Briefing: October 2020

rniles

Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at 01:45 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Virgin Galactic is developing a Mach 3 supersonic intercontinental jet for up to 19 people, partnering with Rolls-Royce on propulsion technology, and has already engaged the FAA for certification planning.
Hundreds of pilots face retesting of their certificates and ratings after the FAA deemed a Cincinnati examiner incompetent, affecting those who passed tests between 2008 and 2019.
An internal FAA survey revealed significant employee concerns that industry dictates certification decisions and that senior officials pressure inspectors to prioritize commercial considerations over safety.
Airlines adopted varied strategies for filling seats during COVID-19, with analysis suggesting that carriers blocking middle seats (like Delta) may have achieved better financial performance than those filling all available seats (like American and United).

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SUPERSONIC DESIGN FLOATED

Virgin Galactic has jumped into the supersonic aircraft business with a Mach 3
intercontinental jet that will seat up to 19 people and cruise at 60,000 feet. The
company’s subsidiary, The Spaceship Company, has also signed a deal with Rolls-Royce to develop “engine propulsion technology for high speed commercial aircraft.” The company said the FAA’s Center for Emerging Concepts and Innovation has reviewed the concept and committed FAA resources to creating a certification plan. “We are pleased to collaborate with the innovative team at Rolls-Royce as we strive to develop sustainable, cutting-edge propulsion systems for the aircraft, and we are pleased to be working with the FAA to ensure our designs can make a practical impact from the start,” said Virgin Galactic Chief Space Officer George Whitesides.

PILOTS FACE RETESTS

Hundreds of pilots face retesting on certificates and ratings after the FAA determined
a Cincinnati FAA examiner was incompetent. Anyone who rode with Michael A. Puehler between 2008 and 2019 might need new tests from a different examiner to maintain their certificates and/or ratings. The FAA sent letters to everyone it found who passed a ride with Puehler and gave them 10 days to contact their local FSDO. Not everyone will need a retest. Those who have upgraded their tickets with different examiners could be exempt but those details must be worked out with the FSDO.