Flight Safety Information - June 18, 2025 No. 120 In This Issue : Incident: British Airways B788 at London on Jun 15th 2025, flaps problems : Accident: Indigo A20N at Chennai on Jun 14th 2025, tail strike on landing : Incident: India A321 at Delhi on Jun 15th 2025, gear problem after departure : Crash: India B788 at Ahmedabad on Jun 12th 2025, lost height shortly after takeoff, no thrust reported : Air India crash highlights a new problem for Boeing: the Dreamliner : India regulator asks Air India for training data of pilots, dispatcher of crashed plane : Pilot Dies and 31 Tourists Are Injured After 2 Separate Hot Air Balloon Accidents in the Same Location : Qantas Boeing 737 Pilot Incapacitated on Canberra to Sydney Flight : Spirit Airlines Pilots’ Silence on Landing in Washington Triggers Military Action : Comments Sought On Blame-Free Aviation Incident Reporting : NTSB investigators release final cause of fatal Kauai helicopter crash : Vietjet to order 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft : Embry Riddle Professor Honored for Groundbreaking Research on Language in Aviation : Union Says Firefighting Pilots Fleeing Poor Wages : The Qatari jet can’t be Air Force One, and Boeing should say so : Bombardier Jet Breaks Montreal-to-Paris Record : Graduate Research Request : Calendar of Events Incident: British Airways B788 at London on Jun 15th 2025, flaps problems A British Airways Boeing 787-8, registration G-ZBJG performing flight BA-35 from London Heathrow,EN (UK) to Chennai (India) with 214 people on board, was climbing out of Heathrow's runway 27R when the crew stopped the climb at FL150 due to the flaps not fully retracting, maintaining low speed, and entered a hold to troubleshoot and dump fuel. The aircraft returned to Heathrow for a safe landing on runway 27L about 100 minutes after departure. The rotation was cancelled. The aircraft is still on the ground in London about 28 hours after landing back. https://avherald.com/h?article=52921096&opt=0 Accident: Indigo A20N at Chennai on Jun 14th 2025, tail strike on landing An Indigo Airbus A320-200N, registration VT-IPZ performing flight 6E-6174 from Hyderabad to Chennai (India), landed on Chennai's runway 25 at 23:21L (17:51Z) but struck its tail onto the runway surface. The aircraft rolled out without further incident and taxied to the apron. The aircraft is still on the ground in Chennai about 41 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=5291da24&opt=0 Incident: India A321 at Delhi on Jun 15th 2025, gear problem after departure An Air India Airbus A321-200, registration VT-PPI performing flight AI-819 from Delhi to Vadodara (India), was climbing out of Delhi's runway 11L when the crew stopped the climb at 4000 feet after not receiving indication that the gear had retracted. The aircraft returned to Delhi for a safe landing on runway 11R about 20 minutes later. The airline reported there was a technical issue suspecting the landing gear. The rotation was cancelled. The aircraft returned to service about 23 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=52920cf8&opt=0 Crash: India B788 at Ahmedabad on Jun 12th 2025, lost height shortly after takeoff, no thrust reported An Air India Boeing 787-8, registration VT-ANB performing flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad (India) to London Gatwick,EN (UK) with 230 passengers and 12 crew, was departing Ahmedabad's runway 23 at 13:38L (08:08Z), when the crew declared Mayday "No Thrust, not taking lift" and the aircraft crashed into the "BJ Medical College" in Meghaninagar surbub about 0.9nm past the runway end, first impact at position N23.056 E72.612 with wreckage spread over 200 meters. Rescue services are at the scene. There have been fatalities and injuries on the ground, local police believed there was no survivor on board of the aircraft, however, later confirmed one survivor. The airline confirmed 241 people on board died in the crash, there was only one survivor. There are 39 fatalities on the ground confirmed in addition to many injuries on the ground. The airline confirmed an incident with flight AI-171. India's DGCA reported the crew called Mayday at 13:39L (08:09Z) before the crash, there was no further transmission. The aircraft carried 230 passengers (169 Indian, 53 British, 1 Canadian and 7 Portuguese Nationals) and 12 crew. On Jun 13th 2025 the DGCA reported, that initial preliminary findings rule out a bird strike as no bird carcasses have been found. Loading of the aircraft was routine, hence a load problem is unlikely. The likelihood of a pilot error is considered minimal as is the simultaneous failure of both engines. An inspection of all Dreamliners (B788, B789) has been ordered. Police sources have indicated, that one of the blackboxes has been recovered. On Jun 13th 2025 India's Civil Aviation Minister reported the blackbox found at the rooftop of the doctor's hostel is the flight data recorder. On Jun 14th 2025 Government Officials reported they have 319 body parts, both complete and incomplete. There were 33 fatalities on the ground, thus 274 in total. Recovery work is still underway. Both flight data and cockpit voice recorder as well as the aircraft's ELT were recovered. On Jun 15th 2025 Government Officials reported the aircraft had a longer than normal takeoff run and used almost all of the 3505 meters/11499 feet long runway. 38 fatalities on the ground have been confirmed so far. On Jun 17th 2025 an official, a former Air India Captain trained by the Captain of the accident flight, stated, that the CVR has been successfully read out, the voices on the CVR are very clear. It is becoming gradually clear from the newly emerging evidence that there was probably zero negligence in the cockpit, the crew did not give up until the very last moment. The probability of a technical cause is high. A preliminary report by India's AAIB can be expected in a few days. India's AAIB have opened an investigation. The US NTSB and UK AAIB have dispatched teams to India to join the investigation. Ground witnesses reported the aircraft impacted hostel buildings within a states run college for doctors, one student was able to jump out of the hotel and survived with injuries. About 50-60 students have been injured. Local police listed 25 people who were injured on the ground and taken to hospitals. At about 14:00Z police updated there have 204 bodies been recovered and there have been 41 injured. It appears there has been no survivor on board of the aircraft. In the late evening (India time) local police confirmed a survivor on board of the aircraft who had been seated in 11A. India's Minister of Interior confirmed there has been one survivor. Many occupants of the aircraft are feared dead, the actual number will only be announced after DNA verification. Relatives of the survivor in England confirmed the survivor had reported to them, but his brother was still missing. On Jun 14th 2025 the survivor reported, that moments after becoming airborne the lights in the aircraft began to flicker and the aircraft appeared to be "stuck in the air". The lights began flickering green and white, then the aircraft slammed into a building. He saw an opening in front of him, unbelted himself and used his feet to push through the opening. Doctors treating the survivor stated, that he was disorientated and suffered multiple injuries all over his body, he is out of danger however. BJ Medical College reported that three of their students have been killed in the crash. The airline reported 241 people on board perished in the crash, there was only one survivor. According to information coming from India the captain of the flight (60) had accumulated 8200 hours of flying experience, was line training captain and was about to retire. The first officer had accumulated 1100 hours of flying experience. According to ADS-B the aircraft had entered runway 23 from the apron, which without backtracking would leave a takeoff distance available of 1900 meters/6300 feet. Four minutes later - without further position data being received, so unclear from the ADS-B whether the aircraft backtracked or not, on Jun 15th 2025 it was clarified that the aircraft had backtracked and used the full length of the runway - the aircraft took off. In the last ADS-B position the aircraft had climbed to about 625 feet MSL according to Standard Pressure (compensated for ambient pressure that would be about about 264 feet MSL or 75 feet AGL) at 174 knots over ground. https://avherald.com/h?article=528f27ec&opt=0 Air India crash highlights a new problem for Boeing: the Dreamliner The deadly crash of Air India Flight 171 last week has centered renewed scrutiny on the airplane's manufacturer, Boeing, and this time it's the 787 Dreamliner in investigators' sights. The accident, which killed over 270 people, was the first fatal crash for the Dreamliner since the model began flying in 2011. Experts had previously raised concerns about safety issues for the Dreamliner, and the crash comes just weeks after Boeing agreed to a multi-billion-dollar payout related to another one of its faulty aircraft, the 737 Max. Now, the Dreamliner's troubles may begin to overshadow the Max's issues. More problems for Boeing Worries about the Dreamliner are not entirely new, as the "planes have been the subject of heightened scrutiny after whistleblowers raised concerns about manufacturing and quality issues going back many years," said The New York Times. Despite these concerns, the plane had never been involved in a fatal crash in the 14 years it has been flying, according to the Aviation Safety Network. The cause of the Air India crash remains unclear, and "multiple factors, including bird strikes, pilot error, manufacturing defects or inadequate maintenance, can play a role in aviation accidents," said the Times. Determining the cause of the accident could take "months or years." Boeing "stands ready to support the investigation led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau," said Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg in a statement. But this is only the latest in a string of issues for Boeing, which has faced public ire over safety incidents in recent years. Just weeks before the Air India crash, Boeing "agreed to pay $1.1 billion in a deal with the U.S. Department of Justice to avoid prosecution over the two crashes that together killed 346 people" on 737 Max jets, said The Guardian. Recent problems with the Dreamliner have also drawn attention. American Airlines decided to ground a "new premium-heavy Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner due to serious maintenance problems," the aviation news site Simple Flying reported two days before the Air India crash. Another Dreamliner that was "identical to the one that crashed in India made four emergency landings in less than a month earlier this year," said The Telegraph. New questions The Dreamliner debacle "comes at a critical moment for the hobbled American icon, which has been buffeted by a succession of crises in recent years, losing billions of dollars due to plane groundings and production delays," said The Wall Street Journal. The Air India crash will likely "raise fresh questions about Boeing just as it begins to emerge from the fallout of a high-profile incident early last year when a door plug on a recently delivered 737 Max fell off during a flight." Boeing employees have "observed shortcuts taken by Boeing" during assembly of the Dreamliner, "resulting in drilling debris left in interfaces and deformation of composite material," one Boeing engineer told CBS News. The engineer also claimed to have witnessed issues with other models. While this was the first fatal crash involving the Dreamliner, the plane has been "involved in previous investigations." The Air India crash was also critically timed for Boeing on the business side, as it occurred "days before the opening of the Paris Air Show, a major aviation expo where Boeing and European rival Airbus will showcase their aircraft and battle for jet orders from airline customers," said The Associated Press. Boeing has already been dealing with significant losses in recent years, having "posted a 2024 loss of $11.8 billion," said CBS, bringing its total losses to over $35 billion since 2019. https://www.yahoo.com/news/air-india-crash-highlights-problem-191810814.html India regulator asks Air India for training data of pilots, dispatcher of crashed plane • India asks airline for crew documents in crash investigation • India asks flying schools, airports to step up training checks • Pilot of crashed plane had 8,200 flying hours experience NEW DELHI, - India's aviation safety watchdog has asked Air India for the training records of the pilots and dispatcher for the plane that crashed last week as part of its investigation into the incident that killed at least 271 people, government memos showed. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation also asked all flying schools to conduct training compliance checks, according to the confidential memos, seen by Reuters. The DGCA said the requests were part of a "regulatory" review of the accident, and also sought details of action taken following the watchdog's audits of Air India in the last few months. It asked for the details to be provided by Monday. It was not clear whether Air India had complied with the directive. The airline and the DGCA did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London with 242 people on board began losing height seconds after take-off in Ahmedabad on Thursday before crashing into nearby buildings. Everyone on board was killed, bar a single passenger, along with about 30 on the ground. Sumeet Sabharwal, who the Indian government has said had 8,200 flying hours of experience and was also an Air India instructor, was the commanding pilot of flight AI171. His co-pilot was Clive Kunder who had 1,100 hours of experience. Sabharwal's funeral took place in Mumbai on Tuesday. The watchdog requested for training details and supporting documents for the pilots, as well as for the flight dispatcher. The memo did not elaborate on the type of documents required, but accident investigations commonly look at a crew's training and qualifications, flight history, medical records and any actions previously taken against them. The memo did not raise any concerns with Air India's operations and some of the requests are standard in the aftermath of a major incident. Dispatchers are DGCA-certified ground-based airline employees whose role includes flight planning, assessing weather and airspace conditions, and coordination with the pilots. While the request for pilot training data was sent by the DGCA, the accident investigation is being led by another wing of the aviation ministry, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Air India's Chairman N. Chandrasekaran told staff on Monday the incident should be a catalyst to build a safer airline. The DGCA, through a separate memo dated June 16, also asked flying schools across the country to "strictly follow additional safety and operational measures." The regulator said instructors must check for compliance with procedures concerning training, maintenance and licensing, and coordinate flight plans with nearby airports in advance to ensure any emergencies are dealt with swiftly. "Compliance will be assessed during audits/surveillance," said the memo by the Directorate of Flying Training, reviewed by Reuters. Stephanie Pope, the head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, visited Air India's headquarters near New Delhi and met the airline's chairman to discuss the crash, Reuters reported on Monday. The crash poses a new challenge for Air India, which the Tata Group bought in 2022 and has been trying to revamp, and Boeing, which is trying to rebuild public trust following a series of safety and production crises. In a June 13 memo headed "updating airport emergency plan", seen by Reuters, government-managed airports have also been asked to conduct a full-scale training exercise - typically an emergency drill - on June 30. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-regulator-asks-air-india-for-training-data-of-pilots-dispatcher-of-crashed-plane-101750153164817.html Pilot Dies and 31 Tourists Are Injured After 2 Separate Hot Air Balloon Accidents in the Same Location "Unfortunately, our pilot got stuck under the basket and died,” a local official said Sam Gillette A pilot is dead and 19 tourists from Indonesia are injured after a hot air balloon crashed in central Turkey on Sunday, June 15 The same morning, another hot air balloon accident resulted in the injury of 12 people “Unfortunately, our pilot got stuck under the basket and died,” Aksaray Governor Mehmet Ali Kumbuzoglu said A pilot is dead and 19 tourists are injured after a hot air balloon crashed in Turkey, on the same morning that 12 people were injured in a separate crash, according to reports. On Sunday, June 15, a hot air balloon carrying Indonesian tourists was impacted by a change of wind. The pilot was attempting to make a difficult landing near the village of Gözlükuyu in the Aksaray province when the operator fell out of the basket and his feet became caught in the rope, the Associated Press, London Lifestyle Magazine and Euro News reported. “Unfortunately, our pilot got stuck under the basket and died,” Aksaray Governor Mehmet Ali Kumbuzoglu said in a statement, according to the AP. A video reviewed by the outlet showed the deflated balloon and the basket on its side on the ground as emergency responders cared for the injured passengers. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. The Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. Local media also reported that 12 tourists were injured that morning after a hot air balloon took off from the same location and experienced a hard landing, according to London Lifestyle Magazine. They were treated for minor injuries. Central Turkey is a popular tourist destination, especially for hot air balloon rides because of the rock-hewn sanctuaries that provide evidence of Byzantine art and “fairy chimneys” — the fantastical rock formations in Cappadocia, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. “The density of its rock-hewn cells, churches, troglodyte villages and subterranean cities within the rock formations make it one of the world's most striking and largest cave-dwelling complexes,” the organization said. https://www.yahoo.com/news/pilot-dies-31-tourists-injured-174919746.html Qantas Boeing 737 Pilot Incapacitated on Canberra to Sydney Flight Two other pilots in the cockpit quickly took control, ensuring the aircraft reached the gate without further complications. SYDNEY- A Qantas Airways (QF) trainee pilot (trainee Captain) briefly lost consciousness shortly after landing a Boeing 737 at Sydney Airport (SYD), following a routine flight from Canberra (CBR). The incident occurred aboard Qantas flight QF804, which carried 113 passengers and 8 crew members, including three pilots, on a short domestic route between the two Australian cities. Qantas Pilot Incapacitated After Sydney Landing Qantas flight QF804, a scheduled domestic service from Canberra (CBR) to Sydney (SYD), encountered a medical emergency involving its trainee captain shortly after a safe landing on the evening of Tuesday, June 10. The aircraft, a Boeing 737, had already vacated the runway and was taxiing when the incident unfolded, SMH reported While on the taxiway, the trainee captain informed the first officer that he was feeling unwell. He engaged the aircraft’s brakes before losing consciousness. Fortunately, a supervising check captain—assigned to oversee the flight as part of standard Qantas pilot training protocols—was onboard and took control, safely taxiing the aircraft to Gate T3 around 7:00 PM local time. Medical personnel were called to treat the pilot onboard while passengers were disembarking. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) confirmed that it had been notified of the “pilot incapacitation event.” According to its statement, two other pilots in the cockpit quickly took control, ensuring the aircraft reached the gate without further complications. The ATSB noted that while the event had been documented in its safety database, it would not pursue a full investigation, indicating that the situation was effectively managed and posed no ongoing threat to flight safety. Qantas Official Statement Qantas (QF) acknowledged the incident and confirmed that its crew followed all standard operating procedures. A company spokesperson told SMH, “The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew is our priority, and we’re supporting the individual following the incident.” Due to privacy considerations, the airline declined to comment on the specific medical cause. This incident follows a similar event three months prior, in which another Qantas 737 captain experienced chest pains mid-flight and required a priority landing. In that case, flight attendants were prepared to use a defibrillator. Similar Incident A Qantas (QF) flight from Brisbane (BNE) to Sydney (SYD) made an urgent landing on March 10, 2025, after the captain experienced chest pains midair. Qantas Flight QF505, operated by a Boeing 737-800, requested priority clearance into Sydney Airport (SYD) following a medical emergency involving the captain, prompting swift action from the flight crew. The incident occurred while Qantas Flight QF505 was cruising several hundred kilometres north of Sydney. The aircraft was en route from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Sydney Airport (SYD) with 127 passengers and six crew members on board. While the aircraft was holding for its approach, the captain began experiencing chest pains. The flight attendants quickly responded and prepared to use an onboard defibrillator inside the cockpit. Although the pads were applied, the equipment was not activated. The aircraft’s customer service manager assisted while the first officer, who was handling the controls, remained in command. PAN Call and Coordinated Response Recognizing the urgency, the first officer issued a PAN (Possible Assistance Needed) call to Sydney Air Traffic Control. This radio call, used for medical and other urgent non-distress situations, was met with immediate coordination for a priority landing on Runway 34R. In air traffic control audio, the first officer can be heard stating calmly: “Tower, good morning. Qantas 505 … we are requesting a medical PAN.” The controller acknowledged the call and cleared the aircraft to continue the approach. Despite the in-flight emergency, the flight concluded safely with a landing at approximately 9:00 AM local time. Following standard procedure, the captain, who remained conscious, taxied the aircraft to the gate at Sydney Airport (SYD). He was met by paramedics and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. As per Boeing 737-800 design, only the captain’s seat allows full taxiing control. Qantas confirmed the incident, stating: “The other pilot was operating the aircraft at the time and landed the aircraft into Sydney as normal. The pilot was treated by paramedics at the gate and transferred to the hospital.” The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has been notified of the incident and is currently gathering additional information to assess whether further investigation is warranted. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/06/16/qantas-boeing-737-pilot-incapacitated-on-canberra-to-sydney-flight/#google_vignette Spirit Airlines Pilots’ Silence on Landing in Washington Triggers Military Action The helicopter crew prepared to execute standard intercept procedures used when aircraft pose potential security threats to the National Capital Region. WASHINGTON- Spirit Airlines (NK) Flight NKS2442 experienced a communication breakdown with air traffic control on Friday, June 13, 2025, while approaching Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI). The Airbus A320, carrying passengers from Milwaukee, lost radio contact at approximately 11:07 a.m. Eastern Time as it descended through 10,000 feet near Frederick, Maryland. Spirit Airlines (NK) Flight NKS2442 experienced a communication breakdown with air traffic control on Friday, June 13, 2025, while approaching Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI). Spirit Airlines Pilots Incident with ATC The A320 aircraft failed to execute the standard frequency change from Washington Centre to Potomac TRACON approach controllers during its descent phase. Air traffic controllers initiated multiple contact attempts across various radio frequencies to reestablish communication with the commercial flight. Washington Centre controllers immediately began intensive efforts to contact Flight NKS2442 using standard emergency communication procedures. The controllers attempted to reach the aircraft on multiple frequencies between 11:07 and 11:10 a.m. The three-minute communication blackout occurred in one of the most sensitive airspace regions in the United States, where unauthorised aircraft pose significant national security concerns. The Washington metropolitan area maintains heightened security measures due to its proximity to critical government facilities and infrastructure. Security Response During the same timeframe as the communication failure, a U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter initiated an active air defence mission. The helicopter, operating under callsign Blackjack-1, contacted Washington National Airport Tower at approximately 11:07 a.m. to coordinate the defensive operation. Blackjack-1 reported its position as 27 miles north of Washington, D.C.’s centre while heading toward the area of concern. The helicopter crew prepared to execute standard intercept procedures used when aircraft pose potential security threats to the National Capital Region. The rapid military response demonstrated the effectiveness of the integrated air defense systems protecting Washington’s airspace. Communication Restored Flight NKS2442 reestablished contact with air traffic controllers at exactly 11:10 a.m. Eastern Time on the correct approach frequency. The flight crew completed the frequency change to Potomac TRACON and received clearance to continue their approach to BWI Airport. Controllers immediately handed off the aircraft to BWI Final approach control for landing clearance. The routine frequency transfer indicated that the flight’s navigation and communication systems had returned to normal operation. Blackjack-1 cancelled its air defence mission within seconds of Flight NKS2442 reestablishing radio contact. The helicopter crew terminated the intercept operation and returned to normal patrol duties, indicating that the perceived threat had been resolved. Airspace Security Measures The episode demonstrates the sophisticated air defence protocols protecting Washington’s restricted airspace. Military and civilian aviation authorities maintain constant monitoring capabilities to identify and respond to potential airspace violations or security threats. The incident concluded without any safety compromises or security breaches, with Flight NKS2442 completing its approach and landing safely at BWI Airport. The rapid resolution showcased the effectiveness of integrated civilian and military air traffic management systems in the National Capital Region. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/06/17/spirit-airlines-pilots-silence-on-landing-in-washington-triggers-military-action/ Comments Sought On Blame-Free Aviation Incident Reporting The review is relatively routine but people in aviation are urged to show support. Pilots and others in the aviation industry have about three weeks to get comments in on the value of two voluntary safety reporting systems. As J. Scott Dyer reports in Aviation Consumer Magazine, the request was put in the Federal Register on May 5 and some fear that if there isn’t sufficient support voiced, the days of the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) and the lesser known Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS) could be numbered. In the story, Dyer says similar comment opportunities prompted by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 have been published before and nothing ever came of them, but he said given the politics of the day nothing should be taken for granted. Comments are due July 7 and can be provided online here. As of Monday, only 19 comments had been left. In each of those programs, pilots can report dangerous aviation incidents without fear of sanction from the FAA as long as the mishaps were accidental and not criminal in nature. Hundreds of reports flood in each day and they are analyzed to detect trends in aviation hazards and to develop strategies to mitigate them. It’s believed that without that confidential amnesty, the data would dry up. https://avweb.com/aviation-news/comments-sought-on-blame-free-aviation-incident-reporting/ NTSB investigators release final cause of fatal Kauai helicopter crash According to the report, the Robinson R44 Raven II operated by Aloha Helicopter Tours broke up in-flight likely due to turbulence due to downdraft winds. HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The National Transportation Safety Board has released the final investigation report regarding the helicopter that crashed off Kauai’s Napali Coast last July, killing the pilot and two passengers. According to the report, the Robinson R44 Raven II operated by Aloha Helicopter Tours, broke up in-flight likely due to turbulence caused by downdraft winds. The report classed the defining event of the crash to be “mast bumping.” Mast bumping occurs when the rotor blades flap excessively, causing the rotor hub (the part connected to the rotor blades) to contact or “bump” the helicopter’s main rotor mast (the central shaft that the hub is attached to). Aviation expert and veteran pilot Bruce Mayes said following the preliminary report last year, that mast bumping is rare but not new, and has been reported in Robinson R44 helicopters in the past. A weather study indicated that the strong winds caused mast bumping and that the main rotor blades contacted the airframe causing the in-flight break up. Improper application of control inputs in response to turbulence can increase the likelihood of mast bumping. The NTSB report said it is recommended that pilots reduce the airspeed below normal cruise speed to 60 or 70 knots during significant turbulence. It also says to avoid flying on the downwind side of hills and ridges. The report said there was no recorded information available that could be used to determine the helicopter’s airspeed, altitude, or the pilot’s control inputs. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/06/16/investigators-release-final-cause-fatal-kauai-helicopter-crash/ Vietjet to order 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft Paris, France, 17 June 2025 - Vietjet, Vietnam’s largest private airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus covering a major new order for 100 single-aisle A321neo aircraft, with the potential to add another 50 in the future. The agreement was signed during the Paris Air Show by Vietjet CEO Dinh Viet Phuong and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “This new agreement marks a significant milestone in our strategic partnership with Airbus,” said Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao. “These modern and efficient aircraft have been instrumental in Vietjet’s growth, helping us make air travel more accessible and affordable for millions, while strengthening our role as a connector for economic development, cultural exchange and global connectivity. This landmark agreement represents a vital step in Vietjet’s growth strategy as a multi-national aviation group.” “Our latest agreement comes just weeks after the airline placed an additional order for A330neo widebody aircraft,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. “Together the A321neo and A330neo will be perfect partners for Vietjet to continue to spread its wings, efficiently matching capacity more closely to demand across its network. The airline will also benefit from the high levels of technical commonality that are unique to latest generation Airbus aircraft.” Operating a fleet of more than 100 Airbus aircraft, Vietjet continues to expand its global network and fleet modernisation. The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. At the end of May 2025, more than 7,000 A321neo aircraft have been ordered by over 90 customers across the globe. As with all in-production aircraft, the A321neo is able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a target to increase to up to 100% SAF capability by 2030. https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-release/2025-06-vietjet-to-order-100-airbus-a321neo-aircraft Embry Riddle Professor Honored for Groundbreaking Research on Language in Aviation Elizabeth Mathews, associate professor in the College of Aviation, has been recognized by the Flight Safety Foundation with its prestigious Safety Forum Award. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Associate Professor Elizabeth Mathews, who has dedicated her nearly 32-year career to the critical study of language as a human factor in aviation, has been recognized by the Flight Safety Foundation with its prestigious Safety Forum Award. The Safety Forum Award is granted to individuals who have made significant contributions to aviation safety through innovative research and practical applications. The Foundation’s criteria for this honor include demonstrable improvements in safety protocols, impactful research findings and a commitment to fostering safer aviation environments. “The role of language in aviation has long been recognized as an important element of aviation safety. However, industry understanding of language factors in aviation lags behind that of other human performance factors,” said Mathews, who received the award at a June 5 ceremony in Brussels, Belgium. Mathews’ comprehensive research has been critical in highlighting the importance of language factors in aviation, and she stresses this importance in her daily work in Embry Riddle’s Aviation and Aerospace Safety program at the College of Aviation on the Daytona Beach Campus. Language as a Human Factor Several major accidents, including a series of fatal accidents in the 1990s, spotlighted the role of language in aviation. In 2001, a runway accident in Italy that claimed the lives of 118 people was determined to have been partially caused by language barriers and inconsistent communications. Concern over the role of language as a significant contributor to airline accidents created heightened awareness by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) — where Mathews previously worked as a linguistic consultant — and led to the development of the ICAO language proficiency requirements (LPRS). “Working at ICAO highlighted to me that the role of applied linguists in the aviation industry is not only to act as aviation English teachers but to understand that we are, most importantly, safety advocates,” said Mathews. Mathews’ Work at Embry Riddle When Mathews arrived at Embry Riddle in 1994, she became aware that there were no English language testing standards for pilots and air traffic controllers, and very few resources were available for teaching aviation English. She set out to help change that. Mathews receives the prestigious Safety Forum Award from Dr. Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation. Mathews receives the prestigious Safety Forum Award from Dr. Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation. (Photo: Embry Riddle/Elizabeth Mathews)Mathews and her colleagues began to meet at Federal Aviation Administration conferences and seminars to discuss this issue. “At the time, there were very few resources available for the teaching of aviation English,” she said. Mathews has long advocated the need for academically qualified English as a Second Language (ESL) specialists to guide the development and delivery of effective aviation English teaching and testing programs. In addition to her guidance of aviation English programs at Embry Riddle, she recently spearheaded an effort to explore, create, clarify and implement Embry Riddle’s Language as a Human Factor in Aviation Safety (LHUFT) initiative at the university. Embry Riddle has long been recognized as a leader in global aviation English. Enhancing that leadership, in 2017, Mathews formed the Embry Riddle Language as a Human Factor in Aviation research committee — an effort to bring a systematic operational and linguistic review of hundreds of aviation accident investigation reports on the Flight Safety Foundation’s Aviation Safety Database. Based on the committee’s research, Mathews and fellow researchers developed a taxonomy of Communication Factors in Aviation and published the Embry Riddle LHUFT Handbook for Investigators to support air safety investigators in identifying, analyzing and reporting language factors in their investigations and reporting. The research of Mathews and the LHUFT Committee have supported and informed the development of innovative courses designed to improve English language skills among international aviation personnel. “I am thrilled by our growing network of international training partnerships, including air traffic control authorities, airlines, international training centers, and regulatory bodies worldwide,” she said, regarding efforts to develop and deliver a number of aviation English programs in partnership with air traffic control authorities, airlines, international training centers, regulatory bodies worldwide, aviation industry organizations, airlines and air navigation service providers. Extraordinary Contributions to Aviation Safety It’s notable that Mathews’ groundbreaking work is being recognized now. According to Dr. Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation, Mathews has long been a pivotal figure in the field of aviation linguistics and safety. “Professor Mathews has made extraordinary contributions to aviation safety through her research on language and communication. Her dedication and innovative approach have set new standards in the field, and we are proud to honor her achievements with the Safety Forum Award." Embry Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D., lauded Mathews for her significant contributions to the industry. “Professor Mathews’ work has profoundly impacted aviation safety, and her recognition by the Flight Safety Foundation is well-deserved. At Embry Riddle, we are proud of her contributions to the field and her unwavering commitment to improving communication in aviation.” Robert Sumwalt, executive director of the Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety at Embry Riddle and former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, couldn’t agree more with the Flight Safety Foundation’s decision to honor Mathews. “Professor Mathews’ dedication to improving aviation safety through her research on language and communication is truly commendable. Her work highlights the crucial role these elements play in accident investigation and prevention, and her contributions have significantly advanced our understanding and protocols in ensuring better safety standards in aviation,” he said. While Mathews expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the recognition, she is quick to emphasize that the accolade reflects the collective efforts of her colleagues and collaborators. She particularly credited the International Civil Aviation Organization PRICE Study Group and her current LHUFT research team at Embry Riddle, along with the Department of Aviation English at Embry Riddle’s Worldwide Campus. “In receiving this award, I am honored to represent the incredible team that has worked tirelessly to improve communication in aviation,” Mathews said. “This recognition is a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing safety through language research.” https://news.erau.edu/headlines/embry-riddle-professor-honored-for-groundbreaking-research-on-language-in-aviation Union Says Firefighting Pilots Fleeing Poor Wages Super Scooper captains make about $6,000 (USD) a month in Ontario. Part of the fleet of firefighting aircraft in the Canadian province of Ontario has been grounded by a pilot shortage brought on by low wages. JP Hornick, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, says the aerial firefighting force is short five pilots and that’s resulted in the grounding of three of the province’s 11 CL-415 water bombers. Hornick said the pilots left Ontario for jobs in other provinces where the money is better. “The level of skill that is required to undertake these missions to save northern Ontario, it is not something I think most people understand,” Hornick told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. “And they’re treated as if they’re just some fly-by-night pilot.” Job postings for the CL-415 positions list the pay range as $1290 to $1567 CAD for a first officer and $1520 to $1850 a week for captains. In U.S. funds the upper limit for captains works out to about $1340 USD a week or about $6,000 USD a month. “We have a government that is touting the fact that they’re purchasing six new water bomber planes, but they can’t even actually address the staffing needs that they have on the existing planes,” Hornick said. “This isn’t somebody taking off of a regular tarmac, right? They’re flying planes into the worst possible conditions, active wildfires, dipping down into lakes, filling it with water.” The pilots are currently negotiating a new labor contract and have rejected the province’s latest offer. The province said it’s already offered the pilots a pay increase and to let an arbitrator decide how much they should make. https://avweb.com/aviation-news/union-says-firefighting-pilots-fleeing-poor-wages/ The Qatari jet can’t be Air Force One, and Boeing should say so The Department of Defense, on behalf of President Donald Trump, last month accepted, and hopes to transform into Air Force One, a Boeing luxury 747-8 worth about $400 million from Qatar. There are questions, but also very serious ethical concerns surrounding the gift. Its acceptance could potentially violate the Constitution’s foreign emoluments clause and put an American president under the influence of leaders of the oil-rich nation. However, there is another issue at play: The plane is incapable of being Air Force One in the first place. Boeing, whose previous contract to deliver two Air Force Ones is about five years late and billions over budget, should take responsibility. Instead of allowing the U.S. government to spend a billion more of taxpayer dollars to essentially start over on another aircraft, the company should make it clear to the U.S. government that the Qatari jet was never meant to be an Air Force One, and cannot be made so in a timely manner. Making this clear would benefit Boeing and the nation. First, as retired four-star Gen. Barry McCaffrey has explained, the Qataris would likely not hand over the jet unaltered. “It will have hundreds of bugs in it; there’s no way to sort out the security of it,” McCaffrey told KING 5 Seattle. Even some Republicans echoed McCaffrey’s concerns. When asked how much it would cost to ensure the plane is safe for the president, Sen. Rick Scott of Florida questioned if that was even possible. “I don’t know how you would be able to do that if you don’t build it from scratch,” Scott said. Second, while Trump has presented the plane as the pinnacle of luxury, this is far from the truth. Qatar has reportedly been trying to get rid of the jet since 2020, and the fact leaders were willing to give it away when the Trump administration asked shows how little they valued it. Furthermore, the plane was actually manufactured before the two planes originally intended to be the new Air Force Ones, meaning it is far from the most modern. Finally and most egregiously, as Boeing knows, most of the cost of a new Air Force One is not building the jet itself. Instead, the cost comes from outfitting the plane to be able to refuel midair, communicate securely with the military — even in a worst-case scenario — and protect the president from attack. Therefore, outfitting this new plane could cost the American taxpayers $1 billion. If the overrun costs on the earlier contract with Boeing are any indication, the final cost could be much higher. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina acknowledged this when speaking to NBC News. “Air Force One is not like every other Boeing, and it’s going to have to be put through a lot of paces and every square inch analyzed before the president should consider it his primary means of transportation,” Tillis said. He further questioned whether outfitting the jet was even worth it. “You have to work through the cost benefit of it; I mean we’re in a world of DOGE, so we’ve got to figure out whether it’s worth upfitting or selling it and writing a check to the Treasury and help us with our debt reduction,” Tillis said. Most of the responsibility for the ethical and practical concerns surrounding the jet falls on the shoulders of the president, and his decision to accept it without Congress’ approval. However, Boeing must accept responsibility for failing to deliver the original Air Force Ones on time and within budget. To prevent taxpayers from funding a billion-dollar fantasy that this secondhand, security-compromised Qatari jet could be fit to carry the president of the United States, Boeing should finally finish what it started back in 2016. For the sake of itself and the nation, it must complete work and meet the latest deadline on the two original Air Force Ones. https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/the-qatari-jet-cant-be-air-force-one-and-boeing-should-say-so/ Bombardier Jet Breaks Montreal-to-Paris Record Global 7500 makes the trip in five hours and 30 minutes. Bombardier’s Global 7500 long-range business jet has set a new speed record for nonstop air travel between Montreal and Paris. The Canadian manufacturer said the Global 7500 made it from Montreal to Paris in five hours and 30 minutes, at times reaching speeds of over 1,000 kilometers per hour, or about 621 miles per hour. By comparison, it typically takes a commercial airline about seven hours to fly nonstop from Montreal to Paris. “The Global 7500 performs at the highest levels across the board, in real-world situations,” said Bombardier President and CEO Éric Martel. “Bombardier takes great pride in completing meaningful speed records, like this latest one, during regular day-to-day operations with passengers, baggage, and cargo, setting it apart from peers.” The Global 7500 only recently reclaimed the speed record for a flight from Paris to Montreal, completing the journey in under six hours. It also holds the record for the longest flight ever by a purpose-built business jet, which it set flying nonstop from Sydney to Detroit. The Global 7500 has a maximum range of 7,700 nautical miles. The cabin interior is customizable and comes with four living spaces, a full-sized kitchen, ergonomic seating, and extra-large windows. Bombardier Global 8000 business jet The first production-intent Global 8000 ultra long-range business jet is in final assembly and is on track to enter service later this year, manufacturer Bombardier says. [Courtesy: Bombardier] A second aircraft in the series, the Global 8000, will have a maximum range of 8,000 nautical miles and a top speed of Mach 0.94, making it the fastest civilian aircraft since the Concorde. It is expected to enter service later this year. https://www.flyingmag.com/bombardier-jet-breaks-montreal-to-paris-record/ Graduate Research Request - 1 My name is Mohammed Muazu, a Doctoral Researcher (Doctor of Aviation (Av.D Candidate) at the College of Aeronautics, Florida Institute of Technology. I am conducting a cross-national research study on aviation professionalism among stakeholders in the United States and Nigeria. I warmly invite all aviation professionals, students, safety practitioners, aircraft engineers/technicians , air traffic controllers, crew members, and others across the aviation industry to participate in a brief, anonymous online survey. The goal is to better understand professionalism in aviation and contribute to global safety and professional standards. I kindly seek your support in sharing the survey link and attached poster with your members or networks. Your input will be invaluable: https://fit.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eWplkvmjbSZ7Kjs. Thank you for your time and support. Mohammed Muazu Doctoral Candidate (Doctor of Aviation (Av.D) Programme) College of Aeronautics Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne USA mmuazu2020@my.fit.edu CALENDAR OF EVENTS · South Texas Business Aviation Association June 20th at the Galaxy FBO at Conroe Airport, Texas. . NTSB set hearing date in Boeing 737-9 plug door incident investigation - June 24, 2025 . Gulf Flight Safety Association (GFSA) Conference, June 25 & 26 2025 Riyadh Air Headquarters . Airborne Public Safety Association -APSCON / APSCON Unmanned 2025 in Phoenix, AZ | July 14-18, 2025 . 3rd annual Asia Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety (AP-SAS), July 15-17, 2025, Singapore, organized by Flight Safety Foundation and CAAS. . Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar 2025; 10-11 September 2025; Manila, Philippines . 2025 PROS IOSA SUMMIT - SEPT 10-11 - Denver, CO · ISASI ANNUAL SEMINAR 2025'September 29, 2025 – October 3, 2025, DENVER, COLORADO . Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC™) - 2025 – October 27-29th (Omaha, Nebraska) . 29th annual Bombardier Safety Standdown, November 11-13, 2025; Wichita, Kansas · CHC Safety & Quality Summit, 11th – 13th November 2025, Vancouver, BC Canada Curt Lewis