Airplane Geeks Podcast

A new Chinese ekranoplan is spotted, the Air India Flight AI171 black boxes, a Ryanair Boeing 737 evacuation, Essential Air Service subsidies, exploding soda cans on Southwest Airlines flights, and keeping your shoes on at the TSA checkpoint. Aviation News Full Photo of New Chinese Ekranoplan Breaks Cover A photograph published on Chinese social media shows a Chinese ekranoplan, a wing-in-ground-effect vehicle that resembles an airplane but typically flies over water, supported by the air between its wings and the surface. Previously In China Builds New Large Jet-Powered Ekranoplan, Naval News published a photograph showing a portion of a vehicle that appeared to be an ekranoplan. New we have a view of the entire airframe on the water. China’s new ekranoplan. (Image credit: Chinese social media, via X) Air India plane crash investigation: Lawyers oppose sending black box abroad The Khaleej Times reports that a group of Indian lawyers have notified the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Air India, and Boeing India, urging that the investigation remain entirely under Indian jurisdiction. They argue that sending the black boxes from Air India Flight AI171 to foreign entities could compromise the transparency and independence of the investigation. The black boxes were flown to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) lab in Delhi for analysis. Indian and NTSB experts were present. 18 Passengers Injured As False Fire Alarm Prompts Emergency Evacuation Of Ryanair Boeing 737 After a fire alarm activated on a Ryanair Boeing 737, a chaotic passenger evacuation ensued, resulting in 18 passengers being injured, including six who were taken to local hospitals. The evacuation took place on the tarmac at Palma Airport on the Spanish Island of Mallorca. Passengers evacuated the plane via emergency slides, as well as onto the wings. See also: Ryanair Boeing 737 Fire Triggers Wing Evacuation at Palma Airport, 18 Injured. President Trump wants to slash subsidies for small airports across rural America Congress created the Essential Air Service (or EAS) in 1978 as part of the Airline Deregulation Act. The EAS was designed to ensure that small and rural communities would continue to receive a minimum level of scheduled commercial air service after deregulation. Initially authorized for a ten-year term, it is now permanently authorized by Congress. About 180 airports benefit from EAS funding. See: Current List of Eligible EAS Communities (Excluding Alaska & Hawaii) [PDF]. Estimates of EAS spending vary between approximately $200 million and $394 million due to differences in how the program's funding is categorized, the inclusion of both discretionary and mandatory appropriations, and variations in budget requests versus enacted appropriations. Southwest Airlines Explains What’s [sic] It’s Doing To Tackle The Curious Case Of The Exploding Soda Cans Previously, we talked about exploding soda cans on Southwest Airlines flights that mysteriously exploded and injured flight attendants. It was observed that Southwest didn’t chill its in-flight supplies, and the cans could sit for hours in the heat before being moved onto the plane. Since then, Southwest started using 60 refrigerated vehicles in Phoenix and Las Vegas, with the possible addition to the catering fleet in Dallas and Houston. Also, the crew has infrared guns to check soda can temperature. Numerous Outlets Are Citing TikTok for a TSA Rule Change on Shoes, but What Does TSA Say? Several media outlets report that as of July 7, 2025, the TSA has made a significant policy change and all travelers, regardless of PreCheck status, will now be allowed to keep their shoes on during security screening. As we recorded this episode, reports were inconsistent and the TSA had not published an official statement. See: You Can Finally Keep Your Shoes On—TSA’s 23-Year Airport Security Rule Ended Today.

Guest Scott Hamilton is fresh from the Paris Air Show, and we talk about next-generation aircraft and engines, industry sustainability, the supply chain, and Boeing’s path back. Also, an NTSB safety recommendation for the CFM Leap-1B engine, and the possibility of restarting production of the C-17. Guest Scott Hamilton Scott Hamilton is the Founder and Managing Director of Leeham Company and has spent more than four decades in the commercial aviation industry. Leeham News and Analysis has been a go-to source for spotting trends and providing verified, credible, relevant aviation news that’s impartial and unbiased. Leeham Consulting Services provides expertise in several areas, including aircraft economic analysis, lease and return condition analysis and negotiations, aircraft product and strategy analysis, fleet planning and contract negotiations, market demand analysis, and MRO strategy. In our conversation with Scott, we looked at some of the technologies that may appear in next-generation aircraft. That includes ducted and unducted engines, as well as developments with geared fans. In public, the OEMs tout their own technology choices, but in reality, they are quietly working on multiple options. We touch on Boeing’s ability to make the financial investment required to proceed with a single-aisle replacement, and on the company’s path to recovery. Scott provides some observations on this year’s Paris Air Show, including the low-key participation by Boeing. Scott offers his thoughts on electric aircraft, alternative fuels, and the airline industry goal for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Scott’s book, Air Wars: The Global Combat Between Airbus and Boeing, was published in 2021. This coming September, a sequel titled The Rise and Fall of Boeing and the Way Back will be published and available on Amazon. Follow Leham News and Analysis on X, Bluesky, and Facebook. Aviation News Boeing Calls For Next-Gen Engine Info For Future Single Aisle Boeing issued a request for information (RFI) to engine manufacturers for advanced ducted propulsion systems in the 30,000-lb-thrust class. That thrust class is suitable for powering a future single-aisle replacement for the 737. Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney are likely to respond to the RFI with geared, ducted turbofans, which they are proposing to Airbus for its next-generation single aisle (NGSA). CFMI will likely respond with a ducted engine based on technology from its Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engine (RISE) unducted open fan program. Engine makers tout “Plan A” but have “Plan B” backups in R&D Each engine OEM has a vision for future engines (open fan, ducted fan, geared fan), but is each company also developing an alternative at the same time? PW’s sister company, Pratt & Whitney Canada, has publicly disclosed its development of an Open Fan engine for a new 70-100-seat aircraft designed by the start-up company MAEVE Aerospace. See: Maeve Redesigns Its Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft MAEVE Aerospace concept. NTSB issues rare safety bulletin about potential issues with Boeing 737 Max engines Two bird strike incidents in 2023 with CFMI LEAP-1B engines caused smoke to enter the ventilation system. The NTSB has issued an urgent safety bulletin, asking operators to inform flight crews of the potential hazard and calling for modifications to engine software. The NTSB notes that Boeing has revised flight manuals. GE Aerospace says it had already made changes. See: NTSB Recommends Modifications to LEAP-1B Engines The NTSB found that the engine load reduction device, or LRD, a safety feature designed to reduce the severity of vibrations transmitted from a damaged engine to the airframe, can result in damage to the engine oil system. Such a condition can allow smoke from hot oil to enter the ventilation system and ultimately the cockpit or passenger cabin. Boeing in Talks to Restart C-17 Production

The Air India B787 fatal crash and the ram air turbine, how your personal travel data is sold, next generation commercial aircraft engines, personal electric flying machines that are becoming dangerously affordable, and GippsAero is coming back to Australia to build the GA8 airvan. Aviation News Indian authorities begin investigating Air India crash in which 1 passenger survived India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the fatal crash of an Air India B787. Of the 242 passengers and crew aboard, one passenger survived. Numerous theories are being speculated in the press, including loss of power by both engines, failure to set the flaps properly for takeoff, and erroneously retracting the flaps instead of the landing gear. Some say the Ram Air Turbine appears to be deployed in one video. The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) extends from the fuselage or the wing to generate power in an emergency. Twin blades [corrected] spin a shaft connected to either an electrical generator or a hydraulic pump that drives a generator. The B787, A320, and A380 Ram Air Turbines are produced by Collins Aerospace. The company manufactures hydraulic, electric, and hybrid RATs that generate both electric and hydraulic power. Safran also produces Ram Air Turbines. Ram Air Turbine. Image courtesy Collins Aerospace. US Navy Vought RF-8G Crusader on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM) Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly, Virginia. Airlines Secretly Sold One Billion Passenger Records—Now The Government Can Track Where You Travel The Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) is a major provider of settlement services for the airline industry. Clients include airlines, travel agencies, and corporate travel departments. ARC is owned by the airlines and sells passenger names, full domestic flight itineraries, and payment details (e.g., credit card used) through its “Travel Intelligence Program” (TIP). Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is reportedly purchasing this data. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) is critical of this practice and wants airlines to explain why they allow ARC to resell this information. CBP claims they adhere to strong privacy policies, and only use the data for open investigations. Open Fan Would Be Suboptimal On Narrowbody, RTX Chief Scientist Says The next generation of single-aisle aircraft will need to offer at least a 20% fuel burn improvement. Some of that will likely come from the airframe, and most will come from the power plants. The next generation of turbofans under development includes the CFM International open-fan RISE demonstrator and geared turbofans from Pratt & Whitney. Thermal efficiency vs. propulsive efficiency: Thermal efficiency measures how effectively an engine converts fuel energy into mechanical work. Propulsive efficiency measures how efficiently the engine converts mechanical energy into useful thrust. Both are dimensionless ratios, typically expressed as a percentage (%). The overall efficiency of the engine is the propulsive efficiency multiplied by the thermal efficiency. Mentioned American Helicopter Museum UAV News Talk Freakonomics Airplane Food Spurwink Farm Pancake Breakfast and Fly-In Personal electric flying machines are becoming dangerously affordable Aerolite EV-103  Video: Aerolite EV-103 Electric powered aircraft - First Owner Review at Oshkosh 2021 https://youtu.be/DIaD71KOAdU?si=FTHeEU87xsSjcbto SP140 electric paramotor  GippsAero promises Gippsland jobs with new GA8 airvan launch Hosts this Episode Max Flight, David Vanderhoof, and our Main(e) Man Micah.

We speak with the Chief Pilot for a large European carrier about taking delivery of his airline’s first A321XLR, and with a fractional ownership pilot about changing from the Phenom to the Challenger Global 300. In the news, we look at lifting the supersonic flight ban, revamping the Army flight school, denying an unleaded avgas motion, reforming flight delay compensation, and considering the Fire Boss air tractor for fighting wildfires Guests Captain Al Evan is the Chief Pilot for a large European low-cost carrier. He was the Airbus and Pratt & Whitney liaison for the delivery of his airline’s first P&W-powered A321XLR.  Captain Al and Micah Stephen Ivey is a pilot for a large fractional ownership company. He recently changed from the Phenom to the Challenger Global 300. Stephen Ivey Aviation News U.S. Lifts 50-Year Ban on Supersonic Overland Flights Supersonic flight by civilian aircraft over the U.S. was originally banned in 1973 due to concerns about sonic boom noise pollution and potential damage on the ground. However, on June 6, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the FAA to repeal the ban and replace it with an interim noise-based certification standard.  The Order instructs the FAA Administrator to establish a standard for supersonic aircraft noise certification that considers community acceptability, economic reasonableness, and technological feasibility. Army revamps flight school after deadly crashes The U.S. Army is overhauling pilot training to focus on fundamental skills. The change in 2013 from TH-67 training aircraft to the LUH-72A Lakota helicopters contributed to the need for training adjustments. The Army determined that the quick advancement of inexperienced crews was leading to unsafe situations. The Army is considering outsourcing pilot training to a contractor-owned-and-operated schoolhouse. Judge Denies G100UL Motion A California judge ruled that GAMI’s G100UL is not "commercially available" and therefore cannot be mandated for sale in California to replace leaded aviation fuel. This comes after a motion by the Center for Environmental Health to enforce a 2014 consent agreement that says FBOs and distributors must sell a lower lead alternative that is “commercially available.” The judge ruled that the fuel must first be universally available to all piston-powered aircraft. There must be a “general consensus” from the industry and potential customers that the fuel is safe and appropriate for their use. Europe Flight Delay Compensation Reform Coming, And It’s Bad News The European Union's flight delay compensation policy EC261 (sometimes called EU261), has been unchanged since 2014. Some EU transport ministers have been discussing reforms where passengers would have to experience longer delays before being eligible for compensation.  Currently, compensation ranges from €250 to €600: €250 compensation if you’re delayed by at least two hours for flights under 1,500km (930 miles). €400 compensation if you’re delayed by at least three hours for flights of 1,500-3,500km (930-2,200 miles). €600 compensation if you’re delayed by at least four hours for flights over 3,500km (2,200 miles). A new proposal would: Provide €300 compensation if you’re delayed at least four hours for flights under 3,500 km. Provide €500 compensation if you’re delayed at least six hours for flights over 3,500 km. See DOT’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard. What is a Fire Boss? The agriculture aircraft that doubles as a water bomber Dave Frisch, the president of Portage Aircraft Specialties Ltd., sells Air Tractors designed for agricultural spraying. He says that if you add specially designed floats, these aircraft become a type of water bomber known as the Fire Boss. Being a small aircraft, the Fire Boss can scoop water out of smaller bodies of water and get into tighter spaces.

The International Rocket Engineering Competition, a tentative contract for the United Airlines flight attendants, the proposed NASA funding cut, planes that nearly collide at LAX, and a bill to prohibit chemtrails. Also, the Spurwink Farm fly-in, the Angelo State University aviation bachelor program, an aviation mechanic website, and launching satellites from F-4 Phantoms. International Rocket Engineering Competition Guests Steve Taylor, President of the Experimental Sounding Rocket Association (ESRA), Brahm Soltes, the ESRA volunteer who coordinates with the FAA, and Logan Herrera, the ESRA Media Director. ESRA is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 to foster and promote engineering knowledge and experience in rocketry. The organization’s primary focus is to provide opportunities for academic groups to compete in aerospace challenges. ESRA hosts the annual International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC), the largest university rocket competition in the world. Around 150 teams compete in high-altitude categories with either custom-designed or off-the-shelf propulsion using solid, liquid, or hybrid motors. The scoring system considers engineering report quality and flight performance. Categories are 10,000 ft, 30,000 ft, and 45,000 ft altitude targets. This year’s IREC competition is June 9-14, 2025, at Spaceport Midland, Texas, and the event will be live-streamed. Video: Get Ready for Madness in Midland Texas https://youtu.be/DpheAYmdufI?si=OSNWnVbD8HNLrlK5 FAA Part 101 governs amateur rockets, and the process for obtaining an FAA waiver starts with identifying the launch area and completing Form FAA 7711-2 - Certificate of Waiver or Authorization Application. ESRA worked with the FAA Regional Service Center and the Office of Commercial Space Transportation to determine and minimize the impact on the airspace. Affected Air Route Traffic Control Centers were identified and the waiver obtained by ESRA authorizes an airspace cylinder to 100,000 feet. The multidisciplinary teams competing in IREC get hands-on experience and learn by doing. The Tripoli Rocket Association provides the training and certification required to launch rockets in this power class and mentors the teams. Rocket motor provider Aerotech provides on-site support, although some teams make their own propulsion system. Experimental Sounding Rocket Association YouTube Channel NASAspaceflight.com Kennedy Space Center upcoming events Aviation News Inside United’s ‘Game-Changing’ Flight Attendant Deal: Raises, Retro Pay, and Hotel Upgrades United Airlines and the flight attendants' union have agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement. The deal, which requires membership approval, includes wage increases, retroactive pay in the form of a “retro bonus,” boarding pay, no new scheduling system, layover improvements, and preserved healthcare benefits. The membership votes July 7-29, 2025. Trump's 2026 budget would slash NASA funding by 24% and its workforce by nearly one-third NASA budget funding would be cut from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion for fiscal year 2026, which starts Oct. 1, 2025. NASA science funding would be cut by 47% next year, to $3.9 billion, affecting 41 science projects. United plane makes wrong turn, nearly colliding with other flight mid-air: FAA Two planes departing from San Francisco International Airport’s parallel runways came within 1,950 feet of lateral separation, and 275 feet of vertical separation. The FAA is investigating. Louisiana lawmakers push ‘chemtrail’ ban legislation through the House Louisiana Bill SB46 provides that, “No person shall intentionally inject, release, apply, or disperse, by any means, a chemical, chemical compound, substance, or apparatus into the atmosphere within the borders of this state for the express purpose of affecting the temperature, weather, climate, or intensity of sunlight.

Southwest Airlines files to fly to all Open Skies countries, the TSA explains last year’s New Jersey drone scare, a Lufthansa A321 flew for 10 minutes without a pilot at the controls, sleep and fatigue in military aviation, a new direction for the Boeing criminal charge, and lithium-ion fires onboard airplanes. Also, a resurrected aviation podcast and a brand new one. Aviation News Southwest Airlines seeks permission to expand international network Southwest Airlines filed a request with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to fly international routes to all countries with Open Skies agreements. That would include European countries, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The airline has not confirmed specific new routes yet. International air travel is governed by bilateral and multilateral agreements between countries, and so airlines need economic authority from the DOT. These Open Skies treaties set the terms for airlines to operate between nations, including route rights, frequency, and capacity. See: U.S. Air Carriers and International Economic Authority from the DOT. Economic Authority is authorized by the Office of the Secretary of Transportation in the form of a certificate for interstate or foreign passenger and/or cargo authority. Newly Released Documents Show What the Feds Knew About the New Jersey Drone Scare In December 2024, the President said the “drone” sightings were "nothing nefarious." Congress received a classified briefing indicating no threat to the public, but the FAA imposed flight restrictions. At the time, TSA presented an internal slideshow (“official use only”) showing four incidents as normal air traffic. That slideshow is now publicly available. Lufthansa Jet Flew 10 Minutes With No Pilot at Controls After Cockpit Emergency Spanish investigators say the Captain on Lufthansa flight LH1140, an A321, took a toilet break, and then the First Officer in the cockpit suffered a “sudden and severe” incapacitation. The Captain had difficulty getting through the security door and the plane flew for 10 minutes without anyone at the controls. Report to Congress on Sleep and Fatigue in Military Aviation The report titled Management of Sleep and Fatigue in Military Aviation [PDF] was published by the Congressional Research Service on May 13, 2025, and examines the effects of sleep deprivation and its impact on operational readiness and aviation safety. The report highlights that military aviators face significant psychological and physiological demands, which can lead to sleep deprivation and fatigue. These conditions are exacerbated by factors such as unpredictable schedules, long-duty days, challenging flight conditions, and disruptions to circadian rhythms due to crossing multiple time zones. Research has shown that sleep deprivation negatively affects cognitive, physical, and emotional functioning, increasing the risk of accidents in training and combat environments. To mitigate these risks, the Department of Defense employs both non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies. Non-pharmacological measures include administrative policies that limit duty hours, regulate flight schedules, and educate aviators on the importance of sleep. Pharmacological measures, such as FDA-approved medications, are used selectively when behavioral strategies are insufficient. The report also discusses congressional considerations regarding fatigue management policies and their effectiveness in ensuring aviator safety and mission success. US proposes dropping Boeing criminal charge In an online meeting, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) officials told families of the 737 Max crash victims that the Government may allow Boeing to sign a non-prosecution agreement to settle the case. This would avoid the criminal fraud trial scheduled to begin on June 23, 2025. An earlier settlement agreement was rejected by a judge. A DOJ official said after the meeting that a decis...

Aviation maintenance training with the Chennault Aviation Maintenance Academy Director of Education, and with the Director of Maintenance for Chennault Aviation Services. In the news, more Newark Airport air traffic control problems, a large IAG order for Boeing and Airbus jets, calls to abolish airport screening, and Qatar’s B747-8 gift. Guests Michael Riccardelli, Director of Education, Chennault Aviation Maintenance Academy (CAMA), and  Joshua Borel, Director of Maintenance, Chennault Aviation Services. CAMA offers hands-on aviation maintenance training that combines technical excellence with real-world experience and is rooted in the legacy of General Claire Lee Chennault and the Flying Tigers. The Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program is designed both for people starting a career, and for those looking to take a new direction. It provides the skills, knowledge, and certifications for success in aviation maintenance. Mike and Josh tell us about the non-profit Aerospace Maintenance Council and the Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition, which recognizes and celebrates the aviation maintenance technician. The competition is held annually in conjunction with Aviation Week Network’s MRO Americas and, for the first time in 2025, in conjunction with Vertical Aviation International's VERTICON. Chennault Aviation was a sponsor of both events. CAMA offers three programs: the traditional 18-month classroom program, self-paced A&P online training, and Choose Aerospace, which is offered through the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) for juniors and seniors in high schools. Joshua Borel, Michael Riccardelli, and Casey Salzar. Mike and Josh explain the worldwide shortage of aviation maintenance technicians and how they are taking action to help get younger people interested in aviation. They also describe the synergy provided when one location encompasses maintenance training, flight training, and an operating airport. Michael Riccardelli was a CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopter technician in the Marine Corps and received his A&P in 1991. He assisted NASA in the Columbia recovery operations and maintained helicopters in the oil and gas industry, as well as EMS helicopters for Air Evac Lifeteam. Mike started aviation maintenance instructing in 2011. He coached student aviation maintenance skills teams for 12 years, with multiple wins in various competitions, including the Aerospace Maintenance Competition. He fielded the first all-female student aviation maintenance skills team, which took first place. Joshua Borel flew model airplanes from the age of 8. He joined the Air Force in 2011 as a C-5 Galaxy ISO (heavy inspection) Crew Chief, winning two Knuckle Buster awards. In 2016, Josh enrolled in the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, winning 1st in the 2017 PAMA Olympics, 2nd in the 2017 AMC School Category, and 1st in the 2018 AMC School Category. He graduated in February 2018 with A&P as class Valedictorian. Joshua joined Chennault Aviation while it was just a Part 61 flight school. He received his PPL in 2021 and became Director of Maintenance in 2022. He helped grow the company into not only a flight school, but a Part 135 Charter, a Part 147 A&P School, and a public airport. Aviation News Newark Liberty Airport suffers third system outage in less than 2 weeks, impacting hundreds of flights Another week of delays and cancellations caused by a system outage. This time, a 45-minute ground stop was reportedly the result of a momentary failure of a backup system. Controller staffing remains a problem, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the number of flights will be cut. IAG orders 71 long-haul jets split between Airbus and Boeing IAG announced orders for 33 aircraft from Airbus and 38 from Boeing: Thirty-two 787-10 aircraft for British Airways, twenty-one A330-900neo aircraft, six Airbus A350-900s, six A350-1000s, and six 777-9s.

The Vulcanair V1 training aircraft will be built in a new US manufacturing facility and offered as an affordable option for flight schools. In the news, air traffic control problems at Newark and government actions, the impacts of tariffs on commercial aviation, a call for in-cockpit video recorders, the timely availability of weather forecasts for aviation, Real ID goes live, and wildlife at airports. The V1 trainer, courtesy Vulcanair. Guest Stephen Pope is the Director of Communications for Vulcanair Aircraft North America. Vulcanair is establishing a manufacturing facility in the US and plans to make the Vulcanair V1 trainer aircraft affordable for flight schools.  Steve describes the history of the company and how it optimized the V1 model piston airplane for the US flight training market. The V1 is similar to the Cessna 172, but costs less and is easier to maintain. To address the problem of very old training aircraft at flight schools that are expensive to replace, Vulcanair has formed a leasing company that will offer the V1 to schools for $79 per hour. Vulcanair plans to cover the cost of engine and propeller overhauls. Vulcanair is building a factory in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, with a planned opening date of September 2025. It is sized to produce up to 100 aircraft per year, and the workforce will come from area military veterans. The facility will serve as the main parts hub in the US. After the opening, Vulcanair will build five aircraft for production certification, which they hope to receive in 1Q2026. Vulcanair Aircraft was established in 1996 with private capital to become a General Aviation manufacturer worldwide. Between 1996 and 1998, Vulcanair purchased all the assets, type designs, trademarks, and rights of Partenavia and the SF600 Series Program, including type certificates, tooling, and rights from Siai Marchetti. Vulcanair Aircraft introduced modern tools, a modern organization, and a world-class engineering team to enable aircraft design upgrades and improvements. Vulcanair Aircraft North America is the corporate identity for Ameravia Inc., which was founded in 2015 to serve as the U.S. distributor for Vulcanair aircraft. The company has expanded its operations by offering the P68 line of twin piston- and turbine-engine aircraft, and the V1 single-engine training aircraft. Before joining Vulcanair Aircraft North America, Steve was an Aircraft Sales Counselor with LifeStyle Aviation and a sales and marketing executive with Spectro | Jet-Care. He was Editor in Chief at Flying Magazine, as well as Editor at Business Jet Traveler. Aviation News House Panel Approves $12.5 Billion Boost in ATC Funding The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee added $12.5 billion for air traffic control modernization and controller funding. At the same time, the Committee dropped grants for sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen, and other low-emission technology projects. A provision that would have prohibited the use of funds to privatize or sell portions of the ATC system was voted down.  See: House Panel To Consider $15B ATC Boost, SAF Grant Cuts and The FAA wants to hire more air traffic controllers, but that won’t happen overnight. United removes 35 round-trip flights per day from Newark Airport schedule as travel woes continue Some air traffic controllers walked off the job after systems went down. Runway construction and a lack of controllers contributed to the flight cancellations. United CEO Scott Kirby said, “This isn’t just about schedules or pay. It’s about a system on the brink of collapse.” See: Chaos grips Newark Airport as controllers walk out, exposing FAA crisis Major airlines deliver dire warning to Trump administration as grim new twist emerges in tariff drama Air France and Lufthansa reported that transatlantic bookings from Europe to the US are down in the first quarter of the year. The Financial Times reported that the total numbe...

A report from the Seattle Aerospace Bash, Boeing's strategic divestments, Avelo Airlines' controversial charter flights, Electra's innovative aircraft technology, Lockheed Martin's future fighter jet developments, and Boeing's reacquisition of Spirit AeroSystems. Seattle Aerospace Bash The Seattle Aerospace Bash (Formerly BBQ) was held April 5th, 2025, at the Museum of Flight View Room, in Seattle, Washington. Aerospace enthusiasts and geeks gathered to celebrate the year ahead in aviation and space. In addition to food, activities included an aerospace swap meet, a sticker/freebie table, Isaac Alexander’s aerospace trivia contest, and an aerospace raffle with various prizes. Isaac Alexander and participants at the Seattle Aerospace Bash. Brian Coleman spoke with organizer Isaac Alexander about the Seattle Aerospace Bash. Isaac is known as Jet City Star on many social media platforms, and he’s the Chief Content Officer at the Hype Aerospace Insights service. Brian also had a conversation with Brian Wiklem about aerospace memorabilia and the aviation documentaries he produces as a hobby. Find avgeektv on YouTube and at avgeektv.com. Freebies at the Seattle Aerospace Bash. Aviation News Boeing to Sell Portions of Digital Aviation Solutions to Thoma Bravo for $10.55 Billion Boeing has entered into a definitive agreement with software investment firm Thoma Bravo to sell portions of its Digital Aviation Solutions business. The all-cash transaction is valued at $10.55 billion. Thoma Bravo would acquire the assets of Jeppesen, ForeFlight, AerData, and OzRunways. Jeppesen provides flight planning tools, and navigation charts. It was acquired by Boeing in 2000. ForeFlight offers an electronic flight bag and was acquired in 2019. AerData specializes in lease management, engine fleet planning, and records management. It was acquired 2014. OzRunways produces an electronic flight bag and maps for drone operators in Australia. That company was acquired 2024. Boeing will retain Digital Aviation Solutions' fleet maintenance, diagnostics, and repair service elements. That organization currently employs approximately 3,900 people worldwide. Subject to regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025. Thoma Bravo has over US$179 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024. North Bay activists call for boycott of Avelo Airlines as it plans for ICE deportation flights Avelo Airlines previously announced it would operate deportation charter flights for the Department of Homeland Security. This sparked protests against the airline at Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in California, at Daytona Beach International Airport in Florida, and near Wilmington Airport in Delaware. Avelo Airlines generates profit by leveraging its ultra-low-cost carrier model. Key strategies include low operating costs, ancillary revenue, efficient fleet utilization, use of secondary airports, and lean staffing. Avelo’s Cost per Available Seat Mile (CASM), excluding fuel, is only 6.6 cents. CASM = Total Operating Costs / Available Seat Miles (ASM)  ASM is the number of available seats times the distance flown.  Typical CASM for different airline business models: 6-8 cents for ULCC 8-10 cents for LCC 13-17 cents for legacy carriers Electra raises $115m for ultra-short take-off and landing aircraft Electra.aero is developing the eight-engine hybrid-electric EL9 Ultra Short, a 9-passenger, high-wing aircraft. The company claims a 150-foot ground roll, 75 dBA at 300 feet, and 40% lower fuel burn. The target market is regional aircraft. The Ultra Short technology demonstrator is undergoing flight testing. The first eSTOL flight was May 16, 2024. Video: Electra First eSTOL Flight May 2024 https://youtu.be/esTykmreHuQ?si=1dRhyc5CSsWihtL2 John Langford is the founder and CEO of Electra.aero. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineer...

We speak with a KC-135 pilot and licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic who runs a business specializing in aircraft maintenance, avionics upgrades, and aircraft management. In the news, budget cuts at NOAA's Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Office, a ruling in the so-called “toxic uniform” lawsuit against American Airlines, wildlife hazards, the Swiss Global 7500 aircraft, ATC retirement age, and Air Force restrictions on pregnant pilots. A KC-135R Stratotanker taxis down the flight line in an alert response during a Nuclear Operational Readiness Exercise (NORE) at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee, April 6, 2025.(U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Jesse Hanson) Guest James Spearman is an aviation entrepreneur who owns James Spearman Aircraft LLC, an FAA Part 145 Repair Station specializing in aircraft maintenance, avionics upgrades, and aircraft management. He is also an active KC-135 Stratotanker pilot with the Tennessee Air National Guard who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in December 2024. James holds a CFI, A&P with Inspection Authorization (IA), and Seaplane ratings (ASES, AMEL, ASEL). He has over 1,000 flight hours in a range of aircraft, from the KC-135 Stratotanker to a Cessna 140, and holds type ratings in the Boeing 707, Boeing 720, Beechjet 400, and Mitsubishi MU-300. James graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Maintenance Management. In our conversation, James describes flying the KC-135 Stratotanker in a night-time combat mission and experiencing a loss of electrical power. He and his crew managed to compensate and return safely to base.  We also look at how he started his aircraft maintenance business, the type of work performed, and his commitment to a high-level white-glove service. James’ aircraft maintenance company works primarily on Cirrus airplanes, and he is also a Diamond Aircraft authorized service center, an Epic service center, and a Garmin avionics dealer. Seaplane discovery rides and ICON A5 training are offered through Iconic Air & Sea Adventures. James also produces the The James Spearman Show podcast. Eleven Airmen from the 134th Air Refueling Wing receive the Distinguished Flying Cross on December 7, 2024 at a ceremony on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Knoxville, Tennessee. The ceremony highlighted the critical role played by the recipients during a coordinated defense effort in response to one of the largest missile and drone attacks in history, when Iran launched a massive assault on Israel involving over 300 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial systems. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Ben Cash) Aviation News Stand Up for NOAA Research – The Time to Act is Now A Statement from the American Meteorological Society, in partnership with the National Weather Association, says “The administration's 2026 budget passback plan, currently under consideration, eliminates NOAA's Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Office and its 10 research laboratories and 16 affiliated Cooperative Institutes, and moves the few remaining research efforts to different NOAA departments. If enacted, the passback would close all of NOAA’s weather, climate, and ocean Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes.” The organizations are asking concerned citizens to reach out elected representatives and share concerns. Find Your Representative Find Your Senator Judge Throws Out ‘Toxic Uniform’ Lawsuit Against American Airlines After Nearly Eight Years Of Litigation The class action lawsuit, first filed in 2017, alleged that uniforms given by American Airlines to pilots, flight attendants, and other employees caused rashes, hives, breathing difficulties, and headaches. After nearly eight years, the federal judge threw out the lawsuit against American Airlines and former uniform manufacturer Twin Hill in a summary judgment,