage is very surprising. Van, a popular airplane kit company has announced their newest model the RV15, it is a high-wing tail dragger sure to make bush pilots happy. Finally, we take a look into the accomplishments of Pilot Institute on our 3 year anniversary. 

The pilot of an Aero Commander 100 landed on Highway 74 near Sandlin Bridge, NC. 

In the video, you can see the aircraft descending quickly and getting over cars before approaching a turn on the highway. 

The pilot did a great job at landing this thing and getting it off to turf on the side of the road. 

The passenger and pilot both made it out uninjured. 

ttps://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/wing-camera-catches-complex-highway-landing/

Newly released video footage shows how a Horizon baggage handler stole a Q400 aircraft in Seattle back in 2018. 

The video footage obtained by KOIN shows the employee checking in for what looks like a normal day. He later is caught by a security camera on a tug trying to push the aircraft back, something he attempts 3 times. 

On 3rd attempt, he returns, gets in the plane, and appears to complete the engine start procedure on both engines. 

He then heads out of the airplane while the propellers are spinning, pushes the aircraft, removes the tug, and is seen getting back on the plane as it’s moving forward on its own. 

He then lines up on the taxiway behind 2 aircraft and takes off while a confused tower tries to figure out who it is. 

Tower scrambles F15 s…  

Flew for 73 minutes before crashing on a small island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY0EUs_8Ubo

Van created a bit of a buzz with the unveiling of its first high wing tailwheel prototype called RV 15 with a YouTube video this week. 

The aircraft will be unveiled at AirVenture in Oshkosh on July 26. 

In a subsequent video, we can see the aircraft sporting larger wheels 

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/vans-unveils-rv-15-high-wing-prototype-in-youtube-video/

Check out the tour of our facility! 

Let’s take a look at some numbers for the past 3 years! 

167k students, 252k course enrollments

13k Private and Instrument trained. 92% average on exam, 99.996% pass rate

9.3m lectures completed, that’s almost 6 lectures per minute. 

29 courses in our catalog with 3 more soon. 

894 Continuing education credits issued in the last 12 months

58,000 subs on YouTube and over 8.5m combined views (over 3 channels)

15k reviews with an average of 4.9/5

This week in airplane news: ICAO has told Russia to stop registering foreign-owned Airliners, Emirates A380 Completes flight with hole in the plane, Jet truck explodes killing one, and the nomination for the new FAA admin is in! 

To combat sanctions, Russia has been registering foreign owned aircraft.

ICAO records show 450 aircraft owned by foreign lessors that have been put on the Russian register. Most are registered in Bermuda

Russia demanded that Bermuda de-register these aircraft. 

Bermuda refused stating “Our response is consistent in that we will deregister aircraft on request from the owner, in accordance with the relevant Bermuda legislation and procedures,” Bermuda said in a statement.

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/icao-tells-russia-to-stop-registering-foreign-owned-airliners

An Emirates A380 landed in Australia after making a 13 hour flight from Dubai with a hole in the wing root fairing

It is unsure what caused the hole, however there was additional damage to a main gear tire

A passenger said the heard a loud “Bang” during the flight, and the A380’s sensors told the crew they’d be landing with a blown tire.

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/emirates-a380-completes-flight-with-hole-in-wing-root-fairing/

One person was killed this week when the Jet-truck exploded at the Field of Flight Airshow.

“Shockwave” was a semi truck with 3 Pratt & Whitney J-34-38 jet engines capable of producing 21,000lbs of trust and capable of 350 mph.

News sources are saying that during the accident the truck was traveling at ~300 mph.

The airshow was suspended after the accident.

https://www.avweb.com/air-shows-events/driver-killed-in-shockwave-jet-truck-explosion

As expected, the President has nominated Phillip A Washington as his new FAA Administrator.

Washington’s only aviation job is his current position as the CEO of Denver International Airport.

Kevin M. Burke, CEO of Airports Council International, said in a statement that Washington is a “real innovator and problem solver” and that “his knowledge and experience are exactly what we need in an FAA administrator.”

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/biden-nominates-phillip-washington-for-faa-administrato

This week in airplane news: The NTSB will audit Boeing's production of the 737 Max series of aircraft, United pilots are getting a 14% raise, An ITA A330 hit a B777 at JFK and continued take-off and its trip to Rome, and passengers evacuate after smoke fills the cabin of an American Airlines flight.

According to ABC, the US government will announce a new audit examining Boeing’s production and oversight of the 737 Max

"The DOT Inspector-General's office [has] confirmed … that Congress requested an audit of Boeing's production oversight and that the review of the production of the 737 MAX will be a part of this audit," the NTSB email said.

This comes due to 60+ reports of mid-flight issues with 737 Max aircraft including loss of control surfaces and loss of the APU. 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-27/boeing-737-max-in-mid-air-emergencies-as-us-set-to-launch-probe/101175214

Pilots at United will get a 14.5% raise and 8 weeks of paid maternity leave in the new deal that has been sent to pilots for ratification.

Pilots at the airline have until July 15th to vote, but it is expected that the deal will be ratified.

This will be the first major airline to settle with their pilots as the ongoing pilot shortage results in cancellations and delays.

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/united-pilots-offered-14-5-percent-raise

An ITA A330 hit an Air France B777 in JFK earlier this month

The B777 pilot notified ATC

“There was an Alitalia (the ITA plane was still in its old livery) passing behind us that hit our aircraft,” an Air France pilot said. “It’s so you can tell them not to take off.”

By the time controllers got ahold of the A330, they were already climbing out. The Italian pilots stated they hadn’t had any damage to their aircraft.

Upon arriving in Rome, damage to the A330 was spotted and the plane was removed from service. The B777 remains at JFK.

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/ita-a330-keeps-going-after-hitting-air-france-777

American Airlines passengers were evacuated after a ground emergency at Charlotte Douglas Airport.

The flight, to Melbourne Florida, was 3/4 of the way down the runway when smoke began to fill the cabin

The pilots called for an evacuation, and people evacuated the airplane

https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/chopper-9-overhead-emergency-response-charlotte-douglas/UTV7A5H77VDNZMVIESJPP3Y73E/

This week in airplane news, A gear collapse at Miami leads to a fire on the runway, the FAA has issued a new Advisory Circular for NOTAMs, the FAA and telecom companies reach another deal for 5G, and the successful test flight of the Airbus A321XLR

A Red Air flight from the Dominican Republic to Miami Airport experienced a gear collapse and a subsequent fire

The MD82’s landing gear collapsed during landing, and the plane appeared to skid off the runway, catching fire. 

Three people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries

See video

We assume the FAA and NTSB will be investigating. 

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/miami-airport-airplane-fire-landing-gear-collapse-faa/

The FAA issued a new Advisory Circular (AC-150/5200-28G) to clarify the use of NOTAMS

“This AC provides guidance on using the NOTAM system for airport condition reporting and procedures used to describe, format, and disseminate information on unanticipated or temporary changes to components of, or hazards in, the National Airspace System (NAS),” the AC says.

The AC also says that NOTAMs are for “providing timely information on unanticipated or temporary changes to components of, or hazards in, the National Airspace System (NAS).”

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-clarifies-function-purpose-of-notams

The FAA, Verizon and AT&T have reached another deal to prevent disruptions

The deal extends the reduced power in certain cities another year, after which “the wireless companies expect to operate their networks in urban areas with minimal restrictions”

It appears the FAA will be pushing carriers to replace the altimeters that may experience interruptions or install filters that reduce the risk of interference. 

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/telecoms-faa-reach-another-5g-deal

Airbus announced this week they’d flown the “Extra Long Range” A321XLR single-aisle jet for the first time.

“This is a major milestone for the A320 Family and its customers worldwide,” said Philippe Mhun, Airbus executive vice president for programs and services. “With the A321XLR coming into service, airlines will be able to offer long-haul comfort on a single aisle aircraft, thanks to its unique Airspace cabin. The A321XLR will open new routes with unbeatable economics and environmental performance.”

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/airbus-a321xlr-completes-first-flight

This week in airplane news: Regional Carrier Piedmont pilots get a big raise, double-decker airline seats still in development, Foreflight sentry plus, and a mystery aircraft that violated 7 airspaces in Europe

Piedmont Airlines has reached a deal to give pilots raises.

A one-year First Officer will have a base salary of $60 an hour with a total bonus rate of $90/hour

A four-year captain will go from $157 an hour to $161 an hour

Piedmont hopes to retain pilots with this massive raise plan.

“With the supportability premium, our pilot wages will be 50-70% higher (57% on average) than the next highest-paid regional carrier, Endeavor,” a joint letter from the company and ALPA to the 700 pilots said. “Including all bonuses, a new hire pilot should expect to make 31% more than pilots at Endeavor and 10% more than pilots at leading ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) over the first five years.”

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/piedmont-pilots-get-hefty-raise

A design we talked about last year is making a comeback - the double-decker airline seats

This design removes overhead bins and staggers passengers to fit more inside of the airplane

The creator, Alejandro Núñez Vicente, has put his degree on hold while he pursues the creation of the seats. 

https://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/here-s-what-it-might-be-like-to-travel-on-a-double-decker-airplane-seat-1.5945854

Foreflight has released the Sentry Plus, an ADS-B IN receiver 

This is a flight data recorder with a g-load, automatic power settings, an 18 hour battery life, carbon monoxide detector, and FLARM (European ADSB)

The Sentry will retail for $799 and was developed in collaboration with uAvionix.

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2022-06-13/foreflight-releases-sentry-plus-ads-b-receiver

A mystery aircraft flew over several European countries. 

Taking off from Lithuania, The Piper PA-23-250 Aztec flew south, through Poland, Slovakia, and into Hungary where the plane landed for fuel

After landing without permission, people in the airplane got into an argument with airport workers, who called the police

When police were seen approaching, the people got back into the airplane and took off, resulting in the scrambling of two SAAB Gripen fighter jets

The pair of Gripen then intercepted the Piper, but the piper kept going, ignoring the fighters

The aircraft continued south, into Romanian Airspace. Due to defense treaties, the Hungarian Gripen were allowed to continue following the rogue piper

Eventually, two US F-16s took over monitoring the aircraft until it crossed into Serbia. 

Overflight of Serbia lasted only a few minutes and the aircraft crossed back into Romania, before entering Bulgaria.

The mystery aircraft landed in Bulgaria, covered the airplane, and left it. Bulgarian Authorities found the aircraft while the engines were still warm.

https://mentourpilot.com/mystery-aircraft-flies-illegally-over-seven-countries/

This week in airplane news, Lilium has partnered with Livent for battery tech, craig field will get a virtual ATC system, and Jetblue continues to try to purchase Spirit Airlines.

Lilium,  an eVTOL manufacturer has announced an R&D partnership with Livent corporation.

This partnership is to create high-performance lithium battery cells, specifically for aviation

Lilium announced several other partnerships, including one with Honeywell.

Lilium says its 6-passenger eVTOL is aiming for speeds of up to 162 mph and a range of 270NM. 

https://www.avweb.com/recent-updates/evtols-urban-mobility/lilium-livent-partner-on-lithium-battery-research

Selma Alabama’s Craig Field will be getting a remote ATC tower

This project will be lead by Advanced ATC and Indra Corp

The operation is the first of its kind and will allow controllers to ““perform all the functions of a traditional control tower from a different location through the extensive use of cameras, real-time video and other advances.”

“Remote towers represent an important and innovative step in airspace modernization efforts in the U.S., and I’m excited to see Advanced ATC establish its pioneering operation at Craig Field,” said Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce Greg Canfield. “This virtual tower center represents another example of how our state is at the leading edge of trends shaping the future of aviation and aerospace for the U.S.”

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/craig-field-to-get-u-s-s-first-remote-tower-atc-center

Jet Blue has offered 350 million in reverse break-up fees if a merger between Spirit and Jet Blue fails

This is over 100 million more than Frontier has offered

Robin Hayes, Chief Executive Officer of JetBlue said “Combining JetBlue and Spirit would create a true national competitor to the dominant legacy carriers, delivering low fares and a great experience for more customers, more opportunities and good paying jobs for crew members, and more value for stockholders. The key features of our Improved Proposal – the up-front cash payment and increased reverse break-up fee – reflect the seriousness of our commitment and underscore our confidence in completing this transaction.”

It’s interesting to see the saga between these three carriers continue and we’ll keep you up to date on what happens next!

https://simpleflying.com/jetblue-enhanced-spirit-breakup-offer/

This week in airplane news: Spirit tells shareholders to reject JetBlue offer, New Bombardier Global 8000, ALPA rejects retirement age change, and Republic has requested an exemption to the 1500 hour rule.

Spirit called for another shareholder rejection of Jetblue’s offer to purchase all shares

This came in response to Jetblue launching a website and offering 60% higher for each share of Spirit.

Spirit airlines is attempting to merge with Frontier.

“JetBlue’s tender offer has not addressed the core issue of the significant completion risk and insufficient protections for Spirit stockholders,” said Mac Gardner, chairman of the board of directors for Spirit Airlines.

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/spirit-calls-for-stockholders-to-reject-jetblue-offer

Bombardier has released the Global 8000, with a range of 8000 NM and a top speed of Mach .94

The Global 8000 is the “fastest and longest-range purpose-built business jet”

“Today, Bombardier solidifies once more its position as the leader in business aviation with the newest member of the industry-leading Global family,” said Bombardier President and Chief Executive Officer Éric Martel. “The Global 8000 aircraft leverages the outstanding attributes of the Global 7500 aircraft, providing our customers with a flagship aircraft of a new era. We remain unmatched, which for an innovation-focused team like us, is great.”

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/business-aviation-news/bombardier-introduces-global-8000

The Air Line Pilot Association says that raising the retirement age for pilots will not have an effect on the current pilot shortage

ALPA released this statement after rumors of legislative action to increase the pilot retirement age from 65 to 67 or 68.

ALPA says these rumors are an attempt “to divert attention away from their mismanagement of the pandemic relief while attempting to weaken aviation safety.” 

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/alpa-rejects-boost-in-retirement-age

Due to the ongoing pilot shortage, Republic wants to put captains into their airplanes at 750 hours.

Currently, the only exemption to the 1500-hour rile allows military pilots to get their ATP at 750 hours.

Republic is claiming that their company-owned Lift Flight Academy matches or exceeds the standards for military pilots and is tailored for the airline

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/republic-seeks-1500-hour-rule-exemption

Join Greg as we look at this weeks airplane news. We will cover four stories. The RedBull Plane Swap pilots have had their certifications revoked, very interesting. We finally have an update on the China Eastern crash that happened a few weeks ago. A Cessna crashed on a bridge in Miami, FL where bystanders can be seen helping pilot and passengers out of the wreck (drone footage). Finally, Joby has met the noise requirement for their eVTOL.

The FAA has revoked the pilot certificates of both red bull pilots due to their attempted plane swap

The pilots were also fined $4932

“The FAA revoked the pilot certificates of the two pilots involved in the unauthorized Red Bull plane swap stunt on April 24, 2022, in Arizona,” the agency said in a statement. “The attempted stunt resulted in the crash of one of the two single-engine Cessna 182 aircraft. The lead pilot requested an exemption for the stunt from the FAA, which the agency denied.”

https://www.avweb.com/flight-safety/faa-regs/faa-revokes-pilot-certificates-for-red-bull-plane-swap-stunt

Reports state that preliminary data of the 737-800 crash in China was an intentional act by someone at the controls of the aircraft.

China Eastern stated that the pilot’s health, family conditions, and financial situations were good and that a cockpit intrusion wasn’t possible.

China Civil Aviation officials have yet to state a cause, but U.S.-based investigators state that data from the blackbox suggest the plane responded to control inputs from the flight deck.

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/data-points-to-intentional-crash-of-china-eastern-boeing-737-800

A small plane crashed onto the Hauler Inlet Bridge in Miami-Dade county Florida, killing one person.

The plane, carrying a pilot and two passengers, struck an SUV on the bridge, causing substantial damage to both vehicles.

The pilot and one passenger were able to escape the plane but one person was not.

The mother and two toddlers in the SUV were transported to the hospital for evaluation.

https://tampa.cbslocal.com/2022/05/15/small-plane-crashes-into-florida-bridge-killing-one-person-and-injuring-five/

Joby Announced this week the their eVTOL has met the company’s noise goals

Testing was completed in California in September of last year in partnership with NASA.

Results showed that Joby’s aircraft register 45.2 dBA from an altitude of 500m at 100kts.

“We will use this data to help us understand the vehicle’s performance characteristics, the acoustics profiles, as well as information that will help us develop modeling scenarios… …Not just one or two flights per day, but at the scale that we predict these vehicles will begin flying when used by the public.” - said Shivanjli Sharma, acting lead for NASA AAM. 

https://www.avweb.com/recent-updates/evtols-urban-mobility/joby-evtol-meets-noise-targets