Flight Safety Information - April 22, 2025 No. 081 In This Issue : Incident: Jetblue A321 at Boston on Apr 21st 2025, landing gear issue due to hydraulic failure : Incident: Argentinas B737 near Buenos Aires on Apr 19th 2025, first officer's instruments blank : Incident: Philippines AirAsia A320 at Manila on Apr 17th 2025, engine trouble : Airbus A330-323 - Engine Fire (Florida) : Key safety notification system for pilots to be replaced years ahead of schedule : Schumer demands DOT protect pilot training rule after Flight 3407 crash : FAA head nominee raises concerns with past pushback on airline pilot 1,500 hour requirement : FAA upgrades Thailand to CAT1, Clears Thai Airlines for US flights : UN aviation body to censure North Korea over GPS jamming near Incheon airport : Another Singapore Airlines Passenger Charged for Molesting Flight Attendant : Lockheed Gets $180 Million to Convert Three F-35 Jets to Test Aircraft : Airlines for America Welcomes Paul Rinaldi as Senior Vice President of Operations and Safety to Drive Critical Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Control Reforms : The Current State of Airline Hiring : Boeing eases latest 737 MAX headache - a shortage of nuts and bolts : Calendar of Events Incident: Jetblue A321 at Boston on Apr 21st 2025, landing gear issue due to hydraulic failure A Jetblue Airbus A321-200, registration N955JB performing flight B6-861 from Boston,MA (USA) to San Juan (Puerto Rico) with 208 people on board, was climbing out of Boston's runway 09 when the crew levelled off at 5000 feet reporting they had an issue. Subsequently the crew advised they had an issue with the landing gear and a few minutes later declared emergency reporting they had a hydraulic failure. The aircraft entered a hold while the crew was working the related checklists and returned to Boston for a safe landing on runway 04 about 45 minutes after departure. The FAA reported: "JetBlue Flight 861 returned safely to Boston Logan International Airport around 8:05 a.m. local time on Monday, April 21, after the crew reported a possible hydraulic issue. The Airbus A321 was headed to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico. The FAA will investigate." A replacement A321-200 registration N999JQ is estimated to reach San Juan with a delay of about 2.5 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=526c3cee&opt=0 Incident: Argentinas B737 near Buenos Aires on Apr 19th 2025, first officer's instruments blank An Aerolineas Argentinas Boeing 737-700, registration LV-CBF performing flight AR-1360 from Buenos Aires Aeroparque,BA (Argentina) to Bogota (Colombia), was enroute at FL350 about 220nm north of Buenos Aires when the crew decided to return to Buenos Aires Aeroparque after the instruments of the first officer went dark. The aircraft entered a holds at FL100 to burn off fuel and landed safely on Aeroparque's runway 13 about 4 hours after departure. A replacement Boeing 737-700 registration LV-BZO reached Bogota with a delay of about 6:15 hours. The occurrence aircraft returned to service about 20 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=526c2f58&opt=0 Incident: Philippines AirAsia A320 at Manila on Apr 17th 2025, engine trouble A Philippines AirAsia Airbus A320-200, registration RP-C8964 performing flight Z2-430 from Manila to Puerto Princesa (Philippines) with 166 passengers and 6 crew, was climbing out of Manila's runway 06 when the crew stopped the climb at 6000 feet reporting an engine (CFM56) problem and returned to Manila for a safe landing on runway 06 about 13 minutes after departure. A replacement A320-200 registration RP-C8976 reached Puerto Princesa with a delay of about 2.5 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Manila about 35 hours after landing. Philippines CAAP reported an engine issue prompting the crew to return to Manila. https://avherald.com/h?article=526a4569&opt=0 Airbus A330-323 - Engine Fire (Florida) Date: Monday 21 April 2025 Time: Type: Airbus A330-323 Owner/operator: Delta Air Lines Registration: N807NW MSN: 588 Year of manufacture: 2004 Engine model: P&W PW4168A Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 294 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Minor Location: Orlando International Airport, FL (MCO/KMCO) - United States of America Phase: Pushback / towing Nature: Passenger - Scheduled Departure airport: Orlando International Airport, FL (MCO/KMCO) Destination airport: Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, GA (ATL/KATL) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: Delta Air Lines flight DL1213, an Airbus A330-323, was starting the no.2 engine after pushback at Orlando Airport, Florida (MCO) when the engine briefly emitted flames. An evacuation was carried out. Videos recorded by the passengers showed damage to two right wing flaps fairings which partially caught fire and were burnt. https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/500607 Key safety notification system for pilots to be replaced years ahead of schedule A key aviation safety system that failed twice in the last three years and caused the only US airspace shutdown since 9/11 will be replaced years ahead of schedule, the Trump administration says. The Federal Aviation Administration’s Notice to Airmen, or NOTAM system, was slated to be replaced in 2030. Now, the FAA says a new, modernized system will be online by September. “The FAA used a streamlined, innovative vendor challenge to cut through red tape to get this critical work done as fast as possible,” the agency said in a news release. NOTAMs are bulletins that all pilots are required to read before taking off. They include critical safety information such as runway and taxiway closures. The system failed in January 2023, triggering the FAA to institute a nationwide ground stop the following morning, which led to thousands of flight delays. An outage on February 1 of this year led the FAA to use a backup system, but officials said there was “minimal disruption” to flights. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen multiple system outages ground regional air travel, create extensive delays, and otherwise ruin the flying experience for the American people,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement. “NOTAM modernization is the first step as we work to deliver an all-new air traffic control system that makes air travel safer and more efficient.” The FAA said it awarded the contract to CGI Federal, Inc., a subsidiary of the Canadian IT firm CGI. This is not the first time the Trump administration has focused on changing the NOTAM system. In February, an FAA order revised the Biden-era name change to “Notice to Air Missions,” which was created in 2021, on the grounds that it was “inclusive of all aviators and missions.” https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/21/travel/key-safety-notification-system-for-pilots-to-be-replaced-years-ahead-of-schedule/index.html Schumer demands DOT protect pilot training rule after Flight 3407 crash U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is calling on Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to publicly commit to preserving key flight safety regulations, including the 1,500-hour pilot training rule, and to meet with the families of Flight 3407—a group that helped enact the current air safety laws following the 2009 crash near Buffalo that killed 50 people. Schumer’s demand comes amid growing scrutiny of Trump’s FAA nominee, Bryan Bedford, who has a long history of lobbying to roll back aviation safety rules, including the 1,500-hour standard that was established after the Colgan Air disaster. “The memory of those we lost on Flight 3407 has become a blessing that protects millions of travelers. We cannot let anyone undo that progress,” Schumer said. What is the 1,500-hour rule? Enacted under the Airline Safety and FAA Extension Act of 2010, the rule requires first officers (co-pilots) to log at least 1,500 flight hours before earning an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. It’s widely credited with improving safety standards across regional airlines. Since its adoption, U.S. commercial aviation fatalities have plummeted—with no major commercial airline crashes caused by pilot error in over a decade. FAA nominee’s record under fire Schumer says FAA nominee Bryan Bedford, CEO of Republic Airways, has repeatedly tried to circumvent or weaken the 1,500-hour requirement, including: Proposing exemptions to allow pilots with fewer hours to fly commercially Advocating for changes that would prioritize cost-cutting over safety “The man nominated to oversee air safety should not be trying to lower safety standards,” Schumer said. Why Flight 3407 still matters in 2025 Flight 3407 crashed on approach to Buffalo Niagara International Airport in February 2009, killing all 49 people on board and one person on the ground. Investigators cited pilot inexperience and fatigue among the causes. The families of the victims became powerful advocates for air safety reform, lobbying Congress to close the safety gap between regional and mainline carriers. Their efforts led to: • Mandatory ATP certification for all first officers • Pilot fatigue regulations • Creation of an electronic pilot records database • Schumer noted that every Transportation Secretary since 2009 has met with the Flight 3407 families—and called on Secretary Duffy to do the same. Industry pressure and safety concerns While some airline executives argue the 1,500-hour rule has made pilot hiring more difficult, safety experts and advocates say the experience threshold is critical to protecting passengers. Schumer said the rule is non-negotiable and any attempt to roll it back would endanger lives. “I’ve worked side-by-side with these families for more than 16 years,” Schumer said. “We will fight any rollback attempt tooth and nail—just as we always have.” For updates on FAA rules, aviation safety legislation, and the status of the 1,500-hour rule, visit: transportation.gov https://www.fingerlakes1.com/2025/04/22/flight-safety-regulations-2025-schumer/#google_vignette FAA head nominee raises concerns with past pushback on airline pilot 1,500 hour requirement Sen. Schumer seeks meeting For 3407 families group & DOT secretary. BUFFALO, N.Y. — Through the years since the 2009 Clarence Center plane crash and the loss of 50 lives, we have seen the Families of Flight 3407 battle efforts in Congress and the airline industry to roll back the 1,500 hour pilot training hours requirement they fought for and won with the 2010 Flight Safety Act. Now their efforts may be facing the strongest challenge ever with new leadership for the FAA and DOT. The nomination of Bryan Bedford for the new Federal Aviation Administration Administrator under President Trump is prompting U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer to call for DOT Secretary Sean Duffy to meet with the Families of Flight 3407 group, which we did not hear directly from on Monday. Schumer's request may relate to an NBC News 2022 interview with Bedford as CEO of Republic Airways which is a regional carrier that serves Buffalo with smaller, regional jets under arrangements with American, Delta, and United Airlines. Citing a previous pilot shortage, which many link to pandemic related flight reductions, Bedford wanted to see the 1,500 hour cockpit experience requirement for airline pilots imposed in 2010 cut in half to 750 hours for non-military trainees under his company's Lift Academy. He claimed back then it was just as good as the military pilot training experience which does allow for 750 hours. NBC Reporter Tom Costello asked Bedford back then: "You are arguing also that your training is just as good as the military's? Bedford responded: "Using more technology, more flight simulation and we can do exactly the same thing. So working with the military we can build a better model than what we have today. We're not training private pilots here. We're not training recreational pilots here. We're training mission specific airline pilots." Another regional carrier Skywest tried the same thing with the FAA in 2023, but it was also rejected. And back then, the Families of Flight 3407 group with Congressional allies like Schumer and others pushed back against any change in the 1,500 hour rule for non-military trained pilots. During a 2023 airport press conference, Karen Eckert, who lost her sister Beverly, mentioned the safety record after 2010. "These are fatal crashes - Zero - since the Airline Safety Act went into effect." Their sister Susan Bourque told reporters, "Having two qualified pilots, fully qualified pilots, in the cockpit of a regional and a mainline carrier is absolutely critical." They were joined at that press conference by Congressman Nick Langworthy who is the Republican representative for the 23rd District covering from Clarence to Corning. On Monday, he released this statement : "As the co-chair of the House Aviation Safety Caucus, I am fiercely devoted to the 1,500-hour flight rule for pilots and will oppose any attempt to change this rule - the FAA has always strictly adhered to the law as written by Congress and I will work to ensure that continues without intervention of executive actions. "The 1,500-hour rule was a major reform to aviation safety that was in part due to the incredible advocacy the families of Flight 3407 victims took after the horrible tragedy in Clarence in 2009. Just as I fought to protect this rule as the only amendment to FAA reauthorization, I will continue to ensure our aviation industry remains the safest in the world by preserving safety measures like this one.” Again no one from the 3407 Families group returned our calls or emails on Monday. The 3407 Families group was also previously concerned about the the nomination of Deputy DOT Secretary Steven Bradbury over his views on pilot training. He eventually did get Senate confirmation to serve in that position. https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/national/faa-nominee-raises-concerns-past-pushback-airline-pilot-hour-requirement-safety/71-e0cc5b32-6d46-46d0-b2be-f97adbf470bc FAA upgrades Thailand to CAT1, Clears Thai Airlines for US flights FAA announces upgrade of Thailand’s aviation rating to Category 1, recognising its compliance with international civil aviation safety standards, paving the way for Thai airlines to resume flights to the United States. The Ministry of Transport announced today (April 22) a significant development for Thailand’s aviation industry, as the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially upgraded Thailand’s aviation safety rating to Category 1. This classification recognises that Thailand now meets the international standards for civil aviation safety oversight, following years of regulatory improvements. Thailand had previously been downgraded to Category 2 in 2015 after the FAA identified 36 safety oversight deficiencies. The downgrade was in line with findings from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which raised concerns regarding gaps in Thai aviation laws, particularly the authority of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) in enforcing technical and safety regulations. Key issues at the time included an insufficient number of qualified flight inspectors, especially those certified for the specific aircraft types operated by Thai carriers. However, after extensive efforts to address these shortcomings, Thailand has now passed ICAO’s rigorous standards, which are aligned with FAA criteria. With this upgrade, Thai airlines are once again eligible to operate flights to the United States and may also increase services to other countries that reference FAA safety ratings, such as South Korea. The reinstatement of Category 1 status is expected to enhance confidence in Thailand’s aviation industry and support sustained growth in the country’s air transport sector on the global stage. https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/general/40049086 UN aviation body to censure North Korea over GPS jamming near Incheon airport ICAO decision comes as Seoul accuses DPRK of endangering over 4K civilian planes from October to February The U.N. aviation authority will issue a warning to North Korea over its jamming of GPS signals near the inter-Korean border this year, after Seoul accused the DPRK of endangering more than 4,400 civilian aircraft. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) adopted the decision during its 234th council session held in Montreal from March 10 to April 4, Seoul’s foreign ministry announced in a press release Monday. The ICAO council will notify North Korea of its latest decision via a letter from its president, marking the second consecutive year that the U.N. authority has explicitly identified Pyongyang as the source of GPS signal interference. While the ICAO adopted similar resolutions in 2012 and 2016 expressing concern over GPS jamming, those measures stopped short of directly naming North Korea as the responsible party. The ICAO formally attributed the jamming to the DPRK for the first time in June 2024. The resolution condemned interference between May 29 and June 2 that year, during which time GPS disruptions linked to Pyongyang affected approximately 500 civilian aircraft from 20 countries. According to Seoul’s foreign ministry on Monday, North Korea continued GPS jamming from Oct. 2, 2024, to Feb. 14, 2025, affecting at least 4,400 civilian aircraft from over 20 countries and regions. “This ICAO Council decision not only sends a strong message to North Korea, which has repeatedly carried out GPS interference, but also demonstrates the international community’s shared awareness of the dangers of North Korea’s actions,” the press release states. South Korea dispatched experts from its Ministry of Science and ICT and the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute to explain the scientific basis of its investigation to the ICAO, emphasizing that North Korea had intensified its disruptions just four months after the council’s previous warning last June. The ICAO decision reaffirms serious concerns about GPS signal interference in violation of the Chicago Convention, strongly urging North Korea to comply with previous council decisions and demanding assurance that such incidents will not recur. “The government will continue to closely monitor North Korea’s actions and work with the international community to ensure strict and unified measures against provocations such as GPS signal interference,” the ministry added. North Korea’s GPS jamming tactics have posed significant risks to civilian infrastructure and international traffic in recent years. In Jan. 2025, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff noted that North Korea’s GPS jamming had persisted for over three months, concentrated around the ROK’s northwest islands, causing sporadic reception issues for ships and civilian aircraft. Over 331 GPS disruptions were reported in South Korea in Nov. 2024 alone, affecting maritime vessels, particularly cargo and fishing ships with outdated navigation systems and commercial airlines that rely on GPS for navigation. Similar attacks occurred in March 2024 near South Korea’s western border islands during the U.S.-ROK Freedom Shield exercises, followed by additional jamming in the Yellow Sea in May that disrupted maritime activity for two days. https://www.nknews.org/2025/04/un-aviation-body-to-censure-north-korea-over-gps-jamming-near-incheon-airport/ Another Singapore Airlines Passenger Charged for Molesting Flight Attendant Upon the aircraft's arrival at Changi Airport (SIN), officers from the Airport Police Division arrested Rajat. SINGAPORE- A 20-year-old Indian national identified only as Rajat has been charged with molestation after allegedly assaulting a Singapore Airlines (SQ) flight attendant and forcing her into a lavatory on February 28, 2025. The incident represents the second molestation case involving Singapore Airlines reported in April, following the sentencing of 73-year-old Balasubramanian Ramesh, who received nine months’ jail after pleading guilty to molesting four cabin crew members on a flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Singapore (SIN). Singapore Airlines Passenger Charged Court documents reveal that Rajat allegedly committed the offense around 11:20 am when he grasped a 28-year-old cabin crew member from behind and pushed her into a lavatory as she bent to pick up tissue paper from the floor. A female passenger who witnessed the incident immediately helped the flight attendant out of the lavatory, and the matter was promptly reported to the cabin supervisor. Upon the aircraft’s arrival at Changi Airport (SIN), officers from the Airport Police Division arrested Rajat. He is expected to enter a plea on May 14, 2025. Singapore’s legal system treats molestation cases with significant severity. Under Singapore law, each count of molestation can result in imprisonment for up to three years, fines, caning (for eligible offenders), or any combination of these punishments. Similar Incidents The earlier case involved retiree Balasubramanian Ramesh, who was sentenced on April 2 after admitting to four molestation charges. The court heard that Balasubramanian, a former bank manager from India, molested four Singapore Airlines flight attendants during a flight from San Francisco to Singapore in November 2024, reportedly because he “found them attractive.” Notably, the court established that Balasubramanian had not consumed alcohol during the flight. In addition to the four charges he pleaded guilty to, three other similar charges involving one of the victims were considered during his sentencing. Being over 50 years old, Balasubramanian was not eligible for caning under Singapore law. In March 2025, Singapore authorities detained a British Airways (BA) crew member following accusations of sexually assaulting a female colleague. The incident allegedly occurred after staff members attended a social gathering between scheduled flights. The Sun reports that the accused remains in custody while Singapore authorities conduct their investigation. Two female British Airways employees connected to the incident returned safely to the United Kingdom. The allegations have created significant distress among British Airways personnel, particularly as the accused reportedly has several years of service with the airline. Airline management faces considerable challenges as the case falls under Singapore’s legal jurisdiction. Singapore enforces strict penalties for sexual assault convictions, with guilty verdicts potentially resulting in up to 20 years imprisonment plus fines or corporal punishment for victims over age 14. This incident also follows a separate ongoing case involving an experienced British Airways pilot previously accused of sexually assaulting a stewardess during off-duty hours in Singapore. Two Abusive Passengers Removed Singapore Airlines has reaffirmed its commitment to workplace safety following an incident of verbal and physical abuse directed at cabin crew aboard Flight SQ826 on February 6, 2025. The disturbance occurred during taxi for takeoff on the Singapore-Shanghai route, scheduled for a 1:15 AM departure. Flight crew executed immediate safety protocols, returning the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner (registered as 9V-SCS) to the terminal gate. Changi Airport authorities took custody of the disruptive passenger and their companion, ensuring the safety of remaining passengers and crew members. The airline’s spokesperson emphasized SIA’s zero-tolerance policy toward abusive behavior while maintaining strict confidentiality regarding the passenger’s identity. The incident caused a flight delay of 1 hour and 46 minutes, with eventual departure at 3:01 AM. A TikTok video captured part of the disruption, showing a woman shouting in Mandarin as cabin crew attempted to manage the situation. The footage documents the crew’s efforts to maintain order during the incident. Singapore Airlines disclosed its comprehensive crew training protocols, highlighting staff preparedness to identify and address potentially threatening passenger behavior. The spokesperson detailed crew vigilance requirements and their authority to handle security concerns within the aircraft cabin. The airline maintains stringent pre-boarding screening measures, authorizing ground staff to deny boarding to disruptive passengers. Singapore Airlines issued an apology to affected passengers while reinforcing its prioritization of customer and staff safety. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/04/22/singapore-airlines-passenger-charged-for-molesting-attendant/#google_vignette Lockheed Gets $180 Million to Convert Three F-35 Jets to Test Aircraft Lockheed Martin received a $180 million contract modification April 21 to convert three F-35s to flight sciences aircraft, the Pentagon announced. The work is needed “to prevent any increase in the test capability gap,” per the contract announcement. The F-35 Joint Program Office has urged Congress for several years to expand its test fleet, so as to supplement aircraft that are becoming structurally fatigued and maintain a high tempo of testing as the program moves from the Technology Refresh 3 program to Block 4 improvements. The contract modification “adds scope to procure materials, parts, and components in support of the conversion,” the Pentagon said. Conversion of production-representative aircraft to flight sciences test aircraft typically involves adding equipment such as spin chutes, cameras, load-sensing instrumentation, telemetry gear, and other equipment, while removing some hardware not needed for the test function. The converted aircraft will also “allow for future, holistic flight science testing of Block 4 capabilities for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, non-U.S. Department of Defense program partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers,” the Pentagon said. The work is to be completed by December 2028. Delays in testing for TR-3 led to the government putting a yearlong hold on accepting F-35 deliveries from 2023-2024. The hold was lifted last summer, when program director Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt determined that the TR-3 software was sufficiently stable to allow safe and productive flight operations. The JPO has identified a current shortage of test aircraft and looming aircraft retirements as partially to blame for delays in testing TR-3. The JPO has also said the scope of the Block 4 upgrade will require a higher test tempo than has been achieved in recent years in order to get operational capability to the field in a timely manner. The JPO originally planned to convert six aircraft for flight sciences work but increased that number to nine, which are to be sourced from 18th Lot of F-35s. The additional three aircraft were added to the JPO request by an amendment in the fiscal 2025 Air Force budget sponsored by Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.). Schmidt told Air & Space Forces Magazine in 2024 that the test team has been supplementing its force with production aircraft, but that these are not the optimal solution for flight sciences testing. The Government Accountability Office has warned that sourcing the jets from Lot 18 means they likely won’t be delivered until 2029. The Navy awarded the contract, as it currently has acquisition authority over the program. https://www.airandspaceforces.com/lockeed-martin-180-million-three-test-f-35/ Airlines for America Welcomes Paul Rinaldi as Senior Vice President of Operations and Safety to Drive Critical Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Control Reforms Airlines for America (A4A), the primary trade association for U.S. passenger and cargo airlines, has announced the appointment of Paul Rinaldi as Senior Vice President, Operations and Safety. With over three decades of experience in the aviation industry, Rinaldi brings extensive leadership skills to the role. Rinaldi’s aviation career began in 1991 as a certified air traffic controller at the Washington-Dulles Tower (IAD). His career quickly advanced as he took on leadership positions within the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), representing a workforce of 20,000 air traffic controllers, engineers, and other aviation safety professionals. Notably, Rinaldi served four consecutive terms as NATCA’s president, an unprecedented achievement. Upon his retirement in 2021, he was honored with the title of NATCA president emeritus. Following his tenure at NATCA, Rinaldi established Rinaldi Consultants LLC, where he served as the founder and president, offering guidance to aviation leaders on regulatory, policy, and technological matters within the aviation and air traffic control sectors. Rinaldi has worked closely with numerous key stakeholders, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and committees in the U.S. Congress, including the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee. He has provided testimony before Congress on over 20 occasions, addressing critical issues such as aviation safety, the efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS), and the reauthorization of the FAA. In his new role at A4A, Rinaldi will oversee the Operations and Safety departments, with a particular focus on Air Traffic Management. He will also collaborate with the White House, DOT, and Congress to drive essential changes aimed at modernizing the U.S. air traffic control system. “The U.S. is almost 3,000 controllers short at a time of increased reliance on air travel and air cargo shipments. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make historically meaningful change and address ATC staffing needs, technology upgrades and funding reform that allows certainty for strategic planning of vital capital projects. Nobody understands this more than Paul Rinaldi,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. “I am honored and excited to be joining the A4A team,” said Rinaldi. “I look forward to working with the Administration, DOT and the FAA to ensure the U.S. quickly returns to being the gold standard of air traffic control.” Rinaldi’s expertise extends to various industry boards and advisory councils. He is currently a member of the Advisory Board for Kansas State University, where he helps shape the aviation curriculum to ensure that the next generation of aviation professionals is prepared to meet the challenges of the industry. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/airlines-for-america-welcomes-paul-rinaldi-as-senior-vice-president-of-operations-and-safety-to-drive-critical-aviation-safety-and-air-traffic-control-reforms/ The Current State of Airline Hiring Here’s how pilot job openings have evolved lately. In recent months, pilot hiring has returned to normal pre-pandemic levels. Roughly 5,000 airline pilots were hired across the board in 2024, down from 13,000 a couple years prior. This has created a condition that seems unbearably slow for pilots that launched their careers after the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those still training or working in entry-level pilot and flight instructor positions. Yet the slowdown is not inherently a bad sign. A return to normal was always inevitable, and the industry has ups and downs that veterans are sometimes painfully accustomed to. But still the question remains: How exactly is hiring right now? Should pilots be worried? And what can you do to stand out in a career that can be so volatile? Who Is Hiring? Despite the impression that jobs have dried up, many U.S. airlines are still hiring. Regional airlines such as Endeavor Air, Horizon Air, Republic Airways, and Piedmont Airlines are not only hiring but are actively recruiting with advertisements, emails, and presences at airshows and recruiting events. For pilots at low-cost and regional airlines, majors such as American, Delta, and United are looking for new crewmembers. Even some major private operators such as NetJets and Flexjet are at least expanding their talent pool. Hiring for other crewmember roles is also ongoing. Many carriers are still running flight attendant classes. The demand for cabin crew is often higher than that for pilots, as larger aircraft require more flight attendants than pilots. While some regional jets only require one or two cabin crew, most mainline jets require four or more flight attendants for just two pilots. However, one field is still full steam ahead. While the airline pilot market became saturated in 2023 and ’24, there is still a significant shortage of aircraft mechanics, as the deficiency created during the pandemic was never fully addressed, and there aren’t as many places to train mechanics as there are pilots. Thus, demand for qualified and eager mechanics is still strong for those interested in aviation maintenance careers. Will Hiring Continue Drying Up? Though the market feels slow, there are hints that a mild uptick may be on the horizon. Most major airlines cite Boeing delays and Pratt & Whitney engine inspections as the reason they aren’t hiring. Fewer available aircraft means less capacity, which thereby equals less need for pilots. Yet Boeing 737 deliveries are already outpacing 2024 numbers despite the fact that the U.S. Department of Transportation is still monitoring and limiting the number of aircraft Boeing can build. And with over a year since Pratt & Whitney issues were discovered, Airbus is working through A320 and A220 family woes. A Boeing 737 Max in Renton, Washington [Credit: Shutterstock | Stephen Mark Dunmore] While this probably won’t signal a dramatic swing like the industry saw during the recovery from the pandemic, it may signal that hiring can maintain at least current levels if not higher at major airlines. Should the majors continue their efforts, the traditional trickle-down for regional and CFI hiring should continue as well. This may remain true as many airlines expect another pilot retirement wave over the next few years, albeit a smaller and more gradual one than was seen in 2020. While these potential changes don’t guarantee another big hiring push by any stretch, they should offer a touch of optimism that all hope is not, in fact, lost for new pilot hopefuls. This is not to say the future is entirely perfect. In fact, some airlines are scaling back some capacity in preparation for forecasted economic headwinds later in the year. United and Delta, for example, are both slowing their growth projections despite the fact they announced strong first-quarter financial results. These readjustments will likely have an impact on their hiring in the immediate future and may balance out some of the benefits found from retirements and extra aircraft deliveries. What Should I Be Doing Now? Though the industry has become used to a case where pilots could reach their ATP minimums, stop flying, and go immediately into airline class, that is no longer the case. On the contrary, continuing to fly is one way or another is the best way for instructors to help themselves land jobs and succeed in training down the line. If you already have a job, don’t give it up without good cause. If you must, seek potential new options early to maintain currency and proficiency leading up to your next big break. Many pilots choose to supplement their work flying with personal flying and time building, while others rely more heavily on paying for flight time. Regardless, maintaining a constant flow is imperative to ensuring the knowledge and skill required for a career in aviation. Equally, when looking for new jobs, employers usually look for some level of currency in new applicants as part of the hiring process. As always, making connections can be a critical part of the hiring process. Whether it’s with a private jet operator, regional airline recruiter, or major carrier pilot, new pilots often utilize a strong network to land their dream job and advance their careers. In the same vein, it is never a bad idea to start a career in aviation. Whether you’re contemplating becoming a pilot, flight attendant, or mechanic, start your training and do your research now so you can catch the next hiring wave when it comes. It is those who start their prep in the slow times that are at the front of the line when things pick back up. The more qualified you are now, the better off you will be later when conditions improve again. While not what it was in the last year, the pilot hiring environment still has opportunities available. Keep working on staying current, qualified, proficient, and safe, and your time will come. https://www.flyingmag.com/the-current-state-of-airline-hiring/ Boeing eases latest 737 MAX headache - a shortage of nuts and bolts SEATTLE (Reuters) -Boeing (BA) has secured new stocks of specialized nuts and bolts that hold together its top-selling commercial jet, two industry sources told Reuters, avoiding for now any slowdown in U.S. plane production due to a fire at a key supplier's factory. Boeing had been running low on specific fasteners used to attach the landing gear on its 737 MAX jets because of the February fire, but secured new supplies in recent weeks, albeit at higher prices, one of the sources said. A Boeing spokesperson said the company is taking steps to address fastener shortages but did not provide specifics. "We don’t expect a near-term impact to commercial production," they said. Running out of the fasteners could shut down Boeing's 737 MAX production line, a key revenue source, said the two sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity. As dwindling fastener supplies threaten the broader aerospace industry, some producers of the nuts taking on contracts to provide alternate supply are hiking prices to reflect rising costs of materials and labor, a third senior industry source said. The price of some specialized fasteners, which currently cost hundreds of dollars apiece, could rise by double-digit percentages, one executive said. The supply shortfall comes as the aerospace industry faces threats from U.S. President Donald Trump's fluctuating tariff policy, which could affect the price and delivery times of planes and parts. The shortage has also raised industry concerns about a longer-term supply crunch as Boeing seeks to ramp up 737 MAX production, which was crippled last year by quality concerns and a seven-week strike by factory workers. Output of the jet remains under strict scrutiny by federal regulators. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg told analysts this year he wants to exceed a regulatory-capped MAX rate of 38 a month in 2025 to hit 42 by year's end - a target that would roughly double the planemaker's January production. Fasteners are components used to attach plane parts together and can include rivets, nuts, bolts and screws. The fasteners range from bolts half an inch long to screws several inches long. Downstream effect Boeing and other aerospace firms have been scrambling for nuts since a fire gutted a huge factory in the Philadelphia area run by SPS Technologies, a critical source of fasteners. SPS has been Boeing's sole source for as many as 40 parts, and securing alternative sources for some of those parts could take nine months or longer, according to Jefferies analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu. She added that Boeing's risk is limited by its low production rates and generally large parts inventory. The loss of the SPS factory could create a wider problem as planemakers ramp up output, however, Kahyaoglu said. It takes hundreds of thousands of fasteners to produce a narrowbody jet like a 737, said Glenn McDonald, a principal at consulting firm AeroDynamic Advisory. While most of those components are standard and produced by multiple sources, some fasteners manufactured by SPS, which is owned by Berkshire Hathaway's Precision Castparts Corp, are highly specialized and not easily sourced elsewhere. Fastener suppliers Howmet Aerospace and LISI Aerospace have said they are receiving additional inquiries for their products after the fire, which caused no deaths. "There's no way that doesn't have a downstream effect," McDonald said of the blaze. Industry-wide demand for nuts was important enough for France's aerospace industry to include them on a list of critical U.S. items that should not be targeted by potential European counter-tariffs, according to a recent letter to the EU Commission seen by Reuters. 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