“If we have a continual small subset of controllers that don’t show up to work… they’re the problem children... We need more controllers, but we need the best and the brightest, the dedicated controllers, and if we have some on our staff that aren’t dedicated like we need, we’re going to let them go.” Source: A statement from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as the government shutdown drags into the double digits, air traffic control facilities across the US are reporting growing staff shortages… Eleven major airspace sectors were short on controllers to close out October 9, including Chicago O’Hare, Newark, Boston Center, and Orlando.

Warns Job Actions Illegal: Could Disrupt NAS, Lead To Dismissal

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association is urging its members to avoid any ‘job actions’ the could lead to disruptions in the National Airspace System, as the shutdown of the federal government extends into a second week.

Nashville Int. Airport Tower Goes Dark for Hours Overnight, Bringing Extensive Delays

Nashville International Airport (BNA), surrounded by one of the busiest Class C airspaces in the nation, became the latest victim of the ongoing government shutdown on October 7. Its control tower was empty for several hours, leaving extensive departure delays and concern for the stability of commercial aviation in its wake.

Manufacturer Hopes to Roll Out 42 Jets Per Month And Continue Accelerating Through 2026

Production for the troubled Boeing 737 MAX has been under an FAA-mandated cap of 38 jets a month ever since a door plug blew off an Alaska Airlines flight in early 2024. The plane maker has decided now is the time for a change, seeking a bump up to 42 jets per month as soon as this fall.

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Just over three months after hitting the market, Piper Aircraft’s diesel-powered multi-engine trainer has logged its first domestic order. The deal will deliver five of the Seminole DX aircraft to Florida-based Skyborne Airline Academy. The Seminole DX was unveiled at this year’s EAA Oshkosh AirVenture. Designed to run on JET A and JET A-1 (with SAF approval in progress), the trainer’s twin DeltaHawk DHK4A180 engines offer about 40% better fuel efficiency than typical avgas piston engines. The FAA is looking to begin the first phase of what is shaping up to be a very expensive move, aiming to get part of its workforce situated in the DoT headquarters by early December. The agency confirmed the relocation in August as a means to improve collaboration and address safety concerns with its aging facilities. France’s largest air traffic controll

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The first Affordable Flying Expo is shaping up well... as the promotion program hit high gear this week, we are pleased to announce that we are attracting a stunning number of sport aviation’s most exciting Sport, MOSAIC and LSA flying machines. The sleek Italian Porto Risen, which excited crowds at the last two Oshkosh appearances is on its way to Lakeland, where its efficient design is likely to get a LOT of attention. Another Oshkosh favorite, the Spirit SE-1 is flying in... Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has finally spoken out against claims of “dirty business” in the investigation of Air India flight 171, which left 260 people dead. The complaint was submitted by Pushkar Raj Sabharwal, whose son was one of the pilots in the cockpit when the tragic accident occurred. The vertical aviation community is urging the FA

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ICAO has rejected the airline industry’s push to raise the mandatory retirement age for pilots from 65 to 67. The proposal was backed primarily by IATA, which argued that even a two-year rise to the cap could have a dramatic effect on the pilot shortage. IATA’s argument claimed that the change would ease workforce pressures without harming safety. Duncan Aviation announced that its testing facility co-located in the company’s Technical Education Center in Battle Creek, Michigan, has been officially approved as an FAA Testing Center, making Battle Creek the only Duncan Aviation location to gain that designation. The approval of the new testing center enables Duncan team members to take their tests onsite and avoid the hour or more drive to the nearest FAA facility. Just over three months after hitting the market, Piper Airc

Technical Education Center In Battle Creek, Michigan Gets Nod

Duncan Aviation announced that its testing facility co-located in the company’s Technical Education Center in Battle Creek, Michigan, has been officially approved as an FAA Testing Center, making Battle Creek the only Duncan Aviation to gain that designation.

Any Rule Must Ensure Safe Operations Are Priority #1

The National Business Aviation Association provided feedback to the FAA and TSA regarding proposed regulations for drone operations, and stated that any rules for such operations must ensure that safety is the highest priority.

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Otto Aerospace announced that Flexjet will be its first fleet customer and its launch customer for the Phantom 3500 business jet, a windowless, ultra-efficient clean sheet aircraft that takes advantage of laminar-flow aerodynamics and all-carbon fiber composite that together cut fuel burn by 60 percent or more. The agreement is for a firm 300 aircraft with additional options, and with a value of $5.9 billion, is reportedly one of the largest aircraft orders with an OEM in business aviation history. Almost a year after DJI filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Defense over its designation as a ‘Chinese Military Company’, the courts have reached a decision… and the drone maker won’t be happy with it. Judges, unsurprisingly, determined that there was not enough evidence separating DJI from the Chinese Communist Party to overrule the DoD&