Sat.Aug 09, 2025

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Why The Boeing 777X's Engines Have Such A Large Diameter

Simple Flying

If you have seen a photo of a Boeing 777X , you've probably noticed how large its engines are. But to answer the question from the title, we need to analyze both the aircraft and the engine in detail. In the world of commercial aviation, aircraft size and engine power always go hand in hand. But even among giants, the Boeing 777X stands out, largely due to its engines.

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Checklist to Ace Your FAA Private Pilot Written Test

Pilot Institute

They call it the “ Speed-Bump Effect ,” that frustrating point in your flight training where everything stalls out right after your first solo. FAA data shows that this lull can last up to 42 days just for you to gear up for the knowledge test. That’s a month and a half of lost momentum, and it adds up by the day. Here’s the good news: we’ll give you exactly what you need to dodge that stall.

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Beta Electric Aircraft Begins Testing in Norway

Flying Magazine

Fresh off a multiweek European “Grand Tour” comprising stops in Ireland, the U.K., France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Denmark, Beta Technologies’ all-electric CX300 is conducting its first test flights in Norway. The aircraft, tail number N214BT, was recently delivered to customer Bristow Group, whose pilots took it to the skies for the first time on Friday.

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Revealed: The Top 10 US Airports For Widebody Flights

Simple Flying

The US has more widebody flights in August than any other country worldwide except China. This is based on combining all routes using OAG data. The US has over 1,030 twin-aisle services daily, of which 84% are deployed on long-haul routes. The nation's shortest international links using such equipment were examined recently.

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DOT’s Inspector General Launches Audit of FAA After D.C. Collision

Flying Magazine

The U.S. Transportation Department ’s inspector general has launched an audit of the FAA ’s oversight of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) in connection with a midair collision over Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people. In a statement released Friday, the inspector general’s office said the audit was requested by the leadership of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, the Senate Homeland Security Committee, and additional senators and members of Congress.

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In-Cockpit Weather Used to Be Different 

Plane and Pilot

It may come as a shock to Plane & Pilot’s younger readers to learn that “in-cockpit weather” has actually been available for a very long time. However, it wasn’t displayed on fancy flat screens. It was broadcast aurally from ground sources. Requiring only a pair of headphones and perhaps a sharp pencil with which to copy it, one listened and learned.

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Power Banks and Air Travel: Where We Stand Today

Aviation News

Current Regulations & Airline Policies Global aviation standards (like IATA and FAA) mandate that spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks must only be carried in.

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Why The Airbus A350 Has Such A Quiet Cruise

Simple Flying

The Airbus A350 is one of the most modern passenger aircraft in the skies today. Since entering commercial service in 2015, the aircraft has proven immensely popular with both airlines and passengers around the world, with its low operating costs and impressive sustainability credentials giving it a leading edge in a crowded market.

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Today in Aviation History: First Flight Past the Sound Barrier in Canada

Vintage Aviation News

On this day in aviation history, 75 years ago (August 9, 1950), Alexander John “Al” Lilly became the first Canadian pilot to break the sound barrier. Born on July 19, 1910, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Lilly developed a fascination with aviation as a teenager in the late 1920s. He left university to pursue his passion for flying, joining the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in 1932.

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Australian KC-30A Cleared to Refuel USAF F-15EX Eagle II and F-15E Strike Eagle

The Aviationist

Together with the RAAF E-7A Wedgetail refueled by an USAF KC-46A Pegasus, the RAAF KC-30 being able to refuel F-15s enhances interoperability between Australia and the U.S. The RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) has cleared its KC-30A MRTT aerial tanker to refuel the U.S. Air Force’s F-15EX Eagle II and F-15E Strike Eagle fighters at […] The post Australian KC-30A Cleared to Refuel USAF F-15EX Eagle II and F-15E Strike Eagle appeared first on The Aviationist.

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These Are The Countries That Purchase US Fighter Jets

Simple Flying

The global market for combat aircraft is shaped by a few major buyers and even fewer dominant exporters. This guide explores which nations are purchasing the most advanced US fighter jets , specifically the F‑35, F‑15, F‑16, and F/A‑18, and why those acquisitions matter in 2025’s shifting geopolitical and technological landscape. Expect a detailed look at export volumes, strategic motivations, and emerging trends across these platforms.

Jet
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How To Tell The Age Of The Plane You’re Flying On… Does It Even Matter?

One Mile at a Time

In addition to loving miles & points, I’m also a huge avgeek. When I fly, I want to know everything about the plane I’m traveling on. Not because I’m scared, but because some planes have really interesting histories. It’s amazing how many airlines some aircraft have flown for over the years. For those who are curious about the age of planes, I figure it’s fun to share how I go about determining the age of the planes I’m flying on.

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Potomac Mid-Air Collision: USDOT Opens Audit Of FAA Washington D.C. Airspace Oversight

Simple Flying

On January 29, 2025, a US Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair with a PSA Airlines ( American Eagle ) Bombardier CRJ-700 over the Potomac River as it approached Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft. In response, the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (DOT OIG) has launched an audit to examine the FAA’s oversight of airspace around DCA, especially its handling of ADS-B Out exemptions.

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Qatar-Donated 747-8 Spotted In Texas Ahead Of ‘Air Force One’ Refit

The Aviationist

The VIP-configured B747-8, which will be converted into Air Force One, was photographed departing Alliance Fort Worth en route to Waco. On Aug. 8, the Boeing 747-8 N7478D, donated by Qatar to U.S. President Donald Trump, was photographed at Alliance Fort Worth, Texas, departing southbound to Waco, Texas, most probably for the first round of […] The post Qatar-Donated 747-8 Spotted In Texas Ahead Of ‘Air Force One’ Refit appeared first on The Aviationist.

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Qantas Retires Its Entire Q300 Fleet After 25 Years In Service

Simple Flying

QantasLink , the regional subsidiary of Australian flag carrier Qantas , has bid farewell to the loyal De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q-300 , following 25 years of dedicated service connecting regional Australia to some of its largest cities. The airline, which operated the last flight on Saturday, August 9, shuttled passengers for the final time between Sydney and Tamworth.

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British and U.S. F-35Bs Land on Japan’s JS Kaga

The Aviationist

For the first time, a British F-35B Lightning II landed on the Japanese JS Kaga during joint training as part of CSG25. British and U.S. F-35Bs landed on the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) JS Kaga helicopter-carrying destroyer. Although U.S. Marine Corps’ F-35Bs already landed on the Kaga during testing, this is the first time […] The post British and U.S.

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Why Don’t Any US Airlines Fly The World’s Longest Commercial Flight?

Simple Flying

The world's longest route in commercial aviation is over 19 hours between Singapore and New York. However, this route is operated by Singapore Airlines rather than a US-based carrier. That is because the route is so long that it requires Singapore Airlines' custom A350-900ULR, which is not flown by any other airline.

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France is Testing the Rafale F4.3

The Aviationist

Preparing for the future of the Rafale, France conducted a test campaign to assess the current state of the F4.3 standard ahead of its final definition. The French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) announced that the new Rafale F4.3 standard has been assessed during a short test campaign to evaluate the current state of its […] The post France is Testing the Rafale F4.3 appeared first on The Aviationist.

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Why Might The World's Most Versatile Widebody Aircraft Have Boeing Worried?

Simple Flying

The Airbus A330 family is popular in the modern commercial aviation industry, with Airbus data showing that 1,635 had been built as of June this year. The newest variant, the A330neo, is 14% more fuel-efficient per seat than its predecessor, and today it competes with the popular Boeing 787 Dreamliner for leadership of the widebody medium to long-haul commercial market.

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UK Defence Awards Five-Year Fleet Helicopter Support Contract to HeliOperations

Aviation News

Aviation News – Announced on 8 August 2025. The contract, which was placed in July 2025, will see the UK Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S).

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After Tragic Accident, Air India Ditches Flights To Washington Completely

Simple Flying

Air India is scrapping flights to Washington next year amid ongoing scrutiny following the fatal crash of one of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft in June. The carrier is under growing pressure after flaws in its safety processes came to light in the weeks after Air India Flight 171 crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12.

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Legendary Lockheed Super Star returns in iconic original design

World Airline News

Lufthansa made this announcement: The former flagship of Lufthansa, the Lockheed 1649A Starliner (known as the Super Star by Lufthansa), is once again shining in its former glory. This aviation icon of the past now sports the classic look of the 1950s.

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Melbourne Airport To Get New Airbus A330 Flights As This Airline Marks Australian Debut

Simple Flying

A new carrier will grace the apron at Melbourne from December, with Chinese carrier, Shenzhen Airlines , announcing its intentions to serve Australia for the first time. The direct flight, which will depart from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) three times a week, will commence on December 22, utilizing an Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

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Jim Lovell, Apollo 13 Commander and Aviation Icon, Dies at 97

Flying Magazine

Captain James “Jim” Lovell, Jr., the celebrated naval aviator, test pilot, and NASA astronaut who commanded the harrowing Apollo 13 mission, has died at the age of 97. His family announced he passed away peacefully at his home. Lovell’s career in the sky began long before he joined NASA. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952, he became a naval aviator, flying various jets from carriers.

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JetBlue Sells More Embraer E190s & GE Engines Ahead of E-Jet Retirement

Simple Flying

In its push to phase out the Embraer E190 in favor of the Airbus A220, Queens-based JetBlue Airways is selling E190s and its engines. Aviation Week is reporting that earlier this week, JetBlue sold 23 General Electric CF34s to various aftermarket companies. For the buyers, this significantly expands their MRO capabilities at a time of restricted aftermarket support.

Jet
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VMFA-112 Unveils F/A-18D ‘USMC 250th Anniversary’ Jet

The Aviationist

Take a look at the F/A-18D in special color scheme to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps. On Aug. 7, 2025, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 rolled out a special F/A-18D Hornet that turns a front-line jet into a flying storyboard of Marine Corps history. The Hornet, informally referred to by the […] The post VMFA-112 Unveils F/A-18D ‘USMC 250th Anniversary’ Jet appeared first on The Aviationist.

Jet
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Why In The World Does The Boeing 787 Fly To Antarctica?

Simple Flying

A planeload of scientists annually arrives on the ice at Troll Airfield (QAT) in one of the largest commercial airplanes to fly to Antarctica. The flight is commissioned by the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI), which provides scientific knowledge and advice to Norwegian authorities about the Arctic and the Antarctic. Forbes reported in 2023 that, for the first time, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner , operated by Scandinavian low-cost carrier, Norse Atlantic Airways, made the round-trip flight from Cape To

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United Airlines’ Greenland Flight Delayed Due To Reindeer Hunting

One Mile at a Time

Flights can be delayed for all kinds of reasons, ranging from mechanical issues, to bad weather, to ATC limitations. However, here’s a new one, at least for me, as flagged by JonNYC … Nuuk security staff skip work to go reindeer hunting This summer, United Airlines is operating a pretty awesome seasonal route between Newark (EWR) and Nuuk, Greenland (GOH).

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FAA To Extend Newark Flight Operations Limit At 72 Per Hour Through Summer 2026

Simple Flying

The Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) is proposing to extend flight restrictions at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) through the end of next summer amid ongoing air traffic control (ATC) shortages. This would see a maximum of 72 flight movements per hour at the New York-area airport for both the winter 2025 and summer 2026 seasons.

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Do Flight Attendants Know If You Redeemed Miles For Your Ticket?

One Mile at a Time

There can be quite a thrill to redeeming miles for a first or business class ticket that would cost many thousands of dollars if paying cash, though it’s how many of us have gotten used to traveling. Along those lines, I know many people redeeming miles might wonder if the crew is aware of what they paid for their ticket, and if they should feel sheepish about that.

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Soaring Higher: Unveiling The Fastest-Growing Airlines Between The US & Europe

Simple Flying

Airlines have more passenger flights between the US and Europe in August than in any other month to date. Carrier submissions to Cirium Diio show an average of 620 daily departures in the peak summer month. Compared to last August, 26 daily services were added.

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Weekly Review: August 09, 2025

One Mile at a Time

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend so far! I’m just at home spending time with family, though I’m plotting my next review trip, so stay tuned. On the points & travel front, this week American announced new flights to Europe, the exciting Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur opened, Cathay Pacific increased its Boeing 777-9 order, Alaska announced new routes to London and Keflavik and unveiled a new Boeing 787 livery, and more.

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Air France-KLM Drops Most Airbus A350-1000 Orders For More Smaller -900s

Simple Flying

Air France-KLM is changing most of its Airbus A350-1000 orders to the smaller A350-900, according to Airbus’ latest order backlog data. This adjustment comes two years after the group’s initial purchase. The change was first reported by FlightGlobal.

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4 Great Habits We’ve Learnt from Flying, and 4 We Wish We Hadn’t

Pilots Who Ask Why

There’s no doubt that flying teaches you a lot. Some of it’s brilliant, stuff that makes you sharper, calmer, and way better at handling chaos 🌪️ But not all of it is helpful once you’re back on the ground, or just trying to live life! Some habits sneak into everyday […] The post 4 Great Habits We’ve Learnt from Flying, and 4 We Wish We Hadn’t first appeared on Pilots Who Ask Why.

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Why American Airlines Doesn’t Want Its Airbus A320s Anymore

Simple Flying

With almost 1,000 active aircraft , Fort Worth-based American Airlines operates one of the largest commercial fleets in the world. As one of America's ' Big Three ' legacy carriers, it has an extensive domestic, trans-border, and international network, stretching to many corners of the United States and the world. The airline, a member of the one world alliance, has established hubs at ten airports across the country, with many focus cities, as it feeds into its hub-and-spoke network.

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India says six Pakistani warplanes downed in May

Defence Blog

India’s Air Force chief has publicly claimed that the country’s air defenses shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and one airborne early warning aircraft during clashes in May, marking the first official statement from New Delhi on Pakistan’s reported losses in the brief but intense exchange. Speaking in the southern city of Bengaluru on Saturday, […] The post India says six Pakistani warplanes downed in May first appeared on Defence Blog.

Jet
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Why The Boeing 747-8 Deserves A 2nd Look

Simple Flying

After decades as the world's most iconic airliner, the Boeing 747 ended with a flourish. The final and largest variant was the 747-8, with over 150 manufactured from 2008 to 2023. However, with the aviation industry moving ever towards point-to-point operations flown by highly efficient and smaller airliners, the 747-8 is now declining in prevalence.