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Pilots Support Air Traffic Controllers Through 40-Day Shutdown
During times of crisis, the best of humanity often emerges. As the government shutdown drags into its 40th day—already the longest in U.S. history—values of decency and compassion are being demonstrated by pilots nationwide. Air traffic controllers have been among the workers hit hardest by the federal shutdown, with ATCs set to miss their second government paycheck on Tuesday. However, pilots at both local airports and major national hubs have stepped up to support their avi
icarussmith20
Nov 10, 20252 min read


UPS plane underwent weeks of maintenance one month before deadly crash
The UPS cargo plane that crashed Nov. 4 in Louisville appears to have undergone heavy maintenance during a six-week period in September and October, based on flight records and remarks from the National Transportation Safety Board. The plane stopped in San Antonio from Sept. 3 to Oct. 18, where ST Engineering operates a facility providing "exclusive heavy maintenance" to UPS MD-11 planes like the one involved in the recent crash, according to the firm. The NTSB is in the proc
icarussmith20
Nov 7, 20254 min read


Five bucket-list train journeys that showcase America’s most breathtaking scenery
The best vantage point to see America in all her breathtaking glory is through the panoramic windows of a train. But which journey to choose? America has some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes — but you can’t always appreciate them from behind the wheel of a car, eyes glued to the road. The best vantage point? Through the panoramic windows of a train, where you can drink in the views uninterrupted — and with a drink in hand. But which journey to choose? Here we reve
icarussmith20
Nov 6, 20255 min read


5 takeaways on the industry, economy from ATA’s Costello
During MCE 2025, Chief Economist Bob Costello said rightsizing supply may be the only near-term solution for the ongoing freight recession. SAN DIEGO — A much-awaited address by the American Trucking Associations’ chief economist painted a sobering picture of an industry that’s fighting a three-year freight recession. Challenges include tariff levels not seen since the 1930s and heavy-duty truck import tariffs that could add $10,000 to the cost of certain trucks, SVP and Chie
icarussmith20
Nov 6, 20253 min read


How shipping can adapt and maintain its role in a fragmenting world
At the Global Maritime Forum Annual Summit 2025, the Global Maritime Forum (GMF) asked industry leaders, policymakers, and other experts how the sector can adapt and maintain its vital role in a fragmenting world. According to GMF, the shipping industry, as a cornerstone of global trade, is facing unprecedented pressures from geopolitical tensions. Armed conflicts, trade disputes , and the impacts of climate change are challenging its resilience and forcing the sector to exp
icarussmith20
Nov 6, 20253 min read


Senators Push for Increased Loan Aid for Student Pilots
Lawmakers ask the Education Department to define aviation and flight training as ‘professional degree’ programs A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is pushing to give students enrolled in aviation programs and FAA-certified Part 141 flight training schools increased access to federal loan aid. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July, sets up new lifetime borrowing caps for graduate and professional degree students. These limits, which are higher than those u
icarussmith20
Nov 6, 20252 min read


70 years after the first sabotage of a US airliner, the 44 killed are finally being honored
LONGMONT, Colo. (AP) — The windows shook as dynamite aboard an airplane exploded over Conrad Hopp’s family farm in northern Colorado 70 years ago. Hopp, then 18 years old, saw a ball of fire streaking across the night sky and rushed with his brother toward where the burning wreckage came down, dodging objects that turned out to be the bodies of victims of the first confirmed case of sabotage against a commercial U.S. airliner. Hundreds of miles away, Marian Poeppelmeyer’s mot
icarussmith20
Nov 6, 20254 min read


Government shutdown risks ATC walkouts – will it affect pilot pay?
Secretary Duffy gave a press conference on Tuesday where he updated reporters on the effects of the shutdown Transport Secretary Sean Duffy delivered his most urgent warning yet about the operational crisis facing aviation. If the government shutdown extends into next week, the Department of Transport will be forced to close critical sectors of U.S. airspace—a move that could critically disrupt life and earnings for US pilots. Speaking directly to Democrats on Tuesday about n
icarussmith20
Nov 6, 20253 min read


AIR SCARE Chilling audio as pilot learns of bomb threat at Reagan DCA Airport that cleared runway & halted ALL flights
ALL flights were grounded at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for over an hour after a terrifying bomb threat targeting a United Airlines plane was reported. Eerie audio captured the moment an air traffic controller instructed the pilot to make a sudden 180-degree turn on the tarmac late Tuesday morning. All departing flights at the Washington DC airport were paused from 11:18 am until 12:50 pm as police investigated the terrifying situation. Passengers were forced
icarussmith20
Nov 5, 20252 min read


Ex-pilot who tried to cut engines on flight after taking mushrooms pleads guilty
A former Alaska Airlines pilot accused of trying to cut the engines of a passenger flight in 2023 while riding off-duty in the cockpit pleaded guilty or no contest to all charges against him on Friday, saying in court that he regretted endangering those on board as well as the damage he caused to his former profession. Joseph Emerson reached the plea agreements because he wanted to take responsibility for his actions and hoped to avoid further time behind bars, said his atto
icarussmith20
Nov 5, 20253 min read


Chilling final word of American Airlines pilot before plane crashed killing 273 on board
American Airlines Flight 191 was set to fly from Chicago to Los Angeles, but the routine journey ended in a tragic disaster It was an ordinary day at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport - and the routine domestic flight to Los Angeles was prepared to depart as scheduled. Carrying 258 passengers alongside 13 crew members, American Airlines Flight 191 enjoyed perfect conditions on the bright May afternoon. However, mere moments after the McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10's landin
icarussmith20
Nov 5, 20252 min read


Meet Trump's New NASA Boss: Billionaire Pilot-Astronaut Jared Isaacman to Steer US Space Comeback
Isaacman's comeback marks Trump's renewed push to blend private innovation with NASA's goals. US President Donald Trump has vowed to make America's space programme 'greater than ever before' as he dramatically re-nominates billionaire pilot and astronaut Jared Isaacman to head NASA, months after his original nomination was withdrawn. In a statement posted on Truth Social , Trump declared that Isaacman's leadership would launch 'a bold new era' for the United States in spa
icarussmith20
Nov 5, 20254 min read


US accused of threatening EU diplomats during bid to kill green shipping rules
Negotiators at shipping talks in London were told both they and their countries could be punished unless they voted with the U.S. European negotiators were personally targeted by their American counterparts during a brutal negotiation over green shipping rules, European Commission officials told POLITICO — a highly unusual gambit that left diplomats shaken after the meeting. The threats were made last month, as the U.S. maneuvered to block a new effort to tax pollution at a
icarussmith20
Nov 3, 20254 min read


The Best Airlines in the United States: 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards
It isn’t possible for the Condé Nast Traveler team to see and do everything, everywhere, all at once—though we try our best! Fortunately, we also have you, our readers. This year you cast an astonishing 757,109 votes in the 38th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey, sharing your opinions on the very best in travel. You told us you were enchanted by Italian hotels, went on safari in Botswana, took to semiprivate aviation, and advocated for newcomers to the top American citi
icarussmith20
Nov 3, 20252 min read


US pilots make emergency landing after mistaking static sound for plane invasion
Flight returned to Omaha airport minutes after departing for Los Angeles, after intercom was left on by accident Pilots aboard a US commercial jet mistakenly thought someone was trying to invade the cockpit on Monday, leading the flight to return to the Omaha airport fewer than 40 minutes after departing for Los Angeles . The misunderstanding on American Airlines Flight 6469 came about because the intercom that pilots and flight attendants use to speak to each other had been
icarussmith20
Nov 3, 20252 min read


How Much Do US Airline Pilots Really Earn in 2025?
Have you ever wondered what your colleagues are really earning? Thanks to an ongoing pilot shortage that's flipped the bargaining table, US airline pilots have locked in some seriously impressive contracts in recent years. The bottom line? It's never been more lucrative to pursue those captain's wings. But which airline should you choose? Let's break down the numbers. Pilot salaries vary wildly depending on where you are in your career and who you're flying for. First-year pi
icarussmith20
Oct 31, 20254 min read


How Government Shutdowns Ground Our Aviation System: Update
As the federal government shutdown stretches into its fourth week, its effects on air traffic control are being felt at major airports across the country. Delays specifically related to controller shortages have been infrequent although there were a few incidents at high traffic airports, Chicago O’Hare and Newark. Yesterday, air traffic controllers missed their first full pay checks and although they will, in theory, receive back-pay after the shutdown ends, dialogue in
icarussmith20
Oct 29, 20252 min read


The Top 7 Trucking Companies in the US
The trucking industry forms the backbone of American commerce. Freight trucking keeps shelves stocked, factories running and supply chains moving. While independent trucking companies dominate in number, a few large carriers stand out for scale, innovation and market influence. For companies looking to secure logistics partners or for fleet operators tracking the competitive landscape, it’s essential to know which names shape the industry. This list highlights the biggest tru
icarussmith20
Oct 24, 20254 min read


A Look At The Salaries Of Flight Attendants In The US In 2025
In 2025, the question of how much flight attendants earn in the United States is once again drawing attention. With the rising cost of living, new union negotiations, and growing public interest in what cabin crew members actually take home, pay transparency has become a crucial topic. For anyone considering a career as a flight attendant, understanding how salaries are structured helps paint a clearer picture of life in the skies. The reality is that Flight Attendant pay is
icarussmith20
Oct 24, 20252 min read


Thanksgiving Rush Faces Shutdown Chaos and Spirit Airlines Uncertainty
Thanksgiving air travel is shaping up as a stress test for the U.S. aviation system: rising demand, a shrinking Spirit Airlines, and the looming threat of a prolonged government shutdown converging at once. A slow but steady rise in holiday air travel demand is building across the U.S. as travelers head into the 2025 peak season, according to new booking and schedule data from Cirium . The analytics firm reports that advance reservations for both Thanksgiving and the December
icarussmith20
Oct 24, 20252 min read
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