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San Francisco, United States: September 3, 2025: Two United Airlines aircraft were involved in a ground collision at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on the evening of September 2, 2025, prompting flight cancellations and FAA scrutiny. According to airport officials, United Flight 1871, en route to Denver, struck the tail of United Flight 796, which was parked at the gate preparing for departure to Boston. The incident occurred during the pushback maneuver and took place in an area outside air traffic control supervision. Both planes were immediately returned to their gates for safety inspections, and all passengers were safely disembarked. No injuries were reported. The collision caused both flights to be canceled, leading to delays amid a busy evening schedule at the airport. The aircraft involved were both Boeing 737 MAX 9 models. Flight 796 had been delivered to United Airlines only a few months earlier. This incident adds to a growing series of ground collisions at SFO, including a wingtip collision in May 2025 involving United flights bound for Sydney and Hong Kong. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that it is investigating the latest occurrence to determine its cause and implement measures to prevent similar events in the future. United Airlines has not yet released a detailed statement but is cooperating with investigators and conducting internal safety reviews. Ground collisions, though typically less severe than in-flight incidents, pose risks to aircraft integrity, passenger safety, and flight schedules, making airport ground operations and pushback coordination a priority for aviation authorities. Passengers affected by the canceled flights were offered alternate arrangements, and United Airlines is reportedly working to minimize further disruption.

Incidents

Two United Airlines Jets Collide on Ground at San Francisco Airport, FAA Investigates

September 4, 2025

Montreal, Canada: The International Air Transport Association (IATA), representing approximately 350 airlines worldwide, including major Indian carriers like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, has proposed increasing the mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots operating multi-pilot flights from 65 to 67 years. This recommendation has been submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) ahead of its 42nd Assembly in September 2025. IATA's proposal comes in response to the escalating global demand for air travel, which has outpaced the supply of qualified pilots. The aviation industry has experienced significant growth, leading to a shortage of available pilots. In response, IATA suggests that raising the upper age limit for pilots would help mitigate this issue. IATA emphasizes that increasing the retirement age to 67 is a "cautious but reasonable step consistent with safety." The organization highlights that in countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, there are no upper age limits for pilots, including those undertaking commercial air transport operations. The proposal also aligns with ICAO's initiatives to develop more integrated systems of medical assessment. IATA advocates for standardized medical risk assessment and oversight systems, informed by a consistent set of pilot medical data, to reliably assess the medical risks associated with pilot age. This approach aims to ensure the safe implementation of changes to pilot age limits. In addition, IATA noted that raising Commercial Air Transport (CAT) pilot age limits to allow more pilots to continue working aligns with 15 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Programme, which aims to ensure a sufficient supply of qualified aviation professionals for the future whether by recruiting older candidates or retaining existing pilots.

Airlines

IATA Proposes Raising Pilot Retirement Age to 67 to Address Global Pilot Shortage

September 3, 2025

Idaho, United States: A tragic plane crash in Wyoming’s Bighorn National Forest on Labor Day left one child dead and three members of the Palmer family hospitalized. Authorities said the family had just taken off in a four-seat Piper PA-28 on Monday afternoon when the plane went down in the mountains shortly before 5 p.m. Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 13-year-old Amelia Palmer died at the scene. Her parents, Earl Palmer, 54, and Cindy Palmer, 53, were airlifted in critical condition to a trauma center in Billings, Montana. Their 11-year-old son, Aeron Palmer, suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to Sheridan Memorial Hospital. The Sheriff’s Office initially received reports of a missing or injured person in the Bighorn Mountains before learning of the plane crash. Emergency responders quickly located the wreckage and worked to stabilize the three survivors. Amelia’s body was later airlifted to the Incident Command Post and transported to Sheridan Memorial Hospital. “This was, and still is, a very fluid scene,” Sheridan County Sheriff Levi Dominguez said, praising the “exceptional” coordination of rescuers, EMS, and medical teams. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their family.” The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash. The FAA’s preliminary report confirmed the crash occurred during the plane’s initial climb but listed the cause as unknown circumstances. Amelia was well known in the rodeo community as the 2024/2025 Treasure Valley Rodeo Mini Queen and second runner-up for the 2026 Miss Junior Rodeo Idaho title. “Amelia, you were pure sunshine and brought joy to everyone you met. Our rodeo family won’t be the same without you,” Miss Rodeo Idaho Inc. wrote in a Facebook tribute. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the Palmers with medical bills, travel expenses, and funeral costs. Family friends have stepped in to care for the family’s farm animals, and community members are encouraged to donate feed or contribute to the fundraiser. FAA records list the plane’s registered owner as Austin Travis Peden of Sheridan, Wyoming. According to The Billings Gazette, Peden previously worked for Bighorn Airways, a local provider of private and contract flights.

Aircraft Crashes

Piper PA-28 Crash in Wyoming Claims 13-Year-Old’s Life, Leaves Three Hospitalized

September 3, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s Civil Aviation Ministry now plans to relaunch seaplane operations across at least two domestic routes by October, confirmed Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. Speaking at the Eastern Region Civil Aviation Ministers’ Conference, Minister Naidu noted that while seaplane operations were previously limited to a single route, the government has now simplified the guidelines to ease relaunch efforts These relaxed norms cover the setup of waterdromes, pilot training procedures, and operational regulations. Under the new rules, seaplanes can be deployed on any water body with a minimum depth of five feet and at least 200 meters of landing space. The anticipated routes include locations across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Kerala, or Andhra Pradesh, with the potential for future extensions to Odisha’s Chilika Lake and other parts of the eastern coastline. Minister Naidu encouraged airline operators to seize this opportunity, highlighting its “huge potential” for improving connectivity. He also invited state governments to propose innovative locations to expand the seaplane network. India's seaplane services were initially launched in October 2020 by SpiceJet's subsidiary, Spice Shuttle, with a 15-seater Twin Otter 300 aircraft operating between Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Riverfront and the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat. The service aimed to enhance regional connectivity under the UDAN scheme, offering affordable travel options to remote destinations. The pandemic disrupted operations, and the airline faced challenges in procuring its own fleet of seaplanes. By April 2021, SpiceJet decided to discontinue the service, citing these operational reasons. Additionally, Naidu pointed out the growing demand for pilots, revealing that 1,700 aircraft are currently on order, each requiring between 20 to 30 trained pilots. To meet this demand, India must generate approximately 3,000 pilots annually. To elevate training standards, the Ministry will introduce a ranking system for Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) starting in October. The conference was officially inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, with other dignitaries such as Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mohol Murlidhar, Chhattisgarh Minister Om Prakash Choudhary, and senior civil aviation officials in attendance.

Seaplane

India to Revive Seaplane Services with Fresh Routes and Relaxed Norms from October

September 2, 2025

Bangkok, Thailand: The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has suspended Nok Air’s international flight operations and barred the airline from expanding its route network, citing non-compliance with safety regulations. Nok Air has been without international service since the 2024–2025 winter season. Earlier this year, the airline had submitted an advance winter timetable planning to recommence daily flights to Nanning, Nanjing, and Zhengzhou in China, as well as Hyderabad in India, starting 27 October 2025, extending through the winter schedule. However, this plan was derailed by a CAAT decision on 28 August 2025. The agency cited a troubling series of safety incidents including engine shut-downs mid-air, hard landings, and runway excursions occurring between 2023 and 2025. Reports from outlets such as The Nation and Bangkok Post indicate CAAT is also concerned by a wave of staff resignations including pilots, instructors, and safety inspectors that may threaten the airline’s safety oversight and institutional experience. This intervention comes just ahead of an ICAO audit of Thailand's aviation safety framework, scheduled from 27 August to 8 September 2025. The CAAT's move is viewed as aimed at enforcing compliance with international standards. Meanwhile, Nok Air’s CEO has stated that the airline had already voluntarily ceased international services in June 2025 during the low travel season, and emphasized that domestic operations continue unchanged under CAAT supervision. The CAAT suspension remains in effect until Nok Air can demonstrate corrective safety measures; reports say the authority has allowed just one week for the airline to submit remedial plans.

Airlines

CAAT Grounds Nok Air’s International Flights for Safety, Domestic Services Continue

September 2, 2025

Colorado, United States: A mid-air collision between two small aircraft at Fort Morgan Municipal Airport on Sunday morning left one person dead and three others injured, officials reported. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a Cessna 172 and an Extra Flugzeugbau EA-300 collided while both were on final approach to land at the airport. The Morgan County Sheriff's Office received the first report of the crash at approximately 10:44 a.m. local time. Emergency crews including deputies from the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, personnel from the Fort Morgan Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Fort Morgan Fire Department, and Morgan County Ambulance arrived promptly at the scene. The two occupants of the Cessna 172 sustained only minor injuries and were treated on-site. In contrast, one occupant of the EA-300 was taken to a local hospital, while the other was declared dead at the crash site by the Morgan County Coroner’s Office. Following the collision, both aircraft crashed and caught fire. A plume of smoke was visible from afar, and bystanders rushed to help extinguish the flames before first responders arrived. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation, with the NTSB expected to take the lead on determining what caused the crash. In a statement, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to the victim’s family: “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim in this tragic event. We would like to express our gratitude to all the agencies that helped with this situation. Additionally, we want to thank the citizens who assisted in trying to extinguish the fire until the fire department and first responders arrived on the scene.” The crash occurred during a weekend aerobatics competition at the airport involving Metropolitan State University of Denver’s collegiate aerobatics team. University officials clarified that their event was unrelated to the collision. Meanwhile, the airport has been closed temporarily as investigators and emergency teams continue their work.

Aircraft Crashes

1 Dead, 3 Injured in Mid-Air Collision at Colorado’s Fort Morgan Municipal Airport

September 1, 2025

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), in collaboration with the Dubai Police General Command, has launched the Digital Security Screener Licensing System across Dubai airports. This initiative aims to elevate aviation security by certifying security personnel through advanced digital processes, ensuring compliance with both national and international standards. The system reflects the commitment of both entities to developing competencies and ensuring the sustainability of aviation security. The launch ceremony was attended by prominent officials, including H.E. Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director General of the DCAA, and H.E. Major General Harib Al Shamsi, Acting Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police. The event underscored the commitment of both entities to strengthening aviation security through institutional collaboration. H.E. Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi emphasized that the new system reflects Dubai's dedication to integrating smart technologies and modernizing security protocols. He noted that the initiative supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aiming to enhance the emirate's position as a global aviation hub. The Digital Security Screener Licensing System introduces advanced digital processes for certifying airport security personnel. This modernization ensures compliance with stringent aviation security standards, enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability. Officials highlighted that the system's implementation aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and reinforces international confidence in Dubai's aviation safety framework. During the launch, a range of innovative security and technological systems serving Dubai's aviation sector were showcased. These advancements reflect the ongoing efforts to build an integrated ecosystem that aligns with the Government of Dubai's vision to enhance safety and security, further solidifying the emirate's status as a leading global aviation hub. This development is part of Dubai's broader efforts to innovate in airport security, complementing other technological advancements such as the AI-powered passenger corridor at Dubai International Airport, which allows travelers to pass through immigration without showing their passports.

Airports

Dubai Launches Digital Licensing System to Modernize Airport Security and Screening

September 1, 2025

New Delhi, India: A Delhi-to-Indore Air India flight AI2913 made a precautionary return to Indira Gandhi International Airport shortly after takeoff on Sunday after the cockpit crew received a fire indication in the aircraft’s right engine. According to Hindustan Times, the pilots acted immediately, declared an emergency, and shut down the affected engine following standard safety protocols. They then requested priority landing clearance from Air Traffic Control and safely brought the aircraft back to Delhi, where fire and rescue teams were on standby as a precaution. Air India confirmed that all passengers and crew members disembarked safely. The airline arranged an alternate aircraft so passengers could continue their journey to Indore with minimal disruption. The affected aircraft has been grounded for a detailed engineering inspection to determine the cause of the fire indication. Air India also notified the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which is expected to review the incident as part of its routine safety oversight. The incident comes a month after an Air India Express flight bound to Doha from Calicut International Airport returned a couple of hours after take-off due to a technical fault.

Incidents

Air India Indore Bound Flight AI2913 Safely Returns to Delhi After Engine Fire Alert

September 1, 2025

Florida, United States: In Florida, a small aircraft crashed near New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport on the morning of Friday, August 29. The New Smyrna Beach Fire Department stated that the incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. near the intersection of South Street and Clarendon Avenue, just outside the airport perimeter. Emergency responders from the fire department and local police arrived quickly at the scene. Both individuals on board the aircraft sustained injuries and were transported to Halifax Health Medical Center for treatment. Authorities have not released further details about their conditions. The crash prompted road closures in the surrounding area as first responders secured the scene and conducted rescue operations. Local residents were advised to exercise caution while emergency personnel were on site. At this stage, the cause of the crash has not been publicly disclosed. Aviation authorities are expected to investigate the incident in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The New Smyrna Beach Fire Department emphasized that the area remained restricted to ensure the safety of residents and emergency crews. Meanwhile, in Michigan, a 22-year-old Ohio man was hospitalized following a small single-engine plane crash in a field near Richmond Field in Unadilla Township, Livingston County, on Thursday, August 28. According to the township police, the crash occurred shortly before 4:00 p.m., after a crash detection notification from the pilot’s iPhone and calls from local residents alerted authorities. The pilot, who was flying from Charlevoix to Toledo, was found outside the aircraft with significant injuries and transported to the University of Michigan Hospital. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the township police, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Aircraft Crashes

Two Hospitalized After Small Plane Crashes Outside New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport

August 30, 2025

Srinagar, India: A SpiceJet aircraft on a Delhi–Srinagar route executed a safe emergency landing at Srinagar International Airport on the afternoon of August 29, 2025, following a sudden cabin pressure alert that required immediate action. The flight, designated SG 385, was carrying 205 passengers, including four infants, along with seven crew members. Despite a rapid descent caused by a cabin altitude warning, the pilot handled the situation effectively and made multiple landing attempts before safely touching down at 3:27 pm. Upon receiving the emergency request, airport authorities declared emergency arrangements as a precaution. Fortunately, the aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers disembarked normally, with no medical assistance needed for anyone on board. A spokesperson for SpiceJet confirmed the sequence of events in a statement: the cabin altitude warning triggered a rapid descent during approach, prompting crew members to follow standard operating procedures. The captain then requested a priority landing as a precaution, and the plane landed safely with no injuries or medical issues reported. This incident adds to a string of technical irregularities faced by Indian carriers in recent months. A Dubai-bound IndiGo flight from Surat was forced into an emergency landing at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday morning after the aircraft developed a technical snag. Similarly, an IndiGo Delhi–Goa flight, 6E 6271, was diverted to Mumbai under full emergency protocol after one of its engines failed mid-air.

Incidents

SpiceJet Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Srinagar After Mid-Air Cabin Pressure Alert

August 30, 2025

Warsaw, Poland: A tragic accident occurred on Thursday when a Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a rehearsal for the upcoming Radom AirSHOW in central Poland, claiming the life of a Polish Army pilot. Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister, confirmed the incident and described it as a “great loss for the Air Force.” Footage of the crash, which quickly went viral on social media, shows the fighter jet performing a barrel-roll aerobatic maneuver before suddenly plummeting to the ground. Upon impact, the aircraft exploded into a massive fireball and continued to slide across the runway for several meters, engulfed in flames. The aircraft involved belonged to the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznań, according to the General Command of the Armed Forces, no bystanders were injured during the incident. The accident occurred around 17:30 GMT, prompting immediate emergency response at the site. In light of the tragedy, the organizers have officially cancelled the Radom Airshow 2025, which was scheduled to take place over the upcoming weekend. Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz took to X (formerly Twitter) from the scene of the crash to pay tribute to the fallen pilot. “In the F-16 plane crash, a Polish Army pilot killed an officer who always served his country with dedication and great courage. I pay tribute to his memory. To the family and loved ones, I offer my deepest condolences,” he wrote. The Deputy Prime Minister further emphasized the magnitude of the loss, stating, “This is a great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Army,” highlighting the impact of the incident on Poland’s military aviation community. Investigations into the cause of the crash are expected to be launched immediately, with authorities seeking to determine the exact circumstances that led to the catastrophic accident.

Fighter Jet

Polish Air Force Pilot Dies in F-16 Crash During Rehearsal Ahead of a Radom Airshow

August 29, 2025

Ahmedabad, India: An IndiGo flight bound for Dubai from Surat was forced to make an emergency landing at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday morning after developing a mid-air technical fault. The Airbus A320-271N aircraft, operating as flight 6E 1507, took off from Surat around 9:30 AM with nearly 170 passengers on board. Shortly after departure, the crew detected a technical snag, reportedly related to the engine system, prompting the pilots to divert to Ahmedabad as a precautionary measure. The flight landed safely at around 11:00–11:40 AM, according to multiple reports. All passengers and crew were declared safe, with no injuries reported. Passengers were deboarded at Ahmedabad. IndiGo confirmed that a replacement aircraft was arranged, which departed Ahmedabad at around 1:45 PM IST and landed in Dubai at 1:35 PM local time, ensuring passengers reached their destination with a delay of about two hours . In a statement, the airline emphasized: “At IndiGo, passenger safety is our highest priority. The flight was diverted to Ahmedabad as a precaution. We regret the inconvenience caused and appreciate passengers’ understanding.” The diverted aircraft remains grounded in Ahmedabad, where engineers are conducting a thorough inspection and maintenance checks to identify the exact cause of the snag. Industry reports suggest the fault may have been engine-related, although IndiGo has not officially confirmed the nature of the defect. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry into the incident to examine the sequence of events, technical cause, and the airline’s handling of the situation. A senior official confirmed that detailed reports from the airline and maintenance crew have been sought.

Incidents

IndiGo Airbus A320 From Surat to Dubai Diverted to Ahmedabad Over Technical Glitch

August 29, 2025

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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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