Flight Safety Information - March 31, 2025 No. 064 In This Issue : Incident: American B788 at Miami on Mar 28th 2025, gear problem on departure : Incident: Swiss BCS3 at Berlin on Mar 30th 2025, dropped gear parts on departure : Incident: Delta A319 at Washington on Mar 28th 2025, TCAS resolution on initial climb : Incident: Hong Kong A320 near Fuzhou on Mar 20th 2025, fire in cabin : Incident: American A320 near Tulsa on Mar 24th 2025, engine shut down in flight : Kite Confiscated After Coming in Contact With a Jet Near Washington : Delta Flight Nearly Collides With Air Force Jet: What To Know : New York Newark to San Francisco Leaves Passengers Injured After Sudden Drop on United Airlines 757 Sparks Mid-Air Safety Scare : American Airlines Flight Go-Around at Charlotte Amid Aircraft on Runway : No Survivors Found After Plane Crashes into a Minnesota Home, Sparking Fiery Blaze : Singapore Airlines A350 Pilot Fall Sick, Flight Delayed by 6 Hours : BOC Aviation to buy 120 Boeing, Airbus aircraft in fleet expansion push : Boeing Begins 777X Brake testing as Part of FAA Certifications Flights : ISASI is accepting nominations for the Jerome F. Lederer Award. : Call for Nominations For 2025 Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award : Calendar of Events Incident: American B788 at Miami on Mar 28th 2025, gear problem on departure An American Airlines Boeing 787-8, registration N871AY performing flight AA-62 from Miami,FL (USA) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (France), was climbing out of Miami's runway 08R when the crew stopped the climb at 5000 feet reporting gear problems. The aircraft entered a hold over the Everglades and returned to Miami for a safe landing on runway 09 about 65 minutes after departure. A replacement Boeing 787-8 registration N807AA departed the following day and reached Paris with a delay of about 29.5 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Miami about 42 hours after landing back. https://www.avherald.com/h?article=525e0379&opt=0 Incident: Swiss BCS3 at Berlin on Mar 30th 2025, dropped gear parts on departure A Swiss International Airlines Bombardier C-Series CS-300, registration HB-JCO performing flight LX-977 from Berlin (Germany) to Zurich (Switzerland), departed Berlin's runway 25L when the crew stopped the climb at 5000 feet reporting trouble with their landing gear. The aircraft returned to Berlin for a safe landing on runway 25L about 35 minutes after departure. The airport reported some small parts separated from the right main landing gear. Following landing the aircraft was towed to the apron. The aircraft is still on the ground in Berlin about 8.5 hours after landing. https://www.avherald.com/h?article=525df98d&opt=0 Incident: Delta A319 at Washington on Mar 28th 2025, TCAS resolution on initial climb A Delta Airlines Airbus A319-100, registration N342NB performing flight DL-2983 from Washington National,DC to Minneapolis,MN (USA), was in the initial climb through about 1300 feet out of DCA's runway 19 when tower handed the aircraft to departure, the crew read back, immediately afterwards tower attempted to contact DL-2983 again with no response. About 20 seconds after the hand off the crew reported on departure frequency, they just had had a TCAS resolution advisory for an aircraft 500 feet below them. The controller confirmed. The aircraft continued the climb and flight to Minneapolis for a safe landing without further incident. The FAA reported: "Delta Air Lines Flight 2983 was cleared for takeoff at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport around 3:15 p.m. local time on Friday, March 28, while four U.S. Air Force T-38 Talons were inbound to Arlington National Cemetery for a flyover. The Delta aircraft received an onboard alert that another aircraft was nearby. Air traffic controllers issued corrective instructions to both aircraft. The FAA will investigate." The formation was turning northbound along the Potomac's eastern bank. According to ADS-B data the minimum separation reduced to 100 feet vertical and 0.7nm horizontal. https://www.avherald.com/h?article=525d3638&opt=0 Incident: Hong Kong A320 near Fuzhou on Mar 20th 2025, fire in cabin A Hong Kong Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration B-LPC performing flight HX-115 from Hangzhou to Hong Kong (China), was enroute at 9200 meters (approx. FL301) about 120nm north of Fuzhou (China) when a fire broke out in one of the overhead bins in the cabin. While cabin crew used fire extinguishers to fight the fire, the flight crew initiated a diversion to Fuzhou. Cabin crew succeeded in extinguishing the fire. The aircraft landed safely on Fuzhou's runway 03 about 30 minutes later. The aircraft is still on the ground in Fuzhou on Mar 29th 2025. The airline reported a fire broke out in one of the overhead compartments, which was successfully extinguished. On Mar 29th 2025 China's CAAC reported the occurrence was rated a serious incident and is being investigated. During cruise an external Romiss charging battery, 20.000mAh, suffered a thermal runaway and spontaneously ignited. Cabin crew in following the according procedures successfully extinguished the fire. The aircraft diverted to Fuzhoe without further incident. https://www.avherald.com/h?article=525739ed&opt=0 Incident: American A320 near Tulsa on Mar 24th 2025, engine shut down in flight An American Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration N650AW performing flight AA-3128 from Milwaukee,WI to Dallas Ft. Worth,TX (USA), was enroute at FL300 about 30nm east of Tulsa,OK (USA) when the crew decided to divert to Tulsa due to problems with the right hand engine (V2527). The aircraft positioned for an approach to Tulsa's runway 18L, descending towards Tulsa the crew declared Mayday reporting the right hand engine now failed. The engine was secured, the aircraft continued for a safe landing on runway 18L about 30 minutes after leaving FL300. The aircraft is still on the ground in Tulsa (standing Mar 28th 2025). https://www.avherald.com/h?article=525cc294&opt=0 Kite Confiscated After Coming in Contact With a Jet Near Washington United Airlines said a plane landed safely at Reagan National Airport after a witness said he saw a kite reach the plane between its fuselage and engine. The police confiscated a kite on Saturday after it was flown near airplanes landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport, according to the airport police, and after a witness said he saw it make contact with a landing plane. United Airlines said that it “was aware of reports” that a kite had been in the path of Flight 654 from Houston. “The aircraft landed safely, customers deplaned normally and upon inspection there was no damage to the aircraft,” United said. Officers with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department received reports on Saturday of a kite flying at Gravelly Point, a park just north of an airport runway, Emily McGee, a spokeswoman for the department, said on Sunday. Gravelly Point is a part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and is overseen by the National Park Service. The agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday. Kite flying is barred at the park because of the low-flying aircraft in the area. Officers “briefly confiscated” a kite on Saturday, Ms. McGee said. “That kite was returned to its owner shortly later, and no charges were filed,” Ms. McGee said. It was not immediately known how high the kite was flying or what kind of kite was confiscated. The Federal Aviation Administration said on Sunday that it did not have a report about the kite. Jamie Larounis, a travel industry analyst, said in an interview on Sunday that he had reported the kite to the airport police after seeing it make contact with the plane on Saturday while he was walking home from the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington. He stopped to sit at Gravelly Park for 10 to 15 minutes. He described the park as a “plane spotter’s paradise,” where he sometimes sees people with air traffic control radios watching planes just before they land at the airport. On Saturday, people were picnicking, cycling and flying about 10 to 15 kites, he said. Most of the kites were flying relatively low, he said, but at one point he spotted a green, “run-of-the-mill kid’s kite” flying higher and higher. He said it looked as if two adults and a child were controlling it. An incoming plane “was at the right height to come in contact with that kite,” he said, and he watched as the kite reached a side of the plane, between its fuselage and the engine. The kite came down, tangled in itself, he said. He disputed the description by the police of the kite being “briefly confiscated,” and said it remained in a police car while the family drove away from the park without it. Mr. Larounis called the airport police to report what happened because he was concerned that the kite might have caused damage to the plane that had gone unnoticed. He said he was also particularly sensitive to aviation safety after an American Airlines flight collided with an Army helicopter near the airport in January, killing 67 people aboard both aircraft. The F.A.A. has since closed the helicopter route involved in the crash. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/30/us/kite-plane-ronald-reagan-airport.html Delta Flight Nearly Collides With Air Force Jet: What To Know Why It Matters The incident took place just miles from Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA) in Washington D.C., where a deadly plane crash in January claimed 67 lives. What To Know Delta Flight 2983, an Airbus A319 bound for Minneapolis-St. Paul, had just taken off from DCA at around 3:15 p.m. when the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System, a cockpit warning system designed to prevent midair collisions, issued a "resolution advisory" to signal that the plane was on a potential collision course with another aircraft. A resolution advisory is a high-level warning that instructs pilots to take immediate action—such as climbing or descending—to avoid a crash. Tracking data from FlightRadar24 shows an Air Force T-38 jet flying past the Delta plane and DCA going more than 350 miles per hour at 800 feet. The military jet was operating from Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia. Four U.S. Air Force T-38 Talons were inbound to Arlington National Cemetery for a flyover at the time of the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement. Audio captured by LiveATC.net shows that the Delta pilot asked air traffic control: "On that departure ... was there an actual aircraft about 500 feet below us as we came off of DCA?" "Delta 2983, affirmative," the controller responded. Delta confirmed the incident and said its crew responded appropriately. It comes after another incident in the same airspace involving an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter. The two aircraft collided midair, killing 67 people, on January 29. The National Transportation Safety Board has since revealed that between 2021 and 2024, there were over 15,000 incidents where commercial airplanes and helicopters came within one nautical mile (1.15 miles) of each other. In 85 of those cases, the aircraft were separated by just 1,500 feet vertically and 200 feet laterally. On Thursday, senators demanded to know why close calls between military helicopters and passenger planes went unchecked for so long at DCA. On the same day, the FAA said it would require military aircraft near the airport to fly with specific collision avoidance equipment turned on. Following Friday's near miss, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that she would contact the Department of Defense to question why military planes were flying just 500 feet below a passenger jet. What People Are Saying Senator Amy Klobuchar wrote on X: "Unbelievably dangerous and thank God people are safe. My first call to Department of Defense tomorrow: 'Why are your planes flying 500 feet below passenger jets full of Minnesotans headed from DCA to my state.'" The FAA said in a statement: "Delta Air Lines Flight 2983 was cleared for takeoff at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport around 3:15 p.m. local time on Friday, March 28, while four U.S. Air Force T-38 Talons were inbound to Arlington National Cemetery for a flyover. "The Delta aircraft received an onboard alert that another aircraft was nearby. Air traffic controllers issued corrective instructions to both aircraft." They added in a statement to Fox News: "We are currently collecting information, but have not yet launched an investigation." Delta Air Lines said in a statement: "Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people. That's why the flight crew followed procedures to maneuver the aircraft as instructed." https://www.newsweek.com/delta-flight-near-miss-collision-air-force-2052499 New York Newark to San Francisco Leaves Passengers Injured After Sudden Drop on United Airlines 757 Sparks Mid-Air Safety Scare United Airlines 757 on a flight from Newark to San Francisco suffered a sudden drop mid-air in Sept 2024, injuring passengers and prompting an NTSB probe. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued its final investigation report into a September 2024 incident involving a United Airlines Boeing 757. The aircraft encountered a sudden pitch control anomaly, resulting in two passengers suffering serious injuries during the mid-air event. Incident Summary The event occurred on September 19, 2024, during United Airlines flight UA 2428 from New York Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The aircraft involved was a 27.2-year-old Boeing 757-200, tail number N12125. According to data from Planespotters.net, this aircraft is now in storage. While descending toward its assigned flight level of FL310, the crew received a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) resolution advisory. The TCAS warning came as the aircraft was approximately 500 feet from its cleared level, alerting the pilots to an aircraft passing 1,500 feet below their position. In response, the first officer—who was at the controls—reduced the descent rate via the mode control panel. This input, combined with the TCAS resolution maneuver, caused a brief but sudden pitch change, which led to turbulence-like conditions in the cabin. Injuries and Cabin Impact Despite the seatbelt sign being illuminated shortly before the incident, several passengers were not seated. One passenger was ejected from their position and landed awkwardly, sustaining a fractured L2 vertebra. Another was exiting the lavatory during the maneuver and fell, fracturing their ankle upon impact with the floor. Additionally, two flight attendants working in the forward galley were knocked off their feet. Both sustained minor injuries while preparing for the start of descent. How TCAS Works to Prevent Mid-Air Collisions The Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is a vital component of in-flight safety protocols. Designed to work independently of air traffic control, TCAS helps prevent mid-air collisions by constantly monitoring nearby aircraft using transponder signals. By building a real-time, three-dimensional picture of surrounding airspace, TCAS can calculate the flight paths of other aircraft and determine if a collision is imminent. If such a threat is detected, the system issues immediate vocal and visual alerts, prompting flight crews to take corrective action. In situations where both aircraft are equipped with TCAS, the system will issue coordinated avoidance maneuvers to ensure safe separation. This system is mandatory under ICAO regulations for all passenger aircraft with more than 19 seats or a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 5,700 kg. Conclusion The NTSB report underlines the importance of seatbelt compliance even during smooth cruise segments of flight. Though the TCAS system functioned correctly and the pilots responded as trained, the sudden pitch variation had physical consequences for those not securely seated. The incident serves as a stark reminder that unexpected events can occur at any time during a flight, and safety protocols—including remaining seated when advised—are in place for good reason. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/new-york-newark-to-san-francisco-leaves-passengers-injured-after-sudden-drop-on-united-airlines-757-sparks-mid-air-safety-scare/ American Airlines Flight Go-Around at Charlotte Amid Aircraft on Runway At approximately 1:19 PM, controllers ordered the flight crew to execute a go-around due to a small aircraft still occupying the landing runway. FORT WORTH- An American Airlines (AA) flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) was forced to abort its landing due to a runway conflict. The aircraft circled for approximately 20 minutes before safely landing. Flight AA 938 was descending when air traffic control instructed a go-around because another aircraft was still occupying the runway. The incident raised safety concerns but was managed effectively by the flight crew and air traffic controllers. American Airlines Flight Go-Around at Charlotte Amid Aircraft on Runway American Airlines Flight Go-Around American Airlines (AA) Flight AA 938, traveling from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), was approaching its final descent on Friday afternoon when it received unexpected instructions from air traffic control. At approximately 1:19 PM, controllers ordered the flight crew to execute a go-around due to a small aircraft still occupying the landing runway. A go-around is a standard aviation maneuver used when a safe landing is not possible. In this case, the flight pulled up abruptly and remained airborne for an additional 20 minutes before receiving clearance to land safely. Passengers on board described the event as unsettling, with some recounting the steep ascent and momentary uncertainty. CNN contributor Lulu Garcia-Navarro, a passenger on the flight, noted on X (formerly Twitter), “We sort of took a very steep ascent. I started praying because I was scared.” According to data from FlightAware, Flight 938 was in close proximity to the runway before the sudden maneuver. Passengers reported feeling disoriented but relieved once the aircraft safely landed. One passenger, speaking to Channel 9’s Joe Bruno, described the experience as “pretty crazy,” adding that the most unsettling part was observing the reactions of fellow travelers. Another passenger remarked, “About 20 minutes of going around in circles, but I will take that over hitting another plane on the runway.” Despite the abrupt change in course, the flight crew remained composed. One passenger recalled, “I was looking out the window, thinking we were about to touch down in Charlotte, and then, nope. The pilot calmly announced, ‘Yeah, the runway was supposed to be vacated, but we have to make a change of plan.’ Sounds like a crisis was averted.” FAA Response and Airline Statement The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later confirmed the details of the incident, emphasizing that the go-around was a necessary safety procedure to prevent a runway conflict. In an official statement, American Airlines acknowledged the event, saying, “American Airlines Flight 938 landed safely and normally at Charlotte after air traffic control directed the flight deck crew to initiate a standard go-around. We thank our crew members for their professionalism and expertise.” The FAA is expected to review the circumstances surrounding the delayed runway clearance to ensure future operations remain smooth and safe. Conclusion The go-around executed by American Airlines Flight 938 highlights the importance of quick decision-making in aviation. While the maneuver may have unsettled passengers, it ultimately ensured a safe landing at Charlotte. Air traffic control and flight crew coordination played a vital role in averting a potential runway incident. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/03/30/american-airlines-flight-go-around-at-charlotte/ No Survivors Found After Plane Crashes into a Minnesota Home, Sparking Fiery Blaze Officials are currently investigating the incident which took place on Saturday A Daher TBM-960 aircraft A small plane flying from Iowa to Minnesota has crashed into a home killing all on board, according to reports. The Brooklyn Park, Minn. fire department was dispatched at around 12:22 p.m. local time on Saturday, March 29, after a home was set ablaze and they received reports of an aircraft incident, the Brooklyn Park Fire Department announced in a press conference, per KSTP 5. “On arrival, there was a large column of smoke … the house was fully involved [in the fire] but there was no signs of an aircraft in or around the area,” said Brooklyn Park Fire Chief Shawn Conway. “As our crews worked to put out the fire, we did see debris within the structure, that is aircraft debris.” At this time, it is believed there are no survivors from the plane and it is not known how many passengers were on the aircraft. The residents of the home have been confirmed safe, though it is unclear whether they were at home at the time. The SOCATA TBM7 plane involved was a single-engine business aircraft that took off from Des Moines International Airport in Iowa heading for Anoka County-Blaine Airport in Minneapolis, Fox 9 reported. A Video of the aftermath posted on Facebook showed the home fully engulfed with flames and the surrounding trees on fire as passers-by watched on. Another video posted from a high angle showed a large plume of smoke coming from the house and filling the air. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The National Transportation Safety Board wrote on X that it “is investigating the crash” and is expected to arrive at the scene on Sunday, March 30, BBC News reported. "Once on site, the investigators will begin the process of documenting the scene and examining the aircraft. The aircraft will then be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation," the agency added in a statement, per the outlet. The NTSB will focus its investigation on the cause of the crash, the pilot and the state of the aircraft, the operating environment and traffic control communications, NBC News reported. In an X post on Saturday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Waltz shared that his team “are monitoring the situation closely.” https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/no-survivors-plane-crashed-minnesota-124114351.html Singapore Airlines A350 Pilot Fall Sick, Flight Delayed by 6 Hours The incident occurred on March 29, 2025, when flight SQ899 was preparing for its scheduled 9:05 am local time departure from Hong Kong. SINGAPORE- A Singapore Airlines (SQ) flight from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Singapore was delayed by over six hours after a pilot became ill. Flight SQ899, operating by an Airbus A350, returned to the gate after beginning taxi procedures when one of the pilots experienced a medical issue. Singapore Airlines Pilot Fall Sick Singapore Airlines made the decision to seek immediate medical assistance for the crew member, requiring all passengers to disembark with their luggage. The carrier provided meal vouchers and refreshments to affected travelers during the extended wait at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). The incident occurred on March 29, 2025, when flight SQ899 was preparing for its scheduled 9:05 am local time departure from Hong Kong. As the aircraft began moving from its parking position toward the runway, one of the pilots suddenly became unwell, necessitating an immediate return to the terminal. The medical situation required removing the affected pilot from duty, leaving Singapore Airlines to arrange for a replacement crew member. This process contributed significantly to the extended delay, with the flight eventually departing around 3:40 pm – more than six hours behind schedule. According to Singapore Airlines’ official statement, the airline prioritized the health and safety of the crew members, emphasizing that “the safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority.” The A350 aircraft finally landed at Changi Airport (SIN) at 7:36 pm local time. Passenger Experience The sudden return to the gate and subsequent delay created significant frustration among passengers. A post shared on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu documented the confusion, with travelers reporting limited information about when they could expect to continue their journey. All passengers were required to completely deplane with their belongings, adding to the inconvenience. While Singapore Airlines provided meal vouchers and refreshments during the wait, some travelers expressed dissatisfaction with the communication regarding the evolving situation. The airline issued an apology to affected customers but maintained that the decision was necessary given the circumstances. Similar Incidents An easyJet (U2) flight from Hurghada (HRG), Egypt to Manchester (MAN) executed an emergency landing in Athens (ATH) after one of its pilots experienced a medical emergency mid-flight in February 2025. The incident occurred approximately two hours into the journey, creating intense moments for passengers and crew alike. A similar situation affected a Lufthansa (LH) Boeing 747-8 operating flight LH-463 from Miami (MIA) to Frankfurt (FRA) in January 2025, when the captain became incapacitated in the crew rest area. The senior first officer immediately took command, implementing emergency protocols and calling the second first officer to the cockpit for additional support. Two flight attendants administered first aid to the captain while the crew assessed weather conditions and determined Montreal as the optimal diversion airport. Additionally, in December 2024, a United Airlines (UA) flight from Zurich to Chicago diverted to Halifax (YHZ) when a pilot fell ill after approximately seven hours airborne. According to aviation analyst JonNYC, the flight remained airborne for approximately seven hours before the crew reported the medical emergency. A Boeing 767-300ER (registration N665UA), aged 26.5 years, operated the flight and landed safely in Halifax at 8:51 PM UTC. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/03/31/singapore-airlines-a350-pilot-fall-sick/ BOC Aviation to buy 120 Boeing, Airbus aircraft in fleet expansion push March 31 (Reuters) - Singapore-based BOC Aviation (2588.HK), opens new tab said on Monday that it will purchase 120 aircraft from Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab and Airbus (AIR.PA), opens new tab as part of its plan to expand its fleet to 1,000 by the end of the decade. BOC Aviation, majority-owned by the Bank of China, will buy 70 A320NEO family aircraft from Airbus and 50 737-8 jets from Boeing. The deal underscores the increasing demand for narrowbody aircraft as global travel surges, though production challenges, including workers' strike, regulatory scrutiny, and supply pressures, threaten to cause delivery delays. Boeing, opens new tab and BOC Aviation did not disclose the details of the deal, while Airbus did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. "With this transaction, we have commitments to purchase over 140 of these (Boeing 737-8) aircraft, which is the largest Boeing orderbook position in our history," BOC Aviation CEO Steven Townend said in an official statement from Boeing late on Sunday. BOC Aviation planned, opens new tab to grow its fleet to 1,000 planes by 2030, as Townend told The Business Times last September. As of the end of 2024, it owned and managed 709 aircraft. The lessor said the aircraft from Boeing are scheduled for delivery through 2031, while the Airbus aircraft will be delivered through 2032. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/boc-aviation-buy-120-boeing-airbus-aircraft-2025-03-31/ Boeing Begins 777X Brake testing as Part of FAA Certifications Flights Boeing's first 777X test aircraft, designated WH001 and bearing registration N779XW, arrived at Clinton Sherman Airport (CSM) for brake testing. SEATTLE- This month, American Aerospace giant Boeing has initiated formal certification testing of the braking system on its new 777-9 (777X) aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the development of what will become the world’s largest twin-engine passenger airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has expanded Type Inspection Authorization for the 777-9, confirming the aircraft’s readiness to advance through official certification processes. American Aerospace giant Boeing has initiated formal certification testing of the braking system on its new 777-9 (777X) aircraft Boeing’s first 777X test aircraft, designated WH001 and bearing registration N779XW, arrived at Clinton Sherman Airport (CSM), also known as the Oklahoma Air & Space Port in Washita County, Oklahoma to conduct essential brake certification testing under direct Federal Aviation Administration supervision. The 777-9 promises to deliver a 20% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to previous models. While Boeing engineers have conducted extensive internal evaluations of the braking system, this latest round of tests includes FAA personnel onboard to verify compliance with regulatory requirements. During this certification phase, Boeing will demonstrate the safety and reliability of the 777-9’s aerodynamics, brakes, and engines. The test program has already logged more than 1,300 flights totaling over 3,700 flight hours, including specialized evaluations such as braking performance in wet and dry conditions, landings in heavy crosswinds, and takeoffs at various speeds. Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, expressed pride in the 777X and Test & Evaluation teams’ accomplishments. She affirmed Boeing’s commitment to advancing the 777X program alongside other development initiatives, with plans to fulfill orders for more than 480 777X jets placed by airlines worldwide. Certification by Early 2026 Boeing aims to certify its largest aircraft, the 425-seat 777-9, by late 2025 or early 2026, enabling deliveries to begin after years of delays. The aircraft was originally scheduled for delivery in December 2019 or early 2020 but faced setbacks due to technical issues with GE Aerospace’s 115,000 lb thrust engines and fallout from the 737 MAX crisis. Kelly Ortberg, Boeing’s CEO, confirmed these certification and delivery targets during his first appearance at a Barclays Bank investor conference since assuming leadership last August. He emphasized the urgency of completing certification for customers waiting on deliveries, noting that Lufthansa’s CEO Carsten Spohr personally stressed how critical the aircraft is to the airline’s operating model. The program currently operates under a reach-forward loss, meaning any additional schedule delays would likely result in further financial losses, though Ortberg maintains the aircraft will be profitable over its program lifespan. The 777X joins Boeing’s 737-7 and 737-10 variants in facing prolonged certification delays following the 2018-2019 crashes of two 737-8 aircraft that killed 346 people. These tragedies revealed certification irregularities between Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration, creating ongoing regulatory challenges. Ortberg has prioritized improving the certification process, actively engaging with the new Transportation Secretary and interim FAA administrator to prevent misalignments during leadership transitions. Both officials will visit Boeing’s Seattle facilities as part of this effort. Boeing’s 737 production remains capped at 38 aircraft per month by FAA mandate as the company addresses safety and quality control issues. Despite producing only in the high teens or low twenties monthly throughout 2023-2024 due to internal problems and supply chain issues with Spirit AeroSystems, Ortberg expressed confidence in reaching the capped rate later this year. The company utilized downtime during last fall’s 53-day International Association of Machinists strike to clean inventory and rebalance production systems. Boeing plans to complete its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems’ Boeing-related work later in 2025. 1) When Boeing 777X will be Certified? Boeing aims to certify its largest aircraft, the 425-seat 777-9, by late 2025 or early 2026, enabling deliveries to begin after years of delays. 2) What is so special about the Boeing 777X? The Boeing 777X sets a new benchmark as the largest and most efficient twin-engine jet. Engineered with advanced aerodynamics and next-generation engines, it reduces fuel consumption and emissions by 10% while cutting operating costs by the same margin, outperforming competitors in every aspect. 3) How many Boeing 777X did Emirates Airline order or buy? Emirates secures a $52 billion wide-body aircraft deal at Dubai Airshow 2023, expanding its 777X fleet with 55 Boeing 777-9s and 35 777-8s, bringing total orders to 205. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/03/31/boeing-begins-777x-brake-testing/ ISASI is accepting nominations for the Jerome F. Lederer Award. The award is presented annually by the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) for outstanding lifetime contributions to technical excellence in furthering aviation accident investigation and achieving ISASI objectives, including enhancing aviation safety through the continuing development of investigation techniques. Any member of ISASI may submit an award nomination to the selection committee, which considers such traits as persistence, standing among peers, manner and techniques of operating, and achievements. Nominees not receiving the award are reconsidered for three years and may be nominated again after an intervening year. Nomination statements should emphasis an original and remarkable contribution and personal effort beyond normal duty requirements. The award may be given to an individual, group or organization, and may recognize a single event, series of events, or lifetime achievement. The nominee does not have to be an ISASI member. The nomination letter for the Lederer Award should be limited to a single page and should be e-mailed to the ISASI office or directly to the Awards Committee chair and must be received by May 30th each year. ISASI Office email – ann.schull@isasi.org Awards Committee Chair – Dave King - kingdfk@aol.com Call for Nominations For 2025 Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award, honoring a leader in global aviation safety. Presented annually since 1956, the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award recognizes notable achievement in the field of civil or military aviation safety in method, design, invention, study, or other improvement. The Award's recipient is selected for a "significant individual or group effort contributing to improving aviation safety, with emphasis on original contributions," and a "significant individual or group effort performed above and beyond normal responsibilities." Mechanics, engineers, and others outside of top administrative or research positions should be especially considered. The contribution need not be recent, especially if the nominee has not received adequate recognition. Nominations that were not selected as past winners may be resubmitted for consideration in subsequent years. Please note that self-nominations will not be considered. The Award Committee, composed of leaders in the field of aviation, meets each year to conduct a final review of nominees and selection of the current year's recipient. Please help us identify and honor this year's most deserving recipient. Nominations, including a 1-to-2-page narrative, can be submitted via the Laura Taber Barbour Foundation website at https://ltbaward.org/the-award/nomination-form/. Nominations will be accepted through June 2nd, 2025. For more information, including a complete history of Award recipients, see https://ltbaward.org/home/ About the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Foundation and Award The Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award's story dates back almost 80 years. On April 14, 1945, after visiting family in Pittsburgh, Laura Taber Barbour was aboard a Pennsylvania Central Airlines DC-3 when it crashed into the rugged terrain of Cheat Mountain near Morgantown, West Virginia. All passengers and crew were killed. In 1956 her husband, Dr. Clifford E. Barbour and son, Clifford E. Barbour, Jr., in close association with The Flight Safety Foundation, established the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award in her honor. For the past 68 years, this distinguished award recognizing outstanding achievements in aviation safety worldwide has been presented at Flight Safety Foundation’s International Aviation Safety Summit. In 2013, The Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Foundation was formed as an independent non-profit charitable organization composed of members of the Award Board, the aviation community, and the Barbour family. In addition to the annual presentation of the award, in 2019 the Foundation initiated a scholarship program that supports worthy students pursuing professional aviation studies. As the Foundation broadens its scope, the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award will continue to recognize those who significantly contributed to aviation safety. For more information on the Foundation, the award, and past winners, visit https://ltbaward.org/home/ CALENDAR OF EVENTS · 59th Annual SMU Air Law Symposium is scheduled March 31 - April 2, 2025 · Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) Safety Symposium April 7-9, 2025 · AIA Conference: The Aviation Insurance Association's annual conference in Orlando, Florida from April 25–28, 2025 . 70th annual Business Aviation Safey Summit (BASS), May 6-7, 2025, Charlotte, N.C., organized by Flight Safety Foundation in partnership with NBAA and NATA. · Sixth Edition of International Accident Investigation Forum, 21 to 23 May 2025, Singapore · Flight Safety Foundation - Aviation Safety Forum June 5-6, 2025 - Brussels . 2025 EASA-FAA International Aviation Safety Conference, 10 Jun 2025 to 12 Jun 2025, Cologne, Germany · The 9th Shanghai International Aerospace Technology and Equipment Exposition 2025; June 11 to 13, 2025 . 3rd annual Asia Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety (AP-SAS), July 15-17, 2025, Singapore, organized by Flight Safety Foundation and CAAS. . Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar 2025; 10-11 September 2025; Manila, Philippines · ISASI ANNUAL SEMINAR 2025'September 29, 2025 – October 3, 2025, DENVER, COLORADO . 29th annual Bombardier Safety Standdown, November 11-13, 2025; Wichita, Kansas · CHC Safety & Quality Summit, 11th – 13th November 2025, Vancouver, BC Canada Curt Lewis