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India Targets Made-In-India Civil Aircraft Within Two Years Through Joint Venture

India

India Targets Made-In-India Civil Aircraft Within Two Years Through Joint Venture

October 7, 2026

Nepal Proposes CAAN Split Amid EU Air Safety Restrictions And 2027 ICAO Audit

Airlines

Nepal Proposes CAAN Split Amid EU Air Safety Restrictions And 2027 ICAO Audit

October 7, 2026

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Investigation

NTSB Finds Warning Horns During Final 29 Seconds Of Fatal Chatsworth Helicopter Crash

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Military Aviation

UK Extends Airbus A400M Support Deal In £190M Contract To Boost RAF Availability

October 6, 2026

FIA Warns Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet May Be Forced To Drop Routes Amid Cost Pressures

Airlines

FIA Warns Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet May Be Forced To Drop Routes Amid Cost Pressures

October 6, 2026

Two Onboard Killed After Private Aircraft Crashes Near Eldorado Springs, Colorado

Aircraft Crashes

Two Onboard Killed After Private Aircraft Crashes Near Eldorado Springs, Colorado

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32 On Board Killed As Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 Crashes In Ondo, Nigeria

Aircraft Crashes

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Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Investigations into the incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073 found that the co-pilot had attempted to carry out a terrorist attack, Prosecutor General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said in a statement carried by the UAE's state news agency. According to the UAE Attorney-General, the co-pilot had begun executing his plan during the flight, attacking the captain inside the flight deck with the aircraft's crash axe and attempting to take control of the aircraft's flight controls. The statement marks the UAE's first official confirmation that the incident was a planned terrorist act rather than simply an in-flight altercation. The investigation remains ongoing. Al Shamsi said authorities are examining the full circumstances of the incident, the motive and any related links, while also completing technical examinations and analysing physical and digital evidence. He said the final findings will be announced after all necessary procedures are completed. Flight FZ1073 was operating from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv on September 30 when the cockpit incident occurred. The Boeing 737 was diverted to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia and landed safely. The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said the security incident was brought under control after members of the crew intervened. Several crew members were injured and taken to hospital in Saudi Arabia. The captain has been identified as Indian national Captain Smit Machchhar. According to the UAE Attorney-General's account, the co-pilot attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit with a crash axe before attempting to seize control of the aircraft. Reports from the incident described Machchhar as sustaining serious injuries during the confrontation. Despite being injured, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to enter and help restrain the co-pilot. Two reserve pilots who were travelling on the aircraft subsequently took control and landed the aircraft safely at Tabuk. Flight-tracking data showed a sharp descent during the cockpit struggle before the aircraft was stabilised. The aircraft also transmitted an emergency code associated with unlawful interference during the incident. The UAE GCAA later commended Captain Machchhar, the flight crew and passengers for their response, saying their swift intervention helped contain the situation and prevent more serious consequences. The authority said Machchhar had returned safely to the UAE and was receiving medical treatment. The identity of the co-pilot has not been officially released by UAE authorities. However, multiple international media outlets have identified him as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, citing sources familiar with the investigation. Reuters reported that two sources familiar with the investigation identified the co-pilot as Hammam al-Hammami, while UAE authorities had not immediately confirmed his identity. Media reports have also raised questions about his previous aviation history. Reuters and other outlets have reported that he had previously been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about alleged extremist views. Those reports remain part of the wider investigation and should not be treated as established findings unless confirmed by the relevant authorities. The UAE began its investigation immediately after the incident. On October 1, Attorney-General Al Shamsi ordered a specialised Public Prosecution team to investigate the incident in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority and other UAE authorities. At that stage, authorities specifically directed investigators to determine whether the incident was linked to terrorist activity or purpose, or involved prior planning or direction. The UAE also warned against speculation and unverified reports while the investigation was under way. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its judicial authorities have jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and operates under the UAE flag. It said UAE law therefore applies to crimes committed aboard the aircraft even when they occur outside UAE territory. The ministry also acknowledged Saudi authorities' cooperation in handling the incident. The latest statement from Al Shamsi now establishes the central finding of the investigation so far: the co-pilot had attempted to carry out a terrorist act and had begun executing his plan during the flight. Authorities, however, have not yet publicly established the motive or disclosed whether he acted alone or had any wider connections. Following the incident, flydubai suspended its flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv. The suspension remains in place while the investigation continues. Flydubai initially confirmed that FZ1073, operating from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport on September 30, had experienced an incident while en route. The airline said the aircraft landed safely at Tabuk and that all passengers were safe and accounted for, while its teams worked with the relevant authorities. The airline has said the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation and that it is cooperating with the authorities. The suspension of Israel services was implemented as investigators examined the security incident and its wider implications. The investigation involves multiple authorities across three countries. In the UAE, the Public Prosecution is leading the criminal investigation in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other competent authorities. Saudi authorities, including the National Transport Safety Center, conducted the initial investigation after the aircraft landed in Tabuk, with UAE security officials also involved. Separately, Australian authorities, through the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team comprising the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and ASIO, are examining the co-pilot's links to Australia. The investigation into the motive, circumstances and any wider connections remains ongoing.

Airlines

UAE Confirms Flydubai Co-Pilot Attempted Planned Terrorist Act On On FZ1073 Flight

October 5, 2026

Two Onboard Killed After Ultralight Aircraft Crashes During Landing Approach In Germany

Aircraft Crashes

Two Onboard Killed After Ultralight Aircraft Crashes During Landing Approach In Germany

October 5, 2026

New Zealand Grants NZ$5.7M Aid To Regional Airlines As Fuel Costs Rise Over 50%

Airlines

New Zealand Grants NZ$5.7M Aid To Regional Airlines As Fuel Costs Rise Over 50%

October 5, 2026

US Coast Guard Suspends Search For Six After Medical Jet Crashes Near Nantucket

Aircraft Crashes

US Coast Guard Suspends Search For Six After Medical Jet Crashes Near Nantucket

October 5, 2026

Thai Airways Removes CEO Amid Severe Flight And Baggage Disruptions In Bangkok

Airlines

Thai Airways Removes CEO Amid Severe Flight And Baggage Disruptions In Bangkok

October 4, 2026

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Wausau, United States: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary report, reported publicly on 13 October 2026, details the pilot’s account, fuel-system inspection and aircraft damage. During a post-accident interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot’s aviation mechanic said the pilot attributed the power loss to his delay in switching tanks and not turning on the electric fuel-boost pump. The NTSB has not issued a final probable-cause determination, and the investigation remains ongoing. A delayed switch between fuel tanks and failure to activate the electric fuel-boost pump were cited by the pilot as reasons for the loss of engine power that forced a Beechcraft K35 carrying US lawmaker Tom Tiffany to make an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau, Wisconsin, on 12 September 2026. The aircraft, registered N6071E, was substantially damaged in the accident. Both occupants, pilot Leonard Boltz, 73, and passenger Tiffany, 68 sustained minor injuries and escaped from the aircraft before being rescued. The NTSB report states that the accident occurred at approximately 8:49 p.m. Central Daylight Time on 12 September 2026, near Wausau, Wisconsin. The Beech K35 was operating a personal flight under Part 91 of the US Federal Aviation Regulations from La Crosse Regional Airport to Wausau Downtown Airport. According to the report, the pilot was flying in the airport traffic pattern for landing at Wausau Downtown Airport. Shortly after extending the landing gear while abeam the runway threshold, he observed a “higher-than-normal engine exhaust gas temperature (EGT).” The report states: “According to the pilot, the higher-than-normal engine EGT reminded him to switch fuel tanks.” The pilot selected the right main fuel tank and moved the mixture and throttle levers fully forward, but the engine did not respond. He told investigators that he did not activate the electric fuel-boost pump while attempting to restore engine power. The pilot then maneuvered the aircraft towards the runway and prepared for a water landing. The aircraft struck the water, substantially damaging its fuselage, left wing, left aileron and engine mount. After the aircraft was recovered from Lake Wausau, investigators examined its fuel system and cockpit controls. The inspection found: The left main fuel tank was empty. The right main tank and both auxiliary fuel tanks were full of fuel. All fuel-tank caps were secure. The electric fuel-boost pump switch was in the OFF position. The fuel selector valve was positioned to the right main fuel tank. The throttle, mixture and propeller controls were nearly fully forward. These findings document the aircraft’s condition after the accident. The NTSB has not yet issued a final determination establishing the complete sequence of events that led to the loss of engine power. Earlier on 12 September, the pilot flew the aircraft from Langlade County Airport in Antigo, Wisconsin, to La Crosse Regional Airport. The aircraft departed Antigo with 70 gallons of fuel distributed across four tanks: 25 gallons in each main tank and 10 gallons in each auxiliary tank. The pilot did not refuel at La Crosse before departing for Wausau. He told investigators that he had selected the left main fuel tank for both flight legs, except for a brief period when he selected the auxiliary tanks during cruise flight before returning to the left tank. The flight from La Crosse to Wausau departed at approximately 8:15 p.m. local time. During the approach to Wausau, the pilot noticed the elevated exhaust gas temperature and switched to the right main tank. Despite advancing the engine controls, power was not restored. The NTSB report records the pilot’s explanation to his aviation mechanic following the accident: “the loss of engine power was due to his delay in switching fuel tanks and not turning on the electric fuel boost pump.” The aircraft landed in Lake Wausau after the pilot was unable to restore engine power. Both the occupants managed to exit the aircraft and reach shallow water. They called 911 and were rescued by a Wausau Fire Department airboat shortly after the accident. Both men sustained minor injuries. The aircraft remained in the water until recovery crews removed it on 14 September, with the recovery operation involving divers and other personnel. It was subsequently secured in a hangar for examination. The NTSB’s preliminary findings identify the pilot’s reported fuel-management errors and document the condition of the fuel tanks, selector valve and boost-pump switch after the accident. However, preliminary reports are subject to change as an investigation progresses. The report does not constitute a final probable-cause determination. Further investigative work may clarify the circumstances surrounding the engine-power loss and the emergency landing.

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Automation Rises, But Are Indian Pilots Being Trained To Keep Pace With The Future?

Automation Rises, But Are Indian Pilots Being Trained To Keep Pace With The Future?

START: India is emerging as the fastest-growing aviation market worldwide, yet it faces a significant hurdle: a shortage of trained technical personnel, including pilots, engineers, and technicians. This challenge is expected to become more acute as Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles enter the market within the next year or two, creating an additional need for pilots. The issue stems largely from inadequate planning and foresight by the authorities. Consequently, many aspiring Indian pilots are pursuing training in countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bosnia, Montenegro, and the Philippines. In fact, approximately 700 out of every 1,000 commercial pilot licenses issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are earned abroad. India’s Potential as a Global Hub for Aviation Education Considering India’s expansive geography and favorable weather for flying, the country is ideally suited to be a global hub for aviation education. In the 1980s and 1990s, students from nations such as Iran, Jordan, Palestine, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and several African countries came to India for flight training. Today, the trend has reversed, with Indian students going overseas for pilot education. One key reason is the slow pace of domestic training programs and the cumbersome security clearance process for foreign students, which discourages them from enrolling in India. Competition from International Flight Schools Meanwhile, nations like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have established world-class flight schools. Students from neighboring Arab countries now mostly prefer the United States, Canada, and Europe for training, despite these regions lacking ideal weather for primary flight instruction. Domestic regulations further complicate matters. The DGCA allows a flight school to operate only if it meets minimum requirements for aircraft and paid-up capital, while the Airports Authority of India (AAI) imposes additional capital requirements. These rules do not guarantee quality education but are often sufficient to prevent many capable entrepreneurs from opening flight schools. By contrast, an Indian entrepreneur started a flight school in New Zealand with a single rented aircraft, which has since expanded to a fleet of over 20 planes and now attracts Indian students. Shortage of Trainer Aircraft The shortage of trainer aircraft is another pressing challenge. In the 1970s, Prof. David Hazen of Princeton University, invited by the Indian government to establish the first aeronautical department at IIT Kanpur, outlined a roadmap for India to achieve self-reliance in aviation training. However, progress has been slow. The DGCA developed the Swati light aircraft, manufactured by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), but a fatal accident during testing brought the program to an end. Similarly, the Hansa trainer created by the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) was rejected by most flight schools. Lessons from the Pushpak Aircraft A comparison with the Pushpak aircraft is instructive. Manufactured in the 1950s, HAL produced 160 Pushpaks, which served India reliably for over 50 years and maintained an excellent safety record. In 1968, the government gifted one Pushpak each to Singapore and Malaysia to help them establish their flight training programs. The Pushpak’s success was largely due to it being modeled closely on the proven US Aeronca Chief. NAL later developed the next-generation Hansa (NG Hansa), which was showcased at the 2020 Wings India airshow, but production has yet to start, and setting up the necessary infrastructure would still take several years even if action begins immediately. Global Trainer Aircraft Shortages and LSAs The shortage of trainer aircraft is not unique to India. Major manufacturers such as Cessna and Piper had slowed production, underestimating demand, and now struggle to meet global requirements. Other countries have tackled this problem by incorporating Light Sport Aircraft (LSAs) into flight training. Equipped with advanced navigation systems, LSAs are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and widely used in the US and EU for commercial pilot instruction. However, Indian regulations currently do not permit LSAs for commercial pilot training. Despite being equipped with only a magnetic compass, pilots trained on Pushpaks have gone on to fly advanced aircraft like the Boeing 777 and Airbus A320. Allowing LSAs in India could reduce aircraft shortages, encourage domestic manufacturing, generate employment, and attract foreign investment. Lack of Experienced Flight Instructors The lack of experienced flight instructors adds another layer of difficulty. Rapid growth in airlines such as Indigo and Air India has led many instructors to leave training schools for better pay, career progression, and recognition in commercial aviation. This high turnover leaves less-experienced instructors teaching students, unlike other professional fields where teachers usually have extensive industry experience. In countries like the US, airline pilots can provide primary flight training in their spare time, giving trainees the advantage of learning from seasoned professionals and ensuring higher safety standards. Without urgent, proactive measures, India will continue to rely on foreign nations to fulfill the increasing demand for skilled professionals in its civil aviation sector. https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-insight/knowledge/flight-training-a-challenge-in-civil-aviation-101727069965710.html

India’s Aviation Boom Threatened By Severe Pilot, Instructor And Aircraft Shortages

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