PPRuNe Forums

PPRuNe Forums https://www.pprune.org/ The Professional Pilots Rumour Network (PPRuNe) is an aviation website dedicated to airline pilots and those who are considering a career as a commercial pilot. en Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:11:17 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.pprune.org/images/misc/rss.jpg PPRuNe Forums https://www.pprune.org/ Philippine Airlines to join OneWorld Alliance. https://www.pprune.org/rumours-news/672376-philippine-airlines-join-oneworld-alliance.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 02:06:29 GMT https://www.oneworld.com/members/philippine-airlines A new member for the alliance, whilst not a major world player they do have a decent Asian... https://www.oneworld.com/members/philippine-airlines

A new member for the alliance, whilst not a major world player they do have a decent Asian network and also service North America and Australia. If they get to resume London flights there might be some decent connections available on their network. Manila airport isn't the best of places to transit through but if the price is right it could be an option. ]]> krismiler https://www.pprune.org/rumours-news/672376-philippine-airlines-join-oneworld-alliance.html <![CDATA[Sir Robert 'Bob' Bates of Trans Nuigini Tours receives Knighthood]]> https://www.pprune.org/pacific-general-aviation-questions/672375-sir-robert-bob-bates-trans-nuigini-tours-receives-knighthood.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 01:26:51 GMT Sometimes people in PNG who have made their life a mission to promote the country don't receive the recognition due.

Sir Bob Bates has received a Knighthood and also co-authored a book, which is a very good read.

The 'gong' does not mention Bob's round the world trip in his best mates Piper Commanche last year, but again for a gentleman in his eighties. Well done.

From bush pilot to tourism pioneer: Sir Bob Bates’ life story launched in new book - NBC PNG
]]> Kagamuga https://www.pprune.org/pacific-general-aviation-questions/672375-sir-robert-bob-bates-trans-nuigini-tours-receives-knighthood.html <![CDATA[QF & NJS SHL Testing]]> https://www.pprune.org/professional-pilot-training-includes-ground-studies/672374-qf-njs-shl-testing.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:31:55 GMT Hi guys,

New here.

Is the QF & NJS "SHL Testing" using the Interactive tests or the Non-Interactive tests?

Doing some practice and I'm not sure which it is??

Thanks
BBF ]]> Professional Pilot Training (includes ground studies) BigBirdFlyer https://www.pprune.org/professional-pilot-training-includes-ground-studies/672374-qf-njs-shl-testing.html Close call or the system works ? - Air Canada captains license https://www.pprune.org/accidents-close-calls/672370-close-call-system-works-air-canada-captains-license.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 22:15:07 GMT https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyle05v0ylo Air Canada captain flying 17 years without the right license. Air Canada said the pilot was... https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyle05v0ylo

Air Canada captain flying 17 years without the right license.

Air Canada said the pilot was fully trained with a valid commercial pilot licence, but did not have the ATPL required to operate as captain under Canadian regulations.

Officials said the alleged fraud was discovered in 2025 during a routine evaluation when inconsistencies were flagged with the accused pilot's licence documentation, prompting an investigation by TC.

Peel Regional Police in the Toronto-area began a criminal investigation into the captain that included a search warrant and analysis of the licence, which police said they determined was forged. ]]> Accidents and Close Calls A0283 https://www.pprune.org/accidents-close-calls/672370-close-call-system-works-air-canada-captains-license.html Air Canada Captain busted with fake ATPL https://www.pprune.org/rumours-news/672367-air-canada-captain-busted-fake-atpl.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:11:17 GMT CTV News Article... CTV News Article

An Air Canada 777 Captain has been nicked for having a fraudulent / fake ATPL. note that this captain was current and flying - doing very well on all his check rides too. ]]> MLHeliwrench https://www.pprune.org/rumours-news/672367-air-canada-captain-busted-fake-atpl.html <![CDATA[Artemis 3 & 4]]> https://www.pprune.org/space-flight-operations/672366-artemis-3-4-a.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:00:19 GMT

Quote:

https://x.com/jeff_foust/status/2064...790756296?s=20

NASA's Jeremy Parsons outlines the current plan for Artemis 3:

- Blue Origin's lander launches into orbit
- Orion launches, docked with lander for two days
- Orion undocks, await Starship launch
- Orion docks with Starship for a day, then returns.

Artemis III will not use Starship HLS but rather a V3 Ship with a docking adapter.

https://x.com/sentdefender/status/20...550792538?s=20

NASA has announced the crew of Artemis lll, which is expected to launch in late 2027 with the goal of testing the NASA-built Orion Spacecraft’s rendezvous and docking with SpaceX’s Starship and/or Blue Origin’s Blue Moon in low orbit over Earth, with the crew consisting of:

- Commander, Randy Bresnik serving with NASA
- Pilot, Luca Parmitano from Italy serving with the European Space Agency (ESA)
- Mission Specialist 1, Frank Rubio serving with NASA
- Mission Specialist 2, Andre Douglas serving with NASA

Bob Hines is back up Artemis 3 crew member.

Quote:

https://x.com/jeff_foust/status/2064...512696026?s=20

SpaceX's Jessica Jensen confirms that the revised Starship HLS plan for Artemis 4 involves a Starship-Orion docking in low Earth orbit, with Starship doing the TLI burn to go to low lunar orbit.

]]> Space Flight and Operations ORAC https://www.pprune.org/space-flight-operations/672366-artemis-3-4-a.html Federation of Indian Pilots Letter to the AAIB https://www.pprune.org/rumours-news/672365-federation-indian-pilots-letter-aaib.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:31:48 GMT I am unable to post the letter ( I have a copy) but would be interested in views on its contents, much of which can be seen here... I am unable to post the letter ( I have a copy) but would be interested in views on its contents, much of which can be seen here https://www.newsgram.com/india/2026/...chnical-review

Some of the theories put forward in it have been debated on the Accidents & Close Calls thread on the crash over the last year but any informed observations welcome. There are some law suits being revved up and it may have a bearing on that. ]]> Timmy Tomkins https://www.pprune.org/rumours-news/672365-federation-indian-pilots-letter-aaib.html Civilian F4 https://www.pprune.org/military-aviation/672364-civilian-f4.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:32:49 GMT World's only civilian F-4 Phantom II takes to the skies again

Jerod Flohr (L) and Rick Sharpe (R).The Collings Foundation's F-4 Phantom II, operated by the Vietnam War Flight Museum, is once again airborne and now stands as the only flying example of its type in North America. The aircraft returned to the skies on June 8th, 2026, departing Ellington Field in Houston, Texas, at 10:50 a.m. local time, seven years after its last flight. The aircraft, registered as N749CF, was built in 1965 as McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II 65-0749 for the U.S. Air Force. Today, it wears the markings of F-4D Phantom II 66-7680, one of the aircraft flown by Col. Robin Olds during Operation Bolo in the Vietnam War.

HKY5LmUH

Worlds Only Civilian F 4 Phantom II Takes to the Skies Again take off
The continued operation of a civilian-owned Phantom II is remarkable in itself. In fact, it required an Act of Congress to make it possible. With considerable political and financial support, the Collings Foundation successfully navigated numerous significant-and entirely justified-regulatory hurdles to acquire the aircraft through an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of 1999. Following its acquisition, the Phantom underwent an extensive refurbishment program to restore it to airworthy condition. The work included installing zero-timed engines, sourcing and fitting ejection seats, upgrading the cockpit avionics, overhauling hydraulic systems, and completing countless structural inspections and repairs. After thousands of hours of work, the aircraft made its first flight in civilian hands in August 1999. Due to the enormous cost of operating the aircraft, the Collings Foundation flew the Phantom sparingly, although it remained a regular attraction at aviation events until 2011, when it was grounded for major maintenance.

Collings Foundation F 4 Chris Ebdon 2 WMAt the controls for the June 8th test flight was former U.S. Air Force F-4 pilot Harry "D-Day" Daye. With more than 2,500 flight hours in the Phantom, including over 1,000 hours as an instructor, Daye was uniquely qualified for the task. Occupying the rear cockpit was Jerod Flohr, who serves as both a back-seat crew member and one of the leaders of the volunteer team responsible for returning the aircraft to flight status. The sortie lasted approximately 40 minutes, 2 touch-and-goes and a full stop, allowing Daye to regain currency in the aircraft while validating the years of work completed by the restoration and maintenance team. Flohr’s role extends well beyond flying duties. He has been instrumental in helping lead the volunteer effort supporting not only the Phantom but the entire Vietnam War Flight Museum and Collings Foundation jet fleet. Looking ahead, Flohr is expected to accompany the Phantom on the airshow circuit as a rear-seat crew member, helping showcase one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of the Cold War era to audiences across the country.

Worlds Only Civilian F 4 Phantom II Takes to the Skies Again Harry 22D Day22 DayeFollowing the flight, Daye remarked: "Today I had the distinct honor of representing the Collings Foundation as this incredible team managed to get this amazing bird airborne after seven long years of preparation. This group of talented volunteers worked tirelessly, especially over the last few months, to make the magic happen today. It was a privilege to slip the surly bonds with my friend and fellow pilot Jerod Flohr. Thank you to all the many wonderful volunteers who contributed to this amazing achievement! Look for this beautiful jet on the air show circuit this summer!"

Worlds Only Civilian F 4 Phantom II Takes to the Skies Again Vietnam War Flight MuseumThe Phantom’s return is only one part of an ambitious 2026 airshow season. As previously reported, FIGHTERJETS INC will represent the Collings Foundation and Vietnam War Flight Museum jet fleet at events nationwide. The lineup includes the F-4 Phantom II, North American F-100 Super Sabre, Messerschmitt Me 262, Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, and Douglas A-1 Skyraider. Former U.S. Air Force pilot Jerry "Jive" Kirby will serve as the Phantom’s primary airshow demonstration pilot and is expected to complete his currency training with Daye in the near future. Once qualified, Kirby and Flohr will likely form the aircraft’s primary demonstration crew, with Daye serving as an additional pilot when required.

Worlds Only Civilian F 4 Phantom II Takes to the Skies Again before FlightThe museum’s founder and chief pilot, Rick Sharpe, will also play a prominent role during the season. In addition to flying the museum’s A-4 Skyhawk at selected events alongside Flohr, Sharpe remains the only active F-100 Super Sabre pilot in the world. As a result, audiences will have the rare opportunity to see one of the last flying “Hun” pilots operating the aircraft at airshows throughout the year. From historic solo demonstrations to rare dissimilar formations-including the anticipated pairing of the F-100 Super Sabre and MiG-17-the 2026 season promises audiences an immersive look at Vietnam War-era air combat.

It is fantastic to see this legendary aircraft back in American skies. With the final shutdown of the U.S. Air Force’s QF-4 program in December 2016, this Phantom is very likely the last operational “Rhino” flying in the United States. The Collings Foundation, the Vietnam War Flight Museum, and their dedicated volunteers deserve tremendous credit for preserving and operating this important piece of aviation history. For more information about the Collings Foundation, click HERE, and the Vietnam War Flight Museum, click HERE.

Phantom Phorever!
.
]]> Military Aviation havoc https://www.pprune.org/military-aviation/672364-civilian-f4.html FTE Jerez Online Assessment (2025/2026) - Recent Experiences? https://www.pprune.org/interviews-jobs-sponsorship/672358-fte-jerez-online-assessment-2025-2026-recent-experiences.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:08:03 GMT Hi everyone,

I have my online FTE Jerez assessment tomorrow and was hoping to hear from people who have completed it recently.

I've worked through the Maths & Physics preparation material provided by FTE and found it relatively straightforward, but I'm still unsure what to expect from the aptitude testing and personality questionnaires.

For those who have completed the online assessment in the last year or two:

Which section did you find most challenging?
Were the aptitude tests significantly harder than the preparation material?
How long did it take to receive your results?
Is there anything you wish you had known beforehand?

Any recent experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks! ]]> gongasdd https://www.pprune.org/interviews-jobs-sponsorship/672358-fte-jerez-online-assessment-2025-2026-recent-experiences.html Warbirds Information Exchange new site https://www.pprune.org/aviation-history-nostalgia/672357-warbirds-information-exchange-new-site.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 08:08:30 GMT I hope the mods won't mind a quick post here?

Users of the American Warbird Information Exchange site will know that Scott has been labouring to resolve the site's serious access issues over recent months and it finally became defunct in the last fortnight.

He has actually created a brand new site on which members will need to register anew. There is lots of work still to be done but it's up and running...

If the mods' permit, I'll post the new address here, otherwise PM me and I'll send it to those interested.

It's always been a great site and one that I peruse everyday - I hope the list of airworthy warbirds will make the transition from the old site to the new - or that John who compiles it has a backup! ]]> Aviation History and Nostalgia treadigraph https://www.pprune.org/aviation-history-nostalgia/672357-warbirds-information-exchange-new-site.html Where to go? https://www.pprune.org/interviews-jobs-sponsorship/672356-where-go.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:14:53 GMT Looking for some advice. 24 yo, Spanish guy, I’ve been flying the 73 for a low-cost airline since 2024, around 1700 TT at the moment. I have... Looking for some advice.

24 yo, Spanish guy, I’ve been flying the 73 for a low-cost airline since 2024, around 1700 TT at the moment. I have a very nice base, good roster, good training, and obviously earn a decent amount of money, and jumping to the LHS will be in around 2–3 years from now. Life is good; however, I’ve been thinking about moving from my current employer and giving other airlines a try. I would like to find a place where seniority really matters, a place to stay and develop myself. Sadly, in my company seniority doesn’t really exist, and in Spain the options are quite limited to Iberia and Air Europa, which are no longer what they used to be…

I like to aim high in life. My dream would be flying in the US, however I already know the chances of passing the E2B NIW are quite limited. Which path should I take? I’ve been thinking about Asia, the ME… but I always find those guys coming back to my current employer after 10+- years, so I don’t really know what to do. Going for the LHS? Trying the ME? Which airlines are really worth it in Europe?

Any advice from experienced fellow pilots would be appreciated.

Safe flights and fair winds

]]> boeing172 https://www.pprune.org/interviews-jobs-sponsorship/672356-where-go.html Premium Integrated vs Local Modular https://www.pprune.org/professional-pilot-training-includes-ground-studies/672353-premium-integrated-vs-local-modular.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 20:56:47 GMT I‘m only 18 and have been doing a lot of research on the different routes to become a pilot. If I were to take up the modular route, I’ve worked it... I‘m only 18 and have been doing a lot of research on the different routes to become a pilot. If I were to take up the modular route, I’ve worked it out to be roughly 75k in the UK at my local ATO whereas schools like FTE and Skyborne are around 120k. Is it worth the extra cost as my biggest fear is not being able to find a job after my training after all the money I’ve put in.

I’m also in a position where I can complete half of the training through the modular route with my saving, whilst working full time. ]]> Professional Pilot Training (includes ground studies) RiceRice https://www.pprune.org/professional-pilot-training-includes-ground-studies/672353-premium-integrated-vs-local-modular.html Identify equipment https://www.pprune.org/military-aviation/672348-identify-equipment.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:51:38 GMT Hello! This is nothing but idle curiosity. I have here a piece of what looks to be RAF breathing equipment which arrived as part of a lot of... Hello!

This is nothing but idle curiosity.

I have here a piece of what looks to be RAF breathing equipment which arrived as part of a lot of stuff purchased from a surplus dealer to be costume for a film production. It looks like the connector I've mostly seen on American gear, but it has the RAF's 6D prefix for oxygen equipment; is this ancient enough to be Phantom related? The manifold (with hand lettering) is just an empty volume, nothing in it. Then there's one large and one small outlet hose.

I've asked around a few enthusiasts but nobody can work out what on earth this was intended to do. Why does anyone need two hoses?

]]> Military Aviation Phil_R https://www.pprune.org/military-aviation/672348-identify-equipment.html <![CDATA[Ryanair FFA Ab-Initio Question's]]> https://www.pprune.org/professional-pilot-training-includes-ground-studies/672347-ryanair-ffa-ab-initio-question-s.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:16:52 GMT Hello everyone,

I'm planning to apply to the Ryanair FFA and have a few questions that I haven't been able to get straight answers on from the flight schools themselves, as they tend to be quite vague.

I'm planning to apply through Bartolini as my primary choice, specifically through their new dual EASA/CAA program, though I'm open to doing either route separately if it improves my chances of getting onto the program. My main struggle is getting a sense of how competitive the selection process is. Could anyone who has been through the application process give me a rough idea of the acceptance rate? (e.g. 5%, 50%, 90%?)
I understand there is a 6 month cool off period after rejection, but I'm unclear on whether this applies to the specific partner school or the specific program. For example, if I were rejected by Bartolini could I immediately apply to AFTA, or if I applied to the dual EASA/CAA program and was rejected could I immediately apply to just the CAA or EASA only program?

Any clarity on either of these points would be greatly appreciated.
]]> Professional Pilot Training (includes ground studies) EJRW https://www.pprune.org/professional-pilot-training-includes-ground-studies/672347-ryanair-ffa-ab-initio-question-s.html Airbus U145 Uncrewed Freight Help https://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/672345-airbus-u145-uncrewed-freight-help.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:51:13 GMT ---Quote--- https://x.com/AirbusPRESS/status/2063894956054356015?s=20 Airbus introduces an uncrewed version of the H145, the U145, to its range....

Quote:

https://x.com/AirbusPRESS/status/206...054356015?s=20

Airbus introduces an uncrewed version of the H145, the U145, to its range.

Read the press release: https://ow.ly/ZFJm50Z8EQY

Video: https://x.com/AirbusHeli/status/2063...205137413?s=20

At @ILA_Berlin, we introduce the Airbus U145: an uncrewed, fully autonomous variant of the H145. Optimised for cargo with no cockpit, an integrated nose door, and full autonomy, its first flight is set for late 2026.

]]> Rotorheads ORAC https://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/672345-airbus-u145-uncrewed-freight-help.html