AvTalk Episode 186: Unexpected runway

On this episode of AvTalk, the FAA tells Boeing to get its act together if it ever wants to certify the 737-7 MAX, let alone by the end of the year and another pilot union weighs in on certification deadline extension. Plus, a close call in Chicago as a United flight making an emergency landing lands on an “unexpected runway.”



Boeing going down to the wire



The FAA really wants Boeing to submit its safety paperwork for the 737-7 MAX. In another letter from the regulator to Boeing, the agency informs Boeing that it cannot proceed with review of some of the the 737-7’s safety system due to “missing and incomplete information.”Meanwhile, pilot union ALPA is in favor of an extension of the certification timeline for the two new MAX variants, arguing—much as Boeing has done—that having similarities between all 737 flight decks is more safe than installing a new crew alerting system.



Spirit shareholders OK JetBlue acquisition



On Wednesday, Spirit Airlines shareholders voted in favor of an acquisition of the airline by JetBlue. With shareholder approval secured, the biggest unknown is the regulatory review by the US Department of Justice.



Unexpected runway











After striking a bird and losing thrust in its left engine, United flight 1930 requested an immediate return to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport last week. Air traffic controllers assigned the flight Runway 28C, but the pilots lined up for 27C causing a close encounter with United flight 1815, which was preparing to land on 27C. All flights landed safely and no one (save the bird) was injured. The video below shows UA1930 departing Chicago and the interaction with UA1815, which avoids UA1930 and conducts a go around.





























Lufthansa teases new premium cabin











Lufthansa unveiled its new Allegris product lineup, which will feature refit first class, business class, and premium economy seats, as well improvements in the main economy cabin. We discuss when we’ll finally see this long promised refresh on an actual airplane.











CFM says thanks, but no thanks to supersonic engine











CFM says it won’t develop an engine for the “niche” supersonic market. This leaves Pratt and Whitney as the best hope for Boom to get an engine for its Overture aircraft.











Let us know what you think (and let your friends know to...