A runway incursion at LaGuardia results in a fatal crash, new helicopter safety regulations are introduced near airports, Airbus voices frustration with Pratt & Whitney, the second NASA X-59 test flight ends prematurely, A-10 Warthogs see combat over the Strait of Hormuz, and Essential Air Service is considered for Presque Isle Airport.
Aviation News
Decades of aircraft and ground vehicle near misses at LGA preceded fatal crash
A tragic runway incursion at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on March 22, 2026, ended in disaster when an Air Canada Jazz CRJ900 landing there collided with an airport rescue and firefighting vehicle on the runway. The crash claimed the lives of both pilots and left dozens seriously injured.
See also:
- LaGuardia Airport crash: Plane was traveling 93-105 mph at time of ground collision
- Two pilots dead, 41 people hospitalized after Air Canada plane hits fire truck when landing at LaGuardia, causing airport closure
- Moment air traffic controller pleads ‘Truck One, stop, stop, stop’ before Air Canada jet smashes into emergency vehicle on runway at LaGuardia killing pilot and co-pilot
FAA tightens helicopter safety rules near major airports
The FAA now requires air traffic controllers to use radar to manage aircraft and helicopters in close proximity. The interim general notice (Notice (GENOT) JO 7110.801 – Interim Helicopter Separation Procedures) suspends the use of visual separation between airplanes and helicopters in Class B and Class C airspace, and Terminal Radar Service Areas (TRSAs).
The DOT said, “Many helicopter operators who are used to obtaining immediate approval to transit through certain areas may have to adjust their flight routes or be delayed while controllers ensure they maintain safe distance from other aircraft. When helicopter pilots, conducting urgent medical or LEO missions, request to fly through these heavy-traffic areas, airline operations to those airports may be disrupted in order to allow these missions priority clearance.”
Exclusive: Airbus seeks Pratt & Whitney damages over engine delays, sources say
Airbus is frustrated with Pratt & Whitney over the slow delivery of GTF engines for the A320 family. The issue stems from an allocation crunch, with demand coming both from Airbus for new aircraft and from airlines waiting on repairs to get problem engines back in service. Reports suggest Airbus may be seeking potential damages.
This stems from a manufacturing problem where contaminants were introduced into the nickel-based powdered metal used to forge certain rotating engine components. (Turbine disks and some HPC parts.) These engines face an increased risk of microscopic cracks and premature failure, particularly those produced roughly between late 2015 and 2021. Instead of waiting for routine shop visits, these engines required accelerated inspections and life‑limit reductions.
NASA Second X-59 Flight Cut Short from Warning Light
The second flight of the NASA X-59 supersonic demonstrator ended after nine minutes when a warning light illuminated shortly after takeoff. An unrelated caution light indicated an issue prior to the flight, but after a system reset, the flight was approved to proceed.
The first flight took place on October 28, 2025, when the demonstrator reached 12,000 feet and 200 knots. The second flight was intended to last an hour and reach 20,000 feet and 225 knots, but ended up matching the first flight.
A-10 Warthogs Are Prowling For Iranian Boats In The Strait Of Hormuz
The Pentagon has long sought to retire the A-10 Warthog, but Congress has kept it flying. In the meantime, A-10 pilots have been training for a maritime mission: attacking Iranian fast boats in the Strait of Hormuz. AH-64 Apache attack helicopters are also now performing this mission, as well as shooting down Iranian drones. The A-10 has long been considered a close air support aircraft for ground forces, but it also has a maritime role.
JetBlue and American Airlines Bid to Serve Presque Isle Airport
The U.S. Department of Transportation has received proposals from JetBlue and American Airlines for the next Essential Air Service contract for Presque Isle International Airport. JetBlue has provided the service since 2024 with seven weekly round-trip flights to Boston. The 140-seat Airbus A220s depart early in the morning and return late at night. The airline is proposing to continue that service.
American Airlines is proposing at least 12 round-trip weekly flights on a 65-seat jet, split between Boston and Philadelphia. American is seeking a two-year contract with an average annual subsidy of $8.2 million. JetBlue is seeking an $11,521,129 in each of four years, or a two-year contract worth $11,745,899 annually.
See:
- How commercial air service has evolved at Presque Isle’s airport.
- Presque Isle adopts new procedure for air service recommendations
- Presque Isle airport sees busiest December in 26 years
- DOT Essential Air Service FAQ
Bonus story:
U.S. Air Force to Update U-2 Dragon Lady Defensive System
The U-2 Dragon Lady first flew 70 years ago, and it’s still being used as an ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) platform. Recently, BAE Systems was awarded a contract by Robins Air Force Base in Georgia to support and sustain the U-2’s AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System (ADS).
In a press release (BAE Systems to modernize Advanced Defensive System for the U.S. Air Force U-2 reconnaissance aircraft), BAE said, “Under the contract, BAE Systems will provide continuous field service support for the aircraft’s electronic warfare (EW) system, complete repairs to maintain system availability, and provide software updates so it can detect and engage new threats.”
Mentioned
Stories about Flying. Flight Instructing is About More Than Just Logging Hours.
China Clipper (1936) movie.
Hosts this Episode
Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and Erin Applebaum.