About this episode
Boom Supersonic and Virgin Galactic supersonic commercial aircraft eye Rolls-Royce engine technology, China’s AG600 large seaplane, United’s ERJ-145 regional jets to CommutAir, pilot re-examinations, Boeing’s quarterly loss and good 737 MAX news, airline passengers and booze, the growing stockpile of airline nuts, and Allegiant Air’s clever “work from Vegas” packages. Aviation News Boom, Rolls-Royce Partner On Supersonic Overture Boom Supersonic and Rolls-Royce announced they are exploring a Rolls-Royce propulsion system on Boom’s Overture supersonic commercial aircraft. The companies will investigate if an existing engine architecture can be adapted for supersonic flight. The smaller Boom XB-1 supersonic demonstrator is expected to roll out on Oct. 7, 2020. See the Boom press release: Engine Studies Advance Program Development and Focus on Sustainability and the outstanding XB-1 progress animation . Virgin Galactic Unveils Mach 3 Aircraft Design for High Speed Travel, and Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Rolls-Royce Virgin Galactic Holdings wants to create a supersonic commercial aircraft and just unveiled its initial design of a Mach 3 airplane. The company’s manufacturer of advanced air and space vehicles, The Spaceship Company (“TSC”), announced the first stage design scope and also the signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rolls-Royce to collaborate in designing and developing engine propulsion technology for high-speed commercial aircraft. Virgin is targeting a Mach 3 certified delta-wing aircraft, with a capacity for 9 to 19 people at an altitude above 60,000 feet, that is able to incorporate custom cabin layouts, and use sustainable aviation fuel. The FAA’s Center for Emerging Concepts and Innovation will work with Virgin Galactic to outline a certification framework. United to drop contract with ExpressJet, dealing fatal blow United Airlines plans to move its 50-seat United Express Embraer ERJ-145 planes operated by ExpressJet to regional carrier CommutAir, which would become United’s sole ERJ-145 operator. Operations are being consolidated as United looks to be a smaller airline as a result of the pandemic. United says, “This transition will take a number of months.” The World’s Largest Seaplane Pulls Off Its First Waterborne Flight The AG600 “Kunlong” is China’s first seaplane and the world’s largest seaplane. The AG600 just had its first takeoff from the ocean, followed by a 31-minute flight. The plane, which did fly from a reservoir in 2018, can carry 50 passengers up to 2,700 miles. It has a 128-foot wingspan and a length of 121 feet. Maximum takeoff weight of 53.5 tons. Power comes from four WJ-6 turboprops. Video: China’s AG600 amphibious aircraft completes first sea surface flight https://youtu.be/S9ly0ynhN_4 Pilots Who Flew With Discredited Examiner Face Reexamination The FAA has notified some pilots that they may have to be re-examined because of problems with the work of a specific examiner. Boeing’s revenue plunges 25 percent as long-term effects of pandemic take hold Shipments are down and so is Boeing’s second-quarter profit. FAA gives preliminary approval on design fixes for 737 Max Welcome news for Boeing. A few details need attention and the FAA will proceed with a 45-day public comment period. Most airlines aren’t serving booze during the pandemic. Passengers are (illegally) bringing their own Some people just need a drink when flying, but it’s against regulations for a passenger to bring their own. There’s A Huge Surplus Of American Airlines Nuts Fewer people are flying and the stockpile of airline nuts is growing. Order yours now for an at-home experience. Viva Las remote office? Allegiant Air to pitch ‘work from Vegas’ travel packages to boost bookings Allegiant Air has a brilliant idea to provide you with a “work at home” experience in Las Vegas. Mentioned For a limited time, PilotPartner.net is offering a discount code for Airplane Geeks listeners. The code “airplanegeeks18” will get you an 18-month membership for the price of 12 months. Ken was our guest in Episode 432 . There is always a ham in the crowd…