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January 24, 2025

Airborne 01.24.25: Polaris Dawn Record, Cub v Paraglider Collision, New FAA Dep Admin

Also: Single Pilot Ops Nonsense, New FAI President, Jolly Green II, Mystery Runway

NAA announced the recognition of the Polaris Dawn orbital mission launched by SpaceX Dragon spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit, during which it reached a record-breaking apogee of 875 miles, setting records for Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon as the furthest any women have flown from Earth. On January 21, a Piper PA-18A-150 Super Cub collided with two tandem paragliders near Méribel-les-Allues, Savoie. The aircraft then plummeted onto the roof of an unoccupied chalet, resulting in the deaths of its two occupants. The paragliders were in shock but are currently “out of danger,” according to Albertville public prosecutor Benoî

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NAA Recognizes SpaceX Polaris Dawn Mission

Records Set During Recent 5-Day Flight

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced the recognition of the Polaris Dawn orbital mission launched by SpaceX Dragon spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit, during which it reached a record-breaking apogee of 875 miles, setting a national record for Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon as the furthest any women have flown from Earth.

Inquiring Minds Need To Know!

It appears that the frenzy of drone sightings reported by thousands of people in numerous states that was in the news 24-7 back in November and December 2024 has dropped off the radar and the news cycle. Still, people want to know just what was going on and before the inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump said he would let us all know.

Aircraft Destroyed and Two Killed in the Accident

On January 21, a Piper PA-18A-150 Super Cub collided with two tandem paragliders near Méribel-les-Allues, Savoie. The aircraft then plummeted onto the roof of an unoccupied chalet, resulting in the deaths of its two occupants. The paragliders were in shock but are currently “out of danger."

Strategic Location Could Impact Shipping In Gulf Of Aden

A previously unknown airstrip on the Yemen island of Abd al-Kuri has appeared on satellite imagery captured by San Francisco, California-based Planet Labs. The imagery shows that the airfield is nearing completion and when finished, could prove useful as a staging area for military operations patrolling the Gulf of Aden because the island is situated in the Indian Ocean near the mouth of the gulf.

Actions Follow Suit With Big Department of Homeland Security Changes

Just after taking office, President Donald Trump made big moves in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by firing heads of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Coast Guard. He also cleaned out the entire Aviation Security Advisory Committee.

ALPA Praises Senate Commerce Committee Vote

Urges Rapid Confirmation Of Duffy As DOT Head

Capt. Jason Ambrosi, President of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), released the statement below after the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously approved the nomination of Sean Duffy to advance to a full Senate vote for confirmation as Secretary of Transportation:

Stranded in Guadalupe Mts In Western Texas

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) AS 350 helicopter, in conjunction with U.S. Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents rescued a hiker in the Guadalupe Mountains in western Texas on January 12, 2025.

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. N

Airplane Exited The Runway And Struck A Fence, Which Resulted In Substantial Damage To Both Wings, Aft Fuselage, And Empennage

Analysis: The pilot reported that during the landing roll, he inadvertently applied and removed engine power, which resulted in a loss of directional control of the airplane. He was unable to regain control of the airplane. The airplane exited the runway and struck a fence, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings, aft fuselage, and empennage.

Aero Linx: P-38 National Association, USA The P-38 National Association is a 501(c)(19) non-profit, tax–exempt organization, but we are curremtly in the process of changing that to the more common and easily recognized 501(c)(3) designation. We will update this when the change is official.

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (01.24.25): Compulsory Reporting Points

Compulsory Reporting Points Reporting points which must be reported to ATC. They are designated on aeronautical charts by solid triangles or filed in a flight plan as fixes selected to define direct routes. These points are geographical locations which are defined by navigation aids/fixes. Pilots should discontinue position reporting over compul sory reporting points when informed by ATC that their aircraft is in “radar contact.”

"I’m going to give you a report on drones about one day into the administration. Because I think it’s ridiculous that they're not telling you about what's going on with the drones.... I hope it's not an enemy, but we're going to find out on the 21st, the day after. You have to give me a little time for the inauguration, but shortly thereafter, we'll give you a report on it. We'll tell you exactly what it is. They know, and it's very strange that they are not talking about it." Source: On January 10 at Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump told Republican governors of his intention to release info on the recent drone scare... which may be coming soon.