Up First from NPR Airbus A-320 Inspections, Afghan Asylum Seekers in Limbo, Real Video or AI Generated?
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Nov 29, 2025 
Joel Rose, NPR's transportation correspondent, details a significant software issue affecting Airbus A-320 jets and its implications for holiday travel. Dia Hadid sheds light on the plight of Afghan asylum seekers left in limbo after the U.S. paused asylum decisions amid a recent violent incident. Jeff Brumfield dives into the growing challenge of distinguishing real videos from AI-generated ones, sharing practical tips on spotting fakes and discussing the alarming advancements in AI technology. A blend of aviation safety, human rights, and digital literacy makes for a compelling listen.
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Solar Radiation Can Corrupt Flight Controls
- Airbus found intense solar radiation can corrupt flight-control data on A320-family jets, revealing a systemic vulnerability.
- The company ordered a software rollback or replacement, which is simple technically but logistically disruptive during peak travel.
Apply The Software Rollback Promptly
- Change the affected A320 computer software by rolling back to an earlier version or replacing the unit before passenger flights resume.
- Expect several hours per plane for the update and prepare for logistical delays.
A320 Fixes Ripple Globally
- The A320 family is the world's most-flown plane with over 9,000 units, so fixes ripple globally.
- Even a modest number of grounded jets can cause hundreds of cascading cancellations and delays during busy holiday periods.