Author: FlightDrama

On the 29th of December 2024, a Boeing 737-800 operated by a low-cost South Korean airline crashed after an emergency landing and overshooting the runway at Muan International Airport in South Korea. Jeju Air flight 2216 was a scheduled passenger flight in a Boeing 737-8AS, registered in the Republic of Korea as HL8088, enroute form Bangkok, Thailand to Muan International Airport. There were 175 passengers, four cabin crew and two flight crew on board. On approach, the captain made a mayday alert, declaring “bird strike, bird strike”. He offered no further information as to what had happened to the aircraft.…

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The RTAF is set to evaluate the service’s Saab Gripens’ ability to operate from makeshift runways and highways in February. This announcement comes days after the Government backed the service’s intent to purchase next-generation Gripen E/Fs to replace some of its older airframes. The Saab Gripen, famously noted for its ability to conduct rapid STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) operations from dispersed locations, is being tested by the RTAF (Royal Thai Air Force) in its ability to conduct operations from some of the country’s highways. The service views this as a critical aspect in its decision for the replacements…

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In today’s fast-evolving aviation industry, having a foundation of knowledge and practical skills is critical for maintaining safety, security, and operational efficiency. Training and lifelong learning are the cornerstones of developing an aviation professional’s competencies. Continuous learning ensures that aviation professionals are not only well-versed in current regulations but also adept at applying them in real-world scenarios. Ensuring effective competency-based training can be a challenge. Many organizations face time and financial constraints that lead to insufficient instructor training and, as a result, lower course quality. In an industry where even minor errors can have significant consequences, comprehensive training equips professionals…

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For U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter pilots, piloting may one day be optional.Under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) announced Tuesday, Army aviation experts will work with engineers from Skyryse, developer of the SkyOS flight operating system, to see how pilots might benefit from higher degrees of automation.“By combining the Army’s operational expertise with Skyryse’s leadership in rotorcraft flight controls and automation, we have a unique opportunity to make flying simple and safe enough that any serviceperson can fly any aircraft,” said Mark Groden, CEO of Skyryse.Flying an airplane is challenging enough. But helicopters are even more complex with…

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There are few things that will improve your time spent at the airport more than having access to an airport lounge. Think you need to be an ultra-frequent flyer with top-tier airline elite status to enter them? Think again: All you need is the right credit card. But credit cards that offer lounge access don’t come cheap. Expect to shell out annual fees ranging from $400 to $700 dollars a year – which can certainly be worth it when you factor in all the benefits they provide. But what if you want to bring the family into the lounges with…

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Have you seen Marriott full-service hotels offering rate plans that don’t include housekeeping services? A LoyaltyLobby reader alerted us that these rates are available in at least some hotels in Canada. Some properties offer “Green” rates without housekeeping services. You can access Marriott here. READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points Offers The Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport – Rate Search: There is this Stay Green Save More rate plan that appears to be the cheapest. The relevant part of the rate rules: Thank you for choosing to travel Green This rate gives an extra discount for travelers to…

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NEWS FLASHSkopje Airport welcomed 2.954.568 travellers through its doors in 2024, marking its best passenger performance on record. The figure grew by 2.5% year-on-year, or by 71.094 travellers During 2024, Skopje Airport welcomed airBaltic as a new customer but was faced with a significant reduction in capacity by Wizz Air, which continues to struggle with fleet issues. This led to a decline in passenger figures following a record first quarter. Looking ahead, Transavia has confirmed the launch of flights between Amsterdam and Skopje for 2025, while Wizz Air has scheduled three new routes.Skopje’s largest airlines by scheduled seat capacity, 2024

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On January 13, Hartzell announced their Carbon Voyager propeller has received supplemental type certification (STC) for Cessna 180s and Cessna 185s. “The original aluminum Voyager has earned its place as a popular propeller upgrade among the Cessna Skywagon community,” said Hartzell Propeller president JJ Frigge in a news release. “Our new Carbon Voyager takes it to the next level of performance and durability, delivering three to four percent improvement in takeoff distances and climb performance, all with a significant weight reduction.”At 54 pounds, the composite Voyager is 20.8 pounds lighter than its aluminum predecessor, making it the lightest option on the…

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Disclosure: The Points Pundit receives NO compensation from credit card affiliate partnerships. Support the blog by applying for a card through my personal referral links. This article is meant for information purposes only and doesn’t constitute personal finance, legal, health or investment advice. Please consult a licensed professional for advice pertaining to your situation.American Express offers some of the best welcome bonuses on the market. While they charge high annual fees on many of their premium card products, their products can be a fantastic value proposition for the first year in case you’re simply looking to try for the first…

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