Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

One good SR-72 Darkstar AKA "SOB" (as in "Son of Blackbird," i.e. the SR-71 Blackbird, not the profane kind of "Son of.") deserves a timely follow-up. As I noted in my previous Simple Flying article on this still-hypothetical (at least officially) futuristic warbird, it not only captured the imagination of the Western moviegoing public but concurrently freaked out the top brass of Red China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) via its fictitiously embellished appearance in the 2022 box o

Jet 134

Jet 134

Vintage Aviation News

JULY 6, 2024

By Zac Yates July 6, 2024 In January 2024 Clay Hammond was announced as the new president of the board running the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome (ORA) in upstate New York. Founded by Cole Palen nearly 60 years ago, the aerodrome is world-famous for its collection of pre-World War II aircraft, many of which fly at weekend airshows throughout the summer months.

Weather 76

Weather Airplanes Hangar Pilot 76

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Earlier this week, the European Commission approved Lufthansa's purchase of ITA Airways. This means that eventually, Lufthansa will own 100% of the Italian national carrier, adding to the other airlines in the group, notably Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and Brussels Airlines to name a few. The agreement has wide-ranging consequences not only on the Italian aviation industry but also on connections from elsewhere in the world to the Mediterranean country.

Airlines 126

Airlines Airline 126

One Mile at a Time

JULY 6, 2024

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend so far, and that those in the United States had a good July 4th! I’m just starting my journey home from Europe to the United States, with a rather roundabout routing, so I’ll have lots of content about that in the coming days. On the points & travel front, this week Lufthansa’s takeover of ITA Airways was approved, Emirates released its new safety video, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club devalued Delta awards, British Airways Executive Club devalued awards

100

100

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

A JetBlue aircraft was involved in an incident on Tuesday evening after Foreign Object Debris (FOD) was found emanating from the Airbus A320. The aircraft was operating a scheduled flight from New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) , where it was forced to return following the incident. A few days later, the aircraft was still on the ground in New York, Flightradar24 data shows.

126

126

One Mile at a Time

JULY 6, 2024

The quality of airport lounges can vary hugely, depending on where in the world you are, who can access the lounge, etc. Airlines and lounge operators try to find all kinds of ways to differentiate their lounge experience, and one of those ways is with complimentary spa treatments for guests. In this post, I wanted to provide a rundown of what I’d consider to be the best complimentary spa treatments you’ll find in airport lounges.

Airline 99

Airline Airlines Jet 99

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Cirrus has become a household name in General Aviation aircraft, particularly with its SR series and the latest Vision Jet. The SR22 series has been the worlds best-selling every year for the last two decades. The manufacturer has delivered nearly 10,000 examples of the SR series across multiple variants.

General Aviation 124

General Aviation Jet 124

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

As the airline reactivates more of its A380s and returns the aircraft to service, by winter 2024, Etihad will be serving four services across three destinations with the iconic Airbus A380-800. The newest destination to see the aircraft type will be the French capital - Paris.

Airlines 122

Airlines Airline 122

Photographic Logbook

JULY 6, 2024

Impetus Eleven years ago and coincident with my joining the Williamson Flying Club, my friend Randy formed the Activities Committee while he was club president. I was one of the founding members and served as a prime mover of the committee for many years. The committee was founded on the simple premise that it is more fun to fly places together than alone.

Pilot 52

Pilot Flight Plan Air Traffic Control General Aviation 52

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

The Airbus A340 is one of the most iconic widebody jets that was at its peak in the late 1990s. Many European, African, and Asian airlines operated (a few still operate) different variants of the A340. While the longest variant of the family, the A340-600, was once the world's longest aircraft, its four engines somehow appear to be small compared to the size of the aircraft.

Jet 116

Jet Airlines Airline 116

Vintage Aviation News

JULY 6, 2024

By Zac Yates July 6, 2024 In January 2024 Clay Hammond was announced as the new president of the board running the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome (ORA) in upstate New York. Founded by Cole Palen nearly 60 years ago, the aerodrome is world-famous for its collection of pre-World War II aircraft, many of which fly at weekend airshows throughout the summer months.

Weather 52

Weather Airplanes Hangar Pilot 52

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Airline codesharing has been around for decades and is a highly effective way for airlines to offer their customers seamless access to expanded networks and destinations. The system has also helped many airlines get back on their feet post-COVID, when returning stored aircraft to service was hampered by a shortage of maintenance capacity, particularly in Asia-Pacific.

Airlines 116

Airlines Airline 116

The Aviationist

JULY 6, 2024

The Ministry of Defense requested the government’s approval for the acquisition of the 4th tranche of the European fighter jet, effectively launching the acquisition process. Shortly after the news of the cancellation of the 1.2 [.] The post Italy Moves Forward With Plan To Buy 24 New Eurofighter Typhoons appeared first on The Aviationist.

Jet 21

Jet 21

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

The Embraer Phenom 300 is a famous small jet manufactured by the Brazilian manufacturer of the same name. We had the opportunity to fly on the enhanced version; you can read more about it here.

Jet 116

Jet 116

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Etihad Airways added eight destinations to its route network in June, delivering on its promise to increase connectivity. As one of three major airlines in the Middle East, competing with Qatar Airways and Emirates, the carrier is finding ways to remain competitive against its rivals.

Airlines 116

Airlines Airline 116

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Representatives from the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Geneva Airport have met with organizations and authorities in Singapore, including Singapore Airlines , to discuss the possibility of launching direct flights between Geneva Airport (GVA) and Singapore Changi (SIN).

Airlines 116

Airlines Airline 116

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Mesa Airlines will soon furlough several pilots as it works to save hundreds of thousands of dollars in operating costs. The move comes after the Phoenix-based airline has dealt with attrition for the last two years due to an industry-wide pilot shortage, and has embraced other changes.

Pilot 116

Pilot Airlines Airline 116

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

It was August 1, 1990. British Airways flight 149 was preparing to leave from London's Heathrow Airport bound for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia via Kuwait and Madras, India. The Boeing 747 had 367 passengers and 18 crew onboard.

Cabin Crew 111

Cabin Crew 111

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

The evolution of US military fighter jets spans over several decades, showcasing remarkable advancements in technology, capabilities, and design. Each generation has brought new innovations and has been pivotal in shaping aerial combat.

Jet 111

Jet 111

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

It was in 2011 that two aircraft landed at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) after the lone air traffic controller working at the airport had fallen asleep. This closest airport to Washington D.C. and the busiest in the Washington Metropolitan area has a rich history full of such events that not a lot of people might be aware of. The operations to and from this airport are special too.

Air Traffic Control 111

Air Traffic Control 111

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

With the space offered today by larger aircraft today, such as the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A380, we have seen some improvements in onboard space and passenger facilities. Such developments are welcome but are not new. In earlier times, many aircraft offered luxuries and facilities we can only imagine today. The Boeing 377 Stratrocuiser of the late 1940s and 1950s was one of the best examples of this.

111

111

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Boeing has restarted widebody deliveries to China following a two-month hiatus forced by a regulatory review. The planemaker recently delivered two new 777 freighters and is expected to resume 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX deliveries shortly.

111

111

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Australia, a massive island continent in the Indian Ocean, is nearly 9,000 miles from landlocked Austria in Europe. However, internet posts in the past year have led many to believe that airline passengers frequently confuse the two countries when planning travel.

Airlines 111

Airlines Airline 111

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Katherine Sui Fun Cheung, a name that resonates with the spirit of breaking boundaries and soaring above societal expectations, holds the remarkable distinction of being the first female Chinese pilot to receive an international license. Born on December 12, 1904, in Enping, China, her journey from a young girl in Guangdong province to a pioneering aviator in America is a testament to her determination, courage, and passion for flying.

Pilot 111

Pilot 111

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Earlier this week, Turkish Airlines announced that it had reached a compensation agreement with International Aero Engines. The agreement will compensate the airline for the operational disruptions and losses incurred due to the long-standing issues with Pratt & Whitney engines being utilized on the carrier's A320 family aircraft.

Airlines 105

Airlines Airline 105

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Most of the world's airlines have resumed all of their pre-pandemic routes, at least the profitable ones, and are looking for new opportunities. Asian airlines are particularly active, and low-cost airlines such as Vietjet, AirAsia, and Scoot have their eyes firmly fixed on opening new regional routes, with China and South Korea attracting plenty of attention.

Airlines 105

Airlines Airline 105

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

In Mother Nature's world, the aardvark (an Afrikaans word which literally translates as "earth pig;" scientific name is Orycteropus afer ) is a medium-sized, burrowing, nocturnal mammal native to Africa, with a long pig-like snout which is used to sniff out food, namely ants and termites.

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105

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Most would find the idea of hopping into a US military aircraft and taking it for an unauthorized joyride unfathomable. However, for a select few, it's a great way to settle a score, go sightseeing in Washington, DC, express the depth of one's love, or make a childhood dream come true. This article will reflect on the stories of four men who attempted the unimaginable, all with one thing in common: their stories are unbelievable, but every one of them is true.

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105

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Ultra-low-fare carrier Frontier Airlines began operating out of Denver on July 5, 1994, and has prided itself on serving as Denvers Hometown Airline ever since. Over the past 30 years, it has operated more than 1.8 million flights and served nearly 200 million travelers from Denver International Airport and its predecessor. Today, the airline employs more than 7,000 people, driving economic growth and opportunity in Denver and its extensive and expanding network.

Airlines 105

Airlines Airline 105

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Have you ever wondered why aircraft dont fly in a straight line from origin to destination? It is almost always a curved or a semi-circled route when seen on the map. There are several reasons for that, but the biggest two have to do with the curvature of the earth and the jet streams.

Jet 105

Jet 105

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

In a recent article on the Lockheed (now Lockheed Martin) C-130 Hercules (AKA "Herc"), I discussed key technical features that have made this venerable plane such a faithful workhorse for the Armed Forces for 70 years (69 years and 11 months as these words are written, if you want to be technically nitpicky about it). That article also made reference to 18 certified diverse mission profiles that the current variant (the C-130J Super Hercules) fits.

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105

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Milan's main airport, Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP), will reportedly be renamed in honor of the late Italian prime minister and business figure Silvio Berlusconi. The news was announced by Italy's Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, according to a report by the Financial Express.

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101

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

A recent post shared on social media shows the window view from an Aerolneas Argentinas Boeing 737 MAX 8, experiencing a considerable wing flex as the aircraft passes over a mountainous region. From the shaky hand-held video and passengers audibly exclaiming and screaming in the background, it is clear that the turbulence experienced can be classified as "Moderate".

Turbulence 94

Turbulence 94

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Star Alliance member Air New Zealand is in the middle of a consultation with staff as it looks to shave up to 100 roles at the Auckland-based carrier. The airline's Chief People Officer, Nikki Dines, commented to the New Zealand Herald, noting that only staff in particular parts of the business will be at risk as the airline considers role reductions.

Airlines 92

Airlines Airline 92

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Talk to almost any airline CEO, and they will tell you that commercial aviation is over-regulated, irrespective of whichever country they may be operating in. When an airline sees an opportunity to launch a new route or form a strategic partnership with a competitor, there are reams of paper and multiple processes to navigate to obtain approval, as JetBlue faces in pursuit of an additional service from Washington to Puerto Rico.

Airlines 89

Airlines Airline 89

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

Passengers onboard a recent Alaska Airlines flight were treated to a go-around after the crew noted an unsafe gear indication. The flight, operating as AS3352 by Skywest Airlines, had departed from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and was en route to Eugene, Oregon (EUG). The aircraft, an Embraer ERJ-175, had descended through the clouds to 1,300 feet mean sea level when the pilot decided to initiate the go-around due to an unsafe gear indication, and the other crew onboard worked through

Airline 85

Airline Airlines Approach Pilot 85

Simple Flying

JULY 6, 2024

While white is the go-to color for many carriers when painting their livery, there have been quite a few exceptions as well. Sometimes, the sporting partnerships that airlines have with sporting clubs dictate the color of the livery, while at others, liveries represent cultural symbols of the nation.

Airlines 85

Airlines Airline 85