Interviews from Cranky Dorkfest 2023, Micah on lighter than air vehicles, and a chance encounter at Costco.

771 Bits & Pieces Number 30

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Korean Air 747s will become the new doomsday planes, the new ATC rest rules have been delayed by the FAA, Breeze flight attendants voted to join the union, a United jumpseat pilot has upset some Southwest pilots, the GA flyover in DC was a success, Boeing employees were found to have falsified 787 Dreamliner inspection records, Airbus hasn’t leveraged an advantage in light of Boeing’s woes, and airlines sue the DOT over a new rule requiring the disclosure of fees.



Aviation News



Former Korean Air 747s Slated To Become USAF Doomsday Planes



Korean Air has confirmed the sale of five of its 747-8s to Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), which is building the new Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) aircraft, also referred to as “doomsday planes.” The USAF states: 



The E-4B "Nightwatch" serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and is a component of the National Military Command System for the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 



In case of national emergency or destruction of ground command and control centers, the aircraft provides a highly survivable command, control, and communications center to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders, and coordinate actions by civil authorities.



SNC acquired five Boeing 747-8s from Korean Air. The current E-4B aircraft are based on the 747-200. SNC specializes in aircraft modification and integration as well as space technologies.



FAA Delaying the Start of ATC Rest Rules



The new FAA ATC rest requirements require controllers to have at least 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before a midnight shift. The rule was to have taken effect by mid-July. However, the FAA has delayed those requirements while it talks to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) union. FAA Air Traffic Organization Chief Operating Officer Timothy Arel hopes to reach a joint rest period agreement for the 2025 schedule "or sooner where feasible."



Flight attendants at this Utah airline just voted ‘overwhelmingly’ to unionize



More than 76% of the roughly 600 Breeze Airways flight attendants voted to join the Association of Flight Attendants. AFA international president Sara Nelson said “We are inspired by their solidarity and thrilled to welcome them to our AFA family. Our labor movement is growing. Everywhere.” See: Breeze Flight Attendants Vote Overwhelmingly to Join the Flight Attendant Union.



“Breeze Flight Attendants organized for a union and a contract due to ongoing issues with constantly-changing work rules, substandard pay for time on the job, inadequate hotel accommodations, insufficient work hours, and inconsistent and disrespectful treatment from management.”



American Airlines is Issuing ‘Poverty Verification Letters’ For New-Hire Flight Attendants Because Their Wages Are So Low



Nearly One in Ten Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Have Experienced Homelessness in the Past Year and Over a Third Have Been Forced to Use a Food Bank



Poverty verification letters are being sent to some new-hire flight attendants based in expensive areas.



Airline Feud Escalates: United Pilots Barred From Southwest Airlines Jump Seats After Controversial Incident



This stems from an incident where a “relatively new” United pilot reported some “inadequacies” to the FAA after jumpseating on a Southwest flight.



AOPA’s General Aviation Flyover in DC



Video: LIVE DC Flyover - AOPA's National Celebration of General Aviation




https://www.youtube.com/live/vpSaYYcljIk?si=7eb13EFMVeUZUx4o




FAA is investigating Boeing for apparent missed inspections on 787 Dreamliner



Boeing voluntarily disclosed to the FAA that some B787 Dreamliner inspections may not have been performed, but were signed off as completed. The inspections are intended to verify adequate bonding and grounding at the wing-fuselage joint.



In a statement to NPR, the FAA said it's also investigating "whether Boeing completed the inspections and whe...

799 Doomsday Planes

Satellite communications for aviation with the Executive Director of Aviation at Iridium Communications Inc. In the news, Dick Rutan passes, a DOT Office of Inspector General report looks at NextGen, an unruly passenger pays the price, a second Boeing whistleblower dies, the delclining value of frequent flyer programs, and squawking the 7700 emergency distress code.

798 Satellite Communications

Pilot training with guest Jason Miller from The Finer Points. In the news, more pilot downsizing, new DOT rules for canceled and significantly delayed flights, the FAA reauthorization bill, a general aviation flyover of the nation’s capital, and airport vs. tornado.

797 Pilot Training

FAA addresses controller fatigue, runway incursion, American safety issues, Boom SFA to exceed Mach 1, states can enforce airline consumer laws, bill to ban CLEAR.

796 Air Traffic Controller Fatigue

Airline industry insights, Korean and JAL orders, Frontier pilot training, frequent flyer rewards, airport name change, Boeing 797.

771 Bits & Pieces Number 30

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