Howard Ratzlaff

Alaska Airlines names new vice president of maintenance and engineering Alaska Airlines has named John Wiitala as its new vice president of maintenance and engineering. In this principal leadership role, Wiitala will lead professionals throughout the division who maintain the highest levels of safety and compliance with more than 237 mainline Boeing aircraft across multiple maintenance bases. #alaskaair #aerospaceinnovations https://lnkd.in/ewhAmFVZ

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New milestone for FAA-licensed commercial space operations as regulatory update begins, Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 15, 2024 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concluded Fiscal Year 2024 with an unprecedented 148 licensed commercial space operations, marking a growth exceeding 30 percent compared to the previous year. Looking ahead, the FAA predicts this figure could more than double by FY 2028. In response to this rapid growth, the FAA is initiating an Aerospace Rulemaking Committee to revise its Part

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Becoming a Pilot Requires Lifelong Study? Becoming a pilot isn't just about earning a license; it's a lifelong commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Southern California, with its diverse landscapes and favorable weather, is a prime location for aviation training. However, mastering the skies requires more than just initial training. Pilots must stay updated on new technologies, changing regulations, and evolving safety protocols. Ongoing education through recurrent training and simulations is essential to maintain high safety standards. Whether flying for leisure or a career, the journey demands dedication, passion, and an unending quest for knowledge. In SoCal, the skies are the limit, but learning never ends. For Admission, Call Now +91-742-889-7782 #aviationlovers #aeroplane #aviationphoto #aviationgeek #aviation4u #av1ati0n #Instagramaviation #planespotting #planespotter #planeporn #andrewhunt #aviationdaily #aviationdailyphoto #airplane #a350 #aviationlover #aviationpics #aviationlife #pilot #pilotlife #avgeek #avgeek #instaaviation #planespotter #planespotters #planespotting

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How Does Night Training Elevate Aerial Firefighting Preparedness? The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Aviation Training Center has launched the first of six cohorts for its annual Helicopter Continuing Professional Training (HCPT). This six-day program equips helitack crews and pilots with updated skills in avionics, safety procedures, and rescue and aerial firefighting operations. Scheduled sessions include both day and night flights, with daytime exercises at Folsom Lake and nighttime operations near Mammoth Bar in Placer County. These comprehensive drills incorporate the use of night vision goggles (NVG) to enhance proficiency in low-visibility scenarios, ensuring crews are ready to respond effectively to emergencies under any conditions. By conducting specialized training that simulates real-world challenges, CAL FIRE aims to increase operational readiness, ensuring that crews can adapt to various environments and deliver critical support for communities facing wildfires. The training adheres to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and emphasizes minimal impact on surrounding areas. How do you think these night flight exercises will influence the future of aerial firefighting operations? Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ggYEe4Y5 #CALFIRE #AerialFirefighting #AviationTraining #Helitack #EmergencyResponse #NightOps #WildfirePreparedness #NVG #SafetyFirst #OperationalExcellence #AvfoilNews

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This recent National Business Aviation Association article highlights the critical need to combat maintenance complacency with double-checks, engagement, and accountability — values that align directly with Veryon. ✅ Our aviation maintenance solutions are designed to empower operators with real-time insights and ensure every task is documented, tracked, and verified, so nothing gets missed. ✅ With seamless integrations and 24/7 support, we're committed to helping Part 135 and 91 operators prioritize safety while streamlining their workflows. ✅ Our long-term partnerships further underscore our dedication to operational excellence. Let’s work together to set the bar higher for safety and reliability in aviation! Read the full NBAA article: https://bit.ly/41lIqNs Learn more about how we can support your operations: https://bit.ly/3ZFeElx #LetsGetYouMoreUptime #AviationMaintenance #SafetyFirst #Accountability #NBAA

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The FAA has granted a Part 141 flight school certificate to Joby Aviation, clearing the California-based eVTOL aircraft manufacturer to train and certify pilots for commercial air taxi operations. Read more: https://hubs.la/Q02-zRZQ0

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What milestones mark Joby Aviation's journey toward launching air taxi services? California-based Joby Aviation has achieved two critical milestones in its journey toward commercializing electric air taxis. The company received a Part 141 certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Joby Aviation Academy and secured FAA acceptance for its voluntary Safety Management System (SMS) under Part 5 regulations. The Part 141 certification enables the Joby Aviation Academy to deliver comprehensive pilot training, including private pilot, instrument rating, commercial pilot, and certified flight instructor courses. This ensures a streamlined process for developing a pipeline of qualified pilots ahead of the company’s planned air taxi operations. Bonny Simi, Joby’s President of Operations and a former airline pilot, emphasized the academy’s pivotal role in preparing future aviators. “We’re pleased to be ticking two more items off our operations checklist as we continue to lead the industry toward commercializing electric air taxis,” she noted. In parallel, Joby’s acceptance for its Part 5 SMS highlights its proactive approach to safety. This system fosters a safety-first culture by implementing clear policies, encouraging the reporting of safety concerns, and meeting FAA standards well ahead of mandated deadlines for Part 135 operators. These certifications form part of Joby’s broader Enterprise SMS, which integrates safety practices across manufacturing, operations, maintenance, and training. The developments bring the company closer to launching its air taxi service, as outlined in the presentation Pre-Flight Checklist: An Introduction to Joby Air Taxi Operations in June 2024. What do you think about Joby’s progress in advancing air taxi operations? For more details on Joby Aviation’s certifications and plans, visit our blog: https://lnkd.in/gv2ed8Wp #JobyAviation #AirTaxi #ElectricAviation #AviationSafety #PilotTraining #eVTOL #FAA #Part141 #SafetyManagementSystem #AviationInnovation #AvfoilNews

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Update and a hold on the "Moss Interpretation": #aviation #mro #maintenance #information #faa #airframe #powerplant #mechanic #directorofmaintenance #aviationindustry #businessaviation #airplane #aircarft #aviationnews AVweb.com

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Embry‑Riddle Worldwide professor and alumna Melissa Burns offers a real-life example of aviation safety as she pushes the limits as the youngest-ever member of the United States Unlimited Aerobatic Team, an accomplished airshow pilot, a skydiver and now a first officer with Alaska Airlines. "Getting to the edge of your comfort level helps you create opportunities for yourself," advises Burns. Read more: https://ow.ly/Z6cv50UfSmB #GoERAU

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SANTA CLARA, Calif / September 3, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today Archer Aviation announced that it has completed 402 test flights so far this year, surpassing the 400 test flight goal it set for 2024 approximately four months ahead of schedule. Today Archer Aviation announced that it has completed 402 test flights so far this year, surpassing the 400 test flight goal it set for 2024 approximately four months ahead of schedule. The 400 plus flights were conducted over the last eight months as the company ramps flight test operations in advance of for-credit flight testing with the #FAA. Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer said, “When we first set our goal for 400 flights this year it was viewed as aggressive, but here we are in August already knocking it out. I’m proud of the Archer flight test team and the supporting groups that made it happen.” Each flight produces critical data that Archer’s teams use to evaluate and refine aircraft loads, vibrations, performance and handling qualities. Most recently, the Archer flight test team has focused on five key testing areas: Transition Flights: Continuing to conduct longer-distance and higher-speed transition flights to gather data, extend endurance and ensure maximum safety. High-Rate Operations: Increasing per-day flights to simulate the high cadence of Archer’s anticipated commercial operations and test Midnight’s durability. Advancing Landing Profiles : Completing a series of hover landings in various wind conditions with different rates of descent and flare heights to expand Midnight’s wind envelope and further optimize its landing profile. Enhancing Acoustic Measurement : Conducting a series of hover operations with various microphone arrays to collect supplemental data for the FAA and to further evaluate and tune Midnight’s noise signature. Optimizing Control Laws : Regressing through the envelope with a series of optimizations made to the control laws which will extend Midnight’s endurance. This announcement follows Archer’s planned network in Los Angeles and its recently announced developments with Southwest Airlines and United Airlines . It also follows major milestones, such as certification to begin operating as a commercial airline and the recent delivery of Archer’s first aircraft to the United States Air Force.

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Addressing the Aviation Maintenance Technician Shortage: A Crucial Step for the Industry’s Future The aviation sector is on the road to recovery post-pandemic, but a significant challenge persists: a shortage of aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs). Current estimates suggest a shortfall of 12,000 to 18,000 AMTs, which could persist or even worsen over the next decade. Factors like an aging workforce, low career uptake, and rising passenger demand (IATA predicts 8.2 billion passengers by 2037) are contributing to this gap. Boeing’s 2021 Commercial Market Outlook indicates that 610,000 new AMTs will be needed globally through 2041, with the trade association ADS saying that there are currently 10,000 vacancies in the UK alone. To meet this demand, the industry must increase the number of trained AMTs by at least 20% above those already being trained. Strategies to address this could include: ✈️ Increasing financial compensation: Making the role more attractive by acknowledging the high skill and training required. ✈️ Diversifying recruitment efforts: Expanding marketing to underrepresented groups (currently, <10% of aviation and aerospace engineers are female, for example). ✈️ Mentorship programs: Leveraging the experience of current professionals to guide and inspire the next generation. At Aviation in Reach, our team of experienced mentors are dedicated to supporting aspiring aviation professionals and levelling the playing field for those traditionally underrepresented in the industry. If you know someone looking to start a career in aviation engineering, please share this post with them. We’ll be reopening applications this summer. This Aviation Maintenance Technician Day, let’s work together to secure the future of aviation by investing in the next generation. #MentorshipMatters #AviationIndustry #Aerospace

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Come learn more about aerospace and defense manufacturing happening in CA!

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Archer Aviation has announced plans to launch an air mobility network in Los Angeles by as early as 2026, reports a press release. The company seeks to change the way Southern California residents and visitors commute, travel and spend their free time. Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer, commented, “This is a big moment for Archer. Establishing our LA network ahead of the global events that are coming to the region over the next three years is a milestone that will put Midnight on display for the whole world to see. LA is known for its horrendous traffic. Our goal is to offer a safer, faster and more sustainable alternative travel option.” Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, added, “The State is showing the world what’s possible when you embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and clean energy to help solve your biggest challenges. Homegrown companies like Archer Aviation are pioneering the next generation of zero-emission transportation that will help California cut pollution, clean our air, and reduce traffic.” And Kevin Demoff, President of the Los Angeles Rams, remarked, “We are excited about the opportunity to bring Archer’s game-changing technology to Hollywood Park. This underscores our commitment to enhancing the guest experience as we continue to build this transformative global destination for sports and entertainment.” Read the full article on our blog. #AvfoilNews #ArcherAviation #AirMobility #UrbanAirMobility #MidnightAircraft #ElectricAviation #eVTOL #AviationInnovation #FutureOfTransport #ZeroEmissions #SustainableTravel #CaliforniaInnovation #GreenAviation #SmartCities #LosAngelesTraffic #SoFiStadium #HollywoodPark #AviationTechnology #AviationNews

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Archer Aviation is teaming up with defense tech company Anduril Industries to develop a hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft that the two California-based partners intend to pitch to the U.S. Department of Defense. Read more: https://hubs.la/Q02_yzgx0

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PIA Managed Co-Ownership Program Features: #5 - WELL-DEFINED TERMS The PIA Co-Ownership Agreement includes defined and transparent terms for: How you own the aircraft How you share the aircraft How you exit, continue or upgrade How you are protected from default Schedule a consult at https://buff.ly/3cJ94sb to get your questions answered. #privateaviation #businessaviation #terms

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