On this episode of AvTalk, Jason makes his way down to Washington on the CRJ-550, Ian prepares for the ride of a lifetime, a pair of Air France pilots duke it out mid-flight, and an aircraft sale that came as a big surprise.

See Gabriel Leigh’s review of the CRJ-550 here.

Simulating space with an Airbus A310

On Tuesday, 6 September, Ian will join the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Novespace in France to fly on the specially modified Airbus A310 as part of a parabolic flight campaign. The parabolic flights simulate the micro gravity of space and help scientists validate experiments destined for the International Space Station and more fully understand the effects of micro gravity on the human body. We’ll have interviews with the pilots, flight operations staff, and scientists over the next few episodes.

French fisticuffs on the flight deck

A report from La Tribune details a fight between pilots on the flight deck of an Air France flight from Paris to Geneva this past June. The report from La Tribune comes just after the French BEA issued a report chastising Air France’s lax safety culture as part of its investigation into a flight the suffered a fuel leak over Africa.

China Airlines orders the 787

China Airlines will replace its ageing A330 fleet with the Boeing 787.

Lufthansa takes delivery of its first 787

Lufthansa’s first 787 flew home to Frankfurt this week, improving the airline’s passenger experience through no fault of their own.

Thai Airways manages to sell its A340s

Surprising everyone, Thai Airways managed to sell its A340-500 and A340-600s this week for about $10 million, more than they’re worth as aircraft.

United will codeshare with Emirates

According to reporting from The Air Current, United and Emirates are set to announce a codeshare agreement. The airline’s have confirmed a 14 September announcement in Washington, but have not divulged any details of the partnership.

Italy moving forward with ITA sale for now

The investment group that includes Certares, Air France-KLM, and Delta Air Lines will enter exclusive talks with the Italian government as it tries to purchase ITA Airways.

Congratulations Mack Rutherford

Mack Rutherford became the youngest person to fly solo around the world in a small aircraft this week. His older sister performed a similar flight last year becoming the youngest woman to fly solo around the world.

Let us know what you think (and let your friends know too!)

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Please check back shortly for a transcript of this episode.

The post AvTalk Episode 179: French fisticuffs on the flight deck appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.