Flight Safety Information - August 2, 2023 No. 148 In This Issue : Incident: Skywest E175 at State College on Jul 28th 2023, temporary runway excursion on landing : Incident: Lufthansa A320 at Hamburg on Jul 31st 2023, bird strike : Cessna 650 Citation VII - crashed into the Bay of Campeche (Mexico) : Turkmen airline suspends Moscow flights over safety concerns : Is there a doctor on board? Usually, yes. Here's why. | Cruising Altitude : Woman banned from United Airlines after wine uproar forced landing : I learned the hard way that U.S. airlines are not currently required to have EpiPens : Harvard Flight Attendant Health Study – Fourth Wave : Trainer Aircraft In Demand Amid Pilot Shortage : Allegiant Air aims to solve pilot shortage by introducing aviation to youth, more programs : Inside Destination 225°: Southwest Airlines’ Pilot Recruitment Program : What Was The World's First Private Jet? Incident: Skywest E175 at State College on Jul 28th 2023, temporary runway excursion on landing A Skywest Embraer ERJ-175 on behalf of United, registration N107SY performing flight UA-5328 from Chicago O'Hare,IL to State College,PA (USA), landed on State College's runway 24 at 21:33L (01:33Z Jul 29th), however, the left main gear went temporarily off the runway. The aircraft returned to the center line and taxied to the apron. The FAA reported: "AIRCRAFT LANDED AND LEFT MAIN GEAR WENT OFF THE RUNWAY, STATE COLLEGE, PA.", there were no injuries and no damage. https://avherald.com/h?article=50c8107a&opt=0 Incident: Lufthansa A320 at Hamburg on Jul 31st 2023, bird strike A Lufthansa Airbus A320-200, registration D-AIUG performing flight LH-2069 from Hamburg to Munich (Germany), was climbing out of Hamburg's runway 23 when the crew stopped the climb at about 5300 feet and descended to 3000 feet. The aircraft returned to Hamburg for a safe landing on runway 15 about 16 minutes after departure. A passenger reported the aircraft began to experience vibrations shortly after what the passenger thought was V1. The aircraft subsequently climbed out shallowly and quickly returned to Hamburg where emergency services were on stand by. The crew later told them that it appears there were two dented fan blades and the remains of multiple sparrows were visible in the engine core. A replacement A321 took them to Munich - that crew told them, the aircraft was to be positioned to Munich and was already at the holding point to depart when they were called back to the apron to pick the passengers up. A replacement Airbus A321-100 registration D-AIRH reached Munich with a delay of about 2 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=50c805bf&opt=0 Cessna 650 Citation VII - crashed into the Bay of Campeche (Mexico) Date: Friday 28 July 2023 Time: 20:50 Type: Cessna 650 Citation VII Operator: Unknown Registration: XB-VFJ MSN: 650-7053 First flight: 1993 Engines: 2 Garrett TFE731 Crew: Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2 Passengers: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1 Total: Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 3 Aircraft damage: Destroyed Aircraft fate: Written off (damaged beyond repair) Location: off Veracruz ( Mexico) Phase: Initial climb (ICL) Nature: Executive Departure airport: Veracruz-General Heriberto Jara Corona International Airport (VER/MMVR), Mexico Destination airport: Toluca Airport (TLC/MMTO), Mexico Narrative: A Cessna 650 Citation VII, XB-VFJ, was crashed into the Bay of Campeche shortly after takeoff from Veracruz International Airport (VER), Mexico. The aircraft took off from runway 01 at 20:47 local time. ADS-B data suggests it began a rapid descent after crossing the coast line until data stopped at 20:50. http://www.aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20230728-0 Turkmen airline suspends Moscow flights over safety concerns ASHGABAT, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Turkmenistan's flagship airline has suspended flights to Moscow, it said on Wednesday, citing safety concerns after Ukrainian drone attacks on the Russian capital. "Due to the situation in the Moscow air zone, and based on a risk assessment in order to ensure flight safety, all Turkmenistan Airlines flights on the Ashgabat-Moscow-Ashgabat route will be suspended," the airline said in a statement. Turkmenistan Airlines said it would now fly instead to Kazan, which is more than 700 km (440 miles) east of Moscow. Russia says it has shot down Ukrainian drones near and over Moscow in the past few days, though there are no reports of anybody being hurt. A high-rise building in Moscow's business district that houses three Russian government ministries was struck by a drone on Tuesday for the second time in three days. Ukraine has drawn satisfaction from the attacks, though without directly claiming responsibility for them. The drone attacks prompted Vnukovo, one of Moscow's airports, to close briefly but it later resumed full operations. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/turkmen-airline-suspends-moscow-flights-over-safety-concerns-2023-08-02/ Is there a doctor on board? Usually, yes. Here's why. | Cruising Altitude We all know those announcements, if not from our own travels then at least from movies and TV shows. “Is there a doctor onboard?” And the thing is, the answer is pretty much always yes. A doctor may not always be seated in the cabin on your flight, but most commercial airlines are aware that inflight medical emergencies can happen (I’ve written about one or two such instances myself in my time at USA TODAY) and most carriers contract with on-the-ground experts in emergency medicine at altitude. In addition to onboard medical kits, services like MedAire and STAT-MD provide flight crews with physicians to guide them in evaluating and stabilizing passengers who are having medical episodes onboard or even on the ground before a flight. “It’s an invaluable tool to be able to assess and treat passengers,” Seth Heiple, an air safety, health and security representative at the Association of Flight Attendants and a crewmember at a major U.S. airline, told USA TODAY. How do air-to-ground medical hotlines work? According to TJ Doyle, medical director of STAT-MD, every airline has slightly different procedures around inflight medical emergencies but the basics on every call are the same, whether they, whether take place through an air-to-ground radio patch via the airline’s dispatch center or a satellite phone link or internet app. Usually the first step is a doctor familiar with aviation medicine conducting an evaluation. “We get information on passenger demographics, age, sex and what the symptoms are, any other circumstances that occurred, any history that’s available, anything that’s already been done for the passenger, and then the physician will make a recommendation on a further course of action,” Doyle said. Heiple said MedAire, the provider his airline contracts with, is rolling out a diagnostic app that can help flight crews begin the process of evaluating the passenger and send information to the doctors on the ground more quickly. “The technology is making things even easier,” he said, especially as high-speed satellite internet becomes available on more flights. Doyle added that in many cases, doctors on the ground will have a sample of the medical kit available onboard, which he said can be especially important when volunteer doctors on the flight become involved in treatment. “We can say ‘oh the medication we’re recommending is in the orange pouch of the kit and it’s in a silver foil packaging,’ ” he said. Volunteers who are qualified and do offer to assist during an in-flight emergency are protected from liability under Good Samaritan laws. Doyle emphasized that STAT-MD and other ground-based medical providers can only offer recommendations about treatment or flight plans. It’s ultimately up to the captain, air traffic controllers and flight crews to decide if their suggestions are feasible. “All I can do is make a recommendation,” he said. “If I recommend that they continue on but the captain wants to divert, then they divert because it’s the captain’s call.” Heiple, however said flight crews typically listen to the doctors’ advice. “If MedAir makes a recommendation it’s generally followed,” he said. “As soon as we start the process of contacting MedAir we notify the pilots. They’ll immediately start looking for diversion options.” How air-to-ground medical hotlines keep passengers safe. What are the most common medical conditions that occur in flight? Doyle said STAT-MD received around 15,000 emergency calls from airlines in 2022, and that the most common issues are fainting, respiratory symptoms and nausea or vomiting. “There’s a passenger, they get on the plane, maybe they’re rushing through the airport, maybe they didn’t have anything to eat or drink before, or they had a few glasses of wine and they’re vasodilated and they get up to use the bathroom and then they pass out, that’s one of the most common issues we get,” he said. Do these services provide pre-flight screening as well? Companies like MedAire and STAT-MD can also advise flight crews if a passenger is fit to travel before they even board – all it takes is a call from an airline employee at the gate. “Do we think this person is safe to travel based on what happened to them?” Doyle said. “That can get nuanced because you can have the same situation but based on the flight there might be different recommendations.” For example, he said, a person with some mild symptoms may be cleared to take a short domestic flight but could be advised against traveling on a longer international service, especially one that flies over the oceans or the poles. “It’s inconvenient for the passenger, but it’s really for the safety of other passengers and us, and it reduces diversions, which are inconvenient for everybody. They’re safer to be on the ground,” Heiple said. What do passengers need to know? Although airlines have medical resources available, Doyle said it’s better if passengers don’t travel with the mindset of relying on them. “If you’re a passenger traveling, there’s no medical condition that gets better at altitude. If you’re not doing well on the ground, you’re probably going to do at least as bad or worse in the air,” Doyle said. “You’re getting onboard a commercial airliner, you’re not getting onboard an air ambulance. Even though there are some resources available, they might be limited.” https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/columnist/2023/08/02/air-ground-medical-hotline-cruising-altitude/70506707007/ Woman banned from United Airlines after wine uproar forced landing United Airlines has temporarily banned a woman from flying with it after she allegedly caused pilots to divert a flight to Los Angeles after an argument with flight attendants about wine. The woman, who has not been identified, caused a “disruptive” scene on the July 25 flight from Houston when she “refused to follow the flight attendant’s instructions to return to her seat,” United Airlines said in a statement. The melee caused the LA-bound flight to divert to Phoenix. Videos of the uproar shared on social media captured the moment a flight attendant warned the woman to take her seat or the flight would be forced to land in Arizona. “Sit down,” the attendant repeatedly screamed at the woman, who continued to talk over him and tried calling his bluff. “Just land,” she can be heard saying while trying to talk about a spat she was having with another passenger. One of the flight attendants appeared exasperated arguing with the woman, urging her to take her seat or she would be leaving the airport in handcuffs. A woman forced a United Airlines flight to divert after she refused to take her seat and tried calling the flight attendants' bluff. He also accused the woman of drinking before boarding the plane. “I knew you were drinking wine … and I still let you board,” he told her. “I tried to help you.” The woman was also seen arguing with other passengers who yelled at her for causing their flight to be diverted. The videos were uploaded by TikTok user Blake Perkins, who commented that his travel plans were ruined by the “Karen.” The flight attendants yelled at her to sit down, but the woman kept refusing and dared them to land the plane. “Another video of the karen who couldn’t get her wine. We had to land the plane so she could get escorted off and causing us even more delays than we already had. Over wine,” Perkins wrote. United Airlines said the woman was met by law enforcement in Phoenix and removed from the plane, which continued its trip to Los Angeles later in the evening. “The customer has been barred from future United flights while we review this matter,” the airline said in a statement. The incident is only the latest in a trend of unruly passengers disturbing flights for airlines across the nation, with United seeing another high-profile case earlier this month when a business class passenger on a trans-Atlantic flight began harassing attendants because he didn’t receive his preferred choice of an in-flight meal. The Federal Aviation Administration has recorded about 857 cases of unruly passengers in the first half of 2023. https://nypost.com/2023/08/01/disruptive-passenger-temporarily-banned-from-united-airlines-after-uproar-over-wine/ I learned the hard way that U.S. airlines are not currently required to have EpiPens Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening medical emergency and has to be treated with epinephrine, sometimes delivered through an EpiPen, as soon as possible. Iwas in seat 20C on a flight home this March, when I felt my throat closing. Minutes earlier, hives had appeared on my face and chest. As a physician, I knew exactly what these symptoms meant: anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction so precipitously fatal that putting a breathing tube down someone’s throat is sometimes necessary. What I needed was an epinephrine autoinjector, also known as an EpiPen, but neither the airplane emergency medical kit nor any other passenger had one. The kit did have a glass vial of epinephrine, but without someone to safely administer it with a syringe it was useless. My family helplessly watched me struggle to breathe. We were still 30 minutes from landing. I’m alive today because another physician happened to be on my flight and knew how to safely give epinephrine from the glass vial stocked in the kit. But if this happens to you or your loved ones on a flight, you might not be so lucky. The Federal Aviation Administration must require airlines to include epinephrine autoinjectors in their emergency medical kits to save passengers’ lives. An estimated 32 million Americans have food allergies, and each year 200,000 of them require emergency medical care. Adults can develop new allergies, as I did, though my trigger still remains unknown. Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, is a life-threatening medical emergency and has to be treated with epinephrine as soon as possible. The glass vial of epinephrine planes carry is hard to use, and administering it safely involves multiple time-consuming steps that require medical knowledge. But anyone can use epinephrine autoinjectors, which take less than 10 seconds to give and commonly come with instructions, making them a safer and more practical treatment for inflight emergencies. My nearly fatal story can happen to anyone and may have a worse ending if epinephrine autoinjectors or a clinician is not onboard. I was lucky there was epinephrine in any form onboard at all. The FAA allows planes to fly without a complete emergency medical kit onboard due to exemptions they’ve granted to airlines since 2016. A complete emergency medical kit, defined and last updated by the FAA almost 20 years ago, contains a minimum of 25 instruments and multiple lifesaving medications including epinephrine (but only in a vial form), atropine, dextrose, and lidocaine. But airline lobbying groups or individual airlines can apply for an exemption “for use during temporary supply shortages.” Those “temporary” exemptions last for four years and can then be renewed. It’s true that epinephrine autoinjectors were in shortage beginning in 2018. The FDA tracks drug shortages online and a search for epinephrine autoinjectors shows the status as resolved which, by its definition, indicates “a situation in which the market demand is covered and no supply issues are anticipated by the manufacturers.” As a physician, it is highly concerning that in the letter granting the 2016 exemption epinephrine is described as “a medication mainly used for cardiac resuscitation,” with no mention of anaphylaxis or allergies anywhere in the entire 13-page document. Perhaps an accurate and complete understanding of the emergency uses of epinephrine should be considered before asserting that not including it any form onboard “would not adversely affect safety.” I know from professional and personal experience this is an untrue and dangerous policy that puts all of us at risk. The true motivation behind airlines pursuing these exemptions is likely cost, as a glass vial of epinephrine, like the one of my flight, retails for about $5, while an epinephrine autoinjector can cost up to a couple of hundred dollars. If you flew Frontier Airlines in June or July of 2017, your trip may have been one of almost 800 during which 11 of their planes flew with incomplete emergency kits that did not have any epinephrine, atropine that treats slow heart rates, or both onboard. The FAA threatened a $474,000 penalty against Frontier Airlines for continuing to fly with incomplete emergency medical kits after this was discovered, but it eventually granted it an exemption as it was not included in the airlines represented in the 2016 request. Crowdsourcing for lifesaving medications like epinephrine autoinjectors and hoping someone onboard will have had medical training is not a safe or acceptable emergency preparedness strategy. The FAA must update its emergency medical kit requirements to include epinephrine autoinjectors immediately. Too many lives are at stake in waiting for the current exemption to expire next year or worse, risking it being renewed for another four years. The FAA’s authorization expires in September. The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2023 offers a perfect opportunity to update the requirements for emergency medical kits. Until the FAA requires epinephrine autoinjectors to be included in commercial airlines’ emergency medical kits, we all take a grave risk of losing much more than our luggage each time we fly. https://www.statnews.com/2023/08/01/epipens-epinephrine-autoinjector-planes-airlines-faa/ Harvard Flight Attendant Health Study – Fourth Wave (This is a message from researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health regarding the Harvard Flight Attendant Health Study. For any inquiries about the study, please reach out to the researchers directly at fahealth@hsph.harvard.edu.) Launched in 2007, the Flight Attendant Health Study aims to enhance knowledge that can lead to improved working conditions for flight crew members in both the U.S. and Internationally. Flight Attendants represent a group of workers who have received limited attention in research. According to the study Flight Attendants are maybe exposed to various physical and psychosocial stressors, including cosmic ionizing radiation, higher ozone levels, stressful interactions with passengers, reduced oxygenation (hypoxia), potentially severe disruption to circadian rhythms, and other exposures. On June 26, 2023, we commenced the fourth wave of the study, and it is crucial to have as many Flight Attendants as possible participating to accurately represent the characteristics and experiences of flight crews. The primary goal of the study is to understand the prevalence of deleterious health conditions among current and retired U.S. and international flight crew members, particularly in light of the pandemic and its aftermath. The intent of the study is to address some of the stressors present in Flight Attendant work that contribute to early-onset illnesses and diseases. We need your participation! Please take a few moments to complete the survey using the QR code provided or by visiting bit.ly/fahs, and kindly share this survey with your flying partners. Please take the survey at bit.ly/fahs and share widely with your colleagues. https://unitedafa.org/news/2023/8/1/harvard-flight-attendant-health-study-fourth-wave Trainer Aircraft In Demand Amid Pilot Shortage OSHKOSH—Demand for training aircraft was front and center at EAA AirVenture 2023, marked by announcements of hundreds of orders by manufacturers and at least one launch of a new training program. Tecnam held a launch ceremony for its P-Mentor two-seat aircraft dedicated to the training market, announcing orders from Kilo Charlie Aviation near Kansas City for 30 aircraft; Epic Sky Aviation in Des Moines, Iowa, for 15; the Vermont Flight Academy in Burlington, Vermont, with an order for three; and Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, with an initial order for 15 plus an option for Tecnam 2006T twin-engine aircraft. FAA certification of the P-Mentor is expected soon. La Rochelle, France-based Elixer Aircraft, displayed its two-seat carbon trainer during AirVenture, and highlighted an order for 100 from Sierra Charlie Aviation with deliveries beginning in early 2025. EASA CS-23 certified, the company expects FAA Part-23 certification soon. Fifteen aircraft are in service in Europe and #45 is currently on the production line, officials say. There is a shortage of single-engine aircraft available, says Mike Tonklin, Elixer Aircraft business development director for North America, with more aircraft going to the scrapyard per day than new aircraft coming into service. “The fleet needs modern aircraft,” Tonklin says. Boeing is forecasting demand for 2.3 million new commercial pilots over the next 20 years—not counting the need from the business aviation or the Advanced Air Mobility industries, the company said during a media conference at AirVenture. The analysis predicts global demand for 649,000 pilots—or 32,300 pilots per year, says Chris Broom, Boeing Global Services vice president of commercial training solutions, when speaking with members of the media. Over the next 10 years, more than 25% of commercial pilots in the workforce will reach mandatory retirement age. The pilot shortage means training institutions are working to grow as fast as possible, says Chris Crowe, Textron Aviation vice president of sales for piston products. The majority of the company’s single-engine products are being delivered to large flight schools. Piper Aircraft, based in Vero Beach, Florida, announced orders at AirVenture for nearly 100 Piper Archer DX and TX aircraft valued at $50 million from four flight schools, including three based in India. “For Piper, India, is one of the fastest growing commercial aviation markets and is expected to remain so for the foreseeable future,” Ron Gunnarson, Piper vice president of sales, marketing and customer support, said during a press conference at the show. Most recently, Air India signed deals with Airbus and Boeing at the Paris Air Show in June for 470 commercial airliners valued at $70 billion based on list prices with an option for 70 additional aircraft. Skynex Aero in New Delhi ordered 27 Archer DX diesel-powered aircraft for delivery in 2024 and 2025; Dunes Aviation Academy based in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, placed an order for 10 aircraft for delivery in 2024, while Vman Aero Services based in Mumbai, has 10 aircraft on order for delivery in 2024. Sierra Charlie Aviation, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, has ordered 50 Archer TX trainers amid plans to expand from two locations to four within the year. Deliveries are scheduled are to begin in 2036 and conclude in 2030. https://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/maintenance-training/trainer-aircraft-demand-amid-pilot-shortage Allegiant Air aims to solve pilot shortage by introducing aviation to youth, more programs • Allegiant Air is offering several programs to combat the ongoing pilot shortage, a big goal for the carrier is to introduce aviation to children. LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — It’s a problem impacting everyone. A nationwide pilot shortage is threatening domestic travel. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 18,000 openings for pilots are projected per year. But the Federal Aviation Administration only issued about half that number of pilot licenses between 2017 and 2021. Airline Allegiant Air is working to combat the pilot shortage through several programs, including introducing aviation at a young age. On Tuesday, more than 20 children from the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada got on board with Allegiant Air. They had the chance to ask actual pilots about cockpit life and maneuver the flight simulator. “This partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of America has been a long time coming,” said Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Keith Hansen. “But seeing the kids today, the looks on their faces as they climb into a simulator or a cabin trainer, you just can’t put on price on that.” Piloting young people to opportunities in the skies is one of the goals at Allegiant Air. That’s why the company recently pledged $1 million to the Boys and Clubs of America for a new program to inspire aviation careers. The program is one of several at Allegiant designed to combat the pilot shortage. “We’ve been at the forefront of that conversation for a long time,” Hansen said. “We know it’s going to be a major issue for several cities if we run short of pilots, so we’re here trying to do everything we can.” This year, Allegiant also launched three other programs. It’s called the Accelerate, Altitude and Military Pilot Pathway programs, designed to expedite the time it takes to become a commercial pilot. Captain Katie Whatley has been a pilot with Allegiant Air for 13 years. She believes the early spark can turn into a lifelong career because that’s what happened to her. “My uncle had a plane, and he took me up in it. I thought it was really fun,” Whatley said. “When kids see people who look like them doing these jobs, hopefully that encourages them.” Andy Bischel, CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada, believes experiences like this can set up a successful future for children and teenagers. “These experiences are critical for a young child to see,” Bischel said. Allegiant Air estimates at the current rate pilots are entering the industry, there could be a shortage of 30,000 pilots by the year 2030. https://www.ktnv.com/news/allegiant-air-aims-to-solve-pilot-shortage-by-introducing-aviation-to-youth-more-programs Inside Destination 225°: Southwest Airlines’ Pilot Recruitment Program A look at how the low-cost airline is allowing people to let their dreams take flight. SUMMARY • Southwest Airlines' career program, Destination 225°, offers four pathways for aspiring pilots, including Cadet, Employee, University, and Military. • The Cadet pathway is designed for individuals with no previous experience and includes classroom training, flight hours, and licenses. • Candidates will likely need to relocate for the program, possibly more than once, as each pathway has different requirements. Southwest Airlines' career program, Destination 225°, has helped aspiring pilots achieve their dreams. The program, launched in 2019, consists of four distinct pathways, catering to people who have no previous experience to those who have flown in the military. The program's name comes from a compass rose, as 225° is the southwest heading. The Dallas-based airline said it is designed to create opportunities to take future aviators to the right seat of its Boeing 737 aircraft. "How to fly the Southwest Way" The four pathways in Destination 225° include Cadet, Employee, University, and Military. In a statement, Southwest explained how the program will benefit the airline. “Today, we’re fortunate to attract top candidates to fill our Pilot positions at Southwest Airlines; however, we see a potential shortage ahead. [...] Destination 225° will help us reduce our dependency on the open market by creating opportunities for future pilots to be trained on how to fly and, specifically, how to fly the Southwest Way.” The Cadet pathway is for those who do not have any previous experience as an airline pilot. The program lasts four to five years and is in partnership with CAE, a high technology company that provides training for civil aviation and defense industries. Southwest also partners with private jet companies XOJET Aviation and Jet Linx. According to CAE, the Cadet pathway course is comprised of two phases. In the first phase, participants will learn the fundamentals of flight and complete approximately 165 hours of classroom and computer-based training. About 258 hours are then dedicated to single and multi-engine flight, aircraft, and simulator training. After the first phase, cadets will receive their commercial pilot license course with instrument rating on multi-engine. In the second phase, around 100 hours consist of classroom training and 20 hours are aircraft training. Cadets also get their Certified Flight Instructor - FAA CFI(A) License and Certified Flight Instrument Instructor - FAA CFII(A) License. The Cadet pathway takes place in Phoenix, Arizona, and is very competitive, costing less than $100,000, according to Southwest. Current Southwest employees can take advantage of the Employee pathway, which provides training through CAE and the US Aviation Academy. University and Military pathways Collegiate aviators who attend the carrier's partner university or complete a Southwest Campus Reach Internship are lined up perfectly for the University pathway. The airline is working to collaborate with the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, and Arizona State University. The Military pathway is designed to bridge the gap for active military pilots that have not met the minimums to begin a career as an airline pilot. The program can help participants develop skills and experience for fixed-wing airline operations if they have transitioned to a staff assignment or have experience as a rotor/powerlift military pilot. Southwest offers the Military pathway thanks to a partnership with Bell Murray Aerospace, an FAA 142 Training Center. Since the pathway is designed to meet candidates at their level of experience, the cost will vary. No application fees Those interested in applying can fill out an interest form on the carrier's careers website. There is no fee to apply for Destination 225°, but Southwest said candidates advancing through the selection process would be responsible for all costs incurred, such as obtaining a USDOT/FAA First-Class Medical Certificate, completing an aptitude assessment, and travel accommodations. The airline also said that selected candidates must relocate for the program, possibly more than once, as each pathway has different requirements. https://simpleflying.com/southwest-airlines-destination-225/?newsletter_popup=1 What Was The World's First Private Jet? Lockheed launched an early private quadjet, but Learjet popularized the private jet. People have been flying privately since the earliest days of aviation. The first commercial aircraft, coming out of use after the First World War, would only carry one passenger - essentially making all air travel at the time private! However, the concept of an exclusive jet for personal use instead of shared commercial flying started to develop in the 1950s, with Learjet launching the first popular private jet in the early 1960s. The Lockheed JetStar - 1957 The first official private jet to be launched was the Lockheed JetStar. This aircraft was relatively large, carrying up to 10 passengers and two crew; it was also a four-engine quadjet. Lockheed developed the aircraft originally for a US military contract, but it was switched to private use later. Over time, it became famous for both private and military use. Elvis Presley owned a JetStar aircraft in the 1970s, Hound Dog II (alongside the Convair 880, Lisa Marie). It remains on display at Graceland. The JetStar was Lockheed's only ever business jet. It remained in production up to 1980, with 202 aircraft built. At least in the early years, there was limited private uptake, with most examples serving militarily. While it was the first private jet, it was not the first successful model of such aircraft. The Learjet 23 - 1964 The first truly popular private jet was the Learjet 23. Bill Lear saw the market potential for this in the 1960s and set out to design a small, fast business jet based partly on inspiration from some military jets. The Learjet 23 first flew in October 1963 and entered private service in October 1964. It is a very recognizable jet. It introduced the unusual two-panel cockpit window that remained a feature of most Learjet aircraft and also has just one main cabin window on each side, being the smallest of these jets produced. Learjet's first twinjet was made entirely of metal and could accommodate four to six passengers and two pilots. Powered by General Electric CJ 610-1 turbojet engines, the aircraft could reach a maximum speed of 903 kilometers per hour. The Learjet 23 was a small aircraft for just four to six people. This smaller size, lower cost, higher speed, and easier maintenance made it more suitable for the early business and private jet market than the JetStar. Equally importantly, the image and brand became popular. Celebrities and VIPs wanted to be seen flying in the aircraft, which helped market it for private and business flying. Production of the model carried on until 1966, with just over 100 aircraft delivered. These were good numbers for the time, especially as an aircraft for a new market. Learjet quickly followed with the Learjet 24 (pictured below) and Learjet 25, of which 259 and 369 units were built, respectively. Following a merger with Gates Aviation in 1967, the company continued with the even larger Learjet 28 and its long-range counterpart, the Learjet 29. https://simpleflying.com/what-was-the-worlds-first-private-jet/ Curt Lewis