Elon Musk Wants the FAA Administrator Fired; Private Aviation Saves Helene Victims

In this week’s VIP Seat podcast, we talk about:

GoGo acquires Satcom Direct

After SmartSky’s bankruptcy and the rise of Starlink, GoGo intends to serve its customers in every way. By acquiring Satcom for $375 million plus 5 million shares of Gogo, the business will now serve aircraft communications with Air-to-Ground, Low-Earth-Orbit, and, now, geostationary satellites. Through its partnership with OneWeb, it is expected to start offering LEO wifi services in Spring of 2025.

Textron becomes the third manufacturer to opt out of NBAA BACE… and then changes course

Facing a strike that could cost the company up to $300 million this year, Textron had canceled its plans to exhibit at the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition. Gulfstream and Dassault Falcon will not be exhibiting either. With fewer manufacturers displaying their aircraft at the show, the static display will be much smaller than previous years. This comes after news that the NBAA will no longer participate in the European BACE either.

Yesterday's reporting from Private Jet Card Comparisons revealed that, after customer requests, the manufacturer will exhibit some aircraft at the static display.

Private Aviation Comes to the Rescue of Helene Victims

Over 37 private helicopters showed up Monday to drop communications equipment to local authorities, deliver supplies, and rescue stranded victims of Hurricane Helene’s aftermath. Operation Airdrop is one of many volunteer groups that have come together using communication via social media and private aircraft to reach unreachable areas by vehicles and boats. In only one of many incredible stories, more than 50 people had to be evacuated by helicopter when the Nolichucky River flooded Unicoi Hospital in Tennessee.

Elon Musk Calls for FAA Administrator to Resign

Michael Whitaker took on the administrator role just last year, but Elon Musk is already calling for his resignation. The FAA has delayed SpaceX launches and seeks to recover $630,000 in fines due to “compliance issues.” “Whitaker acknowledged SpaceX's innovation and maturity as a 20-year-old company but emphasized the need for SpaceX to prioritize safety by implementing a safety management system and a whistleblower program” (AvWeb).

California Bans Leaded AvGas

Starting in 2031, piston-powered aircraft will need to find a new fuel source…in California. While the FAA has approved an alternative fuel expected to be available by then, fuel providers are concerned that because the fuel, G100UL, has not been tested by ASTM, they will be liable for an ‘untested’ fuel. This Catch-22 may leave flight training programs and other general aviation operators with unusable aircraft. Proponents say, while G100UL may be more expensive (when it becomes available), “It is likely spark plug maintenance and replacement intervals will be measurably improved in the absence of metallic lead deposits. It is also likely that, over time, an available synthetic oil may double the interval between required oil changes.”