“There is no truth to any rumors that we are preparing to cease operations. It is business as usual at Spirit, and flights continue to operate normally... We are working closely with our debtor-in-possession providers and other key stakeholders on a wide variety of issues to support the financial needs and future of the business, as we have been throughout our restructuring process.” Source: From a statement from a Spirit spokeswoman, tryiung to ward off rumors of impending doom for the embattled airline.  

Industry Speaks Against Section 373 of the National Defense Authorization Act

Section 373 of the newly passed National Defense Authorization Act isn’t sitting well with much of the industry, sparking public frustration from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), and Washington, D.C. officials. Their statements all serve as a warning to Congress, claiming that the provision undoing necessary safety protections put in place after January’s deadly mid-air collision.

Committee Meets December 17 To Evaluate Status Following Prime Integrator Selection

Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation, announced his call to convene a hearing titled, “FAA’s Plan for ATC Modernization: Evaluating Progress, Ensuring Accountability and Results” on Wednesday December 17, at 2:30 pm EST.

ANAC Clears Way For Operations By Capable, Multi-Role Aircraft

Daher Aircraft announced that its Kodiak 900 has received its airworthiness certification from the Brazilian ANAC, or Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil, enabling the larger and faster version of the venerable Kodiak 100 for operations in a country that has a compelling need for modern, highly capable multi-role aircraft.

Airbus CEO Admits They Will Lose The Crown in 2025 Despite Winning in Deliveries, Backlog

Boeing is shaping up to earn the gold medal for aircraft orders in 2025… but what does that really mean for the competition? The answer is not much, as Airbus remains firmly ahead in deliveries and backlog despite not having tariffs on its side for much of the year.

Sure, Real Estate in LA is Expensive…but How About Airport LA Real Estate? 

Archer Aviation announced the completion of phase one in its acquisition process, putting them on track to have their own playground in Hawthorne Airport of California. They are going for the master lease from the City of Hawthorne along with the associated subleases, which will grant control of the real estate of the airport complex. They plan to acquire the FBO and passenger terminal in 2026 as part of phase 2 of the transaction. Once complete, that will grant full control. 

Acquisition Makes Spirit’s Commercial and Aftermarket Operations Part of Boeing

Boeing has checked off all the boxes on its Spirit AeroSystems acquisitions, officially absorbing the company’s commercial aircraft manufacturing and aftermarket affairs. The combined operation will also be launching a new standalone defense business under the banner “Spirit Defense.”

When He Next Looked Outside He Was Surprised To See That The Airplane Had Drifted To The Left

Analysis: The pilot of the vintage, tailwheel-equipped airplane was departing from a turf runway. The pilot described that as he initiated the takeoff toward the west, and into the setting sun, he looked inside the airplane to verify the engine instruments. It took his eyes several seconds to adjust to the shaded cockpit and when he next looked outside he was surprised to see that the airplane had drifted to the left and he was no longer able to see the runway edge markers.

The Flight Crew Felt A Bump/Thud In The Back Of The Airplane, Which They Thought Was Caused By Something Falling Into The Aisle

Analysis: About 10,000 ft mean sea level during a repositioning flight, the flight crew felt a bump/thud in the back of the airplane, which they thought was caused by something falling into the aisle from the lavatory. The flight crew observed that the landing gear unsafe light was illuminated. The flight crew stated that they followed emergency/abnormal airplane checklist items and reset the landing circuit breaker, which did not retract the landing gear.

South Korean University’s Flight Training Program Growing

Frasca International, a provider of flight simulation technology for training, announced that Hanseo University in South Korea is purchasing a new Level 5 Cessna 172 Flight Training Device, the seventh Frasca device to join the school’s fleet.