Northstar VFR

MARCH 16, 2025

By Josh Page, CFI Ever heard your flight instructor say, More right rudder? This is one of those phrases youll hear over and over again in your flight training journey. Heres the deal An aircraft doesnt always fly in a perfectly straight line, especially during takeoff and climb. One of the fundamental aerodynamic concepts in aviation isleft-turning tendenciesthe natural forces that cause an airplane to yaw or roll left, particularly in a single-engine, propeller-driven aircraft.

Airplanes

Aerotime

MARCH 20, 2025

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

Airline

Fear of Landing

MARCH 21, 2025

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.

Runway

Pilot Institute

MARCH 19, 2025

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.

Weather

One Mile at a Time

MARCH 20, 2025

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

Aerotime

MARCH 20, 2025

All global Airbus commercial aircraft assembly sites are now sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) capable after Canadas A220 home in Mirabel took its first delivery. Announcing the green milestone on March 20, 2025, Airbus said its Mirabel A220 site recently welcomed the first tanker truck filled with SAF to power internal operations. Joining their colleagues around the world, the Airbus A220 teams in Canada will now be able to use SAF for production, customer acceptance and test flights.

Ferry Flight

World Airline News

MARCH 20, 2025

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-

Airline

One Mile at a Time

MARCH 18, 2025

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

Airline

Aerotime

MARCH 17, 2025

Communities along France’s Atlantic shore have long held a special relationship with the sea. What has for centuries been a region of sailors, shipbuilders and maritime traders has evolved into one of Europe’s most dynamic centers for sailing technology innovation. The region is home to a thriving ecosystem where boat builders, equipment manufacturers, naval architects, and sailing technology startups collaborate to push the boundaries of what’s possible on water.

Aileron

World Airline News

MARCH 19, 2025

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.

Ceiling

AV Web

MARCH 20, 2025

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

Runway

Vintage Aviation News

MARCH 19, 2025

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

Tail

Aerotime

MARCH 19, 2025

Japan Airlines (JAL) announced it will order an additional 17 Boeing 737 MAX 8 on top of its March 2023 order for 21 of the aircraft type. The Japanese flag carrier intends to replace its single-aisle Boeing 737-800 aircraft with the B737-8 on domestic routes. Renewing the fleet in line with supply and demand will further enhance profitability, the airline said.

Airline

Aviation Bussiness News

MARCH 17, 2025

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

AV Web

MARCH 19, 2025

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has posted its Preliminary Report on the runway incursion and near-collision involving a Flexjet Challenger 350 and a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 at Chicago Midway Airport (KMDW). The February 25 incident saw Southwest Flight 2504 (SWA2504) on final approach execute a last-minute go-around from just above the surface as the Challenger taxied across Runway 31C directly in its path.

Runway

One Mile at a Time

MARCH 20, 2025

For several years now, a major expansion project has been underway at Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH). While the biggest phase of that project opened in late 2022, the final stage has just been completed, meaning the airport is now at full capacity. Lets cover all the details. Doha Hamad Airport can now handle 65 million passengers Dohas Hamad International Airport opened in 2014.

Aerotime

MARCH 19, 2025

A Delta Air Lines B767-400 was forced to make an emergency landing at Shannon Airport (SNN) in Ireland, after its cockpit window reportedly overheated. Flight DL4 was en route to New Yorks John F Kennedy Airport (JFK) from London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) on March 18, 2025, and was carrying 129 passengers. The flight departed LHR at around 16:24. However, about two hours into the flight, the aircraft, with registration N825MH, declared a general emergency, squawking 7700, a distress signal indicati

Cockpit

Vintage Aviation News

MARCH 17, 2025

The Royal Air Force announced today the passing of John “Paddy” Hemingway, the last surviving pilot of the Battle of Britain, at the age of 105. A revered figure in British aviation history, Hemingway was one of “The Few” who defended the United Kingdom against Nazi aggression in the summer of 1940. His bravery in the face of overwhelming odds exemplified the resilience and determination that defined the RAFs finest hour.

Pilot

AV Web

MARCH 20, 2025

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.

Pilot

One Mile at a Time

MARCH 17, 2025

Im an airline product geek, and I like to keep an updated list of some of the best products out there, ranging from the best first class airlines , to the best first class lounges , to the best business class airlines. In this post, Ill share my favorite business class lounges around the globe after all, a nice lounge can contribute to a great business class experience.

Airline

Aerotime

MARCH 19, 2025

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators found that failures in the navigation system on a United Airlines flight from Lagos to Washington in January 2024 led to the autopilot disengaging on causing altitude excursions. On March 18, 2025, the NTSB released a preliminary report of its ongoing investigation into the incident that occurred on January 24, 2025.

Final Approach

Flyertalk

MARCH 20, 2025

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada released their initial report on the incident detailing the events of the day on Thursday, March 20, 2024. Report States Landing Gear Fractured, Leading to Chain of Events In the report, the TSB outlined the flights rate of descent as it prepared for landing. The trouble truly started when the aircraft touched down thats when they say the right main landing gear broke, leading to the crash that left the CRJ-900 inverted.

Descent

Aviation Bussiness News

MARCH 20, 2025

For the third consecutive year, Texas Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has won the 2024 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Airport Experience Award for best airport in North America serving over 40 million annual passengers. Ken Buchanan, DFWs executive vice president for revenue management and customer experience, said of the recognition: “Traveling through DFW isnt just about getting from one place to another its about experiencing exceptional service at every step.

One Mile at a Time

MARCH 19, 2025

Japan Airlines has announced plans to greatly expand its low cost subsidiary, ZIPAIR. This also sheds some light on Japan Airlines recent fleet renewal announcement. ZIPAIR acquiring 787-9s, expanding fleet to 20 Dreamliners ZIPAIR is Japan Airlines low cost carrier, which launched operations in 2020. The airline operates out of Tokyo Narita (NRT), serving both short and long haul routes.

Wide-Body Aircraft

Aerotime

MARCH 20, 2025

Virginia-based startup Electra has secured 2,200 preorders for its ultra-short takeoff and landing (STOL) EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft, in a huge vote of confidence for the developer. Electra announced on March 20, 2025, that preorders are now valued at almost $9 billion with Akansel (Turkey) and Dieng & Co Engineering (Senegal) in partnership with Flow Aero (US/Turkey) among the companys recent customers.

Payload

AV Web

MARCH 20, 2025

A Bering Air Cessna 208B that crashed on February 6 in Nome, Alaska, killing all 10 people on board, was found to be more than 1,000 pounds overweight, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The report stated that the plane’s estimated gross weight at departure was approximately 9,865 pounds, which exceeded the maximum allowed takeoff weight for flights in areas with forecasted icing conditions by about 1,058 pounds.

Gross Weight

iPad Pilot News

MARCH 21, 2025

Flying with Starlink satellite internet: tips for pilots iPad Pilot News In-flight satellite connectivity is more accessible now than ever for pilots flying piston airplanes and light jets. We’ve covered the developments extensively over the past year, starting with the latest iPhones supporting free satellite text messaging. In recent news, T-Mobile added text message capability via satellite using the direct-to-cell capabilities of Starlink, and Verizon added a similar service for those

Pilot

One Mile at a Time

MARCH 19, 2025

As Ive already covered, Air France will be debuting a new La Premiere first class product , available exclusively on a subfleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. This is an exciting development, as it really takes the carriers incredible first class to the next level. However, arguably theres another change thats just as significant, as first class wont be the only part of these jets thats being updated.

Tail

Aerotime

MARCH 20, 2025

After many months of deliberations, Uganda Airlines has finally announced the commencement of a new scheduled route between the countrys capital city of Entebbe and London. Commencing on May 18, 2025, the flights will operate four times weekly in each direction on the 3,479 nautical miles (6,443 km) route and will be operated by the carriers ultra-rare Airbus A330-800neo fleet, of which the carrier has two.

Airline

AV Web

MARCH 18, 2025

Weve been actively tracking the work and customer offerings of Mike Buschs Savvy Aviation ( www.savvyaviation.com ) as it, in our opinion, has endeavored to drag general aviation maintenance into the 21st Century. (Full disclosure: About 10 years ago, as part owners of a Cessna T210 we were a Savvy customer.) Savvy started life by offering sophisticated maintenance management to piston aircraft owners.

Threshold

Vintage Aviation News

MARCH 20, 2025

On March 20, 1985, the de Havilland Aircraft Museum in Shenley, England, took delivery of its DH.106 Comet fuselage. The Comet was the world’s first commercial jet-powered airliner, featuring a sleek design with a long, narrow fuselage and distinctive inboard engine inlets nestled within the wing roots. When it first flew in 1949, the Comet was a groundbreaking achievement that remained in operation until 1997.

Knot

One Mile at a Time

MARCH 19, 2025

Among network carriers, long haul markets tend to be dominated by joint venture agreements. With this, airlines are allowed to coordinate fares and schedules, to create as comprehensive of a network as possible. The downside is that these joint ventures are the equivalent of eliminating a competitor, since multiple airlines are essentially merging parts of their business, and acting as one.

Airline

Aerotime

MARCH 20, 2025

The National Transport Safety Bureau (NTSB) has issued a preliminary report into the fatal accident involving a Bering Air Cessna 208B Caravan registered N321BA, which crashed in a remote part of Alaska on February 6, 2025, operating flight number 445. The wreckage of the airplane was found two days after the crash in which all nine passengers and the sole pilot lost their lives.

Knot

Aviation Bussiness News

MARCH 19, 2025

The Unite trade union has successfully negotiated a pay deal for its members working as aircraft engineers for American Airlines based at London Heathrow Airport. The airline’s safety critical aircraft engineers will now get a new three year settlement with pay reaching 108,000 by 2027. The 60-strong engineering workforce at American Airlines Heathrow operation will benefit from this new pay deal that will set a benchmark for the wider aircraft engineering industry with pay negotiations at

Airline

Flight Training Central

MARCH 19, 2025

Take the time to compute the total weight of the airplane and center of gravity (CG) before every flight, based on the number of occupants, baggage and fuel and where each item is positioned in the airplane. This week’s tip takes a look at how to compute a typical weight and balance calculation and how to verify the results are within limits.

Center of Gravity

One Mile at a Time

MARCH 20, 2025

Miami International Airport (MIA) is getting some more lounge capacity, which is desperately needed Avianca & TAP Air Portugal open Miami lounge Avianca and TAP Air Portugal have opened a joint lounge at Miami Airport. For some context, Avianca used to have its own lounge at the airport, but it closed at the start of the pandemic, and remained closed for years.

Airline

Aerotime

MARCH 18, 2025

Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced the signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus, Nippon Paper, Sumitomo Corporation and Green Earth Institute (GEI), to explore sourcing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from domestic Japanese wood. In February 2025, Nippon Paper, Sumitomo Corporation and GEI signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to establish a joint venture to manufacture and sell bioethanol made from wood biomass.

Airline