Sun.Dec 08, 2024

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Sofia Airport unveils major expansion plan, new terminal aims to double capacity

Aerotime

Sofia International Airport (SOF), Bulgarias main air gateway, is gearing up for a major expansion that will see it double its capacity, explained to AeroTime the airports CEO, Jess Caballero Pinto. The airport executive shared the airports ambitious plans with the media during Aviation-Event SOF , an aviation conference which took place in the Bulgarian capital on November 29, 2024, gathering senior industry professionals, decision makers and media representatives from across Europe.

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Review: Alaska First Class Boeing 737 MAX (FLL-SEA)

One Mile at a Time

For the first segment of my quick trip to Japan & Korea , I flew Alaskas Boeing 737 MAX 9 first class on the 5hr50min midday flight from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Seattle (SEA). While I had reviewed Alaskas Boeing 737-900ER first class before, this was my first time flying on one of the carriers MAX aircraft. While of course not as good as a flat bed product ( like JetBlue Mint ), I otherwise consider Alaska first class to be as good as it gets in the United States when it comes to standard f

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Reagan National Airport Likely To Set New Record Of Firearms Caught At Security Checkpoints This Year

Simple Flying

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has warned that Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is on track to break the record number of firearms captured at security checkpoints. As a result, the federal watchdog has reminded travelers in the area about the negative effects of accidentally leaving your weapon in your carry-on bag.

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Guide To American Airlines Inflight Wi-Fi: Pricing, Speeds, Availability

One Mile at a Time

As someone who flies American Airlines more than any other airline, I figured it would be useful to write a guide about the carriers inflight Wi-Fi offering. Inflight connectivity has come a long way over the years, allowing travelers to stay connected above the clouds. The bad news is that American has no plans to offer free Wi-Fi to passengers on a widespread basis.

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Harlow PJC-2

Plane and Pilot

What do you get when you take a gifted aeronautical engineering professor, a group of eager junior college students, and mix in a Howard Hughes connection? The result is a streamlined and efficient retractable gear monoplane, the Harlow PJC. The equal of anything in the air before World War II. This story begins in the late 1930s in Southern California.

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The 5 Categories Of Drones Used By The US Military

Simple Flying

Among the many innovations in warfare throughout the past three decades, none have likely been as influential or as noteworthy as the advent of the military drone, which is often referred to as an unmanned aircraft system (UAS). Throughout dozens of global conflicts, the United States Armed Forces have deployed drones into combat zones, serving purposes ranging from reconnaissance to tactical intelligence and even strike missions.

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FAA Tweaks Instructor Rules, Eliminates LODA Requirements

AV Web

The FAA has enacted a final rule that, among dozens of other fine print details, allows certain types of pilot training, testing and checking in experimental aircraft without the need for a letter of deviation authority (LODA). The rule fixes a situation which resulted from a court decision five years ago concerning for-hire sightseeing rides in warbirds that were being touted as instructional.

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‘Free Citizen’ Alaskan Pilot Convicted Of Flying Without Certificate

AV Web

A well-known former Alaska air charter operator has been found guilty of two federal charges following what has been termed a near collision in 2023. According to the Anchorage Daily News , William Marsan, 57, of Palmer, a self described “free citizen” was convicted of flying without a certificate and operating an unregistered aircraft by a jury.

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Premium Travel Experience: JetBlue Mint's Stand-Out Features That Makes The Expense Worth It

Simple Flying

In the world of luxury flight options, a fresh addition to the landscape is JetBlue Airways' Mint product, but is it worth the steep price tag? Comfort can be crucial, especially on long-haul flights. Moreover, if a crucial client meeting is scheduled within minutes of landing, it may be good to arrive rested, relaxed and well-groomed. Mint aims to provide the comforts of home, featuring plenty of space, entertainment, and top-notch amenities.

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The Pennington P-51 ‘Lucy Gal’ Tuskegee Flight Memorial (Part Four)

Vintage Aviation News

An effort to honor a local MIA Red Tail takes-off, again ( …continued from Part Three ) As many legendary combat pilots have once said “ So there I was.” Although certainly less urgent than fighting for my life in the skies, I was now sitting at my desk assessing my plan of attack on a binder full of materials that I had amassed on Leland Pennnington, since beginning the project.

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Blossoming Budget Carrier: 5 Fascinating Facts About Air Arabia

Simple Flying

Commercial aviation in the Middle East has long been dominated by the Big 3 Gulf Carriers: Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad. But this is changing, and in recent times, low-cost carriers (LCCs) have been gaining market share across the region. OAG reports that LCCs now have a 29% share of all airline traffic in the Middle East, accounting for a quarter of all flights at even the largest legacy hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

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Flying With Hal

AV Web

The Encyclopedia Galactica defines a robot as a mechanical apparatus designed to do the work of a man. The marketing division of the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation defines a robot as “Your Plastic Pal Who’s Fun to Be With. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy defines the marketing division of the Sirius Cybernetic Corporation as “a bunch of mindless jerks who’ll be the first against the wall when the revolution comes, Douglas Adams, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Gal

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San Antonio International Airport Set To Begin Construction On $1.4 Billion Terminal

Simple Flying

The state of Texas is essential for US aviation. Many of its cities are home to hubs or companies that play a vital role in the United States aviation industry. For example, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is the second-busiest airport in the country, and the city is also home to two of the largest airlines in the world American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

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Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Bell 206

Vintage Aviation News

On this day in aviation history, December 8, 1962, a new type of helicopter, the Bell OH-4A, took to the air for the first time. An entry into an Army competition, the OH-4A would become the basis for one of the most widely used and produced light helicopter designs of all time, the Bell 206. During the mid-1950s, the US Army started the Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) program to develop a replacement for the aging Bell OH-13 Sioux, the military version of the Bell Model 47, which was used fo

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The Debate Over A-10 Warthog & Apache Obsolescence In One Word

Simple Flying

Are the A-10 Warthog Thunderbolt II ground attack fighter jet and AH-64 Apache attack helicopter obsolete? The answer can be summed up in one (unsatisfactory) word: depends (or rather, it depends on the mission set). The nature of the modern battlefield is that it changes.Often, not only do tactics change, but so too does the role of some of the equipment.

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Best Of The Web: RC Flying As A Pathway To Aviation

AV Web

Plenty of pilots got their first taste of aviation flying RC models and Clarence Ragland says there would be even more RC pilots if those teaching them to fly followed his method. Here’s what he’s learned in 50 years of teaching RC aviation. The post Best Of The Web: RC Flying As A Pathway To Aviation appeared first on AVweb.

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1st Belgian F-35A Lightning II Lands At Luke Air Force Base

Simple Flying

The first Belgian F-35A Lightning II arrived at Luke Air Force Base on 3 December 2024, marking an important milestone in the country's transition to the fifth generation fighter from the legacy F-16 Fighting Falcon. The F-35 Lightning II is easily the most popular and successful fifth-generation fighter jet, with almost all countries that could realistically order it having done so ( at least half a dozen requests to purchase the jet have been denied by the US ).

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U.S. Air Force Might Need To Reassess Bomber Force Size

The Aviationist

While the service is gearing up to introduce the new B-21 and retire the B-1B and B-2A, the demand for the bombers is increasing with the mutated geopolitical situation. In an interview to the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, the head of Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), Gen. Thomas Bussiere, said the bomber fleets […] The post U.S.

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Explained: What Exactly Is Southwest Airlines' Customer Of Size Policy?

Simple Flying

Southwest Airlines has one of the industry's most generous policies regarding 'Customers of Size,' allowing larger passengers to purchase an extra seat and later receive a refund for the additional cost. It's a relatively easy process too, meaning Customers of Size do not need to complete a complicated form to book another seat or get their money back.

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KC-135 Crews Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross for Supporting F-15Es During Iranian Attack on Israel

The Aviationist

The KC-135 Stratotankers of the 134th Air Refueling Wing supported the F-15E Strike Eagles that helped defend Israel last April. On Dec. 7, 2024, at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee, 11 members of the 134th Air Refueling Wing received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for their bravery during the aerial refueling missions aboard […] The post KC-135 Crews Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross for Supporting F-15Es During Iranian Attack on Israel appeared first on The Aviation

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The Ultimate Guide To The Cost Of Flying A Bombardier Global 7500

Simple Flying

The Bombardier Global 7500 stands as one of the most luxurious and capable business jets in the world, combining cutting-edge technology with unmatched comfort and range. Known for its ability to connect nearly any two cities on Earth, this ultra-long-range jet is a favorite among high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, and charter services.

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The Pennington P-51 ‘Lucy Gal’ Tuskegee Flight Memorial (Part 4)

Vintage Aviation News

An effort to honor a local MIA Red Tail takes-off, again ( …continued from Part Three ) As many legendary combat pilots have once said “ So there I was.” Although certainly less urgent than fighting for my life in the skies, I was now sitting at my desk assessing my plan of attack on a binder full of materials that I had amassed on Leland Pennnington, since beginning the project.

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Boeing Quality Investigator Claims Faulty Parts Have Been Used "Repeatedly" To Produce Planes Faster

Simple Flying

More revelations from current and former Boeing employees have surfaced after a recent report by CBS 60 Minutes once again brought attention back to the US plane makers troubled production processes. The Boeing workers told the media outlet that Boeing used faulty or nonconforming parts to keep the assembly line moving and meet delivery targets.

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Last Week’s Poll Results: Equally Rusty Pilots

AV Web

Respondents say they need to work on all aspects of flying. The post Last Week’s Poll Results: Equally Rusty Pilots appeared first on AVweb.

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Qantas Santa's A321 Freighter Helps Shift 50,000 Tonnes This Festive Season

Simple Flying

As most of us know, the next few weeks are busy for anyone delivering gifts, especially when you are the main man making the deliveries. To help out, Qantas has unveiled its 'Santa's Freight' aircraft today, which will be a key part of its work to deliver more than 50,000 tonnes of international and domestic freight this festive season.

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Poll: Is Boeing Getting Better?

AV Web

Poll: Is Boeing Getting Better? Poll: Is Boeing Getting Better? Yes, it's learned its lesson Maybe a little but not there yet It's about the same It's gotten worse The post Poll: Is Boeing Getting Better? appeared first on AVweb.

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Six Air New Zealand Airbus A320s Diverted Today Due To Severe Winds

Simple Flying

Today, wild winds with gusts in excess of 90 miles per hour played havoc with domestic flights in the southern parts of New Zealand. Six Air New Zealand flights left Auckland but were unable to land at Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown airports, with all being diverted back to Auckland.

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1875: An Aviation Pioneer Begins His Life’s Journey in St. Louis

Fly'n Things

December 6, 1875 Albert Bond Lambert was born in St. Louis, Missouri.He led an eventful life in several decidedly different capacities, which 1875: An Aviation Pioneer Begins His Lifes Journey in St.

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What Happened To Delta Air Lines' Boeing 717 West Coast Operations?

Simple Flying

Delta Air Lines took delivery of its first Boeing 717s in 2013, acquiring the aircraft from Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways. Since then, the carrier has grown to become the world's largest operator of the aircraft.

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Gogo completes Satcom Direct acquisition to serve all business aviation segments

Aerotime

Inflight connectivity provider Gogo has completed its acquisition of Satcom Direct, which provides satellite-based inflight connectivity to over 1,000 customers in the executive aviation and military markets. The deal, which was announced in September 2024, creates the only group able to provide multi-orbit, multi-band, in-flight connectivity to all market segments in executive aviation, according to the acquirer.

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Why Do The Patriots Fly Out Of TF Green Instead Of Boston Logan?

Simple Flying

When arriving at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) in Providence late in the evening, one is often greeted by a surprise on the runway. At this small airport that is served exclusively by narrowbody aircraft (and most of these are small regional jets), one will often see a pair of massive Boeing 767-300 aircraft sitting on the runway.

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Garuda Indonesia plans to increase fleet by 15 to 20 aircraft in 2025

Aerotime

Garuda Indonesia, the largest carrier in the southeast Asian island country, has announced its intention to increase its fleet by 15 to 20 aircraft in 2025. The airlines new CEO, Wamildan Tsani Panjaitan, whos tenure at the helm of the airline started in November 2024, announced these plans during a press conference on December 6, 2024. Garudas top executive also indicated that the carrier expects to receive two aircraft before the end of 2024 and another two in January 2025.

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Massive Capacity Increases: Air Canada Schedules Boeing 777-300ER Flights Between Toronto & Orlando For Spring Break

Simple Flying

Orlando, Florida, is often regarded as one of the leisure capitals of the United States. Given its warm climate and proximity to popular theme parks, millions flock to the area to enjoy all it has to offer each year. Orlando International Airport , the citys main gateway, is one of the busiest airports in Florida.

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War in Syria: the aviation element in Assad’s downfall

Aerotime

The momentous, and rather unexpected, sequence of events that have led to the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria has also had a chapter played out in the skies above Syria. As of December 8, 2024, the situation remains extremely fluid and not many details are known of the hours prior to the final disintegration of the Assadist regime, however, a number of episodes have involved aircraft and air movements by several of the parties involved in this long-lasting conflict, lets see what these are.

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5 Features That Make The F-18 Such A Formidable Fighter Jet

Simple Flying

The US Navy's F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet are variants of an iconic multirole fighter jet that has become emblematic of US naval air power. The F/A-18E and F Super Hornet is the latest and greatest in the family. The aircraft has grown in power and size, and earned a new nickname, the "Rhino." Hornet squadrons form the bulk of the squadrons in Carrier Air Wings that embark on American aircraft carriers.

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Are Hotel Credit Cards Worth It If You’re Not Loyal?

One Mile at a Time

If you want to maximize your travel rewards, I recommend using cards earning transferable points currencies , like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card ( review ), Citi Strata Premier Card ( review ), and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ( review ). Not only do these cards give you the most flexibility, but they also often have valuable bonus categories on spending.

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True Colors: How Southwest Airlines' Race To Profitability Left A Void In Smaller Markets

Simple Flying

Southwest Airlines is a unique airline in several ways. First, it only operates aircraft from one aircraft family, the Boeing 737. This keeps maintenance and training costs low and allows for fewer interruptions, as the aircraft are extremely similar.

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