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Washington, United States: As the U.S. government entered a partial shutdown at midnight on October 1, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced plans to furlough over 11,000 employees, approximately one-quarter of its workforce due to a lapse in federal funding. This move follows the Department of Transportation's notification that such furloughs would be necessary if the shutdown persisted. Despite the furloughs, more than 13,000 air traffic controllers are required to continue working without pay to maintain air traffic operations. The FAA is also proceeding with hiring and training new controllers, a departure from practices during previous shutdowns. The agency remains approximately 3,800 controllers short of its staffing targets. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has stated that about 25% of its 400 employees would be furloughed. However, the NTSB will continue to launch new investigations into air accidents and other incidents during the shutdown. Meanwhile, about 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff working airport security checkpoints would also continue working without pay. During the 35-day shutdown in 2019, absences among controllers and TSA officers increased as paychecks were missed, leading to longer checkpoint wait times and slowed air traffic in cities such as New York, which put pressure on lawmakers to resolve the funding impasse. Airline trade group, Airlines for America, representing carriers including United, Delta, American, and Southwest, warned that a lapse in funding could force the system to slow down, reducing efficiency and affecting travelers. The U.S. Travel Association, which represents airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and other travel businesses, estimated that even a partial shutdown could cost the U.S. travel sector approximately $1 billion per week. The FAA employs around 45,000 people, and the Transportation Department as a whole would furlough 12,200 of its 53,717 employees, including those at the FAA. The agency confirmed that essential certification activities covering commercial airplanes and engines, as well as commercial space launches would continue to ensure operational safety.

FAA Furloughs 11,000 as U.S. Shutdown Begins; Controllers Continue Working Unpaid

Aviation Today News Desk / October 6, 2025

Washington, United States: As the U.S. government entered a partial shutdown at midnight on October 1, the Federal Aviation Administration […]

New York, United States: A low-speed collision between two Delta Connection regional jets disrupted operations at LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday night, injuring a flight attendant and damaging both aircraft. The incident occurred when Delta Connection Flight 5155, operated by Endeavor Air and scheduled to depart for Roanoke, Virginia, struck the nose of Delta Connection Flight 5047 arriving from Charlotte, North Carolina. The right wing of the departing CRJ-900 clipped the cockpit section of the arriving aircraft. The collision shattered cockpit windows and damaged the forward fuselage of the Charlotte flight. A cabin crew member on board sustained a knee injury and was taken to a local hospital. No passengers were hurt. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that airport operations continued without major disruption. The Endeavor flight 5155 was carrying 32 people including 28 passengers and 4 crewmembers whereas Endeavor flight 5047 was carrying 61 people in which 57 were passengers and 4 crewmembers, all passengers were safely deplaned and transported by bus to the terminal, where Delta arranged hotel accommodation, meals, and rebooking support. The NTSB has dispatched a team of ten investigators and recovered flight recorders from both aircraft for analysis. The FAA stated that Flight 5155 had been instructed to hold position before the collision, but the exact circumstances remain under investigation. The focus will include taxiway intersection layout, air traffic control instructions, and pilot decision-making. Flights resumed on schedule Thursday morning, with no further delays.

Accidents

Two Delta Jets Collide at LaGuardia Airport; Cockpit Windows Shattered & Crew Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / October 3, 2025

New York, United States: A low-speed collision between two Delta Connection regional jets disrupted operations at LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday

Washington, United States: The family of a passenger killed in January’s midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has filed the first federal lawsuit over the disaster, naming American Airlines, its regional affiliate PSA Airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the U.S. Army as defendants. The complaint, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, comes from Rachel Crafton, whose husband, Casey Crafton, was among the 67 people killed when American Eagle Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 29. The crash, which occurred at low altitude just half a mile from the runway, killed all 64 people aboard the Embraer E175 regional jet and all three Army crew members on the helicopter. Crafton’s lawsuit accuses the defendants of negligence and wrongful death, arguing that the tragedy was both predictable and preventable. The 115-page filing cites more than 30 documented near misses in the crowded D.C. airspace that, according to the suit, were ignored by regulators and operators. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary findings indicate insufficient vertical separation, estimated at just 75 feet, and highlight a history of over 15,000 near-misses between aircraft and helicopters in the area from 2021 to 2024, many occurring at night or above designated altitudes. The NTSB has recommended that the FAA restrict helicopter operations near DCA during active runway use and designate safer routes to prevent future collisions. The full investigation is ongoing, with a final report expected in 2026. “The defendants utterly failed in their responsibilities to protect passengers, crew, and the public,” the complaint alleges. It further faults American and PSA for inadequate pilot training, the FAA for failing to redesign or better monitor congested flight paths into Reagan National, and the Army for not preventing its aircraft from entering civilian approach corridors. The suit also highlights alleged air traffic control failures, including the absence of timely safety alerts that could have helped avoid the collision. This federal filing follows earlier Federal Tort Claims Act notices submitted by Crafton in February, seeking $250 million in damages from the FAA and the Army. Those claims are a legal prerequisite to suing the U.S. government, which typically enjoys sovereign immunity unless exceptions apply. The FAA responded with a statement of condolences, noting that it had “acted decisively” since the crash to improve safety over the capital region and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation. The Army declined to comment, citing the active investigation, but said it remains focused on supporting victims’ families. American Airlines and PSA signaled they would defend themselves in court, pointing to their overall safety record. The Crafton case is expected to be a bellwether lawsuit, with other families of victims likely to join or file their own claims in the coming months. The NTSB’s final accident report, expected in 2026, will likely shape the scope of liability across all parties.

Investigation

Widow of Passenger Sues American Airlines, FAA, Army Over Deadly D.C. Collision

Aviation Today News Desk / September 25, 2025

Washington, United States: The family of a passenger killed in January’s midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has

North Carolina, United States: A small private plane crashed in a field near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Macon County on Thursday afternoon, killing all three people on board. Authorities have confirmed that the deceased include award-winning Nashville songwriter Brett James, 57. The Cirrus SR22T aircraft (tail number N218VB) went down shortly after 3 p.m. local time on September 18, just west of the school grounds in Franklin. The aircraft is registered to James and had departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee, earlier that day, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Macon County Sheriff’s Office and local media reports confirmed the fatalities. Songwriter Brett James, whose career spanned more than two decades, was among those killed. He was known for penning hits including “Jesus, Take the Wheel” (Carrie Underwood) and “When the Sun Goes Down” (Kenny Chesney). James’s passing has sent shockwaves through the Nashville music community, where he was regarded as one of the most versatile and prolific writers of his generation. His songs, often blending country and pop influences, earned him Grammy Awards and recognition from both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. The identities of the two other victims have not yet been officially released. While the crash site was close to Iotla Valley Elementary School, officials confirmed that no students or staff were injured. The Macon County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the wreckage was located in a field adjacent to the school and did not impact school property. Parents and staff were quickly notified, and emergency crews secured the area. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the accident. The North Carolina Highway Patrol assisted local law enforcement in securing the crash site. The FAA is expected to release a preliminary accident report within the next few days, though full investigations can take months. Brett James’s career began as a recording artist before he transitioned to songwriting, where he built a reputation for crafting chart-topping hits across multiple genres. Beyond country music, he collaborated with artists in pop and rock, including Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift, and Kelly Clarkson. His songwriting not only brought him industry acclaim but also cemented his influence on Nashville’s modern sound. In addition to writing, James was active in mentoring young musicians and was deeply respected within Music Row’s creative community. According to the FAA, small private aircraft like the Cirrus SR22T are among the most commonly flown in the U.S., and while equipped with advanced safety features including parachute recovery systems accidents still occur.

Aircraft Crashes

Grammy-Winning Nashville Songwriter Brett James Among 3 Dead in Plane Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / September 19, 2025

North Carolina, United States: A small private plane crashed in a field near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Macon County

Colorado, United States: Two people tragically lost their lives early Friday morning when a small plane crashed just southeast of Centennial Airport in Colorado. The aircraft involved was a Beechcraft BE35, which went down around 6:20–6:25 a.m. in a business park near 8636 South Peoria Street, according to South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The first reports described an explosion, and by the time emergency responders arrived, the plane was engulfed in flames near a bank of diesel-powered generators that were also at risk of igniting. SMFR spokesperson Brian Willie confirmed firefighters were able to douse the fire before it spread to nearby buildings or equipment. Thankfully, no one on the ground was injured. The Douglas County Coroner’s Office will identify the victims once families have been notified. Air traffic control recordings captured by LiveATC.net shed light on the final moments before the crash. The pilot was cleared for takeoff and informed to line up on runway 17R for touch-and-goes. Soon after, another pilot in the area radioed, “Tower, there’s smoke off the left side looks like he went down.”Seconds later, someone added: “Appears he crashed in a parking lot about a mile southeast of the field.” ATC immediately alerted emergency crews. The FAA and NTSB have launched an investigation, with the NTSB taking the lead. Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the event or who might have video footage from nearby businesses to email eyewitness@ntsb.gov. Operations at Centennial Airport were not disrupted, as the crash occurred off airport property. This marks the second fatal aviation accident in the Denver metropolitan area in under a week. Earlier, a midair collision near Fort Morgan killed one person and injured three others

Aircraft Crashes

Two Killed After Small Plane Crashes Near Centennial Airport in Douglas County

Aviation Today News Desk / September 6, 2025

Colorado, United States: Two people tragically lost their lives early Friday morning when a small plane crashed just southeast of

Montana, United States: A small private aircraft crash-landed into multiple parked planes at Kalispell City Airport on Monday afternoon, sparking an intense fire but resulting in no serious injuries, authorities confirmed. The incident involved a 2011-built Socata TBM 700 turboprop, registered to Meter Sky LLC of Pullman, Washington. According to the Kalispell Fire Department, the single-engine plane was carrying four people, the pilot and three passengers when it attempted to land at around 2:00 p.m. local time. Initial reports from Kalispell Fire Chief Dan Pearson indicate that the TBM 700 touched down normally but lost directional control during rollout. The aircraft veered off the runway and collided with several parked planes on the apron. The collision ruptured fuel lines, triggering a blaze that quickly spread to the nearby grassy area adjacent to the tarmac. All four occupants managed to evacuate the aircraft before flames engulfed it. Two people suffered minor injuries and received treatment on-site, while the other two were unhurt. No injuries were reported among ground personnel. Multiple firefighting units from Kalispell and surrounding districts responded within minutes. Eyewitnesses described the crash as sudden and violent. Mark Grant, manager of the Aero Inn located near the airport, recounted to AP NEWS the moment of impact: “It was like sticking your head inside a bass drum and someone hitting it with all their might. The sound rattled the windows.” Several onlookers captured videos that circulated widely on social media, showing thick columns of black smoke rising from the airfield as emergency crews rushed to the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it has opened a preliminary inquiry into the crash, while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the formal investigation. The investigators will examine factors including runway surface conditions, aircraft mechanical integrity, and potential pilot error. The TBM 700’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders, though not required for all private planes, will be checked if installed. The NTSB’s initial report is expected within two weeks, but a final determination could take up to a year.

Aircraft Crashes

4 Escape Serious Injury After Small Plane Hits Parked Planes, Sparks Fire at Kalispell

Aviation Today News Desk / August 12, 2025

Montana, United States: A small private aircraft crash-landed into multiple parked planes at Kalispell City Airport on Monday afternoon, sparking

Arizona, United States: A medical transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Chinle Municipal Airport on the Navajo Nation, killing all four people on board, officials said Tuesday. According to the Associated Press, the twin‑engine Beechcraft King Air 300, operated by Albuquerque‑based CSI Aviation, had been dispatched to Chinle to pick up a critically ill patient from the Indian Health Service hospital. It went down at about 12:40 p.m. local time on August  5 while on approach and caught fire on impact, leaving the aircraft completely destroyed. Emergency crews from the Navajo Nation police and fire departments quickly responded to the scene, securing the crash site and temporarily closing Chinle Municipal Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have begun investigating the crash. Officials said the investigation will examine flight data, maintenance logs, weather conditions, and crew qualifications to determine the cause of the accident. CSI Aviation confirmed to AZ Family that the aircraft was carrying two pilots and two healthcare providers at the time of the crash. There were no survivors. The identities of the victims have not yet been released pending notification of their families. It also issued a statement cited by People magazine, saying, “We are heartbroken by the loss of our colleagues and partners in medical service and extend our deepest sympathies to their families.” Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren expressed condolences following the tragedy, describing it as “a devastating loss for our Nation and for the families of those who dedicated their lives to helping others,”. He highlighted the crucial role medical flights play in remote tribal communities, where air transport often serves as a lifeline for critically ill patients. No patient was on board at the time of the incident. The aircraft had been dispatched to transport a critical patient to a higher‑level medical facility. Officials noted that the names of the victims will be released once families have been notified. A preliminary report from the NTSB is expected within two weeks, though a full investigation may take months.

Aircraft Crashes

Arizona Medical Transport Flight Crash Kills 4 Near Chinle Airport, No Patient Onboard

Aviation Today News Desk / August 7, 2025

Arizona, United States: A medical transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Chinle Municipal Airport on the Navajo Nation,

Washington D.C., United States: In a landmark move for the future of air travel, the United States has officially lifted its nearly 50-year-old ban on civilian supersonic flights over land, clearing a major hurdle that has long held back the comeback of high-speed commercial aviation. The reversal of the 1973 regulation marks a significant policy shift and is expected to reshape the aviation landscape in the coming decades. The decision was confirmed through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump earlier this month. The order directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update its rules and certification standards for supersonic aircraft, specifically those that can operate with reduced noise levels. While this does not mean an immediate return of Concorde-like aircraft to the skies, it lays the legal groundwork for aerospace companies to test and eventually launch next-generation supersonic jets designed to fly over populated areas without causing disruptive sonic booms. The original 1973 ban was introduced following widespread public concern over the loud sonic booms generated by the Concorde, which could be heard and felt on the ground. These concerns, coupled with environmental and operational limitations, confined supersonic commercial flight to transoceanic routes only. As a result, the Concorde, though technologically advanced for its time, was restricted to operating primarily between cities like London and New York. With modern engineering advancements, however, new aircraft designs are now able to minimize or eliminate the traditional boom associated with breaking the sound barrier. Companies like Boom Supersonic, NASA, and Lockheed Martin have been working on low-boom and "quiet supersonic" technologies for several years. The lifting of the ban gives these developers a long-awaited green light to move forward with real-world testing and route planning for overland operations. Boom Supersonic, a Denver-based aerospace company, is leading the commercial supersonic race with its flagship airliner Overture, designed to fly at Mach 1.7 with 64–80 passengers. The aircraft aims to operate on sustainable aviation fuel and is backed by major airlines including United and American. The company’s smaller test jet, the XB-1, recently broke the sound barrier during flight testing in California, marking a key milestone toward its 2029 commercial goal. Lockheed Martin, in partnership with NASA, is developing the X-59 QueSST (Quiet Supersonic Technology) aircraft. Unlike commercial models, the X-59 is a research jet built to demonstrate low-boom supersonic flight aiming to reduce sonic booms to a soft “thump.” The data from this project will support future noise regulations and pave the way for civilian supersonic travel over land. FAA officials have stated that this is not a blanket approval for all supersonic aircraft but a carefully controlled shift. Any new aircraft seeking to fly over land at supersonic speeds will still need to comply with stringent noise regulations and complete thorough testing and certification. This includes proving that their noise levels are comparable to those of subsonic aircraft during takeoff, landing, and cruise. The change is already being hailed by aviation industry leaders and investors as a turning point. With the regulatory obstacle removed, companies can now confidently accelerate development timelines and raise funding for commercial production. Boom Supersonic, for instance, recently completed successful flight tests of its prototype, the XB-1, and is targeting a 2029 debut for its full-scale Overture airliner. The lifting of the ban also places the U.S. in a leading role in shaping global supersonic policy. Other countries are expected to watch closely, and a successful implementation could prompt similar regulatory shifts in Europe, Asia, and beyond. While environmental groups have expressed concerns about fuel use and emissions, manufacturers are emphasizing the use of sustainable aviation fuels and efficient engine technologies in their designs. This move revives a long-dormant dream in commercial aviation, the ability to fly from coast to coast in under three hours. With development already in motion and regulatory doors now open, the return of supersonic passenger travel is no longer a matter of “if,” but “when.”

Supersonic Flight, Uncategorized

US Lifts 50-Year Ban on Supersonic Overland Flights with New FAA Regulations

Aviation Today News Desk / June 13, 2025

Picture Credits: Lockheed Martin Washington D.C., United States: In a landmark move for the future of air travel, the United

Boeing has reached a tentative $1.1 billion agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to settle criminal charges related to the 737 MAX crashes of 2018 and 2019, which killed 346 people. The deal includes financial penalties, a victims' fund, and enhanced oversight measures. Boeing avoids trial but admits to misleading the FAA, drawing criticism from victims' families and sparking debate on corporate accountability

Airplane Crashes, Boeing, Investigation, United States

Boeing Escapes Trial, $1.1B Deal With DOJ Over 737 MAX Crashes That Killed 346 People

Aviation Today News Desk / May 24, 2025

Picture Credits: PK-REN (Flickr) Seattle, United States: In a major legal development, Boeing has reached a tentative $1.1 billion agreement

Incidents, Pilots, United States

Aerobatic Pilot Rob Holland Dies in Crash at Langley Air Force Base Ahead of Airshow

Aviation Today News Desk / April 25, 2025

Picture Credits: Rob Holland Aerosports, Ultimate air shows Virginia, USA: Rob Holland, a world-renowned aerobatic pilot, lost his life on

FAA

FAA Furloughs 11,000 as U.S. Shutdown Begins; Controllers Continue Working Unpaid

Two Delta Jets Collide at LaGuardia Airport; Cockpit Windows Shattered & Crew Injured

Widow of Passenger Sues American Airlines, FAA, Army Over Deadly D.C. Collision

Grammy-Winning Nashville Songwriter Brett James Among 3 Dead in Plane Crash

Two Killed After Small Plane Crashes Near Centennial Airport in Douglas County

4 Escape Serious Injury After Small Plane Hits Parked Planes, Sparks Fire at Kalispell

Arizona Medical Transport Flight Crash Kills 4 Near Chinle Airport, No Patient Onboard

US Lifts 50-Year Ban on Supersonic Overland Flights with New FAA Regulations

Boeing Escapes Trial, $1.1B Deal With DOJ Over 737 MAX Crashes That Killed 346 People

Aerobatic Pilot Rob Holland Dies in Crash at Langley Air Force Base Ahead of Airshow

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