Flight Safety Information - November 3, 2025 No. 219 In This Issue : Incident: Southwest B737 at Cleveland on Oct 29th 2025, loss of separation with helicopter : Incident: Frontier A20N at New York on Oct 30th 2025, fuel leak, engine shut down in flight : Incident: Delta A339 and Cape C402 at Boston on Oct 30th 2025, loss of separation assurance on runway : Incident: Shree DH8D at Kathmandu on Nov 1st 2025, hydraulic failure : Two Air India pilots grounded for operating flights without mandatory licence requirements; DGCA probe on : United flight clips another aircraft while taxiing at LaGuardia Airport : Airlines prohibit earbuds, chargers (Taiwan) : Bombardier’s Insightful Safety Standdown Seminar is Set to Roll in Wichita, KS, Encouraging Aviation Professionals to Own the Outcome : Airlines donate meals to TSA, air traffic control staff amid ongoing shutdown: Report : Airbus Delivers 507 Aircraft in First 9 Months of 2025, Reaffirms Full-Year Guidance : Some travellers prefer to borrow engines to use with their own customised jets : GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY REQUEST : Calendar of Event Incident: Southwest B737 at Cleveland on Oct 29th 2025, loss of separation with helicopter A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700, registration N280WN performing flight WN-1333 from Baltimore,MD to Cleveland,OH (USA), was on final approach to Cleveland's runway 06L about 4nm before the runway threshold when the aircraft turned right and stopped the descent at about 1800 feet MSL, turned parallel to the runway and went around. The aircraft subsequently positioned for another approach to runway 06L and landed without further incident about 13 minutes later. The NTSB reported on Nov 1st 2025, they dispatched an investigation team and opened an investigation into a loss of separation event that happened on Oct 29th near Cleveland airport between a Southwest Boeing and a Eurocopter. The airline reported their crew discontinued the approach due to the presence of another aircraft. FAA and ATC services are currently affected by the government shutdown, though many controllers continued to work without pay. https://avherald.com/h?article=52f2ce96&opt=0 Incident: Frontier A20N at New York on Oct 30th 2025, fuel leak, engine shut down in flight A Frontier Airlines Airbus A320-200N, registration N394FR performing flight F9-3546 from San Juan (Puerto Rico) to New York JFK,NY (USA) with 152 people on board, was descending towards New York when the crew reported a fuel leak, they had shut their right hand engine (LEAP) down as result. The aircraft was cleared for the ILS approach runway 13L and landed safely. The FAA reported: "Frontier Airlines Flight 3546 landed safely at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York around 12:45 p.m. local time Thursday, Oct. 30, after the crew reported an engine issue. The Airbus A320 departed from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Puerto Rico. The FAA will investigate." The aircraft is still on the ground at JFK about 48 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=52f2bd34&opt=0 Incident: Delta A339 and Cape C402 at Boston on Oct 30th 2025, loss of separation assurance on runway A Delta Airlines Airbus A330-900, registration N421DX performing flight DL-263 from Paris Charles de Gaulle (France) to New York JFK,NY (USA) with 284 passengers and 11 crew, was descending towards New York when the crew needed to abort the descent and entered a hold at FL260 due to weather conditions in New York. After holding for about 70 minutes the crew opted to divert to Boston,MA (USA) and was on final approach to runway 04R when the crew needed to go around from about 350 feet MSL on ATC instruction due to a departing aircraft at the crossing runway. A Cape Air Cessna 402C registration N663AA performing flight 9K-1837 from Boston,MA to Bar Harbour,ME (USA), was departing Boston's runway 15R at the time. The FAA reported: "Air traffic control instructed Delta Air Lines Flight 263 to perform a go-around at Boston Logan International Airport because Cape Air Flight 548 was cleared to takeoff from an intersecting runway. The event occurred around 4:15 p.m. local time on Thursday, Oct. 30. The FAA is investigating." The A330 positioned for another approach and landed on 04R about 14 minutes later. https://avherald.com/h?article=52f2baef&opt=0 Incident: Shree DH8D at Kathmandu on Nov 1st 2025, hydraulic failure A Shree Airlines de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration 9N-AOM performing flight N9-222 from Dhangarhi to Kathmandu (Nepal) with 82 people on board, was on final approach to Kathmandu's runway 02 when the crew initiated a missed approach at about 4200 feet reporting a hydraulic failure. The aircraft climbed to 13350 feet MSL and diverted to Bhairawa (Nepal), where the aircraft landed on runway 28 about 40 minutes after the missed approach. The aircraft remained on the ground in Bhairawa for about 7 hours, then continued the journey and reached Kathmandu with a delay of about 8 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=52f2b581&opt=0 Two Air India pilots grounded for operating flights without mandatory licence requirements; DGCA probe on Scheduling and rostering lapses at Air India continue five months after being reprimanded by the regulator on this issue. In the latest instance, a co-pilot and a senior captain have been taken off flying duty after the airline found they operated a flight each last month with a lapsed English Language Proficiency (ELP) licence in one case. And in the other, a co-pilot did so without undergoing mandatory corrective training after not being able to clear the bi-annual pilot proficiency check (PPC) - instrument rating (IR) test. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating these lapses and has sought a report from the airline. AI is learnt to have asked pilots to ensure they meet all licence requirements. The co-pilot had not been able to clear his latest IR-PPC check. While this is not an out of the ordinary occurrence, pilots have to mandatorily undergo corrective training and get their proficiency rechecked to a satisfactory level of performance before they can fly again. In this case, however, the Airbus A320 co-pilot operated a flight without the same and the lapse is learnt to being viewed very seriously by authorities. On this issue, an AI spokesperson said: “An instance of a first officer operating a flight after an unsatisfactory recurrent training check was detected by the training team. As soon as the error came to our notice, a crew scheduler and the pilot involved were off-rostered. Strong disciplinary proceedings have been initiated and the same has been duly reported to the regulator, DGCA.” In the other case, a senior commander was the pilot-in-command of an A320 flight despite a lapsed ELP licence. A valid ELP is among the requirements mandatory for pilots to exercise the privilege of their licence, or in simple terms fly. On this issue, AI said: “An instance of a senior pilot operating a flight with a lapsed ELP licence was detected. As soon as the error came to our notice, the senior pilot involved was off-rostered and the matter is being investigated. The same has been duly reported to the regulator, DGCA.” Senior pilots say these lapses raise questions over the oversight in AI to ensure only fully compliant pilots are rostered to operate flights. Just a week after the June 12 Ahmedabad crash, the DGCA had found serious issues with AI rostering. While ordering immediate removal of three senior officials increase of crew scheduling following “lapses in licensing, rest, and recency requirements,” the DGCA had warned AI that “any future violation of crew scheduling norms, licensing, or flight time limitations will attract strict enforcement action, including but not limited to penalties, license suspension, or withdrawal of operator permissions as applicable.” Basically, the regulator had gone to the extent of shutting down AI if lapses on crew scheduling continue. The June 20 DGCA order on the three officials had said: “Repeated and serious violations voluntarily disclosed by Air India concerning flight crew being scheduled and operated despite lapses in licensing, rest, and recency requirements… point to systemic failures in crew scheduling, compliance monitoring, and internal accountability.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/two-air-india-pilots-grounded-for-operating-flights-without-mandatory-licence-requirements-dgca-probe-on/articleshow/125020509.cms United flight clips another aircraft while taxiing at LaGuardia Airport All 328 passengers involved deplaned safely in New York City with no injuries reported A United Airlines flight clipped another United plane while taxiing at LaGuardia Airport in New York City Friday evening, according to the air carrier. United Flight 580, a Boeing 737 arriving from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport with 166 passengers and eight crew members, was taxiing toward its arrival gate when it struck a stationary United plane, the airline said. The collision damaged the tail of United Flight 434, another Boeing 737 preparing to depart for Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport with 162 passengers and seven crew members on board, United added. "On Friday evening, United flight 580 was turning into its arrival gate when it made contact with the tail of United flight 434, which was stationary on the taxiway," the airline told FOX Business on Sunday. Both planes returned to the gate, and all passengers deplaned normally, United said, adding that the air carrier worked to get travelers to their destination "as quickly as possible." No injuries were reported. GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN DRIVES STAFFING FLIGHT DELAYS FROM 5% TO 53% AS AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS CALL OUT united airlines plane on tarmac during cloudy day with city background seen A United Airlines passenger jet taxis on the tarmac at LaGuardia Airport in the New York City borough of Queens on Sept. 7, 2016. (Robert Alexander / Getty Images) The minor collision comes amid broader disruptions at major airports, where air traffic controller staffing shortages and the ongoing government shutdown have caused delays nationwide. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noted that while air traffic controllers manage runways and taxiways, gate-area movements remain under airline responsibility. "FAA air traffic control is not responsible for plane movements in the gate area," the agency said in a statement on Friday. The agency will also conduct an investigation into the incident. https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/united-flight-clips-another-aircraft-while-taxiing-laguardia-airport Airlines prohibit earbuds, chargers (Taiwan) Three Taiwanese airlines have prohibited passengers from packing Bluetooth earbuds and their charger cases in checked luggage. EVA Air and Uni Air said that Bluetooth earbuds and charger cases are categorized as portable electronic devices, which should be switched off if they are placed in checked luggage based on international aviation safety regulations. They must not be in standby or sleep mode. However, as charging would continue when earbuds are placed in the charger cases, which would contravene international aviation regulations, their cases must be carried as hand luggage, they said. Tigerair Taiwan said that earbud charger cases are equipped with built-in lithium-ion batteries, as are portable electric fans, adding that such devices are banned from being placed in checked luggage. Starlux Airlines, China Airlines and Mandarin Airlines do not have regulations governing the delivery of earbuds and their charger cases. However, Starlux said that portable electronic devices placed in checked luggage must be switched off at all times during the flight. Meanwhile, passengers must take precautionary measures and ensure that specifications of the batteries meet international standards if they choose to do so, the airline said. A set of bluetooth headphone Apple AirPods and its image poster are pictured in an undated photo. Taiwanese airlines have prohibited passengers from packing Bluetooth earbuds in checked luggage. Photo: Huang Jaw-shiang, Taipei Times Passengers of China Airlines and Mandarin Airlines are advised to carry earbuds and their charger cases in hand luggage, as lithium-ion batteries and portable chargers are banned in checked luggage, the two airlines said. Separately, ferry passengers are banned from carrying portable chargers for mobile phones in their checked luggage after an incident that occurred on the Nanhai Star 1 (南海之星1號), a ferry operating between islets in Penghu County. The incident occurred before the ferry departed, where a passenger’s portable charger ignited, the Maritime and Port Bureau said yesterday. “We want to remind passengers that portable chargers must have certifications issued by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection before boarding ferries. Chargers must not be packed in checked luggage and should be carried in hand luggage within sight at all times,” the bureau said. Passengers are advised not to use chargers that are seriously damaged, deformed or overheated, as doing so poses safety risks. https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2025/11/03/2003846556 Bombardier’s Insightful Safety Standdown Seminar is Set to Roll in Wichita, KS, Encouraging Aviation Professionals to Own the Outcome Under the theme “Own the Outcome,” the free-to-attend safety seminar provides life-long learning opportunities for a wide cross-section of industry professionals Dynamic seminar brings together more than 400 aviation professionals on site, hundreds more worldwide via webcast Jam-packed lineup includes must attend educational seminar sessions highlighting lessons of safety leadership, building a safety culture, reimagining team dynamics and more Bombardier today announced that its highly-influential Safety Standdown safety seminar has returned to Wichita, KS for another year of invaluable knowledge-based training. This dynamic three-day seminar, to be held on November 11-13 in person and online, features unique learning opportunities, dynamic workshops and cutting-edge presentations by key industry thought leaders. This free safety seminar is open to all aviation professionals regardless of the aircraft type they operate. The 2025 version of this industry-defining seminar centres around the concept of, “Own the Outcome,” and encourages all aviation professionals to take full responsibility for every decision, every procedure and every moment that impacts safety. In an industry where precision and accountability are non-negotiable, this theme reinforces the idea that safety is not left to chance – it’s the direct result of intentional choices and disciplined actions. Whether on the flight deck, in the cabin, on the ground, or in key leadership roles, every aviation professional has the power to shape the outcome through vigilance, preparation and a steadfast commitment to excellence. By embracing this mindset, aviation professionals don’t just react to challenges – they anticipate, prepare and lead with purpose. Owning the Outcome means understanding that safety is not just a policy – it’s a personal and collective responsibility. “For almost three decades, Bombardier’s Safety Standdown has been a ‘must attend’ seminar that targets all aviation disciplines – and what’s more important than safety when it comes to every aspect of our collective operations,” said Chris Milligan, Vice President, Pre-owned Aircraft Services and Flight Operations, Bombardier. “This dynamic seminar brings together the most sought-after industry experts and thought leaders together to share invaluable information about aviation safety, and we are honoured to lead the charge in the industry and help make aviation safer on all levels.” Since its inception, Safety Standdown has offered free safety-based educational opportunities for a wide range of aviation professionals. Bombardier works closely with its advisory council and key sponsors to ensure this seminar remains free of charge and explores safety knowledge-based learning in all sectors of the aviation industry. First conceived by a group of Learjet demonstration pilots who were determined to make the Bombardier flight demonstration team in Wichita the safest in the industry, the seminar continues to grow in size and scope. Attendees span the industry spectrum from flight crews and maintenance technicians to flight dispatchers and schedulers. They also represent a wide range of corporate, commercial and military organizations. Since its inception, more than 10,000 aviation professionals have attended Safety Standdown seminars worldwide, either at live seminars or through its webcasts. Headlining this year’s seminar is Dr. Tony Kern, CEO of Convergent Performance. Dr. Kern will kick off this year’s seminar by taking attendees back to the decks and safe harbors of the pirate age, with lessons on personal accountability, leadership, and high performance under life and death situations. Other poignant presentations include: Jennifer Pickerel, President of Aviation Personnel International (API), and Robb Patton, founder of Highbrow Safety Werks, exploring, “Psychological Safety: Reimagining Team Dynamics”; Ben Janaitis, Client Services Manager at API, and Michael Cataldo, Sr. Manager of Aircraft Maintenance at Cox Enterprises, presenting the insightful workshop “Maintaining More Than Aircraft: Building a Culture of Safety and Collaboration”; and Captain Kyle Freilburger, who highlights, “The Soft Side of Safety.” The full program can be found here. To join Safety Standdown, either in person or virtually, please visit the registration page. About Bombardier At Bombardier (BBD-B.TO), we design, build, modify and maintain the world’s best-performing aircraft for the world’s most discerning people and businesses, governments and militaries. That means not simply exceeding standards, but understanding customers well enough to anticipate their unspoken needs. For them, we are committed to pioneering the future of aviation — innovating to make flying more reliable, efficient and sustainable. And we are passionate about delivering unrivaled craftsmanship and care, giving our customers greater confidence and the elevated experience they deserve and expect. Because people who shape the world will always need the most productive and responsible ways to move through it. Bombardier customers operate a fleet of more than 5,100 aircraft, supported by a vast network of Bombardier team members worldwide and 10 service facilities across six countries. Bombardier’s performance-leading jets are proudly manufactured in aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. In 2024, Bombardier was honoured with the prestigious “Red Dot: Best of the Best” award for Brands and Communication Design. For Information For corporate news and information, including Bombardier’s Environmental, Social and Governance report, as well as the company’s plans to cover all its flight operations with a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend utilizing the Book and Claim system visit bombardier.com. Learn more about Bombardier’s industry-leading products and customer service network at businessaircraft.bombardier.com. Follow us on X (Twitter) @Bombardier. https://bombardier.com/en/media/news/bombardiers-insightful-safety-standdown-seminar-set-roll-wichita-ks-encouraging-aviation Airlines donate meals to TSA, air traffic control staff amid ongoing shutdown: Report Major U.S. airlines are stepping in to provide meals for air traffic controllers and other federal aviation workers who missed their first full paycheck on Tuesday, Oct. 28 — day 28 of the government shutdown, CBS News is reporting. United Airlines is donating meals for air traffic controllers and other federal workers at its hubs across the country, including Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., the report said. “United is donating meals for air traffic controllers and other federal workers whose pay is delayed. “We appreciate the hardworking federal employees who are keeping the air travel system running,” the airline said in a statement to CBS News. Delta Air Lines has “arranged for a limited number of meals for transportation sector workers” the airline confirmed to CBS News. American Airlines is providing meals for air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration officers and Customs and Border Protection officers at more than seven airports nationwide. At Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, American sent “dozens of pizzas” to air traffic controllers last week, CBS news reported. JetBlue is also coordinating with federal partners to “offer meals at our airports as a gesture of support,” working with the TSA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Federal Aviation Administration, the report said. Air traffic controller Joe Segretto, who works at a regional radar facility directing planes at airports in the New York area, expressed the anxiety many workers are feeling. “The pressure is real,” Segretto said. “We have trainees that are trying to learn a new job that is very fast paced, very stressful, very complex, now having to worry about how they’re going to pay bills.” https://www.silive.com/news/2025/11/airlines-donate-meals-to-tsa-air-traffic-control-staff-amid-ongoing-shutdown-report.html Airbus Delivers 507 Aircraft in First 9 Months of 2025, Reaffirms Full-Year Guidance Global – Airbus has reported its commercial aircraft performance for the first nine months of 2025, with 507 aircraft delivered and consolidated revenues of Euro 47.4 billion. Despite ongoing supply chain challenges, the company has reaffirmed its full-year guidance and outlined future ramp-up trajectories for its A220, A320, A330, and A350 programs. A total of 507 commercial aircraft were delivered in 9m 2025, up from 497 in the same period of 2024. Deliveries included: 62 A220s 392 A320 Family 20 A330s 33 A350s Gross commercial aircraft orders reached 610 units, with 514 net orders after cancellations. Airbus’ commercial aircraft revenues rose 3% year-on-year to Euro 33.9 billion. EBIT Adjusted from commercial aircraft activities increased to Euro 3.27 billion, supported by a favourable hedge rate and reduced R&D expenses, though partially offset by a less favourable delivery mix. Airbus maintains its 2025 guidance: ~820 commercial aircraft deliveries EBIT Adjusted ~Euro 7.0 billion Free cash flow before customer financing ~ Euro 4.5 billion Production targets and ramp-up outlook: A220: Rate 12 now expected in 2026, reflecting current market balance. A320 Family: Ramp-up to rate 75 per month targeted for 2027. A330: Stabilized at rate 4; rate 5 expected by 2029. A350: Targeting rate 12 by 2028. The order backlog for commercial aircraft stood at 8,665 units at the end of September 2025. Statements “Our nine-month results reflect the level of commercial aircraft deliveries and a solid performance in the Defence and Space and Helicopters businesses,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO. “Deliveries remain backloaded amid a complex and dynamic operating environment. Meanwhile, we continue to expand our industrial capacity to support the commercial aircraft ramp-up,” he added. https://afm.aero/airbus-delivers-507-aircraft-in-first-9-months-of-2025-reaffirms-full-year-guidance/ Some travellers prefer to borrow engines to use with their own customised jets Private jet owners are cashing in on a supply chain crunch by leasing their engines to people facing long waits for their own aircraft to be repaired. The aerospace industry has been plagued by labour and parts shortages since the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to protracted delays in deliveries of engines and aircraft for both private and commercial jets. Wealth advisers and industry experts said some owners wanted to rent just the engine because they were attached to their customised jet interiors, which can include gold and marble bathroom fixtures and large cinema spaces. Laura Uberoi, head of private wealth finance at law firm Addleshaw Goddard, said: “It’s the first time in my career I have seen families turning a profit on their private jets, which are usually a depreciating liability.” To hire a mid-size jet engine for a couple of days would cost about $50,000, and the engine could be removed fairly quickly, even overnight. “Typically people didn’t do that in private jets, the jets are in busy use,” but the practice has been increasing for the past five to eight years as the commercial incentive has made it worthwhile, Uberoi added. Kevin Michaels, managing director of AeroDynamic Advisory, said there was “a well-known issue with small propulsion engine supply chain” which was delaying maintenance and repairs. Business aviation operators typically had small fleets and few stocked spare engines, he added. “Turnaround times are averaging four to six months and sometimes eight to 10 months versus two to three months typical,” he said. “This adds to the demand for exchange engines.” Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce and Honeywell are the biggest makers of business jet engines. Increased demand is worsening the situation. “The number of flights in business aviation is up more than 30 per cent compared to pre-Covid levels,” Michaels said. This had taken some aircraft manufacturers “by surprise” and “their supply chains are trying to catch up”. Daniel Hall, senior valuation consultant at Cirium Ascend Consultancy, said business aviation was suffering from the same problem as commercial jets — supply chains, parts, facility capacity — but also “a dwindling supply of aviation maintenance professionals . . . a sector which young people are no longer entering”. https://www.ft.com/content/d97e30cf-ac15-40a6-a630-86a50745c28b GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY REQUEST Dear Fellow Pilot, Researchers at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are conducting a study to better understand the mental health of professional pilots and the barriers they may face in seeking support. If you are currently a professional pilot, working in any sector and region of the global aviation industry, you are invited to participate in this anonymous, voluntary survey. The survey includes questions on anxiety, depression, self-stigma, and attitudes toward disclosing mental health concerns to civil aviation regulatory bodies (e.g., FAA, EASA, CAA, ANAC, etc.). It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. No identifying information or IP addresses will be collected, and all responses will remain completely confidential. Your participation will help identify key challenges and support the development of resources and industry practices that prioritize pilot well-being and safety. Thank you for your time and contribution to this important research. Link to the Survey Questionnaire https://forms.gle/AnJuk3TZ2u96SpFq9 Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss this further. Best Regards, Bill Deng Pan Ph.D. in Aviation Student CALENDAR OF EVENTS . 78TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SAFETY SUMMIT (IASS) - Lisbon, November 4–6 . 29th annual Bombardier Safety Standdown, November 11-13, 2025; Wichita, Kansas · CHC Safety & Quality Summit, 11th – 13th November 2025, Vancouver, BC Canada . 2026 ACSF Safety Symposium; April 7-9, 2026; ERAU Daytona Beach, FL . 2026 NBAA Maintenance Conference; May 5-7, 2026; New Orleans, LA . BASS 2026 - 71st Business Aviation Safety Summit - May 5-6, 2026 | Provo, Utah . The African Aviation Safety & Operations Summit - May 19-20 | Johannesburg, South Africa . Safeskies Australia - Australia’s renowned Aviation Safety Conference - Canberra Australia 20 and 21 May 2026 . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV Curt Lewis