Also: Pilot Stalker, Wildfire Drone Incident, Senate Commerce Leadership, Airline BK Woes
Despite a brief period of pilot oversupply following the COVID-19 pandemic, new data from the FAA indicates a concerning decline in certifications. This threatens to re-ignite the pilot shortage faced in recent years. In 2024, over 9,600 pilots earned FAA certifications. This created a slight oversupply in the labor market, with 0.3% more than required for stability. However, analysts warn that the surge is tapering off. The National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA) has been named by the FAA as its industry partner to coordinate efforts in modernizing FAA Part 141. NFTA works to 'unify, protect, and promote' the flight training industry in the U.
A Post Flight Inspection By Maintenance Personnel Revealed A Crack In The Forward Pressure Bulkhead
On December 18, 2024, about 1600 Alaska standard time (AKST), Lynden Air Cargo LLC flight LYC141, a Lockheed L-382C (Hercules) airplane, N403LC, experienced a rapid decompression while climbing through FL220 (22,000 ft) after departure from the St. Mary’s airport (KSM), St. Mary’s, Alaska. There were no injuries to the four occupants onboard the airplane. A postaccident inspection revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage.
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