Aviation News - #185
Southwest Airlines Emergency Landing
Southwest Airlines Flight WN5887 from Baltimore to Boston declared an emergency while descending into Boston. The aircraft, a 23-year-old Boeing 737-700 (N405WN), landed safely at 1515 local time after squawking the emergency code 7700. The cause of the emergency is currently unknown. Southwest Airlines has 379 Boeing 737-700s, with an average fleet age of 18.7 years. More information is expected as the situation develops.
Source: Aviation News Source
Qatar Airways Starlink Inflight Wi-Fi
Qatar Airways plans to install Elon Musk's Starlink inflight Wi-Fi on its entire fleet within two years, offering speeds up to 500 Megabit per second for free video streaming. The first aircraft to have Starlink will be three Boeing 777-300 planes by the end of 2024. Starlink, part of SpaceX, aims to provide high-speed internet via a network of satellites.
Source: Paddle Your Own Kanoo - PYOK
Singapore Airlines Turbulence Incident
The pilots of Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 switched on seat belt signs seconds before severe turbulence caused injuries and one passenger's death. The turbulence led to a rapid altitude change, flinging passengers into the air and causing serious injuries. The airline is cooperating with investigations and providing support to those affected.
Source: Paddle Your Own Kanoo - PYOK
Bomb Threat Evacuation at Delhi Airport
On May 28, 2024, IndiGo flight 6E2211 from Delhi to Varanasi was evacuated due to a bomb threat. A note found at 05:00 local time in the lavatory read, “bomb@5:30”. The A320, carrying 176 passengers, was evacuated using emergency slides. Video footage of the evacuation was shared on social media. All passengers were safely evacuated, and the aircraft was moved to an isolation bay for investigation. The threat was a hoax, and the flight departed at 11:10 AM.
Source: AeroTime - Aerotime
Wingtip Devices: Sharklets vs. Winglets
Aircraft wingtip devices minimize vortex effects, lower drag, increase fuel efficiency, and reduce operating costs. Airbus uses Sharklets, while Boeing uses winglets, both achieving similar benefits. Winglets originated in the 1970s through collaboration between Boeing and NASA. Airbus began offering Sharklets in 2011. Wingtip devices are more prevalent on narrowbodies, while widebodies like the Boeing 787 use raked wingtips. Despite variations, all aim to improve fuel efficiency and reduce drag. There is no significant performance difference between Sharklets and winglets.
Source: Simple Flying - Simple Flying
American Airlines Leadership Change and Profit Forecast
American Airlines' chief commercial officer, Vasu Raja, will leave the company in June. Last week, the airline denied rumors of his departure. The reason for Raja's exit remains unclear. American Airlines also lowered its Q2 financial outlook, projecting a revenue decline of up to 6%. CEO Robert Isom mentioned ongoing adjustments to their distribution strategy during the Q1 earnings call. Raja's departure may impact the airline's new policies aimed at boosting direct ticket sales.
Source: The Points Guy - The Points Guy
Turbulence Incidents: Safety Concerns
A Turkish Airlines flight attendant suffered a broken back during severe turbulence. Other recent incidents involved injuries to cabin crew and passengers on Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines flights. Safety measures, like suspending meal services during turbulence, are being implemented in response.
Source: Paddle Your Own Kanoo - PYOK
BARK Air: First Dog-Focused Airline
BARK Air, the first dog-focused airline, launched its inaugural flight on May 23, 2024, from Westchester County Airport (HPN) to Van Nuys (VNY) in Los Angeles. The Gulfstream G5 flight carried six dogs and 11 humans, costing $6,000 per ticket for one dog and one human companion. The airline, promoted by Josh Groban, prioritizes dogs' comfort, offering flights between New York, Los Angeles, and London without restrictions on size, weight, or breed.
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Source: AeroTime - Aerotime
Flight Training Concerns
Flight students often feel unprepared for solo cross-country flights due to rushed training and inadequate instruction. CFIs (Certified Flight Instructors) and Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) are concerned about a trend in Part 141 programs, where solo cross-country experience is being minimized. This leads to a lack of essential navigation skills like pilotage, dead reckoning, and using the E6-B flight computer. CFIs should emphasize these skills early, ensure proper ground instruction, and teach learners to manage flight plans and understand their limitations to build confidence and competence.
Source: Flying Magazine - Flying Magazine
Spirit Airlines Emergency Landing
On May 26, 2024, Spirit Airlines flight NK270 from Montego Bay to Fort Lauderdale experienced a technical issue after takeoff. Passengers were told to prepare for a water landing. The Airbus A321neo, registered N718NK, returned safely to Montego Bay 19 minutes after departure. Spirit Airlines stated the mechanical issue did not affect flight safety, and a replacement aircraft transported passengers to Fort Lauderdale after a seven-hour delay. The incident is under investigation.
Source: AeroTime - Aerotime
American Airlines Incident at DFW Airport
On May 28, 2024, strong gusts over 70 mph at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW) caused an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 to move from its gate. Security footage shows the aircraft angling to a nearly 90-degree position. No injuries occurred, and inspections are underway. DFW Airport reported 77 mph gusts at 5:47 am, impacting operations. Passengers were advised to check flight statuses due to delays. The incident was covered by Airways Magazine and FL360aero on social media.
Source: AeroTime - Aerotime
KLM Engine Incident at Schiphol Airport
A fatal incident occurred at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport when a person fell into the running engine of a KLM Embraer E190 aircraft, operating flight KL 1341 to Billund. The incident happened around 15:00 local time, and the investigation by the Royal Military Police (Marechaussee) is ongoing. Emergency response teams acted promptly, and passengers and crew were safely disembarked. Schiphol Airport expressed condolences to the victim's family and is providing support to those affected.
Source: Simple Flying - Simple Flying
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