Flight Safety Information - September 05, 2025 No. 178 In This Issue : Incident: United B763 over Atlantic on Sep 4th 2025, possible fuel leak : Incident: Mavi Gok B738 at Muenster on Sep 3rd 2025, overran runway on landing : Incident: LAM DH8D at Maputo on Sep 3rd 2025, cabin did not pressurize : US FAA to propose changes to speed certification of new commercial airplanes : Smoke and electrical problems on regional jet lead to emergency landing in Houston : Rude passenger booted off American Airlines airplane after telling flight attendant to ‘shut up’: : Liberia, ICAO to Fix Aviation Safety Deficiencies : Pakistan International Airlines Eyes New Flights to the US : American Airlines leads industry with safety-enhancing ADS-B In installations : AirlineRatings Launches New Onboard Safety Audits to Recognize Excellence in Onboard Safety : TBM Safety Program Shows Early Success With Flight Data Monitoring : The US Navy Is Retiring Its First F-35B Fighter Jet : Alaska Air to convert part of its Boeing 787 order to larger 787-10's : All the things that can get you kicked off a plane – or even banned for life : Calendar of Events Incident: United B763 over Atlantic on Sep 4th 2025, possible fuel leak A United Boeing 767-300, registration N648UA performing flight UA-331 from Paris Charles de Gaulle (France) to Washington Dulles,DC (USA) with 96 people on board, was enroute at FL360 over the Atlantic Ocean about 130nm west of Shannon when the crew requested to divert to Shannon subsequently advising, they had a possible fuel leak. The crew subsequently shut the right hand engine (PW4060) down and landed safely on Shannon's runway 24 about 40 minutes after initiating the diversion. The remainder of the flight was cancelled. The airline reported the aircraft diverted for an aircraft maintenance inspection. The passengers were taken to hotels. https://avherald.com/h?article=52c8b084&opt=0 Incident: Mavi Gok B738 at Muenster on Sep 3rd 2025, overran runway on landing A Mavi Gok Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration TC-MGC performing flight 4M-351 from Antalya (Turkey) to Muenster (Germany) with 190 passengers and 6 crew, landed on Muenster's runway 25 but overran the end of the runway by about 10 meters/30 feet coming to a stop on the runway end safety area. The passengers disembarked onto the runway via stairs, the aircraft was subsequently pushed back and towed to the apron. The aircraft sustained damage to tyres due to damaging runway end lights. The aircraft is still on the ground in Muenster about 21 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=52c84a11&opt=0 Incident: LAM DH8D at Maputo on Sep 3rd 2025, cabin did not pressurize A LAM Linhas Aereas de Mocambique de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration C9-AUV performing flight TM-100 from Maputo to Beira (Mocambique), was climbing out of Maputo's runway 05 when the crew stopped the climb at FL080 due to problems with the cabin pressure. The aircraft entered holds and returned to Maputo for a safe landing on runway 05 about 75 minutes after departure. A Fastjet Embraer ERJ-190 registration C9-EMA reached Beira with a delay of about 3 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=52c83679&opt=0 US FAA to propose changes to speed certification of new commercial airplanes WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Federal Aviation Administration plans to propose changes to speed certification of new commercial airplanes, the Trump administration said in a notice on Thursday. The FAA said it plans to propose by December changes "to modernize certain certification standards for transport category airplanes and propulsion systems." It said the effort will be deregulatory by reducing the number of "exemptions, special conditions, and equivalent level of safety findings required during the certification process." The previous head of the FAA, Mike Whitaker, told Reuters in December the agency wanted to streamline aircraft certification and is working to use "better technology" to help streamline the process. The FAA said it expects the proposal will "reduce certification costs and time to certify new and changed products for both industry and FAA while maintaining or increasing the level of safety." The FAA also plans to harmonize its regulations with international standards. At one point, Boeing had hoped to get the 737 MAX 7 certified in 2022 but has faced a series of issues. Boeing in January withdrew its request for a safety exemption to address an engine de-icing issue. Boeing said in July it now does not expect to get MAX 7 certified until next year and Southwest Airlines said they expect the plane to be approved in the first half of next year, which would put entry into service for Southwest at earliest late in 2026. The MAX 7 must be certified before the FAA can certify the larger MAX 10. United Airlines told Reuters earlier it may not get the MAX 10 until 2027 or 2028 because of uncertainty about when the plane will be approved for use. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/us-faa-propose-changes-speed-191159492.html?guccounter=1 Smoke and electrical problems on regional jet lead to emergency landing in Houston The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after a regional jet made an emergency landing in Houston on Wednesday, with the pilots reporting smoke and electrical problems. United Airlines Express flight 4969, operated by subsidiary CommuteAir, returned to George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport “after the crew reported smoke in the cockpit,” the FAA said in a statement. “They are having electrical issues,” the air traffic control tower told emergency crews waiting for the plane to land, according to recordings captured by LiveATC.net. “They are losing electrical.” Regional jet flight to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport returns to Houston after pilots report smoke and electrical problems The plane parked on a taxiway and the pilots requested to be towed to the terminal. The landing was “due a potential maintenance issue,” CommuteAir said in a statement. All passengers were safely returned to the gate and are awaiting another flight to Panama City, Florida. “We apologize for this inconvenience and are preparing a new aircraft to operate the flight to ECP,” Jason Kadah the airline’s Managing Director, Communications, said in a statement. https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/03/us/regional-jet-emergency-landing Rude passenger booted off American Airlines airplane after telling flight attendant to ‘shut up’: An entitled passenger boldly told an American Airlines flight attendant to “shut up” while the employee was reading pre-flight safety instructions on a Texas-bound flight earlier this week and was promptly kicked off the plane. Viral video posted to Instagram showed the woman telling the flight attendant “she should shut up” as safety protocols were read over the plane’s public address system on a flight from Costa Rica to Dallas Tuesday. The female flight attendant then approached the rude traveler and immediately pushed back, the footage taken by a fellow passenger shows. “Do you want to get off the plane? Because I don’t feel comfortable with you if you’re not going to follow instructions,” the flight attendant stated while directing her peers to turn off the address system. The flight attendant then calls out the boorish passenger for not turning off her phone, according to the footage. The passenger finally relented and made her way off the plane. The clip cuts out after the traveler agrees to comply with orders, but then picks up again with her claiming to be harassed by the airline employee. The woman was escorted from the plane, according to the footage and her seatmate, who filmed and posted the video with the caption: “empty middle seat is a win for me.” Her seatmate, Jay Crenshaw, said he felt empathy for the flight attendant who “caught a stray” — but at the same time, also felt for the passenger who seemed to know she was out of line. “She was having a bad morning and was obviously disturbed or irritated about something she was on the phone talking about,” Crenshaw told The Post. “The flight attendant might’ve caught a stray. I think the passenger knows she was wrong,” he said. “She mentioned that she also lost her phone and had to borrow one.” “I’m definitely not excusing her behavior [but] we’ve all had bad days and have said bad things because of it, but we weren’t filmed,” Crenshaw said. “I hope people can remember this and give her a bit of grace.” American Airlines did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment. Airline aggravations have made headlines in recent weeks. A 50-year-old New Zealand woman was booted from a flight after drunkenly cursing at staff and dancing in the aisle while the aircraft was taxiing. Another drunk passenger on a flight from the UK to Dubai was restrained for several hours after he called a flight attendant a “stupid bitch.” https://nypost.com/2025/09/04/us-news/boorish-passenger-booted-for-telling-american-airlines-flight-attendant-to-shut-up-video/ Liberia, ICAO to Fix Aviation Safety Deficiencies The Government of Liberia, in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organization (BAGASOO), has pledged urgent reforms to strengthen Liberia’s aviation safety system. This follows a series of strategic meetings held Wednesday at the Executive Mansion and the Capitol Building, bringing together senior officials, lawmakers, and international aviation experts. The meetings centered on findings from ICAO’s 2022 safety audit, which identified two Significant Safety Concerns (SSCs) and placed Liberia’s aviation oversight performance below 30%—far beneath the ICAO global safety target of 75%. Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) Director General Hon. Julius M. Dennis explained that the mission of ICAO and BAGASOO in Liberia was to support the country in implementing corrective measures. “We have embarked on a roadmap toward corrective action, but this effort requires the support of stakeholders and global partners,” DG Dennis said. “Over the last few days, we reviewed gaps, assessed what has been done locally, and charted a way forward to eliminate the significant safety concerns.” He stressed that collaboration with ICAO and BAGASOO was critical for Liberia to meet international standards and ensure safety at Roberts International Airport (RIA). Mr. Manzi Nika Mehieza, ICAO Deputy Regional Director for Western and Central Africa (WACAF), commended Liberia’s efforts so far but stressed that urgent improvements were necessary. “The audit showed Liberia still has two unresolved SSCs. This is a serious concern because it means aircraft landing at RIA face safety risks,” Mehieza warned. “The civil aviation authority must be strengthened, with emphasis on recruiting and training qualified technical personnel.” He noted that Liberia’s performance currently under 30% was well below global standards, urging the government to prioritize reforms. “Our target is to see Liberia resolve the SSCs within the next three months. Beyond that, the LCAA must be empowered to act as a strong regulator, not a passive player,” he added. House Speaker Hon. Richard N. Koon pledged legislative support for aviation reforms, including budgetary allocations in the upcoming fiscal year. “The aviation sector has suffered neglect for too long. My leadership is determined to change that,” Speaker Koon said. “We will provide budgetary allotments to replace outdated equipment, not just recalibrate them. Safety must be prioritized.” The Speaker also assured that the Legislature would work with the Ministry of Finance to settle aviation-related debts and ratify outstanding international protocols to align Liberia with global aviation standards. Minister of State without Portfolio Hon. Mamaka Bility, representing President Joseph N. Boakai, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to aviation reforms. “Aviation safety is close to the President’s heart. He has personally chaired aviation meetings because he wants not just a beautiful airport but a safe one,” Bility said. She announced that the government would develop a roadmap with clear timelines, settle arrears to ICAO to secure training opportunities, and support LCAA’s institutional capacity. “From below 30%, we can move to 50% and beyond. Liberia has overcome bigger challenges before—we will make our aviation sector safe and compliant with international standards,” she added. National Security Advisor Samuel Kofi Woods emphasized that aviation oversight had now been elevated to a national security priority. “Appointing a competent and energetic DG like Julius Dennis was deliberate. Aviation is no longer just a technical issue—it is tied to our national security and economic future,” Woods said. Next Steps The meetings concluded with consensus among stakeholders: Liberia must urgently resolve its SSCs, modernize its air navigation equipment, invest in training aviation personnel, and strengthen LCAA’s capacity as the lead regulator. With firm commitments from the Executive, Legislature, and international partners, Liberia is expected to begin implementing its roadmap immediately. ICAO and BAGASOO pledged continued technical support to ensure that by the next review, Liberia demonstrates measurable progress in safety oversight. “Fixing aviation safety is not just about compliance,” one delegate remarked. “It’s about restoring confidence in Liberia’s skies and safeguarding the lives of every passenger who lands at Roberts International Airport.” https://www.liberianobserver.com/news/liberia-icao-to-fix-aviation-safety-deficiencies/article_5bbd094e-d6b9-4dbf-b4f4-e8723c0606d7.html Pakistan International Airlines Eyes New Flights to the US Direct flights between Pakistan and the United States were suspended after concerns emerged about licensing irregularities and safety oversight. WASHINGTON- A team from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan (ISB) on September 6 to conduct an audit that could determine whether direct flights between Pakistan and the United States resume. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said it has completed preparations for the inspection, which will review flight standards, pilot licensing, and overall state safety oversight. This visit marks the first FAA presence in Pakistan in several years and is seen as a critical step toward restoring nonstop operations by Pakistan International Airlines (PK) to U.S. airports. Pakistan Airlines Eyes US Flights The FAA team’s audit will cover multiple areas, including regulatory compliance, licensing exams, and aviation safety practices. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has been coordinating across its departments to ensure readiness, emphasizing transparent systems and upgraded oversight procedures. Officials explained that the inspection is not only about technical compliance but also about demonstrating Pakistan’s ability to maintain international safety benchmarks on a consistent basis. The FAA will review whether recent reforms have strengthened institutional capacity and improved pilot evaluation standards, areas that drew scrutiny in past assessments. Why the FAA Audit Matters Direct flights between Pakistan and the United States were suspended after concerns emerged about licensing irregularities and safety oversight. Since then, Pakistani authorities have been working to rebuild confidence with international regulators, particularly in the U.S. and Europe. If the FAA audit concludes positively, it would open the possibility for Pakistan International Airlines (PK) to operate direct routes once again to major U.S. hubs such as New York (JFK), Washington D.C. (IAD), and Chicago (ORD). Such a development would significantly benefit passengers by reducing travel times and eliminating the need for transit through third countries. Steps Taken by the CAA Pakistan The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has undertaken several corrective measures since earlier assessments. These include: Introducing stricter pilot licensing protocols to eliminate irregularities. Strengthening flight safety monitoring systems. Aligning procedures with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards. Enhancing transparency in flight crew testing and certification. These initiatives aim to restore credibility and bring Pakistan back in line with globally recognized aviation safety norms. Implications for Travelers and Airlines For passengers, direct connectivity would translate into shorter travel times and more affordable ticket options. For airlines, particularly Pakistan International Airlines (PK), it could mean regaining access to a lucrative transatlantic market and re-establishing trust with regulators and travelers alike. While the FAA audit alone will not immediately restart flights, it represents the most decisive step in years toward restoring confidence in Pakistan’s aviation sector. The outcome will shape how quickly nonstop services might return. Privatisation By November 2025 Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) (PK), the national flag carrier, is set to be privatised by November this year as the government accelerates its long-delayed restructuring plan. The Senate Standing Committee on Privatisation confirmed that four qualified bidders remain in contention for acquiring Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL), which operates from its main hub at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi (KHI). Four Bidders Move Forward The Privatisation Commission secretary reported that four groups have been shortlisted, while two applicants were disqualified for failing to meet eligibility requirements. These remaining bidders are now required to form consortia with established airlines to ensure the future operational stability of PIA (PK). Lawmakers highlighted the airline’s heavy financial burden, with debt standing at $2.31 billion. Senator Zeeshan Khanzada raised concerns about how this liability might impact investor interest. Senator Dr Afnan Ullah Khan proposed selling PIA’s two overseas hotels to ease pressure, while debate continued whether profitable state-owned firms should be sold first. Investor Interest and Strategy According to Dawn News, the Privatisation Commission secretary noted that while investors often prefer profitable enterprises, these assets may not remain sustainable in the long term. The government stressed that offering PIA for sale at this stage is crucial for its survival, given mounting losses and the need for professional management. The government plans to conduct the bidding process in the final quarter of 2025, between October and December. Between 51% and 100% of shares, along with management control, will be offered to the winning consortium. This represents the second attempt to privatise PIA after a failed effort last year. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/09/05/pakistan-international-airlines-eyes-new-flights-to-the-us/ American Airlines leads industry with safety-enhancing ADS-B In installations American has more aircraft equipped with ADS-B In technology than any other airline in the world. The technology improves safety by painting an even more complete picture of airspace for pilots and enhances efficiency by more accurately managing aircraft separation during all phases of flight. Two trials conducted with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) yielded successful results that could lay the groundwork for the future, modernized ATC system. American Airlines is the industry leader in equipping its fleet with next-generation technology that enhances the safety and efficiency of its operation. The airline’s entire fleet of more than 300 Airbus A321 aircraft has ADS-B In equipment that provides pilots with an enhanced view of their surroundings. ADS-B, or Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, allows aircraft to send and receive GPS-based position and other data, including altitude and speed. When aircraft broadcast this information, it is considered ADS-B Out. The ability for aircraft to receive this information from other surrounding aircraft is considered ADS-B In. The ability to receive this data provides pilots with a significantly enhanced view of air traffic around them. The data is also received by the FAA and other air navigation service providers worldwide for air traffic control purposes. American already has more aircraft with ADS-B In installed than any other airline in the world, with nearly 150 new delivery A321neo aircraft on order that will also be equipped with this technology. The airline selected ACSS to equip its A321 fleet with the SafeRoute+ gauge. The gauge interfaces with the aircraft’s computers and displays the ADS-B data, allowing crews to better see their position relative to surrounding traffic and to more accurately manage and maintain the required separation between aircraft. This new technology provides pilots even better data and information than current generation safety technologies. “ADS-B In is another layer of safety that has been available for our Airbus pilots for several years,” said David Seymour, American’s Chief Operating Officer. “Installing technology that improves the safety of flight, while also improving efficiency, gives American an operational head start in the modernized air traffic control system that is long overdue.” Trials successfully demonstrate airspace efficiencies ADS-B In technology enabled two very successful two-year trials with the FAA, with participation from the Allied Pilots Association and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. The first trial took place at the Dallas-Fort Worth Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), an FAA facility that controls air traffic arriving and departing within about 40 miles of American’s largest hub, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Using this ADS-B In technology, participating flights operated by American’s A321 aircraft were able to safely operate in lower visibility conditions at a higher throughput, while also reducing the number of missed approaches and go arounds that might be typically performed in those conditions. The second trial took place at the Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), an enroute facility responsible for airspace across five states, including traffic arriving and departing from American’s hub at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). This trial used the power of ADS-B In to enable American’s A321 aircraft arriving at PHX be spaced at precise intervals, creating more efficient airspace that could have up to a 25% capacity increase at scale. American looks forward to continuing its work with the FAA and NATCA, as well as the airline’s unions and team members, to further enhance the safety and efficiency of its operation through innovative technology and procedures. https://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2025/American-Airlines-leads-industry-with-safety-enhancing-ADS-B-In-installations-OPS-OTH-09/default.aspx AirlineRatings Launches New Onboard Safety Audits to Recognize Excellence in Onboard Safety At AirlineRatings, we believe airline safety should be visible, recognised, accessible, and celebrated. We exist to bring aviation safety data from world-leading sources such as IOSA, ICAO, the FAA, and EASA, as well as the airlines themselves, to the traveller in an easy-to-understand format that helps them make informed choices about their safety in the air. Alongside our daily monitored safety ratings are our annual Safety and World’s Best Airline Rankings, which have always served as a guide for passengers, highlighting the very best in aviation. These two announcements alone across all digital networks garners hundred of millions of views, so we know what we do is important and we will always strive to make it better and more transparent. With this in mind, we are taking a step further with the launch of our own Onboard Safety Audits, designed to be customer-centric and focused on the onboard safety experience. These audits further our service to our travelling community and an airline’s customers. Airlines that already excel in safety and hold a Seven Star safety rating who successfully complete these anonymous audits, conducted over six flights (including a mix of overnight, day, domestic, international, short-haul, and long-haul journeys), will earn special recognition as a Seven Star Plus airline, the highest accolade we now offer. Airlines not yet at seven stars will be carefully reviewed after the audit, helping set a clear path toward excellence and an increase in their rating. Through these audits, we once again take safety information and present it to a global audience in an easy-to-understand manner. Our motto, “Guiding you to the safest and best value airline for every journey,” is at the very core of everything we do at AirlineRatings. Benefit of the AirlineRatings Safety Audits for Travellers With around 40% of flyers feeling nervous, anxious, or even terrified at the thought of flying, AirlineRatings’ onboard safety audits provide an added layer of reassurance. While passengers may not see the incredible work that goes into maintaining an aircraft and ensuring airline safety, what they do experience—the “face of safety”—is what happens onboard. Airlines that complete and pass these audits give nervous passengers an extra piece of mind. For a nervous passenger travelling on an airline they aren’t familiar with outside their home market, flying is always a source of anxiety. Our safety ratings and onboard safety audits again help reassure the traveller when choosing to book flights on airlines they simply do not know. In addition to this, whilst we are not there to assess maintenance and repair facilities, etc., often once an audit is complete (and we no longer have to be anonymous) we are invited by the airline to learn more, which again allows us to apply more information towards our ratings, ensuring they remain accurate and transparent. Benefit of the AirlineRatings Safety Audits for Airlines AirlineRatings’ onboard safety audits deliver multiple benefits for carriers. Firstly, and most importantly, they help identify and close any compliance gaps by pinpointing areas where international safety standards may not be fully met, allowing airlines to address issues simply and easily before they become regulatory problems. Within a week of completion, airlines receive a professional, actionable report detailing findings, risk levels, and tailored recommendations from our auditor. With our aim being to make aviation safety easy to understand and recognisable, AirlineRatings provides new branding as well as certifications of achievement to airlines that complete the audit. This branding will also be reflected alongside the airlines on our own website and across our social channels. Airlines that complete the audits will also receive extra consideration in AirlineRatings’ prestigious World’s Safest Airline Awards. This not only enhances consumer confidence but also provides a commercial advantage, particularly among international travellers who may be less familiar with the airline’s brand. For low-cost airlines, these audits are yet another way we can help them break the stigma that low-cost carriers are “less safe”—something we know simply isn’t true, yet remains a point that irks every low-cost carrier CEO. With our first four audits already locked in and ready to go, AirlineRatings is set to take airline safety to a new level of visibility, recognition, and transparency. More information please contact Safety and Service Quality Manager Josh Wood at josh.wood@airlineratings.com or CEO Sharon Petersen at sharon.petersen@airlineratings.com https://www.airlineratings.com/articles/airlineratings-launches-new-onboard-safety-audits-to-recognize-excellence-in-onboard-safety TBM Safety Program Shows Early Success With Flight Data Monitoring Grassroots TBM pilot group sets sights on zero accidents with data-driven approach The TBM Proficient Pilot Program (TBM-PPP), launched at the 2024 Avex Aviation Safety Seminar, has released its first-year report, highlighting more than 70,000 accident-free flight hours from 50 participating members. The group says it is the first independent TBM pilot association to apply airline-style Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) to general aviation, creating what organizers say is a new benchmark for safety in high-performance personal aircraft. The program is targeting 100 members in three years with a goal of zero accidents. Among the early results, five pilots achieved full compliance with Daher’s Stabilized Approach Criteria (SAC), while 39 surpassed 90 percent compliance. The group says historical data shows that when pilot compliance to Daher’s SAC is above 75 percent, no landing accidents have been recorded. “TBM-PPP is demonstrating that data-driven discipline, combined with mentorship and community, can significantly reduce accidents in general aviation,” program moderator John Buzza said. Members commit to standardized procedures, Safety Management Systems, and maintaining a “Me & My TBM” score of 80 percent or higher, supported by peer mentoring and flight data review. Comparative ADS-B analysis of more than 250,000 TBM flights since 2021 shows program members consistently outperforming the wider fleet in stabilized approach compliance. “This isn’t just about data—it’s about turning that data into action pilots take every flight,” said Christopher Turnbull, CEO of CS&A Insurance, in a release. https://avweb.com/aviation-news/tbm-safety-program-shows-early-success-with-flight-data-monitoring/ The US Navy Is Retiring Its First F-35B Fighter Jet The BF-01 aircraft soon to be put on display was actually the very first Lightning II to perform a vertical landing. There are several noteworthy museums in the United States that aviation buffs can visit and see historically relevant aircraft. None of the collections has a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. The costly fifth-generation stealth fighter is in active service, and it could be years before visitors get to see an F-35 on display. The National Museum of the United States Air Force does have a helmet and flight suit belonging to Lt. Col. Christine Mau, the first female pilot of the stealth fighter, in its collection. At some future date, the famed museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (AFB), Dayton, Ohio, will almost certainly receive an F-35A Lightning II, the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, operated by the US Air Force. “BF-01” Will Be Displayed at a South Carolina Marine Base However, in the coming months, an F-35B, the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) model, will be placed on permanent static display at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina, according to a Naval Air Systems Command (NASC) announcement. Interestingly, the BF-01 aircraft was actually the very first Lightning II to perform a vertical landing, and was recently transported from Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Maryland, to the MCAS facility. It took a CH-53 K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter to transport the inoperable F-35 to the base. The now-retired F-35B is “without its mission or propulsion systems, outer wings, or additional equipment”—but it is unclear whether it will be partially restored for display purposes. BF-01 made its maiden flight on June 11, 2008, but it wasn’t until March 18, 2010, that it conducted a vertical landing at NAS Patuxent River with test pilot Graham Tomlison at the controls. The same F-35B also carried out the first vertical takeoff. In December 2012, the aircraft made its 1,000th flight. BF-01, one of three F-35Bs that carried out flight trials at Patuxent River, continued to be employed in STOVL tests until it was retired in 2022. Delivering a Plane Via Helicopter? The story of how the BF-01 was delivered to South Carolina is nearly as impressive as the actual aircraft. As noted, it was carried to its new home by the Sikorsky CH-53K. The heavy-lift helicopter successfully carried the 22,000-pound Lightning II without incident. “This mission’s success exemplifies the professionalism, commitment, and capability that exists at HMH-461,” said Commanding Officer of HMH-461, Lt. Col. Bagley. “I am incredibly proud of the team here and extremely grateful for the support and collaboration that occurred between each group, station, agency, and program office that played a role.” This marked the second time that the USMC’s King Stallion carried an F-35. The previous time occurred in December 2022, when an inoperable F-35C, the US Navy’s and Marine Corps’ carrier-based version, was employed during a load certification lift test. The CH-53K King Stallion is an upgrade to the previous models in the series and will assume the duties of the CH-53E Super Stallion. The new model features several “significant improvements,” including “state-of-the-art, fly-by-wire technology” that is meant to reduce pilot workload, while improving the heavy lift helicopter’s stability, and improving its overall safety. “Although the helicopter only reached IOC in April 2022, the King Stallion has already been used multiple times to execute its Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) mission,” said Col. Kate Fleeger, program manager for the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Office (PMA-261). TRAP is one of the core missions of the CH-53K, NASC explained. “The CH-53K is not merely an upgrade of the CH-53E,” added Lt. Col. Bagley, “It represents a fundamental shift in how Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadrons can enable warfighting concepts like distributed aviation operations and maritime operations in a contested environment.” https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/us-navy-retiring-first-f-35b-fighter-jet-ps-090525 Alaska Air to convert part of its Boeing 787 order to larger 787-10's (Reuters) -Alaska Air Group said on Thursday that it is converting part of its outstanding order for Boeing 787 jets to the larger 787-10 variant. The move reflects the airline's post-Hawaiian integration strategy to meet growing demand on high-traffic routes, especially across the Pacific. "We can confirm we have converted some of our 787s to 10s. We will share more details, including the number and timing of deliveries, soon," Alaska Air said in an emailed statement to Reuters. Alaska Air Group maintains an operational fleet of four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and about 243 Boeing 737 aircraft of various models, according to its website. In July, the airline reinstated its full-year profit forecast, citing stronger bookings as U.S. West Coast technology firms increased travel, though it warned of higher aircraft costs from proposed tariffs on Brazilian imports. Aviation industry publication the Air Current had earlier reported the news. Boeing declined to comment. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/alaska-air-convert-part-boeing-0035426 All the things that can get you kicked off a plane – or even banned for life Being drunk and disorderly; la Annie in;Bridesmaids;, on a plane could see you slapped with a fine of up to £5,000 and a prison sentence Being drunk and disorderly, à la Annie in ‘Bridesmaids’, on a plane could see you slapped with a fine of up to £5,000 and a prison sentence - KRISTEN WIIG, BRIDESMAIDS All too often, bad behaviour on public transport is met with a blind eye, but there is perhaps one final bastion of decency: the commercial aircraft. It might not feel like it when your fellow passengers are prolific farters, space invaders and seat kickers – but there’s a line. And if you cross it, you can expect to be ejected tout de suite, or even black-listed by the airline. Just ask the Crete-bound Briton who was handed a lifetime ban by Jet2 last month, after being caught with class A drugs and treating his fellow flyers to “a catalogue of disgraceful and aggressive behaviour”. Or the Ryanair passenger who was arrested last week after attempting to open an emergency exit in mid air. But not all faux pas are quite as obvious or extreme: from going barefoot to smelling awful, these are the antics that can get you grounded – literally. Hitting the booze Technically, it’s illegal to be intoxicated on a plane – so think twice before you reach for that second gin spritz. But there’s a world of difference between gently sozzled (absolutely fine) and raging drunk (absolutely not), and the latter can get you removed from your seat before take-off. This, no doubt, came as unwelcome news to 26-year-old Bradley Musgrove, who was ejected from an Emirates flight at Newcastle Airport in June for slurring his words and smelling of booze – and fined £1,065, including court costs, for the privilege. It could have been worse: according to the Civil Aviation Authority, “Acts of drunkenness on an aircraft face a maximum fine of £5,000 and two years in prison.” Joining the mile-high club Even if you can overcome the practical, physical and hygienic obstacles of a mid-flight liaison, getting caught is a sure-fire mood killer. Last year, after being spotted in flagrante under a pile of coats, Bradley Smith and Antonia Sullivan, from Wales, were removed from their UK-bound easyJet flight and later sentenced to almost 600 hours of community service. It’s more common than you might think: in July, Connecticut couple Trista Reilly and Christopher Arnold were arrested on arrival in Florida after a woman and children allegedly witnessed them getting amorous in the cabin; they have since been banned from JetBlue. Not fitting into your seat If you’re too portly to sit with both armrests lowered, most airlines – including Virgin, Ryanair and Qatar Airways – will ask you to book two seats. But failing to do so can get you expelled before take-off, as Angel Harding found last March when Air New Zealand crew allegedly removed her because she was too overweight to travel in a single seat. The airline later apologised, and reportedly offered her a free flight home. Going barefoot Skin-tight hot pants, a corset, a cap emblazoned with the word “f---”: all are examples of clothing that have resulted in their wearers being ejected from planes in recent years. In March 2019, passenger Emily O’Connor was reportedly removed from a Birmingham-to-Tenerife flight after Thomas Cook staff said her skimpy crop top was “causing offence”. Of all the world’s airlines, those in the US most commonly stipulate dress codes; for example, Delta says it “may refuse to transport or may remove” customers if their clothes risk causing “offence or annoyance to other passengers”. It also prohibits going barefoot, as does Southwest Airlines, JetBlue and Spirit Airlines – so think twice before kicking off your shoes after boarding. Being sick In 2019, 47 people were removed from a single TUI flight to Manchester from Boa Vista in Cape Verde after a mass outbreak of gastroenteritis during their holiday. The airline reportedly told the captain to de-plane anybody – whether vomiting or not – who might trigger a medical diversion, which delayed many of the passengers’ journeys by several days. If ill passengers are thought to be contagious or an in-flight safety risk, cabin crew have discretion to remove them. Delta Delta grants staff the right to remove passengers whose clothing may cause ‘offence or annoyance to other passengers’ - Reuters Smelling bad In its Conditions of Carriage, American Airlines asks passengers to “be respectful that your odour isn’t offensive”, while Delta warns it “may refuse to transport passengers… when [their] hygiene or odour creates an unreasonable risk of offence or annoyance”. And they’re true to their word: in 2019, the former removed the Adler family from a flight to Detroit after passengers allegedly complained about Mr Adler’s body odour. The family were reportedly given overnight accommodation and meals, and placed on a flight the next day. Smoking or vaping Lighting up is guaranteed to get you a ticket to nowhere. In July, a TUI flight from Cancun to Gatwick was diverted to the US when a couple refused to stop smoking in the bathroom – triggering a 17-hour delay for all passengers. Smoking and vaping are taken so seriously that you may be black-listed by the airline too. British Airways states that it has the “right to refuse to carry you or to ban you” if you “have ever been caught smoking, attempting to smoke and/or tampering with a smoke detector on a previous flight”. Ignoring instructions Another rule from BA: if you refuse to heed cabin crew’s safety instructions, don’t expect to fly. This could cover anything from not turning off your phone to not stowing your tray-table when requested – and don’t even think about refusing to fasten your seatbelt. In July, a Batik Air flight from Vietnam to Malaysia was delayed when a woman wouldn’t belt-up; she was removed from the plane, reportedly to a chorus of cheers from fellow passengers. Becoming violent Any violent action against crew or passengers is a sure-fire way to get booted off, and potentially incur a lifetime ban. Dutch flag-carrier KLM has said it bars around five passengers per month, many for violent behaviour. KLM and Delta have also called for an “no fly list” of offenders to be widely shared between airlines, but no formal system is currently in place. However, some countries, including India, keep a list of individuals banned from all of the nation’s airlines. Comfort Emmanson was barred from every Nigerian carrier in August (though the ban has since been appealed and lifted) for her “brutal physical assault” on cabin crew, in which she allegedly used a fire extinguisher as a weapon. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/things-kicked-off-plane-even-050000137.html CALENDAR OF EVENTS . 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 . 2025 NBAA Single-Pilot Safety Standdown; Monday, Oct. 13 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Las Vegas, NV . 2025 NBAA National Safety Forum, Tuesday, Oct. 14 – Wednesday, Oct. 15; Las Vegas, NV . Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC™) - 2025 – October 27-29th (Omaha, Nebraska) . 78TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SAFETY SUMMIT (IASS) - Lisbon, November 4–6 . 29th annual Bombardier Safety Standdown, November 11-13, 2025; Wichita, Kansas · CHC Safety & Quality Summit, 11th – 13th November 2025, Vancouver, BC Canada . 2026 ACSF Safety Symposium; April 7-9, 2026; ERAU Daytona Beach, FL . 2026 NBAA Maintenance Conference; May 5-7, 2026; New Orleans, LA . BASS 2026 - 71st Business Aviation Safety Summit - May 5-6, 2026 | Provo, Utah . The African Aviation Safety & Operations Summit - May 19-20 | Johannesburg, South Africa . Safeskies Australia - Australia’s renowned Aviation Safety Conference - Canberra Australia 20 and 21 May 2026 . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV Curt Lewis