Airplane Geeks Podcast

• 873 Airbus A320 Fuselage Panels

  Airbus A320 fuselage panel problems, Thunderbird F-16C crash, ATC prime integrator, hand flying, Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, Southwest Airlines meltdown fine, solar flares and A320 groundings, airline pay-for-delay compensation, and charging air travelers without REAL ID. Aviation News Airbus prepares A320 inspections as fuselage flaw hits deliveries Airbus engineers are inspecting 628 A320 family exterior fuselage panels for thickness defects. The skin panels have thickness deviations beyond Airbus’s design tolerances. The panels were manufactured by a Spanish supplier Sofitec Aero and do not represent a flight‑safety risk at this time. Panels on the upper forward fuselage are the main concern, with deviations having also been found in some rear‑fuselage sections. The affected panels are not serialized, so Airbus must inspect the entire batch of potentially impacted airframes rather than trace specific parts. A320 Family final assembly line in Toulouse. Courtesy Airbus. Sofitec Aero is an aerostructures company that designs, manufactures, and assembles metallic and composite aircraft structures for major OEMs, including Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, Bombardier, and several Tier‑1 suppliers such as Spirit AeroSystems and Stelia. It is a privately held firm, founded in 1999. Thunderbirds F-16C Fighting Falcon Crashes in California The 57th Wing Public Affairs Office issued a statement saying, “On December 3, 2025, at approximately 10:45 a.m., a Thunderbird pilot safely ejected from a F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft during a training mission over controlled airspace in California. The pilot is in stable condition and receiving follow-on care.” The F‑16C went down during a routine training mission in controlled airspace over the Mojave Desert. The crash site is located in a remote desert area near the town of Trona, approximately two miles south of Trona Airport and about 27 miles from Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. Hydrazine: A Significant Hazard Each Time An F-16 Crashes (Or Fires Up The Emergency Power Unit) F‑16s use hydrazine in their emergency power units, so environmental and hazmat teams from Edwards Air Force Base were deployed to the site to evaluate and mitigate any hazardous materials concerns. The F-16’s Emergency Power Unit (EPU) is a backup power system that utilizes H-70 (approximately 70% hydrazine and 30% water) to drive a small turbine, supplying emergency hydraulic and electrical power in the event of main engine or generator failure. Hydrazine is used because it is a monopropellant that can rapidly generate mechanical power without external oxygen, but it is also highly toxic, corrosive, and flammable, so its use is tightly controlled and largely limited to legacy or niche applications. US government selects contractor Peraton to lead air traffic control modernisation In Episode 865, we reported that two bids had been received to become the prime integrator for the FAA’s project to overhaul the air traffic control system, called the Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS). They were Peraton and Parsons Corporation. Congress had approved $12.5 billion for the project, and the Agency has indicated that an additional $19 billion might be requested. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) selected Peraton as the prime integrator. The national security company is owned by Veritas Capital and headquartered in Reston, Virginia. Flight Global says Peraton is a “provider of technologies for large, complex organisations, offering services including cyber security, systems engineering and modernisation, cloud computing and data management.” According to Veritas, the company specializes in buying and growing companies that sell technology and services to U.S. government agencies in defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. Examples include acquisitions or control of federal IT and mission‑support businesses such as Northrop Grumman’s federal IT arm (combined into Peraton) and health IT and analytics providers serving Medicaid and Defense Health Agency programs. See also, What to know about the air traffic control overhaul and the company FAA hired to manage it. Union Urges ‘Back-to-Basics’ Approach to Pilot Skills Captain Wendy Morse is a Boeing 787 captain and serves as first vice president and national safety coordinator at the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). In a recent interview at the Skift Aviation Forum in Fort Worth, she said the union is advocating for pilots to “go back to our roots” and maintain strong manual-flying proficiency throughout their careers. Morse said, “So the biggest thing is [getting] back to basics…We have to maintain a basic level of flying, a basic level of flying skills, and we have to continue to maintain those basics. This business about positive rate, gear up, [and] put on the autopilot is not a good idea. We have to keep flying the airplane so that we’re good at it.” Boeing closes Spirit AeroSystems purchase in major supply chain realignment Boeing has completed its takeover of Spirit AeroSystems. Under the $4.7 billion deal, Boeing re-acquires most of Spirit AeroSystems. Airbus picks up parts of Spirit in its supply chain. Operations in Subang, Malaysia, went to Composites Technology Research Malaysia, and the subsidiary Fiber Materials was sold earlier this year to Tex-Tech Industries. Portions of the Belfast, Northern Ireland, operations will continue as an independent subsidiary branded as Short Brothers. Trump administration lets Southwest Airlines off the hook with a multimillion dollar waiver for 2022 holiday travel meltdown In 2023, the Biden administration fined Southwest Airlines $140 million for the 2022 holiday travel meltdown. The US Department of Transportation has now waived the final $11 million installment of that fine. The DOT says Southwest has made worthwhile investments in its operations control center and “the Department is of the view that it is more beneficial for the flying public to give Southwest credit for significantly improving its on-time performance and completion factor.” The 10-day schedule meltdown resulted in 17,000 canceled flights, roughly half of Southwest’s holiday season flight schedule. Southwest paid out $600 million in refunds and reimbursements to passengers who were affected. Add in additional labor costs and lost revenue, and the airline reported a $914 million after-tax loss. Aviation News Follow-Up A320 Groundings – There Was No Solar Flare In Visual Approach, Airplane Geeks co-founder Courtney Miller argues that the data does not support the case that the October 30, 2025, uncommanded altitude decrease of a JetBlue A320 was caused by solar radiation. Looking at proton flux data, Courtney says, “We are talking about high-energy protons traveling from the sun to Earth, penetrating the Earth’s protective magnetic field, and also penetrating the aircraft’s hardware shielding to deliver what’s called a Single-Event Upset (SEU). Another term you may have heard for it is a “bit flip”. The proton flux usually arrives associated with a solar flare, but not always. NOAA tracks and reports these events. In the days leading up to the “intense solar radiation” that Airbus referenced as the potential issue in the JetBlue upset, there was no intense solar radiation. The Visual Approach Advisory brings novel, data-driven, and contrarian answers to aviation clients around the world. Our bespoke consulting team is built with a focus on deep industry expertise, contrarian thought leadership, trusted independence, and opinionated results. We compete with the largest consulting firms by focusing on quality results and contrarian ideas. Pay-On-Delay Would Send Airfares Soaring, Says Transport Minister The Australian Federal Transport Minister, Catherine King, told ABC Radio in Sydney that an EU-style “pay-on-delay” compensation scheme would drive up airfares in Australia. The federal government has proposed airline customer protections, and the Minister’s comments come after a consultation period ended. EU 261 requires that airlines pay passengers compensation for delays and cancellations within their control. King feels the Australian market is too small to sustain such a measure. “It is costly to administer compensation schemes. Those costs are generally passed on to passengers,” she said. Fliers without a compliant ID will have to pay TSA $45 next year The TSA says that starting in February 1, 2026, air travelers in the U.S. without a REAL ID will be charged a $45 fee. The initially planned $18 fee was raised after officials realized this identification program would cost more than anticipated. The fee applies to travelers 18 and older who are flying domestically without a REAL ID or other accepted form of ID. The non-refundable fee will be required to verify identity through the TSA Confirm.ID system. Confirm.ID replaces TSA’s older manual “forgot my ID” procedures. It’s a more automated, technology‑assisted process that uses a traveler’s biographic and possibly biometric information to verify identity and screen against watchlists. Confirm.ID is meant as a last‑resort option for people who arrive at the checkpoint without a compliant ID, not as a routine substitute for REAL ID or a passport. The fee can be paid online before arriving at the airport. Travelers can also pay online at the airport before entering the security line, but officials said the process may take up to 30 minutes. Mentioned From the FAA: PackSafe – Portable Electronic Devices Containing Batteries Lithium Batteries in Baggage Hosts this Episode Max Flight, Rob Mark, and our Main(e) Man Micah.

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• 872 Lithium-ion Battery Fires

  We talk about Lithium-ion batteries on aircraft with the president and chief executive officer of UL Standards & Engagement. In the news this episode, we have some recent Lithium-ion battery issues on commercial flights, the A320-family corruption of flight data due to solar activity, and network-based location trackers for checked bags. Guest Jeff Marootian is the president and chief executive officer of UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), a nonprofit safety advocacy organization. Jeff leads global efforts to advance safety and sustainability through standards development and advocacy. He is also a leading authority on rechargeable batteries and travel safety. ULSE has developed a new campaign to raise awareness of the fire risks associated with rechargeable devices in aviation at A Simple Step for a Safer Flight. It provides good information for people planning to travel. Jeff explains that Lithium-ion battery incidents are rare, but their frequency is increasing in airports and in the air. ULSE advocates for keeping rechargeable devices within arm’s reach, and certainly not in checked baggage. We look at Lithium-ion thermal runaway, and Jeff tells us that it often results from batteries that are damaged, poorly constructed, or lack certification to a safety standard. Other topics we cover include the use of containment devices on airplanes, the need for a consensus process to deal with devices that are smoking or on fire, and how a coalition of stakeholders is working to address these concerns. Jeff also tells us what to look for when making a decision to purchase a rechargeable device. For more, see: Lithium-Ion Battery Incidents in Aviation: 2024 Data Review. Previously, Jeff led the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy, following roles as Senior Advisor to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and as a Special Assistant to the President in the Biden-Harris White House. Aviation News Eight People Rushed To Hospital After Smoking Battery Pack Fills Airplane Cabin With Toxic Fumes While passengers were boarding a Scandinavian airline SAS A320 at Norway’s Oslo Airport, smoke started pouring out of a portable battery pack in a passenger’s bag, filling the cabin with toxic smoke. The crew used a Halon fire extinguisher on the bag and removed it from the plane, then transferred it to the tarmac, where the airport fire brigade took over. The battery pack did relight before it was contained. Eight people were taken to the hospital with suspected toxic smoke inhalation, and all were discharged within 48 hours. United Flight Diverts to Dublin After Another Laptop Falls Into Business Class Seat A passenger’s laptop computer became trapped in the business class seat on United Airlines Flight UA925 flight from London to Washington. The plane was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Dublin. Solar flare vulnerability in A320 software forces emergency action by airlines In a recent press release, (Airbus update on A320 Family precautionary fleet action), Airbus said, “Analysis of a recent event involving an A320 Family aircraft has revealed that intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls.” Airbus consequently identified a significant number of A320 Family aircraft currently in service that may be impacted. The “recent event” was the uncommanded drop in altitude by a JetBlue A320 on October 30, 2025 that resulted in injuries and an emergency landing. Airbus says that “The subsequent investigation [After the incident] identified a vulnerability with the ELAC B hardware fitted with software L104 in case of exposure to solar flares. This identified vulnerability could lead in the worst case scenario to an uncommanded elevator movement that may result in exceeding the aircraft structural capability.” Airlines are instructed, according to The Air Current, “to either roll back to an earlier version of the software or replace the affected elevator aileron computer (ELAC) hardware with one containing the older software version. The maintenance action is expected to take three hours, according to the Airbus advisory.” AirTag’s newest feature could work even better now for many travelers The Apple AirTag is useful for tracking the location of objects. There are other Bluetooth and network-based trackers available from Tile, Samsung, Chipolo, and other manufacturers. Air travelers use these trackers to locate their lost luggage. Last year, Apple introduced a “Share Item Location” feature. With the latest upgrade, you can share an AirTag’s location with select airlines, allowing them to locate your luggage quickly. The AirTag API enables the seamless flow of detailed location information directly into an airline’s backend. Apple and Delta have developed a tool that airlines can use. Mentioned Airlines Hiring Anyone Who Looks Good In Crisp Uniform To Offset Pilot Shortage Boeing Tackles Quality With a “War on Defects” Mythbusters: The Truth About Amtrak’s Legal Right to Preference [PDF] Video: USS Forrestal Survivor/ Cliff Ashley https://youtu.be/n7uJyvvdiRk?si=n7r0_k5QEsVM74Di Hosts this Episode Max Flight, Rob Mark, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Brian Coleman. David Vanderhoof jumped in for a bit to say hello and give us an update on his kidney transplant.

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• 871 QF32 A380 Uncontained Engine Failure

  The captain of an A380 that experienced an uncontained engine failure, paying air traffic controllers during a shutdown, a $10,000 bonus for those who worked, NTSB preliminary report on UPS Flight 2976, a request for information on a new ATC system, dressing better when flying commercially, and going through airport security without a Real ID. Guest Richard De Crespigny was the captain of Qantas Flight QF32 on November 4, 2010, when one of the plane’s Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines experienced an uncontained engine failure. The A380 had just taken off from Singapore. Richard and his crew managed to get everyone home safely, and the story has since become a bit of a legend in Australian flying circles. Richard is a former RAAF pilot, has written books, given keynotes around the world, and now hosts his own podcast on resilience and leadership called FLY! Richard explains that the uncontained engine failure on Qantas Flight QF32 involved the Number 2 engine. This resulted in extensive damage to the aircraft and many system failures. Five pilots were in the cockpit, and they formed a “hive mind,” making hundreds of decisions to stabilize the aircraft, which took two hours. A hundred checklists were actioned in the air, and more when the A380 was back on the ground. The incident was so complex that it has been characterized as “Apollo 13 with passengers.” We learn what was said in the cockpit during the first 30 seconds, and how the cabin crew performed because the flight deck could not communicate with them. In his mind, Richard set up to perform an “Armstrong Spiral” in case all four engines went out when landing the plane. On approach, speed and stall warnings were sounding constantly because the systems could not handle all the damage. Richard explains why he decided not to immediately evacuate the passengers due to the dangers outside. This uncontained engine failure crippled the A380, yet the crew was able to manage the situation and there were no injuries. Richard speaks frequently of “resilience” and how that characteristic worked to their advantage.  QF32 uncontained engine failure. From the FAA Airbus A380-842 report, crediting the ATSB accident report. Since the incident, Richard has published several books: QF32 tells the story of what happened. It was published before the investigators made all the facts public, so Richard had to hold back. However, a new edition will fill in the missing pieces. The newer book Fly! tells the how and the why. Check out: The FLY! Podcast with Richard De Crespigny, available on Apple / Spotify / Omny, or wherever you listen to podcasts. The QF32 book and the FLY! book. Reach Richard at [email protected]. Aviation News US airline group urges Congress to pay controllers during future shutdowns Trade group Airlines for America (A4A) wants to see air traffic controllers get paid during future government shutdowns. Chris Sununu, A4A President and CEO, said, “This shutdown has demonstrated the serious safety, human and economic consequences of subjecting the aviation sector to this kind of stress and chaos. It must never happen again.” Air Traffic Controllers Say $10,000 Shutdown Bonuses Are Tearing the Workforce Apart – And Jeopardize Safety The Administration wants to give air traffic controllers and TSA screeners $10,000 if they had perfect attendance during the shutdown. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy said this would apply to 776 employees. Some controllers are expressing their displeasure with this move. UPS Flight 2976 Crash During Takeoff The NTSB has issued a Preliminary Report [PDF] on the UPS Flight 2967 MD-11F accident November 4, 2025. The airplane, N259UP, was destroyed after it impacted the ground shortly after takeoff from runway 17R at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), Louisville, Kentucky. The 3 crewmembers aboard the airplane and 11 people on the ground were fatally injured. There were 23 others on the ground who were injured. Still images from an airport surveillance video show the left engine and left pylon separation from the left wing. The left pylon aft mount’s forward and aft lugs were both found fractured. The fractured and separated upper portions of the forward and aft lugs were found adjacent to runway 17R. The left wing clevis, aft mount spherical bearing, and aft mount attachment hardware were found with a portion of the left wing at the accident site. The spherical bearing outer race had fractured circumferentially. FAA Issues Request for Information on New ATC System The FAA aims to replace the current En Route Automation Modernization system (ERAM) and the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) with a single, unified system, known as the Common Automation Platform (CAP). The Agency’s Request For Information [PDF] asks the public to answer a series of questions. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Urges Passengers To Dress Better — But That Won’t Fix Today’s Inflight Behavior Problems DOT Secretary Sean Duffy tweeted that “Manners don’t stop at the gate. Be courteous to your fellow passengers. Say please and thank you to your flight crews. Dress with respect. Lend a hand to those who could use it. It’s time to bring back civility and respect when we travel.” See also: Sean Duffy Wants You To Get Dressed Up When You Fly: “It’s Time to Bring Back Civility And Respect When We Travel” No Real ID or passport? The TSA may charge you $18 to go through security May 7, 2025, was the date that Real ID was enforced at TSA checkpoints. Travelers must produce a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, a passport, a Global Entry card, or other approved document. The TSA is now proposing that travelers without one of those approved documents can still pass through airport security checkpoints. However, they can expect to pay an $18 fee for additional screening. The TSA has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register: TSA Modernized Alternative Identity Verification User Fee. The fee grants access to secure airport areas for up to 10 days and covers multiple flights. Payment of the fee does not guarantee entry; travelers must successfully authenticate their identity each time, and they may still face additional screening or delays.​ The collected fee is intended to offset government costs for new biometric verification kiosks, customer service improvements, and system updates.​ Hosts this Episode Max Flight, Rob Mark, and our Main(e) Man Micah.

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• 870 Airbus A350F

  The final assembly rollout of the first Airbus A350F freighter, the ICAO-mandated emissions standards that take effect in 2027, flight delay compensation, a streaming data black box, IAE signals future GTF engine, and FAA flight restrictions end. Additionally, updates on Boeing’s criminal and civil cases, the USS Forrestal aircraft carrier, and listener mail. Aviation News First A350F airframe rolled out from final assembly line The Airbus A350F freighter was launched in 2021 and originally scheduled to enter service in 2025, but Spirit AeroSystems’ inability to deliver enough central fuselage sections prevented that. Spirit AeroSystems has experienced quality control and production output issues, compounded by financial challenges and a pending business restructuring involving both Airbus and Boeing.​ These issues affected both the freighter and passenger A350 production rates. The A350F is designed to meet the ICAO-mandated emissions standards taking effect in 2027. The standards also work in coordination with ICAO’s CORSIA scheme, requiring carbon offsetting for most international flights from 2027–2035, with mandatory participation for most states.​ A350F rendering, courtesy Airbus. Trump Admin Blocks Plan to Force Airlines to Pay Customers for Delays Flight cancellations by US airlines result in refunds for passengers, but flight delays are not compensated. The Biden-era proposal would have required airlines to pay cash compensation to passengers when carriers are responsible for major flight delays. The FAA said the proposal would create “unnecessary regulatory burdens” and impose significant costs on airlines. The DOT said it preferred to “allow airlines to compete on the services and compensation they provide.” Black Box in the Sky Captures Data on the Fly Honeywell Aerospace is developing a system it calls “Black Box in the Sky” (BBITS). It replaces hardware-based recorders with streamed flight data in near real-time. BBITS streams data via a cloud-based portal, simplifying flight data collection, and is consistent with the ICAO Timely Recovery of Flight Data (TRFD) mandate. The ICAO Timely Recovery of Flight Data (TRFD) technical standard, part of the Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS), requires that aircraft use technologies that ensure flight data is quickly and reliably accessible for investigators after an incident, without needing to physically recover the flight data recorder (FDR), particularly in cases such as accidents over water. TRFD applies to large commercial aircraft with type certification applications submitted after January 1, 2021. See: Honeywell to Connect ‘Black Boxes’ for Aviation Safety. IAE partners reaffirm GTF engine push for next-generation single-aisle jets International Aero Engines (IAE) is a joint venture formed in 1983 to develop the new V2500 engine for the 150-seat single-aisle aircraft market. The initial consortium was Pratt & Whitney (30%), Rolls-Royce (30%), Japanese Aero Engine Corporation (JAEC) (23%), MTU Aero Engines (11%), and Fiat (6%). Fiat later withdrew, and its share was taken over by Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney. Then Pratt bought out RR in 2012, making PW the majority shareholder. The V2500 powers the Airbus A320 family and the McDonnell Douglas MD-90. More than 7,800 engines have been sold. In a statement, (IAE international engine partnership marks key milestones and charts future propulsion path), the consortium said, “Together, the companies will evolve the required technologies for the development of the most advanced and efficient GTF engine technology for the next generation of commercial aircraft.” Aerotime comments that “IAE is signaling that an evolutionary path may offer lower risk than more disruptive architectures, such as open-rotor systems or hydrogen-powered solutions.” Shane Eddy, president, Pratt & Whitney, said, “As founding partners on some of the most critical engine technology and support in aerospace today, we remain fully committed to these engine programs and working together on the development of future commercial aircraft applications, particularly the next generation single aisle aircraft. As we work to chart IAE’s future propulsion path, our performance on today’s GTF program will remain our highest priority as we continue to focus on delivering to our customer commitments.” Trump administration ends flight cuts at busy airports The FAA’s flight cuts at 40 major airports ended, and the DOT emergency directive was cancelled. DOT pointed to a decline in air traffic controller-related staffing triggers. Controllers received 70 percent of the pay they were owed during the shutdown. FAA said staffing levels have continued to snap back into place since the end of the government shutdown. The current data aligns with staffing conditions before the shutdown.” Boeing Update Erin Applebaum, attorney at aviation accident law firm Kriendler & Kriendler, describes the latest developments in the Boeing criminal and civil lawsuits. First civil trial of 737 Max in Ethiopia begins as Boeing settles three more lawsuit Boeing has accepted liability for the crash, and the jury’s task in this civil case was limited to setting damages for burial costs, lost income, and emotional suffering for the family of one victim. Boeing’s liability had already been established and is the same for all victims. On the other hand, damages are assessed on a per-victim basis, taking into account the unique circumstances of each individual. Boeing settles with families of three 737 Max crash victims Boeing won’t face criminal charge over 737 Max crashes that killed hundreds of people A federal judge in Texas granted the government’s request to dismiss, and Boeing will not face a criminal conspiracy charge. Erin describes how the judge did not think dismissal was warranted, but his hands were tied as he would have had to find that the government was acting in bad faith. The families have filed an appeal under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act. The USS Forrestal Micah tells a story about a chance encounter and the USS Forrestal aircraft carrier. It’s called A Forrest Fire at Sea – The USS Forrestal. Mentioned Video: MAINE | An Aviation Short Film https://youtu.be/H-JRkvfYBXY Hosts this Episode Max Flight, Rob Mark, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Erin Applebaum.

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• 869 Government Shutdown

  The impact of the Federal government shutdown on commercial flights and private jets, the MD-11 fleet-wide grounding after the UPS crash, Bombardier Global 8000 cabin pressure, the FAA’s desire for flight schools to conduct their own pilot testing, United flight attendant priorities, the oldest airports in the world, and a new center wing box for Fat Albert. Aviation News BWI-Marshall on FAA’s list of airports for reduced flights amid federal government shutdown The FAA is requiring airlines to reduce flights by 10% at 40 high-volume airports. Thousands of flights have been cancelled or delayed as the flight reductions cascade through the network. FAA grounds private jets at 12 major US airports as government shutdown chaos worsens The FAA shut down private jet and business aviation operations at 12 airports: Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) Denver International Airport (DEN) General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (BOS) George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told CNN that flights were being limited to “reduce the pressure on controllers.” See Private Jets Grounded at a Dozen Airports Nationwide. The NBAA’s CEO Ed Bolen said that the restrictions were “disproportionately impacting general aviation, an industry that creates more than a million jobs, generates $340 billion in economic impact and supports humanitarian flights every day.” Trump threatens air traffic controllers who fail to return to work as flight cancellations jump “All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked.’” UPS, FedEx ground MD-11 fleets after deadly Louisville crash UPS flight 2976, an MD-11, crashed on November 4, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The left-hand engine and its pylon detached from the airplane during takeoff, and the MD-11 crashed into a nearby neighborhood, resulting in at least 14 fatalities, including the three crew members onboard and numerous casualties on the ground. Following the crash, the FAA grounded all MD-11 and MD-11F aircraft. MD-11F operators UPS and FedEx also voluntarily grounded their MD-11 aircraft out of an abundance of caution, following Boeing’s recommendation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation. From Aviation News Talk: 403 UPS MD-11 Crash Analysis + Dr. Catherine Cavagnaro on How to Make Better Landings Bombardier Global 8000 Sets Cabin Altitude Record At Mach 0.95, Bombardier says the Global 8000 will be the fastest business jet in the world and have a cabin altitude of 2,691 feet while flying at 41,000 feet. Most commercial aircraft maintain cabin pressure at levels equivalent to 6,000–8,000 feet above sea level. Business jets generally operate at a pressure equivalent of between 3,000 and 6,000 feet. Global 8000, courtesy Bombardier. FAA To Encourage More Flight Schools To Conduct Testing Themselves A designated pilot examiner (DPE) shortage is resulting in a checkride backlog. Only 74 of 509 certificated flight schools have the authority to do their own testing for pilot certificates. In response, the FAA wants more schools to run the tests themselves. A reduction in flight school surveillance to assess whether a school can qualify to do its own testing makes a policy change easier. United Airlines Flight Attendants Reveal New List of Demands After Rejecting Contract Deal In July 2025, the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) recommended that United Airlines flight attendants accept the proposed contract; however, 71% of the voting membership rejected it. At the time, the union felt the proposed contract was the best that could be achieved. Since then, the union has worked to understand what contract areas were of most concern to the flight attendants. Eight focus areas were identified. The next bargaining session is scheduled to take place in early December. Oldest Airports in the World, No.6 Will Surprise You A surprising and historically informative list. Blue Angels’ “Fat Albert” to Undergo Center Wing Box Replacement in the UK “Fat Albert” is the KC-130J Super Hercules that supports the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. It’s off to Marshall Aerospace in Cambridge, UK, to have its center wing box replaced, extending its service life by 20 years. This particular plane is the former Royal Air Force Hercules C5 ZH885, which was refurbished and repainted by Marshall Aerospace, an authorized Lockheed Martin C-130J heavy maintenance center. See: US Navy bringing ‘Fat Albert’ back to Marshall Aerospace for a new centre wing box Mentioned Talking E2 with Embraer & Virgin Australia – Plane Crazy Down Under. Video: RED BULL FLUGTAG FLYOVER | FlySafair B737-800 🇿🇦 https://youtu.be/lwugk_-hvjs?si=iVw7MxOR4mC-_EaA Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, David Vanderhoof, and Rob Mark.

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