AvTalk Episode 337: Pay attention, get off the iPad!

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a Spirit Airlines crew is slow to respond to a New York Center controller while in the same airspace as Air Force One, leading to some choice words from the controller. We break down what happened over Long Island.
Spirit Airlines tells its pilots union that it needs to find $100 million in savings by October 1 or risk seeking bankruptcy court invalidation of their contract. Meanwhile, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says United isn’t interested in Spirit’s assets.
The US Department of Transportation terminates Delta and Aeromexico’s joint venture, effective 1 January 2026. The FAA proposes fining Boeing $3.1 million for “hundreds” of safety violations dating back to 2023.
And after a runway overrun in July, both Air Peace 737 pilots test positive for alcohol, but that’s not why the Captain has been suspended.
Helpful links for this week’s episode

* ATC audio of Spirit Airlines and Air Force One episode over New York (relevant section begins at 22:45 into the recording)
* DOT terminates Delta + Aeromexico joint venture
* Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau preliminary report on Air Peace 5N-BQQ
* FAA proposes $3.1 million fine against Boeing
* Korean Air’s 777 to avoid

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Please click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.