Gulfstream G650, G280 make headway

Gulfstream Aerospace announced that its newest, biggest offering—the large-cabin G650—continues to make progress toward its anticipated 2012 certification. Four airplanes are now in the final phases of flight test, and the airplane’s predicted range performance ( 5,000 nautical miles at normal cruise power; 7,000 nm at long-range cruise power) has been confirmed. In addition, an electrically-powered backup flight control system has been successfully demonstrated. This system provides a third . . . (www.aopa.org) More...

AirTran, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, will begin requiring customers that they deem are too big to fit into one seat to buy another ticket. AirTran was recently bought by Southwest Airlines which had had this policy for the last 30 years. (www.thefloridanewsjournal.com) More...

Fliers’ vs. Airlines’ Rights

Airlines have long been able to remove disruptive passengers from their airplanes. But while in the past only fellow travelers knew what had happened, now social media exposes these disputes to a worldwide audience. (www.nytimes.com) More...

Pilot rescued after ditching plane off Big Island - Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL Home

Pilot rescued after ditching plane off Big Island - Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL Home

Try a Private Jet, at Public Prices

 FLYING in a private jet may not be as far out of reach as you think. Though it’s still not cheap, prices are rivaling first- and business-class tickets — and even, occasionally, coach — thanks in part to new Web sites, social media and a greater willingness by charter companies and private jet brokers to negotiate in an era of high fuel prices. (travel.nytimes.com) More...

9 dead, dozens injured in horrific Reno air show crash

RENO, Nev. (AP) — Federal investigators are on the scene of a Reno air race crash that killed the pilot and two spectators and injured more than 50.

National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Terry Williams told The Associated Press Saturday that a team has arrived from Washington to join regional officials.

He says it's too early to say what caused the crash.

Organizers of the National Championship Air Races earlier said it appears a mechanical failure with the P-51 Mustang was to blame.

Witness and video accounts show that the World War II vintage plane suddenly pitched upward, rolled and did a nose-dive toward the crowded grandstand.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reported that prior to Friday's crash, 17 people had been killed at the air races since their start 1964.

SCOTT SONNER, Associated Press

A P-51 Mustang is shown right before crashing at the Reno air races on Friday. Investigators are looking at this and other images that show the aircraft's tail missing a key piece.

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NYPost article about TSA agent accepting bribes to skip the line

Suddenly, a small middle-aged woman wearing a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) uniform moved along that line, pushing a wheelchair while asking, in a thick non-English accent, if anyone was in need of her help. No one responded. But she nonetheless made it clear that one didn't need to be disabled for her to assist one of us, that she was available. Stopping, she even insisted that any one of us hop in. Really, now? OK, let's see where this caper leads . . . We talked/dared Rich, . . . (www.nypost.com) More.