Pilot Institute
APRIL 12, 2025
The largest passenger aircraft flying today weighs more than 1.2 million pounds. How does it stay airborne, supported by nothing but thin air? Lift is the force that aircraft use to counter gravity. Newton’s Third Law is one of the key laws of physics that explains lift. Lets see what Newtons Third Law is, and why we need it to understand lift.
Aerotime
APRIL 13, 2025
In 2024, passenger traffic at European airports rose by 7.4%, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 1.8%, according to newly released data from Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe). While ACI data show that some smaller airports remain 34.5% below their pre-pandemic figures, three airports in North-East Europe, home to the Baltic states, have all overcome this challenge.
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Vintage Aviation News
APRIL 14, 2025
By Cassidy Cristello Contributor Cassidy Cristello recently visited Davis-Monthan AFB and captured photographs of the Convair XC-99 stored there. In this article, he outlines the history, purpose, and significance of this obscure yet fascinating aircraftan embodiment of pure 1950s technology. In modern aviation, military cargo aircraft adhere to well-established design principlestypically featuring high wings, T-tails, and undercarriage mounted below the fuselage.
One Mile at a Time
APRIL 14, 2025
For the outbound portion of our winter trip to Tokyo and Niseko , we flew Japan Airlines 777 first class from San Francisco to Tokyo. Japan Airlines sends its premium passengers to the British Airways Lounge San Francisco (SFO), so in this post, I want to review that experience. The British Airways Lounge SFO is a pleasant facility, which was renovated several years back.
Fear of Landing
APRIL 18, 2025
Last week I wrote about the Fokker F27 mk 500 Friendship that came off the runway at take-off at Bournemouth Airport. Rudy commented on his experience flying the F27 in the comments of that post. The F27 was still a very reliable workhorse when I flew it. In widespread use as a cargo aircraft, they were in use with quite a few “feeder” cargo operators.
Aerotime
APRIL 15, 2025
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has confirmed that it will be reintroducing business class on its European flights, starting October 1, 2025. The intention had previously been announced by SAS Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Verhagen, in September 2024 during a media event in Copenhagen celebrating the Scandinavian carriers accession to SkyTeam. Although SAS offers business class on its long-haul flights to the United States and Asia, this is not the case on its European network, where the most prem
Vintage Aviation News
APRIL 18, 2025
With the launch of The Other First Man, we introduced a new series titled Flight Test Files , focused on the fascinating legacy of aeronautical advancements pioneered by NACA and later by NASA. This series highlights the aircraft operated by NASAs Dryden Flight Research Centernow known as the Armstrong Flight Research Centerlocated in Edwards, California.
Aviator Connection brings together the best content for aviator professionals from the widest variety of industry thought leaders.
Simple Flying
APRIL 14, 2025
On March 31st, 2025, Denver International Airport faced significant operational challenges due to strong winds, leading to the diversion of 24 flights to Colorado Springs. This surge in unexpected traffic tested the capabilities of the smaller airport and highlighted the broader implications of adverse weather conditions on aviation operations.
Aerotime
APRIL 16, 2025
Air France announced on April 16, 2025, that it will be launching a new destination in Thailand during the 2025/26 winter season. Starting on November 27, 2025, the French flag carrier will fly nonstop three times per week between its hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Phuket International Airport (HKT). The new service, which is awaiting approval from the Thai government, will be operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft fitted with 472 seats.
WayMan
APRIL 17, 2025
How to Read a Windsock Knowing how to read a windsock is a foundational skill for any pilot. These simple tools provide real-time feedback on wind conditions that can directly affect aircraft performanceespecially during takeoff and landing. At Wayman College of Aeronautics, we emphasize this essential skill early in our pilot training programs to build situational awareness from day one.
One Mile at a Time
APRIL 13, 2025
In very late 2024, Florida-based regional airline Silver Airways filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Executives at the airline insisted that this would be a quick restructuring, and that the company would emerge stronger than ever before in the first quarter of 2025. Well, things arent looking so good anymore Silver Airways trustee recommends Chapter 7 liquidation The United States trustee overseeing Silver Airways Chapter 11 bankruptcy process has requested dismissal of the case, becaus
AV Web
APRIL 17, 2025
The U.S. Air Force has taken down online content celebrating female aviators in an effort to comply with federal directives to remove DEI material from government websites. According to Newsweek, the purge includes numerous webpages, images, videos, and biographies that spotlighted groundbreaking achievements by women in military aviation. Among the most prominent removals was content featuring retired Colonel Nicole Malachowski, a 21-year Air Force veteran and the first woman to fly with the el
Aerotime
APRIL 17, 2025
Over two dozen students are taking legal action against United Airlines and its Arizona-based flight school, United Aviate Academy, for consumer fraud and deceptive trade practices. The lawsuit alleges that United Airlines made grand promises to lure unsuspecting students onto a woefully under resourced pilot training program. According to documents filed at a federal court in Phoenix, 29 students who attended United Aviate Academy claim that they were promised a one-year flight school program a
Vintage Aviation News
APRIL 17, 2025
On this day in aviation historyApril 17, 1934we commemorate the 91st anniversary of the first flight of the de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide. Developed from the larger DH.86 Express, the Dragon Rapide was a twin-engine short-haul airliner designed with elegant, tapered biplane wings and constructed primarily of plywood. Its timeless design continues to be admired for both its beauty and performance.
One Mile at a Time
APRIL 18, 2025
For the outbound portion of our winter trip to Tokyo and Niseko , we flew Japan Airlines Boeing 777-300ER first class on the 10hr25min flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo (HND). The highlight of this experience was that we managed to snag four first class award seats on a single flight. Flying first class using miles is always a treat, but its even more fun when you can do it with friends.
Ask Captain Lim
APRIL 14, 2025
Pilotless Commercial Passenger Aircraft: Is It a Bad Idea? On March 30, 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) made history by issuing its first commercial operation certificate for autonomous drones. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in aviation – passenger-carrying civil unmanned aircraft entering commercial service in Chinas low-altitude airspace.
Aerotime
APRIL 15, 2025
Dominican carrier Arajet has launched flights to the United States with an inaugural service between Las Amricas International Airport (SDQ), Santo Domingo, and Miami International Airport (MIA) on April 14, 2025. The Miami service will initially be operated four times a week but will increase to a daily frequency in June 2025. The service is operated by Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft , the only type currently in Arajets fleet.
iPad Pilot News
APRIL 15, 2025
iOS Update Green Light program: iOS and iPadOS 18.4 iPad Pilot News Apple released iOS and iPadOS 18.4 for iPhone and iPad, adding various new features and bug fixes. This includes new Apple Intelligence capabilities, an iOS Apple Vision Pro app, a new Food feature for Apple News+ subscribers, and new Photos app organization options (see the full list of updates below).
One Mile at a Time
APRIL 14, 2025
Could we see boarding passes and check-in made obsolete in a matter of years, as one of the biggest shake-ups to the flying experience in decades (thanks to Jay for flagging this)? While Im sure the technology could become a reality, Im skeptical about the timeline Digital journey pass to replace boarding passes & check-in The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United Nations body that oversees many aspects of aviation, is promoting the concept of new digital travel creden
Aviation Bussiness News
APRIL 15, 2025
Emirates has joined the Aviation Circularity Consortium (ACC), along with aluminium partner, SL Metals. The airlines participation marks the continued growth of the ACC and its plan to accelerate supply chain decarbonisation through recycling. The airline has taken an interest in recycling in recent times. From cabin interior upcycling and incorporating more sustainable materials in its products to inflight initiatives and waste reduction programmes, the airline is keen to explore ways to reduce
Aerotime
APRIL 18, 2025
A man hijacked a small plane flying over Belize and attacked two passengers plus the pilot with a knife, local authorities announced. The incident occurred on April 17, 2025, during a Tropic Air flight en route from Corozal to San Pedro. The flight was operated by a Tropic Air Cessna Grand Caravan EX, registered as V3-HIG, with 14 passengers and two crew members on board.
Simple Flying
APRIL 18, 2025
Airbus and Boeing remain the world's two primary passenger jet airplane makers. The last decade has seen Canada's Bombardier exit the commercial passenger jet maker and China's COMAC enter it. Meanwhile, Brazil's Embraer continues to be the world's third commercial airplane maker. A decade ago, in 2015, Boeing was doing well. However, since 2018, Boeing has not had a "normal" year and Airbus has consistently outdelivered it every year since.
One Mile at a Time
APRIL 15, 2025
In September 2024, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) announced that it plans to reintroduce business class on intra-Europe flights, replacing the carriers current quirky SAS Plus product. Theres now an update , as weve learned when this new product will launch, and what we can expect. SAS Business replaces SAS Plus on regional flights As of October 1, 2025, SAS plans to once again offer business class on intra-Europe flights operated by regional aircraft, with tickets going on sale as of May 6, 2025.
Vintage Aviation News
APRIL 14, 2025
With the renovation of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum ‘s National Mall facility enters its final stages, the museum has been giving the public some previews of the upcoming galleries that will be opened in 2026, and one of these is the new exhibit of Modern Military Aviation, which seeks to showcase how aviation technologies were impacted by geopolitical events of the Cold War such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Gulf War, and by events of the early 21st century such
Aerotime
APRIL 17, 2025
Archer Aviation has unveiled a blueprint for an electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft network in New York that would link travelers between Manhattan and nearby airports. The plans published on April 17, 2025, would see vertiports at existing aviation assets around the region, such as airports and New York helipads, used as connecting points for those wanting to save on travel time.
Simple Flying
APRIL 15, 2025
Passengers passing through Terminal 2 at Munich Airport (MUC) in southeastern Germany may find themselves encountering service robots at the moment. This is because the Bavarian facility has teamed up with the Lufthansa Innovation Hub to increase its operational efficiency, with several small projects being involved in the makeup of this wider program.
One Mile at a Time
APRIL 15, 2025
In 2024, World of Hyatt and Under Canvas launched a partnership , giving members the opportunity to earn and redeem points for some cool outdoor focused lodging options. World of Hyatt has just launched a promotion for Under Canvas stays, which might be a good incentive for some people to give the brand a try. World Of Hyatt incentivizing Under Canvas stays World of Hyatt is offering bonus points on Under Canvas stays, for those with a World of Hyatt co-branded credit card (either personal or bu
Flight Training Central
APRIL 18, 2025
The FAA recently issued a new Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) 23004 to highlight operational risks associated with visual approaches. Released on April 2, 2025, this SAFO urges operators, flight departments, and training providers to take proactive steps in mitigating potential hazards during visual approachesparticularly as they relate to controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), loss of separation, and unstable approaches.
Aerotime
APRIL 18, 2025
On April 17, 2025, Istanbul Airport (IST) conducted a triple independent take-off, the first time this feat has been achieved in Europe. It was undertaken by three Turkish Airlines aircraft which departed Istanbul at the exact same time, using each one of the three parallel runways. Trkiye's Istanbul Airport launches simultaneous operation on three runways, recorded by Flightradar24 1⃣ Istanbul Airport becomes the 1st airport in Europe and the 2nd in the world to launch such an operat
Vintage Aviation News
APRIL 17, 2025
PRESS RELEASE In recognition of the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has launched a heartfelt initiative to honor 423 British WWII servicemen who lost their lives while training in the United States during the war. These young men, buried across American soil, are being remembered and symbolically reunited with their homeland through the Bringing the Boys Back Home project.
One Mile at a Time
APRIL 12, 2025
Every so often youll see the mainstream media covering the topic of someone flying in first or business class, and leaving their spouse in economy (in these stories, usually its the husband in the premium cabin, and the wife in economy). I want to address that topic in this post Ill share my take, and then Im curious to hear how OMAAT readers feel.
AV Web
APRIL 15, 2025
On Sunday (April 13), Jason Costello, director of operations for New York Helicopter Charter, agreed by email to voluntarily suspend operations at a request from the FAA. Within 16 minutes, Michael Roth, CEO of NY Helicopter notified the FAA that the agreement to suspend operations had been reversed and Costello was no longer an employee. The FAAs telephone request to Costello on Sunday followed last Thursdays fatal accident involving one of the operators Bell 206L LongRangers.
Aerotime
APRIL 13, 2025
A penguin which was being transported in the cabin of a Robinson R44 Raven II (registration ZS-RJC) has been, indirectly, blamed for the helicopters crash in South Africa, on January 19, 2025. According to a report issued on April 5, 2025, by the South African civil aviation authority (SACAA) , the helicopter went down due to an unsecured carboard box, in the penguin was being transported, sliding on the cyclic pitch control lever and causing an unexpected roll to the right from which the helico
Vintage Aviation News
APRIL 16, 2025
As most of our readers will know, Avro Lancaster B.VII NX611 Just Jane is under restoration to airworthy condition with the Lincoln Aviation Heritage Center at former RAF East Kirkby in Lincolnshire, England. The group has made magnificent progress, even during the pandemic, and we thought that our readers might like to see a recent (edited) restoration update, reproduced here with permission.
One Mile at a Time
APRIL 16, 2025
I think most people would like to believe that their hotel room wont be entered without permission, especially when the do not disturb sign is on. However, heres a good reminder of what can go wrong La Quinta Resort & Club guests report in-room theft The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is going on right now, and for those who are into music festivals, its one of the most popular ones in the world.
AV Web
APRIL 17, 2025
On Wednesday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy raised the possibility of extending the mandatory retirement age for air traffic controllers, citing concerns over ongoing staffing shortages. Speaking during a segment on FOX News, Duffy addressed several Department of Transportation priorities, including the limited pipeline of qualified air traffic controllers. “We have too many controllers that retire after 25 years of service.
Aerotime
APRIL 16, 2025
The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has partnered with Philippine Airlines (PAL) to host the 2025 Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar (APASS 2025) in Manila. The two-day event will be held on September 10-11, 2025 at the Hilton Manila. The biannual event was last held in 2018 in Seoul, and the upcoming seminar will be the first since the COVID-19 pandemic.
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