Claims Labor Played Critical Role to Help US Navigate Pandemic

In a speech before the Aero Club of Washington, Capt. Joe DePete, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), highlighted the critical role pilots and other aviation labor groups played to help the United States battle the pandemic and position the aviation industry for a strong economic rebound. In addition to highlighting the remarkable achievements aviation frontline workers accomplished during the COVID-19 crisis, DePete also underscored the importance of a strong, safe and diverse airline pilot workforce and the need to maintain and update current regulatory standards so that the U.S. aviation industry continues to set the standard for the world.

Kalitta Air Signs Up for Two More Operating Leases for the Freighter

GECAS has announced three options have been upgraded to firm orders with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) whereby they will convert an additional three of the lessor’s 777-300ER passenger planes to freighters. This brings GECAS total commitment since the launch of the “Big Twin Program” in July 2019 to 18 firm (including the prototype aircraft from GECAS’ owned portfolio) with IAI and a remaining 12 options. Additionally, while Kalitta Air is the launch airline and already leasing three of the first Big Twin freighters to be converted, the scheduled and on-demand charter operator has contracted to lease two additional 777-300ERSF from GECAS.

AD 2021-10-12 Required Revising The Existing AFM To Define A Liquid-Prohibited Zone On The Flight Deck

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-09-14, which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. AD 2020-09-14 required revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to define a liquid-prohibited zone on the flight deck and provide procedures following liquid spillage on the center pedestal. AD 2020-09-14 also required installing a removable integrated control panel (ICP) cover on the flight deck and further revising the AFM to include instructions for ICP cover use. This AD requires installing a new, water-resistant ICP,  which allows removing the ICP protective cover and the AFM revisions, as spe