Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

In an industry like commercial passenger aviation, where there are only a handful of carriers that control the vast majority of the market, the entrance or exit of any individual player is fascinating to explore. More interesting, however, are mergers and acquisitions, which not only involve one company leaving the market but another growing in size, allowing their market presence to become significantly more powerful.

Airline 127

Airline Airlines 127

One Mile at a Time

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend so far! I’m in the middle of a review trip, which has been fun and exhausting, as usual. Stay tuned for more. On the points & travel front, this week Delta announced new seasonal routes to Europe, Alaska completed its takeover of Hawaiian, JetBlue outlined plans to introduce lounges and a premium credit card, Scandinavian Airlines revealed plans to add business class within Europe, and more.

Airline 107

Airline Airlines 107

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

Boom Supersonic conducted today a fourth and successful Boom XB-1 test flight, this time reaching an altitude of 16,150 feet and a speed of Mach 0.617 (about 313 knots equivalent airspeed) during tests for flutter, g-forces, handling, and landing gear. The proof-of-concept XB-1 is helping educate Boom Supersonic on how to build and test supersonic aircraft in the lead-up to building Boom Overture.

Knot 125

Knot 125

One Mile at a Time

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

Yesterday I shared my experience flying Delta’s Airbus A350 business class from Santiago to Atlanta. It’s probably the best business class offered by a US airline. Well, from Atlanta I connected to Mexico City on a Delta Boeing 737-800 business class, and this flight was basically the opposite extreme. Delta’s 737-800 cabins make me dream of American Historically, Delta has been known for flying older aircraft, but maintaining the cabins well, and making them feel new (just see my recent review

Airline 107

Airline Airlines Jet 107

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

The Airbus A321XLR is just two months away from its entry into service, with Iberia tagged as the launch customer and tentatively scheduling its first A321XLR flights for mid-November. Airbus, describing how the development of the A321XLR is approaching the finish line , confirmed that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had certified the aircraft , approving the type to operate commercial flights with the CFM International LEAP-1A engine, with certification of the PW1100G-powered A

Approach 125

Approach Airlines Airline 125

One Mile at a Time

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

As any frequent traveler knows, not all hotel room views are created equal. Sometimes you’re charmed with a view that makes you not want to leave the room, while other times you get a room with a view that makes you want to leave the room immediately. My stay last night fit in the latter category. Swing & a miss on a Hilton Diamond upgrade I spent last night at the Hilton Mexico City Airport.

Runway 105

Runway Airplanes 105

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

A Hawaiian Airlines aircraft had to perform an emergency landing at Portland Airport after an iPad onboard the aircraft caught fire. The flight was met with emergency responders at the airport, where the device was identified and safely removed from the aircraft.

Airline 125

Airline Airlines 125

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

The Airbus A380 is a great aircraft and is always a popular choice for flying. Although no US-based airlines operate the type, British Airways flies several routes between the UK and the US using the A380. This winter, these include Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Airline 117

Airline Airlines 117

Vintage Aviation News

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

The “Flight Test Files” series of articles explores the aircraft used by the Dryden Flight Research Center over the years in its pursuit of aeronautical advancements. Since the 1940s, the Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, CA, has built a unique and specialized capability for conducting flight research programs. This organization, composed of pilots, scientists, engineers, technicians, mechanics, and administrative professionals, has been and continues to be a leader in the fi

Stability 98

Stability Airfoil Airplanes Pilot 98

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

Presently, the U.S. Air Force is facing a shortage of pilots, there are numerous reasons for this shortage. This issue comes up against the backdrop of increasing competition and hostility between the U.S. and China; a country that is rapidly modernizing and increasing the size of its military, aiming for regional domination and global power projection.

Pilot 117

Pilot Jet 117

Vintage Aviation News

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

Periodically, we have presented reports from Chuck Cravens detailing the restoration of an ultra-rare Beechcraft AT-10 Wichita WWII advanced, multi-engine trainer. As mentioned in previous articles , the project belongs to the Cadet Air Corps Museum and comprises the remains of several airframes, but is primarily focused upon Wichita 41-27322. The restoration is taking place at world-renowned AirCorps Aviation in Bemidji, Minnesota, and here is their latest update on progress with the Wichita as

Horizontal Stabilizer 98

Horizontal Stabilizer Stability Rudder Tail 98

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

The Gulfstream G550 is one of the most iconic private jets ever created, synonymous with luxury, performance, and reliability. From CEOs to world leaders, the G550 is favored by those seeking unparalleled long-distance travel capabilities combined with luxurious interiors and state-of-the-art technology.

Jet 113

Jet 113

AV Web

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

The family of a New Zealand pilot kidnapped 19 months ago have issued a statement thanking the Papuan rebels who snatched him for not killing him. Phillip Mehrtens was released by the West Papua National Liberation Army on Saturday. He told reporters there he was “very happy” to be going home but his family went a step further. In a statement thanking New Zealand, Indonesian and Papuan authorities for their role in freeing Merhtens, the family praised rebel leader Ekianus Kogoya and

Pilot 95

Pilot Airplanes Airline Airlines 95

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

In the aviation industry, several metrics are used to analyze airline offerings. Whether it be the number of flights, number of seats, or seat miles. London has six major commercial airports, and according to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics firm, there are more than 215 million seats available on flights to and from those airports.

Airline 113

Airline Airlines 113

One Mile at a Time

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

A Delta flight attendant has filed a lawsuit against the airline, alleging antisemitism (thanks to Justin for flagging this). This is an interesting case, because I can’t help but think that maybe this person just has unrealistic expectations about their employment. Flight attendant accuses Delta of antisemitism Sasi Sheva is a 44-year-old Israeli from Encino, California, who has worked as a flight attendant at Delta since 2022.

Airline 92

Airline Airlines 92

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

Atlanta-based legacy carrier Delta Air Lines (DAL) offers an expansive loyalty program, which allows recurrent passengers and those who hold cobranded credit cards to rack up award miles that can be used to book free flights. This program, SkyMiles, is among the most popular in North America, and, as a result, good award deals can be hard to find and the company will charge a premium for these kinds of flights.

113

113

Airline Geeks

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

Harbour Air, North America's largest seaplane airline, announced on Friday the launch of its first-ever wheeled flight service.

Airline 89

Airline Airlines 89

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

This week, United Airlines announced that it would continue to grow its lounge network by building on its popular grab-and-go lounge which had opened at Denver International Airport (DEN) in 2022. These grab-and-go lounges, marketed by the airline as Club Fly, aim to serve passengers who prefer to access quick complimentary food, beverages, and other amenities rather than entering a full-service lounge.

Airlines 113

Airlines Airline 113

Gary's Flight Journal

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

We heard that the restaurant at Cambridge MD - KCGE has reopened. The new Carol's Kitchen opened on 9/11 so Mary and I decided to make the hop and try it out. Mary hasn't been in the plane since the Wilkes-Barre trip in June. I've been up in the air once more then my bride with a coastline tour in August. We waited for the low clouds to lift then made our way to the airport.

Runway 86

Runway Lift Tail Airplanes 86

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

A Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) flight from Oslo to Malaga was forced to divert after a live mouse escaped from a passenger's in-flight meal. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Copenhagen due to the safety threat posed by rodents, and passengers were boarded on a different plane.

Airline 111

Airline Airlines 111

AV Web

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

The FAA’s long awaited rules governing the operation of eVTOL (powered-lift) aircraft will be released in October, a couple of months ahead of the date mandated by Congress according to a senior Department of Transportation official. Various outlets reported that Christopher Coes, acting undersecretary of transportation for policy for the U.S.

Federal Aviation Regulations 86

Federal Aviation Regulations Lift Pilot 86

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

Wizz Air is a European low-cost carrier, based in Hungary. It has grown quickly to serve many destinations in Europe and the Middle East, with several hubs.

109

109

Airline Geeks

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

IAM President Brian Bryant calls furlough announcement by upper management ‘smoke and mirrors.

75

75

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

The aviation industry is picking up the pace on sustainability, which is timely given that the commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 is rapidly coming into sharper focus. AirAsia and Airbus are solidly in lockstep on reaching that goal, and last week, the two announced a new partnership to advance research into sustainability initiatives in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region.

109

109

AV Web

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

Although the ick factor probably justified it, the surprise appearance of a mouse in a passenger meal on a Scandinavian Airlines flight last week forced an emergency landing for a more practical reason. The wire chewing rodent posed a legitimate threat to the safety of the flight so the passengers spent some time in Copenhagen before continuing to Malaga, Spain from Oslo.

Airline 70

Airline Airlines 70

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

Turkish Airlines already flies to more than 350 destinations, more than any other carrier, so it must be increasingly difficult to find where it can profitably operate its fleet of more than 450 aircraft. The airline has won awards for its innovative financing methods and has now secured its first sustainability-linked loan for two Airbus A321neos.

Airlines 109

Airlines Airline 109

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

On my first flight lesson in 1994, my instructor guided me through the preflight process, and then we started the engine. “It’s going to be different from driving a car,” he said. My response was a blank facial expression. I was too young to drive a car. We both had a good chuckle, then we lurched out of the parking spot as I tested the toe brakes for the first time and began to waddle our way to the runway in the mighty Cessna 150.

Rudder 60

Rudder Runway Altimeter Pilot 60

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

There are multiple reasons why legacy airlines might choose to operate widebody aircraft on domestic routes, but not for the reason you might immediately think. Most may believe that the use of widebody jets primarily serves to increase capacity on high-demand routes between their hub airports, which is, at least in some capacity, partially correct.

Jet 109

Jet Airline Airlines 109

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

On my first flight lesson in 1994, my instructor guided me through the preflight process, and then we started the engine. “It’s going to be different from driving a car,” he said. My response was a blank facial expression. I was too young to drive a car. We both had a good chuckle, then we lurched out of the parking spot as I tested the toe brakes for the first time and began to waddle our way to the runway in the mighty Cessna 150.

Rudder 52

Rudder Runway Altimeter Pilot 52

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

The general aviation industry is a large market for various types of aircraft. This industry typically includes single-engine trainer aircraft, such as the popular Cessna 172 Skyhawk, the Piper Archer, the Beechcraft Bonanza, and the Cirrus SR22.

General Aviation 109

General Aviation 109

Ask a Flight Instructor

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

While going through Chief Counsel interpretations today, I discovered three Memorandums published Aug 16, 2024 dealing with the question of CFI and student currency when flying together. The memorandums stated that the LOI’s for Kortokrax, Olshock, and Schaffner were rescinded on July 23, 2023. I just wanted to share the information. I’m not going to link them here, they’re easily found on the Chief Counsel interpretations website.

General Aviation 52

General Aviation Pilot 52

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

On Thursday night, Portland International Jetport (PWM) experienced heavy fog in its vicinity, which resulted in multiple diversions, flight cancellations, and delays. The diversions severely inconvenienced passengers who were left stranded. The fog persisted throughout the night and impacted flight operations on Friday morning as well.

Weather 109

Weather 109

The Aviationist

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

Operation Prairie Fire: The First Use of Harpoon Missiles In Combat by U.S. Navy A-6 Intruders Operation Prairie Fire, launched in March 1986, was a response by the U.S. Navy to hostile actions from Libyan [.] The post Tales From The A-6 Intruder Cockpit: AGM-84 Harpoon vs Libyan Patrol Craft appeared first on The Aviationist.

Cockpit 21

Cockpit 21

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

How early one needs to get to the airport before departure depends on whether one is on a domestic or an International Flight. It has been a staple view that one needs to arrive at the airport three hours before departure if you are scheduled for an international flight. For Domestic Flights , one should arrive two hours prior to departure, though people wonder if we should arrive at the airport so early.

109

109

Photographic Logbook

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

A Great Among Great Aunts My Aunt Mary -- technically my great aunt as she was my grandmother's sister -- passed away on September 18, 2024 at the age of 92. She was the last of her generation, the longest lived of her many sisters. Because my grandmother often (constantly?) feuded with her sisters, I was not close to many of my great aunts on that side of the family.

Weather 91

Weather Runway Approach Final Approach 91

Simple Flying

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

Philadelphia International Airport ranked lowest in the "large airport" category in a recent study of North American airports. The study involved an extensive sample size of over 26,000 passengers who participated in the survey over the course of the year.

109

109

AV Web

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

It was time for our weekly lunch meeting of the local aviation mafia, and we were all at the sandwich shop around the corner from the airport. Our group included yours truly and three guys I had known for years from our shared flying experiences. Once the food had been ordered, delivered, and eaten, we settled into our seats around our usual table in the back.

Lift 77

Lift Approach Pilot Airline 77