Airplane Geeks Podcast

The NASA X-70 Fractal program, aero engines that power data centers, competition for a new Navy trainer jet, FAA digital air traffic control towers, and the end of floppy disks.

Aviation News

NASA Announces X-70 Program, Promises More Coming

The crewed X-70 Fractal subsonic jet is planned to be a “highly adaptable research platform… designed to accelerate the development and testing of advanced aviation technologies.” Specifically, “rapidly reconfigurable flight-control technology that will allow NASA to explore aircraft maneuverability in ways never before demonstrated in crewed flight. The aircraft can also accommodate up to 2,000 pounds of experimental payloads in internal and external locations, enabling a wide range of research and flight-testing opportunities.” NASA has not disclosed who is developing the X-70 or how far along the program is.

See also:

NASA Announces X-70 Experimental Aircraft to Advance Flight Research

List of X-planes

Old, Polluting Jet Engines Are Being Scavenged to Power Data Centers

Aero derivatives for stationary power generation are nothing new, but data center developers see them as a possible way to meet power needs quickly. Major companies currently producing such power generators include:

GE Vernova, delivering LM2500XPRESS packages to Crusoe’s data centers.

Siemens Energy sells the SGT-A05 and SGT-A35 families.

Mitsubishi Power sells the FT8, a derivative of Pratt & Whitney JT8 engines.

Baker Hughes packages aeroderivatives and recently received a major order from Dynamis Power Solutions.

ProEnergy converts engines such as the CF6-80C2 into its PE6000 units.

FTAI Aviation adapts the CFM56 into a 25 MW aeroderivative turbine.

We Now Know Why Sierra Nevada Corp Canned Its Navy Jet Trainer Bid

Under the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS), the U.S. Navy plans to replace its T-45 Goshawk jet trainers with planes that cannot land on carriers. Citing the risk associated with a firm-fixed-price contracting structure before design maturity, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has withdrawn from the competition.

Bidders for a Navy jet trainer replacement have steadily withdrawn. Lockheed Martin left first, in April 2026. In June, Boeing bowed out. Then Northrop Grumman left the competition in September, leaving only Textron Aviation Defense and Leonardo with the Beechcraft® M-346N.

The Beechcraft® M-346N

FAA announces first US digital air traffic control towers in Florida and Alaska

Using advanced camera systems and digital displays, controllers have a continuous, 360-degree view of airport operations. This system is not designed to eliminate controllers, but instead to give them a better view of runways, taxiways, and the surrounding airspace. The FAA first implemented digital ATC towers at Bartow Executive Airport (KBOW) in Florida and Kenai Municipal Airport (PAEN) in Alaska. Five more regional airports plan to receive the system next.

See also:

FAA Plans to Retire Floppy Disks by 2028

Secretary Sean P. Duffy Begins Retiring Decades Old Floppy Disks from Air Traffic Control as Part of Ongoing Modernization Effort

Mentioned

Stories about Flying – A Center Controller Thinks About the Palm Beach Crash of Learjet N722BD.

CAPEWEEK:

The Great American Aerospace and Technology Expo

NASA, Florida and Industry Leaders Unveil CAPEWEEK: The Great American Aerospace and Technology Expo at Kennedy Space Center

CAPEWEEK US YouTube Channel

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and David Vanderhoof.

BAE Systems and Bombardier collaborate on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) for a sixth-generation fighter, production of the AI-piloted X-BAT fighter jet is planned for Puget Sound, nine perish when a Learjet 60 crashes in Florida, images have emerged of China’s electric CE-25A commuter demonstrator, a study makes recommendations to reduce the vulnerability of U.S. aerial refueling capability, and Greece signed a contract for three Embraer KC-390s with options for three more.

Aviation News

BAE Systems and Bombardier to cooperate on next-generation combat air

BAE Systems and Bombardier have agreed to identify how they can collaborate on a number of technical areas as part of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to develop a sixth-generation fighter by 2035. BAE Systems is the GCAP lead industrial partner, with membership from the UK, Italy, and Japan. In July, Canada became the first GCAP observer nation.

Under the non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU), possible areas of collaboration include systems design and integration, R&D, digital engineering, manufacturing, supply-chain and workforce development, and long-term support and sustainment.

Stephen McCullough, Bombardier’s executive vice president of engineering, product development and Bombardier Defense, said, “This provides a clear framework to explore how these capabilities can support next-generation defense programs, while strengthening industrial capacity, high-value jobs and long-term aerospace leadership.”

See these press releases:

Bombardier Signs MOU with BAE Systems to Collaborate Toward Next-Generation Combat Air Programs

BAE Systems and Bombardier Agree Framework for Cooperation on Next-Generation Combat Air

Production of AI-piloted X-BAT fighter jet coming to Puget Sound in 2027

Dallas-based Shield AI plans to build its fully autonomous X-BAT AI-piloted fighter jet in the Seattle area, and the company says it is now hiring thousands. The uncrewed VTOL X-BAT is a mobile aircraft that can be refueled, rearmed, and moved before an adversary can locate and destroy it on the ground. The U.S. Navy has reportedly provided $200 million in funding for the project. U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships already operate smaller Shield VTOL aircraft.

Armor Harris, vice president of Shield AI, says the X-BAT costs about a third of an F-35, with the same payload and twice the range, and it can operate collaboratively with other manned aircraft. A key part of the X-BAT is Shield AI’s autonomous software, called Hivemind. With Hivemind, an aircraft can fly and execute missions without human remote piloting.

For more, see:

Leonardo brings Shield AI’s Hivemind to Royal Navy Proteus helicopter

Shield AI and Insitu Pacific weigh New Zealand polar patrol UAV bids

AlphaDogfight Trials Foreshadow Future of Human-Machine Symbiosis

China’s CE-25A Electric Commuter Airliner Demonstrator Emerges

Images are appearing in China of what appears to be a 19-seat all-electric aircraft. The plane carries a CE-25A designation and state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) markings. The CE-25A is similar to the Beechcraft 1900 twin-turboprop, but with a lower cruising speed and less range. The CE-25A photos show ten electric ducted fan engines, five inboard on the top of each wing.

Hardened Shelters Critical To Survival Of USAF’s Tanker Fleet: Study

In a report titled Resilient Reach: Redesigning Aerial Refueling for Contested Global Operations [PDF], the Hudson Institute recommends reducing the vulnerability of U.S. aerial refueling capability. The think tank offers three key findings:

Aerial refueling currently depends on vulnerable forward bases and medium-range tankers that could be neutralized. Suppression of this critical capability could collapse US air operations and heavily contribute to US defeat in a war against the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

U.S. aerial refueling architecture can be transformed to boost tanker-airfield resilience and incorporate adaptive mission systems on current tankers. Also recommended is a medium-sized, long-range, high-offload tanker capable of flying a modest distance into contested airspace, such as a Medium-sized Blended Wing Body (Medium BWB) tanker.

Compared to the 250 KC-46As, acquisition and operation of 250 Medium BWB tankers could refuel more than twice as many force packages or refuel force packages more than twice as far, deploy forces across the Pacific more than twice as fast, sustain large-scale and protracted operations under attack, and cost $15.5 billion less over 30 years.

Greece signs contract for three Embraer KC-390s, first aircraft due in 2027

The Greek government previously approved the procurement, but it has now signed a contract for three Embraer KC-390 Millennium military transports, with options for three more aircraft. The first KC-390 is scheduled for delivery to the Hellenic Air Force in 2027. In a government-to-government agreement, Portugal will acquire the aircraft from Embraer for Greece, possibly because Portuguese manufacturing slots are were used.

See also: Embraer C-390 Millennium (KC-390) vs Lockheed C-130 Hercules Comparison

9 killed after a Learjet crashes and erupts into flames in Palm Beach County, Florida

A Learjet 60 (N722BD) flying from Austin, Texas to the Bahamas crashed in Palm Beach County, Florida, killing all nine on board. The plane went down at high speed, almost vertically, in light clear icing and “moderate turbulence.”

See also:

Learjet co-pilot in fatal Florida crash ID’d as Nathalia Gadelha, 20, who got her license in high school

Florida Learjet 60 Crash: 9 Killed, N722BD Icing Reports & Final ATC Calls

Mentioned

More flights are coming between Maine and California

Supersonic airliner in doubt as company shifts to powering AI data centers

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and David Vanderhoof.

Pratt & Whitney Canada unveils the PT9 engine; the U.S. Navy takes delivery of its first C-130J for conversion into an E-130J Phoenix II; the Boeing 737-10 MAX finally receives FAA certification; jet fuel prices affect airline profitability and ticket prices; the FAA issues a special airworthiness certificate to BETA Technologies for its A250 electric eVTOL aircraft; the B-23 Dragon formerly owned by Howard Hughes flies again after 35 years; and U.S. air traffic controllers finally receive their pay raise.

Aviation News

The new PT9 turboprop engine, now certified by Transport Canada represents Pratt & Whitney Canada’s latest innovation in aviation propulsion.

P&WC Unveils PT9 Engine with Type Certification in Hand

Pratt & Whitney Canada unveiled the 1,700 to 2,300-shp clean-sheet PT9 turboprop at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas after Transport Canada certified it. Aviation Week called it a surprise, the product of a secretive five-year development program aimed at new single- and twin-turboprop aircraft. P&WC says it delivers 33% more power at altitude and 20% lower fuel consumption than previous-generation engines, with more than 14,000 development hours.

The PT9 is meant to fill the power gap between the PT6 and PW100 families, not replace the PT6. P&WC has not announced an aircraft application or launch customer, though it says it is talking with manufacturers and expects the design to support multiple platforms.

First C-130J For Navy’s New E-130J Phoenix II Ballistic Submarine Communications Fleet Delivered

The Lockheed Martin E-130J Phoenix II is the U.S. Navy’s next-generation airborne command post, allowing the president, secretary of defense, and U.S. Strategic Command to communicate with nuclear forces. The Navy has taken delivery of the first C-130J-30 Super Hercules, which it will convert into the E-130J Phoenix II. Extensive mission-systems integration will begin prior to testing for the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission.

The Phoenix II will replace the Navy’s aging E-6B Mercury fleet based on the B707 (with CFM56 engines), and will similarly use a trailing-wire antenna for VLF transmissions to submerged submarines. The aircraft will be hardened against electromagnetic pulse (EMP) effects. The Navy plans to purchase 31 E-130Js. Currently, 16 E-6Bs are in service.

Boeing 737-10 MAX receives FAA certification

The B737-10 MAX finally received FAA type certification. With that, and the MAX-7 certification in August, all four main MAX variants are now type certified. (The MAX-8 was certified in 2017, and the MAX-9 was certified in 2018.)

To achieve certification, Boeing had to change the 737-10 MAX’s flight control system, including enhanced angle-of-attack system software that identifies sensor behavior that does not match expected conditions. The MAX-10 also incorporates an updated engine anti-ice system that addresses system overheating in certain conditions. This improvement will also apply across the MAX fleet.

The MAX 10 is the first commercial aircraft certified to the full extent of the 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (ACSAA). Congress passed that act in response to the two 737 MAX crashes.

With jet fuel prices near a record, holiday airfares soar higher

As airlines struggle to cover fuel costs, passengers pay for it through ticket prices. Fuel is usually the second-largest cost after labor and typically runs about 20–30% of a US airline’s operating expenses. IATA projects fuel will account for over 31% of global airline operating expenses this year.

See also:

American Airlines CEO: We’ll Never Lose Money Again – At a September 29, 2017 meeting with analysts and reporters, American Airlines CEO Doug Parker said, “I don’t think we’re ever going to lose money again. We have an industry that’s going to be profitable in good and bad times.”

American Airlines forecasts bigger loss in 2026 on fuel spike, plans to slow growth next year – In July 2026, the airline forecasted adjusted full-year earnings per share somewhere between a 65-cent profit and a 65-cent loss. Now American says it expects a $1 to $1.60 per share loss in 2026.

FAA Clears BETA’s ALIA eVTOL for Demonstration Flights

The FAA issued a first-of-its-kind Special Airworthiness Market Survey Certificate to BETA Technologies for the A250 electric eVTOL aircraft. This allows operators and participants to fly and evaluate the aircraft. The FAA issued it under Part 21, and the first flight ran from Plattsburgh, NY, to Burlington, VT, covering 34 nautical miles in 20 minutes. It is not a full type certificate and does not approve scheduled passenger service. The FAA also released draft design standards for vertical flight facilities on Oct. 22.

See: Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Announces First-Ever Special Airworthiness Market Survey Certificate for eVTOL Aircraft

Howard Hughes’ Former B-23 Dragon Flies Again After 35 Years

Warbird Aero Restorations restored a rare Douglas B-23 Dragon once owned by Howard Hughes, and the plane flew on October 21, 2026. Two rebuilt Wright R-2600-3 radial engines power it. After its military service, the B-23 entered civilian ownership in 1945, and Hughes acquired it under registration NC49548. It was subsequently owned by a series of corporate owners. The B-23 was built as a successor to the B-18 Bolo. The prototype made its first flight in July 1939. Only 38 were built.

See: Reel of B-23 taking off. (Requires Facebook login.)

US Air Traffic Controllers Get Pay Raise, Work Reforms

The FAA and NATCA agreed to a 2.8% pay increase following key workforce reforms. The FAA also exceeded its FY2026 goal by hiring 2,235 air traffic controller trainees, the most in its history. Hiring is only half the story, since training washout rates and time to certification determine the staffing picture.

See: Trump’s Transportation Department, Air Traffic Controller Union Announce 2.8% Pay Increase Deal

Mentioned

Airplane Geeks World HQ studio.

World’s First Piloted Hydrogen VTOL Lifts Off in Quebec

Video: American Helicopter Museum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjyWVuBOAPw

Video: A Quick Trip to Atlantic City

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGgaWrcbPxc

Video: Iconic New Jersey Fast Food – The Kreplach Brothers On The Road

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgK4bTIjsFE

The National Aviation Hall of Fame Announces the “Class of 2027”

Civil Air Patrol Orders 21 New Cessnas

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta images by listener Shawn:

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and David Vanderhoof.

Interviews from the Pacific Airshow, a visit to the American Helicopter Museum, and an Australia desk with news from Down Under.

Pacific Airshow

The Pacific Airshow® ran Friday, October 2, through Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Huntington City Beach, Southern California. It launched in 2016, and organizers say it draws the largest attendance of any airshow in the United States. This year, Brian Coleman attended and recorded some interviews:

Kevin Elliott has been managing the show since 2018. He sees the event as a lifestyle festival with an airshow component.

Luke Mees talks about the Falcons, the premier UK military parachute display team.

Sean “Stroker” Gustafson is a retired USAF Reserve pilot and co-founder of Draken International. He’s a former USAF Thunderbird #4 pilot who flew the F-16, A-4, L-39, Alpha Jet, L-159, and 767-ER. He’s now the Deputy Mission Director of Polaris.

Mark Foster is president of the Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana. The 30,000-square-foot hangar showcases operational World War II aircraft, military vehicles, and rare automobiles right alongside the John Wayne Airport tarmac. It features airworthy warbirds such as a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Douglas DC-3, and North American B-25 Mitchell, along with vintage military motorcycles, automobiles, and wartime memorabilia.

Matt Jolly is a national Edward R. Murrow Award-winning feature reporter, broadcaster, and writer who has spent his career telling stories about people, places, and the things that make us look up. Matt grew up around airshows and founded WarbirdRadio.com. He announces at airshows worldwide.

RJ is originally from Singapore and flies as a first officer for a major US airline based in Los Angeles. He has an extensive background in film and video and is also an FAA Gold Seal Certificated Flight Instructor.

The Pacific Airshow has a YouTube channel with the same name, and the 2026 Event Wrap video gives you a sense of how great the event is:

Video: Pacific Airshow® Gold Coast 2026 | Official Event Wrap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcmqcx067Lk

American Helicopter Museum and Education Center

Max and Micah visited the American Helicopter Museum & Education Center and recorded a chat with David.

Australia News Desk

Steve Visscher and Grant McHerron bring us aviation news from Down Under.

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, David Vanderhoof, and Brian Coleman.

FAA ATC hiring record, NBAA and ATC modernization, restrictions on flights near spacecraft launches, Army findings on the DC midair crash. Also, VFC-12 (the “Fighting Omars”), talking with Kiah Erlich and Martin Kemp, Launchpad’s last chocolates, Kinner Sportwing B-2, a new refueling squadron, and a United transatlantic flight makes an unusual fuel stop.

Aviation News

FAA Breaks ATC Hiring Record, But More Work Remains

In an October 1, 2026 press release, the FAA said the agency “exceeded its Fiscal Year 2026 goal, hiring 2,235 air traffic controller trainees, the most in FAA history. This record follows the highly successful gamer campaign that recruited more than 12,000 qualified Americans to apply in just 24 hours.” The FAA’s FY26 hiring goal was 2,200 ATC trainees.

The FAA’s 2026–2028 Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan calls for hiring at least 2,300 new controller trainees in FY27 and 2,400 in FY28. The plan established a three-year strategy to 1) grow the controller workforce, 2) optimize scheduling performance, and 3) modernize the air traffic control systems and tools.

NBAA Applauds House Legislation Accelerating ATC Modernization

Rep. Tracey Mann (R-01-KS) introduced legislation that would boost funding by $30 billion to continue the air traffic control (ATC) modernization work begun last year. This is a companion bill to legislation introduced last month by Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO).

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is one of about 60 other aviation stakeholders that formed the Modern Skies Coalition in 2025 to support plans to upgrade aviation safety. The Modern Skies Coalition Statement on Secretary Duffy’s Aero Club of Washington Luncheon Remarks of September 22, 2026 states, “The Modern Skies Coalition supports Secretary Duffy’s continued efforts to modernize our nation’s air traffic control system and strengthen the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS).”

FAA will accept more risk to aircraft from space debris under new policy

The FAA identifies aircraft hazard areas before each launch and re-entry operation. Aircraft are not permitted to fly in the most hazardous portions of these zones. Previously, the FAA allowed up to 6,412 aircraft per 12-month period to fly through the outer portions of aircraft hazard areas. That equates to no fatal accidents from space debris falling due to a launch or re-entry operation over 80 years, at a 95% confidence level. The FAA’s Executive Safety Council has now removed that restriction.

Army Identifies Systemic Failures Behind DC midair and Calls for Safety Fixes

The U.S. Army publicly released its report on the midair collision between an American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C. The Army identified systemic failures involving air traffic control, helicopter routes, training, and safety practices.

The report is listed in the Army’s Freedom of Information Act Library as:

AR 15-6: Investigation of the 29 January 2025 Collison [sic] of a UH-60 Black Hawk and Civilian Aircraft Near Ronald Reagon [sic] National Airport

Interviews

Micah speaks with Kiah Erlich (see the band Incidental on Facebook) and Martin Kemp. We also hear Micah’s story, Launchpad’s Last Chocolates.

Micah and Kiah Erlich under the black light.

Martin Kemp and Micah out on the town.

Mentioned

VFC-12, the Fighting Omars, visit the Portland Jetport. Photos by Kyle.

Bangor Air National Guard Base One of Four Finalists for New Refueling Squadron

82-year-old pilot injured when ‘last of its kind’ airplane [Kinner Sportwing B-2] flips at Brunswick airport

Micah and the Kinner Sportwing B-2

Unusual arrival. A transatlantic flight made a rare landing in Portland, Maine

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and David Vanderhoof.