FCC: Shut Up and Fly

Investigators looking at Flight 3407 crew's records

(NEWSER) - The captain and first officer on the Buffalo plane that crashed were typical of regional airline pilots, the Buffalo News reports: They had far less experience than their counterparts on major airlines. No one interviewed blames either pilot for the accident, but Capt. Marvin Renslow, 47, and Rebecca Lynne Shaw, 24, had 5,623 hours between them. Contrast that with the 20,000 hours by Hudson hero Chesley Sullenberger. More»

Most batteries in phones, laptops, will likely not violate rule

(NEWSER) - The Department of Transportation has banned certain kinds of lithium batteries from checked airline luggage, citing worries over short circuiting and fires. Lithium batteries installed inside of electronic devices will be permitted as carryon, but loose batteries, unless sealed inside a plastic bag, will no longer be permitted on board. More»

Regulator proposes allowing base stations in airplanes

(NEWSER) - European regulator Ofcom has proposed allowing cellphones in airplanes in EU airspace, making it more likely that Europeans will soon be able to chat in the air. Under the proposal, a mobile base station could be installed on planes, and the signal would be routed by satellite. The FAA ruled that it would not allow cell phones on American flights in the near future. More»

Boeing's 787 won't be ready to fly until October

(NEWSER) - Boeing's cushy, cutting-edge Dreamliner won't make it into airlines' hands until sometime in October, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. The inaugural flight of the 787was originally scheduled for late September, but unexpected delays encountered with the complex installation of the jetliner's myriad flight systems have pushed Boeing's timetable back. More»

(NEWSER) - International Lease Finance Corporation, the world’s #1 jet leasing company, ordered 52 787 Dreamliners, Boeing announced at the Paris Air Show. This brings total orders for Boeing's new plane to 634 -- way ahead of rival Airbus' 127 orders for its A350XWB. Both planes incorporate lightweight composites instead of metal, which will dramatically reduce operating costs. More»