Aviation Safety & Regulation News

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Anak Krakatau eruption sends ash plume to 50,000 feet, halting flights at Jakarta and disrupting western Indonesia

An explosive eruption at Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano forced the cancellation or suspension of flights at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and disrupted services at other regional hubs. Ash reached as high as 50,000 feet, affecting air transit across western Indonesia and parts of Southeast Asia and stranding tens of thousands of passengers.

FlightGlobal

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Oil pump concerns prompt engine de-pairing on Trent-powered 777s and older A330s

European and U.S. regulators have issued an urgent directive requiring operators of Rolls-Royce Trent-powered Boeing 777s and older Airbus A330 variants to de-pair engines equipped with certain oil pumps. The action addresses a potential dual in-flight shutdown scenario affecting both engines on the same aircraft.

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

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American Airlines flight diverts after violent passenger is restrained with duct tape

American Airlines Flight 618 diverted to Baltimore after a 67-year-old passenger allegedly used racial slurs, assaulted travelers and bit a retired police officer. Passengers restrained him with duct tape until the Boeing 737 landed, where he was arrested, according to reports.

Reuters

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Hellenic Air Force F-4 Phantom crashes during Athens Flying Week, killing two crew members

A two-seat Hellenic Air Force F-4 Phantom crashed during a low-altitude flying display at Tanagra Air Base north of Athens, killing both pilots. The accident occurred during Athens Flying Week, and the air force is investigating the cause; reports said there were no signs of an ejection.

Bloomberg

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Senators Press FAA to Release Controllers’ Remaining 2.8% Pay Raise Amid Scheduling Tensions

Two Democratic senators are urging the FAA to distribute the remaining 2.8% of a congressionally approved pay increase for air traffic controllers, accusing the agency of withholding raises. The FAA says additional conditions remain, intensifying a dispute over controller workload and a broader scheduling overhaul.

AINonline

AINsight: Why Go-Around Training Should Come Before Landing Practice

Landing is often treated as the defining skill in pilot training, but the ability to recognize an unstable approach and execute a go-around is at least as important. Teaching pilots to go around early—and repeatedly—can make rejected landings a normal, disciplined part of flight operations.

Flying Magazine

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Boeing pays $3.1 million FAA fine over 737 MAX production and safety failures

Boeing paid a $3.1 million FAA penalty tied to safety deficiencies identified at its Renton and Wichita facilities, including failures connected to the 2024 737 MAX door-plug blowout. The enforcement action underscores continuing scrutiny of Boeing’s production controls, training, guidance and oversight.

AINonline

FAA proposes allowing AMEs to certify pilots with non-insulin-treated diabetes directly

The FAA would allow aviation medical examiners to issue pilot medical certificates directly to applicants with diabetes not treated with insulin, removing an additional agency review step. The proposed change would not apply to insulin-treated pilots and could streamline certification for eligible aviators.