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Is it safe for pilots to fill paperwork during taxiing?

In professional aviation, time management and efficiency are critical. Pilots are expected to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, from managing flight systems to ensuring accurate documentation. One common situation that arises in both airline and corporate operations is whether the first officer (FO) can safely complete flight logs, load sheets, or other documents before takeoff. At first glance, it may seem like a harmless, time-saving task. But in reality, performing administrative work during the wrong phase of flight can create significant safety risks. This article explores the operational, regulatory, and human factors involved - providing a detailed guide for first officers and flight crews to manage this task without compromising safety.

American Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 Catches Fire During Takeoff in Denver

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 On July 26, 2025, an American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 (Flight 3023) caught fire during its takeoff roll at Denver International Airport, forcing the pilots to abort the departure and evacuate everyone on board. The aircraft was scheduled to fly from Denver to Miami. The incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. local time when crew members heard a loud pop and saw smoke and flames from the left landing gear area. The pilots acted immediately, bringing the aircraft to a stop on the runway and deploying the emergency slides. There were 173 passengers and 6 crew members onboard. All were evacuated successfully. Six passengers suffered minor injuries, mainly from the evacuation slides, and one person was taken to the hospital for further treatment. No fatalities were reported. Firefighters from the Denver Fire Department arrived quickly and managed to extinguish the fire. Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are examin...

Ethiopian Airlines Launches State-of-the-Art MRO Facilities

 Ethiopian Airlines Group has taken another giant leap forward in solidifying its leadership position in the global aviation market by commissioning a $150 million expansion of its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Addis Ababa. The expansion, inaugurated between July 22 and 25, 2025, represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in African aviation maintenance history. Transforming African MRO Capabilities The latest expansion introduces three advanced facilities designed to set new benchmarks for efficiency and technical capabilities: Two-Bay Maintenance Hangar – Equipped to handle both widebody and narrowbody aircraft, expanding Ethiopian’s in-house airframe maintenance capabilities. Component Maintenance Workshop – Adds over 170 FAA-approved component repair capabilities, including landing gear, avionics, and integrated drive generators, pushing the total approved list beyond 1,200 parts. Automated Central Warehouse – A 15,000 m² storag...

The World Will Need 2.4 Million Aviation Workers by 2044

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Boeing , one of the biggest airplane manufacturers in the world, has just released a report predicting something massive: the aviation industry will need to hire nearly 2.4 million new people over the next 20 years. That’s right millions of jobs are opening up for pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, and cabin crew (flight attendants) all over the globe. But what’s causing this huge demand? Let’s break it down.

Military Jet Crashes Into School, Killing 19 in Bangladesh

  Dhaka, Bangladesh – July 21, 2025 A devastating air disaster struck the heart of Dhaka this afternoon when a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training aircraft crashed into Milestone School and College in the densely populated Uttara area. The crash has left at least 19 people dead and more than 100 injured, with dozens suffering from severe burns and trauma. The incident occurred around 13:06 PM local time, during what authorities described as a routine training flight. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by a massive blaze as the jet plummeted into the school compound. Smoke billowed across the neighborhood, and emergency services scrambled to contain the inferno and evacuate survivors. Among the deceased are the pilot and multiple students. Many of the injured are in critical condition and have been rushed to nearby hospitals, where medical staff are overwhelmed by the scale of the casualties. Military officials confirmed the aircraft was an F-7 BGI — a Chinese...

Maintenance Support at JNIA-Dar es salaam

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Grounded in Dar es salaam? Here’s Who Can Get Your Aircraft Back in the Sky at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) Every hour your aircraft is grounded at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) costs money, disrupts schedules, and damages your brand. For airlines operating in Tanzania, waiting for technical support, spare parts, or foreign approvals can quickly turn a minor issue into a multi-day AOG crisis . y ou don’t need to look outside Tanzania for reliable aircraft maintenance . Right at JNIA, certified maintenance providers are offering fast, affordable, and OEM-aligned support — tailored to your fleet and flight frequency. Meet the maintenance providers keeping Tanzania´s aircraft flying These are TCAA-approved, fleet-specialized maintenance organizations (AMOs) currently operating within JNIA, ready to support local and foreign airlines without delay. 1. Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) Certification: TCAA AMO number TCAA/AI/CA/1.82 Location: Main hangars...

How to Practically Implement Outsourcing in Aircraft Maintenance

  How to Practically Implement Outsourcing in Aircraft Maintenance: A Step-by-Step Guide with Examples Outsourcing aircraft maintenance is not about giving up control—it's about gaining operational flexibility and technical expertise . But it must be done strategically. Here's a practical, step-by-step framework airlines can follow to outsource effectively: 1. Identify what to source Start by assessing your internal capabilities and limitations. You don’t have to outsource everything at once. Commonly outsourced maintenance activities: Line maintenance at outstations (where you don’t have a base) Heavy checks (C or D checks) that require special hangars and tools Component repair and overhaul Non-routine tasks like NDT (Non-Destructive Testing), avionics upgrades, or composite repairs Example: An airline based in Nairobi (Kenya) operates flights to Dubai, Johannesburg,  and Lusaka- Since it doesn´t have hangar space or technicians at these destinations, it outsources line...

Gulf Air Expands Dreamliner Fleet with Major Boeing Order

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Gulf Air is set to significantly boost its long-haul capabilities following a newly announced agreement with Boeing for the purchase of up to 18 additional 787 Dreamliners . The deal, unveiled in Washington, includes a firm order for 12 aircraft with options for six more, solidifying Gulf Air’s strategy to grow its international network and modernize its all-widebody fleet. The announcement was made in the presence of Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope, and Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi. Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi,speaking during the press announcement said, "This agreement marks a transformative step in Gulf Air's strategic growth journey," He also highlighted the importance of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on their routes, saying "The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has proven its worth on our long-haul routes with excellen...

Air Peace Aircraft Overshoots Runway in Port Harcourt

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Port Harcourt, Nigeria — 13th July 2025 An Air Peace flight en route from Lagos to Port Harcourt overshot the runway on Sunday morning upon landing at Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), prompting swift emergency response. Fortunately, all 127 passengers on board were safely evacuated, and no injuries or casualties have been reported. The flight, operating under number P47190 and bearing the registration 5N-BQQ, touched down at PHIA at approximately 07:45 local time. During the landing, the aircraft overshot Runway 03, coming to a stop beyond the runway's end. In an official press release issued by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), spokesperson Mrs. Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed the incident and emphasized that the situation was brought under control without any harm to passengers or crew. "We are relieved to report that there were no casualties. Evacuation of the 127 passengers has been completed safely wi...

Top 3 myths about outsourcing aviation maintenance in Africa

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Top 3 myths about outsourcing aviation maintenance in Africa In a fast-evolving aviation industry, African airlines are under pressure to reduce costs, improve reliability, and remain competitive on thin margins . One strategy that’s increasingly on the table is outsourcing aircraft maintenance,   but despite its growing global acceptance, it remains a misunderstood subject in many African contexts. Below are 3  common myths that continue to hinder progress,  and why it's time to reframe the conversation. Myth 1: Outsourcing means lower quality maintenance Many airlines hesitate to outsource due to a belief that external maintenance teams may not meet internal safety or quality standards. This is a myth rooted in fear, not facts . In reality, licensed MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul organizations) are often held to international standards, audited by regulators, OEMs, and clients alike. In Africa, several MROs hold approvals from EASA, FAA, and regional c...

Preliminary Findings on Air India Boeing 787-8 (VT-ANB)

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has officially released the preliminary report on the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registration VT-ANB.  On June 12, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787-8 (registration VT-ANB) operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed just after takeoff, killing all 241 onboard and 19 on the ground. What happened in the next 30 seconds after rotation has stunned even the most seasoned professionals. This was no stall, no bird strike, and no bad weather. This was a dual engine flameout right after liftoff — triggered by both fuel control switches moving to CUTOFF. 🚨 Sequence of Events: Takeoff to Tragedy in 32 Seconds 08:08:39 UTC : Aircraft lifts off Runway 23 at VR (155 knots). 08:08:42 : Max recorded IAS: 180 knots. 08:08:43–44 : Engine 1 and 2 fuel control switches transition to CUTOFF, one second apart. 08:08:47 : Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deploys. Full electrical loss conf...

Introducing SkyAI: Tanzania’s First AI-Driven Aviation Compliance Assistant

In an industry where regulatory compliance isn’t just a requirement—but a matter of safety and survival—aviation operators in Tanzania are often burdened with time-consuming, manual checks to stay in line with TCAA regulations. SkyAI: a cutting-edge solution built to revolutionize compliance in the Tanzanian aviation sector

Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways Sign Strategic Partnership to Boost Connectivity, Services, and Growth

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Doha, Qatar –  01 July 2025 Qatar Airways and Kenya Airways have signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at strengthening air travel between Africa and the Middle East. Through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two national carriers will collaborate on expanding routes, sharing flights, and jointly developing various airline services that go far beyond passenger transport. What’s the Partnership About? This partnership is designed to achieve three main goals: 1. Expand flight connectivity between Kenya and Qatar Qatar Airways will add a third daily flight between Doha and Nairobi, in codeshare with Kenya Airways. Kenya Airways will launch new direct flights from Mombasa to Doha, which will be sold through Qatar Airways’ global sales network. 2. Make travel easier and more connected for passengers worldwide By codesharing on each other’s networks, both airlines will offer more routes, better connections, and flexible booking options, especially for travelers connec...

Tanzania and Hungary Sign Bilateral Air Services Agreement to Boost Connectivity and Trade

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Dar es Salaam, July 1, 2025  In a significant stride toward strengthening bilateral relations and expanding international aviation networks, Tanzania and Hungary have signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). The agreement is aimed at deepening economic, technical, and social cooperation between the two nations through the aviation sector. The formal signing took place at the headquarters of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) in Dar es Salaam. Representing the Government of Tanzania was Mr. Salim Msangi, Director General of TCAA, while Dr. Máté Lőwinger, Director General of the Hungarian Civil Aviation Authority, signed on behalf of the Hungarian government. Mr. Msangi emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement, stating,  “The BASA between Tanzania and Hungary is a strategic achievement. It will allow Tanzanian airlines to operate direct flights to Hungary, providing access to Central Europe. This expansion will drive economic growth, facilitate tou...

What Makes Aircraft Leasing So Important in Aviation Today?

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In the global aviation industry, where aircraft acquisition costs can reach hundreds of millions of dollars, airlines must navigate a complex financial environment to grow and sustain operations. While outright purchase of aircraft was once the norm for major carriers, the increasing need for flexibility, cost efficiency, and fleet modernization has made aircraft leasing the dominant strategy in today’s market. As of 2025, over 50% of the world’s commercial aircraft fleet is leased. From budget carriers operating small regional jets to flag carriers flying long-haul widebodies, leasing has become central to modern airline strategy. But what exactly is aircraft leasing, and why is it so critical to aviation today? This article offers an in-depth examination of aircraft leasing: its types, advantages, and how it supports the operational, financial, and strategic needs of airlines around the world. 🔧 What Is Aircraft Leasing? Aircraft leasing is a financial and contractual arrangem...

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