4 chapters across the catalog
Hillary Clinton's campaign began using a large, branded aircraft for travel, which observers noted resembles a United Airlines or Continental plane. The aircraft features a custom paint job with the campaign logo on the tail. Estimates for the cost of painting a commercial-sized jet range from $30,000 to over a million dollars depending on the complexity.
TSA Damage to Certified Aircraft Parts, Teterboro Incident
A producer reports that TSA agents at Teterboro airport opened and damaged a certified $42,000 Eurocopter electronic master box during a baggage inspection. The agents reportedly unscrewed the circuitry and jammed internal connectors, rendering the safety-critical part unusable. The story highlights the lack of specialized training for TSA agents handling sensitive aviation equipment.
FAA Maintenance Crackdown, American Airlines Groundings, Congressional Pressure
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently conducting rigorous "by the book" inspections of airlines, starting with American Airlines and AMR Corporation. This crackdown follows Congressional criticism of the FAA's oversight. The strict adherence to every regulation has the potential to bring the national aviation system to a standstill as inspectors find minor technicalities to ground aircraft.
Adam Curry, Aviation Maintenance and Antwerp Flight
Adam Curry describes flying through 40-knot winds and rain to reach Antwerp, Belgium, for a mandatory annual aircraft inspection. The discussion emphasizes the critical importance of consistent maintenance and trusting a single mechanic to ensure pilot safety. Failure to complete the inspection by the March 31st deadline would have invalidated the aircraft's insurance.
