AAIB investigation to Bellanca (American Champion) Decathlon 8KCAB, G-TALX
AAIB investigation of a Bellanca Decathlon light aircraft whose landing gear failed on touchdown due to corrosion-induced fatigue at Tatenhill Aerodrome on 30 June 2025.
May 14, 2026
AAIB investigation to DG Flugzeugbau DG-1000T, G-CKLY
AAIB investigation into a DG Flugzeugbau sailplane that experienced propeller coupling separation in flight near Oxford on 26 April 2025.
AAIB investigation to Z-1RA Stummelflitzer, G-ZIRA, 3 March 2026
AAIB investigation of a Stummelflitzer homebuilt aircraft that made a forced landing at White Waltham due to engine power loss on 3 March 2026.
AAIB investigation to Ikarus C42 FB100 Bravo, G-MOOD
AAIB investigation into an Ikarus C42 light sport aircraft that struck trees during forced landing following engine failure near Wycombe Air Park on 3 July 2025.
May 13, 2026
Air Force MQ-9 fleet drops to 135 aircraft after Iran combat losses
The Air Force's MQ-9 Reaper fleet has been reduced to 135 aircraft following combat losses to Iran, prompting efforts to replenish inventory and develop lower-cost alternatives.
Austrian jets intercept US military planes two days in a row
Austrian fighter jets intercepted U.S. military aircraft twice over Austrian airspace in May, with one incident occurring over Upper Austria near the German border.
May 12, 2026
There’s a Lot to Learn From Alaska’s Return to Long Beach
Alaska Airlines returns to Long Beach after over a decade absence, signaling broader strategic lessons about market opportunity and route network optimization.
May 11, 2026
The Two Airlines That Had the Best Q1
Analysis of Q1 airline earnings shows which carriers achieved strongest revenue and profit performance amid robust industry demand across the period.
May 8, 2026
Cranky Weekly Review presented by Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport: Airlines Fill Spirit-Sized Gaps, Frontier’s Record Revenue
Following Spirit's demise, JetBlue expands Fort Lauderdale operations with 11 new destinations while industry players capture market share in previously underserved routes.
Marines to phase out F/A-18 maintenance jobs as Hornet era ends
The Marine Corps is phasing out F/A-18 Hornet maintenance specialties as the aircraft nears retirement, offering affected enlisted personnel retraining and reassignment options.
The US Marine Corps is looking for a few good robots to build airfields
The U.S. Marine Corps is exploring robotic solutions to automate airfield construction and maintenance in remote operational environments.
May 7, 2026
EASA issues SIB on safe usage of Jet A aviation fuel in Europe
EASA issued a safety bulletin on using Jet A aviation fuel in Europe as an alternative to traditional Jet A-1 due to supply disruptions from Middle East instability.
We’ve Talked About Fort Lauderdale, But Opportunities Abound Elsewhere
Beyond Fort Lauderdale, Spirit Airlines' closure creates capacity reallocation opportunities across multiple markets, with broader competitive implications for the industry.
May 6, 2026
B-52 engine replacement clears critical design review, first modifications to begin this year
The Air Force's B-52 Stratofortress engine replacement program passed critical design review, with initial aircraft modifications scheduled to begin later this year.
May 5, 2026
NATO nations size up an interceptor-drone bazaar where low price is everything
NATO nations are evaluating cost-effective interceptor drone options where competitive pricing now hinges on thousands rather than millions of dollars in differences.
What Happens Now in Fort Lauderdale?
Spirit Airlines' shutdown triggers industry reshuffling as competitors vie to capture capacity in Fort Lauderdale and other key markets, though not all capacity will be replaced.
May 4, 2026
Air Force clears T-7A Red Hawk for low-rate production
The Air Force approved the T-7A Red Hawk trainer aircraft for low-rate production, authorizing a $219 million contract for the first 14 jets.
Air transportation safety investigation report A23P0136
TSB Canada investigation report documenting a lightning strike and loss-of-control incident involving a Helijet International Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopter near Sidney, British Columbia.
Israel to buy more F-35 and F-15 warplanes
Israel plans to purchase additional F-35 and F-15 fighter jets as part of a decade-long $118 billion military modernization initiative.
The Spirit is Gone
Spirit Airlines ceases operations after years of financial decline and two bankruptcy filings, ending its role as an ultra-low-cost pioneering carrier.
May 2, 2026
Cranky on the Web: The Brawl By the Bay is Settled, Talking A220-500
Oakland and San Francisco airports have settled a naming dispute, with Oakland retaining rights to call itself Oakland San Francisco Bay International Airport while maintaining Oakland's name priority.
May 1, 2026
Cranky Weekly Review presented by Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport: Spirit Continues to Fly As Of Right Now, JetBlue is in the Red
Spirit Airlines continues seeking federal government assistance while navigating financial challenges, while JetBlue reports operating losses amid industry pressures.
April 30, 2026
Pacific Marines will be first to test-drive new pilot-optional helicopter
Pacific-based Marine units will conduct the first operational demonstration of an autonomous-capable helicopter called the Aerial Logistics Connector, scheduled for 2027.
From prototypes to production: US Air Force seeks nearly $1B for initial CCA procurement
The Air Force is requesting nearly $1 billion from Congress to begin procuring Collaborative Combat Aircraft, marking the initial production phase of autonomous 'loyal wingman' drones.
AAIB investigation to Cessna FRA150L, G-PPFS
AAIB investigation of a Cessna 150 that failed to recover from a spin near Thorganby, North Yorkshire, on 28 July 2024.
April 29, 2026
Thibauld Jongen appointed EASA Certification Director
Thibauld Jongen was appointed EASA Certification Director effective June 1, 2026, overseeing aircraft certifications and validations across Europe.
April 28, 2026
I Understand Why United is So Mad About Chicago Flight Caps
Analysis of United Airlines' concerns regarding flight capacity restrictions imposed at Chicago's O'Hare airport and their impact on the carrier's operations.
April 27, 2026
For Delta, Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Delta Air Lines demonstrates steady hub-focused growth strategy while competitors United and American pursue different positioning approaches within their respective airline networks.
April 24, 2026
Cranky Weekly Review presented by Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport: Earnings Week, Spirit Looks to D.C. for Help
United Airlines exceeded Wall Street earnings expectations but lowered full-year guidance, while Spirit Airlines pursues federal assistance as financial pressures intensify across the low-cost carrier sector.
April 23, 2026
Implementation of EASA Part-26 Mandates
EASA Part-26 regulations mandate additional airworthiness standards and safety improvements for aircraft already in production or service to ensure continued safety and modernization.