Aviation

Pittsburgh Airport Will Let You Go Through Security Without a Ticket

Passengers want to accompany friends and family to the gate. Airports want more people shopping and dining, they earn a percentage of the revenue at all the merchants at the airport. And by the way airlines usually share in this revenue, too.

The TSA wants to limit the number of people going through security. They also want to limit the bags they have to screen at the checkpoint. The TSA is the government, so until now they’ve gotten to decide.

Airlines have had some leeway, in some cases issuing passes for members of their club lounge programs to access meeting rooms even when not traveling. But even that’s been limited. I’ve certainly gone airside when not flying for airline events and even for some community meetings.

But most people have to buy a refundable ticket, go through security, and refund the ticket. That’s no longer necessary though in Pittsburgh.

Effective September 5 you won’t need to be flying same day in order to clear security at Pittsburgh International Airport between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday “with the possibility of additional hours and weekend days in coming months.”

The airport pressed the TSA “for years” to accomplish this. Here’s how it will work.

• Check-in on the departures/ticketing level with a valid ID

• They run you against the No Fly List

• You get a stamped “myPITpass” instead of a boarding pass, valid to go through security same day

So you’re probably not going to go to the airport just for the restaurants and most people probably won’t know about this, but it will mean incremental revenue for businesses and the airport, and convenience for customers.

On the other hand it could increase crowding in the Admirals Club from people looking to leverage their membership for free rail drinks more often throughout the year.

There’s literally zero security tradeoff, the only concern is long lines from a badly managed TSA, but they’re starting off with limited hours. It will be interesting to see if other airports can push through the hurdles and accomplish something similar. It does go to show, though, if you want social change in airport security it needs to be driven by someone with an economic interest.

Aviation

India Launches Its Medium-Lift Class Helicopter Program, chooses New Engine

India’s longstanding need for a Medium Helicopter may soon become a reality as the country has fully ramped up its engine development efforts. This new helicopter is set to replace the Russian-built models currently in service and will play a crucial role across various scenarios for the Indian Armed Forces.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have launched a groundbreaking partnership to develop a state-of-the-art high-power engine named Aravalli.

This new engine will power the upcoming 13-ton Medium Lift Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both of which are being designed and developed by HAL.

Named after the majestic Aravalli mountain range in India, the Aravalli engine symbolizes the country’s drive for self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta, in critical engine technologies. This cutting-edge engine will be instrumental for the IMRH, a versatile 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed to meet the needs of the Indian armed forces, and the DBMRH, a 12.5-ton naval variant tailored for the Indian Navy.

The IMRH is poised to become a cornerstone of the Indian armed forces over the next decade. With its first flight expected in 3 to 4 years, the IMRH is anticipated to begin induction by 2030, with plans to integrate between 300 to 400 units, and potentially more in the future.

The IMRH is envisioned as a highly versatile multi-role helicopter that will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian military. The DBMRH, designed for naval operations, will also face the challenges of high-altitude environments in regions such as Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh—areas of strategic importance due to their proximity to the China border.

In addition to its military applications, the Aravalli engine is projected to enter the civil market, serving roles in offshore operations, utility services, and VVIP transport. The long-term vision includes Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities to further extend the engine’s utility and support the aviation industry.

This collaboration between HAL and SAFHAL builds on their successful history of working together on the Shakti engine, which powers several HAL helicopters, including the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, and the Light Utility Helicopter. The proven success of this partnership lays a strong foundation for the development of the Aravalli engine, setting the stage for a new era in India’s helicopter capabilities.