Flight Safety

AVweb’s Flight Safety section offers in-depth coverage of aviation safety topics, including accident analyses, risk management strategies, regulatory updates, and pilot training insights. Designed for pilots, instructors, and aviation professionals, this section provides timely information to enhance situational awareness and promote best practices in flight operations.

Laser Infractions Ramped Up Significantly In 2023

Despite what the FAA describes as a “vigilant campaign to heighten awareness of the serious safety risks,” laser strikes on aircraft increased markedly last year after a slight decline for the previous year. According to an FAA press release today (Jan. 30), there were 13,304 reported laser strikes last year, up from 9,457 in 2022. […]

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Women Account For 12 Percent Of New Canadian Pilots

A total of 12% of new pilot licenses issued in Canada in 2023 went to women, according to statistics released Tuesday by the Institute for Women of Aviation Worldwide (IWOAW). The Montreal-based organization said 13% of new recreational-oriented licenses, 12.3% of commercial tickets and 8.1% of airline transport permits went to women. Women have historically […]

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Training Plane Crash An Apparent Suicide

A 23-year-old man died after allegedly stealing an aircraft from an Addison, Texas, flight school and crashing in a field on Wednesday night in what appears to be a suicide by aircraft. The national suicide and crisis lifeline phone number is 988 and counsellors are available around the clock. The man, identified as Logan Timothy […]

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Boeing 737 MAX 9 Return-To-Service Inspections Approved

The FAA has approved a pathway for Boeing MAX 9s to return to service. The inspection process is expected to take 12 to 24 hours and both Alaska Airlines and United have announced their MAX 9s will begin returning to service on Friday (Alaska) and Sunday (United). In addition, Copa Airlines, the national flag carrier […]

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GAMA Raises MOSAIC Safety Concerns

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association says it supports almost everything about the proposed Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) initiative but isn’t convinced the FAA has properly considered the risks of one of its main proposals. In its comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the organization, which represents about 150 OEMs, parts and subsystem […]

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Ten Dead In Jetstream Crash In Northwest Territories (Updated)

Six people died and the sole survivor has severe burns in the crash of a 19-seat BAE Jetstream in northern Canada. The 19-seat BAE Jetstream operated by Northwestern Air Lease went down shortly after takeoff from Fort Smith in the southeastern part of the Northwest Territories. The local hospital initiated a mass casualty response but […]

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Aviation Groups Post Joint MOSAIC Comments

Four major aviation groups have signed on to comments to the FAA that would tweak the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to expand its benefits to recreational aviation. Monday was the comment deadline and EAA submitted the comments that were co-signed by AOPA, NBAA and the National Air Transportation […]

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Atlas 747 Engine Failure

A Boeing 747-8 cargo jet was forced to return to Miami International Airport (KMIA) after experiencing an engine failure shortly after takeoff Thursday night, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The aircraft, operated by Atlas Air, was en route to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico before encountering engine trouble. It reached an altitude […]

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Hal And Sandy Shevers Retire At Sporty’s

Hal Shevers, founder of world-renowned Sporty’s Pilot Shop, is retiring along with his wife, Sandy, after more than six decades in the business.  “Throughout his tenure, Hal spearheaded Sporty’s evolution from a small pilot shop into a respected global aviation brand, offering a vast array of aviation products, online courses, and educational resources,” Sporty’s said […]

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