825 Contrails

The U.S. Senate hearing on airline fees, a Boeing employee surveillance program, the judge rejects the 737 MAX plea deal, Airbus floats a cockpit idea for Extended Minimum Crew Operations (eMCO), and a study will look at how high-G flying might affect Naval fighter pilots. Also, ticket sales for EAA Air Venture Oshkosh and FlightSimExpo, Brian’s 2024 travels, fly-by-wire airplanes and smuggling Cessnas into Russia. Airline executives testify at a Senate Subcommittee. (Screen capture courtesy PBS NewsHour.) Aviation News US senators grill airline officials about fees for seats and checked bags The U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations held a hearing on December 4, 2024 about airline fees charged for baggage, seat selection, and other services. Executives representing American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines testified. Testimony included: Airline fees - Committee Chairman Sen. Richard Blumenthal consistently referred to these as “junk fees.” In opening remarks, airlines characterized fees as allowing the consumer to create and pay for the experience they want - unbundling. “Bag bounty” programs - Sen. Hawley was quite antagonistic. Frontier removed their program September 30 that paid gate attendants for checking carry-on bags. Pricing - The Senators wanted to know why personal information is collected before the ticket price is given and the use of dynamic pricing based on the personal data. They also (unsuccessfully) probed the airline executives for the cost of the services covered by fees, assuming that price is related to cost. Family seating - Sen Hassan and others argued for fee-free family seating and sometimes confused a fee and the ability to accommodate.  See the DOT Airline Family Seating Dashboard. DOT Airline Family Seating Dashboard Loyalty programs - Sen Marshall characterized credit card programs as being about “voodoo miles” and the revenue to the airlines as a “kickback.” Competition - Spirit Airlines Matthew Kline was very critical of legacy airlines saying Spirit is at a competitive disadvantage over slots. Also that the majors paid pilots to retire during Covid, then poached Spirit pilots when demand returned. Overall, there was bipartisan demand that the airlines change junk fee practices, and two people should not be charged different prices for the same service on the same flight. It was evident that AI was on the minds of all, with airlines starting to think about applications and Senators afraid of what the technology could do. Speaking for their respective airlines were  Steve Johnson, vice chair and chief strategy officer, American Airlines;  Peter Carter, chief external affairs officer, Delta Air Lines;  Andrew Nocella, EVP and chief commercial officer, United Airlines;  Robert Schroeter, SVP, chief commercial officer, Frontier Airlines;  and Matthew Klein, EVP and chief commercial officer, Spirit Airlines See also Airline executives blasted at Senate hearing over carrier fees Video: Airline executives testify on junk fees before Senate committee https://www.youtube.com/live/jYNbu7E8gj8?si=VygQRsTGV7J-BvLD Boeing cancels its workplace surveillance program, will remove sensors Boeing had started to install sensors “in ceiling tiles above workstations, conference rooms, and common areas.” The sensors included motion detectors, cameras, and light, heat, and noise detectors. Boeing the data on building use for “managing energy and space usage.” According to Boeing, the cameras could take only blurry photos and AI would analyze the occupancy of the space. Only aggregated data would be presented to management. After details of the program appeared in the Seattle Times, Boeing employees reacted as expected. Within a day, a Boeing email stated the program “has been canceled, and we are removing the sensors that have been installed.

An AI governance framework for aerospace and defense, airlines pad flight times and improve on-time performance, record numbers of travelers over the Thanksgiving holiday, stowaways on airline flights, and executive-level cost-cutting at Boeing. Guest Tim White is the Vice President of Engineering and Technology at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), where he advocates for the technical workforce to policymakers. In this role, he leads AIA staff and members in identifying, developing, and executing consensus programs and activities aimed at enhancing cost savings, performance, and efficiency within the aerospace and defense industry. AIA Unveils AI Flight Plan Documenting Best Practices for AI Governance in Aerospace The AIA released the AI Flight Plan, Best Practices for AI Governance in Aerospace, a first-of-its-kind document outlining comprehensive best practices for the governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) use for aerospace and defense. The framework outlines the elements of an AI governance program that targets three primary usages of AI in aerospace: Business operations enhancement Generative systems design and development Integration into customer-delivered products, software, and services. Tim has over 20 years of experience in operational and consulting roles within the aerospace and defense industry, having worked for companies such as Raytheon, Honeywell, and Bechtel. Throughout his career, he has contributed to commercial and defense products and held leadership positions in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality. Most recently, he has collaborated with advanced technology companies like Interos and Mosaic Data Sciences, focusing on delivering cutting-edge solutions in artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and digital transformation. Tim holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA from Brigham Young University, and a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from George Washington University. He is also certified in Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, and Change Leadership. Related articles: UK CAA announces new AI strategy for aviation sector IAG: How AI is Impacting the Aviation Industry GE Aerospace Develops AI Maintenance Records Tool Aviation News Airlines Are Padding Flight Times. It’s Not Your Imagination According to a NYT Upshot analysis of Bureau of Transportation Statistics data, airlines strategically add extra time to their flight schedules, effectively "padding" their flight durations. This leads to a higher percentage of flights arriving on time or early even if the actual flight time hasn't significantly changed. This improves airline on-time performance metrics. Jammed Thanksgiving Flights Push U.S. Air Travel to Record The Transportation Security Administration said it screened about 3.09 million people on Sunday, the peak of the busy Thanksgiving travel period. The previous record set in July was 3.01 million travelers. The TSA reports that their 10 busiest days were recorded in 2024. Stowaway caught after getting aboard Delta flight from New York City to Paris The woman, a U.S. resident, boarded a Delta flight from JFK to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and was discovered midair. She had been hiding out in the lavs and the flight attendants noticed the strange behavior. The TSA said the woman passed through a body scanner at JFK, evaded the document and ID check portion, had her bags scanned, proceeded to the gate, and snuck onto the flight. The Delta Paris Stowaway Incident Keeps Getting Stranger - The stowaway was a 57-year-old woman living in the Philadelphia area. She’s a Russian national who holds a US Green Card. She requested asylum in Paris, which was rejected. The woman was placed on a return flight but pulled off after a disruptive outburst. Is Delta the Official Airline of Stowaways? - This was not the only stowaway incident involving Delta Air Lines...

We talk to a youngster who sells the Polish Ekolot Special Light-Sport Aircraft. In the news, the Spirit Airlines CEO gets a retention bonus, an FAA review board will look at smoke in the cockpit after bird strikes, JetBlue plans to reduce the number of pilots, and a United Airlines captain delights passengers with pizza. In listener mail, we look at jet emissions and what the industry is doing. Guest Ethan Lin is a 13-year-old who sells the Polish Ekolot Special Light-Sport Aircraft. His family purchased an Ekolot Topaz (N717KM) S-LSA in December 2022 after his father decided to switch careers and become an Air Transport Pilot. Ethan and his father started flying the Ekolot together, and because Ethan loved the plane so much, he contacted the distributor in December 2023 and asked about becoming a dealer. He’s been selling Ekolots ever since. Because he is only 13 years old, his father has a role in the dealership, but Ethan handles customer service, selling the airplane, and coordinating meeting times. His father does the test flights with people who are interested in buying Ekolots, and he handles the financial side, including filing taxes. Ekolot Special Light-Sport Aircraft We discuss the difference between LSAs and S-LSAs and the proposed Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule, which would redefine the light sport aircraft category. Ethan explains why his family bought the plane and what he likes about it. He markets the plane with the Ekolot Texas Instagram. Also, Ethan and his father attend aviation events, such as Airplanes and Coffee, a monthly fly-in in the Dallas, Texas area at Addison Airport (KADS). Ethan tells us how he learned the Ekolot’s specs, and about his plans to fly for an airline and sell planes “on the side.” He also offers his advice to other youngsters who have a passion. Video: Ekolot Topaz Walkaround https://youtu.be/ryNPVaMcBuY?si=VVIGcAXhFC63wreQ Aviation News Spirit Airlines CEO Gets $3.8 Million Bonus 1 Week Before Company Files Bankruptcy An SEC filing says Spirit Airlines, Inc. paid CEO Ted Christie a $3.8 million retention bonus the week before the airline filed for bankruptcy. The bonus is effective if Christie stays with Spirit for another year. Under the restructuring plan, Spirit bondholders would take a $350 million ownership position, erase $795 million of debt, and provide $300 million of debt-in-possession financing. The New York Stock Exchange delisted Spirit stock which now trades in the over-the-counter marketplace.  FAA plans to review 737 MAX engine issue after bird strike incidents Two bird strike events in 2023 with Southwest Airlines aircraft (one in March and one in December) have caused the FAA to assemble a review board that will evaluate the safety of the CFM LEAP-1B engines. After the bird strikes, smoke entered the cockpit although the pilots landed the planes safely. The review board will assess safety data and suggest fixes for manufacturers or airlines. These might lead to mandates. A Seattle Times article suggests that any mandated modifications could delay further the certification of the MAX 7 and MAX 10 models. JetBlue Looks to Trim Pilot Workforce Captain downgrades and base displacements are coming to JetBlue late next year. The airline says it will cut 343 captain positions out of the airline’s roughly 4,500 pilots. JetBlue lost $60 million in the third quarter and plans to ground more Airbus A220 and A321neo aircraft in 2024 as a result of ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine troubles. The airline is talking with the Air Line Pilots Association to offer early retirements. United Pilot Orders 30 Pizzas to Feed Passengers After Emergency Landing for Medical Care Pilot Scott Wardle was flying a United Airlines plane to Phoenix via Houston, but partway into the flight, a patient fell unconscious. By coincidence, three medical professionals were on board but Wardle felt it best to mak...

A contrails study by GE Aviation and NASA, an F-15E Strike Eagle downs drones, Iberia’s new A321XLR in service, the Phillippine Mars moves to its final destination, an airliner and a UAP come close together, Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy, and the environmental impact of private jets. Also, AvGeeks flock to Bluesky, a STEM author at the NASM, and F-35B trials on a Japanese flattop. The contrails of an Airbus A340 jet, over London, England. Photographed by Adrian Pingstone in March 2007. Aviation News GE and NASA to accelerate understanding of contrails The "Contrail Optical Depth Experiment" (CODEX) is a research project conducted through a NASA and GE Aerospace partnership to study the formation and behavior of contrails. Contrails are clouds of ice particles that airplanes can create when they fly through cold and humid air. Persistent contrails are thought to contribute to climate warming. The primary goal of CODEX is to accurately measure the optical depth of contrails, which indicates how much light is blocked by the contrail. In the project, a GE Boeing 747-400 creates the contrails and NASA's G-III research aircraft (a modified Gulfstream III business jet) follows and scans the 747’s wake with Advanced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to analyze the contrails produced by different engine configurations. This will hopefully lead to the development of engine technologies that reduce contrail formation. NASA Gulfstream G-III NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, operates the Gulfstream G-III aircraft, NASA tail number 804, as an aerodynamics research test bed. Work with the aircraft is funded through NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) as part of the Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) project under the agency’s Integrated Systems Research Program. GE 747-400 Flying Test Bed Since 2010, this former Japan Airlines plane has been used by GE to test new jet engines, such as the GE90, GEnx, LEAP, and the GE9X. The plane is based at Flight Test Operations (FTO) in Victorville. F-15E Pilot Recounts Having To Switch To Guns After Missiles Ran Dry During Iranian Drone Barrage An F-15E Strike Eagle shot down so many Iranian drones aimed at Israel that they ran out of air-to-air missiles. The crew was ordered to continue and use any weapon available, which left the Strike Eagle’s 20mm Gatling Gun, capable of firing around 6,000 rounds per minute. Operating this gun is said to be risky with small, low, slow-moving targets. In this instance, the F-15 did not stop the drone. Feel Sorry For the Flight Attendants: Iberia’s New A321XLR Long-Haul Jet Features Tiny Galleys That Even Contortionists Would Struggle to Work in Iberia is the launch customer of the Airbus A321XLR (extra long range) single-aisle jet. The airline is flying the plane on a Madrid and Boston route. According to Saffran, the Airbus SpaceFlex V2 galley and lavatory allows for 6 more seats in the A321. The Airbus Space-Flex galley and lavatory concept. Airbus says the A321XLR features a 4,700 nm range, 180-220 seats, and 30% lower fuel burn per seat than previous generation aircraft. The plane was launched in 2019 at the Paris Air Show. Compared to other A320 family aircraft, the A321XLR carries more fuel, has strengthened landing gear, and includes a revised wing trailing-edge flap for takeoff performance. Airbus offers two engine options: the CFM LEAP-1A and the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G. The first A321XLR was delivered to Iberia on 30 October 2024 and conducted its first revenue flight on 6 November 2024. The first long-haul flight with passengers was on 14 November 2024, from Madrid to Boston. Martin Mars To Visit San Francisco, San Diego On Final Flight The Philippine Mars is destined for the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona. In preparation, the plane is undergoing taxi tests in Port Alberni, British Columbia.

A Robinson hydrogen helicopter, Boeing machinists' new contract, furloughed Boeing staff and impending layoffs, Jeppesen possibly for sale, incendiary devices at DHL, Boom Supersonic XB-1 test flight, shots fired at Spirit, and air tanker minimum drop height. Aviation News Unither Bioelectronics Signs Agreement with Robinson Helicopter Company Unither Bioelectronics Inc. (UB) and Robinson Helicopter Company have entered into a strategic collaboration agreement to accelerate UB’s development and certification of hydrogen-powered helicopters based on Robinson R44 and R66 models. UB is a subsidiary of United Therapeutics Corporation and CEO Martine Rothblatt said “...we look forward to using protons from green hydrogen to drive the membrane-based fuel cell powerplants in our Robinson R66 organ delivery electric helicopters.” Robinson R66 (Courtesy Robinson Helicopter Company) United Therapeutics adds hydrogen to its electric helicopter plans United Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that says it has been working on a hydrogen-powered R44 prototype for about a year and a half, and its first hover is “hopefully imminent.” In 2016, United Therapeutics began developing a battery-electric-powered Robinson R44 through a partnership with Tier 1 Engineering. A Guinness World Record was set in 2018 for the farthest distance traveled by an electric helicopter—30 nautical miles. UT also has partnerships with eVTOL developers EHang and Beta Technologies. Boeing strike ends as workers accept new contract The Machinists Union members accepted the contract with Boeing. Workers will get pay rises over four years. The union had demanded a 40% wage increase and restoration of a defined-benefit pension. The 38% wage increase plus a $12,000 bonus amounted to a 40% increase. The new contract does not restore the pension but promises that the next Boeing airplane will be built in the Seattle area. According to some analysts, the strike cost Boeing around $100 million a day in lost revenue. Boeing to repay furloughed staff, proceed with job cuts During the strike, Boeing furloughed some salaried employees, but CEO Kelly Ortberg said they would be repaid for lost wages. At the same time, Ortberg said a 10% cutback of the global workforce would proceed. A Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) spokesperson said it was informed that 60-day notices of job losses would be issued to its members on Nov. 15, 2024. SPEEA has reached a tentative agreement with Spirit AeroSystems on a new four-year contract that offers at least a 19% pay increase over four years. It includes provisions for greater increases if needed to keep up with labor market conditions, and a guaranteed minimum 5% bonus in the spring of 2025. Report Says Boeing Eyeing Sale Of Jeppesen As Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg looks to sell off non-core assets, Bloomberg quotes unnamed sources as saying Jeppesen is a candidate. Jeppesen is the world's largest provider of aviation charts and air navigation materials. Boeing may be looking to get $6 billion for the company. Boeing paid bought Jeppesen in 2000 for $1.5 billion. Boeing also owns ForeFlight but the Bloomberg report does not mention that company, Russia Suspected of Plotting to Send Incendiary Devices on U.S. Bound Planes Electric massagers that held a magnesium-based flammable substance were shipped via DHL from Lithuania and ignited at DHL logistics hubs in Germany and England. Security officials say this was part of a covert Russian operation seeking to start fires on aircraft flying to the U.S. and Canada. Boom Supersonic's XB-1 jet sets new speed record during 7th test flight Boom Supersonic plans ten subsonic test flights of their XB-1 supersonic demonstrator aircraft before supersonic speed testing begins. Boom has now completed the seventh of those ten subsonic test flights reaching an altitude of 23,015 feet (7,

We visit the Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum in Maine and speak with the Vice President and Operations Manager, and the Executive Director. In the news, more furloughs and cost-cutting measures at Spirit Airlines, the FAA’s final rule is out on powered-lift vehicles such as eVTOLS, a fuel top-off assumption leads to the loss of a Beechcraft B-60, the “doomsday plane” gets an official designation, and Boeing machinists vote again on a contract proposal. Guests At the Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum we spoke with Vice President and Operations Manager Jeff Smat and Executive Director John B. Briley. The Museum was founded in 2009 as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation with a mission to preserve the rich heritage of NAS Brunswick (NASB) by honoring the tens of thousands of men and women who served here, educate the public about the history of maritime patrol aviation and NASB, and maintain a memorial for those NASB-based airmen who gave their lives in service to their country. The museum is located at 179 Fitch Avenue, Brunswick, ME 04011. Currently, the Museum and Memorial Gardens are open Wednesdays (10:00 am-4:00 pm) and Sundays (12:00 pm-4:00 pm). For more on SERE, see Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape. Jeff Smat on the flight simulator. Aviation News Spirit to Furlough More Than 300 Pilots as Losses Mount Spirit Airlines is experiencing financial difficulty and a second-quarter net loss of $158 million. More red ink is expected for the third quarter. Last month the airline furloughed 186 pilots and plans to do the same for 330 more pilots effective January 31, 2025. (Spirit has 3,500 pilots.) About 120 captains are to be downgraded. Spirit says it will sell 23 of its Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft next year. That’s a fleet reduction of about 11 percent. Energy Reserves and Pilot Training For eVTOLs Addressed in FAA's SFAR Rules The FAA issued its final rule for powered-lift vehicles, such as eVTOLS. The Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and Airplanes - Final Rule adopts permanent amendments and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for ten years to facilitate the certification of powered-lift pilots, clarify operating rules applicable to operations involving a powered-lift, and finalize other amendments which are necessary to integrate powered-lift into the National Airspace System (NAS). The Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and Airplanes NPRM was issued in June 2023. Standing order to top off fuel tanks backfires on pilot In November 2022, the pilot of a Beechcraft B-60 (N51AL) assumed the FBO topped off the fuel tanks, per his standing fueling order, before hangaring the aircraft. But fuel was not added this time and the pilot landed in a cemetery when both fuel-starved Lycoming engines quit. The pilot and his wife sustained minor injuries. See Project Summary: Aviation Investigation - 3 Docket Items - ERA23LA050 from the NTSB. SNC Receives Second Boeing 747-8 for SAOC Conversion as Aircraft Gets E-4C Designation Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) now has the second of five Boeing 747-8s from Korean Air for conversion to “Doomsday aircraft,” which become airborne command centers during national emergencies. These provide critical command, control, and communication (C3) for the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The E-4C will replace the current fleet of E-4B Nightwatch B747-200 aircraft. The contract notice says the award was for $13 Billion. SOC recently cut the ribbon for its Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) at its Aviation Innovation and Technology Center (AITC) in Dayton, Ohio. This 100,000 sq. ft. hangar is located near Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Boeing Machinists head to the polls in decisive vote that could end strike

We hear from participants at this year’s Cranky Dorkfest, the U.S. Marine Corps flew the XQ-58A Valkyrie drone with four F-35B fighters, American Airlines flew a B787 from Dallas to Brisbane in a 15 hour and 44-minute flight, a pair of corporate flight attendants are suing their employer, airlines are reacting to flight restrictions over Russia, and the Portland Jetport is replacing the firefighting foam with something more environmentally friendly. Also, a self-propelling ionic thrust wing, an exploding satellite, and thoughts on DB Cooper from an expert parachutist. Cranky Dorkfest 2024 Brian Coleman recorded interviews at Cranky Dorkfest on September 14, 2024: Melissa - Why she keeps coming back. Her husband is former military mechanic. Benny - A first-timer with a unique Boeing airplane-related telephone number. Jvan - He took home last year’s brick mosaic. This is his 3rd year participating. Matt Sauchelli - He’s shooting with a Nikon mirrorless camera and a long lens. Ben Grenuchi and Heather - From NYCAviation. Ian Petchenik - Director of Communications at Flightradar24 the live, global flight tracking service. Also, the co-host of AvTalk podcast. Brett (Cranky) Snyder. The man behind it all. For Those Who Didn’t Attend, Here’s What You Missed at Cranky Dorkfest This Weekend Aviation News Marines score aviation firsts with F-35 squadron, drone test and more A Marine Corps XQ-58A Valkyrie drone completed a test flight last week at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Col. Derek Brannon, branch head for the Cunningham Group, deputy commandant for aviation said “The flight focused on the use of tactical data links to enable digital communication between the XQ-58A and an airborne four-ship of F-35Bs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214 and other joint aircraft.” XQ-58A Valkyrie, courtesy AFRL. The XQ-58A Valkyrie is a low-cost, high-performance, reusable unmanned air vehicle developed through an Air Force Research Laboratory partnership with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. This vehicle is an example of an “attritable” aircraft designed to be used for several missions, but built at a cost that permits it to be a combat loss. American Airlines’ longest flight set to be one of the most tracked in the world The American Airlines inaugural flight from Dallas to Brisbane in Australia was heavily followed on Flightradar24. Director of Communications Ian Petchenik said people worldwide “are especially keen to watch the livestream of the landing.” The Boeing 787-9 (N825AA), flight AA7, made the trip in 15 hours and 44 minutes covering a great circle distance of 13,363 KM. See Flight history for American Airlines flight AA7. Overworked Private Flight Attendants For Co-Founder of The Home Depot Claim ‘Inept’ Colleagues Kept Their Jobs Because They Were in ‘Romantic Relationship’ With Boss Two private flight attendants filed a lawsuit claiming they were overworked while working for the co-founder of The Home Depot, while “inept” co-workers had romantic relationships with their bosses. The two FAs, who quit their jobs, said they sometimes worked 26 days per month and around 90 hours per week. Why It’s Harder Getting to China As a result of the war in Ukraine, non-Chinese airlines are no longer entering Russian airspace, so some are discontinuing service to China, or reducing frequency. Demand for flights to China is down, and the cost of avoiding Russian airspace in time and fuel is significant. Virgin Atlantic is dropping its flight connecting Shanghai to London, LOT Polish Airlines is suspending its Warsaw-to-Beijing flights, and SAS plans to stop direct flights between Copenhagen and Shanghai. Chinese airlines are adding capacity. PFAS-free firefighting foam coming to jetport The Portland (Maine) Fire Department plans to replace the AFFF firefighting foam used at the Portland International Jetport with PFAS-free foam.

Airline sustainability with the founder and CEO of the SimpliFlying aviation marketing, branding, and communications consultancy firm. Also, actions by Boeing, the outcome of the American Airlines vs. Skiplagged.com suit, US airlines performing poorly in a global ranking, United Airlines and passenger accessibility, and the U.S. Army looks for a new heavy-lift helicopter. Guest Shashank Nigam is the founder and CEO of SimpliFlying, one of the world’s largest aviation marketing, branding, and communications consultancy firms. Shashank’s new area of interest is airline sustainability. Shashank explains that airline brand experience and engagement are longer than other products and services, especially with long-haul flights. The branding fundamentals remain the same, but how airlines build trust has changed. In 2008 it was airline presence on Twitter and Facebook. During the pandemic, it was health and safety. Now, airline sustainability has grown in importance. The Sustainability in the Air podcast explores what airline, airport, and technology firm CEO innovators are doing. Shashank gives an example of how creative financing is needed for airline sustainability. We also consider what Boeing must do to restore trust and hear about the very interesting company culture at SimpliFlying. SimpliFlying was founded in 2008 and has worked with over 100 aviation clients in airline branding, customer experience, digital marketing, crisis communications, and sustainability initiatives. SimpliFlying’s analysis and insights have been featured in leading international media outlets such as BBC, CNN, CNBC, Reuters, Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. Shashank is the author of Soar: How the Best Airline Brands Delight Customers and Inspire Employees and Sustainability in the Air: Innovators Transforming Aviation for a Greener Future. Look for him on LinkedIn and join over 4,000 Sustainability in the Air subscribers which separates the signal from the noise in sustainable travel. Aviation News United teams with United Spinal to strengthen accessibility Under a new agreement, the United Spinal Association will help advise and support United Airlines to improve the travel experience for customers with disabilities. The United Spinal Association represents 5.5 million American wheelchair users.  United Spinal Association CEO Vincenzo Piscopo said “This partnership demonstrates that accessible travel is a reality, and every step forward brings us closer to a more inclusive travel experience for the disability community. I hope to see continued improvements not only from United Airlines but also throughout the entire travel industry.” The Runway Girl Network reports that the FAA “is working to define the criteria necessary to allow someone to remain in their personal wheelchair during flight using a tie-down similar to what’s used in the automotive industry, and as the US Department of Transportation prepares to initiate rulemaking in that regard.” Boeing’s CEO Is Shrinking the Jet Maker to Stop Its Crisis From Spiraling With all its troubles and difficult financial position, some Industry insiders and analysts are thinking about a possible Boeing breakup or even bankruptcy. In a note to employees, new CEO Kelly Ortberg said Boeing has spread itself too thin: “We need to be clear-eyed about the work we face. We also need to focus our resources on performing and innovating in the areas that are core to who we are.” Boeing is exploring asset sales and pruning non-core or underperforming units. Boeing machinists to vote on new proposal with 35% raises that could end strike The new proposal includes 35% in wage increases over four years, a $7,000 signing bonus, increased 401(k) contributions, and guaranteed minimum annual bonus payouts. The ratification vote is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Why US airlines are loathed around the world - as they take up bot...

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,

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.