Aging C-5M Galaxy flight deck conditions are 'unsatisfactory,' Air Force says

The 436th Maintenance Squadron (436 MXS) at Dover Air Force Base has opened a bid for a commercial contractor to overhaul the interior of the service’s C‑5M Galaxy strategic airlift aircraft. The move follows an internal assessment that declared the flight‑deck conditions “unsatisfactory” after more than a decade without a comprehensive interior refurbishment.

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Background and Scope

The C‑5M Galaxy, the largest aircraft in the United States Air Force inventory, is a cornerstone of America’s strategic lift capability. Capable of transporting oversized cargo across intercontinental distances, the aircraft enables rapid power projection for missions ranging from humanitarian relief to combat deployments.

The solicitation for the work calls for a “Blanket Purchase Agreement” (BPA) that will cover the procurement, refurbishment and delivery of all cosmetic components of the flight deck, including upholstery, vinyl, tables, seats, mattresses, headliners and flooring covers. The Air Force anticipates awarding the BPA by April 30; work is slated to continue through Sept. 30, 2031.

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What the Refurbishment Entails

The contract documents outline a detailed list of items that must be overhauled or replaced:

• All‑white padded overhead vinyl – roughly 30 cubic feet of two‑inch‑thick material, cut to various dimensions for ceiling panels.
• Six flight‑deck seats – new cushions built to specification, with polyurethane foam cores and sheep‑fleece facing for backrests and headrests.
• Three flight‑deck tables – one‑inch‑thick wooden frames with custom‑designed plastic tops, ranging from 3 feet to 6 ft in length.
• Cargo‑bay insulation – approximately 400 sq ft of temperature‑controlling polyimide/melamine foam to be bonded to the aircraft structure.
• Six crew bunk mattresses – 3‑inch‑thick, 3 ft × 6 ft units meeting current material standards.
• Headliners, flooring covers and ancillary trim – all to conform with the latest C‑5M modification specifications.

The Air Force will supply the contractor with the raw components that need restoration. The selected vendor, however, must provide all management, tools, labor, equipment and replacement materials required to complete the work. Refurbishment will be performed off‑site.

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Why an External Contractor?

The 436 MXS currently lacks the internal capability and inventory to perform a full flight deck overhaul. “Our supply chain is populated with legacy parts that no longer meet the C‑5M’s current material and design requirements,” the solicitation states. “Outsourcing the refurbishment to a qualified commercial provider will streamline the process, ensure quality, and restore pride in the aircraft’s interior for both maintenance and air crews.”

Contract award for three King Air 350s to join Philippine Coast Guard

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division announced Tuesday that it will award a firm‑fixed‑price, sole‑source contract to Technology Service Corp. (TSC) of Arlington, Va. The contract calls for the procurement, modification, and delivery of three King Air 350‑Series (KA350) aircraft that will be employed by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to enhance its Maritime Domain Awareness capabilities.

Under the agreement, TSC will provide the three KA350 platforms equipped with a suite of upgrades intended to extend range, increase payload capacity, and improve situational‑awareness technology. Each aircraft will receive extended‑range fuel tanks and a gross‑weight increase, enabling longer patrols over the Philippines’ extensive maritime zones. The avionics package will include the Garmin G1000NXi integrated flight‑deck system and a high‑frequency radio, both standard for operations in remote and communications‑challenged environments.

Two of the aircraft will be further customized to integrate the KA350 Maritime Domain Awareness ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) suite. This configuration incorporates advanced sensors, data‑link capabilities, and mission‑specific software designed to detect, track, and identify vessels and other maritime activities in real time. The third aircraft will retain the baseline configuration, providing the PCG with a versatile platform for transport, logistics, and general patrol missions.

In addition to the hardware delivery, the contract includes comprehensive sensor‑operator training for PCG personnel. The training program will cover aircraft systems, ISR suite operation, and data‑analysis techniques, ensuring that crews can effectively employ the new capabilities upon receipt of the aircraft.

PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the aircraft during a bilateral meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of War for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs John Noh in Manila on Feb. 16.

Travel company ranks best US airports for plane spotting

A new study by travel‑tech firm Upgraded Points has identified the United States’ best airports for aviation enthusiasts who enjoy plane-spotting.

By evaluating 50 of the nation’s busiest hubs across 11 criteria—including flight volume, runway configuration, visibility, and public accessibility—the company produced a ranking that highlights locations offering the most rewarding spotting experiences.

The analysis assigned each airport a composite score out of 100. Miami International Airport (MIA) emerged as the top spot with a rating of 69.7, followed closely by New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 64.4. The full top‑ten list is as follows:

Miami International Airport (MIA) – 69.7

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – 64.4

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – 62.4

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 62.2

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – 62.0

Denver International Airport (DEN) – 60.6

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) – 59.2

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 54.5

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) – 51.6

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – 51.4

Why Miami Leads

Miami received the highest overall score thanks to its intense aircraft activity—more than 1,300 daily movements—and a network of 18 official viewing sites. The airport’s observation area, known as “Holes,” is equipped with camera‑sized cutouts in the fence, allowing spotters to capture clear, low‑angle shots of arriving and departing flights.

Top Five Offer Diverse Benefits

JFK, DFW, LAX and ORD complete the upper tier, each scoring well for a combination of runway length, flight diversity and dedicated spotting zones. DFW’s Founders Plaza, for instance, provides an unobstructed view of the airport’s parallel runways, while the rooftop of JFK’s historic TWA Hotel has become a popular perch for photographers seeking close‑up images of trans‑Atlantic traffic.

Additional Findings

Viewing Infrastructure: JFK leads the nation with 19 official spotting locations, surpassing the study’s average of 10.6 per airport.

Runway Length: Denver International (DEN) boasts the longest average runway at 12,667 feet, well above the 9,204‑foot mean.

Weather Conditions: Hawaii’s Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL) and Kahului Airport (OGG) reported zero fog‑related days, offering consistently clear skies for observation.

Flight Volume: ORD handles the highest daily movements—2,349 takeoffs and landings—more than double the overall average of 904.

Keri Stooksbury, editor‑in‑chief at Upgraded Points, noted in a press release that “for aviation enthusiasts, it’s about capturing those unique, fleeting moments from a perfectly timed landing to a dramatic takeoff.”

Air Force Test Pilot School seeks Piaggio P-180 AVANTI aircraft for student flights

The United States Air Force Test Pilot School is seeking to award a one-year Blanket Purchase Agreement to vendors capable of providing Piaggio P-180 AVANTI aircraft for staff evaluation and qualitative evaluation flights. The Air Force made the request in contract documents released on Monday.

The Test Pilot School (TPS) is requesting sufficient sorties to support two classes per year, totaling about 48 students. Each student shall have the opportunity to fly the aircraft from either the left or right seat position (depending on the student’s background) with a vendor safety pilot at alternate controls.

Length of sorties will depend on the number of students and the profile flown. For example, it is estimated that 6–8 students on board will require a 3–4-hour sortie. This approximates to 30 minutes per student at the controls. A limited number of staff flights are also required, in conjunction with student flights.

Flight operations will occur from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., or a local airfield such as Mojave Spaceport.

For aircraft based outside the local area, aircraft shall be ferried to the designated operating location. It is estimated that two ferries are required per year.

Flight support from the vendor will include aircraft flights, ground support (i.e., crew chief and maintenance), pre-flight training, instructor/safety pilots, and required briefings.

TPS will provide fuel (or reimbursement) as required to perform the required flights. Hangar space and other ground support/equipment will be provided upon mutual agreement between TPS and the vendor.

Interested parties are requested to furnish a statement detailing their capabilities to provide these services, including highlights of experience on similar government or commercial contracts/ agreements.

Interested vendors should submit responses no later than April 5.

Video: Game Changer: Black Hawk achieves fully autonomous flight milestone

On Monday, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, announced the successful flight testing and delivery of the U.S. Army’s experimental UH‑60MX Black Hawk helicopter fully integrated with the company’s MATRIX autonomy suite.

The Army Combat Capabilities Development Command will use the MX aircraft to test and evaluate autonomy capabilities, underscoring the Army’s commitment to fielding platforms that can seamlessly transition between manned, optionally piloted and fully autonomous modes.

“The Army now has a new tool that furthers its vision laid out in the Army Transformation Initiative to mature and qualify pilot‑supported autonomy,” said Rich Benton, vice president and general manager, Sikorsky. “This capability will enhance mission effectiveness and survivability for warfighters today and lay the groundwork for tomorrow’s networked systems.”

The MX aircraft mirrors Sikorsky’s UH-60A fly-by-wire Optionally Piloted Black Hawk helicopter, which has been tested by Sikorsky and Army aviators over hundreds of flight hours and was commanded by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in November.

Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy kit has been installed on all three Army Black Hawk models, the 60A, 60L and 60M. The delivery to the U.S. Army is the first full authority fly-by-wire and optionally piloted UH-60 in the U.S. Army’s fleet.

Key Benefits

Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy suite is a priority in the company’s autonomy strategy and Lockheed Martin’s 21st Century Security^® vision, which includes modernizing the Black Hawk helicopter and introducing the S-70UAS U-Hawk to stay ahead of new and emerging threats.

MATRIX enables:

Improved Mission Effectiveness – Automated landing zone detection and obstacle avoidance enable safe operations in degraded visual environments, expanding the tactical envelope for Army missions.

Improved Aircraft Survivability – Real‑time terrain and obstacle awareness helps pilots and autonomous systems avoid threats, reducing exposure to hostile fire and hazardous terrain.

Improved Sustainment – The open-architecture design reduces maintenance hours, resulting in a measurable reduction in lifecycle costs.

Reduced Pilot Workload – Automation of routine flight‑control tasks allows pilots to focus on mission-critical decisions, increasing overall sortie effectiveness.

Foundational Infrastructure for Future Autonomy – MATRIX establishes a scalable baseline for emerging capabilities such as launched effects, contested logistics and fully optionally‑piloted or uncrewed operations.

Air Canada Express jet collides with fire truck at LaGuardia, 'I messed up'

A Canada‑based regional jet operated by Jazz Aviation LP, flying as Air Canada Express, collided with a fire truck shortly after touching down on Runway 4 at New York’s LaGuardia Airport Sunday night. The incident involved a Bombardier CRJ‑900 jet, flight ID AC8646.

The aircraft arrived at LaGuardia from Montréal‑Pierre‑Elliott Trudeau International Airport at approximately 11:47 p.m. EDT Sunday night.

According to a preliminary passenger manifest, the flight was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, though the airline has said these figures are subject to verification.

Shortly after the aircraft’s wheels contacted the runway, the CRJ‑900 is reported to have struck the fire truck that was positioned on the active runway for emergency service duties.

Moments after the collision, an air traffic controller is heard in audio recordings saying, “I messed up.”

The airport remained closed for the remainder of the night as emergency crews secured the scene, tended to any injuries, and began a preliminary assessment of damage to both the aircraft and the firefighting vehicle.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the accident. The NTSB oversees the investigation and will provide all updates.

In a post on X early Monday morning, the FAA said the airport remains closed.

Update from Jazz Aviation

Officials with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that the pilot and the first officer were killed in this accident. Jazz Aviation said they are deeply saddened by the loss of two employees and are working to support their families and colleagues during this difficult time.

"Today is an incredibly difficult day for our airline, our employees, and most importantly, the families and loved ones of those affected by the accident involving flight 8646," said Doug Clarke, president, Jazz Aviation LP. "We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our two pilots and our unwavering support to those who have been injured.

"As the investigation unfolds, we are fully committed to cooperating with the relevant authorities to determine what happened. We will share updates as soon as verified information becomes available. We will continue to provide our full support in the days and weeks ahead."

T'way Air adds Kaohsiung-Busan route to expanding Taiwan network

T'way Air, Korea's leading low-cost carrier, announced spring travel deals to Korea available through March 31, making it easier for travelers to plan trips to Korea through Oct. 24.

To connect travelers in Taiwan with more destinations across Korea, T'way Air currently operates eight routes, including Kaohsiung–Busan, which will launch on March 29: 

• Taipei (Songshan) – Seoul (Gimpo)
• Taipei (Taoyuan) – Jeju
• Taipei (Taoyuan) – Daegu
• Taichung – Seoul (Incheon)
• Kaohsiung – Seoul (Gimpo)
• Kaohsiung – Seoul (Incheon)
• Kaohsiung – Jeju
• Kaohsiung – Busan (Launching March 29)

Seoul offers a wide range of cultural attractions and modern city experiences, while Daegu and Busan provide additional regional options with distinctive local character. Jeju is also accessible via direct flights from Taiwan, offering travelers greater flexibility when planning multi-city itineraries.

Since its establishment in 2010, T'way Air has grown steadily, now serving 60 destinations worldwide across East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. The airline operates a modern fleet comprising Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8, Airbus A330 and A320, and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.