As the air traffic controller shortage trudges on, the US Department of Transportation is rolling out even more financial incentives (aka bribes) to encourage experienced controllers to remain on the job beyond retirement age. The latest offer is a 20% annual bonus. Vertical Aerospace announced that its VX4 eVTOL performed its first successful winged flight with a pilot at the controls, marking the first piloted wingborne flight of a winged eVTOL in open European airspace. The flight, piloted by Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies, came on the heels of approval by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority, or CAA. SpaceX launched its ninth flight tes
More Needed Upfront To Fully Fund Upgrades, Workforce Expansion
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said that the FAA’s allocation in the House-approved spending bill will not be enough to support all the upgrades necessary to rebuild the agency’s air traffic control system.
First Reflight Of Super Heavy Booster, Stage Separation Successful
The ninth test flight of SpaceX’s Starship lifted off from Starbase in South Texas at 6:36 p.m. CDT on May 27, and experienced a mixed bag of results with the first reflight of the Super Heavy booster and the upper stage Ship getting farther than it did the past two test flights.
State’s Transportation Department Sifted Through 81 Applications
The final list of approved projects under the Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) was recently released, showcasing 47 aviation initiatives receiving a total of $14.5 million in state funding. Including local matching, this year’s KAIP value is nearly $23 million.
Blue Origin announced that its 12th human mission, New Shepard Mission 32 or NS-32, is scheduled to launch from Launch Site One in West Texas on Saturday May 31, 2025, with the launch window slated to open at 8:30 a.m. CDT / 13:30 UTC.
Carrier Reverts ‘Bags Fly Free’ Rule, Charges $35 for the First Bag
Self-proclaimed low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines has officially reverted a long-standing policy and will be charging $35-45 per checked bag. This is part of a recent, yet determined push for improved profitability... i.e., greed. Fortunately, the policy change only applies to future bookings and includes several exceptions.
Also: Whistleblower’s Family Settles, Boeing Aircraft Tires, Horizon X7 eVTOL, Falcon 9 Record
The P-51C Mustang previously owned by beloved actor and military aviator Jimmy Stewart recently finished up an eventful weekend at the Indiana County-Jimmy Stewart Airport (IDI) and is making its way to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. A glider with two persons on board made what was called a spectacular emergency landing in the Eisack River in Bolzano in northeastern Italy on May 10, 2025. The two were uninjured and were able to exit the glider and make it safely to shore. The Bolzano Fire Department was alerted immediately and dispatched i
Hummingbird 300L Kit Helicopter Gets a Subtle Makeover
At the 2025 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, Vertical Aviation Technologies showcased the kit-built Hummingbird 300L helicopter that continues to reflect the company’s dedication to innovation and craftsmanship. Vertical Aviation has attended SUN ‘n FUN on and off for the past 37 years, and this year they returned with a standout: a customer-built 300L that earned the “Best Helicopter” award at the previous expo. The 300L is Vertical Aviation Tech’s pride and joy, first developed in 2018 and released as a kit in 2019. The Hummingbird line a
First OEM To Get VR Sim Training, Powered By Loft Dynamics
Loft Dynamics announced that Airbus Helicopters received regulatory approval to deliver a type rating program using a VR flight simulator from the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) for conducting type rating training for the AS350-B3e through the use of a Loft Dynamics VR simulator.
Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc. (ASA) announced the release of the brand new An Aviator’s Field Guide to the Seaplane Rating. It is Bill Young’s new practical blueprint for aspiring pilots that contains details students need to know to earn their Airplane Single-Engine Sea rating.
Also: Whistleblower’s Family Settles, Boeing Aircraft Tires, Horizon X7 eVTOL, Falcon 9 Record
The P-51C Mustang previously owned by beloved actor and military aviator Jimmy Stewart recently finished up an eventful weekend at the Indiana County-Jimmy Stewart Airport (IDI) and is making its way to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. A glider with two persons on board made what was called a spectacular emergency landing in the Eisack River in Bolzano in northeastern Italy on May 10, 2025. The two were uninjured and were able to exit the glider and make it safely to shore. The Bolzano Fire Department was alerted immediately and dispa
A SIGMET Advisory Was Issued At 1213 Which Forecasted Occasional Severe Turbulence Between FL270 and FL400
On December 26, 2024, at 1335 pacific standard time, Alaska Airlines flight 700, a Boeing 737 9, N958AK, encountered severe turbulence during cruise flight, near Henderson, Nevada. Of the 181 passengers and crew, two flight attendants received serious injuries, and one received a minor injury. The flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 121 scheduled domestic passenger flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Seattle, Washington, to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Phoenix, Arizona.
Aero Linx: Northern California Business Aviation Association (NCBAA)
We aim to deliver a series of events that allows everyone in the NorCal area an opportunity to connect with other business aviation professionals, learn about topics of interest and grow our aviation community.
Terminal Radar Service Area
Airspace surrounding designated airports wherein ATC provides radar vectoring, sequencing, and separation on a full-time basis for all IFR and participating VFR aircraft. The AIM contains an explanation of TRSA. TRSAs are depicted on VFR aeronautical charts. Pilot participation is urged but is not mandatory.
“We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don’t compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our shareholders expect.”
Source: A bit of self-serving corporate dreck from Bob Jordan, CEO and Vice Chairman of Southwest's Board of Directors, as the airline shoots itself in the foot with policies that destroy much of what distinguished them from the competition. Now... they can be just as bad as every other airline... Herb would be ashamed.
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