Close Call Between Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 and US Air Force T-38 Jet

A close call occurred between a Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 and a US Air Force T-38 jet near Reagan National Airport. The Delta plane received an onboard alert and air traffic controllers issued corrective instructions to both aircraft to avoid a collision.

Mid-Air Collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

A mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport resulted in 67 fatalities, prompting the NTSB to call for urgent safety recommendations due to the close proximity of helicopters and commercial planes in the airspace. The FAA has been urged to prohibit helicopter operations near DCA under certain conditions.

Shortage of Air Traffic Controllers and Flight Safety Concerns

Elon Musk calls for retired air traffic controllers to return to work to address shortage in skilled aviation workers. Concerns over flight safety grow following a deadly plane crash and near-misses. Transportation Secretary fires 400 FAA staffers after recent mishaps.

Transportation Secretary Announces Pay Increase for Air Traffic Controllers

Transportation Secretary announced a 30% pay increase for entry-level air traffic controllers to address outdated pay structure and technology. President Trump's administration seeks to boost recruitment in the aviation industry. Recent near-miss runway incident at Chicago Midway airport discussed with NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy on Fox News.

Aviation Safety and FAA Oversight

Senator Cantwell discusses the DCA crash and emphasizes the importance of relying on NTSB investigation facts and supporting the aviation safety workforce. She calls for more aggressive oversight from the FAA.

President Trump's Criticism of Hiring Air Traffic Controllers with Disabilities

President Trump criticized previous administrations for hiring air traffic controllers with disabilities, but his own administration started such hiring in 2019. He falsely claimed to have raised safety standards for air traffic controllers during his first term.

President Trump's response to deadly midair collision

President Donald Trump offers prayers for journalists in White House briefing room following a deadly midair collision. Trump expresses grief and sorrow for the victims, highlights importance of hiring air traffic controllers based on competence, and signs executive order banning DEI hiring in FAA.

President Donald Trump criticizes DEI standards at FAA

President Donald Trump criticizes DEI standards at FAA following deadly in-air collision over Potomac River and blames Biden administration for lowering aviation standards. Trump reinstated higher qualification standards for air traffic controllers through an executive order.

Thanksgiving Week Travel Forecast

Thanksgiving week is expected to see record travel with nearly 80 million Americans traveling, mostly by car. Airports and highways are projected to be congested, potentially causing delays. TSA expects to screen 18.3 million people at U.S. airports, with Sunday predicted to be the busiest day. Air traffic controllers shortage may lead to flight delays. Remote work and changed travel patterns due to the pandemic have influenced the holiday travel period.

Burning Man attendees arriving in private planes at temporary airport

Despite a drop in ticket sales, wealthy individuals are still attending Burning Man in style, arriving in private planes at a temporary airport within the festival. The airport sees about 500 takeoffs and landings a day, with professional air traffic controllers ensuring safety. The airfield is rolled and watered nightly to maintain safety and reduce dust. Scenic flights are also offered for free to participants as part of the festival's trade economy.

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.

Record Airline Passenger Screenings in the U.S.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened a record 2.95 million airline passengers on a single day, coinciding with the Memorial Day weekend that marks the beginning of the U.S. summer travel season. Major U.S. airlines are forecasted to transport a record 271 million passengers this summer, up 6.3% from last year.