Regulations & Safety
United Airlines Wingtip Collision at SFO Spurs Safety Review
Second ground collision at San Francisco Airport in 13 months exposes staffing, training, and technology gaps in aviation ground operations.
On May 6, 2025, two United Airlines Boeing 777-300ER aircraft clipped wings during routine pushback procedures at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), marking the second such incident at the airport in just over a year. While no injuries were reported, the collision has reignited concerns about systemic safety failures in ramp operations at major U.S. airports.
With over 500 passengers affected and millions of dollars in damage, the incident underscores the growing risks associated with ground handling in high-traffic aviation hubs. It also highlights the urgent need for improved staffing, better training, and adoption of advanced safety technologies to mitigate future incidents.
As the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) begins its investigation, industry experts and regulators are examining what went wrong, and what it means for the future of aviation safety, not just in the U.S., but globally.
According to FAA reports, United Airlines Flight 863 was scheduled to depart for Sydney, while Flight 877 was bound for Hong Kong. The incident occurred at 12:35 a.m. local time in a ramp area not actively managed by air traffic control. During pushback from Gate G98, Flight 863’s right wingtip struck the left wingtip of the stationary Flight 877.
Preliminary data indicates that the tug operator for Flight 863 had received clearance from United’s ramp control just minutes before the collision. Ground radio logs captured a warning from a controller noting tight clearance: “You’re pushing pretty deep here, confirm your wing walkers have visual on 877.”
The collision was confirmed visually by ground staff 23 seconds after the aircraft’s wingtip proximity alert system was triggered. The FAA is now investigating whether inadequate wing walker staffing contributed to the failure in spatial awareness.
“We’re constantly juggling flights with skeleton crews. Last month, I had three trainees monitoring four pushbacks simultaneously, that’s how mistakes happen,” United Airlines Ramp Supervisor Both aircraft involved were Boeing 777-300ERs, each with a wingspan of over 212 feet. Flight 863 sustained a 14-inch dent on the right winglet, while Flight 877’s left wingtip suffered a 9-inch composite fracture. Fortunately, no fuel leaks or hydraulic issues were detected.
Boeing has estimated that repairs will exceed $2.1 million per aircraft due to the need to replace carbon-fiber-reinforced components. The aircraft have been grounded pending full structural inspections and repairs. While the damage was localized, the financial and operational fallout is significant. United Airlines has already begun rebooking affected passengers and temporarily reduced international departures from SFO by 11% as a precautionary measure.
This is not the first time SFO has been the site of a ground collision. In April 2024, another United 777 experienced a similar wingtip contact during nighttime pushback. Other notable incidents include a cargo loader collision with a Delta A330 in July 2023 and a taxiway incursion involving a Lufthansa A380 in November 2022.
FAA data reveals that SFO’s ramp areas averaged 1.2 incidents per 10,000 aircraft movements in 2024, three times the national average for major airports. These statistics point to a broader concern about the safety of ground operations at high-volume hubs.
Globally, the Flight Safety Foundation reported 189 ground collisions in 2023, a 14% year-over-year increase. The organization identified inadequate staffing, communication failures, and fatigue as the leading causes.
The aviation industry continues to struggle with workforce shortages, especially in ground handling roles. Ramp worker turnover rates reached 27% in Q1 2024, up from 19% pre-pandemic. At the same time, training hours for new hires have decreased by 23% since 2019.
Increased reliance on overtime and compressed training schedules have created an environment ripe for errors. Many ramp workers are tasked with overseeing multiple aircraft simultaneously, often during nighttime operations when visibility is compromised.
These conditions not only increase the risk of incidents but also place undue stress on employees, further exacerbating turnover and fatigue-related mistakes.
Despite advancements in aviation technology, ground operations remain heavily reliant on manual processes. Only 12% of U.S. airports currently use LiDAR-based aircraft proximity alert systems. Most ground crews still rely on handheld radios without GPS integration. Although Boeing introduced its Obstacle Warning System (OWS) in 2022, it remains an optional feature due to its $287,000 per-unit cost. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has called for mandatory implementation of such systems, citing a 71% reduction in incidents at airports that have adopted them.
Without wider adoption of automated safety systems, ramp areas will continue to be vulnerable to human error, especially during high-traffic or low-visibility conditions.
In response to the SFO collision, the FAA announced a 30-day safety audit of ramp procedures at all Category X airports. The agency is also proposing new staffing standards, including minimum wing walker-to-aircraft ratios during pushback operations.
To encourage technological upgrades, the FAA will offer a 15% tax credit for airports that install ASTM F3423-22 compliant sensor systems. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized that while air travel remains safe, “preventable ground incidents are unacceptable.”
These measures reflect a growing consensus that ground safety needs the same level of regulatory scrutiny as in-flight operations.
United Airlines has accelerated its Smart Ramp initiative, which includes real-time 3D mapping, biometric crew tracking, and autonomous pushback tugs. Delta and American Airlines are also investing heavily in AI and machine learning technologies to predict and prevent ground collisions.
Globally, regulators are taking notice. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has proposed new training requirements for ramp crews, while the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is funding research into ground automation technologies.
Manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing are under pressure to standardize safety features across their fleets. EASA recently delayed delivery approvals of Boeing 787s lacking factory-installed proximity sensors, signaling a shift toward stricter compliance standards. The wingtip collision at SFO serves as a stark reminder that aviation safety extends beyond the skies. As passenger volumes surge and airport operations grow more complex, ensuring safety on the ground is becoming just as critical as in-flight security.
To move forward, the industry must embrace a multi-pronged strategy: invest in technology, improve workforce conditions, and harmonize global safety standards. These steps will not only prevent future incidents but also restore public confidence in the safety of air travel.
What caused the collision at SFO? Were there any injuries? How much damage was caused? What is being done to prevent future incidents? Sources: CNN, Flight Safety Foundation, FAA, NTSB
Wingtip Collision at SFO: A Wake-Up Call for Ground Safety in Aviation
Incident Breakdown: What Happened at SFO?
Timeline and Operational Context
Damage Assessment and Aircraft Impact
Systemic Challenges in Ground Handling
Recurring Incidents at SFO and Beyond
Labor Shortages and Training Gaps
Technology Adoption: A Lagging Front
Regulatory and Industry Response
FAA’s Immediate Actions
Airline Initiatives and Industry Trends
Conclusion: Toward a Safer Ground Environment
FAQ
The collision occurred during pushback in a ramp area not overseen by air traffic control. Inadequate staffing and procedural lapses are suspected contributors.
No injuries were reported. All passengers deplaned safely and were rebooked on other flights.
Each aircraft sustained over $2 million in damage, primarily to wingtip components made from carbon fiber.
The FAA is conducting safety audits and proposing new staffing and technology standards. Airlines are also investing in automation and AI tools.
Photo Credit: SanFranciscoChronicles
Regulations & Safety
NJASAP Supports H.R. 7148 Enhancing FAA Funding and Aviation Safety
NJASAP applauds H.R. 7148 for securing FAA funding, staffing increases, and infrastructure upgrades to strengthen U.S. aviation safety and stability.
This article is based on an official press release from the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP).
The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP), the independent labor union representing more than 3,700 pilots who fly for NetJets Aviation, Inc., has issued a formal statement applauding the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148). Signed into law by the President on February 3, 2026, the legislation secures full-year funding for the federal government, averting the operational risks associated with government shutdowns.
According to the union’s statement, the passage of H.R. 7148 represents a critical victory for the stability of the National Airspace System (NAS). NJASAP leadership highlighted that the bill not only ensures continuous operation of essential agencies but also directs significant resources toward modernizing avionics infrastructure and addressing long-standing staffing shortages at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
A primary focus of the NJASAP’s praise centers on the specific financial allocations designed to bolster the FAA’s operational capacity. The union noted that the legislation provides $13.71 billion for FAA operations, a figure intended to stabilize the agency’s day-to-day functions.
In its release, NJASAP emphasized the importance of the bill’s provisions for workforce expansion. The legislation funds the hiring of approximately 2,500 new air traffic controllers. This surge in staffing is aimed at mitigating the persistent shortages that have strained the air traffic control system, contributed to delays, and reduced safety margins across the network.
Additionally, the bill allocates resources for 54 additional aviation safety inspectors. NJASAP views these hires as essential for maintaining rigorous oversight within the industry.
Beyond operational staffing, the union highlighted the bill’s investment in physical and technological infrastructure. The Consolidated Appropriations Act allocates $4 billion to the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). According to the press release, these funds are designated for replacing aging radar systems and telecommunications infrastructure, as well as upgrading navigation and surveillance systems.
The union also drew attention to a $100 million allocation for the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine. This funding is targeted at modernizing technology systems to reduce the backlog in pilot medical certifications, a bureaucratic bottleneck that has historically kept qualified pilots grounded for extended periods. On the policy front, NJASAP celebrated the inclusion of language explicitly prohibiting the privatization of the U.S. air traffic control system. The union has long opposed privatization efforts, arguing that the NAS must remain a public asset accountable to safety standards rather than profit motives.
Capt. Pedro Leroux, President of NJASAP, commented on the significance of the legislation in the official release:
“Congress has taken a decisive step to protect the safety and continuity of the National Airspace System by passing a full-year appropriation that prioritizes modernization, staffing and FAA readiness. As professional aviators who rely on these systems every day, we commend lawmakers for recognizing that airspace safety and stability are not optional, but are fundamental to the U.S. aviation industry.”
While the funding measures in H.R. 7148 benefit the entire aviation sector, they hold specific relevance for NetJets pilots. Unlike commercial airline pilots who primarily operate between major hubs with robust support infrastructure, fractional pilots frequently fly into a vast network of smaller, regional airports. The $4 billion investment in the Airport Improvement Program is therefore critical for maintaining safety standards at the diverse range of airfields utilized by business aviation.
Furthermore, the stability provided by a full-year appropriations bill is vital for long-term planning. Stop-gap funding measures often freeze training pipelines; by securing funding through the fiscal year, the FAA can proceed with the training of the 2,500 new controllers without interruption, a key factor in reducing system-wide congestion.
NJASAP Commends Congress on H.R. 7148 Passage, Citing Safety and Stability Wins
Strengthening FAA Operations and Staffing
Addressing the Controller Shortage
Infrastructure and Policy Protections
Aeromedical Reform and Privatization
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots
Regulations & Safety
Garmin GHA 15 Height Advisor Receives FAA Approval for Certified Aircraft
Garmin’s GHA 15 Height Advisor, a radar-based altitude device, gains FAA approval for over 500 certified aircraft models, enhancing general aviation safety.
This article is based on an official press release from Garmin.
Garmin has announced that its GHA 15 Height Advisor, a radar-based altitude monitoring device, has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval. Previously available only for the experimental market, this certification allows the installation of the device in over 500 models of Class I and Class II certified aircraft.
The approval marks a significant shift in the accessibility of radar altimetry for general aviation pilots. According to the company, the GHA 15 is available immediately at a price of $2,695. This pricing strategy positions the device as a cost-effective alternative to traditional radar altimeters, which have historically been priced significantly higher and reserved for business jets or commercial airliners.
The GHA 15 is designed to provide pilots with precise Height Above Ground Level (AGL) readings during the critical final phases of flight. While standard barometric altimeters rely on air pressure and can be subject to calibration errors or terrain variations, the GHA 15 uses radio frequency technology to measure the actual distance between the aircraft and the ground.
Garmin states that the device is capable of providing AGL data from 500 feet down to the surface. The system integrates with the Garmin GI 275 electronic flight instrument to display altitude data and generate audible callouts directly to the pilot’s headset. These callouts, such as “50 feet,” “20 feet,” and “10 feet”, are user-configurable and intended to assist pilots in judging flare height and landing timing.
“The GHA 15 provides a cost-effective solution that helps reduce pilot workload and provides confidence during the approach and landing phases of flight.”
, Garmin Press Release
The unit is a compact, all-in-one module that mounts to the underside of the aircraft fuselage. Weighing less than one pound (approximately 0.45 kg), the device is roughly the size of a deck of cards, minimizing the structural impact of installation. According to the technical details released by Garmin, the GHA 15 offers the following accuracy levels:
The FAA STC covers a broad range of single-engine and twin-engine piston aircraft (Class I and Class II). This includes popular general aviation airframes such as the Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, Beechcraft Bonanza, and Mooney M20 series. To function, the GHA 15 must be interfaced with a Garmin GI 275 electronic flight instrument. For experimental aircraft, the device remains compatible with the G3X Touch flight display.
The certification of the GHA 15 represents a notable development in the “democratization” of avionics safety features. Historically, radar altimeters (such as the Garmin GRA 55) have cost upwards of $7,000, placing them out of reach for the average private pilot. By offering a certified “Height Advisor” for under $3,000, Garmin is effectively bridging the gap between recreational flying and professional-grade situational awareness. We believe this technology will be particularly valuable in three specific scenarios:
It is important to note the distinction Garmin makes by labeling this product a “Height Advisor” rather than a TSO-certified radar altimeter. While it provides similar functionality, it is intended for advisory purposes and does not replace the higher-end equipment required for complex instrument approaches like CAT II or CAT III landings.
Sources: Garmin
Garmin GHA 15 Height Advisor Receives FAA Approval for Certified Aircraft
Bringing Radar Altimetry to General Aviation
Technical Specifications and Accuracy
Installation and Compatibility
AirPro News Analysis: The Democratization of Safety Tech
Sources
Photo Credit: Garmin
Regulations & Safety
Congress Approves $102.9B FY 2026 Transport and Housing Bill
The FY 2026 THUD Appropriations Act allocates $102.9B focusing on FAA modernization and housing assistance, rescinding CA High-Speed Rail funds.
This article is based on an official press release from the Senate Appropriations Committee and legislative summaries of the FY 2026 THUD Appropriations Act.
Following a brief partial government shutdown that spanned from January 31 to February 3, 2026, Congress has approved and President Trump has signed the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Act. The legislation, which provides $102.9 billion in total discretionary funding, marks a significant pivot toward stabilizing core Commercial-Aircraft infrastructure while enacting targeted cuts to specific rail initiatives.
According to the official summary released by the Senate Appropriations Committee, the bill allocates $77.3 billion to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and $25.1 billion in discretionary budget authority to the Department of Transportation (DOT). Lawmakers framed the legislation as a “back-to-basics” measure designed to address immediate Safety concerns in the national airspace and protect essential housing vouchers.
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, emphasized the dual focus of the bill in a statement following its passage:
“It is critical that we make significant investments to modernize our air traffic control systems… We must also ensure that a greater supply of safe, affordable housing is available to communities throughout the country.”
, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)
The Department of Transportation’s portion of the budget heavily prioritizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which receives $22.2 billion. This funding level reflects a consensus among lawmakers that the national airspace system requires urgent modernization following recent operational strains.
A central component of the FAA funding is a $4 billion allocation specifically for “Facilities and Equipment.” This investment is aimed at upgrading aging air traffic control (ATC) systems that have been prone to outages. Furthermore, to address chronic staffing shortages that have plagued the industry, the bill funds the hiring and training of 2,500 new air traffic controllers.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) reportedly endorsed the measure, describing the staffing surge as a “critical lifeline” for maintaining safety standards. Additionally, the bill provides $4 billion in Grants-in-Aid for Airports to support physical infrastructure improvements. In a move described by Republican leadership as an effort to protect taxpayers from waste, the bill permanently rescinds approximately $929 million in unobligated federal funds originally designated for the California High-Speed Rail Authority. This rescission aligns with the administration’s focus on “America First” infrastructure projects, such as the $350 million allocated for bridge repair and $200 million for commercial truck parking projects under the Federal Highway Administration.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) received a $7 billion increase over FY 2025 levels, bringing its total to $77.3 billion. The primary goal of this funding is to maintain existing rental assistance programs and prevent a wave of evictions.
The legislation directs significant resources toward Section 8 rental assistance:
While these measures were welcomed by housing advocates, the bill maintains “flat funding” for other key programs. The Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) remain at $3.3 billion, and HOME Investment Partnerships are held at $1.25 billion. Industry groups, including the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), have noted that without inflation adjustments, the purchasing power of these programs effectively decreases, potentially slowing the development of new affordable housing supply.
The passage of the FY 2026 THUD Appropriations Act signals a clear legislative priority: stabilization over expansion. By decoupling this bill from the contentious Department of Homeland Security debates that triggered the shutdown, Congress has acknowledged that the U.S. aviation system is too fragile to be used as a bargaining chip.
For the Airlines industry, the funding for 2,500 new controllers is a victory, but it is a long-term fix; training these controllers will take years. In the immediate term, the $4 billion for equipment modernization is the more critical figure, as it addresses the technical failures that have caused ground stops and delays. Conversely, the rescission of California High-Speed Rail funds suggests that federal support for large-scale, state-specific rail projects will face high scrutiny under the current administration, with preference given to freight efficiency (truck parking) and bridge safety.
When was the bill signed into law? Does the bill cut housing benefits? What is the impact on Amtrak? Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee, Congress.gov
Congress Passes $102.9 Billion “Back-to-Basics” Transport and Housing Bill, Ending Partial Shutdown
Aviation Safety and Infrastructure Overhaul
Modernizing Air Traffic Control
High-Speed Rail Funding Rescinded
Housing Stability and Community Development
Protecting Rental Assistance
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The bill was signed by President Trump on February 3, 2026, effectively ending the partial government shutdown.
The bill increases funding for rental assistance vouchers to keep up with costs but flat-funds development grants like CDBG and HOME, which advocates argue is an effective cut due to inflation.
Amtrak receives $2.4 billion in total, split between the National Network ($1.6 billion) and the Northeast Corridor ($850 million).
Photo Credit: Montage
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