Fri.Dec 27, 2024

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China tests out 2 ‘flying wing’ 6th generation fighter jets on Boxing Day

Aerotime

While much of the world was recovering from Christmas Day overindulgence, China was offering a glimpse of not one but two 6th generation fighter jets. On December 26, 2024, images began to emerge of what appears to be a large, tailless flying wing military aircraft undergoing a daytime test flight with a twin-seat Chengdu J-20S fighter serving as a chase plane.

Jet
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Airbase Georgia P-47N Thunderbolt Soars in 12 Planes of Christmas, Stretch Goal Announced

Vintage Aviation News

PRESS RELEASE For the third consecutive year, Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia has met its annual 12 Planes of Christmas fundraising program goals to help restore its Republic P-47N Thunderbolt fighter. The online campaign has raised $11,200 to date for the P-47N. Adding a $50,000 grant from the Ray Foundation pushed donations over the original $50,000 goal, helping ensure the purchase of rims and new leading edges for the wings of the rare and historic aircraft.

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Top 10: The busiest domestic flight routes in the USA in 2024

Aerotime

OAG has released the details of the busiest routes in the world in 2024, and the US has been very busy. Across the top 10 busiest routes, more than 30 million seats were offered by airlines over the year. The busiest route in the USA in 2024 is between Atlanta (ATL) and Orlando (MCO) with just short of 3.5 million seats offered. The route has risen to the top spot, beating last years busiest route – Honolulu (HNL) to Kahului (OGG) in Hawaii – by around 100,000 seats.

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FAA Transponder Requirements Explained

Pilot Institute

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has rules to keep air travel safe, and one big part of that is making sure airplanes have the right transponders. Transponders are an important part of an aircraft’s avionics system and help with tracking and safety. Lets break it all downwhat transponders are, how theyre used, and the rules pilots need to follow.

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COMAC C919 begins first non-mainland service to Hong Kong in January

Aerotime

The COMAC C919 has been in operation for around 18 months, with 14 aircraft delivered to airlines and in service in China. However, commercial operations have been largely limited to mainland China, though the jet has made some international appearances without passengers onboard. Thats all about to change, though, with the news that C919 is to be scheduled on regular service between Shanghai (PVG) and Hong Kong (HKG) from January 1, 2025.

Jet
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What Aircraft Are Leaving the US Coast Guard's Fleet In The Next Decade?

Simple Flying

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is entering a critical period of fleet modernization due to the discontinued production of its much beloved Airbus MH-65 Dolphin and recent mishaps involving high-flight-hour Sikorsky MH-60T Jayhawks. The Coast Guard is looking for alternative paths forward as its fleet is chronically underfunded. Currently, the source for the new MH-60s is retired Navy SH-60 hulls.

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Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1968 Mooney M20F Executive 21

Plane and Pilot

From short-field capability to payload to cruising speed, every aircraft is a balance of strengths and compromises. Among single-engine piston types, few manufacturers have optimized speed and efficiency as effectively as Mooney. Indeed, when designing the first examples, Al Mooney set a target of achieving 1 mile per hour per horsepower – and achieved that.

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Where To Fly The Airbus A380 Next Year: Airlines & Routes

Simple Flying

The Airbus A380 is one of the most beloved commercial aircraft in service today. A trip onboard an A380 is something of a rite of passage for any plane enthusiast, and countless planespotters around the world jump at the chance to spot an A380 landing at an airport near them.

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Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the North American FJ-2 Fury

Vintage Aviation News

On this day in aviation history, the North American FJ-2 Fury, a navalized variant of the F-86 Sabre, made its first flight. Along with the subsequent FJ-3 variant, the Fury was typical of a number of jet fighters developed for the US Navy in that it was intended not only to defend the fleet from the latest Soviet fighters but to keep pace with the US Air Force’s lineup of jet fighters, in a time when naval aviation was trying to stay relevant in an era of jet aircraft and nuclear bombers.

Jet
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Cebu Pacific receives 17th aircraft delivery for 2024: Airbus A321neo

Aerotime

Cebu Pacific has ended the year on a high note, receiving its latest aircraft delivery, a 236-seater Airbus A321neo. The aircraft touched down in Manila International Airport (MNL) on December 24, 2024, bringing the Filipino budget carriers commercial fleet total to 91. Airbus NEOs are latest-generation aircraft, burning 15% less fuel per flight and producing less noise compared to the previous generation.

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Can Airplane Food Actually Be “Restaurant Quality?”

One Mile at a Time

Airline food tends to be the punchline of many jokes, and the average traveler would probably compare it more closely to dog food than anything else. Thats if you even get served food on your flight, which is a luxury nowadays. Of course its a different story for premium travelers, as many airlines are trying to differentiate their first class and business class by investing in the soft product , including food and drinks.

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Favorite Friday Photos of 2024

Air Facts

Favorite Friday Photos of 2024 Air Facts Journal Air Facts popular “Friday photo” features some spectacular views and amazing memories to share with the aviation community. Thank you for those photos and we’re sure the best is yet to come. Have a photo to share? Send your photo and description to: airfacts@sportys.com. Enjoy these 10 most popular photos from 2024. 10.

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FAA Recommends Adding AoA To All Airplanes

AV Web

A prominent proponent of angle of attack (AoA) indicators is applauding the FAA for recommending they be installed in all airplanes. The agency published a special airworthiness information bulletin (SAIB) recommending AOA systems be installed as standard equipment in new airplanes and retrofitted in the existing fleet. The full document is reprinted below. “Outstanding step forward by the FAA, recognizing the importance of AoA systems in keeping the pilot better informed on where the wing

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Incidents and accidents: AeroTime’s commercial airline safety roundup of 2024  

Aerotime

As 2024 draws to a close, there can be little doubt that, over the course of the year, airline safety has continued to reach new levels, with fewer accidents, fewer aircraft being written off, and fewer fatalities. But while air travel remains one of the safest forms of transport, there have still been mishaps, incidents, and accidents involving public transport flights throughout 2024.

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Cyberattacks and Glitches Snarl Holiday Flights

Flyertalk

American Airlines flyers were delayed for hours on Christmas Eve due to a tech glitch, while a cyberattack was to blame for grounded Japan Airlines flights on December 26, 2024. Vendor Technology Issue Blamed for American Grounding In the case of American Airlines, CNN reports the carrier requested the groundstop from the Federal Aviation Administration due to a vendor technology issue on Tuesday, December 24.

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MPL vs ATPL – Which Pilot Training Course Is Right for You?

BAA Training

To the uninitiated, the world of commercial pilot licenses can seem like a swirling vortex of confusing acronyms. CPL, MPL, ATPL what do they mean, what are the differences between them, and whats right for you as you take the first steps on your journey towards becoming an airline pilot? The post MPL vs ATPL Which Pilot Training Course Is Right for You?

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How To Obtain Your FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit

Flight Training Central

The Permit is only required for international flyingit is not required while flying in the U.S. using VHF radios. If your future aviation plans include international travel, or you’re pursuing a professional aviation track, take the time to obtain your Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RR). In the U.S., the FCC issues a RR for pilots, but it is only required for international flyingit is not required while flying in the U.S. using VHF radios.

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We Flew On A 33-Year Old Delta Air Lines Boeing 757-200. Here’s How It Went.

Simple Flying

Delta Air Lines is the largest operator of the Boeing 757. While other passenger airlines decided to ditch the aircraft type years ago, the legacy carrier has clearly taken a different approach with over 100 examples currently in service.

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IAG Considering New Wi-Fi Provider

Airline Geeks

International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, has been in discussions with Starlink.

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Another Passenger Caught Trying To Stow Away On A Delta Air Lines Flight

Simple Flying

Another incident of a passenger attempting to fly without a ticket has come to light this time on a Delta flight from Seattle to Hawaii. However, the individual was identified before the plane took off and taken into custody by law enforcement officials.

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Livery of the Week: JetBlue’s Tributes to First Responders

Airline Geeks

Not only does the airline have different tailfins and liveries across its entire fleet, but it has a whole host of special paint jobs.

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Delta Air Lines Bids Farewell To A Pair Of 28-Year-Old Boeing 757-200s

Simple Flying

In October and November, Delta Air Lines retired two beloved Boeing 757-200 airframes. It came as the US legacy carrier has been gradually phasing out the jet, along with the 767-300ER, which are among the oldest aircraft types in the fleet.

Jet
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Avianca Launching Bogota To Tampa Flights In March 2025

One Mile at a Time

As someone who grew up in Tampa, Ive enjoyed seeing the airport continue to grow over the years, and I like to keep tabs on whats going on there. So while I dont usually cover individual short and medium haul international route additions, heres one that I find to be pretty cool (thanks to @IshrionA for flagging this). Avianca adds Bogota to Tampa flights as of March 2025 As of March 30, 2025, Avianca plans to add a new 4x weekly, year-round flight between Bogota (BOG) and Tampa (TPA).

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China Eastern Will Replace Airbus A321 With COMAC C919 On Hong Kong Flights

Simple Flying

China Eastern Airlines has planned the COMAC C919s first-ever scheduled service outside of mainland China, with the carrier scheduling flights to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) starting next year.

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Alaska Schedules Its Newest Route

Airline Geeks

After a monthslong wait, the Seattle-based carrier received approval from the Department of Transportation to schedule the service.

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The Airlines & Routes Where You Can Still Fly The Boeing 747 Next Year

Simple Flying

The Boeing 747 is one of the most iconic aircraft to ever grace the skies. Since its entry into commercial service in January 1970 with Pan Am, the 747 has attracted attention and admiration from avgeeks and passengers around the world. However, only a limited number remain in service today.

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Capital One Venture X Vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Card Is Better?

One Mile at a Time

Link: Apply now for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve Card The premium credit card market is more competitive than ever before. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ( review ) is an easy to justify premium credit card , and is in some ways the top competitor to the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card ( review ), which has become incredibly popular with consumers.

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8 Unique Locations The Four Seasons Private Jet Flies To

Simple Flying

Voyage with a dedicated journey team, enjoying the nicety of elegant service every step of the way. In addition to the Hotels and Resorts, the Four Seasons also provides Private Jet Voyages, Yachts, Residences, and Private Retreats. The brand offers an elite private jet experience, tailoring most preferences, especially those related to culture, history, and adventures.

Jet
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Another Delta Stowaway Marks the Third Airline Hitchhiker Found in a Month

Airline Geeks

In a second occurrence this holiday season for the airline, another stowaway has been caught aboard a Delta flight before takeoff on Friday.

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Philadelphia International Airport Is Working To Attract Indian Carriers

Simple Flying

Philadelphia, the seventh-largest metropolitan region in the US, is a thriving center of culture, education, and business. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), a vital entry point for millions of travelers entering and leaving the area, is located in the center of this energetic metropolis. In the calendar year 2023, Philadelphia airport handled over 28.1 million passengers, an increase of 12.6% over 2022, the airport announced earlier this year.

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Embraer signs contract for two C-390 Millennium with an undisclosed customer

Aviation News

New order highlights the growing global interest in this next-generation aircraft. So Jos dos Campos, Brazil, December 27, 2024 Embraer signed today a.

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“Huge Demand” Prompts Aer Lingus To Boost Airbus A321LR Service To Cleveland Next Summer

Simple Flying

IAG-owned Aer Lingus is boosting its Airbus A321LR presence in Ohio, the United States. The Irish flag carrier will add more nonstop flight frequencies to Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport (CLE) during the high-travel summer season of 2025.

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Christmas 2024 saw images of two seemingly new Chinese military aircraft with stealthy characteristics

Aviation News

On Boxing Day 26 December 2024, pictures and video emerged of a new Chinese stealth aircraft, from Chengdu Factory featuring a unique configuration of three.

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Eurowings Inactivates Official X Account That Has Over 90,000 Followers

Simple Flying

Lufthansa's low-cost arm, Eurowings, deactivated its official X account, which has more than 90,000 followers, on December 27, 2024. The news comes more than a week after Elon Musk endorsed Germany's far-right party Alternative fr Deutschland (AfD) on his social media platform X, stating that "only the AfD can save Germany.

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Air Canada orders five additional A220s

Aviation News

Mirabel, Canada, 20 December 2024 Air Canada, the national carrier of Canada, has signed a firm order with Airbus for five more latest generation single-aisle A220-300s on the fifth anniversary since taking delivery of its first A220 in December 2019.

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World's Busiest Airport To Launch 18-Month Centennial Celebration On New Year's Eve

Simple Flying

In addition to welcoming the new year, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) will begin an 18-month celebration of its Centenary on New Year's Eve. This commemorates the airport's significant contribution to the development of the city and international aviation. The celebrations will pay tribute to the long history of Atlanta, the busiest airport in the world, as well as its potential to become a center for aviation innovation in the future.

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Sick Day & Ham Radio Things

Gary's Flight Journal

Common CW Abbreviations DE - From or This is BK - Break or Back R - Received or Roger ES - And TU - Thank You UR - Your, You're RST - Readability, Signal Strength, Tone GM - G ood M orning, A Afternoon, E Evening 73 - Best Regards - Goodbye Good Luck MC - Merry Christmas HNY - Happy New Year