Air Travel in the U.S.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration screened a record number of airline passengers in a single day, with expectations of high travel volume during the 2024 Independence Day period. Major U.S. airlines are forecasting record summer travel, with an increase in daily flights and passengers compared to the previous year. The Federal Aviation Administration is facing challenges with a shortage of air traffic controllers, leading to concerns about congestion and delays at New York City-area airports.

Southwest Airlines Flight N8825Q Dutch Roll Incident

A Southwest Airlines passenger jet experienced a rare phenomenon known as Dutch roll at 38,000 feet, causing substantial damage. The FAA is investigating the incident with Boeing and the NTSB. The plane landed safely with no injuries reported.

FAA investigates Boeing and Airbus; G7 provides $50 billion loan to Ukraine

FAA investigates allegations of Boeing and Airbus using counterfeit titanium from China. President Biden and G7 leaders agree to provide Ukraine with $50 billion loan from frozen Russian assets for military aid, humanitarian support, and reconstruction.

Boeing's Safety and Quality Control Issues

Boeing faces scrutiny from the FAA after a door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max, leading to a 90-day review and a promise of sweeping changes to manufacturing operations to improve safety and quality control.

Skydiving Plane Crash in Missouri

A pilot and six passengers on a skydiving flight jumped from a small plane just before it crashed in a Missouri field. All occupants escaped safely before the crash.

Memorial Day Weekend Travel

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, millions are expected to travel, with traditional destinations like Florida, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles being popular choices. The FAA anticipates a surge in flights on Thursday, May 23. Weather may pose a threat to travel plans, with severe thunderstorms forecasted in certain areas. Travelers are advised to plan ahead, stay updated on traffic conditions, and ensure their vehicles are in good condition.

Memorial Day Weekend Travel

Memorial Day weekend travel is expected to be busy, with top destinations including Florida, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. The FAA is preparing for a surge in flights, and weather may impact travel plans.

SpaceX Starship Launch Complex at Kennedy Space Center

SpaceX is moving forward with plans to build a Starship launch complex at Kennedy Space Center, with the FAA beginning an Environmental Impact Statement for the project. The rocket's capabilities and potential impact on the environment are being evaluated as SpaceX aims to increase launch frequency and expand infrastructure.

Senate Passes $105 Billion Bill for Air Travel Safety and Customer Service

The Senate passed a $105 billion bill to improve safety and customer service for air travelers, preventing the FAA law from expiring. The bill aims to boost the number of air traffic controllers, improve safety standards, and make it easier for customers to get refunds after flight delays.

Funding Discrepancy Between Commercial Airlines and Space Companies

Commercial space companies are not currently required to pay into a fund that commercial airlines contribute to for safety inspections, despite their increasing use of FAA resources.

Boeing investigation for falsified inspection records on 787 planes

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating Boeing after workers at a South Carolina plant falsified inspection records on certain 787 planes. Boeing has taken corrective action and notified the FAA. No immediate safety of flight issue was reported.

Current Events

Israeli tanks take control of Gaza side of Rafah's border crossing into Egypt amid cease-fire negotiations with Hamas. Social Security's finances show slight improvement but trust fund expected to run out by 2033. FAA investigating Boeing over incomplete inspections. NPR reports on U.S. Customs and Border Protection's role in immigration debate. Met Gala raises funds for Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute.

Emergency Landing of Cessna on New York Beach

A single-engine airplane made an emergency landing on a beach in New York, with the pilot and passenger escaping unharmed. The incident is under investigation by the FAA.

Alaska Airlines weight and balance system issue

An issue with the weight and balance system of Alaska Airlines planes caused a temporary halt in all flights, which has now been resolved by the FAA.

Boeing Whistleblower Investigation

Boeing engineer blows the whistle on shortcuts in manufacturing widebody jet models 777 and 787 Dreamliner, raising concerns about safety and lifespan of planes. FAA investigating claims, Senate committee to hold hearing. Boeing disputes allegations, says planes are safe to fly.

Delta Airlines wing clipping incident at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

Two Delta airplanes clipped wings on the runway at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, causing delays but no injuries to passengers or employees. The incident is under investigation by the FAA and Delta.

U.S. Aviation Regulation

The U.S. FAA is considering measures to curb growth at United Airlines due to safety incidents, potentially preventing new routes and flying customers on newly delivered aircraft.

Increased Federal Oversight of United Airlines

Federal regulators are increasing their oversight of United Airlines after a series of recent safety issues, including a piece of the outer fuselage falling off one jet, an engine fire, and a plane losing a tire during takeoff.

Hot-air balloon crash in Minnesota

A hot-air balloon crashed into a power line in Minnesota, causing the basket to detach with three passengers on board. The passengers had a lucky escape with only minor injuries reported. The incident is under investigation by the FAA and NTSB.

Boeing's Safety Concerns with 737 Max 9 Aircraft

Boeing faces safety concerns as a 737 Max 9 loses a rear door plug midflight, leading to grounding and renewed questions about quality and safety standards. FAA orders inspections and maintenance processes for affected aircraft. Whistleblower allegations and lack of cooperation in investigations raise further issues for Boeing. Tragic death of former Boeing quality control manager involved in legal battle with the company.

Boeing's Impact on U.S. Airline Industry

Boeing's largest U.S. airline customers are facing disruptions in their 2024 network plans due to the manufacturer's growing regulatory and legal problems, resulting in significant delays in aircraft production and delivery schedules.

FAA investigating loss of panel before Boeing 737-800 landed safely in Oregon

The FAA is investigating how a United Airlines Boeing 737-800 lost an external panel before landing safely in Oregon. No emergency was declared, and the plane will undergo repairs before returning to service.

Small Plane Crash in Oregon

A small plane crash in Oregon killed a married couple from Idaho. The crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Small Plane Crash in Central Oregon

A small plane crash in central Oregon has killed everyone on board, with no survivors. The crash involved a Piper PA-32 and is currently under investigation by the NTSB and FAA.

DOJ Probe into Alaska Airlines Flight Door Plug Incident

The Department of Justice is opening a probe into an Alaska Airlines flight where a door plug blew out mid-flight, potentially holding Boeing and the airline accountable. Investigators are contacting passengers and crew members, and the FAA had previously grounded Boeing 737 Max jets after fatal incidents.

Boeing 737 Max Quality Control Issues

Boeing 737 Max faces quality control issues and design flaws, leading to concerns among pilots and regulators. Critics point to rushed production and ongoing safety concerns, with the FAA giving Boeing 90 days to come up with a plan for improvements.

Boeing 737 Max Program Management Shake-Up

Boeing's head of the 737 Max program is leaving in a management shake-up following a January mishap that damaged the company's reputation. The incident involved a plane's door panel blowing out midair, prompting FAA action. This comes after previous crashes involving Max planes. Alaska and United Airlines have returned Max 9s to service, but doubts remain about the future with Boeing Max planes.