Flight Safety Information - November 14, 2025 No. 228 In This Issue : Diamond DA42 Twin Star - Runway Excursion (Luxemburg) : Business jet that crashed in Michigan was flown after pilots chose not to wait for a test pilot, NTSB says : Senate panel to examine shutdown impact on aviation safety : NBAA, FlightSafety International and CAE Launch Standardized Aircraft SOPs to Enhance Business Aviation Safety : Million Air KHPN Joins Argus Base Ops Safety Audit Program : Off-duty pilot who tried to turn off engines in midair after taking magic mushrooms thought he was 'trapped in a dream or already dead' : The Great Airline Deception: Forged Pilot Credentials Allowed Flights Across Europe, Raising Questions for : American Airlines Faces Backlash Over Pilot First Class Upgrade Priority : FedEx plugs transport hole caused by MD-11 groundings : GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY REQUEST : Calendar of Event Diamond DA42 Twin Star - Runway Excursion (Luxemburg) Date: Thursday 13 November 2025 Time: 18:55 Type: Diamond DA42 Twin Star Owner/operator: Registration: OO-ELF MSN: 42.298 Year of manufacture: 2008 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Unknown Location: Luxembourg-Findel Airport (LUX/ELLX) - Luxembourg Phase: Landing Nature: Private Departure airport: Zweibrücken Airport (ZQW/EDRZ) Destination airport: Luxembourg-Findel Airport (LUX/ELLX) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: Runway excursion. Gear up landing. Pilot incapacitation. https://www.aviation-safety.net/wikibase/561908 Business jet that crashed in Michigan was flown after pilots chose not to wait for a test pilot, NTSB says The pilots in a deadly business jet crash in Michigan were performing a test flight themselves, following repairs, instead of waiting for a test pilot, when the aircraft plunged into woods near Lansing, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a preliminary report Thursday. The Mexican-registered Raytheon Hawker 800XP plane crashed in Bath Township, Michigan on October 16, killing the three people onboard. Before the crash, the plane had been parked in Battle Creek, Michigan, for maintenance for seven months, according to the NTSB. The work included removing part of the wing, which requires pilots to test fly it in an aerodynamic stall— a maneuver in which the plane loses lift — before it could be returned to service. When the crew arrived to pick up the plane, the company that did the maintenance work, Duncan Aviation, suggested they hire a test pilot to perform the stall test, the report noted. “The captain was provided with a list of experienced test pilots, for hire, to perform the post-maintenance stall test flight,” the NTSB said in the report. “However, after being unable to coordinate the stall test flight with a test pilot, the flight crew elected to perform the post-maintenance stall test themselves.” Publicly available flight tracking data from ADS-B Exchange shows the plane suddenly descending — at times reaching a blistering 24,000 feet per minute. Bystanders captured video showing the jet corkscrewing toward the ground, then disappearing behind homes before a large black plume of smoke appears. Two pilots working for the jet owner and their maintenance representative were killed in the crash. The NTSB noted that the pilot’s manual for the plane said pilots conducting stall tests “should have prior experience in performing stall in the Hawker and must be prepared for unacceptable stall behavior at any point.” Investigators continue to work to determine the cause of the crash, and will make a final determination in about a year. At least three other incidents with business jets undergoing stall tests have been investigated by the NTSB, the report noted. In February 2024, two pilots of a similar Hawker business jet were killed in Utah when performing an after-maintenance test flight in which they had to test the plane’s system that warns of an aerodynamic stall. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/business-jet-crashed-michigan-flown-233758046.html Senate panel to examine shutdown impact on aviation safety A Senate subcommittee will hold a hearing next week on how the government shutdown impacted the safety of the country’s air travel system. The hearing, in front of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee’s aviation subcommittee, is set for 2:30 p.m. EST Wednesday. National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels, Airlines for America President and CEO Chris Sununu and General Aviation Manufacturers Association President Jim Viola will testify. In a release announcing the hearing, Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), the chair of the subcommittee, said the shutdown “has severely impacted our already fragile aviation industry” and the system “will take time” to recover. “I look forward to discussing with industry how Congress can work to alleviate the strain on air traffic controllers and TSA agents, as well as ensure safety for passengers and sustainable operations for our airlines, general and business aviation stakeholders,” Moran added. The 43-day shutdown, which ended on Wednesday, threw the nation’s air travel system into disarray, as air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents missed multiple paychecks and were absent at higher rates than before the funding lapse. Citing widespread air traffic controller shortages, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricted flight capacity by 4 percent at 40 “high traffic” airports starting last Friday. The reductions increased to 6 percent on Tuesday. On Wednesday, though, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA head Bryan Bedford froze reductions at 6 percent, citing a decline in controller callouts. The restrictions were scheduled to rise to 8 percent at 6 a.m. Thursday and to 10 percent on Friday. With the shutdown now over, controllers will receive back pay. However, Daniels said at a Monday press conference that it took roughly two months for controllers to be “made whole” when the most recent stalemate ended in January 2019. Duffy also told host Jake Tapper on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday that roughly 15-20 controllers were retiring daily amid the shutdown. Prior to the lapse, roughly four controllers were retiring per day, he noted. “This is going to live on in air travel, well beyond the time frame that this government opens back up,” Duffy added. So far Thursday, more than 1,300 flights within, into or out of the U.S. have been delayed, with nearly 1,000 such flights canceled, according to the flight-tracking site FlightAware. Looking ahead to Friday, more than 380 flights within, into or out of the country have been canceled. Airlines for America called for a “long-term solution” to protect air travel in a future shutdown on Wednesday. “We implore Congress to ensure future funding bills do not allow aviation to become collateral damage in Washington’s policy debates,” the group said in a statement. https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/5604214-air-traffic-controllers-shutdown-concerns/ NBAA, FlightSafety International and CAE Launch Standardized Aircraft SOPs to Enhance Business Aviation Safety Washington, DC, Nov. 13, 2025 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), FlightSafety International and CAE announced the publication of industrywide aircraft standard operating procedures (SOPs), a key resource years in the making that marks a new milestone in business aviation safety and consistency. The new Airplane Standard Operating Procedures Manual represents the culmination of a long-standing effort aimed at helping aircraft operators follow the same, proven standards in multi- and single-pilot operations. The manual incorporates best practices developed with input from business aircraft operators of all sizes, manufacturers and training experts. Widespread adoption and implementation of the SOPs will result in improved safety through standardization and ensure consistency among multi-fleet operators and dynamic crew and staffing situations. The common SOPs also will produce stronger data, enabling tailored and informed improvement to training programs. “We’re excited to introduce these SOPs with our partners after years of work with operators, aircraft manufacturers and training experts,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “These SOPs will ensure everyone is following proven best practices – creating a more predictable safety environment for all.” “This is a defining collaborative step to enhance safety in business aviation,” said CAE Senior Director, Global Training Solutions Timothy Schoenauer. “With these SOPs rooted in our training programs, we’re equipping pilots with the knowledge and skill for today’s operational environment.” “This effort reflects years of collaboration across the business aviation industry,” said FlightSafety International EVP, Learning Center Operations Ben Carter. “Embedding the SOPs into training is a step toward greater consistency and directly supports safer operations.” Crews can expect to see the new SOPs during training events at FlightSafety International and CAE in summer 2026, giving operators time to become familiar with the new standards. NBAA will provide opportunities for the industry to provide feedback on the Airplane Standard Operating Procedures Manual as it continues to update the resource with best practices. Business aviation professionals can learn more about the new SOPs by viewing the recording of NBAA’s National Safety Forum, which took place Oct. 15 during the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas. Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents more than 10,000 company and professional members and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at nbaa.org. https://nbaa.org/2025-press-releases/nbaa-flightsafety-international-and-cae-launch-standardized-aircraft-sops-to-enhance-business-aviation-safety/ Million Air KHPN Joins Argus Base Ops Safety Audit Program Location is first in the FBO chain to work on this certification Million Air’s location at New York Westchester County Airport is the chain’s first to join Argus’ Base Operations Certification Program. The Million Air FBO at New York’s Westchester County Airport (KHPN) is the latest to undergo an audit as part of Argus International’s Base Operator Certification program. “Million Air already holds a strong reputation in the FBO industry,” said Argus president Mike McCready. “Achieving Argus certification will further elevate their systems and demonstrate their leadership in safety and service.” Launched three years ago, Argus’ audit and rating certification identifies and promotes FBOs around the globe that meet rigorous industry best practices and standards. It examines vital areas including safety management systems, emergency preparedness, personnel training and competency, facility maintenance and infrastructure, and customer service protocols. For Million Air, the KHPN location is its first to undergo the audit. It expects to receive the results of the audit in the first quarter next year. “Working with a globally recognized audit organization like Argus International sends a clear message to our customers: safety, quality, and excellence are foundational to everything we do,” said Million Air CEO Roger Woolsey, adding that the program sets a high bar. “Our customers deserve the best, and our team is committed to delivering it.” https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-11-11/million-air-khpn-joins-argus-safety-audit-program Off-duty pilot who tried to turn off engines in midair after taking magic mushrooms thought he was 'trapped in a dream or already dead' Joseph Emerson, a former Alaska Airlines pilot, is scheduled for sentencing next week. He tried to shut down a plane's engines mid-flight after a mental health crisis. Court documents detail how he has set up a nonprofit about mental health in aviation. Back in 2023, an off-duty Alaska Airlines captain was charged with 83 counts of attempted murder after trying to shut down a plane's engines midflight. Ahead of his sentencing next week, more details have come to light in court documents. Joseph Emerson was traveling in the cockpit jump seat as a passenger on board Alaska Airlines Flight 2059. About 48 hours earlier, he had taken magic mushrooms during a remembrance gathering for his best friend — a fellow airline pilot who had suddenly died from a heart problem. Emerson's lawyers said he had an unusual reaction to psilocybin, the active ingredient in the drug. He was left feeling detached from reality for several days, a condition known as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder. Emerson "believed he was either trapped in a dream or already dead," his lawyers wrote in a sentencing memo filed Wednesday. They add that he didn't believe Flight 2059 was real, but he boarded because he believed it would help him wake up and see his family again. "On the flight home, he became increasingly suspicious that the airplane would never make it home, and that he would endlessly fly, never reaching his destination," the document says. After trying to shut down the engines, the pilots intervened, and Emerson left the cockpit. Again, he became convinced he was in a dream because he was surprised by how calm the passengers seemed. Emerson then put his hand in a pot of hot coffee to try to wake up. Ultimately, he told the flight attendants he couldn't distinguish what was real and asked them to cuff him. After the flight diverted, Emerson was arrested. In jail, he began journaling, where he realized he had been an alcoholic for years, his lawyers said. He had also avoided mental health treatment as he was struggling to come to terms with his friend's death. Emerson has since started a nonprofit with his wife called Clear Skies Ahead, aimed at creating awareness of this problem within aviation. Many pilots may try to avoid treatment for mental health, as doing so can lead to them losing their license to fly. Emerson initially faced up to 20 years in prison. He pleaded guilty in September, and the government has requested a 12-month prison sentence. A pre-sentence report also suggested six months of home detention. Emerson is asking for credit for time served and probation instead. He is set to appear in an Oregon court for sentencing next Monday. https://www.businessinsider.com/alaska-airlines-pilot-magic-mushrooms-engine-shutdown-trapped-in-dream-2025-11 The Great Airline Deception: Forged Pilot Credentials Allowed Flights Across Europe, Raising Questions for The great airline deception Imagine boarding a flight, entrusting your life to the captain, only to find out months later that the pilot was flying under forged credentials. This shocking reality unfolded when a fraudulent pilot flew hundreds of passengers across Europe, using fake documents to bypass crucial flight checks. The pilot, posing as an experienced airline captain, operated under the radar of major European airlines for months, exposing a serious lapse in security and safety procedures. Airlines like Lufthansa and Eurowings were among those unknowingly relying on a fake pilot, unaware that their crew was compromised. This case highlights the urgent need for better safeguards in the aviation industry and calls attention to how forged documents can bypass even the most stringent checks. The Fraudulent Pilot: A Journey of Deception This extraordinary case began when a man posing as an airline captain managed to infiltrate Avion Express, a Lithuanian airline that provides services to several international carriers. He joined the airline as a first officer and used forged credentials to bypass essential simulator tests and flight experience checks that are mandatory for all pilots. The fraudulent documents enabled him to climb the ranks and operate flights as a captain for months. What makes this case even more alarming is the pilot’s ability to fly for multiple international airlines like Lufthansa’s Eurowings, a carrier well-known for operating across Europe. His ability to hide in plain sight for so long exposes glaring gaps in aviation checks that were supposed to ensure only qualified pilots were at the helm of commercial flights. The Impact on Passenger Safety and Airline Accountability When this story broke, many passengers were left in shock, having unknowingly flown under the control of a fake pilot. Thankfully, no major incidents were reported during these flights, but the discovery raises serious concerns about the broader implications for aviation safety. If a fraudulent pilot was able to fly undetected, how many others could be out there? The incident raises questions about whether current measures are sufficient to prevent similar fraudulent activities. Airlines are now under pressure to reevaluate their hiring and verification processes. Could a simulator check have prevented this fraud? What if there were flaws in how flight experience and credentials were verified? This scandal suggests that airlines need more than just routine audits to ensure that their crews are properly certified. The Catch Me If You Can Phenomenon: A History of Impostors in Aviation This fake airline captain is not the first to deceive the aviation industry. History has seen many cases of impostors posing as pilots or flight attendants, and the trend raises red flags about airline security systems. For instance, a Florida man was able to score over 120 free flights by impersonating both a pilot and a flight attendant. Another case involved a 19-year-old who created a fake identity to impress women by claiming to be a co-pilot. Perhaps the most infamous incident occurred in 2019 when a South African Airways pilot named William Chandler was exposed after flying for over 20 years without the proper credentials. His story ended when an incident over Switzerland prompted an internal review, which revealed his fraudulent documents. While he had managed to fly for two decades without raising suspicion, the Swiss Alps encounter forced the airline to investigate, and Chandler was fired, facing criminal charges. The Future of Airline Security: What Can Be Done? The growing number of fraudulent incidents in aviation calls for a reevaluation of airline security measures. Airlines, especially those in Europe, need to implement stricter checks to ensure their crews are fully qualified. The use of advanced technology such as biometric verification, blockchain systems, and more frequent background checks could prevent such incidents from happening again. Travelers should also be aware of these security lapses and stay informed about how airlines are responding to this growing problem. Aviation safety authorities may need to increase their oversight, conducting unannounced audits and checks to root out any potential fraud before it can compromise passenger safety. Travel Tips for Passengers: How to Ensure a Safe Flight As a passenger, it’s essential to remain vigilant, even when traveling with well-established airlines. Although most flights are operated safely, it is worth knowing that checks may not always be as rigorous as they should be. Here are some travel tips to help ensure your flight experience is as safe as possible: Check Airline Safety Records: Before booking, check the safety records of the airline. Several websites provide updates on incidents and certifications, helping you make informed decisions. Observe Cabin Crew Behavior: While it’s rare, if you notice any strange behavior or inconsistencies in the crew’s actions or attire, don’t hesitate to alert flight attendants. Understand Pilot Certifications: Though this may not always be possible, being aware of the airline’s crew training protocols and certifications could provide extra peace of mind. Final Thoughts: Why This Fraud Is a Wake-Up Call for Aviation The case of the fake airline captain serves as a wake-up call for the aviation industry. While the industry has always prided itself on safety, this incident proves that even the most well-established airlines can fall victim to fraudulent activity. It’s clear that more stringent checks are needed to protect passengers and maintain trust in the air travel system. With the growing complexity of modern aviation and the ability of fraudsters to bypass security measures, airlines need to act quickly. Increased transparency, accountability, and the use of advanced technology could be the key to preventing such incidents in the future. The key takeaway for travelers is simple: Never take safety for granted, and always stay informed about the measures in place to protect your wellbeing during air travel. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/the-great-airline-deception-forged-pilot-credentials-allowed-flights-across-europe-raising-questions-for-tourism-safety-in-lithuania-and-germany-more-on-this-story/ American Airlines Faces Backlash Over Pilot First Class Upgrade Priority American Airlines’ new agreement automatically adds deadheading pilots to the top of the upgrade list at check-in. FORT WORTH— American Airlines (AA) is facing customer frustration after implementing a new policy giving deadheading pilots first-class upgrade priority over even top-tier frequent flyers. The change, effective December 2, 2023, stems from the airline’s latest pilot contract and affects how upgrades are handled within 24 hours of departure. The policy places pilots traveling under A1DP/A3DP codes above Executive Platinum and ConciergeKey members on the upgrade list. American Airlines (AA) is facing customer frustration after implementing a new policy giving deadheading pilots first-class upgrade priority over even top-tier frequent flyers. American Airlines Pilot Upgrade As outlined in an internal Airport Excellence Advisory, American Airlines’ new agreement automatically adds deadheading pilots to the top of the upgrade list at check-in. Their passenger name records (PNRs) are created with A1DP or A3DP priority codes and tagged with a new “Upgrade Priority Code UPG0.” Pilots who check in via the Travel Planner or American Essentials app are automatically listed for upgrades. However, if check-in occurs through the American Airlines mobile app or AA.com, Customer Care staff must manually apply the code. Once added, the system reclassifies them to UPG0 status, ensuring top priority on the list. The airline confirmed that standard upgrade procedures for paying customers still apply, with upgrade windows opening 24 hours before departure. However, once pilots enter the list, they are ranked above even the most loyal passengers, regardless of AAdvantage elite tier, ViewfromtheWing reported. Customer Reaction and Brand Impact Frequent flyers have expressed strong dissatisfaction, noting that pilots now occupy upgrade slots once reserved for elite customers who spend thousands annually. One passenger’s viral post criticized the policy, saying it undermines loyalty and rewards employees over paying customers. American Airlines has long positioned its AAdvantage program as a cornerstone of its value proposition. At the company’s 2022 Investor Day, executives highlighted loyalty revenue as a key growth driver. However, this shift suggests a pivot in priorities — emphasizing labor agreements over customer experience. Industry Context and Comparisons The concept of prioritizing deadheading pilots is not new. United Airlines (UA) adopted a similar policy in 2020, and now American has followed suit. In both cases, the reasoning ties back to pilot contracts rather than operational necessity. Deadheading, which refers to pilots traveling as passengers between assigned flights, counts as duty time. It does not involve active flying and, according to safety experts, does not require additional rest benefits such as first-class seating. The change is thus viewed primarily as a contractual concession rather than a safety enhancement. The Broader Problem with Upgrades Upgrades across U.S. carriers have become harder to secure due to limited premium seat supply and airlines’ tendency to hold inventory for last-minute sales. This has made complimentary upgrades increasingly rare, even for elite members. The optics of crew members sitting in first class while loyal customers remain in coach have heightened perceptions of inequality in how benefits are distributed. Many see it as a reflection of management’s struggle to balance employee relations with customer loyalty. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/11/14/american-airlines-faces-backlash-over-pilot-first-class-upgrade-priority/ FedEx plugs transport hole caused by MD-11 groundings FedEx Corp. expects minimal shipping disruption from grounding its MD-11 freighter fleet because mandated inspections can be completed relatively quickly and the carrier has already deployed alternative aircraft to compensate for the lost capacity, Chief Financial Officer John Dietrich said Tuesday. The Federal Aviation Administration on Saturday ordered FedEx, UPS and Western Global Airlines to pause MD-11 activity following the catastrophic crash of a UPS MD-11 last week in Louisville, Kentucky, that killed 14 people. Inspections are believed to be focusing on the engines and engine mounts after the left-wing engine and pylon detached on Flight 2976 during takeoff. FedEx (NYSE: FDX) mechanics, working closely with Boeing and the FAA, will begin inspecting 25 aircraft in the operating fleet within the next few days. The express delivery and logistics giant owns 34 MD-11s, but six are inactive and three are maintained as spares, Dietrich said. “It’s important to note that once the aircraft is inspected and released those aircraft will start to get back into the fleet on a one-off, tail-by-tail basis. It’s not like we’re waiting for the whole fleet to be inspected before concluding whether they can safely go back into service,” Dietrich said during a presentation at the Baird Global Industrial Conference in Chicago that was livestreamed. That’s good news because it is peak shipping season for the logistics world, as retailers rush goods to stores and households for the fast-approaching holidays, and every aircraft is needed to meet demand. FedEx, the largest cargo airline in the world, is leveraging the flexibility of its global network to replace the MD-11 transport capacity. In addition to activating spare aircraft, FedEx is postponing routine scheduled maintenance on aircraft that still have time before their flight hour limit expires, and routing shipments to commercial airline partners, said Dietrich. Another lever FedEx has pulled is shifting more packages to its domestic ground network because 18 of the 25 MD-11s in operation currently operate domestically, he added. FedEx is also able to count the grounded cargo jets towards the FAA’s target for airlines to cut flight schedules to relieve pressure on the air traffic control system during the government shutdown. The restrictions went into effect on Friday at 40 airports. Cancellations started at 4% of flights and are scheduled to reach 10% by Nov. 14, but a congressional agreement to reopen the government could be finalized by Thursday and lead the FAA to soon rescind the industry directive. “I met with executives from Boeing. There’s a deep sense of cooperation, urgency, working with the regulators, to get through this period as quickly as possible,” CEO Raj Subramaniam told investors and analysts at the event. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/fedex-plugs-transport-hole-caused-134238357.html 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 . 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