Aviation News

In compliance with the most recent FAA reauthorization, the agency has expanded the aircraft size and passenger load permitted under BasicMed. Those who use the self-reporting medical regime can now use it to operate aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of up to 12,500 pounds (up from 6,000 pounds) and carry up to six passengers […]

Japan’s Self Defense Force (JSDF) has cleared its V-22 Osprey fleet to return to flight after determining pilot error was the cause of an October accident on Yonaguni Island. The incident occurred during a joint exercise with U.S. military where the V-22 Osprey tilted and hit the ground as it was taking off, though no […]

On Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it has set a new record, overseeing 148 licensed space operations in Fiscal Year 2024—a 30% jump from last year.  The agency also forecasted that the number of commercial space operations could more than double by 2028, signaling unprecedented growth in the sector. To keep pace with […]

On Wednesday, Boeing announced it would begin issuing layoff notices to its employees as part of its plan to trim 17,000 jobs or 10% of its global workforce. According to Reuters, U.S. employees receiving layoff notices this week will remain on Boeing’s payroll until January, in compliance with federal regulations requiring a 60-day notice before […]

The Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) shortage is improving, according to officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). During this year’s 2024 annual Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) Designated Pilot Examiner Symposium, FAA leaders highlighted ongoing efforts to expand the DPE pool—noting that more than 100 DPEs have been added to the system. The […]

The U.S. Air Force announced yesterday it will phase out A-10 Thunderbolt II (aka “Warthog”) attack aircraft in Korea in favor of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters such as the F-15, F-16 and F-35. “The modernization effort seeks to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” the USAF said, “including the Korean peninsula, through state-of-the-art […]

Among multiple news outlets, Reuters reported yesterday (Nov. 12) that Spirit Airlines said it is discussing “strategic alternatives to improve liquidity” including preparing to file for bankruptcy. The airline is considering its options following the breakdown of merger talks with Frontier Airlines, according to a Wall Street Journal report cited by Reuters. Spirit stock is […]

San Diego-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) announced today (Nov. 13) that its Gray Eagle short takeoff and landing (STOL) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) launched from a South Korean amphibious landing ship and landed safely onshore at Pohang Navy Airfield. The flight was the first for an aircraft of this type, according to GA-ASI. […]

The FAA announced it has prohibited all U.S. airlines from flying to Port-au-Prince, Haiti for at least 30 days. The action comes after three airliners were struck by bullets—two on departure, and a third on landing approach earlier this week. The ban limits humanitarian aid from reaching the country, which is widely savaged by gang-related […]

Reuters reported that China’s advanced Z-20 helicopter appeared at the Zhuhai Airshow today (Nov. 12). According to analysts who spoke with the news agency, the most significant element of the new version of the military rotorcraft is its potential to shore up China’s naval capability to protect itself from submarine attacks. Chinese state media recently […]