Flight Safety Information - February 05, 2026 No. 026 In This Issue : Incident: Virgin Australia B738 at Hobart on Feb 4th 2026, flaps problems : Incident: THY A333 at Kathmandu and Kolkata on Feb 4th 2026, engine fire indication : FAA Inspector Says United Slapped Lifetime Ban On Him For Raising Safety Concerns : Nose gear collapses on FedEx cargo jet parked at BWI Airport : Boeing lands largest-ever landing gear exchange deal with Singapore Airlines : White House Forced To Row Back Trump’s Threats On Canadian Made Airplane Over Mass Grounding Warning : HondaJet Elite II Emergency Autoland is FAA certified : Coast Guard takes delivery of 18th mission-ready HC-130J surveillance aircraft : POSITION AVAILABLE: Assistant/Associate Professor of Aeronautical Science : Calendar of Events Incident: Virgin Australia B738 at Hobart on Feb 4th 2026, flaps problems A Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800, registration VH-YFS performing flight VA-1602 from Adelaide,SA to Hobart,TA (Australia), was on final approach to Hobart's runway 12 when the crew went around and entered a hold. The crew subsequently advised their flaps were stuck and they were now ready for the approach. The aircraft landed safely on runway 12 at a higher than normal speed (about 160 knots over ground) about 35 minutes after the go around. The airline reported a technical issue that required a holding maneouver. https://avherald.com/h?article=53445bf2&opt=0 Incident: THY A333 at Kathmandu and Kolkata on Feb 4th 2026, engine fire indication A THY Turkish Airlines Airbus A330-300, registration TC-LNG performing flight TK-727 from Kathmandu (Nepal) to Istanbul (Turkey) with 236 passengers and 11 crew, was climbing out of Kathmandu's runway 20 when the crew stopped the climb at 10,000 feet and entered a hold. About 15 minutes later the crew decided to divert to Kolkata (India), climbed to FL200 and landed safely on Kolkata's runway 01R about 85 minutes after entering the hold at Kathmandu. India's Ministry for Civil Aviation reported, the crew declared PAN PAN due to a fire indication for the right hand engine (CF6) about 10 minutes after takeoff, the fire was brought under control 13 minutes thereafter. The aircraft diverted to Kolkata and landed on single engine. No injuries occurred. The airline reported the crew received a technical warning related to the right hand engine. The aircraft is still on the ground in Kolkata about 10 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=53445517&opt=0 FAA Inspector Says United Slapped Lifetime Ban On Him For Raising Safety Concerns A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety inspector has filed an extraordinary lawsuit against United Airlines, claiming the Chicago-based carrier retaliated against him when he raised a safety issue aboard a May 2022 flight. United Airlines allegedly imposed a lifetime ban on the inspector and filed an official complaint with the FAA against him, knowing that he had been investigating the airline over alleged safety violations of its Boeing 737MAX fleet. The plaintiff is an FAA inspector who had been investigating United’s 737MAX fleet. Credit: Shutterstock FAA safety inspector sues United Airlines Paul Asmus, an aviation safety inspector for the FAA, has filed an incredibly unusual lawsuit against United Airlines, accusing the carrier of defamation, tortious interference with employment, fraudulent misrepresentation, and civil extortion, amongst a slew of other allegations. A lengthy 76-page civil complaint was filed in a San Jose district court last week, which provides painstaking detail alleging that United’s “conduct sends a clear and dangerous message: those who report safety hazards risk punishment, removal, and financial sanction. United Airlines branded inspector a threat to employees Asmus was traveling off-duty on a United Airlines flight on May 12, 2022. Upon boarding, he noticed that the seat back pocket at his assigned seat was torn. Although off-duty, Asmus says he was duty-bound to report this potential breach of FAA safety regulations, as the torn pocket “impaired the ability to secure and access the emergency briefing card.” He took a photo of the seatback pocket, along with another photo of a passenger standing in the aisle during pushback, which is strictly forbidden. The crew, however, allegedly accused Asmus of taking photos of them and accused him of being combative when he reported his safety concerns, accusing him of trying to get a free seat reassignment. The Captain then allegedly demanded that Asmus show the photos he had taken or the plane would return to the gate. Asmus complied with the request, proving that he hadn’t taken a photo of the crew members, but the plane still headed back to the gate, where he was deplaned. United demanded more than $3,000 in restitution Following his removal, Asmus claims United “knowingly portrayed a Federal Aviation Safety Inspector as a disruptive customer motivated by greed, rather than a regulator motivated by safety compliance.” United quickly worked out that Asmus was indeed a bona fide FAA safety inspector and set about investigating whether he had booked a discounted airfare. Asmus alleges that this was all part of a plot to “build a case of character assassination.” The airline imposed a travel ban on Asmus, demanded $3,153 in restitution from him for the return of the aircraft to the gate, and filed a complaint to the FAA, who, in turn, commenced a civil penalty enforcement action against him. Inspector is moved off active investigation into United 737MAX jets After Asmus was put under investigation, he was removed from oversight duties involving United Airlines, and specifically, an active investigation into the airline’s Boeing 737MAX fleet. Asmus alleges that it was United’s aim all along to have him removed from this investigation. Administrative law judge dismisses enforcement case against inspector But when the civil enforcement case went before a Department of Transportation administrative law judge last June, the court ruled that United’s witnesses were unreliable, and the case against Asmus was dismissed. The FAA chose not to appeal the verdict, so the findings of the judge are final and binding. ‘Chilling effect’ on safety reporting In its ruling, the court wrote: “If passengers face interference charges for reporting concerns, ‘then no passenger would ever wish to tell the flight attendants about any safety problems,’ which would inevitably ‘impact the safety of the aircraft and the lives of all passengers on board.'” The ruling further warned that “punishing safety reporting would chill aviation safety.” Inspector demands $12.75 million from United Following the court’s findings, Asmus wrote to United to have his travel ban lifted, but the airline has refused to do so. Following that decision, Asmus is now suing United for $12.75 million, which includes $10 million in punitive damages, $2.5 million in general damages, and $250,000 in special economic damages. Asmus is seeking a jury trial. https://www.paddleyourownkanoo.com/2026/02/03/chilling-effect-on-safety-faa-inspector-says-united-slapped-lifetime-ban-on-him-for-raising-safety-concerns/ Nose gear collapses on FedEx cargo jet parked at BWI Airport LINTHICUM, Md. — A parked cargo jet (Airbus A300F4-605R) experienced an emergency at BWI Airport on Wednesday morning. The nose gear of a FedEx cargo plane collapsed while reportedly undergoing maintenance. "We are aware of an incident involving one of our parked aircraft undergoing maintenance in Baltimore," FedEx told WMAR-2 News in a statement. "No one was injured as a result of this incident, and we are thankful for the swift response of our team members and first responders." For those wondering — the nose gear is a system located underneath the front portion of the plane that helps pilots control the aircraft during taxing, landing, and takeoff. https://www.wmar2news.com/news/region/anne-arundel-county/nose-gear-collapses-on-fedex-cargo-jet-parked-at-bwi-airport Boeing lands largest-ever landing gear exchange deal with Singapore Airlines At the Singapore Airshow 2026, Boeing has announced the largest landing gear exchange (LGE) contract in its history, which includes over 75 aircraft from the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group. Boeing has declared that, under this contract, it will supply landing gear exchanges for more than 75 aircraft within the 737 MAX and 787 fleets operated by the Singapore Airlines Group. In a statement released on February 4, 2026, the aircraft manufacturer mentioned that the landing gear exchange program “offers gear overhaul scheduling flexibility,” optimizing the useful life of the gears and minimizing aircraft downtime. “Our relationship with the SIA Group is built on delivering dependable solutions,” said William Ampofo, Senior Vice President at Parts & Distribution and Supply Chain division at Boeing Global Services. “This agreement helps deliver parts faster and closer to operations – reducing downtime and supporting consistent, reliable service.” Boeing’s Landing Gear Exchange program enables airlines to obtain ready-to-use landing gear through a managed inventory and partner network, which decreases spare inventory requirements, limits maintenance-related aircraft on-ground time, and improves fleet reliability. Program gains global traction The agreement with Singapore Airlines comes as Boeing works to broaden the program’s global reach. In a separate statement released the same day, the company announced completion of its 100th 787 Landing Gear Exchange delivery for All Nippon Airways (ANA). The Japan-based carrier currently uses the program to support its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 fleets and has installed exchange landing gear assemblies on approximately 30 aircraft. Boeing added that new customers have recently signed agreements for a total of 65 landing gear exchanges for their 787 fleets, but did not disclose specific details. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/boeing-signs-largest-landing-gear-deal-sia-group White House Forced To Row Back Trump’s Threats On Canadian Made Airplane Over Mass Grounding Warning The White House has been forced to row back on President Trump’s latest threat to ‘decertify’ all airplanes made in Canada. The swift U-turn emerged as it became clear that the administration’s retaliatory action over a perceived snub of Gulfstream private jets would lead to thousands of planes being grounded across the United States. The row emerged in a Truth Social post on Thursday in which Trump expressed anger with Canadian aviation safety authorities over delays to certifying some of the latest private jet models produced by Savannah-based Gulfstream. President Trump threatens to have all Canadian-made aircraft ‘decertified.’ In response to these delays, Trump said he was decertifying private jets made by the Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier (known as the ‘Global’ series and not ‘Global Express’), as well as any other aircraft made in Canada. Bombardier is the manufacturer of the popular CRJ regional jet aircraft, which is used across the United States to provide regional connectivity on behalf of American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines. Its defense division also supplies the US Air Force with military-configured ‘Global’ jets, which are also known as E-11A aircraft. These aircraft are used to provide a critical communications platform for military forces around the world. Within hours, however, the White House was forced to make a partial U-turn, explaining that the ‘decertification’ of Canadian-made aircraft would not apply to planes that are already in service. It remains unclear, however, whether that U-turn also applies to Bombardier Global aircraft that are already in service. President Trump’s full post explained: “Based on the fact that Canada has wrongfully, illegally, and steadfastly refused to certify the Gulfstream 500, 600, 700, and 800 Jets, one of the greatest, most technologically advanced airplanes ever made, we are hereby decertifying their Bombardier Global Expresses, and all Aircraft made in Canada, until such time as Gulfstream, a Great American Company, is fully certified, as it should have been many years ago. Further, Canada is effectively prohibiting the sale of Gulfstream products in Canada through this very same certification process. If, for any reason, this situation is not immediately corrected, I am going to charge Canada a 50% Tariff on any and all Aircraft sold into the United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter! RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” As you can see, Trump wanted to decertify all Canadian-made airplanes and also charge a 50% tariff on any aircraft sold into the United States. Although Trump claimed Canada would be charged the tariff, it is actually paid by the customer. In this case, this would include the Department of Defense, which wants to buy 11 customized Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft for its High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES). In response to Trump’s threat, Bombardier responded, saying in a statement: “We have taken note of the post from the President of the United States to social media and are in contact with the Canadian government.” “Bombardier is an international company that employs more than 3,000 people in the U.S. across 9 major facilities, and creates thousands of U.S. jobs through 2,800 suppliers.” The statement continued: “Our aircraft, facilities, and technicians are fully certified to FAA standards and renowned around the world. We are actively investing in expanding our U.S. operations, including a recent announcement in Fort Wayne, Indiana.” Canadian officials used to be closely aligned with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in certifying new aircraft, but in the case of the Gulfstream Global series, Transport Canada has yet to follow the FAA and Europe’s EASA regulator in approving the planes. One of the reasons for this delay is that Canadian authorities want to carry out their own reviews, rather than just relying on FAA documentation. This change followed certification controversies, in particular, the Boeing 737MAX debacle. It would be down to the FAA to decertify any aircraft, but it remains unclear how the agency would go about doing this on the back of a trade dispute, rather than for genuine safety concerns. Along with Bombardier planes, Canada is also home to the Airbus A220 aircraft. The primary factory for these planes is in Mirabel, but Airbus has also opened a production line in Alabama, which makes A220s for US-based customers. https://www.paddleyourownkanoo.com/2026/01/30/white-house-forced-to-row-back-trumps-threats-on-canadian-made-airplane-over-mass-grounding-warning/ HondaJet Elite II Emergency Autoland is FAA certified Enables aircraft to land autonomously in an emergency where the pilot has become incapacitated. Honda Aircraft Co. announced the HondaJet Elite II has become the first production model twin-turbine very light business jet certified to equip Emergency Autoland (EAL), following certification of the system by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The installation of this technology has been highly anticipated by owners and operators of the HondaJet Elite II based in the United States, and Honda Aircraft Co. is pursuing certifications from regulatory agencies in other markets to offer the same value to international customers. “Adding Emergency Autoland to the HondaJet Elite II demonstrates our commitment to delivering new value to our customers,” said Honda Aircraft Co. President & CEO Hideto Yamasaki. “I’m proud that our team is fulfilling on this promise by offering Emergency Autoland and giving our HondaJet Elite II customers greater peace of mind during every flight.” HondaJet Elite II As the name Emergency Autoland implies, the EAL system is designed to enable the aircraft to land autonomously in an emergency situation where the pilot has become incapacitated. The system may be initialized either by pushing a button to engage the EAL, or by automated monitoring systems, which can detect pilot unresponsiveness that may render EAL activation appropriate. When active, the EAL system automatically transmits an emergency code and conducts radio calls to alert air traffic control to the emergency. EAL-equipped aircraft can autonomously evaluate weather, terrain, fuel, and runway dimensions to select the optimal diversion airport, configure the aircraft for landing, navigate along the approach path, land the aircraft, and apply the brakes to a full stop on the runway. In October 2024, the HondaJet Elite II became the first twin-turbine very light business jet to equip Autothrottle, a key technology related to the EAL system. Certification flight testing of EAL was completed in October 2025, paving the way for this latest achievement. Honda Aircraft Co. is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co. Inc. responsible for the research, development, sales, marketing, customer service, and manufacture of the innovative HondaJet Elite II. Founded in 2006, Honda Aircraft's world headquarters is located in North Carolina. Cumulative HondaJet deliveries surpassed 250 planes globally in 2024. https://www.aerospacemanufacturinganddesign.com/news/hondajet-elite-ii-emergency-autoland-faa-certified/ Coast Guard takes delivery of 18th mission-ready HC-130J surveillance aircraft WASHINGTON — The Coast Guard is completing final delivery activities this week for its 18th fully missionized HC-130J long range surveillance aircraft, designated CGNR 2018, at L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems in Waco, Texas. The aircraft will support the transition of Air Station Sacramento, California, from C-27J aircraft to HC-130Js. Three Coast Guard air stations currently operate the HC-130J: Elizabeth City, North Carolina; Kodiak, Alaska; and Barbers Point, Hawaii. The addition of CGNR 2018 marks a step toward expanding HC-130J operations to two additional air stations, beginning with Sacramento later this year. The Coast Guard received $1.142 billion in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for procurement and acquisition of fixed-wing aircraft, including HC-130Js. The investment, combined with early delivery of CGNR 2018, enables the long-range surveillance fleet to expand operations. L3Harris executes missionization of the baseline C-130J aircraft, integrating the Minotaur Mission System Suite, Coast Guard-specific multi-mode radar, sensors and communication systems. Additional capabilities, including enhanced approach and landing systems, expanded diagnostics and civil GPS, were integrated as part of a Block Upgrade 8.1 installation. Including funds from OBBBA, the Coast Guard has appropriations for a total of 25 HC-130J aircraft, one HC-130J simulator, initial spare parts inventory and site activation for two additional air stations. The HC-130J fleet serves as an on-scene command and control platform or surveillance platform, with the means to detect, classify and identify objects and share information with operational forces. The aircraft has a cruise speed of 320 knots, a range of 4,900 nautical miles and endurance of more than 20 hours. The missionized HC-130J enables the Coast Guard to control, secure and defend the U.S. border and maritime approaches, facilitate commerce and respond to crises or contingencies. About the U.S. Coast Guard With more than 95,000 miles of shoreline, 25,000 miles of navigable rivers and 4.5 million square miles of U.S. exclusive economic zone, the U.S. Coast Guard defends the Nation, protects the marine transportation system, regulates and safeguards ports and waterways, leads the Nation in maritime drug interdiction and secures the maritime border. As a member of the joint force, a law enforcement organization, a regulatory agency and a member of the U.S. intelligence community, the Coast Guard employs a unique mix of authorities to ensure the safety and integrity of the maritime domain to protect the economic and national security of the nation. More than 76,000 members of the Coast Guard operate a multi-mission, interoperable fleet of more than 220 cutters, 185 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, 1,300 boats and its own dedicated cyber command to protect critical maritime infrastructure. More information about the U.S. Coast Guard can be found at www.uscg.mil Follow @USCG on X and Instagram, like us on Facebook, subscribe on YouTube and follow LinkedIn—connect with us. Make a difference on land, at sea or in the air with the Coast Guard. Visit GoCoastGuard.com to find out how to be part of our team. https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4397351/coast-guard-takes-delivery-of-18th-mission-ready-hc-130j-surveillance-aircraft/ POSITION AVAILABLE: Assistant/Associate Professor of Aeronautical Science Job Description Discover Your Future with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University! Embry-Riddle: A Global Leader in Aviation and Aerospace With vibrant campuses in Daytona Beach, FL and Prescott, AZ, plus a Worldwide network across approximately 120 locations, Embry-Riddle stands as the world’s largest aviation and aerospace university. For over 95 years, we've been pioneering education in STEM fields, serving over 11,600 residential students and 19,200 globally in the 2023-24 academic year with cutting-edge programs in Applied Science, Aviation, Business, Technology, Engineering, Safety, Security, and Space. Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle! • Generous Time Off: Enjoy 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. • Health Benefits: Experience comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships. Our flexible spending and health savings accounts simplify managing healthcare costs. Join a workplace that prioritizes your health—because your journey to wellness should be rewarding! Buckle up for a healthier, happier you! • Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26. • Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes 6% of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution – with no vesting period. • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University recognizes the value of diversity and is dedicated to fostering a positive climate in which all students, faculty, and staff are encouraged in their professional, social, and intellectual pursuits. Embry-Riddle is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and affirmative action for qualified individuals. The University does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Opportunity: Join the Aviation and Aerospace vanguard! Step into a dynamic role with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, where innovation meets opportunity. Be part of a leading institution that’s at the forefront of aviation, aerospace, and STEM education. We offer an exciting environment, cutting-edge projects, and the chance to influence tomorrow. Ready to make a difference? Take flight with Embry-Riddle and explore this diverse career opportunity today. The College of Aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona invites applications for a non-tenure track position in the Aeronautical Science Department starting in August 2025 at the Assistant/Associate Professor level in support of our Aeronautical Science degree. Aeronautical Science teaching assignments may include, but not be limited to, jet transport systems, turbine engine operations, electronic flight management systems, flight technique analysis, airline operations and domestic & international navigation. The candidate must have experience in airline or corporate flight operations or appropriate military experience. Applicants should be able to demonstrate the ability to teach and develop courses across all levels of undergraduate aviation education. Successful faculty candidates will have a strong commitment to undergraduate education both in the classroom and through experiential learning opportunities. The Aeronautical Science program at ERAU Prescott is AABI accredited and nationally recognized for its aviation programs. The department has 19 full time faculty in the areas of jet transport systems, airline operations, turbine engine operations, electronic flight management systems, flight technique analysis, airline operations, domestic & international navigation, capstone research classes and flight education. Aeronautical Science is the largest degree program on campus with over 1000 undergraduate students. The department has a strong focus on hands-on educational methods and emphasizes practical skills students will need after graduation. The Aeronautical Science faculty are committed to providing an inclusive and collegial work environment. Qualifications • Candidate must hold a Master’s Degree, preferably in an aviation-related field but candidates with significant industry experience and a master’s degree are strongly encouraged to apply. • Demonstrated ability to teach, preferably in collegiate or Part 121/141 training programs. • Demonstrated ability to mentor students or colleagues through the research and writing process. • Strong verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated potential for scholarly activity. Application material should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae or resume, teaching philosophy, and contact information for three professional references. Materials may be submitted in electronic form through careers.erau.edu. Screening of applications will start upon receipt and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries may be submitted via email to the Aeronautical Science Department Chair, Stacey McIntire MCINTIS1@erau.edu CALENDAR OF EVENTS . Singapore Airshow 2026 - FEBRUARY 3-6, 2026. . VERTICON 2026 - Atlanta March 9-12 . CANSO Global Safety Conference 2026 - 29 March – 1 April 2026 (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) . 60th Annual SMU Air Law Symposium - March 31 - April 1, 2026 (Irving, TX) . 2026 ACSF Safety Symposium; April 7-9, 2026; ERAU Daytona Beach, FL . 2026 NBAA Maintenance Conference; May 5-7, 2026; New Orleans, LA . World Aviation Training Summit - 5-7 May 2026 - Orlando . 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 . IATA World Maintenance & Engineering Symposium (23-25 June, Madrid, Spain) . ISASI - 2026 (September/October 2026) - Dubai, UAE . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV Curt Lewis