AvTalk Episode 195: Boeing gets an early Christmas gift

What this episode covers

On this episode of AvTalk, Boeing ends the year on a high note with a Congressional reprieve for the 737-7 and 737-10 certification, the return of the 777X to flight tests, and the final first flight of the mighty 747. Christmas comes early for Boeing Congress included the Cantwell amendment in the Omnibus spending bill, giving the FAA the green light to certify the 737-7 and 737-10 MAX without additional crew alerting systems. However, Boeing will be required to retrofit all MAX aircraft with the new technology developed for the -10 MAX. Boeing also put the 777X back in the air following a months-long pause due to an issue with GE9X engine. And to close out the year—and indeed more than 50 years of first flights—the final Boeing 747 first flight took place this week. EASA issues proposed A321XLR fuel tank requirements EASA issued proposed guidance for the certification of the A321XLR, specifically the modifications Airbus should make to the rear center tank, which we discussed last week. Hawaiian Airlines flight encounters severe turbulence About 30 minutes prior to landing in Honolulu, a Hawaiian Airlines A330 experienced severe turbulence, injuring 36 people and sending 20 to the hospital. NTSB docket points to Transair pilot confusion The NTSB updated the docket regarding the Transair 737-200 ditching to include interviews with the crew, highlighting the confusing nature of the incident. Airbus sends team to Dubai to fix Emirates A380s As Emirates brings back more A380s it’s finding more wing spar cracks. Airbus has responded by sending 60 engineers to work on the problem in Dubai. End of the year orders and deliveries Condor, TransNusa, and China Eastern make history with their aircraft deliveries. Turkish A400s make it home After being stuck in Kyiv since February, two Turkish Air Force A400Ms flew home to Turkey this week. 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. Please click here for a transcript of this episode.