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.Micah and Kiah Erlich under the black light.
Martin Kemp and Micah standing outside the restaurant.Martin Kemp and Micah out on the town.

Mentioned

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

VFC-12 at the Portland Jetport. Courtesy Kyle.
VFC-12 at the Portland Jetport. Courtesy Kyle.
VFC-12 at the Portland Jetport. Courtesy Kyle.
VFC-12 at the Portland Jetport. Courtesy 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 standing in front of the Kinner Sportwing B-2 at the Spurwing Farm Fly-in.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.

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