AvTalk Episode 163: The passenger landed the plane!

What this episode covers

On this episode of AvTalk, a passenger lands a Cessna 208 Caravan in Florida after the pilot becomes incapacitated. Republic wants a change in how pilots can earn their certificates. And there’s more consolidation coming to South American airlines. An update on the breaking news regarding the Tibet Airlines A319. Everyone made it off the aircraft safely. It will however, not be flying again. Passenger lands plane after pilot becomes incapacitated A passenger aboard a Cessna 208 Caravan flying from Marsh Harbour to Fort Pierce in Florida safely landed the plane in Palm Beach this week after the pilot became incapacitated. The passenger, who has no flight training, managed to contact air traffic control and was coached to land by an air traffic controller who is also a flight instructor. Republic Airways wants its pilots to get their certificate faster Republic Airways wants pilots in its training program to receive their r-ATP certificate at 750 hours, the same as military aviators. FAA changes eVTOL certification plans The FAA is changing how it plans to certify eVTOL aircraft, throwing into doubt the projected timelines of a number of startups. Abra GOL and Avianca are forming a holding company called Abra in further consolidation on South American airlines. Lufthansa tops up on Boeing’s Lufthansa placed an order for additional 787s, 777Fs and 777-8Fs this week. easyJet removing seats to ease staff shortage easyJet is removing a row of seats on some of its aircraft to allow it to operate with one fewer flight attendant on those flights. Close call in Mexico City A Volaris aircraft was on the runway ready to depart when another was cleared to land. The aircraft on approach conducted a go around and both aircraft arrived safely. Virgin Atlantic flight turn back A Virgin Atlantic flight turned back to the UK after the airline realized the pilot had not yet taken a company-required exam. Southwest adding power and better internet Southwest Airlines will add USB power and better internet to parts of its fleet. It’s a start. Let us know what you think (and let your friends know too!) Thank you so much for listening! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.