FAA Urges Airlines, Pilots and Others to Take Key Safety Actions

The FAA has granted Special Funds to 23 colleges in the United States to improve aviation education.

Following the FAA’s Safety Summit last week, the agency issued a safety alert with specific steps it wants airlines, pilots and others to take.

The FAA is urging the following actions:

Ensure pilots and flight attendants have the same understanding of what “sterile flight deck” means and the risks associated with extraneous communication during this time.
Emphasize the importance of awareness of the aircraft in relation to taxiways, runways and other aircraft. This includes reviewing the following previously published SAFOs:
- 17012, High Collision Risk During Runway Crossing
- 11004, Runway Incursion Prevention Actions
- 08001, Flight crew techniques and procedures to enhance taxi, pre-takeoff, and after-landing safety to reduce the risk of runway incursions
Encourage personnel to identify and report existing and emerging safety issues through voluntary reporting programs and understand the usefulness of voluntary reporting systems for the operation in which you are engaged.
Reinforce adherence to published processes and procedures, including checklists, Air Traffic Control instructions, and internal company procedures.
Ensure Safety Management Systems are accounting for the high rate of change and churn in the industry.

Virgin Australia Launches Black Friday Sale on Flights Worldwide

Virgin Australia has launched its much-anticipated 2024 Black Friday sale, offering unbeatable deals on both domestic and international flights.

With fares starting at just $49 for one-way domestic flights and return fares to New Zealand as low as $405, this is a fantastic opportunity for travelers to save big. The sale is available for bookings made between November 28 and December 5, with travel dates ranging from January 6 to September 18, 2024.

Whether you’re looking to explore Australia or venture abroad, these discounts cover Virgin Australia’s entire network.

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For domestic travel, Virgin Australia is offering one-way flights starting at $49, with the cheapest route being Sydney to Ballina Byron. Other attractive domestic deals include flights from Sydney to Gold Coast from $65, Melbourne to Hobart from $85, and Brisbane to Prosperine from $79.

Additionally, flights to iconic Australian destinations like Hamilton Island, Uluru, and the Whitsundays are available at significantly reduced prices, providing excellent options for those looking to explore more of the country.

International travelers can also take advantage of great offers, with return flights to popular destinations like New Zealand, Bali, and Fiji. Notable international deals include return flights from Sydney to Queenstown (New Zealand) for $435, Melbourne to Denpasar (Bali) for $589, and Brisbane to Port Vila (Vanuatu) for $499. These discounts offer an excellent chance to visit exotic locales without breaking the bank.

This international airline is offering free flight tickets to Indian travelers

Virgin Australia’s sale covers a wide range of routes from major cities across Australia. For example, from Sydney, you can fly to Melbourne for just $89, Adelaide for $119, and Perth for $209 one-way. Melbourne residents can take advantage of flights to Brisbane from $119, Darwin from $205, and Nadi (Fiji) from $599 return.

Brisbane-based travelers can book one-way flights to Hamilton Island from $109 or to Apia (Samoa) from $689 return, while Perth residents can enjoy flights to Broome for $179 and Darwin for $219 one-way.

The sale also includes affordable fares from Adelaide, Hobart, and Darwin. Adelaide to Gold Coast is available from $109, while Hobart to Melbourne is priced at $85 one-way. In Darwin, flights to Adelaide start from $139, and one-way flights to Melbourne are available from $205.

Virgin Australia’s Black Friday sale began at midnight on November 28 and runs until 11:59 PM on December 5. Travelers can book flights for travel between January 6 and September 18, 2024, ensuring plenty of options for future trips. Whether you’re planning a domestic getaway or an international adventure, these limited-time offers make now the perfect time to book your next flight.