Airplane Geeks Podcast

An aviator’s journey from a former commercial airline transport pilot, flight instructor, flight examiner, and author. In the news, the SpaceX Starship first-stage booster returns to the launch pad, the NTSB reports on two B737s that were cleared for the same runway at the same time and the incident where an A350 clipped the tail of a CRJ-900. Also, navigating airline dress codes, an airport executive director resigns, and an air museum plans to expand. Guest Lola Reid Allin is the author of Highway to the Sky: An Aviator’s Journey. She’s a former commercial airline transport pilot, flight instructor, flight examiner, and SCUBA divemaster. Lola’s work has appeared in national newspapers and publications, and in juried national and international shows. Her professional aviation affiliations include Women in Aviation International, The 99s: International Organization of Women Pilots, and the Northern Lights Aero Foundation. In her book, and with us, Lola shares personal aspects of her flying experiences and aviation career. She describes things she has learned from her student pilots, her relationships with others, the Cessna 150 she owned, and some particularly interesting flights she has piloted. Lola’s story is about how learning to fly gave her wisdom and taught her to live her life. She had to defy the societal norms of the era, such as the notion that “women belong in the kitchen and the bedroom” and "they shouldn't take jobs from men who need to support their families.” An adventurer who lived with the Maya in Mexico and Belize for three years, Lola has explored more than sixty-five countries in depth. When she isn’t backpacking Baffin Island, trekking the Andes or the Himalayas, forging deep into the Guatemalan jungle, summiting Kilimanjaro, or guiding a dogsled team in the Yukon, she lives with her husband of twenty-six years in a small community east of Toronto, Canada. She is a professional speaker and co-lead of the First Canadian 99s Education & Outreach Committee and for the Northern Lights Aero Foundation. Find Lola on her website, X, and Facebook. Aviation News Two planes cleared to use same runway in Nashville near-collision, NTSB says In September, Alaska Airlines Flight 369, a Boeing 737 MAX 9, was cleared for takeoff at Nashville International Airport. At the same time, Southwest Airlines Flight 2029 was cleared to cross the same runway. The Alaska Jet aborted the takeoff, which blew out the plane’s tires.  The NTSB said one ground controller cleared the Southwest jet, just 23 seconds before another controller cleared the Alaska plane. Pilot of larger plane was looking away from smaller plane in Atlanta airport mishap, report says A Bombardier CRJ-900 operated by Endeavor Air, a Delta regional subsidiary, was waiting on a taxiway. A taxiing Delta Air Lines Airbus 350 clipped the tail of the CRJ with it’s wingtip, knocking the tail off the smaller plane. The NTSB preliminary report finds the CRJ stopped 56 feet (17 meters) short of the hold line painted on the taxiway. As the A350’s right wing extends 106 feet (32.3 meters) from the center of the jet to tip, that 56-foot distance may have been the margin between a hit and a miss. Do Airlines Really Have Dress Codes? What to Know Every airline has a contract of carriage and these typically include a cause addressing attire. These leave a lot of discretion to the airline staff and each airline is different: Southwest Airlines: Wearing clothes that are lewd, obscene, or patently offensive. American Airlines: Dress appropriately; bare feet or offensive clothing aren’t allowed. Delta Air Lines: When the passenger’s conduct, attire, hygiene or odor creates an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers. United Airlines: Passengers who are barefoot, not properly clothed, or whose clothing is lewd, obscene or offensive. Spirit Airlines: Barefoot or inadequately clothed, or whose clothing is lewd, obscene, or offensive in nature. JetBlue: Clothing is that is lewd, obscene, or patently offensive. Alaska Airlines: Passengers who are barefoot or whose conduct, attire, hygiene, or odor creates an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers. Hawaiian Airlines: Specific requirements, and clothing must not be lewd, obscene, or patently offensive to others. Two women kicked off Spirit Airlines flight for wearing crop tops Two friends boarded the plane wearing sweaters over crop tops. As the air conditioning wasn’t working, they took off their sweaters. A flight attendant asked them to cover up but they asked to see the dress code. Another sympathetic woman removed her sweater and said “So if they’re kicking you off the flight, then they’re also going to have to kick me and my toddler off of the flight.” All three were removed. Brunswick lawmakers say resignation of airport leader ‘not a time to celebrate’ Updating the story about the firefighting foam accident at Brunswick Executive Airport, the board of trustees for the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority announced that its Executive Director has resigned. New England Air Museum Announces $25M Expansion The New England Air Museum (NEAM) in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, is the largest aviation and aerospace museum in New England. The Museum is planning to build a new multipurpose hangar, increase enrollment in its educational programs, and partner with local companies and educational organizations. NEAM is awaiting $15 million in state funding for the new hangar and $10 for new digital classrooms and other educational initiatives. Construction of the new hangar should break ground in 2025 and open in 2026. Mentioned Be ATC - FAA Hiring Air Traffic Controllers. The Fall 2024 application window is now open and will close on November 4, 2024. Flying Magazine, Max Trescott Archives. FAA WINGS - Pilot Proficiency Program. Points Path browser extension. Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, David Vanderhoof, Max Trescott, and Rob Mark.

We talk with the Long Beach Airport Public Affairs Officer. In the news, watching racy movies on the inflight entertainment system, a fatal crash at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in New York, the competition for the main operating base for a fleet of Boeing KC-46A Pegasus air refueling tankers, and the AeroSHARK film that reduces fuel burn. Guest Kate Kuykendall has been the Public Affairs Officer at the Long Beach Airport (LGB) for over five years. She previously worked for the National Park Service and the Peace Corps. Our Main(e) Man Micah and Brian Coleman recorded a conversation with Kate covering various topics, including the airport's history, noise complaints, the new plane spotting area on private leasehold, and Corporate tenants at the airport, such as JetZero. Also, community outreach programs and tours, sustainability, and leaded aviation fuel for piston-powered aircraft. The airport’s annual Festival of Flight is scheduled for Oct 19, 2024. Aviation News Passengers on Qantas flight to Tokyo endure ‘super uncomfortable’ experience as racy movie is played on every single screen The IFE system was broken and the crew had to make a movie selection that would be seen on every screen. They chose Daddio from 2023 starring Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn. One passenger said, “Qantas played an inappropriate movie to the whole plane, there was no way to turn it off.” Another said, “It featured graphic nudity and a lot of sexting – the kind where you could literally read the texts on screen without needing headphones.” Experienced Aviator and Master Plane Craftsman Dies in Crash During Saturday Aerodrome Airshow Brian Coughlin, 60, died in a crash during an Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome show. He was flying a replica of a World War I Fokker D-VIII that he had helped to rebuild. A preliminary look at the accident indicated an engine fire during the airshow. Coughlin was a volunteer, an experienced pilot, and a mechanic craftsman who rebuilt World War I aircraft as a hobby. Bangor Air Guard Base Competing for New Refueling Tankers A competition is underway for the main operating base for a $1.3 billion fleet of Boeing KC-46A Pegasus air refueling tankers. The Bangor Air National Guard Base is one of the seven remaining finalists. The KC-46A tankers would replace the Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers operated by the Maine Air National Guard's 101st Air Refueling Wing, also known as the MAINEiacs. DAF announces seven candidate locations for KC-46A Pegasus MOB 7 The Department of the Air Force has selected seven bases as candidate locations to host the KC-46A Pegasus Main Operating Base 7. The candidate locations are: Bangor Air National Guard Base, Maine Forbes Field Air National Guard Base (Topeka), Kan. Key Field Air National Guard Base (Meridian), Miss. McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base (Knoxville), Tenn. Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base (Birmingham), Ala. Lufthansa Technik Upgrades LATAM’s Boeing 777 Aircraft With Fuel-Saving AeroSHARK Film LATAM Airlines Group S.A. will become Lufthansa Technik AG's first external customer in the Americas to equip its Boeing 777s with AeroSHARK film. Lufthansa Technik calls AeroSHARK “a durable bionic film that successfully mimics the skin of sharks and optimizes the airflow, thus enabling significant fuel savings.” The film was developed in conjunction with BASF.  Lufthansa Cargo, SWISS, All Nippon Airways, and EVA Air have already adopted AeroSHARK, with promising results. Mentioned Northrop X-21 Operation Airdrop: Hurricane Helene Volunteer pilots are flying supplies to trapped Hurricane Helene victims Martin J. McNally – Part 1 Airways, Nov/Dec 2021, “Terror in the Air,” Clipper 93, September 6, 1970 Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, David Vanderhoof, Rob Mark, and Max Trescott.

The mystery of D.B. Cooper with the host of The Cooper Vortex podcast. In the news, automatic takeoffs from Embraer, Southwest’s business improvement plan and the reaction by the activist Elliott hedge fund, the airship crash in Brazil, the Rolls-Royce electric propulsion unit, and the bad air travel decisions allegedly made by the Mayor of New York City. We also hear from Hillel and a listener about the Boeing Starliner, and from several listeners about executive jets. D.B. Cooper artist sketch. Guest Darren Schaefer is the host of the The Cooper Vortex podcast. Darren grew up in Woodland, Washington next to where D.B. Cooper is believed to have landed, and had been passionate about the mystery for a decade. In the podcast he started years ago, Darren interviews experts who have something to contribute to the conversation about the mystery, such as authors, pilots, aircrew, paratroopers, and skydivers. D.B. Cooper hijacked Orient Airlines Flight 305, a B727, on November 24, 1971. Cooper said he had a bomb and demanded $200,000 in ransom. Upon landing in Seattle, Cooper requested parachutes, released the passengers, and told the crew to refuel the aircraft and fly to Mexico City after refueling in Reno, Nevada. During that flight, Cooper opened the airplane’s aft door and parachuted into the night over Washington state. He was never seen again. This remains America's only unsolved skyjacking. Darren helps us understand why the public remains intrigued with D.B. Cooper after decades have passed, how “Dan Cooper” became “D.B. Cooper,” and how that helped the FBI weed out those who claimed to be Cooper. Darren tells us about Cooper copycats, available physical evidence, and changes to commercial aviation made to reduce airliner hijacking. That includes the “Cooper vane” which locks the B727 aft stairs. (Darren wants one so contact him if you know a source.) He also describes how the three segments of the DB Cooper community (aviation people, skydivers, and true crime fans) view the mystery. We note D.B. Cooper’s thoughtfulness toward the passengers and crew, and his apparent technical knowledge suggesting an aerospace background. Darren will be the master of ceremonies at CooperCon 2024 the annual DB Cooper Convention being held at the Seattle Museum of Flight November 15-17, 2024. Books of interest: The Skies Belong to Us, Love and Terror in the Golden Age of Hijacking by Brendan I. Koerner. Skyjack: The Hunt for D. B. Cooper, by Geoffrey Gray. See FBI Records: The Vault, D. B. Cooper and Key piece of evidence in D.B. Cooper investigation to be displayed at Tacoma museum. Aviation News Automatic takeoffs are coming for passenger jets and they’re going to redraw the map of the sky Along with other improvements announced at Farnborough, Embraer is introducing the “E2 Enhanced Take Off System,” an automated takeoff system designed for the company’s E2 jets. Embraer says “This automatic take off system produces a more precise and efficient rotation moment and flight trajectory, reducing the required field length and pilot workload; meaning more payload and more range from challenging airports. This gives the E2 best in class performance from airports like London City, Florence, and Santos Dumont. Adding 350NM in range from LCY for example.” Embraer has started flight testing and aims for approval by aviation authorities in 2025. Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs According to a company memo seen by CNBC, for the April 2025 bid, Southwest is planning to reduce service in Atlanta and cut as many as 140 pilot and 200 flight attendant jobs. Southwest will reduce Atlanta gates to 11 from the current 18. Activist hedge fund Elliott Investment Management continues to call for Southwest CEO Bob Jordan to resign. The CEO of Southwest Airlines called an activist investor's criticisms 'inane' Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said it is inane that Elliott (which holds an 11% stake in Southwest) would call the airline’s plan to improve its business “rushed and haphazard.” At an investor day presentation, Elliott said “I hope you can tell that the plan that we presented today was intentful, the plan was detailed, the plan was well constructed.” Airship crashes into residential building in Brazil On September 26, 2024, an airship hired by a football club deflated while flying over a Sao Paulo suburb. The Brazilian-made ADB 3-3 airship is produced by Airship do Brasil (ADB). It measures 49 meters long and 17 meters tall and is capable of speeds up to 85 km/h (53 mph). It can carry five passengers and two crew. Video: Blimp Crash Shocks Brazil: Airship Plummets into Homes, One Injured! https://youtu.be/Hmylf4ALTxM?si=ZnZfBgDjbkVFdg0F Rolls-Royce Shuts Down Electrical Propulsion Business In November 2023, Rolls-Royce announced a restructuring plan that included selling off non-core assets and refocusing on its turbofan business. One victim of the plan was Rolls-Royce Electrical. In December, Rolls admitted they had a potential buyer, and now the company says they have “now moved that process to the next step,” with no additional details. New York City Mayor Faces Wrath—of Frequent Fliers Subtitle: “Airline points enthusiasts sift through indictment, say Eric Adams made litany of rookie travel mistakes; ‘It’s mind-blowing.’” Jason Rabinowitz commented, “If you’re going to get indicted in large part because you were taking illicit upgrades to business class, at least do it with an airline that has a better product.” Boeing Starliner Listeners and the hosts comment on the Boeing Starliner. Hillel Glazer provides an opinion piece about NASA's role in Starliner failures. Star-Crossed Starliner Flight Test Comes To A Close Chatter: The Inside Story of the Challenger Disaster with Adam Higginbotham. Houston We Have a Podcast, Episode 355, Call Sign: White Flight. Mentioned Wilson, T. A. (1921-1999) the CEO of Boeing from 1969-1986. Hosts this Episode Our Main(e) Man Micah and Max Flight. Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and David Vanderhoof.

A former Naval Aviator tells us about his life after Naval aviation, the content he’s produced, and the pivot he’s making. In the news, the optics of flying in a corporate aircraft, the Boeing Starliner is back to earth with a few problems, a new Navy policy for aviator sea tours, and noise complaints at Australian airports. Guest Rob Roy is a former Naval Aviator who produces a YouTube channel with over 100k subscribers. He’s also the founder of the weekly Flybuyer newsletter with curated aviation news that focuses on general and business aviation. It targets people who fly airplanes, potential owners, and enthusiasts. Rob’s YouTube channel currently includes videos of carrier landings and catapult launches made during his 2015-2016 deployment. We hear about some of Rob’s Naval aviation experiences flying the C-2 Greyhound cargo plane and training for carrier landings. Not this Rob Roy… The big news is the pivot Rob has taken with his life after naval aviation. He’s shifting his focus to making airplane walk-around videos full-time that will appear on his YouTube channel. Rob intends to create a large body of review videos for people who want to buy airplanes. If you’d like to have your airplane filmed by Rob, he’s created an Airplane Filming Form form where you can express your interest. And be sure to sign up for the Flybuyer newsletter and visit Rob’s YouTube channel. Here’s the video Rob mentioned when talking about the arresting cable that snapped during an E-2C Hawkeye's landing in March 2016 aboard the USS Eisenhower: Video: Cable snaps on USS Eisenhower during landing https://youtu.be/r-EHwYOfY94?si=zO93Cjtq13exFr2X Aviation News Managing the Optics of Flying in a Corporate Aircraft Corporate executives, athletes, pop stars, and celebrities often travel by corporate or private aircraft. This sometimes brings them public scrutiny due to the perceived environmental impact of their wealth or fame. The optics can generate unwanted attention. This article looks at why private/corporate might be used, the financial case, and using executive time productively. A study says executives are productive for about 80 percent of travel time while using business aviation and 30 percent while flying commercial. It's a good thing NASA sent the Boeing Starliner back to Earth empty because it had even more problems The Boeing Starliner experienced problems on its crewed flight to the Space Station and returned to Earth without the astronauts. The capsule did stick the landing, but other problems surfaced. An additional thruster failed (5 of 28 had failed when Starliner docked) and the Starliner guidance system temporarily blacked out. The thruster failures were attributed to Teflon seals swelling under heat and blocking propellant flow. The helium leaks compounded the situation. A software glitch caused the temporary blackout of the Starliner guidance system during reentry. Boeing’s space and defense chief exits in new CEO’s first executive move New CEO Kelly Ortberg has removed Boeing’s head of its space and defense unit, effective immediately. Steve Parker, the unit's chief operating officer, will assume the position until a replacement is named. Starliner has cost Boeing $1.6 billion in overruns since 2016, according to a Reuters analysis of securities filings. Navy will force aviators to remain in service to complete sea tours The US Navy wants to increase aviation community retention and will require naval aviators to serve a pair of two-year sea tours. The new policy applies to officers serving on their first shore tour with a projected rotation date of October 2025 and beyond. It is reported that about 25% of unrestricted line aviators want to leave the Navy after their minimum service requirement. Some even request to leave the Navy when their second two-year sea tour is underway. A Naval Air Forces spokesperson says the new policy will extend most officer's service by less than a year. Nearly half of all aircraft noise complaints in Australia last year were filed by a single person, who complained 20,716 times Of the 51,589 noise complaints made in 2023, one Perth resident made 20,716 of them. The next most prolific complainer made 4,071 complaints near Brisbane. Research about one specific airport in the US, Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, found that loud noise from aircraft also has financial implications on residents, owing to lost productivity and the need for medical treatment. The study estimated that the combined medical cost burden for those living near the airport would be $800 million over 30 years. Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and David Vanderhoof.

Aerospace workforce development with the CEO and Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance. In the news, the Machinist Union votes to strike Boeing, the TSA looks to Real ID enforcement, United Airlines makes a deal with SpaceX for inflight WiFi from Starlink, and more aviation firefighting foam news. Also, interviews from the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast with the Southport Flying Club and Airport president, an Air Commodore with the RAAF, and a decorated Australian war hero. Washington state delegation at the Farnborough Air Show Guest Nikki Malcom is the CEO and Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA), a non-profit trade association that promotes the growth and global competitiveness of the Pacific Northwest. Nikki has spent many years in various roles dedicated to the aerospace industry and is obsessed with all things aviation and aerospace, including manufacturing. Nikki was previously our guest in Episode 741. We get an update on the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Cluster, the grant-funded initiative with the mission to make the Pacific Northwest a magnet for aerospace manufacturing. Nikki explains the focus on workforce development [PDF], specifically aerospace career awareness, and all the many different roles in the supply chain. Nikki tells us that the Aerospace From the Ground Up podcast will be launching on the Aerospace is for Everyone YouTube channel. It will mainly target the 18-25 age group, but not exclusively. We can expect to see interviews with and about the people in the industry. The PNAA is working to get more people into the pipeline. That includes launching a mentorship program and developing an online community. PNAA provides business development by representing aerospace interests at Farnborough and other trade shows. Nikki also describes events organized by the Association, including the  PNAA Advance 2025 conference to be held February 3-5, 2025. We also hear about the Aerospace Futures Alliance which advocates for Washington state’s aerospace industry. Aviation News Boeing Machinists reject contract as 96% vote to strike The International Association of Machinists membership voted to go on strike at Boeing, despite the union leadership recommending they accept the negotiated contract. 94.6% of the members voted to reject the contract and 96% voted to strike. The proposed contract offered a 25% wage increase over four years but also dropped the annual bonus, which some estimated to be about 4% each year. The union wanted 40% over 3 years. Boeing Commercial Airplane CEO Stephanie Pope told employees in a message that “we did not hold back with an eye on a second vote.” IAM Union Sends Message to IAM District 751 and W24 Members: Our Solidarity Will Win This Fight Boeing strike will be felt throughout the aviation industry Kansas aviation industry could be affected by machinists strike TSA announces proposed rule to provide necessary flexibility as federal agencies prepare to enforce REAL ID requirements beginning May 7, 2025 President George W. Bush signed the REAL ID Act [PDF] into law in 2005. It requires that an identity document, like a driver’s license, show that the holder has had their identity verified. Real IDs would be necessary for accessing federal facilities and nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial flights in the United States. The TSA now wants to implement the program by May 7, 2025 and a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking has been published that would provide federal agencies with the necessary flexibility to begin enforcement of the REAL ID regulations on the May 7, 2025 deadline in a manner that takes into account security, operational risk, and public impact. The comment period ends October 15, 2024. See also: The TSA Now Wants a Phased Rollout of the Real ID Next Year — Here's Why.  For more information on REAL ID, visit TSA.gov/real-id. A map there lets you click through to see how to comply with REAL ID for each US state and territory. United Airlines bumps GEO operators off fleet for Starlink Wi-Fi United Airlines currently provides inflight WiFi through several geostationary satellite operators. Now the airline has made a deal with SpaceX to utilize the Starlink low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation. United says the inflight WiFi will be free and the service will be the same as you’d expect on the ground with live streaming, gaming, and connecting multiple devices simultaneously. Following testing in early 2025, United expects to equip more than 1,000 planes in its international fleet with Starlink connectivity over several years. United press release: The Inflight Wi-Fi Revolution Now Arriving: United Signs Starlink Deal to Provide Industry-Leading Connectivity in the Sky - For Free  Starlink has Wi-Fi agreements with smaller airlines and regional jet service providers including Hawaiian Airlines, airBaltic, Qatar Airways, Zipair, JSX, Flexjet, and Aero. Inspectors warned of ‘tremendous’ potential for accidental foam discharge at Brunswick airport Fourteen months before accidentally discharging 51,000 gallons of firefighting foam, an inspection of the system found it deficient with a high probability of failure. Yet the issues were not corrected. Pacific Airshow Gold Coast Interviews with: Craig Hobart, the president of the Southport Flying Club and Airport.  This is one of the 4 airfields used by the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast. It’s also a private flying club. Mika Gray, an Air Commodore with the RAAF.  We hear why the RAAF supports the airshow. Garry Cooper, an Australian who was awarded the US Air Force Cross during his combat tour in Vietnam. He is the only non-American ever awarded the cross twice. He was also awarded the RAAF Distinguished Flying Cross, among many others. See also: Interview with Gary Cooper. Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.

We talk with travel expert Gary Leff from View from the Wing.com. In the news, the DOT probe of airline frequent flyer programs, U.S. airlines reduced hiring, automated landing fee collection, more on PFAS in aircraft firefighting foam, and FAA action to ease network flight delays. Also, interviews from the Pacific Airshow. Guest Travel expert and blogger Gary Leff was named one of the world’s top travel specialists by Conde Nast. He often appears in the media on television, radio, and in print. He’s been a keynote speaker at many conferences and both a moderator and panelist at Flightglobal industry conferences, in addition to CardCon and Fincon. His credit card advice has been featured in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Gary blogs at View From the Wing.com and is co-founder of InsideFlyer.com. We talked with Gary about the U.S. Department of Transportation's inquiry into airline rewards programs, including their authority to do so and the likely time before DOT action takes place. Gary comments on the devaluation of miles and gives us his thoughts on airline staffing levels. We consider issues surrounding carry-on baggage and overhead bin space and the topic of code sharing. Visit View From the Wing.com for the writings of a true travel expert. Aviation News Breaking: New Government Investigation Demands Airlines Expose Frequent Flyer Devaluations The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) launched an inquiry into airline rewards programs to protect customers from potential unfair, deceptive, or anticompetitive practices. DOT sent letters to American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines ordering them to provide records and submit reports with detailed information about their rewards programs, practices, and policies. The probe is focused on the ways consumers participating in airline rewards programs are impacted by the devaluation of earned rewards, hidden or dynamic pricing, extra fees, and reduced competition and choice. See: US probes top airlines' frequent flyer programs for unfair practices and USDOT Seeks to Protect Consumers' Airline Rewards in Probe of Four Largest U.S. Airlines' Rewards Practices U.S. airlines cool hiring after adding 194,000 employees in post-Covid spree During the pandemic, airline employment decreased significantly as customer demand dropped. With the travel recovery, US passenger airlines added almost 194,000 jobs as they tried to catch up. Now hiring is cooling off: demand is moderating, fares are down which puts pressure on profits, labor costs are up with the new contracts, aircraft deliveries are running late, and engine availability is not where it needs to be AOPA Objects to Possible Florida Airport Landing Fees The state of Florida contracted with Virtower to collect aircraft movement data using ADS-B. Virtower partner Vector Airport Systems can use the Virtower data with its PlanePass system to provide automated invoicing. Vector proposes to collect a fee of $3 per 1,000 pounds of aircraft weight. AOPA says ADS-B was never intended to be used as a tool to collect landing fees. They question the need to collect fees at the public-use airports that already receive federal funds. Virtower “monitors key airport operational parameters including takeoffs, landings, touch and go’s, pavement utilization, and based aircraft operations. While providing a quick and easy noise complaint investigations tool for all customers.” Brunswick passes unprecedented PFAS resolution calling for action after spill In Episode 812, we talked about aviation firefighting foam, specifically Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) that contains dangerous PFAS (“forever chemicals”). There are efforts to transition to fluorine-free foam (F3) for aircraft firefighting. The Brunswick Town Council passed a resolution calling for a statewide inventory of AFFF that was spilled on Aug. 19, 2024. The non-binding resolution calls for the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to take action. To Ease Newark Flight Delays, the FAA Turned to Philly. Here’s Why. The FAA moved oversight of Newark Liberty International Airport air traffic to the facility at Philadelphia International Airport. This required the relocation of 24 controllers from Long Island.  The air traffic controllers union says the move was rushed and operational problems have occurred. According to an FAA estimate, as much as 75% of the nation’s overall air traffic delays originate in the New York City area. See: FAA Knew of Potential of Radar Issues Before LaborDay Newark Failures. Pacific Airshow Gold Coast At the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, Brian Coleman interviewed Kevin Elliott, the President and  founder of Pacific Airshow. The two discussed the differences between the shows in Huntington Beach, CA and the Gold Coast. They also talk about the impact of the oil spill that caused the airshow closure in Huntington Beach. Brian also interviewed Tom Tait, the Mayor of Gold Coast, Australia. They discuss the economic impact of the airshow. Mentioned Confessions of a New Corporate Pilot Listener Patrick Wiggins recently flew his 300th participant in the Women of Aviation Worldwide free flight program. Patrick flies out of Tooele Valley Airport, Utah. Cora (on the right) with her friend who participated last year. Hosts this Episode Max Flight, David Vanderhoof, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.

We speak with the Porto Aviation Group CEO who flew to Oshkosh from Italy, the ForeFlight Head of International Growth, the CEO and Founder of Airhart Aeronautics, airline Captain Dana, an Historical Restoration Consultant about the historic terminal building at the Long Beach Airport, and flight team interns from the California Science Center program. Porto Aviation Group Innovation and entrepreneurship correspondent Hillel Glazer met Porto Aviation Group CEO Alberto Porto at Oshkosh. He flew there from Italy in a Rotax-powered Risen airplane making just two stops. Alberto Porto and the Risen at EAA Airventure Oshkosh. Capt. Dana From Episode 80 of the Journey is the Reward podcast, Brian Coleman and Micah speak with Capt. Dana from Acme Airlines, a major U.S. carrier. Their conversation provides insight into the life of an airline pilot. ForeFlight Again at EAA Airventure Oshkosh, Hillel interviews Josh Tahmasebi, Head of International Growth at ForeFlight, a provider of flight planning software. He describes ForeFlight and its newest features and innovations. Airhart Aeronautics Hillel talks with Nikita Ermoshkin, the CEO and Founder of Airhart Aeronautics. The company seeks to build intuitive-to-fly GA airplanes that are fully fly-by-wire and more accessible. Airhart is working with Sling Aircraft to develop a safe personal aircraft that is easier to fly than others on the market. Airhart Sling Long Beach Airport (LGB) historic terminal building John Thomas, Historical Restoration Consultant, led the restoration team for the 1941 historic terminal building at Long Beach Airport. (The oldest municipal airport in the state of California.) See: Long Beach Airport’s Historic Terminal Reopens Following Major Renovation, Restoration Effort. The historic terminal building at Long Beach Airport. California Science Center Interns Brian Coleman and Micah speak with seven flight team interns from the California Science Center. The students describe why they signed up for the six-week program and what they learned from the experience. These are great examples of the amazing results that can be achieved when students are exposed to aviation. Flight Team Interns. Courtesy California Science Center. Hosts this Episode Max Flight, with contributions from Hillel Glazer, Brian Coleman, and our Main(e) Man Micah.

A Martin Mars water bomber has a new home, the proprotor gearbox failure that caused the Air Force’s fatal Osprey crash, the FAAs new endorsement requirement for flight instructor candidates, and a refueling incident that damaged a KC-46 and an F-15E. Also, an Australia Desk report where Brian Coleman joined Steve and Grant in Australia, and Micah called in. Aviation News The Hawaii Mars Water Bomber Finally Arrives At Its Forever Home, The British Columbia Aviation Museum The Martin Hawaii Mars water bomber is now at its new British Columbia Aviation Museum home.  Public access is anticipated to start on September 28. Seven of the four-engine Martin JMR Mars were built for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Four were converted to civilian water bombers for aerial firefighting by Forest Industries Flying Tankers in BC. The Marianas Mars crashed in 1961 during firefighting operations with all four crew members perishing. In 1962, the Caroline Mars was damaged beyond repair by a typhoon. The Hawaii Mars was operated until 2016 and is now at the BC Aviation Museum. The Philippine Mars is planned to go to the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona later this year. Video: FINAL FLIGHT! Martin Mars Low Pass and Landing in Patricia Bay https://youtu.be/Ol07yTMlM_c?si=-MDqJvr9FBeiMJx1 Flawed Metal & Failed Communication: Breaking Down the Air Force’s Fatal Osprey Crash The Air Current reports that a persistent manufacturing problem is the cause behind ten previously unreported V-22 Osprey component failures, in addition to the fatal 2023 crash off the coast of Japan. Furthermore, the problem was well-known to Bell Boeing and the V-22 Joint Program Office (JPO), but pilots were not informed. The crash was caused by the failure of the left-side proprotor gearbox and the pilot’s decision to keep flying. The gearbox failure was most likely caused by cracking in a high-speed pinion gear and its bearing cage. Inclusions in the steel alloy may be the problem. AFSOC CV-22B Accident Investigation Board Report [PDF] FAA Rolls Out New Endorsement Requirement for Flight Instructor Candidates Starting September 1, the FAA requires flight instructor candidates to have a CFI endorsement before taking the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) exam. Many other pilot certificates require the applicant to have a "written statement or logbook endorsement from an authorized ground or flight instructor certifying that the applicant completed an applicable ground training or home study course and is prepared for the knowledge test, or a certificate of graduation issued by a part 141 school.” See the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) exam sample questions. The FAA uses PSI Services LLC to provide the written exams. Audio Reveals Details Of KC-46 And F-15E Refueling Incident That Broke Off The Tanker’s Boom Last week, a refueling operation supported a temporary flight restriction related to a presidential visit. During the refueling, the U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus tanker and an F-15E Strike Eagle experienced some issues with the hydraulic system, damaging both planes and forcing them to make emergency landings. Air Traffic Control transmissions indicate that the KC-46 lost its boom. Australia News Desk The Pacific Airshow Gold Coast was held over the beautiful beaches of Surfers Paradise, Queensland from August 16-18, 2024 and Steve, Grant, AND Brian Coleman were there to capture all the action. It was the second year of the event, and crowds were noticeably larger than in 2023, with an enhanced and fully loaded flying program comprising local aerobatic performers, military contingents from Australia, the USA and UK, emergency services displays, and much more. With Micah also on the line, we quiz Brian on his experience travelling to Australia, flying domestic sectors here with Virgin Australia, and the reaction of local flight crews to his custom-made gifts, presented as he boarded each flight. RAAF 1SQN F-18F Super Hornet displaying at the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast (credit - G.E.G Aviation Photography) Brian Coleman interviewing members of the Freedom Formation at Southport Flying Club, Queensland, Australia (Steve Visscher) First Flight Micah tells us the story of his first flight, 55 years ago. Mentioned The Air Show Podcast, hosted by Jon Ostrower, Brian Sumers, and Brett Snyder. Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.

The FAA roadmap for Artificial Intelligence in aviation, clean aviation fuel setbacks, aviation fire-fighting foam, blended wing body aircraft, and the new Sikorsky VH-92A Marine One helicopter. Also, a first-timer’s experience at EAA Airventure Oshkosh. Aviation News FAA lays out 'roadmap' for AI safety in aircraft In Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence Safety Assurance [PDF], the FAA says Artificial Intelligence (AI) must demonstrate its safety before it can be utilized in aviation. This is a challenge because AI systems achieve performance and capability by learning rather than design with the absence of engineering principles that guide the traditional engineering design process. The document's primary purpose is to provide a path that ensures the safety of Artificial Intelligence in aircraft and related systems for inflight operations. The roadmap also recognizes significant opportunities to use AI for safety. A set of principles are identified as well as the next steps in five areas to enable safety enhancements and the safe use of AI. Clean Fuel Startups Were Supposed to Be the Next Big Thing. Now They Are Collapsing. The article describes headwinds that impede progress toward the broader use of clean aviation fuel. United Airlines plans to use jet fuel made from trash United Airlines partnered with about 30 other global firms to form an “Eco-Skies Alliance” to finance the use of SAF made from trash. The airline’s initiative appears to have shut down. Leading hydrogen aircraft startup is suddenly grounded Startup Universal Hydrogen raised $100 million with backing from GE Aviation, American Airlines, and the venture capital arms of Airbus, JetBlue, and Toyota. Shareholders were recently informed that the company was shutting down. Universal Hydrogen could not raise additional financing from either new or existing investors. Oil majors back out of biofuel in Europe BP scaled back expansion plans for sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel in Europe. Chevron is furloughing workers at its Oeding, Germany biodiesel plant. Shell halted construction of a biofuel plant in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Air New Zealand becomes first major airline to scrap its 2030 climate goal The airline cited delivery delays of new fuel-efficient aircraft and the price of alternative jet fuels. The 2030 target had been to reduce carbon intensity by 28.9%, compared with 2019 levels. The airline is working on a new near-term target. Nearly 400 gallons of high-expansion foam fills Coast Guard hangar in Mobile Due to a fault in the fire alarm system at the United States Coast Guard Aviation Training Center, almost 400 gallons of high-expansion foam filled the hangar. Three HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplanes and four MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters were in the hangar. These aircraft are being cleaned and inspected to assess damage. WKRG Video: Nearly 400 gallons of high-expansion foam fills Coast Guard hangar in Mobile https://youtu.be/7s4SRMLF6OU?si=1mZuMIHycZ3tAnt2 Because the widely-used Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) contains dangerous PFAS (referred to as "forever chemicals"), the FAA and the Department of Defense (DoD) have engaged in a significant research project to test fluorine-free foam (F3). Fluorine-Free Foam (F3) Transition for Aircraft Firefighting In December 2022, Congress directed the FAA to prepare a transition plan to ensure an orderly move to MILSPEC F3 for aircraft firefighting. See: FAA Aircraft FireFighting Foam Transition Plan. In January 2023, DoD published an F3 military specification (MILSPEC), and foam manufacturers can now submit MILSPEC F3 agents for qualification by DoD. Once DoD certifies that a foam meets the new specification, it will be added to the Qualified Product List. FAA considers foams on the Qualified Product List as acceptable to use to satisfy the regulatory requirements of Part 139. Video: Fluorine Free Foam (F3) Transition Awareness Webinar [1 hour 30 min] https://youtu.be/m7KaS6rQ6l0?si=GmavbpLtEkzvCyyr Alaska Airlines backs JetZero, takes options for future BWB aircraft JetZero is working with the US Air Force, NASA, and the FAA to develop an ultra-efficient Blended Wing Body jet for entry into service by 2030. Alaska Airlines’ venture capital arm, Alaska Star Ventures, invested in JetZero under a Series A funding round last year. Alaska has taken options for future aircraft orders. Financial terms were not disclosed. Biden takes inaugural flight in long-delayed new ‘Marine One’ helicopter President Joe Biden took his first flight aboard the Sikorsky VH-92A helicopter serving as Marine One. The was the maiden presidential voyage for the years-delayed helicopter. Guest Mali experienced her first EAA Airventure Oshkosh this year. She’s not an aviation enthusiast herself, but her father and brother are. Mali wanted to attend Osh so she could understand their passion for aviation. She tells us what she learned. Mali and her father flew to Oshkosh in her father’s Cherokee. They stopped along the way at the National Museum of the United States Air Force for a “crash course” in aviation. Then at Airventure, Mali immersed herself in all that the event had to offer, including camping with the plane. It’s a fascinating look at this great event through the eyes of a perhaps atypical attendee. Mentioned Dirt track hall of fame driver Scott Bloomquist believed dead in plane crash and Racing Driver Scott Bloomquist Dies In Cub Crash Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Hillel Glazer.

We speak with the Founder and CEO of Wright Electric, an aviation company with a goal to make all regional single-aisle flights zero-emissions. In the news, Boeing testified before the NTSB about the 737 door plug incident, American Airlines new standby rules are criticized, Space-X may bring the Boeing Starliner astronauts back from the International Space Station, and the impact on Delta Air Lines after the Microsoft/CrowdStrike global IT outage. We also have an Australia News Desk report. Guest Jeff Engler is the Founder and CEO of Wright Electric. The company develops ultra-lightweight electric motors, generators, and batteries for aerospace and defense. Wright is leveraging the company’s megawatt-class propulsion system to transform a 100-passenger BAe 146 into an all-electric, zero-emissions aircraft. Wright and Columbia University are developing batteries that are up to four times lighter than lithium-ion. Jeff explains how the company all started with a newsletter and came to focus on flights with more than 100 passengers and shorter than 800 miles. He describes what distinguishes aircraft propulsion electric motors from other electric motors, and how the transportation market segments into different technologies for different applications. We consider the important issue of battery energy density and why Wright has decided to develop their lightweight batteries. Also, we discuss programs the company is involved in, the C-130/LM-100J and BAe 146 aircraft that support the technology development, and Wright’s commercial, government, and academic partners. Jeff describes Wright’s timeline targets for retrofitted and clean-sheet electric aircraft. Jeff started the company when he learned flying tripled his carbon footprint. He incubated Wright through a Harvard University fellowship and led Wright through the selective Y Combinator accelerator program. He previously co-founded Podimetrics, a medical device company that has raised $70M+ in venture funding. Jeff has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Columbia and Harvard. See: Wright Steps Up Ground Testing for 2.5MW Electric Motor Wright Electric assembling 2.5MW WM2500 electric propulsion unit Wright Electric & Columbia University Receive U.S. Department of Energy Award for Ultra-Lightweight Battery Development U.S. Air Force Backs Wright's Work On Rechargeable Thermal Batteries Surprise test flight heralds ultra-long-range electric aircraft by 2028 Samsung’s EV battery breakthrough: 600-mile charge in 9 mins, 20 year lifespan Alliance for Zero-Emission Aviation (AZEA) - The Alliance is a voluntary initiative of private and public partners who share the objective of preparing the entry into commercial service of hydrogen-powered and electric aircraft. Other articles supporting our conversation: DOD Report: Consolidation of Defense Industrial Base Poses Risks to National Security [PDF] Reducing the Cost of Space Travel with Reusable Launch Vehicles - NSTXL. Aviation News NTSB chair: Boeing reassigning workers to Everett was retaliation NTSB chief rips Boeing over lack of 737 Max answers The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) held an investigative hearing open to the public in the NTSB Boardroom on August 6-7, 2024. During the hearing, the NTSB gathered sworn testimonies about the Jan.​ 5, 2024, Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 door plug incident. This was a fact-finding step in the safety investigation and the testimonies became part of the public record. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy asked Boeing Director of Quality Hector Silva if he was “100 percent sure a defect will not occur tomorrow” and whether he was “100 percent sure there will never be an unauthorized removal” of a door plug. He replied, “No.” Boeing factory workers told the hearing they felt pressured to work fast and complete jobs for which they did not feel qualified. Videos of the hearing are publicly available. Note: Each video is over 8 hours long. NTSB Investigative Hearing - Alaska Airlines flight 1282 (Day 1) NTSB Investigative Hearing - Alaska Airlines flight 1282 (Day 2) Cost-Cutting Chaos: New American Airlines Standby Rules and IT Glitches Leave Loyal Flyers Stranded Gary Leff writes that “American Airlines standby is a mess, and it encapsulates much of what is wrong with the carrier. They don’t have their customer in mind when making and changing policies. Instead, the focus is on reducing costs, and getting customers to change their behavior.” Standby isn’t allowed if you have checked bags, unless you’re an AAdvantage elite. Once you check a bag, you can no longer add yourself to standby using American’s mobile tools. But Gold and Platinum elite members aren’t allowed to add themselves any other way. Also, passengers cannot get help from an agent to get on a different flight, and passengers still have to follow their original routing. Dragon Rescue For Starliner Crew Looking More Likely Test pilots Sunni Williams and Butch Wilmore flew to the International Space Station in the Boeing Starliner crew capsule on an eight-day mission. It docked with the Space Station on June 6, 2024. However, thruster and helium leak issues have plagued the capsule, preventing their return to earth. Boeing and NASA have conducted many space and ground tests of the propulsion system, but root cause of the problems is still not understood. According to its most recently published Mission Update on August 2, 2024 Boeing’s confidence remains high in Starliner’s return with crew: “The testing has confirmed 27 of 28 RCS thrusters are healthy and back to full operational capability. Starliner’s propulsion system also maintains redundancy and the helium levels remain stable. The data also supports root cause assessments for the helium and thruster issues and flight rationale for Starliner and its crew’s return to Earth.” Yet on August 7, 2024, NASA held a teleconference to discuss the options for getting the two astronauts home. The safety of the Starliner is still being discussed. An alternative for bringing them home is to use an upcoming SpaceX Crew 9 mission delayed and launched with two empty seats. The Starliner crew would return in February 2025 and the Starliner would return to Earth autonomously. NASA likely to significantly delay the launch of Crew 9 due to Starliner issues Sources tell Ars Technica that “Officials are contemplating moving the Crew-9 mission from its current date of August 18 to September 24, a significant slip.” Such a delay would give NASA more time to determine the safety of the Starliner, and time for Boeing to implement a software update that could take up to four weeks. NASA safety discussions center around “the performance of the small reaction control system thrusters in proximity to the space station. If the right combination of them fail before Starliner has moved sufficiently far from the station, Starliner could become uncontrollable and collide with the space station. The thrusters are also needed later in the flight back to Earth to set up the critical de-orbit burn and entry in Earth's atmosphere.” Microsoft says Delta ignored Satya Nadella’s offer of CrowdStrike help Last month a significant global outage of some Windows systems followed a flawed CrowdSource software update. Microsoft estimated 8.5 million Windows devices were disabled. Airlines, and many others, were unable to operate some of their systems. Delta Air Lines took longer to get back online than other airlines and says it was forced to cancel around 7,000 flights over 5 days. Delta has criticized Microsoft and CrowdSource and wants compensation for the $500 million it claims was lost. Microsoft said that Delta was operating with an outdated IT infrastructure, and refused help from the Microsoft CEO. Delta is being investigated by the US Department of Transportation and a lawsuit has been filed against Delta on behalf of passengers whose flights were canceled. CrowdStrike has since been sued by its shareholders. Australia News Desk In our last report, we spoke of the difficulties new entrants to the Australian airline market face, and how it almost always ends in tears.  With startup LCC Bonza Air exiting the scene earlier this year, we were full of praise for Regional Express (Rex), who seemed at least on the surface of things to really be kicking some goals. So imagine our surprise when it was announced on July 30th that Rex had been placed into voluntary administration;  its 737 fleet grounded and their associated flights canceled.  It was news that blindsides many in the industry and media alike and appears to have come in the wake of a board-level stoush that's left the carrier starved of funding.   News out today suggests Rex's deficit may be as high at $A500million.   Affected passengers (including Steve and his wife) were re-booked on Virgin Australia flights - a process which has so far been flawless, with VA taking leases on three of Rex's 10 737-800's (jets which ironically had come from VA in the first place) to bolster capacity. Rex's regional SAAB 340 services remain operational at present, as administrators Ernst & Young seek to find a buyer for the airline. In defence news, the USAF have parked a handful of F-22's at RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales, allowing joint training exercises with local F-35A's from 3SQN & 77SQN.  Two of these Hickam-based Raptors will be making their way north to Queensland for the upcoming Pacific Airshow Gold Coast.  Raptors are not often seen in this part of the world, so it'll be a treat to see them perform at the event. And speaking of the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, Steve and Grant will be there for all the action, along with the Airplane Geeks' very own Brian Coleman.  Be sure to let us know if you'll be there too! August 16-18, 2024. Image credit: G.E.