Airplane Geeks Podcast

The founder and CEO of Savvy Aviation explains the need for on-condition maintenance for GA, the proper roles of aircraft owners and mechanics, his Inspection Authorization training course, and his new Aviation Masters podcast. In the news, American Airlines is under fire from pilots and flight attendants, AA’s financial performance, the departure of AOPA’s CEO, a United Airlines lawsuit, and the Inspector General audit of air traffic controller training. Also, an Airplane Geeks host announces his new aviation podcast.

Guest

Mike Busch is the founder and CEO of Savvy Aviation, which provides aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance professionals with expert guidance grounded in data-driven, reliability-centered maintenance principles. Through maintenance management, education, and advocacy, Savvy helps the General Aviation community improve safety, reliability, and cost control.

Mike Busch, Savvy Aviation founder and CEO.

Mike argues that general aviation aircraft are often over-maintained, wasting both owners’ time and money while straining already limited mechanic capacity. He believes the industry should shift its focus toward on-condition, or reliability-centered, maintenance. Mechanics, he says, need to be trained to think critically—not just follow the manufacturer’s book. By applying reliability-centered maintenance and working on-condition, our existing mechanics could be more efficient. Mike also outlines what a healthy, collaborative relationship between owners and mechanics should look like.

SavvyAviation has introduced the free, FAA-accepted SavvyCertified training course designed for mechanics studying for Inspection Authorization renewal. Mike reports that many aircraft owners signed up for the course and find it valuable. He also has a new podcast called Aviation Masters.

Mike is a well-known aviation writer, teacher, aviation type club tech rep, aircraft-owner advocate, and entrepreneur. He assists aircraft owners with their maintenance problems through his lectures, articles, and books. Mike is a National Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year and has previously appeared in Episode 446 (April 5, 2017) and in Episode 667 (August 25, 2021).

Aviation News

Allied Pilots Association Delivers Scathing Ultimatum to American Management

In a letter to the American Airlines Group Board of Directors, the Allied Pilots Association (APA) Board of Directors says, “Our airline is on an underperforming path and has failed to define an identity or a strategy to correct course” and “…it is the result of persistent patterns of operational, cultural, and strategic shortcomings.”

“For more than a year, APA has voiced concerns regarding management’s ability to turn the corner. Management has been given repeated opportunities to articulate a credible strategy and demonstrate measurable improvement. Those opportunities have passed without meaningful change. Despite repeated assurances, the operation continues to struggle under predictable stressors, exposing systemic weaknesses in preparation, execution, and decision making. These consequences are shouldered by our customers and employees every day. “

“These failures have negatively impacted the financial performance of our company and frustrated all stakeholders, to include shareholders, for far too long.”

“American is no longer best in class financially, operationally, or in customer service. The pilots of American want our company to win and dominate the competition, not just survive and compete. Our careers are intrinsically tied to the fate and performance of this once-great airline.”

The Allied Pilots Association (APA) is the collective bargaining agent for American Airlines (AA)  pilots. Founded in 1963 and representing more than 16,000 pilots, the APA says it is the world’s largest independent pilots’ union.

“Shame On You”: American Airlines Flight Attendants Call for Shareholder Coup to Oust CEO

Unlike the APA, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) is calling for American Airlines’ chief executive, Robert Isom, to step down. In an internal memo addressed to Isom, APFA Chicago O’Hare base president Justin Patterson says, “I would like to say, sleeping on floors is NOT normal. Shame on you for trying to normalize this inhumane treatment. Doing the same thing on repeat and expecting different results [is] the definition of insanity.” 

Patterson asks, “Do you intend on running this airline with piss poor planning and posting minuscule profits again in 2026?” And “This company failed more than just the Flight Attendants… they failed everyone who works here. American Airlines failed our shareholders. They were derelict in their duties to our shareholders.”

APFA is the official crew union that represents more than 28,000 AA flight attendants.

Passengers Left Stunned By Miniature Tray Tables on American Airlines New Long-Haul A321XLR

American Airlines flight attendant Heather Poole has posted on X photos of the new Economy cabin tray tables. Table depth is half what you’d normally expect from a tray table. A standard laptop will overhang the smaller tables, and the standard AA long-haul meal tray will as well. The table does not fold out or extend.

Pressure mounts on American Airlines CEO as carrier lags rivals

In 2025, Delta Air Lines posted $5 billion in net income with a 7.9% profit margin. United Airlines posted $3.3 billion in net income with a 5.7% margin. American Airlines made $111 million last year with a 0.2% margin.

AOPA’s Hiring a Crisis Communications Firm

AOPA’s board has reportedly hired a crisis‑management firm on a $250,000 retainer to handle intense backlash over the abrupt departure of CEO Darren Pleasance on February 4, 2026.

Off-Duty FAA Inspector Claims He Got Lifetime Ban from United After He Pointed Out Alleged Safety Concerns

Paul Asmus said that after a May 2022 flight where he pointed out his safety concerns, United removed him from the flight and gave him a lifetime travel ban. Asmus is suing United for $12.75 million in damages. The civil suit claims loss of wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages. Asmus, an FAA Inspector but off-duty, claims that he noticed a “torn seat-back pocket at his assigned seat,” which “impaired the ability to secure and access the emergency briefing card” and a passenger standing in the aisle while the aircraft pushed back from the gate. Asmus believed that he had an obligation to report the violations he observed and took photographs for an FAA report.

Audit Initiated of Air Traffic Controller Training at the FAA Academy

The U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General announced the initiation of an audit. The Memorandum, Audit Announcement | Air Traffic Controller Training at the FAA Academy [PDF] (Project ID 26A3002A000), dated February 5, 2025, states that:

“…the Academy is facing considerable challenges with training, including a shortage of qualified instructors, training capacity limitations, an outdated curriculum, and high training failure rates. Given the importance of increasing the number of certified controllers to safely manage the NAS, we are initiating this audit. The audit objectives will be to assess (1) FAA’s efforts to address the Academy instructor shortages, training limitations, and trainee failure rates and (2) the Academy’s progress with updating the air traffic controller training program curriculum.”

The OIG plans to begin the audit “in the coming weeks.”

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) works within the Department of Transportation (DOT) to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of DOT programs and operations and to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. 

See the OIG Active Audits list.

Mentioned

Stories About Flying podcast from Rob Mark.

Aviation is an industry brimming with adventure and discovery at every turn. Award‑winning aviation journalist and Airplane Geeks co‑host Rob Mark invites listeners to enjoy captivating stories from a lifetime of aviation. Drawing on more than 50 years of experience flying for airlines, corporate and charter operations, and teaching as a flight instructor, Rob also reflects on his early days as an FAA and U.S. Air Force tower and radar controller. Along the way, he’ll share remarkable stories from fellow aviators and respected podcasters who bring their own perspectives to the fascinating world of flight.

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.

FAA reorganization and shutdown prep, Airbus A220 stretch, certification as a trade tool, UPS MD‑11 retirement, 777X engine snag, fatal Challenger crash, iconic aircraft, new NASM galleries, aviation career issues, aviation-themed music, and a future DC‑3/CH‑47 fly‑in.

Aviation News

FAA Adds Departments, Shuffles Roles

The new FAA reorganization differs from the previous structure mainly by centralizing safety oversight, creating new modernization and advanced technology offices, and consolidating internal support functions under new top-level offices.

A new, agency‑wide Aviation Safety Management System (SMS) Organization implements a single safety system and risk-management strategy across all FAA lines of business, rather than having safety functions and metrics siloed in multiple offices as before.

An Airspace Modernization Office is dedicated to rolling out the “brand‑new air traffic control system” and overseeing broader NAS modernization, which previously was handled within the Air Traffic Organization and other units rather than a single, focused office.

An Office of Advanced Aviation Technologies integrates UAS, eVTOL, AAM, electric, and supersonic aircraft into the NAS. These functions were formerly spread among UAS integration, NextGen, and various certification/AVS branches.

A new Administration and Finance Office consolidates the functions of finance, information technology, and human resources. Previously, they were distributed across multiple lines of business and staff offices.

A Policy and Legal Office pulls together policy, legal, stakeholder engagement, financial assistance, and the agency’s rulemaking/regulatory office. Previously, rulemaking and policy lived mainly within Aviation Safety and other distinct policy offices.

The Administration and Finance Office, Policy and Legal Office, Air Traffic Organization, and the new safety and modernization offices all report to the Administrator.

Shutdown Plan for FAA Involves 10K Furloughs

The FAA’s plan for the short-lived partial government shutdown was to furlough more than 10,000 FAA workers and withhold pay for 13,835 air traffic controllers.

Exclusive: Airbus to kickstart pre-sales for a larger A220 jet, sources say

Airbus is considering launching an A220 stretch – the A220-500 with around 180 seats. This is a “simple stretch,” meaning the same wings, the same engines, and a longer fuselage. The Airbus Board approval is required before the A220-500 can be formally launched.

Trade War Skies: Understanding Trump’s 2026 Decertification Order on Canadian Aircraft

In a January 30, 2026, social media post, President Donald Trump announced the “decertification” of all Canadian-manufactured aircraft if Gulfstream aircraft were not certified by Canada. The President alleged that Canada has “wrongfully, illegally, and steadfastly” refused to certify U.S.-made G500, G600, G700, and G800 jets. If Transport Canada did not act immediately, a 50% tariff would be implemented. Over 5,400 Canadian-built planes are registered in the U.S. This sent shockwaves, if not panic, throughout the industry.

With time, clarification has come: The order would apply to new aircraft airworthiness certificates and wouldn’t ground the fleet.

The IAM (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) urged a separation of safety regulation and political grievances. “You can’t weaponize the certification process,” said union leaders, emphasizing that aviation safety should remain an independent pillar of global travel.

Some feel Transport Canada is holding off on certifying the G700 and G800 mainly because they are not willing to mirror the FAA’s temporary fuel‑icing exemption. The Canadian regulator wants the full cold‑weather and icing compliance demonstrated first.

UPS won’t resurrect MD-11 fleet after deadly crash, takes $137M charge

UPS is retiring its fleet of 27 MD-11 aircraft and, in the process, writing off $137 million after-tax. The MD-11s will be replaced with twin-engine Boeing 767-300 cargo jets. In response to the grounding of the MD-11 fleet, UPS repositioned some aircraft from outside the US, expanded transportation by truck, and leased planes from partner airlines.

During an earnings call, Chief Financial Officer Brian Dykes said, “Over the next fifteen months, we expect to take delivery of 18 new Boeing 767 aircraft, with 15 expected to deliver this year. As new aircraft join our fleet, we will step down the leased aircraft and associated expenses. We believe these actions are consistent with building a more efficient global network positioned for growth, flexibility and profitability.”

Boeing’s certification ‘hangover’ drags on with new 777X issue

Also, Boeing has identified an engine durability issue with the General Electric GE9X engines that power the 777X, although CEO Kelly Ortberg says this will not impact the first 777X delivery in 2027. Also, Ortberg signalled to investors that the company plans to increase 737 MAX production this year to 47 from 42 planes per month. Boeing has been preparing a fourth MAX production line in Everett to produce 737 MAX 10s, although the aircraft has yet to receive certification. Boeing posted job openings for the line, and the tooling is complete.

Tracing the hours after a fatal plane crash in Bangor

The Bombardier Challenger 600‑series business jet crashed during takeoff from Bangor International Airport in a snowstorm, killing all six people on board and triggering a complex, weather‑hampered investigation. The business jet was operating a private flight from Bangor to Europe with two crew and four passengers from the Houston area.

The plane had been deiced and was cleared for takeoff on runway 33 around 7:40–7:45 p.m., in heavy snow, with visibility down to about three‑quarters of a mile and several inches of snow on the ground. Within roughly a minute of takeoff clearance, controllers halted all traffic after the aircraft crashed on or near the runway, coming to rest inverted and on fire.

Possible lines of inquiry include:

Wing contamination and ice buildup are known risk factors that have contributed to past Challenger‑series accidents.

Aircraft performance and whether the wing stalled on takeoff.

Deicing procedures and timing relative to takeoff, including whether holdover times were exceeded.

Crew qualifications, training, and recent duty history.

Mechanical condition of the aircraft and any anomalies captured on the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, which have been sent to the NTSB in Washington.

Mentioned

National Air and Space Museum Announces Plans To Celebrate 50 Years

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum opened on July 1, 1976, as a gift to the nation for the U.S. bicentennial. Five new galleries will open to the public on the museum’s 50th anniversary, July 1, 2026, and in time for the nation’s 250th anniversary. 

Galleries opening July 1, 2026:

Flight and the Arts Center

Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air

U.S. National Science Foundation Discovering Our Universe

RTX Living in the Space Age

Textron How Things Fly

Galleries opening in the autum 2026:

At Home in Space (Oct. 30)

Modern Military Aviation (Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11)

This completes the museum’s multi-year renovation.

Soar Together Family Day at Innovations in Flight: World War II on the Homefront

Check this site for information about the National Air & Space Museum’s annual Innovations in Flight event.

The DC-3 Society is planning an inaugural DC-3 Society DC-3 Fly-In. Date and location TBD. See the January 2026 Newsletter.

Video: 737 St. Erasmus’ Airshow, Full Music Album, by SPEED BRAKE ARMED

https://youtu.be/lcY3uU8uG2E

Video: 737 Airshow America, by SPEED BRAKE ARMED.

https://youtu.be/-Sl5WvWRhWo

Video: HARS CONNIE – The Years Fly Past – Wings Over Illawarra 2016

https://youtu.be/duSOTbanz-8?si=13bcDNa5Sfv9JgPq

Music

In a blast from the AGP past, Brother Love provides opening and closing music from the Album Of The Year CD. (On Facebook.)

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.

Pilot Nicki returns to describe her 1948 Globe Swift and explain her plans to make a mid-life career change and become a professional pilot. In the news, the FAA Administrator says what to expect from the “brand new air traffic control system,” a bill to address ADS-B “misuse,” navigating around the debris field after a rocket failure, accelerating the MV-75 Tiltrotor program, flying the Qatari 747 as Air Force One, reduced security restrictions at Heathrow, and a private jet crash in Maine.

Guest

Nicki Hovanec just reached her goal of 1500 flight hours and now plans to make a mid-life career change and become a professional pilot. She fell in love with aviation at an early age and attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for Aviation at Daytona Beach, Florida. But 911 impacted Nicki’s career trajectory and took her away from aviation. However, with encouragement from her spouse, she returned to aviation, obtained her pilot’s license, and will soon look to be hired by an airline.

Nicki trained through independent flight schools and completed her solo in 2017, receiving her initial pilot’s certificate. She continued her training and completed additional certifications on various aircraft while progressing towards her goal of 1500+ flight hours. Nicki saved and borrowed funds to purchase a Cessna 152. Eventually selling that plane, she bought a 1948 Globe Swift tail-dragger, her current airplane.

With 1,500 flight hours completed, Nicki now begins the job search for a professional pilot position, starting with the NGPA job fair. We’ll continue to follow her progress.

A little history: In May 2017, Nicki sought our advice about starting flying lessons and making a career change to become a professional pilot. We encouraged her to keep us informed about her progress, and Nicki did so by sending us over a dozen recordings documenting her journey getting a pilot’s license. We were happy to include those in our podcast episodes.

Nicki and her 1948 Globe Swift.

See:

A Short History of the Swift

Wikipedia: Globe GC-1 Swift

2026 NGPA Industry Expo, presented by United Airlines, February 5-6, 2026.

FAPA.aero (Future & Active Pilots Alliance)

Aviation News

FAA’s Bedford Provides Glimpse into U.S. ATC’s Future

At the monthly Aero Club of Washington, D.C. luncheon, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford talked about the “brand new air traffic control system.” He described:

“Greater precision about… flight trajectories… [while] navigating through the airspace.”

Many fewer handoffs flying through the system.

A cultural shift away from focusing on takeoff to when a pilot wants to land. 

Changing the innovation cycle to be more like Apple or Tesla.

AOPA urges members to contact their representatives in Congress

AOPA issued a call to action asking its 300,000 members to contact their senators and representatives in Congress and urge them to cosponsor the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA). AOPA President Darren Pleasance said, “When the ADS-B mandate went into effect in 2020, the FAA said this important technology would only be used for safety and airspace efficiency. Instead, we’re now seeing it used in ways that discourage adoption…The misuse of ADS-B is a step backward for aviation safety and erodes trust in our aviation system.”

If passed, PAPA would prohibit the use of ADS-B data to assist in the collection of fees from pilots or aircraft owners and clarify that ADS-B data may only be used for its intended purposes of air traffic safety and efficiency.

PAPA was introduced in 2025 by Rep. Bob Onder (R-Mo.) as H.R.4146 and Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) as S.2175.

“We’re Too Close to the Debris”

On January 16, 2026, ATC instructed Caribbean flights to avoid the FAA’s debris zone after a SpaceX Starship rocket exploded. Dozens of planes made sharp turns to avoid the danger zone, which was closed for 86 minutes. ProPublica says this made “pilots and passengers unwitting participants in SpaceX’s test of the most powerful rocket ever built.”

Army Punches Its MV-75 Tiltrotor Program Into Overdrive

The Army wants to see the MV-25 testing this year and in service in 2027. Just twelve months ago, the Army targeted 2030. At the 2022 competition, service was expected in the mid-2030s.

The MV-75 is the designation given to the U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) tiltrotor. The design is based on the Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor and will replace many of the H-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The V-280 demonstrator has flown, but not the MV-75 configuration.

Qatari 747 to fly as Trump’s Air Force One this summer

In May 2025, the US government accepted the 747 jetliner donated by the Qatari government to serve as a new Air Force One. Modifications began in September. An Air Force spokesperson said in a statement that delivery of the aircraft is anticipated no later than summer 2026.

Calling it a “VC-25 bridge aircraft,” the Trump administration intends this plane to serve as an interim Air Force One while waiting for the two 747s currently being modified by Boeing. The Air Force is expecting the first Boeing-modified 747 to be handed over in “mid-2028,” a delay of roughly four years.

London’s Heathrow eases liquid and laptop rules after £1 billion security upgrade

The airport completed a £1bn CT scanner upgrade across all four Heathrow terminals. This allows passengers to carry liquid containers up to two liters, and the removal of laptops from bags is no longer required.

7 dead, 1 seriously injured in plane crash at airport in Bangor, Maine, FAA says

A Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 650 veered off the runway on takeoff and crashed at Bangor International Airport in Maine. There was snow at the time of the plane crash due to a large winter storm. See also: Private jet carrying 8 crashes at Maine airport, FAA says.

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and Brian Coleman.

The Americas Aviation Lead for PA Consulting discusses key priorities for the U.S. aviation industry, including investing in airport infrastructure and addressing the industry’s labor shortage. In the news, a bill to pay controllers during a shutdown, why ATC modernization has failed, the FAA’s unleaded avgas transition plan, similarities between the UPS crash and a previous problem with bearings, and the FAA’s decision to deregister hundreds of aircraft. Also, a new studio album from an airline pilot, visiting the USS Midway Museum in Southern California, and listener feedback on attractive airplanes.

Guest

Carlos Ozores is the Americas Aviation Lead for PA Consulting, a global firm that focuses on technology and innovation. Carlos addresses the key priorities for the U.S. aviation industry in 2026, including investing in airport infrastructure and addressing the industry labor shortage. He explains that U.S. airports have an estimated $170B capital requirement over the next five years to address airport infrastructure needs. Carlos tells us about the traditional sources to fund such projects, and what other sources could make up the shortfall.

We look at public-private partnerships, the Passenger Facility Charge, and monetization of airport assets such as terminal concessions, car parking, and real estate development. Also, utilizing data collected about passengers and the importance of airport stakeholder engagement.

Carlos tells us how the aging workforce is contributing to an industry labor shortage and leading to the loss of institutional knowledge. We talk about promoting the industry to the young generations, and issues such as pay, training, documented and repeatable work, quality of life, and labor relations.

Before joining PA Consulting, Carlos served as Vice President and Managing Director, Head of Aviation, Americas, for ICF, a global solutions and technology provider. Before that, he spent time at American Airlines and Air France. He just returned from the American Association of Airport Executives Aviation Issues Conference in Hawaii, and we hear his observations from that event.

PA aviation clients include SkyTeam and its member airlines on sustainability issues, Heathrow Airport on on-time performance and passenger experience projects, Etihad Airways on decision-support for engine fleet management, and DFW on airport operations. Other clients have included Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Aer Lingus, and multiple SkyTeam member airlines through SkyTeam’s sustainability program.

See:

Airport Improvement Program

Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) program

Airports Council International

American Association of Airport Executives

Jacobs to Acquire Remaining Stake in PA Consulting

Aviation News

Update: Air Traffic Controller Pay During Shutdowns Meets Resistance

The House Transportation Committee advanced a bipartisan bill (H.R.6086 – Aviation Funding Solvency Act) which “provides continuing appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if (1) an appropriations bill for the FAA has not been enacted before a fiscal year begins, or (2) a law making continuing appropriations for the FAA is not in effect.” 

The “bill provides appropriations from the Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund at the rate of operations that was provided for the prior fiscal year to continue programs, projects, and activities that were funded in the preceding fiscal year. The FAA may use the balance of the fund, minus $1 billion. If the FAA determines that the amounts from the fund are insufficient to continue all programs, projects, or activities, then the FAA must prioritize compensation payments for employees of the Air Traffic Organization (e.g., air traffic controllers).”

However, Steve Womack (R-Ark.), chair of the House Appropriations Committee’s transportation panel, is critical of the legislation.

The Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund exists to cover war‑risk insurance claims for airlines participating in government programs such as the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF), when commercial insurance is unavailable or withdrawn. The balance was originally built up from premiums paid by airlines, but that premium program authority expired in 2014.

Because the fund has been largely unused for claims, investment earnings have grown it to roughly more than 2.6 billion dollars, significantly above what has historically been needed for CRAF-related claims.

The Abundance Problem: Why the FAA Has Spent 40 Years Modernizing Air Traffic Control—and Still Isn’t Done

Vincent E. Bianco III, an FAA Veteran and Senior Aviation Safety Consultant, describes why presidential administrations and Congresses have failed to adequately fund the FAA and modernize the ATC system. He draws on a concept from the March 2025 book Abundance: What America Gets Wrong About Capitalism and What We Can Do to Fix It, by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson. Those authors describe how an institution, like the FAA, can become paralyzed by process, where well-intentioned rules accumulate. Each rule is logical by itself, but taken together, they end up stifling progress.

FAA Publishes Unleaded Avgas Transition Plan Daft

Section 827 of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act directs the FAA to facilitate a safe, timely, and orderly transition to unleaded alternatives while maintaining operational efficiency. The FAA released a Draft Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline – For Public Comment (January 2026, Version 1.0, 77 pages), which phases out 100LL fuel by 2030 in the contiguous United States, and by 2032 in Alaska. The FAA is seeking feedback from aviation professionals, specifically aircraft owners, pilots, and aviation stakeholders.

Boeing warned 15 years ago about a part problem at the center of UPS crash

The Air Current reports that in an investigation update, the NTSB noted “that cracking discovered in a spherical bearing assembly from the accident aircraft ‘appears consistent’ with an issue identified by Boeing almost 15 years ago.” The bearing assembly is part of the pylon aft mount bulkhead. That mount, and the forward mount bulkhead and thrust link assembly, attach the engine pylon to the wing.

“The NTSB’s preliminary report on the accident, released Nov. 20, revealed that on the left pylon aft mount bulkhead, the forward and aft lugs that house the spherical bearing assembly had fractured and separated. The spherical bearing’s outer race, which contains the ball bearing and allows it to move independently of the surrounding parts, had also fractured around its circumference.”

The 2011 Boeing service letter informed operators of bearing race failures on three different airplanes. A visual inspection of the part was added to the regular 60-month maintenance cycle. Also, Boeing recommended (but did not require) installing a new part design. Boeing determined that failure of the bearing race would “not result in a safety of flight condition.”

The NTSB is not saying this is the conclusive cause of the accident.

Hundreds of Aircraft Deregistered in FAA Move Against Trust Company

About 800 aircraft registered through U.K.-based Southern Aircraft Consultancy have been grounded after the FAA informed the company it did not meet U.S. citizenship requirements.  Those requirements allow a trustee firm to register aircraft in the US. Southern Aircraft Consultancy’s registration service allows non-American owners to maintain N-registrations on their planes. Southern Aircraft Consultancy says it intends to transfer its business to a U.S.-based company.

See:

Aircraft Trusts/Voting Trusts

NBAA: FAA Aircraft Groundings Over Trustee Violations Show Need for Operator Diligence

737 Diversion

Music artist, airline pilot, author, and piano technician Peter Buffington has released his second new studio album, 737 – Diversion by Speed Brake Armed.

“Recorded between late-night flights, hotel rooms, and restless studio time, 737 – Diversion captures the raw energy of sleepless nights, long-haul journeys, and the electric haze of life lived at 37,000 feet experienced by pilots. The 15-track project blends classic pop, worldly electronic, country, classic rock, and piano solo with introspective lyricism that pushes aviation-themed music into new territory. The music is family-friendly, yet captures the intensity of airline flying.”

737 Diversion on Apple Music

Mentioned

California dreamin’! New nonstop service coming to Maine airport

Photographs by Listener Steve:

Pratt & Whitney 747SP test aircraft at EAA Airventure Oshkosh.

A340 on takeoff.

A340 in flight.

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.

The next phase of Boeing’s 737 Max 10 certification, Alaska Airlines’ purchase of Boeing jets, the effects of sanctions on airlines, the discontinuation of Avelo Airlines’ deportation flights, and the acquisition of Sun Country Airlines by Allegiant.

Boeing 737 Max 10, courtesy Boeing.

Aviation News

Boeing advances 737 Max 10 into next phase of FAA flight testing

Boeing’s 737 Max 10 has entered the second major phase of FAA flight testing, Type Inspection Authorization (TIA). An outstanding design change for the Max 7 and Max 10 engine anti‑ice system has led to certification delays. The core issue is an engine anti-ice design that can overheat and damage the composite engine inlet structure if left on for too long in non-icing conditions. Regulators consider this an unacceptable hazard. The problem affects all Max variants, but it is being treated as a hard certification gate for the Max 7 and 10.

Alaska Airlines to buy more than 100 Boeing jets in carrier’s biggest order ever

Alaska Airlines is ordering 105 more Boeing 737 Max 10 jets (53 new orders, and 52 exercised options) and exercising options for five 787-10 Dreamliners. This reserves production slots for future airline expansion. Alaska Airlines expects FAA certification of the Max 10 this year, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. The new order includes options for 35 more 737 Max 10s.

How sanctions turned Iran into a refuge for the world’s rarest passenger aircraft

A sanctioned country like Iran can’t buy new aircraft, engines, or OEM spare parts and components. Keeping the fleet flying, or just keeping a fleet, becomes difficult. Reportedly, more than half of Iran’s estimated 330 commercial aircraft are grounded. The Iranian fleet is composed of old airframes and supported by scavenged aircraft, parts, engines, and avionics smuggled into the country.

Avelo Airlines to end ICE deportation charters as it cuts commercial flights, jobs

The airline says it will stop flying deportation flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In a letter to employees, CEO Andrew Levy said, “We moved a portion of our fleet into a government program which promised more financial stability but placed us in the center of a political controversy. The program provided short-term benefits but ultimately did not deliver enough consistent and predictable revenue to overcome its operational complexity and costs.”

Avelo is returning six of its Boeing 737-700 airplanes (they have 8) to focus on the more efficient 737-800 airplanes (they have 14) and said it will close bases at North Carolina’s Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Wilmington International Airport, though it will continue to serve those cities.

Avelo closes three crew bases and removes six 737-700s following recapitalisation

Avelo chief executive Andrew Levy told FlightGlobal in September that the airline plans to receive its first E195-E2 in early 2027 and for deliveries to continue into 2032. It considers the incoming E-Jets well-suited for smaller, niche markets that major US carriers avoid.

Allegiant to buy rival budget airline Sun Country in $1.5 billion cash and stock deal

Low-cost leisure airline Allegiant announced it will acquire Sun Country Airlines in a deal that values the stock and cash transaction at approximately $1.5 billion, including $400 million of Sun Country’s net debt. The Allegiant brand would continue, with the two carriers operating separately until obtaining a single operating certificate.

See: Sun Country + Allegiant Merger FAQs

Mentioned

The Aircraft Carrier Midway Is San Diego’s Biggest Tourist Attraction, According To Tripadvisor

Aviation Masters podcast. Video version: George Braly on Lean-of-Peak, G100UL, Certification Battles, and Why Aviation Myths Die Hard

https://youtu.be/0WWmSy4aNng?si=JwbjrL91fUeqD5DT

Check out the LEO JetBike – a personal propeller-free eVTOL that anyone can fly

LEO Flight

The JetBike, courtesy LEO Flight.

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Brian Coleman.