This article is based on official safety recommendations and accident reports from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

NTSB Issues Urgent Safety Recommendations for Hawker 800XP and 900XP Post-Maintenance Flights

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued urgent safety recommendations calling for immediate changes to pilot qualifications and testing procedures for Hawker 800XP and 900XP Commercial-Aircraft. The recommendations are directed at Textron Aviation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) following two fatal accidents involving post-maintenance stall test flights.

According to the NTSB, the current regulatory framework allows standard line pilots to conduct high-risk functional check flights that require test-pilot-level skills. The agency has identified a critical gap in training and experience that has contributed to the loss of life in recent years.

The urgent action was triggered by investigations into two separate crashes, one in Michigan in October 2025 and another in Utah in February 2024, where crews lost control of their aircraft while attempting to verify stall warning systems after wing maintenance.

Urgent Recommendations for Industry Stakeholders

The NTSB’s report outlines specific actions required from the Manufacturers, the regulator, and industry advocacy groups to prevent further tragedies.

Directives to Textron Aviation

As the manufacturer, Textron Aviation is being urged to establish specific pilot qualification standards. These standards must define the experience, training, and proficiency required to safely conduct post-maintenance stall tests. Furthermore, the NTSB recommends that Textron revise aircraft maintenance and flight manuals to include standardized “stall test plans.” These plans should explicitly outline safe execution procedures, abort criteria, and risk management Strategy.

Directives to the FAA

The NTSB has called upon the FAA to mandate compliance with the new criteria established by Textron. The recommendations suggest that the FAA must increase oversight to ensure that only qualified pilots, potentially those meeting test-pilot-like standards, are authorized to perform these high-risk functional check flights. Currently, operators of Hawker 800XP/900XP aircraft are not strictly required to use specialized test pilots for these specific maintenance checks.

Directives to the NBAA

The NBAA has been tasked with disseminating this urgent safety information to its membership immediately. The NTSB emphasizes the need for collaboration between the NBAA, FAA, and Textron to develop and promote best practices for conducting post-maintenance functional check flights.

The Catalyst: Two Fatal Accidents

The NTSB’s urgent recommendations stem from two accidents where flight crews were unable to recover from stalls induced during mandatory post-maintenance checks.

The Michigan Accident (October 2025)

On October 16, 2025, a Hawker 800XP (Registration XA-JMR) crashed near Bath Township, Michigan, killing all three occupants. The aircraft had just completed seven months of routine maintenance at Duncan Aviation, which included the removal and reinstallation of wing leading edges and TKS ice-protection panels. This maintenance required a mandatory post-maintenance stall test flight.

According to the NTSB investigation, the operator elected to use their regular flight crew rather than professional test pilots, despite the maintenance facility providing a list of qualified test pilots for hire. The crew climbed to 15,000 feet to perform the test, but ADS-B data showed a rapid descent shortly after.

“We are in a stall… recovering… sorry.”

— Final transmission from the crew of XA-JMR, per NTSB records.

Investigators believe the crew likely encountered “aileron snatch,” an uncommanded roll phenomenon, or deep stall characteristics they were not trained to handle.

The Utah Accident (February 2024)

On February 7, 2024, a Hawker 900XP (Registration N900VA) crashed near the Utah-Colorado border, resulting in the deaths of both pilots. The aircraft was on a repositioning flight following maintenance at West Star Aviation. The NTSB Final Report determined that the crew attempted to perform the stall test in icing conditions, which is explicitly prohibited by the flight manual.

The investigation concluded that ice contamination on the wings likely degraded performance, causing the stall to occur earlier than expected and simultaneously with the stick shaker activation. This gave the crew no time to react before the aircraft entered a spin.

Technical Context: The Dangers of the Hawker Stall

The NTSB report highlights specific aerodynamic characteristics of the Hawker 800/900XP series that make these tests particularly hazardous for untrained pilots.

Lack of Natural Warning

Unlike many aircraft that provide a natural aerodynamic buffet (shaking) before stalling, the Hawker 800/900XP relies entirely on mechanical systems, specifically the stick shaker and stick pusher. During these maintenance tests, pilots are required to fly the aircraft to the very edge of its envelope to verify that the stick pusher activates to force the nose down.

Aileron Snatch and Roll

At the point of stall, airflow separation on the Hawker wings can cause the ailerons to “snatch,” leading to a violent, uncommanded roll of up to 80 degrees. Standard pilot training emphasizes using ailerons to correct a bank, but in a stall scenario, this input can worsen the situation and induce a spin.

The Qualification Gap

The NTSB identified a critical “gap” in pilot qualifications. Standard corporate pilot training focuses on avoiding stalls and recovering at the first indication of a stick shaker. However, maintenance tests require pilots to intentionally fly past that safety margin. Most corporate pilots have never performed a full aerodynamic stall in the actual aircraft, as simulators often do not perfectly replicate the violent roll characteristics of the actual jet.

AirPro News Analysis

These recommendations mark a significant shift in how the industry views “routine” maintenance flights. For decades, there has been a gray area regarding who is qualified to return an aircraft to service after major wing maintenance. By pushing for test-pilot-level qualifications, the NTSB is signaling that the era of using line pilots for functional check flights (FCFs) on complex airframes may be ending.

For operators, this will likely result in increased costs and scheduling complexities, as they may need to contract specialized crews for post-maintenance flights. However, the Safety data presented by the NTSB suggests that the cost of convenience, using regular crews for test-pilot work, is unacceptably high.

Sources

• NTSB Safety Recommendation Report DCA26SR003

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters. The original report may be paywalled; this article summarizes publicly available elements and regulatory filings.

Transport Canada Demands Probe After Air India Pilot Fails Alcohol Test

Transport Canada has formally requested a detailed investigation into an incident involving an Airlines Air India captain who allegedly reported for duty under the influence of alcohol at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The regulatory intervention follows the removal of the pilot from a scheduled flight on December 23, 2025, a breach that Canadian authorities have classified as a “serious matter.”

According to reporting by Reuters, the incident occurred prior to the departure of Air India Flight AI186, a Boeing 777-300ER service scheduled for Delhi. The pilot, identified in reports as Captain Saurabh Kumar, was prevented from operating the aircraft after failing two breathalyzer tests administered by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

Regulatory Intervention and Violations

In a letter dated December 24, 2025, Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen addressed the airline regarding the Safety lapse. The correspondence, cited by Reuters and regulatory sources, outlines specific violations of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) and Air India’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC).

The regulator has given Air India until January 26, 2026, to submit a comprehensive report. This submission must detail the findings of an internal review conducted under the airline’s Safety Management System (SMS) and propose corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Specific Safety Breaches

The incident reportedly triggered violations of multiple safety protocols. According to the regulatory notice, the pilot’s conduct breached:

• CAR 602.02: Which prohibits crew members from working while their ability is impaired.
• CAR 602.03: Which mandates a strict prohibition on acting as a crew member within 12 hours of alcohol consumption.
• FAOC Condition (g): A condition of Air India’s operating license requiring the safe conduct of all flight operations.

Transport Canada has warned that enforcement actions, potentially including fines or license suspensions, may be pursued by both the RCMP and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA).

Air India’s Response and Operational Impact

Following the incident, Air India confirmed that Flight AI186 experienced a delay of approximately seven hours while a replacement crew member was rostered. The airline stated that the pilot involved has been suspended from flying duties pending the outcome of the inquiry.

In a statement regarding the event, an Air India spokesperson emphasized the carrier’s stance on safety protocols:

“Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations.”

, Air India Official Statement

The airline further noted that any confirmed violation would result in “strict disciplinary action” in accordance with company policy.

AirPro News Analysis

Context: A Pattern of Scrutiny
This incident at Vancouver International Airport does not occur in a vacuum. It adds to a growing list of regulatory challenges facing India’s flag carrier. The airline is currently navigating the aftermath of a severe safety incident in mid-2025. According to industry data and previous reports, the crash of Flight AI171 in June 2025, which resulted in significant fatalities, has already placed the carrier under aggressive oversight from global aviation bodies.

Furthermore, the alcohol-related breach in Canada coincides with domestic pressure from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). In late December 2025, the DGCA issued show-cause notices regarding safety lapses on Tokyo routes, alleging that pilots accepted aircraft with known technical snags. The convergence of these events, international regulatory intervention by Transport Canada and domestic warnings from the DGCA, suggests a critical need for Air India to reinforce its internal safety culture and operational discipline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “Bottle to Throttle” rule?
In Canada and many international jurisdictions, aviation regulations strictly prohibit pilots from acting as crew members within 12 hours of consuming alcohol. This is often referred to as the “bottle to throttle” rule.

What are the potential consequences for the pilot?
Beyond immediate suspension by the airline, the pilot faces potential criminal charges from the RCMP and enforcement actions from Transport Canada, which could include the revocation of piloting credentials.

Sources

• Reuters
• Transport Canada (Official Correspondence, Dec 24, 2025)
• Air India (Official Statement)

This article is based on an official press release from RTX and additional background data regarding FAA modernization initiatives.

RTX Secures $438 Million FAA Contract for Next-Gen Radar-Systems Deployment

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, a contract valued at $438 million to deploy next-generation surveillance radars across the United States. Announced on January 5, 2026, this agreement marks a significant step in the “Brand New Air Traffic Control System” initiative, a sweeping modernization effort funded by the “One Big Beautiful Bill” legislation signed in mid-2025.

Under the terms of the agreement, Collins Aerospace will provide “ready-now” radar technologies designed to replace aging infrastructure, some of which dates back to the 1980s. The project aims to enhance Safety, reduce operational complexity, and increase efficiency for all airspace users. Installations are scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2026, contributing to a broader agency goal of replacing up to 612 radars by June 2028.

According to the official announcement, the contract focuses on a “rip-and-replace” strategy to consolidate fragmented legacy systems into a unified, digital architecture. This move addresses long-standing issues with maintenance costs and the scarcity of spare parts for older units like the ASR-9 and ASR-8 systems.

Modernizing the National Airspace System

The modernization push is financially underpinned by the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R. 1), which allocated $12.5 billion specifically for immediate air traffic control (ATC) improvements. The FAA has designated Peraton as the “Prime Integrator” to oversee the rollout, ensuring coordination between vendors such as RTX and Indra Sistemas.

In a statement regarding the award, Nate Boelkins, President of Avionics at Collins Aerospace, emphasized the company’s long-standing relationship with the agency:

“As a trusted supplier to the FAA for more than 70 years, Collins is ready to rapidly deploy next-generation radar systems that replace outdated technology with a single, modern and interoperable solution. These systems integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure… and ensure the system is prepared for the future of the National Airspace.”

The initiative is not merely technical but also carries strategic economic goals. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford highlighted the domestic production aspect of the deal, noting that the agency is “buying radar systems that will bring production back to the U.S. and provide a vital surveillance backbone to the National Airspace System.”

Technical Specifications: Condor Mk3 and ASR-XM

The contract tasks Collins Aerospace with deploying two primary types of radar systems, cooperative and non-cooperative sensors. These systems utilize modular architectures to replace multiple legacy configurations.

Condor Mk3 (Cooperative Surveillance)

The Condor Mk3 serves as a Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR). It operates by “cooperating” with aircraft, interrogating their transponders to acquire altitude, identity, and position data. Key features include:

• Mode S & ADS-B Support: The system fully supports modern Mode S interrogation and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) tracking.
• Solid-State Efficiency: Utilizing Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, the transmitter reduces power consumption and heat compared to legacy tube-based radars.
• Compact Footprint: The smaller form factor allows for installation alongside existing radars, minimizing downtime during the transition period.

ASR-XM (Non-Cooperative Surveillance)

The ASR-XM is a primary surveillance radar designed to detect aircraft via reflected radio signals (“skin paint”). This capability is critical for tracking aircraft without active transponders, such as certain general aviation planes, or in scenarios involving transponder failure. The system is optimized for precision tracking at lower altitudes where ground clutter typically interferes with signal clarity.

Leadership Commentary and Political Context

The urgency of this deployment is driven by the age of the current infrastructure. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy described the state of the existing network as “unacceptable,” noting that most radars currently in use date back to the 1980s.

“Thanks to President Trump and the One Big Beautiful Bill, we’ll begin replacing this outdated technology to boost safety and enable the next big wave of innovation in our skies.”

Sean P. Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary

By moving toward commercially available, off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions like the ASR-XM and Condor Mk3, the FAA aims to avoid the delays associated with unproven custom technologies that hampered previous modernization efforts.

AirPro News Analysis

The selection of “ready-now” technology signals a pivotal shift in FAA procurement strategy. Previous initiatives, such as early phases of NextGen, often faced delays due to the development of bespoke technologies. By leveraging systems that have already passed FAA test-site certification, such as the Condor Mk3, the agency appears prioritized on speed of deployment and risk reduction. Furthermore, the explicit mention of bringing production back to the U.S. aligns the technical upgrade with the broader political mandates of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” suggesting that future contracts may similarly weigh domestic manufacturing capabilities alongside technical merit.

Sources

Sources: RTX Press Release, FAA Announcements & Legislative Records (H.R. 1)