Airplane Geeks Podcast

FAA IASA program, Bombardier’s biz jet strategy, another AN-225, American/Sabre antitrust verdict, ALPA and pilot retirement age, Southwest safety defect lawsuit, Facebook scam, NEXUS interview report.

Remembering Glen Towler, pilot shortage, Icelandic Air, air mobility, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Boeing E-7, airborne nuclear command and control, aviation media awards, careers, eVTOL certification, BA pilots, 1,500-hour rule, electric seaglider.

How aviation weather intelligence affects airlines and airports, the FAA wants radio altimeters replaced, Easyjet has a solution to fly with less crew, Spirit Airlines says no to JetBlue, an electric airplane first, jail time for some unruly passengers, and Virgin Atlantic flight training requirements. Guest Scott Gilmore is the Global Vice President and GM of Aviation at Tomorrow.io, a company that provides an aviation weather and climate security platform. Scott has over 40 years in the aviation industry, including 27 as a pilot. He drives Tomorrow.io’s aviation go-to-market offerings, including sales activity, revenue management, and the product roadmap. Scott explains the sources and uses of aviation weather data, and how weather intelligence results in fewer turnbacks, more payload, and better fuel load. He also tells us about the impact on airport ground staffing and de-icing planning. Tomorrow.io is deploying its own constellation of LEO weather satellites equipped with radar and microwave sounders. This will provide global coverage with a significantly improved refresh rate. Scott describes the goal of being able to machine generate a custom “TAF” (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast) for any selected location. It’s with noting that the non-profit TomorrowNow.org is committed to helping vulnerable populations adapt to the climate changes that are happening now. Prior to Tomorrow.io, Scott served as the Head of Flight Deck Solutions with The Weather Company, an IBM Business; Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships at the International Air Transport Association (IATA); and Director Of Business Development Airline Industry Solutions, and Head Of Application Development Aircraft Mission Kit / Electronic Flight Bag at Unisys. Scott was a Senior Strategic Airlift Manager C-5, C-17, and Tanker Operations with the United States Air Force. He’s an FAA Rated Flight Engineer with over 21,000 hours in the flight deck, an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic, and a member of the American Association of Airport Executives. Aviation News FAA wants U.S. airlines to retrofit, replace radio altimeters The FAA wants to establish "an achievable timeframe to retrofit/replace radar altimeters in the U.S. fleet" due to possible interference from C-Band 5G wireless service. So they are meeting with telecom and airline industry officials where they can hear "options and commit to actions necessary to meet these objectives." EasyJet to take out seats so it can fly with fewer crew Staff shortages are affecting commercial flight schedules globally and EasyJet has a solution to reduce its cabin crew from four to three legally: Take out the back row of seats in its A319 fleet. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulates the number of cabin crew based on seats, not passengers on board. Nigerian airlines are threatening to ground domestic flights amid soaring jet fuel prices Nine Nigerian airlines issued a statement saying that the cost of imported jet fuel had increased nearly fourfold as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and that they are threatening to stop domestic flights. Airline operating costs have increased from about 40% to nearly 95% Frustrated Alaska Airlines Pilots to Vote on Strike Alaska Airlines pilots have been without a contract for some three years. Pilots started voting on May 9 on whether to strike. Balloting will end on May 25. The Air Line Pilots Association is seeking higher pay and better scheduling for its pilots. Spirit Airlines rejects JetBlue’s buyout bid, citing approval concerns The Spirit Airlines board rejected the $3.6 billion takeover bid by JetBlue Airways. They say Spirit will continue to pursue a merger with Frontier Airlines. The Board determined that the JetBlue proposal involves an unacceptable level of closing risk that would be assumed by Spirit stockholders. We believe that our pending merger with Frontier will start an exciting new chapter for Spirit.Mac Gardner, Spirit Airlines board chairman. U.S. Aviation First: Private Pilot Certificate Earned Using an Electric Airplane In a U.S. first, a student pilot has earned a private pilot certificate with an electric aircraft. Shane Fisher flew his check ride in a two-seat Pipistrel Velis Electro, the world’s first and still only electric-powered airplane to receive a type certificate. Certificated by EASA in 2020, it operates in the U.S. as a light sport experimental aircraft. Fisher’s cross-country was accomplished in a Pipistrel Virus SW, which has a similar airframe but is powered by a Rotax 912 engine.  Unruly Passenger Who Managed to Open Plane Door Inflight is Sentenced to Just One Year in Jail A disruptive and violent passenger who opened the aircraft door on a United Express flight just before landing could have received 20-years imprisonment and a $200,000 fine. But instead, he was sentenced to one year behind bars for interfering with a flight crew. Kameron C. Stone, 30, of Fairfax, Virginia was also ordered to pay a $7,500 fine and undergo three years of supervised release. He can also look forward to a fine from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Man Who Assaulted Flight Attendants Gets 60 Days in Jail Witnesses Describe the Scene When Man Exited Moving Plane at O'Hare, Slid Down Wing A person opened the emergency exit door of United flight 2874 at O'Hare International Airport as the plane was moving on the runway. The passenger then walked out onto the wing and slid down onto the airfield.  Our ground crew stopped the individual outside of the aircraft, and the person is now with law enforcement.United Airlines statement. Virgin Atlantic Flight Aborted After Pilot Found To Be 'Untrained' This was a Virgin Atlantic internal training protocol compliance violation, not a regulatory violation. The first officer had not completed his final assessment, and the captain was not yet qualified as a check airman. The plane returned and the first officer was replaced. Australia News Desk This week's segment covers the big announcement by QANTAS of the purchase of 12 A350-1000s, along with a ton of other variants which will gradually replace, and effectively phase out, Boeing aircraft over the next five years.  We also take a look at QANTAS purchasing regional operator Alliance Airlines, the upcoming RAAF Amberley Air Tattoo, the Pacific Air Show scheduled for Queensland in 2023, and the World Championship Air Race round for Australia which was recently announced.  We also may have had a little fun at Rob's expense.... What passengers can expect on Qantas' longest commercial flight in the world Introducing the Airbus A350-1000 Pacific Airshow comes to Gold Coast in 2023 Pacific Airshow Qantas has reached an agreement to fully acquire Australian-based operator, Alliance Aviation Services QANTAS to acquire Alliance Aviation to Better Support Resources Segment Air race 2022: Lake Macquarie locks in $8 million drawcard for November Ipswich Amberley Air Tattoo Hosts this Episode Max Flight, David Vanderhoof, Max Trescott

Memoir of TWA flight attendant, Delta to pay flight attendants during boarding, Jet Airways won’t hire male F/A, American fires some reserve F/As, new 747-8 to the boneyard, fuel shortages, F-15EX headwind.

Using AirTag to track baggage, airlines release some flyers from no-fly list, Bombardier headquarters in Wichita, aircraft leased to Russia, Cirrus fuel flow issues, plane-swap stunt, Tecnam 2-seat trainer, air ambulance costs.

Airline travel challenges, mask mandate, Global 7500, boarding with stairs, airline amenity, giving up your seat, turbofan failures, not ditching, airport therapy animals.

JetBlue and Frontier eye Spirit Airlines, Air France B777 and DHL 757 make emergency landings, Collier Trophy winner announced, some airlines replacing regional flights with buses, Boston shuts down crash pad.

Max Trescott and Rob Mark share some scary piloting moments.

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and how it is being made available, how you can save on airline tickets, an F-35 shoots down a drone, and the eighth anniversary of the loss of flight MH370.

Designing an airline livery and celebrating the 400th episode of the Plane Talking UK podcast.

Bye Aerospace electric airplane, AeroShark aircraft skin, Collier Trophy finalists, hydrogen fuel-powered engine, lasers pointed at aircraft, F-35C crash video leakers, closing the airspace.

Flight data aggregation site ADSBexchange, lawmakers want civil action against Boeing, Nexflix releases 737 MAX documentary, United Aviate Academy will fly Cirrus, electric/gas hybrid plane, aircraft technology export, FAA Administrator to leave, autonomous helicopter.

Managing a runway rehabilitation project and minimizing the effects on operators, the airport, and the public. In the news, airports are hamstrung in dealing with drone threats, handling emergency landings, some Boeing 737 Max charges are dropped, and North Atlantic tracks below FL330. Guest Paul H. Bradbury, P.E. is the airport director for the Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Portland, Maine.  The Jetport is planning a runway rehabilitation project that will see 34,000 tons of asphalt removed and replaced over 27.5 acres of pavement. A runway lighting upgrade will require 19.7 miles of wire and over 5,000 flights will be affected as the primary runway is closed for two months. The airport has been working with operators and the public to minimize the impact. Paul explains the difference between runway maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. We learn about the pavement management plan that includes an assessment of runway condition. Also, the difference between concrete and asphalt runways, and how the paving contractor was selected. 90% of this project was funded through the Airport Improvement Program. Beyond the runway rehabilitation project, Paul brings us up to date on the Jetport’s de-icing fluid recovery process that allows them to resell the fluid to other airports. The Jetport is the only airport in the U.S. doing this. Other topics in our conversation with Paul include Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), drone incursions at airports, unruly passengers, and flight diversions. Portland jetport’s primary runway to close for nearly 2 months this spring Runway 11-29 Rehabilitation Project website Paul was appointed the airport director in 2008 and is responsible for the overall management, operations, and planning for the Portland International Jetport. He’s a licensed professional engineer with a B.S. in Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Paul is an avid runner, triathlete, and snowmobiler. Aviation News Airports face legal, policy hurdles in countering chronic drone threat Airports around the world have been plagued by drone incursions, but the actions they can take are very limited. The non-profit, FAA-funded National Safe Skies Alliance issued a report in September 2021 titled “Airport Response to Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Threats.” [PDF] Both passive and active counter-drone technology exists, but in the U.S., only four federal agencies can use them: the Departments of Defense, Energy, Homeland Security, and Justice. Is This The Worst Airline Passenger of 2022, So Far? Frontier Airlines flight 1335 from New York to Orlando had to make an emergency landing in North Carolina. A passenger was convinced the woman in the seat behind him was stabbing him with needles and stealing his DNA. When the man started harassing others, six passengers restrained him and tied him down to his seat. Local police were waiting at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Two Charges Against Former Boeing 737 Max Chief Technical Pilot Dismissed The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas Fort Worth Division dismissed two counts against former Boeing Chief Technical Pilot Mark Forkner. In the counts, Forkner was alleged to have “knowingly and with the intent to defraud, made and used a materially false writing, entry, certification, document, record, data plate, label, and electronic communication concerning an aircraft part.” The judge wrote, “Because MCAS is not an aircraft ‘part’ as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 3l(a)(7), the indictment fails to allege an offense that Defendant violated § 38(a)(1)(C).” Forkner still has counts on wire fraud. The trial is scheduled for March 2022. Why Are North Atlantic Tracks Below FL330 Being Scrapped? The North Atlantic Organised Track System (NAT-OTS), popularly called the North Atlantic Tracks, are flight path tracks flown by airlines between North America and Europe. The tracks are created daily and take into account the prevailing jet streams. Starting March 1, 2022, operators can fly outside North Atlantic Tracks if they stay below 33,000 feet. Airlines will have more flexibility to fly more efficient routes and produce fewer emissions. This is made possible by the Aireon satellite-based ADS-B system. American Helicopter Museum Airplane Geeks listeners can enjoy a one-year individual membership at a 50% discount. For $25.00 (normally $50.00) you get: Unlimited admission to the Museum for one year, including the March 4 event, “The Helicopter and the Presidency.”Two One-Day Guest Passes.Admission to FamilyFest and SantaFest.Invitations to Member Receptions.10% discount on gift shop purchases. The offer is good through May 31, 2022, at this link. Mentioned HermesTM 900 StarLiner [PDF] Hosts this Episode Max Flight, David Vanderhoof, Max Trescott, Main(e) Man Micah

Guest Charlie Bolden is a former NASA administrator, astronaut, and naval aviator. Also, first production Falcon 6X arrives, Air Force accidents decline, FAA proposes autopilot training change, Frontier and Spirit propose merger, Delta wants federal no-fly list.

An aircraft type club executive director talks about training and air safety. 737 MAX lands in Antarctica, GA accidents, business aviation strong, B-52H journey, F-35C crash, Qatar Airways.

Aviation family life with Pilot Wife Podcast, Northern Pacific Airways CEO, B777 close call, low-vis landings, airline seat standards, flier mileage dispute, service reductions, stealth fighter coating, aircraft assisting Tonga.

Airline customer service story, conversation with Cranky Flier, leaded aviation fuel proposal, next-generation lav, infant safety inflight, Learjets, ground stop, lasers on FedEx, busted TFR.

With Benét Wilson from The Points Guy. Boeing questioned on 737 MAX, ghost flights, Airbus lawsuit, Sikorsky CH-53K helicopters, bad behavior, 5G deal, pilot awarded $2 million, plane crashes then hit by train.

An air race champion and CEO of an aircraft management company describes the business. Also, flight cancellations, 737 MAX flights to resume in Ethiopia and Indonesia, more 5G drama, adaptive cycle engines for military applications.

Advanced air mobility with Honeywell Aerospace, 5G cellular NOTAMs, PLAY comes to the U.S., airline execs speak to U.S. Senate, Lufthansa to St. Louis, component shortages, the Australia Desk.

Flying Blind: The 737 MAX Tragedy and the Fall of Boeing. Also, 5G concerns, new Boeing 787 production chief named, bill to limit airline fees, Air Force aircraft retirements, Finland selects F-35, no more astronaut wings for space tourists.

The Founder and CEO of ParaFlight and OrganFlights speaks about life-saving organ transplant flights. In the news, sustainable aviation fuel for BA, Captain Sully heads to ICAO, new NOTAM acronym, Beech Denali first flight, viruses and commercial aviation, in-flight relief devices, the F/A-18 in RAAF service.

Startup airline Airbahn, Boeing’s Canadian fighter bid, 5G, what people try to bring on airlines, iPhone on the runway, Australian water landing, A350 peeling paint, a possible single-pilot freighter.

The experiences of an F-14 Naval Aviator, Rolls-Royce electric airplane, F-35B crash, flight attendant bonuses, flying drunk, open rotor engine demonstrator.

Erika Armstrong on teaching the next generation of pilots. GE to split into 3 companies, details of the MD-87 crash, Boeing 737 MAX liability, Northeast Alliance, Australia Desk, MotoArt/Plane Tag festival.

Aviation espionage, crew assault by the pilot, 5G delay, airports and drones, unleaded fuel approvals, faked inflight emergency, infrastructure bill, Southwest trip report.

Green aviation, airline flight cancellations, flight automation, F-15EX engine competition, 5G interference, possible national no-fly list for unruly passengers, and the 2021 Pacific Air Show.

Our guest is a Boeing 787 Captain. In the news, an MD-87 accident, Piedmont Airlines flight attendants, flight statistics, airline tickets from a vending machine, Alitalia flight attendants, hypersonic passenger plane, new LAX parking structure.

NBAA-BACE, HondaJet 2600 Concept Light Jet, Cirrus Vision Jet, Diamond all-electric trainer, KC-46 tanker, airline ticket refunds, smuggling, Australia News Desk.

Report from Cranky Dorkfest 2021 where avgeeks meet at LAX to socialize and spot planes.

The Planes of Fame Air Museum, Delta’s contract for sustainable aviation fuel, United’s cargo-only flights, Qatar Airways’ profits, British Airways’ offer for pilots to fly for Qatar.

Leonardo AW609 Tiltrotor, United tail strike, FAA flight training policy, antitrust suit over American Airlines-JetBlue alliance, industry-wide no-fly list,Rolls-Royce wins B-52 re-engine contract.

Pilot mental health, aerial tanker competition, Rolls-Royce electric airplane, X-Wing at the Smithsonian, 737 MAX criminal charge, Cranky Dorkfest, emergency landings, gifts for flight attendants, checked baggage.

Aerial sports broadcasting with Winged Vision, Emirates A380 plans, Scaled Composites Loyal Wingman, diverted ticket security fees, electric motor for aircraft propulsion, eVTOL company founder wants to fly first.

Daedalean AI-based flight control software for pilot assist and eventual autonomous flight, a Boeing 737MAX flight report, and a travel report after flying United to Germany.

Avelo Airlines trip report and route changes, conversation with the CEO of Crew Dog Electronics. Also, Piedmont pilots eligible for bonuses, FAA Zero Tolerance for Unruly and Dangerous Behavior Toolkit, late-night TV hosts roast Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines cuts flights.

Mike Busch, founder and CEO of Savvy Aviation, talks about aircraft maintenance. Also, calling up the Civil Reserve Air Fleet, United Airlines says no duct tape, and unhappy Southwest Airlines pilots.

Airline recovery, electric aviation, duct tape, preliminary NTSB report, upgraded F35 engine, A330 take off from taxiway, X-59 QueSST jet.

Spirit Airlines cancels flights, American Airlines free Tik Tok, cargo plane returns with a fire indication, GA gallery coming to the Smithsonian, aviation jet fuel shortages.

Continued coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021 with the National Air Transportation Association, teTra Aviation, Pod-A-Palooza, and EAA Radio.

A roundtable at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021 recorded at the Theater in the Woods.

Interviews from the Spurwink Farm fly-in and pancake breakfast held July 11, 2021 at the Spurwink Farm Airfield in Maine.

Bambi Buckets carried by helicopters for aerial firefighting, cargo jet wreckage found, Branson in space, F-35A wins Swiss competition, Germany buys P-8A, China export fighters, supersonic transports, F/A defense training.

On July 4, 2021, our friend and Airplane Geeks reporter-at-large Launchpad Marzari was killed when his Focke-Wulf FWP-149D crashed while enroute from New Braunfels Regional Airport to Skylark Field in Killeen, Texas.

Jet fighter cockpit experiences, Amazon Air turboprops, B777X certification, 4K flight data recorder, Virgin Galactic commercial flights, exiting the aircraft.

Helping youngsters in aviation, just one pilot on flight deck, A350 freighter, growing travel demand, new Air Force One plane delay, KC-Y bridge tanker, open rotor engine.

Airshow incident response, airport eatery, flight simulation, and the EAA Young Eagles Program.

The World Championship Air Race launches in 2022, Aerion falters while Boom Supersonic flourishes, the 2020 Robert J. Collier Trophy winner, the P&WC PT6A turns 60, American Airlines diversion due to lack of water.

Avelo Airlines flight report, Redbird Flight Simulation, Pilot Nicki, covert Ravens program, Commemorative Air Force, USAF Aerial Targets Squadron, Flying Musicians Association, sustainable jet fuel commentary.

A tri-wing jet concept, a court ruling and flight instruction, aviation fuel supply vulnerability, more baggage falling out of airplanes, Flying Tiger Line Flight 739, and an Across the Pond segment.