Elan Head
@elanhead.com
Helicopter pilot and senior editor at The Air Current, often exploring the world by air. Signal: elanhead.07
I embedded with a helicopter medevac unit in Afghanistan in 2008. I think that era of warfare may be gone forever. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/05/m...
A Harrowing Escape From the Drone-Infested Hellscape of Ukraine’s Front Lines
www.nytimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:47 PM
I embedded with a helicopter medevac unit in Afghanistan in 2008. I think that era of warfare may be gone forever. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/05/m...
Reposted by Elan Head
Part 2 of our history of the remarkable flight of the California Clipper in WW2 is now available.
To get back to the US after Pearl Harbor, Ford and his crew are asked by Pan Am to do something no commercial aircrew or passenger plane has done before:
Circumnavigate the world. #history #aviation
To get back to the US after Pearl Harbor, Ford and his crew are asked by Pan Am to do something no commercial aircrew or passenger plane has done before:
Circumnavigate the world. #history #aviation
Flying blind: The remarkable journey of the California Clipper, Part 2
What Pan Am were asking of Ford, his crew and his aircraft was to do something that no commercial flying boat had ever done before: complete a circumnavigation of the world.
theupfront.media
November 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Reposted by Elan Head
"We spoke with nine C-level U.S. airline executives and senior officials across six U.S. carriers for this story. They expressed varying degrees of skepticism, but none felt the cuts were without some level of political interference."
With little recourse, U.S. airline leaders skeptical of DOT flight cut justification theaircurrent.com/airlines/air... (via @willguisbond.com & @jonostrower.com) #staycurrent
With little recourse, U.S. airline leaders skeptical of DOT flight cut justification
Concern about political motivation fills the void left by lack of FAA data
theaircurrent.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:08 PM
"We spoke with nine C-level U.S. airline executives and senior officials across six U.S. carriers for this story. They expressed varying degrees of skepticism, but none felt the cuts were without some level of political interference."
Existing development assurance processes have been used for decades to help assure that aircraft are safe. With AI/ML entering the picture, should aviation stick to these tried-and-tested methods or embrace new ones? The industry is divided on the subject: theaircurrent.com/technology/s...
Special Report: Why the aviation industry can’t agree on how to certify AI
Machine learning is challenging traditional methods for assuring aircraft safety — and the industry is divided over how to move forward.
theaircurrent.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Existing development assurance processes have been used for decades to help assure that aircraft are safe. With AI/ML entering the picture, should aviation stick to these tried-and-tested methods or embrace new ones? The industry is divided on the subject: theaircurrent.com/technology/s...
Reposted by Elan Head
Special Report: Why the aviation industry can’t agree on how to certify AI theaircurrent.com/technology/s... (via @elanhead.com) #staycurrent
Special Report: Why the aviation industry can’t agree on how to certify AI
Machine learning is challenging traditional methods for assuring aircraft safety — and the industry is divided over how to move forward.
theaircurrent.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Special Report: Why the aviation industry can’t agree on how to certify AI theaircurrent.com/technology/s... (via @elanhead.com) #staycurrent
Reposted by Elan Head
FAA chief Bryan Bedford says this will affect 40 “high traffic” airports. The full list will be released tomorrow.
BREAKING: The U.S. Department of Transportation announces it will reduce scheduled airspace capacity by 10% starting Friday morning if the government shutdown has not ended, citing "growing pressure" in the NAS as controllers and other personnel continue to go unpaid. Developing story.
November 5, 2025 at 9:37 PM
FAA chief Bryan Bedford says this will affect 40 “high traffic” airports. The full list will be released tomorrow.
I spoke with Beta Technologies CEO Kyle Clark about why he's retaining control over the electric aircraft developer as it goes public. In short: to make sure the company preserves its long-term vision instead of chasing Wall Street's "short-term sugar high". theaircurrent.com/industry-str...
Beta CEO Kyle Clark wants to run his public company like a private one
The electric aircraft developer’s initial public offering is structured with a view to the long term.
theaircurrent.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:06 PM
I spoke with Beta Technologies CEO Kyle Clark about why he's retaining control over the electric aircraft developer as it goes public. In short: to make sure the company preserves its long-term vision instead of chasing Wall Street's "short-term sugar high". theaircurrent.com/industry-str...
Reposted by Elan Head
Beta CEO Kyle Clark wants to run his public company like a private one theaircurrent.com/industry-str... (via @elanhead.com) #staycurrent
Beta CEO Kyle Clark wants to run his public company like a private one
The electric aircraft developer’s initial public offering is structured with a view to the long term.
theaircurrent.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Beta CEO Kyle Clark wants to run his public company like a private one theaircurrent.com/industry-str... (via @elanhead.com) #staycurrent
"A thorough investigation would have considered the coordination of firefighting aircraft and sought statements from other stakeholders."
The NTSB has a well-documented history of giving short shrift to most helicopter accidents, but it seems like they're getting even worse...?
The NTSB has a well-documented history of giving short shrift to most helicopter accidents, but it seems like they're getting even worse...?
A loss of separation after aircraft were redistributed due to smoke, results in downwash affecting the smaller helicopter. aerossurance.com/air-accident... #firefighting #helicopter #airprox #downwash #flightsafety #aviationsafety
Firefighting K-Max Water Impact After A Close Pass by a S-64 Skycrane - Aerossurance
A loss of separation after aircraft were redistributed due to smoke results in downwash affecting the smaller helicopter.
aerossurance.com
November 2, 2025 at 5:32 PM
"A thorough investigation would have considered the coordination of firefighting aircraft and sought statements from other stakeholders."
The NTSB has a well-documented history of giving short shrift to most helicopter accidents, but it seems like they're getting even worse...?
The NTSB has a well-documented history of giving short shrift to most helicopter accidents, but it seems like they're getting even worse...?
Reposted by Elan Head
In December 1941, Pan Am flight 18602 was trapped the wrong side of the Pacific by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
To get home, her civilian crew would need to do the near-impossible: circumnavigate the world in commercial seaplane.
In our new series, we tell tell their remarkable story.
To get home, her civilian crew would need to do the near-impossible: circumnavigate the world in commercial seaplane.
In our new series, we tell tell their remarkable story.
The Long Way Round: The remarkable journey of the California Clipper, Part 1
In 1941, the Japanese attacked Hawaii, leaving Pan Am flight 18602 trapped the wrong side of Pearl Harbour, To get home, its civilian crew would have to do something incredible: circumnavigate the wor...
theupfront.media
October 31, 2025 at 10:21 PM
In December 1941, Pan Am flight 18602 was trapped the wrong side of the Pacific by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
To get home, her civilian crew would need to do the near-impossible: circumnavigate the world in commercial seaplane.
In our new series, we tell tell their remarkable story.
To get home, her civilian crew would need to do the near-impossible: circumnavigate the world in commercial seaplane.
In our new series, we tell tell their remarkable story.
Reposted by Elan Head
DEEP DIVE: The safety promise over 15 years in the making may soon be realized in the aftermath of the DCA crash.
In DCA’s wake, Congress acts to implement decades-old ADS-B recommendations (via @theaircurrent.com)
theaircurrent.com/aviation-pol...
In DCA’s wake, Congress acts to implement decades-old ADS-B recommendations (via @theaircurrent.com)
theaircurrent.com/aviation-pol...
In DCA’s wake, Congress acts to implement decades-old ADS-B recommendations
Bipartisan ROTOR Act would mandate ADS-B in, close military helicopter “loophole” for key surveillance technology
theaircurrent.com
October 21, 2025 at 12:42 PM
DEEP DIVE: The safety promise over 15 years in the making may soon be realized in the aftermath of the DCA crash.
In DCA’s wake, Congress acts to implement decades-old ADS-B recommendations (via @theaircurrent.com)
theaircurrent.com/aviation-pol...
In DCA’s wake, Congress acts to implement decades-old ADS-B recommendations (via @theaircurrent.com)
theaircurrent.com/aviation-pol...
Archer Aviation is acquiring the patents of defunct German eVTOL developer Lilium for 18 million euros, having prevailed in a competitive bidding process that also attracted rival Joby. I spoke with Archer's CEO and chief legal and strategy officer about the deal: theaircurrent.com/feed/dispatc...
Archer comes out on top in bidding for Lilium’s patent portfolio
The California-based eVTOL developer will add around 300 of Lilium's patents to its intellectual property portfolio.
theaircurrent.com
October 15, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Archer Aviation is acquiring the patents of defunct German eVTOL developer Lilium for 18 million euros, having prevailed in a competitive bidding process that also attracted rival Joby. I spoke with Archer's CEO and chief legal and strategy officer about the deal: theaircurrent.com/feed/dispatc...
Reposted by Elan Head
Electric and hybrid aircraft developer Beta filed for an IPO on Tuesday disclosing plans for a 19-seat regional airplane, writes @elanhead.com.
theaircurrent.com/industry-str...
theaircurrent.com/industry-str...
September 30, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Electric and hybrid aircraft developer Beta filed for an IPO on Tuesday disclosing plans for a 19-seat regional airplane, writes @elanhead.com.
theaircurrent.com/industry-str...
theaircurrent.com/industry-str...
Last week, @jonostrower.com and I broke the news that Beta Technologies was preparing an IPO. This week, the electric aircraft developer made it official. For @theaircurrent.com, I pulled out some of the highlights from its newly filed S-1 registration statement: theaircurrent.com/industry-str...
Beta Technologies discloses new partnership, product details in IPO filing
Beta shares financial data plus first details on 19-passenger plane and autonomous military VTOL in new SEC filing.
theaircurrent.com
September 30, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Last week, @jonostrower.com and I broke the news that Beta Technologies was preparing an IPO. This week, the electric aircraft developer made it official. For @theaircurrent.com, I pulled out some of the highlights from its newly filed S-1 registration statement: theaircurrent.com/industry-str...
Reposted by Elan Head
Thrilled to share that @theaircurrent.com is hiring! Super unique opportunity to join a fast-growing, collaborative newsroom.
You tell us what you want to cover, and why you're the one set up to do it best.
Apply here and shout with any questions: theaircurrent.com/jobs/senior-...
You tell us what you want to cover, and why you're the one set up to do it best.
Apply here and shout with any questions: theaircurrent.com/jobs/senior-...
September 29, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Thrilled to share that @theaircurrent.com is hiring! Super unique opportunity to join a fast-growing, collaborative newsroom.
You tell us what you want to cover, and why you're the one set up to do it best.
Apply here and shout with any questions: theaircurrent.com/jobs/senior-...
You tell us what you want to cover, and why you're the one set up to do it best.
Apply here and shout with any questions: theaircurrent.com/jobs/senior-...
Reposted by Elan Head
SCOOP: The FAA has exempted ATC modernization projects from standard agency acquisition policies, a move that could accelerate procurement timelines but one that may also have unknown additional impacts. (via @theaircurrent.com)
Read here: theaircurrent.com/air-traffic-...
Read here: theaircurrent.com/air-traffic-...
FAA exempts ATC modernization projects from standard acquisition policies
Bedford activates agency’s “unique alternative transaction authorities” to bypass existing procurement framework
theaircurrent.com
September 25, 2025 at 2:31 PM
SCOOP: The FAA has exempted ATC modernization projects from standard agency acquisition policies, a move that could accelerate procurement timelines but one that may also have unknown additional impacts. (via @theaircurrent.com)
Read here: theaircurrent.com/air-traffic-...
Read here: theaircurrent.com/air-traffic-...
Reposted by Elan Head
Electric aircraft developer Beta Technologies prepares for IPO theaircurrent.com/aircraft-dev... (via @elanhead.com & @jonostrower.com) #staycurrent
Electric aircraft developer Beta Technologies prepares for IPO
The Vermont-based eVTOL company is pursuing traditional public offering, not SPAC merger
theaircurrent.com
September 23, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Electric aircraft developer Beta Technologies prepares for IPO theaircurrent.com/aircraft-dev... (via @elanhead.com & @jonostrower.com) #staycurrent
Reposted by Elan Head
SCOOP: Internal FAA documents indicate that the planned move of agency HQ employees to the DOT building in Navy Yard could "impact NAS safety" and cost over $250 million, @theaircurrent.com reports.
Read more here for all the details about this plan: theaircurrent.com/regulation/f...
Read more here for all the details about this plan: theaircurrent.com/regulation/f...
FAA document warns move to DOT HQ could impact safety, cost $250m
New details emerge about ‘1DOT,’ a plan set to transform the FAA and its workforce
theaircurrent.com
September 17, 2025 at 1:14 PM
SCOOP: Internal FAA documents indicate that the planned move of agency HQ employees to the DOT building in Navy Yard could "impact NAS safety" and cost over $250 million, @theaircurrent.com reports.
Read more here for all the details about this plan: theaircurrent.com/regulation/f...
Read more here for all the details about this plan: theaircurrent.com/regulation/f...
Reposted by Elan Head
New from me: MOSAIC is causing some trouble as ambiguous language creates confusion surrounding the development of aircraft with highly automated flight controls.
Read more here on @theaircurrent.com: theaircurrent.com/regulation/m...
Read more here on @theaircurrent.com: theaircurrent.com/regulation/m...
MOSAIC brings confusion to simplified flight controls
FAA’s final rule could force an about-face for how manufacturers develop highly automated flight controls
theaircurrent.com
September 8, 2025 at 2:18 PM
New from me: MOSAIC is causing some trouble as ambiguous language creates confusion surrounding the development of aircraft with highly automated flight controls.
Read more here on @theaircurrent.com: theaircurrent.com/regulation/m...
Read more here on @theaircurrent.com: theaircurrent.com/regulation/m...
GE Aerospace is partnering with Beta Technologies to develop a hybrid-electric turbogenerator, and is also making a $300M equity investment in the Vermont-based eVTOL developer. I caught up with both companies to discuss their new strategic partnership: theaircurrent.com/feed/dispatc...
GE Aerospace partners with Beta Technologies on hybrid-electric propulsion
The engine maker will also invest $300 million in the eVTOL developer as part of the companies' strategic partnership.
theaircurrent.com
September 4, 2025 at 1:48 PM
GE Aerospace is partnering with Beta Technologies to develop a hybrid-electric turbogenerator, and is also making a $300M equity investment in the Vermont-based eVTOL developer. I caught up with both companies to discuss their new strategic partnership: theaircurrent.com/feed/dispatc...
Reposted by Elan Head
Jaiwon Shin removed as CEO of struggling eVTOL developer Supernal theaircurrent.com/feed/dispatc... (via @elanhead.com and @jonostrower.com) #staycurrent
Jaiwon Shin removed as CEO of struggling eVTOL developer Supernal
Senior director of business development David Rottblatt will step in to lead Supernal as interim chief operating officer.
theaircurrent.com
August 28, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Jaiwon Shin removed as CEO of struggling eVTOL developer Supernal theaircurrent.com/feed/dispatc... (via @elanhead.com and @jonostrower.com) #staycurrent
Reposted by Elan Head
Trump’s executive order on drones will shape U.S. eVTOL roll-out theaircurrent.com/aviation-pol... (via @elanhead.com) #staycurrent
Trump's executive order on drones will shape U.S. eVTOL roll-out
FAA’s Beyond program for small UAS will provide established structure and waiver authority for eVTOL integration effort.
theaircurrent.com
August 25, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Trump’s executive order on drones will shape U.S. eVTOL roll-out theaircurrent.com/aviation-pol... (via @elanhead.com) #staycurrent
Reposted by Elan Head
NEW: FAA chief Bryan Bedford is planning on restructuring his sprawling, 46,000-strong agency -- and is starting with leadership.
My latest scoop for @theaircurrent.com: theaircurrent.com/regulation/f...
My latest scoop for @theaircurrent.com: theaircurrent.com/regulation/f...
New FAA administrator plans agency leadership restructuring
Bryan Bedford discusses first step of his broader plan for FAA cultural reform
theaircurrent.com
August 19, 2025 at 9:49 PM
NEW: FAA chief Bryan Bedford is planning on restructuring his sprawling, 46,000-strong agency -- and is starting with leadership.
My latest scoop for @theaircurrent.com: theaircurrent.com/regulation/f...
My latest scoop for @theaircurrent.com: theaircurrent.com/regulation/f...
"If it’s something you’re thinking about but are scared to take that first step, do it scared. Don’t wait for the day you have the confidence. You must build the necessary confidence by doing hard things." (Adele is as cool as she sounds, btw) www.londonsairambulance.org.uk/news-and-sto...
Introducing our new Pilot Adele on World Helicopter Day
World Helicopter Day aims to raise awareness of the contributions that helicopters make to our society and celebrate the diverse range of people that design, fly and support them. To mark it here at L...
www.londonsairambulance.org.uk
August 18, 2025 at 7:15 PM
"If it’s something you’re thinking about but are scared to take that first step, do it scared. Don’t wait for the day you have the confidence. You must build the necessary confidence by doing hard things." (Adele is as cool as she sounds, btw) www.londonsairambulance.org.uk/news-and-sto...
Reposted by Elan Head
FAA to clarify its automation approach in forthcoming framework document theaircurrent.com/aviation-pol... (via @elanhead.com) #staycurrent
FAA to clarify its automation approach in forthcoming framework document
With its Automation Framework, the agency doesn't assume full autonomy is inevitable or that automation is always safer.
theaircurrent.com
August 13, 2025 at 7:56 PM
FAA to clarify its automation approach in forthcoming framework document theaircurrent.com/aviation-pol... (via @elanhead.com) #staycurrent