Air Facts
MAY 28, 2025
A Different Kind of Pilot DecisionChoosing Not to Fly Air Facts Journal Part I: A Practical Exercise in Saying “Unable” I earned my private pilot certificate in 1988, but for many years, my flying was sporadic. Like many other pilots, life pulled me in different directionscareer, family, priorities that demanded more time on the ground than in the air.
Aerotime
MAY 30, 2025
In an announcement on May 29, 2025, JetBlue and United Airlines have declared that they are entering into a comprehensive partnership that will see both airlines cooperating closely across a number of fields. One aspect of this agreement that will have an immediate and tangible effect on passengers is the fact that both airlines will be linking their respective loyalty programs.
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AV Web
MAY 28, 2025
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) announced research results today into a new fuel cell technology that could triple the energy density of electric vehicles. The report singled out aviation as a likely beneficiary of the advanced tech, since weight savings are a key component in electric aircraft propulsion systems. The new technology is described as similar to a battery, but with the difference that it can be refueled rather than recharged.
Vintage Aviation News
MAY 26, 2025
In recognition of Memorial Day, aviation historian Marty Steiner offers a heartfelt tribute to a group of World War II heroes often overlooked by historythe young airmen who lost their lives during flight training. In this special article, Memorial Day Tribute: Honoring The Almost Forgotten of WWII Flight Training, Steiner sheds light on the thousands who perished before ever reaching the front lines.
One Mile at a Time
MAY 26, 2025
For the only hotel stay of my Le Premier in the new La Premiere adventure , I spent a night at the 240-room Courtyard Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Why did I choose this hotel? Well, the price was decent, it looked fairly new, it has a direct train connection to the airport, and I figured it would make for an interesting review, since I havent stayed at a Courtyard in years.
Aerotime
MAY 26, 2025
December 2025 will mark the 24th anniversary since the last ever flight operated by the one-time great American icon of commercial aviation, TWA, or Trans World Airlines, to give the carrier its full name. Having held a dominant position on routes across the Atlantic for decades, the airline became synonymous with transatlantic glamour and the epitome of long-haul travel by air.
Northstar VFR
MAY 26, 2025
By Jillian C. Novak, CFI As a student pilot, you've probably already heard your instructor talk about using flaps during takeoff, landing, and sometimes even during slow flight practice. But have you ever wondered how different flap types actually work , and why aircraft manufacturers choose one design over another? In this post, Ill walk you through the five most common types of aircraft flaps , how they function, what kinds of aircraft youll find them on, and the pros and cons of eachjust like
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One Mile at a Time
MAY 26, 2025
I first wrote about this a couple of weeks ago, but want to provide an update, for anyone who wants to make a points transfer before this restriction is put in place. Emirates Skywards points transfers being paused Emirates Skywards is a useful frequent flyer program, specifically for premium cabin redemptions on Emirates. If you want to redeem for Emirates first or business class, Skywards is generally the best option, despite the relatively high award costs and carrier imposed surcharges (keep
Aerotime
MAY 26, 2025
The Minns government, which manages New South Wales (NSW) in Australia, has announced that it is deploying Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters to deliver emergency fodder to farmers affected by major flooding in the country. Several days of intense flooding and heavy rainfall in southeastern Australia began during the week of May 19, 2025, and caused extensive damage in the Mid-North Coast, North Coast, and Hunter regions.
Simple Flying
MAY 30, 2025
Boeings chief executive has confirmed that the company plans to produce 47 737 MAX aircraft per month by the end of 2025, with the plane maker planning to increase production rates incrementally to ensure its supply chain remains stable.
AV Web
MAY 29, 2025
Washington state has introduced a new tax policy imposing a 10% tax on the sale of noncommercial aircraft valued at more than $500,000. Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson signed the legislation, Bill 5801 , that is set to go into effect beginning April 1, 2026. Several aviation industry groups have voiced strong opposition to the bill, arguing it could harm businesses, agricultural operators and volunteer pilots who provide essential medical transport services across Washington.
One Mile at a Time
MAY 24, 2025
OMAAT reader Alan shared a frustrating situation he recently faced for an award ticket he booked for his mom, and asked for my take. Let me share my thoughts, as this is an unusual one. Cathay Pacific first class ticket unknowingly canceled Alan redeemed miles for his mom to fly Cathay Pacific first class, a ticket booked through Cathay Pacifics own loyalty program.
Aerotime
MAY 26, 2025
Airbus announced on a Linkedin post published on May 23, 2025, some changes in its technology leadership. Sabine Klauke, who until now was Chief Technology Officer & EVP Engineering Commercial Aircraft Business, will be heading Digital Design Manufacturing and Services (DDMS) Next Gen, a newly created cross-division business area. In her new role, Klauke will report to Executive Vice-President Digital Catherine Jestin.
Simple Flying
MAY 26, 2025
Last week, a TAP Air Portugal Airbus A330 flying from Newark to Lisbon had to land with just one engine running after an in-flight shutdown. Compounding matters was the fact that the widebody twinjet, which had left the New Jersey hub almost two hours late, also experienced a hydraulic failure while descending towards the capital city of Portugal. Subsequently, its crew issued a declaration of 'PAN PAN.
Plane and Pilot
MAY 26, 2025
As I settled back into my seat, I looked over to the first officer. We were about 15 minutes prior to departure, and things were all shaping up to be on time. Hey, hows about a preflight checkl- Interior and exterior inspections? Compl- Oxygen masks? Chec- Checked. CVR? Chhhhheeeecccckkkkeeeedddddd. I waited a long moment before I replied. You could see tension building as I upset his rapid-fire recitation of the checklist.
One Mile at a Time
MAY 30, 2025
American Airlines has issued a new round of warnings to flight attendants, as some employees at the airline have clearly turned trip trading into a side hustle Why flight attendant trip trading has become problematic Lets start with a little bit of background. Flight attendants at virtually all US airlines are assigned their schedules based on seniority.
Aerotime
MAY 29, 2025
While the past 12 months have seen the demise of both Volocopter and Lilium, two electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developers appear to go from strength to strength. British startup Vertical Aerospace and US-based Joby Aviation have each already made significant progress in the development of their aircraft this year with important flight tests and the announcement of key partner agreements.
Pilot Institute
MAY 26, 2025
Imagine youre cruising smoothly at 35,000 feet. The sky is clear, and a jetstream wind gently carries you forward. Then all of a sudden, and without warning, youre rocked violently by an invisible force. Welcome to the world of Clear Air Turbulence (CAT). These weather events are fierce and brutal, and whats worse is that you never see them coming. But despite being unpredictable, theyre something you can arm yourself against.
Flying Magazine
MAY 26, 2025
Even if you have a datalink weather capability in the cockpit, dont give up on your air traffic controllers. Many other technologies are at workalbeit unseen, but critical to get the pilot back on the ground safely. This is especially true when flying through a high-impact terminal area during the warm season when convective SIGMETs are sprinkled nearly everywhere.
One Mile at a Time
MAY 24, 2025
Heres a fantastic and long overdue development United & AFA reach tentative agreement on new contract The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) and United Airlines have announced that theyve reached a historic agreement on a new contract for 28,000 flight attendants. The union states that the agreement includes the following: Industry leading compensation Industry leading retro pay Hotel, scheduling, reserve, and other quality of life improvements In the first year alone, flight attenda
Aerotime
MAY 26, 2025
Pratt & Whitney announced that it has come to a mutual tentative agreement on a revised contract offer with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), which represents around 3,000 machinists in Connecticut who have been on strike for three weeks. Contract negotiations between Pratt & Whitney and Local Lodge 1746 members, who are part of District 26 of the IAM union, restarted on May 22, 2025.
Plane and Pilot
MAY 24, 2025
One of the most confounding things about a visual illusion is the fact that knowing the illusion, understanding its a trick, doesnt stop us from being fooled. On September 30, 2023, a pilot who crashed in his Cessna 150 was a victim of an issue we all know, but he couldnt see it. At the start of September hed flown from home, a New Hampshire residential airpark, down to T.F.
Vintage Aviation News
MAY 26, 2025
On this day in aviation history83 years ago, on May 26, 1942the Northrop XP-61 Black Widow prototype took to the skies for the first time. At the controls of aircraft XP-61-NO, serial number 41-19509, was test pilot Vance Breese. Breese was no stranger to historic firstshe had also piloted the inaugural flight of the North American NA-73X, the prototype that would evolve into the iconic P-51 Mustang, on October 20, 1940.
One Mile at a Time
MAY 29, 2025
OMAAT reader Samuel shared a wild story with me, whereby he found five discarded nitrous gas canisters hidden in his hotel room, reported it to staff, and was then charged 375 ($505) for them to be removed. Hotel accuses guest of lying about discarded gas canisters This experience involves Samuels stay last week at the Westin London City. Long story short, during his stay, he discovered five empty, discarded nitrous gas canisters ( specifically, from FastGas ) hidden in the room he was staying i
Aerotime
MAY 25, 2025
A Luxembourg Air Rescue (LAR) Airbus Helicopters H145 D-3 sustained substantial damage on May 23, 2025, following a hard landing near Nothum, in the northwest of Luxembourg. The incident occurred at the end of a mission responding to a traffic accident on the N27 road near Lac de la Haute-Sre. The helicopter, bearing registration LX-HLP and operating under the callsign Air Rescue 2, had been dispatched from Ettelbruck Hospital Helipad (ELET) to provide emergency medical assistance following a re
Plane and Pilot
MAY 29, 2025
Like so many pilots, I didnt have the luxury of growing up within an aviation family. Admittedly, my parents looked at me like I was crazy when I told them I wanted to learn how to fly. Cayla, you dont like math or science, how are you supposed to become a pilot ? At the time, I agreed, but being the stubborn 16-year-old that I was, I wanted to take flight in a small airplane just to see what it was all about.
Simple Flying
MAY 28, 2025
A Qantas employee has fallen 20 feet (5 meters) through an aerobridge hole. They were left comatose after the incident. Despite the horrific nature of the incident, the injured Qantas worker has been the target of online trolling. A Safe Work New South Wales investigation into the incident's cause is ongoing.
One Mile at a Time
MAY 25, 2025
A recent transpacific All Nippon Airways (ANA) flight was a bit more eventful than most passengers were probably hoping for, after a diversion became necessary Tokyo to Houston flight diverts to Seattle after chaos This incident happened on Saturday, May 24, 2025, and involves ANA flight NH14, scheduled to operate from Tokyo (HND) to Houston (IAH). The 6,677-mile flight was operated by a Boeing 787-9 with the registration code JA934A , and typically takes somewhere around 11-12 hours.
Aerotime
MAY 30, 2025
Natilus, a Californian startup developing a blended-wing-body (BWB) clean-sheet aircraft, has announced a strategic partnership with logistics firm Kuehne-Nagel. The two companies will collaborate to conduct an environmental, economic and operational assessment of the prospective introduction of Natilus future blended-wing aircraft into cargo operations.
Flying Magazine
MAY 24, 2025
Aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney says it has resumed talks with striking machinists as the work stoppage nears its fourth week. In a statement , the company said it restarted contract negotiations with members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) on Thursday. The union represents about 3,000 workers striking at two Pratt facilities in central Connecticut.
Simple Flying
MAY 26, 2025
The Boeing 737 MAX has long been the most important narrowbody aircraft put on the market by manufacturer Boeing, but the type has certainly faced its fair share of challenges. Originally designed as an upgraded version of the Boeing 737 Next Generation (one of the best-selling aircraft in history), the Boeing 737 MAX is one of the most capable aircraft on the market.
One Mile at a Time
MAY 29, 2025
Ive written about HBOs The Rehearsal, starring Nathan Fielder. The show is unlike anything Ive ever seen before, as it culminates with Fielder flying a real Boeing 737 full of actors , just to see what its like to be a pilot. I cant recommend the show enough, with the caveat that Fielder is a quirky guy, and you need to see the whole show through, since its easy to fall off after an episode or two.
Aerotime
MAY 30, 2025
Boeings CEO has stated that the planemaker is set to increase the monthly production rate of its 737 MAX family of narrowbodied aircraft. The companys current production rate of 38 units per month has been pegged at that level by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) following the Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 plug door blowout in January 2024. The incident led to a swathe of criticism and an increase in oversight by the safety authorities after serious safety failings came to light across BoeingR
World Airline News
MAY 29, 2025
MileagePlus customers can earn and use miles on JetBlue including hundreds of flights in and out of New York City and Boston while TrueBlue members can earn and use points on United flights including to popular international destinations like Cape Town and Tahiti Benefits of each airlines loyalty program like priority boarding, complimentary access to preferred and extra legroom seats, and same-day standby/switch will be available across both airlines Airlines will also offer flights on one anot
Simple Flying
MAY 26, 2025
United Airlines is nearly two weeks into a catering disruption at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) , and the situation has yet to stabilize. The airline recently switched to a new catering service provider, LSG Sky Chefs, but the transition has left flights departing without meals, drinks, or basic galley supplies.
One Mile at a Time
MAY 24, 2025
A student tried to scam the Sicilian government for 180,000, by submitting 2,600 boarding passes, in some cases claiming to take three flights at once. Say what?!? Thanks to aeroTELEGRAPH for reporting this, and Klaus for flagging it. Sicily subsidizes airline tickets for residents Sicily is remote, and isnt connected by road to mainland Italy. That poses a challenge for Sicilys nearly five million residents.
Aerotime
MAY 26, 2025
Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet has placed a new order with Airbus for 20 A330-900 widebody aircraft to support strategic expansion over the next decade. On May 26, 2025, Airbus announced in a statement that the agreement was signed in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, by Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and President Airbus International Wouter van Wersch.
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