Regulations & Safety
United Airlines Jets Collide on Ground at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Two United Airlines jets collided at Chicago O’Hare in 2025 with no injuries, highlighting concerns over airport ground safety and staffing shortages.
On the afternoon of October 17, 2025, Chicago O’Hare International Airport became the scene of a ground collision involving two United Airlines jets. While such incidents on the tarmac are often low-speed, the event has cast a spotlight on the intricate and high-stakes environment of ground operations at one of the world’s busiest airports. The collision, which involved a taxiing passenger plane and a stationary aircraft, resulted in no injuries, a fortunate outcome that nonetheless fails to quell rising questions about airport safety protocols and the pressures facing the aviation industry.
The incident involved United Airlines Flight 2652, a Boeing 737 arriving from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with 113 passengers and five crew members on board. As it was taxiing toward its gate, it made contact with a stationary and unoccupied United Airlines Boeing 767. This event is not an isolated anomaly; it marks the second tarmac collision at O’Hare in 2025. This pattern, combined with broader, national-level discussions around aviation safety and staffing, elevates a local incident into a significant case study on the potential vulnerabilities within the U.S. air travel system.
For the passengers aboard UA2652, the flight from Jackson Hole had been routine until the final moments on the ground. As the Boeing 737 navigated the complex network of taxiways at O’Hare, it struck the horizontal stabilizer of the parked Boeing 767. According to United Airlines, the contact occurred while the arriving flight was moving toward its designated gate. The immediate aftermath saw the deployment of emergency vehicles to the scene, a standard procedure to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to assess the aircraft for damage.
Bill Marcus, a passenger seated in 22F, captured the scene from his window. He reported that the initial impact was not perceptible to him. The first indication of a problem came from the captain’s announcement, stating a need to “document what happened.” It was only then that Marcus looked out his window and realized their plane had collided with another. He described feeling a “shuddering” or “turbulence” not from the collision itself, but when the two aircraft were subsequently pulled apart. Upon deplaning, passengers were met with a notable presence of Chicago police officers, a detail Marcus felt underscored the seriousness with which officials were treating the situation.
The official response from United Airlines was swift, confirming the basic facts of the incident. The airline stressed that no injuries were reported and that all 113 customers and five crew members deplaned normally at the gate. While the damage to the aircraft is under investigation, the primary focus remains on the sequence of events that allowed a moving plane to come into contact with a stationary one in a controlled airport environment.
“It was a bit of a shock, honestly. [The pilot] said they need to document what happened, and that’s when I looked out my right window and saw our plane had collided with another United flight.” – Bill Marcus, Passenger on UA2652
This event gains significant weight when viewed in the context of recent history at O’Hare. In January 2025, a similar incident occurred when an American Airlines flight clipped a United flight while both were taxiing. In that case as well, no injuries were reported, but the repetition of such an event at the same airport within a year suggests a potential pattern that warrants closer examination of ground control procedures and pilot awareness.
The concerns are not limited to Chicago. Nationally, both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have been focusing on enhancing runway and tarmac safety. The NTSB has identified this area as a critical concern, noting that the runway environment is a confined space where the risk of collision is heightened. In response to these risks, the FAA has been implementing new strategies, such as the Surface Safety Metric (SSM), to better identify and mitigate potential dangers before they result in incidents. These initiatives reflect a system-wide effort to move beyond simply reacting to accidents and toward proactively managing risk.
Passenger Bill Marcus voiced a concern that resonates with ongoing national news: the state of air traffic control. He openly wondered if the collision was related to “what’s going on in Washington” or a “shortage at all in people directing traffic.” His speculation is not unfounded. Reports preceding the incident highlighted significant air traffic controller staffing shortages across the country, with the FAA reportedly short by approximately 3,500 controllers. O’Hare itself experienced a ground delay on October 7, 2025, due to these very staffing issues. An ongoing government shutdown has been cited as a contributing factor, with essential personnel like air traffic controllers working without pay, a situation that has historically led to increased sick leave and further strain on an already stressed system. The October 17th tarmac collision at O’Hare, while thankfully resulting in no harm to passengers or crew, serves as a critical reminder of the fragility of airport ground operations. It is not merely an accident involving two aircraft but a symptom of potentially larger, systemic issues. The incident underscores the importance of the ongoing efforts by the NTSB and FAA to improve surface safety, but it also highlights the real-world consequences of external pressures like staffing shortages and government shutdowns on the national aviation infrastructure.
As investigations by the FAA and NTSB get underway, the focus will be on determining the precise cause of this latest collision. The findings will be crucial in implementing corrective actions, whether they relate to ground control procedures, pilot training, or airport infrastructure. For the traveling public, this event is a tangible example of why consistent funding, adequate staffing, and a relentless focus on safety protocols are not just bureaucratic talking points, but essential components for maintaining one of the safest modes of transportation in the world.
Question: What happened at Chicago O’Hare Airport on October 17, 2025? Question: Were any passengers injured in the collision? Question: Is this the first time an incident like this has happened at O’Hare? Question: What are the potential causes of the collision? Sources: WGN-TV Chicago
Ground Collision at O’Hare: A Deeper Look into Aviation Safety Concerns
The Incident of October 17th
A Pattern of Incidents and Systemic Pressures
Concluding Section
FAQ
Answer: A United Airlines Boeing 737 (Flight UA2652), taxiing to its gate after landing, made contact with a stationary, unoccupied United Airlines Boeing 767 on the tarmac.
Answer: No. According to United Airlines and passenger reports, there were no injuries among the 113 passengers and five crew members, and everyone deplaned normally.
Answer: No. This was the second reported tarmac collision between commercial jets at O’Hare in 2025. A similar incident involving an American Airlines and a United Airlines plane occurred in January 2025.
Answer: An official investigation is pending. However, the incident occurred amidst broader concerns about aviation safety, including reported nationwide shortages of air traffic controllers, which have specifically impacted operations at O’Hare.
Photo Credit: WGN Morning News
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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