March, 2025

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Alaska Airlines Flight 261: Investigating what caused the tragedy

Aerotime

Alaska Airlines Flight 261 was one of the worst aviation disasters in modern US history. What should have been a routine flight turned into a tragedy after a part of the tail assembly failed. Twenty-five years on from this terrible accident, we look back at what led up to the crash, what was learned from it, and why the pilots Ted Thompson and Bill Tansky are now hailed as heroes for their actions during the incident.

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Wingtip Vortices and Wake Turbulence

Pilot Institute

What do you think happens to the air when an aircraft flies by? The exhaust coming out of aircraft engines looks pretty dangerous, generating huge amounts of thrust and pushing back tons of hot air. Would it surprise you to know that the most dangerous part of an aircrafts wake is not the engine exhaust? By far the strongest component of wake turbulence is the swirling air generated at the tips of the aircrafts wings.

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Intolerable Risk: Dangerous Design behind the Washington DC Mid-Air Collision

Fear of Landing

On the 11th of March, the NTSB released an aviation investigation preliminary report on the mid-air collision between PSA Airlines flight 5342 and a Sikorsky UH60L US Army helicopter. At the same time, they released an an urgent recommendation report calling for the FAA to close the helicopter route that the military helicopter was following whenever runway 33 is in use.

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NTSB Issues ‘Urgent’ Call to Prohibit DCA Helo Traffic

AV Web

At a Washington, D.C. press briefing this afternoon, National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy announced an urgent recommendation to the FAA to prohibit helicopter operations on the designated helicopter Route 4 near Washingtons Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) when Runway 15/33 is in operation. The announcement included release of the NTSB Preliminary Report on the January 29 nighttime midair collision involving a U.S.

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Airlines Serving The Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks

One Mile at a Time

When talking about drinks served in first and business class, understandably the focus is often on alcohol, especially great champagne. However, it goes without saying that not everyone drinks alcohol. For that matter, even many who usually drink may not want much alcohol when flying, since its not exactly great for beating jetlag. With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to talk about the airlines that serve the best non-alcoholic beverages.

OAT
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Game On!

Plane and Pilot

I dont exactly fit the standard pilot profile of Game Aerospaces GB1 GameBird But theres always been something about the GameBird that has piqued my interest. The sleek, sexy lines, aggressive facial-esque features, and more often than not, bright and flashy paint schemes make this aerobatic design stand out from the crowd. Never in a million years did I think I would get the chance to learn the ins and outs of this beautiful machine, until recently.

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Air France-KLM Group reports revenues up 4.8% in 2024 despite cost headwinds  

Aerotime

Air France-KLM Group has released its latest set of figures for both the final quarter of 2024 (4Q24) as well as its full-year results. The results, announced on March 6, 2025, are generally favourable, with capacity increasing and the Franco-Dutch airline group benefitting from the use of more efficient aircraft. However, KLM is finding headwinds are hampering its overall performance, with a range of cost-cutting measures being actioned to improve its position in 2025 and beyond.

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As Uncertainty Reigns Over Washington, American Cuts Back

Cranky Flier

To say it has been a whirlwind month for those who live in Washington, DC would be an understatement. It has been an absolutely insane month, truth be told. Now, American is pulling back at its primary airport in the region, Washington/National, or DCA, and I’m guessing that these two things are directly related. Just think about everything that region has had to endure since inauguration day.

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Redbird Releases 2025 Survey on Aviation Training

AV Web

At this years Redbird Migration Flight Training Conference, Redbird released its fifth annual State of Flight Training Survey. The report includes findings and analysis of the flight training industry based on input from some 1,400 flight training organization owners and managers, flight instructors, designated pilot examiners, active and prospective students, and certificated pilots.

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Air India Updates Employee Travel Policy, Even CEO Will Fly Economy

One Mile at a Time

Air India is updating its travel policy for employees flying domestically, as reported by The Times of India , and Im impressed by the extent to which it involves leading by example Air Indias new domestic staff travel policy Air India is updating its policy for employees traveling domestically on official business. This applies across the board, whether were talking about the CEO traveling somewhere for a conference, or a pilot deadheading somewhere to operate a flight.

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Check Ride Jitters

Plane and Pilot

Check ride. The day had arrived. I examined the topped fuel tanks one more time and untied the ropes on the Cessna 152. I noticed that the wind was picking up. I looked toward the west, where the skies were darkening. I felt knots forming in my stomach. Would the weather hold or not? I took a deep breath and looked westward again. Am I imagining it?

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Hong Kong Airlines crew race to extinguish midflight overhead bin fire: video 

Aerotime

A panicked Hong Kong Airlines flight crew raced to extinguish a fire using bottles of water after a blaze reportedly broke out in an overhead bin during a flight. Video posted on social media on March 20, 2025, showed crew members and passengers scrambling to douse the blaze as the pilot initiated an emergency landing. Hong Kong Airlines confirmed to local media that the fire aboard an Airbus A320-200 was successfully extinguished and flight HX115 landed safely at Fuzhou Changle International Ai

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Pilot Height Requirements: Myths vs. Reality

Pilot Institute

Many aspiring pilots feel discouraged before they even start training, believing that their height disqualifies them from taking to the skies. This misconception can shatter dreams and rob the aviation world of potential top-notch pilots. Heres the truth. There is no specific height requirement or limit in the civil aviation industry. Military aviation does have height requirements, but they vary based on the aircraft and service.

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Mastering Stalls: How to Recognize, Prevent, and Recover Safely

Flight Training Central

Aerodynamic stalls are caused by an excessive angle of attack. And while technically they can occur at any attitude, power setting, or airspeed, as a practical matter, they are likely to occur when operating at the edges of the normal operating envelope and/or while making abrupt control inputs. While its extremely important to understand what conditions can lead to a stall, how to recognize an impending stall, and correct recovery techniques, its not something to fear during your everyday flyin

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FAA Sharply Restricts DCA Helicopter Traffic

AV Web

The FAA wasted little time following NTSB recommendations to sharply restrict helicopter operations around Reagan National Airport in Washington. In its preliminary report on a crash between an Army Blackhawk helicopter and an American Eagle CRJ last month that killed 67 people, the NTSB urged the FAA to eliminate helicopter traffic that might conflict with airliners at the busy airport.

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Hong Kong Airport Parallel Takeoff Leads To Very Close Call

One Mile at a Time

Two heavy aircraft departing Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) had a very close call, which is now being investigated by regulators. I guess at least a close call wasnt in the United States, for once? TCAS saves the day for two cargo jets departing HKG This incident happened at around 7AM on Thursday, February 27, 2025, and involves two cargo jets that were both departing the airport: An MNG Airlines Airbus A330-300 with the registration code TC-MCN was departing for Istanbul (IST) with the

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Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Launch Strategic Joint Venture and New Flights Between Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi

World Airline News

Agreement signed in Ethiopias capital will unlock stunning networks of both airlines giving passengers seamless connections across Africa, the Middle East and Asia Etihad Airways to start nonstop flights from Abu Dhabi to Addis Ababa on 1 October, and Ethiopian Airlines to start flights to Abu Dhabi from 15 July Addis Ababa marks Etihads fifteenth new destination for 2025, whereas Abu Dhabi becomes Ethiopian Airlines’ 145th global destination Ethiopian Airlines Airbus A350-1041 F-WWXL (ET-

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United Airlines rolls out Starlink WiFi connectivity on its regional jet fleet

Aerotime

United Airlines has announced that it has begun the roll out of SpaceXs Starlink WiFi connectivity system on its regional aircraft fleet. The announcement, made on March 7, 2025, also unveiled further details of the processes that underscore the technical operations benefits associated with the equipment, including size and weight as well as the ease of installation and maintenance.

Jet
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The Difference Between Category, Class, and Type of Aircraft

Pilot Institute

Understanding the difference between a category, class, and type of aircraft can be confusing, especially for those new to the aviation industry. This article will break down these terms and explain the criteria used to distinguish one from the other. By the end of this article, youll have a clear understanding of what sets a category, class, and type of aircraft apart and why it is vital to know the difference.

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Today in Aviation History: The 99th Pursuit Squadron is Constituted

Vintage Aviation News

On March 19, 1941, the 99th Pursuit Squadron was officially constituted, marking a historic milestone as the first African American fighter squadron. This unit would later become an integral part of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. Eventually, the 99th was joined by the 100th, 301st, and 302nd Fighter Squadrons to form the 332nd Fighter Group, famously known as the Red Tails. 99th Fighter Squadron mechanic reloading a P-51 Mustang The 99th Pursuit Squadron, along with other African American units

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FAA Introduces New Runway Incursion Device

AV Web

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is deploying runway safety technology upgrades at 74 air traffic control towers in the U.S., the agency announced Wednesday. The Runway Incursion Device (RID) is designed to assist air traffic controllers by providing real-time alerts when a runway is occupied or closed. With the ability to monitor up to eight runways simultaneously, the RID will replace various outdated systems currently in use at control towers, streamlining safety operations across th

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Singapore KrisFlyer Offering 20% Off Economy Awards, And More

One Mile at a Time

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer is celebrating a major milestone, as the program now has 10 million members. To commemorate this, KrisFlyer has launched an award sale, specifically for economy and premium economy redemptions. This is separate from the programs Spontaneous Escapes offer , which is available monthly, and is much more restrictive in terms of the markets in which you can travel.

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Air France Unveils Its New La Première Experience, The Highest Expression of Travel

World Airline News

After launching an exceptional airport journey at Paris-Charles de Gaulle in 2024, Air France is reinventing the travel experience on board its most exclusive cabin. Four suites, each nearly 3.5 square meters, will gradually be introduced on a selection of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with the first in-flight experience available beginning in spring 2025.

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Robinson Helicopters launches new R88, company’s first new aircraft in 15 years

Aerotime

Robinson Helicopter Company (‘Robinson’), based in Torrance near Los Angeles in California, has just announced the launch of its first all-new aircraft type in nearly 15 years. The R88 helicopter will be a larger helicopter than both the companys existing R22 and R44 models, which, according to Robinson, is a helicopter designed to meet a wider range of mission requirements while maintaining the companys hallmark reliability, affordability, and safety.

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How to Read a METAR – Our Full Guide to Aviation Weather Reports

Pilot Institute

When flying an airplane, you become a part of the air around you. So, you will want to know what the air and prevailing weather conditions are doing. Forget checking your phone apps or the TV. You will want detailed and accurate weather information. The best way to do that is to read a METAR. Learning how to read a METAR can be tricky. Today we will offer you some easy-to-follow guidance and some practical examples.

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The Fabulous Flamingo: Gino Lucci’s Journey from Air Force to Aviation Salvage and a One-of-a-Kind Motorhome

Vintage Aviation News

Gino Lucci has spent a lifetime around aircraft, but his story is anything but typical. A retired U.S. Air Force flight refueler and First Sergeant, Lucci transformed his passion for aviation into a thriving business, Round Engine Aero, which specializes in salvaging and preserving vintage aircraft. His latest creation, a fully functional motorhome built from the fuselage of a Navy R4D (the U.S.

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Aviation Coalition Urges GA Pilots To Prioritize Safety

AV Web

A united coalition of aviation organizations has come together to support the National Pause for General Aviation Safety. Spearheaded by AOPA and backed by the FAA Safety Team, this initiative encourages general aviation (GA) pilots to dedicate 15 to 60 minutes over the next six months to enhancing their safety practices. Pilots are urged to sharpen their skills and knowledge through a variety of carefully curated resources, including videos, articles, and more.

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Korean Air Plans Huge Lounge Improvements: Long Overdue!

One Mile at a Time

Korean Air has this week revealed a major rebranding, which follows the merger between Korean Air and Asiana being finalized. Whats exciting is that changes at the airline go way beyond just branding, as the airline will also invest in the passenger experience. Ive already covered how Korean Air plans to launch a new first class in 2028 , but thats not all.

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Korean Air Stuns With New Livery As Part Of Major Brand Refresh

Simple Flying

On Tuesday, Korean Air unveiled its first new corporate identity in 41 years by pulling the curtain back on a gleaming Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner adorned with a bold and distinctive livery. The event took place in a Korean Air hangar in Seoul in front of more than 1,000 enthusiastic guests, including employees, industry leaders and international and domestic media.

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Air France-KLM Group makes €300 million offer to take control of Air Europa

Aerotime

The Air France-KLM Group has reportedly tabled an offer of 300 million ($330 million) to take a controlling stake in Spanish carrier Air Europa. The move places the Franco-Dutch airline consortium in the running to take control of the Spanish airline with Germanys Lufthansa Group, which until now, had been considered as the clear favorite to take a majority shareholding in the Madrid-based airline.

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What Is Bernoulli’s Principle? A Simple Guide for Pilots

Pilot Institute

Aircraft are massive, heavy machines. How do they manage to fly, supported by nothing but thin air? Many explanations on websites, videos, and even some textbooks oversimplify or misrepresent the true mechanics of lift. In reality, lift generation involves both Bernoullis principle and Newtons third law working together. Read on to understand Bernoullis principle and how it relates to lift the right way.

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JetBlue celebrates first regular supply of SAF at JFK

Aviation Bussiness News

US low-cost airline JetBlue and its fuel partners have marked an industry milestone with the first regular supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for commercial air travel in the Northeast region at New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Last summer, the airline announced its agreement with World Fuel Services (World Fuel), a company under the global energy provider, World Kinect corporation, for a minimum of one million gallons of neat SAF to be provided by Valero Marketing a

Jet
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Pilot Actions May Have Contributed To Endeavor Air CRJ-900 Crash

AV Web

Pilot actions, including an excessive rate of descent, may have contributed to the Feb. 17 crash of an Endeavor Air CRJ-900 at Toronto Pearson International Airport, according to a preliminary report by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. The TSB report noted that the aircraft descended too quickly, striking the runway and causing the right main landing gear to collapse.

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New Air France La Premiere First Class: Stunning, Elegant, Chic!

One Mile at a Time

Its a big day for Air France, Europes most premium airline. The airline has today unveiled its new first class product (marketed as La Premiere), as part of a project that has been over three years in the making. For context, Air Frances current first class was introduced over a decade ago, in 2014, and continues to be very competitive to this day. Now the airline is launching a new cabin, designed in partnership with Frances STELIA Aerospace, that will no doubt lead the industry for the next de

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Silver’s Plans Appear to Be Tarnished

Cranky Flier

As Spirit sails through Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and prepares to exit, fellow Florida-based airline Silver is not quite having the same luck. After a whole lot of drama, the airlines’s fleet is shrinking and it has cut back flights with no notice. Silver’s outlook is… cloudy… at best. After Silver stopped flying for Amazon’s Prime Air in 2023, the airline had 14 aircraft flying around Florida and the Caribbean.

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NTSB chair Homendy warns next aircraft accident is ‘in the data right now’

Aerotime

Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Jennifer Homendy, has appeared before the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) subcommittee, where she was questioned about the January 2025 crash between a Black Hawk helicopter and a American Eagle Bombardier CRJ700. When asked by Chairman Steve Womack to pick the most alarming data conclusions drawn from the accident investigation so far, Homendy indicated that her biggest concern was the regularity of collision alerts

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Pilot’s Bucket List: 11 Must-Do Adventures After Earning Your Pilot’s License

Air Facts

Pilots Bucket List: 11 Must-Do Adventures After Earning Your Pilots License Air Facts Journal You worked hard, paid a lot of money and earned your pilot’s license. Congratulations! Now what do you do? It’s a question that comes up more often than most pilots care to admit.Sure, you’ll want to take friends and family up for a ride, but once you’ve done that a few times, you may find yourself looking for new missions.