Home Blog Page 27

Seven Things The New FAA Administrator Should Do To Fix Our Nation’s Skies

Jeff Gilmore
-
3
Seven Things The New FAA Administrator Should Do To Fix Our Nation’s Skies

Last week, FAA Administrator Mike Whittaker unexpectedly stepped down after just over a year in office. His brief tenure raises questions about whether significant reforms are possible in a sprawling bureaucracy like the FAA. Yet, with our national air system facing mounting challenges—from air traffic controller shortages to outdated medical policies—a visionary leader could seize the moment to enact lasting change. Here are seven critical priorities for the next Administrator to restore confidence and efficiency in America’s skies.

1.) Solve The Air Traffic Controller Shortage

FAA Next-Gen Control Tower
FAA Next-Gen Control Tower. IMAGE: PAU

Air Traffic Controllers have one of the most difficult and stressful jobs in the industry. It’s always been that way and it likely always will be. It’s the nature of the job. What can be fixed though is how few of controllers we have across the nation.

A 2024 report stated that a staggering 77% of Air Traffic Control facilities were understaffed. Trained controllers are often forced to work overtime to fill critical needs. The FAA has made some progress on this issue. The FAA has hired over 3,300 controllers in the past two years with another 2,000 planned next year.

The challenge, however, is the lengthy training process. A new controller might be ready for a busy day in Birmingham, Alabama’s tower after a few years of training but it will be years before they are ready to manage the traffic flow at busy airports like Atlanta or Chicago O’Hare. Without addressing this issue though, ATC delays will continue to grow and place the entire industry at risk.

Gen Z and younger generations also aren’t as attracted to a stressful government career. The FAA has to find ways to make the job more attractive and fulfilling. The FAA needs to adapt to a changing talent marketplace. The future of an industry that contributes almost one trillion dollars to our nation’s GDP depends on it.

2.) Modernize Airspace and Tower Classifications

Austin's Class C airspace is unchanged since the airport opened in 1999.
Austin’s Class C airspace is unchanged since the airport opened in 1999

The country’s airspace is divided into two different categories of airspace, regulatory and non-regulatory. Within the regulatory airspace, there are 4 different types all designed around the type of aircraft and the volume of operations. It’s worked for generations, mostly. The issue is that the airspace is largely static, regardless of volume changes over time.

Airports that were once hubs like Cincinnati, Cleveland, or Pittsburgh remain class B airspace even if their volume of traffic have decreased greatly from 20 years ago when they were hubs. They are still Class B today. Class B airports receive a significant amount of controllers and logistics to handle the expected aircraft operations, even if the current volume may not require it. On the other hand, you have airports like Austin, Texas that remain a paltry Class C even though it is the 29th busiest airport in the United States.

Earlier this year, an American Airlines 737 came dangerously close to a single engine aircraft who was operating outside of Class C airspace but within the approach corridor of Austin Bergstrom Airport. While unwise, the private pilot’s flying was completely legal. Class B airspace would have prevented the possible critical safety issue.

This issue extends to towered and non-towered airports as well. As an example, last year a JetBlue plane went beak to beak with a light twin aircraft at Hayden, Colorado. The airport has a number of commercial flights every day but still lacks a tower.

These airspace issues are about streamlining operations in some cases and correcting critical safety issues in others. Airspace is consistent for good reason but there should be a process to review and adjust sizing on a much more frequent basis to enhance smooth operations and safety.

3.) Fix The FAA Medical Process Now!

The FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) Building in Oklahoma City, OK. Photo by Dr. Stephen Véronneau of the Aerospace Medical Research Division of CAMI
The FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) Building in Oklahoma City, OK. Photo by Dr. Stephen Véronneau of the Aerospace Medical Research Division of CAMI

The FAA medical process is a bureaucratic nightmare. If you are a pilot in perfect health it might not seem so bad. You just walk into a doctors office, get your blood pressure checked, read an eye chart and you walk away with your certificate for another six months to two years. For most other mortals though, it can be a nightmare.

Pilots with issues can wait months and years to regain their medical after being prescribed a medicine. If someone is diagnosed, then cured of cancer, it can be a very time-consuming affair too. Change.org petitions have sprung up highlighting the challenges with regaining one’s medical.

The problem is a lack of resourcing by the FAA, confusing regulations, and the lack of ability to reach out to a human when you have questions. Sure there are great organizations like Wingman Med to guide pilots through the process but it can be costly. The fact that organizations like these have to exist is a reaction to a broken system, not the solution.

4.) Encourage Pilot Access to Healthcare

Two pilots in a cockpit prepare for another flight.
Two pilots in the cockpit get ready for a flight. | IMAGE: Photo by Rafael Cosquiere via pexels.com

Pilots livelihoods depends on obtaining and maintaining a medical clearance. Yet pilots are just like every other person in America. Pilots face tragedy, divorce, relationship challenges, and financial difficulties just like every one else.

The challenge for pilots though is that speaking out for help could lead to the loss of their ability to do their job. A 2022 study said that 56% of pilots fear seeking health care because it could affect their ability to continue flying.

To be fair, the FAA has announced some changes to encourage pilots to receive the help they need. For many though, pilots still live in fear of receiving any medical care, particularly mental health care. For them, the recent changes don’t go far enough.

A similar challenge exists for pilots who are veterans. The FAA suspended medicals for a number of pilots who did not accurately report their disabilities on their medicals. No one should condone lying. This action though did make many veterans nervous.

The FAA has an opportunity on both mental heath and veteran benefits to explicitly state their policies and make them much more transparent and pilot friendly.

5.) Fix NOTAMs, No Really This Time

NOTAMS
Seven Things The New FAA Administrator Should Do To Fix Our Nation's Skies 8

There’s no way around it. Our US NOTAMs system is trash. Even the former NTSB chief called them garbage in 2018. The last administration acted liked they fixed NOTAMs by changing the name from Notices to Airman to Notices to Air Missions. It was heralded as a way to be more inclusive. Unfortunately, that didn’t fix the core issue that continues to use a system built on teletype to convey critical safety updates to pilots.

NOTAMs need a huge facelift. They need to display information in a much more digestible format highlighting criticality first, not just date of publishing. Pilots are visual. NOTAMs should visually depict closed runways and taxiways. While some apps like Foreflight and Jeppesen on Electronic Flight Bags have helped, so much more needs to be done.

NOTAMs have been a contributing factor in multiple mishaps and countless more incidents. This fix would enhance safety and remove one more possible link in the error chain.

6.) Address Checkride Backlogs

Cessna 152 Trainer.
Cessna 152 Trainer.

If the FAA truly wants to create a more diverse industry of aviation professionals, it needs to do more than changing the titles of their tools. The FAA needs to invest in unjamming the backlog of checkrides. On forums across social media, student pilots frequently post desperately trying to find a DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner).

DPEs are a hot commodity these days driving by both the growth of pilot training and the difficulty of becoming one. It used to be $400-$600 for a checkride. They could frequently be scheduled a week or two in advance.

Now the wait can be months, particularly in more remote areas. The cost for a checkride can be over $1000 too. This system harms everyone but particularly people who are self-financing their aviation career.

7.) Accelerate Aircraft Certification and Innovation

A rendering of a Boeing 737 max 10 flying over snowy mountains. Image: Boeing
A rendering of a Boeing 737 max 10 flying over snowy mountains. Image: Boeing

It’s no secret that Boeing has had a plethora of issues. Their Boeing 737 MAX -7 and -10 and their 777-9 have all been severely delayed. There are good reasons for the delays yet our nation still depends on Boeing and needs it to be successful.

On another front, there is a fresh new industry of eVTOLs that are emerging. New types of aircraft will require a new way of thinking to ensure safety but also ensure that America retains its global leadership position.

Equally important, the FAA oversees spaceflight. Recent Starship test launches were treated as accidents if they didn’t land as intended even though there was no property damaged or people hurt. The agency has to think differently about testing and development.

The FAA has a tremendous opportunity to streamline and modernize their certification processes for the good of our nation while still ensuring safety.

You Have The Aircraft

These seven priorities represent not just a wish list but a potential roadmap for the FAA’s next Administrator to ensure the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of our aviation system. America’s airspace is a cornerstone of global commerce and connectivity. Addressing these challenges head-on is essential for maintaining our leadership in the skies.

The Delta-Winged Deuce: Convair’s First Century Series Supersonic Fighter

Bill Walton
-
0
The Delta-Winged Deuce: Convair’s First Century Series Supersonic Fighter

The F-102A Delta Dagger Interceptor Was a ‘Round The World Cold-War Warrior

Convair’s F-102A Delta Dagger served with distinction as an Air Defense Command (ADC) interceptor with the United States Air Force (USAF) and with the Air National Guard (ANG) for twenty years.

Commonly referred to as The Deuce, the F-102A was the first operational delta-winged supersonic jet interceptor to see service with the USAF and ADC. But the design of the F-102, which was drawn to compete in a 1948 USAF competition to place in service a new “ultimate” interceptor and derived from Convair’s XF-92A delta-wing research aircraft, required major revisions before the jet was ready to enter service.

F-102A "The Deuce"
Official US Air Force photograph

Thank Goodness (and Pratt & Whitney) for the J57!

Initially, the YF-102 prototypes were both underpowered due to engine development snags and slow due to a phenomenon called transonic drag. The engine issues eventually led to the F-102 being powered by the Pratt & Whitney J57 axial-flow turbojet engine with afterburner- the power plant used in such designs as the North American F-100 Super Sabre, the Vought F-8 Crusader, and the Douglas A-3 Skywarrior. After the first YF-102 first flew on 23 October 1953, the aircraft’s performance was deemed unsatisfactory (read: it was a dog) and drove Convair back to the drawing board.

050323 F 1234P 005
Official US Air Force photograph

Area Rules

Transonic drag occurs as an aircraft approaches supersonic speeds. Without slogging through the physics involved, the phenomenon was causing especially high drag in the forward fuselage around the canopy, at the engine intakes, and along the sides of the fuselage aft of the wing leading edge.

The Convair engineers lengthened the fuselage of the aircraft by some 11 feet. They also narrowed the canopy and redesigned the engine intakes. However, the real difference maker in the revised design was the narrowing of the fuselage aft of the wing leading edge and widening it forward of the vertical stabilizer- employing an area rule.

comp
YF-102 (left) and YF-102A (right). Official US Air Force photograph

Origins of the Coke Bottle Curve

Now I don’t know if there was a Coke bottle sitting on some engineer’s desk when that “Eureka” moment took place, but we do know that incorporating the Whitcomb Area Rule (AKA the transonic area rule) into the design solved the F-102’s transonic drag problem.

The fuselage width was reduced from just aft of the wing leading edge and widened aft of the wing trailing edge. Fairings were added aft of the wing trailing edge and extending well beyond the afterburner on both sides of the jet’s fuselage.

Combined, these changes resulted in the Deuce’s waspish figure- resembling the shape of a Mark 1 Mod Zero Coca-Cola bottle as much as anything. Aircraft designed to operate in the transonic speed ranges, like the Convair B-58 Hustler, Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter, T-38 Talon, and many others, have employed the area rule ever since.

The redesigned F-102 prototype, dubbed the YF-102A, first flew on 20 December 1954.

F-102A The Deuce
Official US Air Force photograph

Tri-Angular Shapes

So now that Convair had a supersonic design and an engine to power it, the company received a contract to produce the Delta Dagger. Other features of the revised F-102A design included primarily aluminum alloy construction with some titanium in the structure. The low-mounted swept delta wing had a leading edge sweep of 60 degrees. Those wings had wing fences mounted inboard and outboard along with two-section hydraulically-actuated elevons at the trailing edge of each wing. The vertical stabilizer was triangular in shape with a hydraulically-actuated trailing edge rudder. The surface area of the vertical stabilizer was increased early in production of the F-102A.

327th Fighter Interceptor Squadron Convair F 102A 75 CO Delta Daggers
Official US Air Force photograph

No Guns for This Interceptor

The F-102A also employed a pair of hydraulically-actuated airbrakes mounted at the base of the vertical stabilizer. A braking parachute was housed between the airbrake surfaces, meaning it could only be used when the airbrakes were deployed. The revised engine intakes employed splitter plates to reduce drag and turbulence along the fuselage. The Deuce was not armed with any internal guns- it had a ventral weapons bay just aft of the nose gear to carry Hughes GAR-series (AIM-4) Falcon air-to-air missiles. In addition, folding-fin aerial rockets (FFARs) could be fired from mounts in the weapons bay doors. Though not initially designed to carry drop tanks, the ability to carry two 230-gallon drop tanks was later added.

190th Fighter Interceptor Squadron F 102 Delta Dagger 54 1385
Official US Air Force photograph

Chilly Willy and the Bears

The F-102A first entered service in April 1956 with the 327th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS) at George Air Force Base (AFB) in Victorville, California. Of the 889 F-102As built before production ended in September of 1958, the majority were operated first by ADC squadrons, many of which were based in warm sunny locales like Elmendorf AFB in Alaska, Thule Air Base in Greenland, and Keflavik Air Base in Iceland. These cold-soaked but alert Deuces intercepted hundreds of Soviet Tupelov Tu-95 Bears, Tu-16 Badgers, Myasishchev M-4 Bison, and many more during their Cold War service.

F 102A 57th FIS intercepting Bear 1970
Official US Air Force photograph

For the rest of the Deuce Details, bang NEXT PAGE below

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Debut Mired In Bugs But Asobo Is Working On It

Jeff Gilmore
-
0
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Debut Mired In Bugs But Asobo Is Working On It

Last month, Asobo Studio (a Microsoft publisher) released the much touted Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. It promised the most immersive experience yet with stunning graphics, the largest fleet of flyable aircraft, dynamic scenery, and a career mode. It’s fair to say that the release hasn’t gone as planned with a host of poor performance issues and bugs.

Asobo Studio has acknowledged the bugs and technical issues plaguing Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and has been actively releasing patches and updates to fix these problems. The development team is committed to listening to player feedback and implementing necessary improvements to enhance the overall performance and stability of the game.

A Promising MSFS2024 Release Turned Sour Fast

The problems started on release day and have continued over the past month. Many customers who excitedly purchased the next version of MSFS faced long delays just trying to install their software. Once the software loaded too 99%, it crashed and needed to start again. They couldn’t access the game the first day!

MSFS2024 Server Issues Spoiled Release Day

Asobo Studio acknowledged the issues and blamed them on overwhelming interest in the product. It wouldn’t be unusual for a big release to have issues on the first day. The problem is that day one issues gave way to a host of challenges that have still left customers complaining over a month later.

Problems Highlighted On Social Media

Groups on social media have roasted the latest release for the past month. Many users see the 2024 version as a step back from the 2020 version.

Unplayable For Some Flight Simmers

The list of issues are long. If it were just a poor onboarding experience, I believe many flight simmers would have forgiven Microsoft and Asobo. The problems run deep with planes that don’t work properly, scenery bugs, controllers that won’t connect, and an exceedingly frustrating career mode.

Some have commented that some of the scenery looks melted, particularly places like Las Vegas as seen below.

Some scenery isn't rendering properly on MSFS2024.
Some scenery isn’t rendering properly on MSFS2024.

Career Mode Didn’t Work Initially; It’s Getting Better

Career mode is one of the new feature sets in MSFS2024. When we first heard about it, we were excited about the prospect of millions of fans learning to fly, then advancing through a career as an aviator. The gamified version is fraught with issues though.

Some users experienced a crash just by releasing the parking brake in certain aircraft. Others are launched on missions without enough fuel to arrive at the destination.

Add-ons Moved To The Cloud and Simmers Don’t Like It

Asobo made the decision with MSFS2024 to move everything to the cloud. The simulator only works with an internet connection. This allows the game to have a lighter footprint on one’s computer and in theory should improve performance.

The tradeoff is that all add-ons are now stored on the cloud too. Many have lamented how Asobo has moved add-ons to the cloud. Part of what has always made the Microsoft Flight Simulator series so unique is that users and companies have been able to customize the simulator. There have always been large markets for custom scenery, unique aircraft, and other plug-ins. Now, Asobo has moved all add-ons to the cloud.

Vendors who want to publish to MSFS2024 have to publish through Asobo’s store. While it is still technically possible to upload your own add ons in MSFS2024, users have said that they feel they don’t have as much control over customization as they did in the past. The worst part though was that Asobo’s own marketplace was virtually empty at launch. Even something as simple as liveries for default aircraft were missing.

Microsoft Flight Simulator Bugs, Bugs Galore

Even outside of Career Mode, there are plenty of bugs in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 that are detrimental to the experience. A quick spin in the new Boeing 737 Max-8 by Avgeekery resulted in an autopilot that wouldn’t follow the route in the box in LNAV along with a Boeing Thrustmaster controller that would only push up a single throttle.

The ability to add surface level winds was also locked out. Restarting the sim fixed the latter two issues but it served as a representative example of how many sim users feel the product was rushed to the market without sufficient testing.

A Major Add-On Developer Can’t Sell Their Products Yet On MSFS2024

MSFS developer PMDG has been unable to convert their 2020 aircraft to MSFS2024. Image: PMDG
MSFS developer PMDG has been unable to convert their 2020 aircraft to MSFS2024. Image: PMDG

One of the more prominent developers, PMDG has posted a compatibility warning on their Boeing 777 product stating, “This product is not compatible with MSFS2024 and will require updates to become compatible. Updates may be free or offered at a modest surcharge, depending upon policies eventually set for MSFS2024 Marketplace guidelines, to be determined at a date following release of MSFS2024’s in-game Marketplace.  If you do not intend to use this product in MSFS2020, do not purchase it until this warning is removed, as it is not compatible with MSFS2024.”

The company is working on making their prominent 737 and 777 aircraft compatible with MSFS2024 via patch sometime in the future.

Asobo Studio Promised Fixes and Has Delivered On Some

To Asobo’s credit, the company has acknowledged the screw up. They stated that their initial server issues were because they weren’t expecting the high level of users on the first day of the release. They added significant capacity in the subsequent days resulting in almost all server issue complaints cease in the user forums over the past few weeks.

Asobo announced patch #3 on their developer blog this past week. This latest release solved a number of the most complained about issues with career mode, fixed scenery, and improved performance. The response on X has been mixed. Some users like @BucketNate have appreciated the improvements as the game has become more playable.

Others like X user @ACinPhilly are still experiencing issues.

There’s Still Time But Patience Is Wearing Thin

For Asobo, there is still time to fix their product. The ambitious plan to take an already solid sim and add in a major gamified world was bound to be difficult. The flight sim community is different than your average gaming population.

As a group, they not only provide candid feedback but get excited when they see consistent improvements. Asobo has had solid communication on their progress to fix MSFS2024. They communicate regularly on social media via X.com, Youtube, and Instagram.

Asobo Got Behind The Power Curve on Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

For many it seems as if the company released a half-baked beta version of their final product. Asobo Studio will need to pull out of this stall quickly by applying the proper coordinated controls. Otherwise, the storied franchise could enter a graveyard spin that permanently damages the simulator’s storied reputation. That’s something every fan of flight simulation doesn’t want to see.

Hong Kong Airlines Returning to Vancouver With Budget-Friendly Fares

Joe Gvora
-
0
Hong Kong Airlines Returning to Vancouver With Budget-Friendly Fares

Hong Kong Airlines is making a return to Vancouver after several years of absence. The airlines will capitalize off the high fares that competing airlines are charging for the nonstop route.

The announcement came in the middle of the airline’s 18th anniversary festivities. The first flights to and from Canada will take place in January of next year.

Hong Kong Finds America’s Hat–Canada

Hong Kong Airlines uploaded a press release announcing the return of service to and from Vancouver, Canada. Flights connecting Hong Kong to Vancouver will resume on 18 January, 2025. These flights will take place twice weekly each direction.

The route was originally in service from June 2017 and did great business for the airline, being the first route to fly to North America. The route was then scrapped during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The other two airlines offering nonstop flights to Hong Kong and Vancouver are Air Canada and Cathay Pacific. For this January on average, Air Canada charges $2,012 (HK$15,661) while Cathay has a price of $1,706 (HK$13,281).

Hong Kong Airlines Airbus A330 300 B LNT 44243217155
Image: emperornie of Wikimedia Commons

Hong Kong Airlines will charge fares at just $1,220 (HK$9,491) in January, being the most affordable airline for the route.

Hong Kong Airlines Chairman Yan Bo also had comments to share in the press release:

“We are thrilled to welcome Vancouver back as Hong Kong Airlines’ first North American destination. We aim to attract more travelers to experience Vancouver’s beauty, facilitating family reunions and business collaborations.”

International Route is the Start of Something More

With the return to Vancouver next year, the airline will serve travelers in over 30 destinations. Hong Kong Airlines will also start service in Gold Coast, Australia for the first time ever. The season route starts 17 January, 2025 and ends 15 February.

In December 2022, the airline managed to restructure HK$49 billion in debts. A repayment plan had been approved by a federal court as well as the airline’s creditors, giving the company wiggle-room to pay back money owed.

According to a Hong Kong spokesperson, the airline is managing as many flights as before the pandemic. Each flight is on average 85% of full capacity. The airline aims to serve over five million passengers in 2024.

US Airlines Banned from Haiti Travel Until at Least March 2025

Joe Gvora
-
0
US Airlines Banned from Haiti Travel Until at Least March 2025

One month has been removed from a series of incidents where aircraft from US airlines were struck by bullets. Since then, the unrest in Haiti doesn’t seem to have died down, with the country still deemed unsafe for travel.

While the US government could have lifted restrictions this week, it will suspend flights to and from Haiti much longer to protect US Airlines.

More on US Airlines Banned from Haiti Travel

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proclaimed late last week that it will extend restrictions for US travel in Haiti until 12 March, 2025. This means airlines from the US can’t arrive or depart from anywhere in the country or fly over it from a low altitude. The Notice to Air Missions currently prohibits flights over Haiti at 10,000 feet or less.

Government originally placed the ban on 11 November when alleged gang members fired bullets at aircraft from American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue. A Spirit Airlines attendant was reportedly injured as a result of the gunfire.

Spirit Airlines A319
Spirit Airlines Airbus A319 exterior | IMAGE: Spirit Airlines

If you are a traveler who is looking to fly to or near Haiti in the near future with one of the affected airlines, you may need to get in touch with your airline’s customer support.

If you’re traveling directly to Haiti, your airline should have automatically canceled your flight and refunded you. As for indirect flights involving Haiti, you may need to be rebooked or rerouted which might involve paying more money.

Official Statement by the US Department of State

Travelers can read the US Department of State’s Haiti Travel Advisory, which was published on 18 September. The advisory has a ‘Level 4: Do Not Travel’ grade, cited for crime, kidnapping, civil unrest, and health risks.

“Since March 2024, Haiti has been under a State of Emergency. Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti. They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom. Kidnapping is widespread, and U.S. citizens have been victims and have been hurt or killed,” the notice reads.

jetblue tailfins blueberries
US Airlines Banned from Haiti Travel Until at Least March 2025 21

The Department goes on to specify that Aeroport International Toussaint Louverture, the airport in Port-Au-Prince is a ‘focal point for armed activity’. Robberies and carjackings are also common and spontaneous, often occurring during traffic stops.

The notice even advises against traveling to Haiti through the bordering country Dominican Republic.

Your Luggage Should Never Really Get Lost on United with New Tracking Update

Joe Gvora
-
0
Your Luggage Should Never Really Get Lost on United with New Tracking Update

As a follow-up to last month’s iPhone update, United Airlines has announced that its mobile app is fully-integrated with Apple’s new ‘Share Item Location’ feature. This will allow the airline to help customers quickly locate luggage, phones, and laptops that potentially go missing during travel.

United is the first of 15 airlines to use this new Apple software, with other airlines working on their own integrations. These airlines include Delta, Air Canada, and British Airways.

Uniting with Lost Luggage In Record Time

United Airlines sent out a press release Thursday evening to announce that customers can now integrate ‘Share Item Location’ for Apple AirTag with the United mobile app.

With this feature, United customers will be able to monitor the whereabouts of tracked devices and luggage right from the United smartphone app. According to the press release, the app will now ‘drive a much-improved customer service experience’ for customers who may not realize their bags will arrive on a later flight.

United Airlines jets at San Francisco
United Airlines jets at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on 09 May 2024 | IMAGE: Photo by David Syphers on Unsplash

‘Share Item Location’ is available on iPhone with iOS 18.2. The feature is free and can be toggled on in the phone’s settings app.

Here’s what happens if a customer suspects his or her tracked luggage to go missing:

  1. The user can open the United app and file a ‘delayed baggage’ claim. Apple will generate a link for you to share with United that will track the luggage in question.
  2. A United customer support agent will access the link. This will allow the agent to pinpoint the luggage on a map. The map will also update in real time.
  3. United will work with airports and authorities to find the bag in the area and reunite it with the owner.

Once the issue has been resolved, the link will be deactivated for privacy and security purposes.

United’s Improvements with iPhone

United Airlines Chief Customer Officer David Kinzelman shared his thoughts Thursday. He explained how the new app update gives iPhone owners a peace of mind during travels with United:

“For years, every customer has been able to track the journey of their bag through the United app as it is scanned on and off the plane, and previously, they didn’t have a way to directly share their AirTag information with our baggage team…They can (now) easily and securely share that with us in the United app, and our team can use the location information to find the bag and get it reunited with its owner much more quickly.”

United Airlines Boeing 777-200 at Tokyo Narita
A United Airlines Boeing 777-200 lands at Tokyo Narita (NRT) on 12 February 2018 | IMAGE: Masahiro TAKAGI from Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

United has continuously integrated updates for iPhone and Apple Watch to improve customer experience. The airline touted how it was the first in the US to provide live flight notifications for loved ones. United has also made the bag drop process easier with checking bags. The app eliminates the need to print a label or tag before each flight.

The United Airlines app is free to download on the Apple App store and Google Play Store. While Android phone owners can still get assistance with lost luggage and bag-tracking, there has yet to be a ‘Share My Location’ equivalent feature that United has invested in for Android phones.

Perfect Christmas Gift? Frontier Announces $299 ‘All-You-Can-Fly’ Pass

Joe Gvora
-
0
Perfect Christmas Gift? Frontier Announces $299 ‘All-You-Can-Fly’ Pass

Move over Chick-Fil-A gift cards! In what would be a fabulous holiday surprise to many, Frontier is offering its ‘All-You-Can-Fly’ annual pass for just under $300, giving pass owners one year of unlimited flights that only cost $0.01 each.

The special price will only be available to early bird customers that respond fast to the pre-sale event. But if you’re too late to respond, you can still win one of ten passes for free.

A Free Year of Frontier

Frontier Airlines has issued a press release hyping up a ‘GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly’ annual pass pre-sale event. During this event, those that sign up to get notified of an annual pass sale could claim one for just $299.

To be eligible for a special deal, customers can simply register for the special pre-sale email on their website. It’s uncertain when the pass will be available at the low price, but when it does, emails will be sent en masse and recipients are encouraged to act fast.

The $299 price will only be available to the first 5,000 customers. After 5,000 customers purchased the pass, its price will move up to $499, which was the special price for last year’s promotion.

N705FR Frontier Airlines 2015 Airbus A321 211 cn 6891 Ferndale The Pygmy Owl 34858824865
Image: By Tomás Del Coro from Wikimedia Commons

Frontier will also give away ten passes for free to email recipients that simply sign up for the pre-sale. According to Frontier, this sweepstakes will run through 27 December.

Penny Fares From Aguadilla to Wilmington

The pass will be good from 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2026. During this time, pass owners can book any flight on Frontier’s website for just a penny, though extra fees such as for bags will still apply. All flights are subject to the one-cent fare, though Frontier does post a series of blackout periods through 2025 and 2026.

The airline also notes that only the pass owner is subject to the one-cent fares and that the pass is non-transferable.

Frontier Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Bobby Schroeter called the ‘GoWild!’ pass ‘perfect’ for travelers that fly frequently. Schroeter also touts that $299 is the cheapest the price has every gone down, making it affordable for more travelers to fly to their ideal vacation spots.

Frontier flies to over 120 destinations in the Americas. In addition to over 100 major cities in the United States, customers can also book flights to Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Bahamas, and various other Caribbean nations.

JetBlue Announces New Madrid, Edinburgh Flights From Boston Hub

Joe Gvora
-
0
JetBlue Announces New Madrid, Edinburgh Flights From Boston Hub

New Englanders will soon be able to fly with JetBlue to Madrid and Edinburgh, which are two popular tourist destinations. Both flights will start this late spring, just in time for vacation season for many travelers.

With these new routes, JetBlue will attempt to take business away from American Airlines, United, and Delta regarding Madrid and Edinburgh flights from Boston.

Europe In My Face

JetBlue posted a press release to announce new international flights for 2025. Starting in May, the airline will be flying to and from both Madrid, Spain and Edinburgh, Scotland. These flights will come from JetBlue’s home base at Boston Logan International Airport in Massachusetts.

According to JetBlue, both routes will be open from 22 May to 24 October of next year and take place once daily. A London-Gatwick, England route will also be open during this time frame. Routes to Dublin, Ireland and Amsterdam, Netherlands will start a little earlier in the year.

JetBlue Airways%2C N958JB%2C Airbus A321 231 %2849593116483%29
Image: By Anna Zvareva from Wikimedia Commons

This is the first time ever JetBlue will do service in Spain. JetBlue previously managed Edinburgh, Scotland seasonal routes via John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City earlier this year. Next year, JetBlue will fly to Edinburgh from both Boston Logan and JFK.

JetBlue Welcomes Europe

Between Boston and New York, JetBlue will fly to a total of seven destinations across Europe over the summer season. Other destinations on this docket include London-Heathrow and Paris, France.

JetBlue Head of Enterprise Planning Daniel Shurz gave these comments regarding the airline’s additional European routes:

“Madrid and Edinburgh represent two of Europe’s most exciting and popular destinations, and we’re happy to offer even more Trans-Atlantic travel options for our customers from Boston and New England…As our loyal customers look for JetBlue’s signature service and low fares to bring them to top leisure destinations, including across the Atlantic.”

JetBlue will also be opening its first lounge at Boston airport later in 2025. This lounge will be exclusive to those who purchase a Mint class Trans-Atlantic flight, reach Mosaic 4 on their TrueBlue membership, or own the upcoming JetBlue credit card.

Fiji Airways Launches Longest Flight in its History with New Dallas Route

Joe Gvora
-
0
Fiji Airways Launches Longest Flight in its History with New Dallas Route

Fiji flag carrier Fiji Airways is breaking company records while expanding its horizons this week with new flights to Dallas, Texas. Both the airline and Dallas-Fort Worth expect favorable outcomes to come from the new route.

Customers also can get in on an introductory fare for booking on this route until 17 December. The airline also shares details on the brand-new aircraft the route is using.

From the Soft Coral Capital to the Heart of Texas

Fiji Airways has kicked off its longest nonstop route yet connecting Nadi, Fiji to Dallas, Texas. The airline notes in its latest press release that the route is already operating every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

The inaugural flight departed Nadi International Airport on 10 December at around 200 Central Standard Time. Touching down at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport over 13 hours later, the first passengers were greeted with a ‘water cannon salute’.

Fiji Airways is using new Airbus A350-900 XWB aircraft for this route. This aircraft comes with 334 seats, including 33 flatbed business class seats.

The Dallas route marks the fourth concurrent route the airline manages in America. The other four involve Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Honolulu.

DQ FAN %2827 Nov 2024%29
Image: By Dltl2010 from Wikimedia Commons

Fiji Airways CEO and Managing Director Andre Viljoen discussed the new route during the latest press release:

“This new route significantly strengthens Fiji Airways’ connectivity across North America, making it easier than ever for U.S. travelers to access Fiji and the South Pacific, with seamless onward connections to Australia and New Zealand. In line with our mission, ‘We Fly for Fiji,’ this new service will bring up to 1,000 passengers to Fiji each week, supporting our nation’s tourism industry and creating new avenues for business collaboration between our two nations.”

Viljoen also considered Dallas’ airport to be a ‘key strategic hub’ that connects travelers to over 250 additional destinations worldwide, which opens up additional ‘travel and business opportunities’.

Dallas-Fort Worth Airport Chief Executive Officer Sean Donohue also shared remarks regarding the new connection to Fiji:

“DFW is excited to add the beautiful islands of Fiji to our growing portfolio of international destinations, bringing North Texas nonstop access to a tropical paradise and connecting Nadi with DFW’s network of more than 250 destinations around the world.”

1024px Fiji Airways %28DQ FAM%29 Airbus A350 941 departing Sydney Airport %283%29
Image: By Bidgee from Wikimedia Commons

Fiji Airways is also promoting an ‘introductory fare’ for the new route until 17 December. Though the press release is promoting fares at $1,999 per passenger, Fiji has reportedly marked round trip fares down to $859 as of this writing.

Fiji Airways in 2025

Fiji Airways is already preparing for more exciting additions for next year. This March, the airline will be the latest to join the Oneworld Alliance. This alliance allows flexibility for travelers to fly with Fiji and other participating airlines and earn points with the American Airlines AAdvantage loyalty program.

On 10 April, 2025, Fiji Airways will start its 27th international route connecting Fiji to Cairns, Australia. The airline currently connects travelers to and from several Australian cities such as Sydney and Brisbane.

Back When The US-Soviet Apollo-Soyuz Project Proved That Cooperation In Space Was Possible

Bill Lindner
-
0
Back When The US-Soviet Apollo-Soyuz Project Proved That Cooperation In Space Was Possible

In the early 1970s, with the joint Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, the United States and Soviet Union temporarily set aside their Cold War differences. They chose cooperation over competition as they planned to have two of their spacecraft dock in orbit. This was no simple task, as they faced major technical and communication challenges.

Planning for a U.S.-Soviet Connection in Orbit

The basic plan for the mission was to have an American Apollo Command and Service Module (CSM) rendezvous in orbit with a Soviet Soyuz 7K-TM variant spacecraft. One of their first challenges was determining how the spacecraft would physically connect. Engineers initially considered a new airlock module, The advantages of this would be that it would have enough room to attach communication and power equipment they would need. However, to accomplish this, the nations would have to design, build, and test a totally new component.

Early sketches of possible designs for docking mechanisms for joint Apollo-Soyuz mission. | Image: NASA
Early sketches of possible designs for docking mechanisms for joint Apollo-Soyuz mission. | Image: NASA

Instead, they decided to use a simpler drogue-in-cone docking system. For this, the Soyuz would connect, via latches, with a ring on the Apollo. This would also include eight pyrotechnic bolts they could use as a back-up during undocking.

Soviets Test Components for Apollo-Soyuz Docking Mission

On 2 December 1972, the Soviet Union launched Soyuz-16, a mission to test the docking equipment and procedures for the Apollo-Soyuz Mission. Cosmonauts Anatoly Filipchenko and Nikolai Rukavishnikov launched into orbit on a Soyuz-U rocket carrying their Soyuz 7K-TM No. 73 spacecraft. The rocket lifted off from the Tyuratam test site in Kazakhstan.

Soyuz Capsule. | Image: NASA
Soyuz Capsule. | Image: NASA

Prior to the mission, the Soviets had mounted a test ring on the Soyuz. This was a duplicate of the docking ring on the Apollo CSM. During this six-day orbit, they performed retractions and reengagements of the the docking port on Soyuz with the test ring. They also tested a new color TV transmission system.

Finally, at the end of the mission, they fired the pyrotechnic bolts holding the test ring and released a spring device. This pushed the ring away from the Soyuz 7K-TM. The Soviets later reported that the ring burned up in the atmosphere the next day.

Overcoming Pressures on the Apollo-Soyuz Mission

Along with the mechanical connection, the Americans and Soviets had to account for different cabin pressures in each spacecraft. The CSM normally maintained a cabin pressure of 258 millimeters, and the 7K-TM stayed at 760 millimeters. Engineers had to come up with a solution for this difference when the spacecraft docked in orbit.

For the Apollo-Soyuz mission to be successful, engineers had to compromise on a cabin pressure level that would work for both sides. They settled on a pressure of 414 millimeters. The structure of the CSM structure could not handle pressures higher than that. The Soyuz 7K-TM could not operate much lower than 414 without risking a fire.

New Soyuz Docking Mechanism
Close-up drawing of docking components on American and Soviet spacecraft. | Image: NASA

The engineers developed procedures for different docking situations. If American Astronauts had to move into the Soviet spacecraft, they would enter an airlock, close the hatch behind them, and raise the pressure to 760. If Soviet Cosmonauts needed to go into the American spacecraft, they would have to pre-breathe oxygen, enter the airlock, and then lower the pressure to 258.

This pre-breathing was similar to what divers do to avoid the bends when ascending from deep depths. The docking had to work in both directions, as one of the purposes of the Apollo Soyuz Mission was to be able to perform future international space rescues.

Communication and Politics Affect Mission Planning

NASA drawing showing American CSM and Soviet Soyuz preparing to dock in orbit. | Image: NASA
NASA drawing showing American CSM and Soviet Soyuz preparing to dock in orbit. | Image: NASA

Along with the technical issues, both nations had to overcome communication challenges beyond the obvious language differences.

They also dealt with reluctance from both sides on sharing data due in part to the ongoing political conflicts.

The Americans initially received limited data from the Soviets about life support systems on their spacecraft. Eventually they gained more information during a 1970 trip to the Soviet Union and a report the Soviets sent to the Manned Space Center (MSC), now the Johnson Space Center, in Houston.

U.S. Delegation Goes to Moscow During the Cold War

In October 1970, a delegation of U.S. administrators and technical specialists went to Moscow to meet with Soviet officials and discuss the proposed joint Apollo-Soyuz mission. Before leaving for Moscow, the U.S. representatives received briefings from the State Department, Department of Defense, and Intelligence Services.

Following the trip and after reviewing the document the Soviets sent, the Americans still needed more information for the project. They eventually had to resort to using information that had appeared in the American press in the years leading up to 1972.

Soviets Face Their Own Communication Issues

The Soviets also dealt with communication problems before the Soyuz-16 mission. They originally planned to share flight data with the Americans, so they could track the Soyuz and compare their observations with the Soviets. However, in October, less than two months before the mission, the Soviet government halted information exchanges before the launch. This was due to their policy of only releasing information after a successful launch.

Conceptual diagram showing docking during joint Apollo-Soyuz mission. | Image: NASA
Conceptual diagram showing docking during joint Apollo-Soyuz mission. | Image: NASA

Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success for Apollo-Soyuz Test Project

Despite technical and political roadblocks, the planning and work on the joint Apollo-Soyuz mission progressed. Engineers in both nations were able to collaborate and prepare their spacecraft to dock in orbit. Their efforts were eventually successful on 17 July 1975 when an Apollo Command and Service Module docked with a Soviet Soyuz capsule while in orbit.

It was the first international partnership is space, and especially amazing as it involved the two rival Cold War superpowers.

How Long Will Alaska Airlines Keep Flying Hawaiian’s Boeing 717s?

Jeff Gilmore
-
0
How Long Will Alaska Airlines Keep Flying Hawaiian’s Boeing 717s?

The Boeing 717 has been the mainstay of Hawaiian Airlines interisland operation for 20 years. Hawaiian Airlines is the second largest operator of the Boeing 717 in the world. The aircraft are approaching 25 years old and operate in a hot, humid environment. Speculation has mounted about a replacement.

Last year, Hawaiian Airlines CEO Peter Ingram indicated that a replacement plan for the fleet was in the works. The airline had mentioned possible candidates for the interisland operation that included the Embraer E195-E2, used Airbus A319s, or a combination of Airbus A320NEOs.

Then a multi-billion dollar acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines happened. Rumors and speculation ran rampant that Alaska might decide to scrap Hawaiian’s fleet of 717s earlier than later and instead run a combination of Hawaiian A321s and Alaska 737s through the island chains to replace the aging and orphan fleet.

Alaska Highlights Merger Strategy

10 questions
How Long Will Alaska Airlines Keep Flying Hawaiian's Boeing 717s? 36

Earlier this week, Alaska Airlines held its annual investors day. While most airlines host an annual event to highlight their business strategy, Alaska’s was particularly interesting in light of the recent merger with Hawaiian Airlines.

During the event, the airline announced that they planned to inaugurate service between Seattle and Tokyo Narita utilizing Hawaiian’s Airbus A330. The airline also will introduce service to South Korea from Seattle next year. Hawaiian would drop Honolulu-Narita service to make way for this new route. This route would compete directly against Delta in an attempt to further Alaska’s claim that it is Seattle’s hometown airline.

The airline also announced that the synergy between the two airlines would result in a potential $500m for 2025, up from the previously expected $250m gain. The gains would be realized by synchronizing schedules between the airlines to offer greater connectivity to Hawaii and the west coast of the US.

Alaska’s CEO Shared More Thoughts About the Hawaiian Acquisition, Evolving Strategy and More

During the investor day, the airline didn’t really highlight the interisland market. However, Alaska’s CEO Ben Minicucci did open up on a recent Air Show podcast.

During the show, Minicicci mentioned that the combination of the airlines means that their goal is to have most flying to/from Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines branding. That means that Hawaiian branding could be on Boeing 737s sometime in the future. For now though, each airline will continue to operate under their respective brands and crews until a single operating certificate is achieved.

Hawaiian Airlines 787-9
A Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | Image: hawaiianairlines.com

Minicucci also stated that the new fleet as part of the merger will give Alaska additional flexibility. Right sizing markets will be possible as the Airbus A321NEO is a better fit for Hawaii to Las Vegas at any time of day than the Boeing 737 MAX fleet.

The Boeing 787 offers additional flexibility to connect large, distant markets. Minicucci sees the opportunity to build a larger international gateway from its Seattle hub.

So What About The Boeing 717?

Hawaiian 717
Photo FRED (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Minicucci did address the lingering Boeing 717 question during the podcast. He stated that the Boeing 717 still “has some legs on it” which gives the airline flexibility to determine the proper replacement.

He stated that they’ll need to figure out the right solution within the next five years. Furthermore, Minicucci stated that the “[Boeing] 717 might stay longer than we think”. He charged his staff to determine what the right eventually replacement would be appropriate for the market. The bottom line though is that the airline has time to get it right.

There you have it. The mighty Douglas derivative will likely live on in the Hawaiian Islands through the end of this decade.

Chicago Company Intends to Order 50 Eve eVTOL Aircraft, Bring Service To City

Joe Gvora
-
0
Chicago Company Intends to Order 50 Eve eVTOL Aircraft, Bring Service To City

The thought of eVTOL aircraft excites millions of travelers. Those who live in or visit Chicago in particular are in for some pleasing news, as a local manufacturer plans to order 50 eVTOL aircraft, also known as air taxis.

While it’s not known when these aircraft would be assembled or delivered, this makes for an additional opportunity for Chicagoans to ride in an air taxi in the near future.

Chicago eVTOL: Flights Above the Windy City

Eve Air Mobility (Eve) has issued a press release outlining a recent agreement of up to 50 air taxis. The client is an Illinois-based company known as Helicopters Inc. The deal took place during the Revolution.Aero Advanced Air Mobility Conference.

In addition to the aircraft, Helicopters Inc. will receive Eve’s urban air traffic management software Vector as well as support services from Eve.

The two companies have collaborated in Chicago since 2022 to bring a new kind of air service to the city. The parties conducted simulation flights from ‘Vertiport Chicago’, a location downtown within the city’s medical district. Using a helicopter, they flew from Vertiport Chicago to heliports from two local hospitals, mimicking a hypothetical air taxi route.

Eve designed a concept image of a Helicopters Inc.-branded eVTOL hovering over New York (surprisingly not Chicago).

HELIINC NY full
Image: Eve Air Mobility

During the press release, Eve Chief Commercial Officer Megha Bhatia shared her remarks on the exciting new deal:

“Helicopters Inc. is a recognized leader, safely operating aircraft in more than 30 metropolitan areas throughout the U.S., and we are excited to add such a credible vertical lift operator to our list of customers. We look forward to working with them on deploying our all-electric eVTOL aircraft as part of their extensive U.S. operation.”

President of Helicopters Inc. Tom Wagner also gave encouraging words following the recent order of goods and services:

“Eve Air Mobility’s maturity and reliability…was a key factor in our decision to select Eve for our future eVTOL aircraft. The eVTOL aircraft will provide numerous advantages including competitive cost of operation, fewer parts and optimized structures and systems, not to mention a lower noise footprint and environmental benefits.”

DLM 7027
Image: By Eve Air Mobility

The Future of Air Taxis in Chicago

The announcement further reveals that the two companies will collaborate further regarding the use of Eve aircraft in additional cities. Helicopters Inc. executives see the potential to use air taxis for transportation to and from airports and hospitals.

Owned by acclaimed aircraft manufacturer Embraer, Eve is headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil and will plan to produce its aircraft there. The company touts that businesses from around the world intend to order almost 3,000 aircraft in total.

United Airlines is aiming to provide the first eVTOL services in Chicago in 2025. Details reveal the flights will last around ten minutes and connect Chicago O’Hare International Airport with Vertiport Chicago. No updates have been given since the initial announcement from 2023.

1...262728...223Page 27 of 223