Fatal UPS Crash Grounds MD-11 Fleet

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In today’s email:

• FAA Grounds MD-11 Fleet After Tragic UPS Crash

• Around the Skies: Archer expands its wings over LA, FAA grounds 10% of U.S. flights, Used jet prices edge slightly higher, Seaplane Pilots Association keeps Alaskan adventure alive, FAA certifies Cessna’s next-gen Citation Ascend

• PilotTube: Your Ticket to the Sky: How to Get Your Pilot License

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

UPS Crash Prompts Emergency MD-11 Grounding Order

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) wrapped up its on-scene investigation Friday into the fatal crash of a UPS Boeing MD-11 cargo jet in Louisville, Kentucky, while the FAA simultaneously ordered the immediate grounding of all MD-11 and MD-11F aircraft nationwide. The dual developments mark a decisive phase in a tragedy that has rippled across the global cargo industry, grounding fleets operated by UPS, FedEx and Western Global Airlines as investigators piece together what went wrong.

NTSB Member Todd Inman said the cockpit voice recorder captured more than two hours of high-quality audio, offering crucial insight into the final moments of the flight. The takeoff roll appeared normal until a repeating warning bell sounded roughly 37 seconds after thrust was applied, persisting until the end of the recording. Investigators have recovered the left engine pylon—still attached to the engine when it separated from the wing—and will analyze it alongside flight data recorder information and maintenance records from a recent heavy check in San Antonio.

Meanwhile, the FAA’s emergency airworthiness directive cited “the severity of the unsafe condition” and ordered operators to keep all MD-11 aircraft grounded until inspections and corrective actions are completed. UPS, which operates one of the largest MD-11 fleets in the world, voluntarily grounded its aircraft even before the directive, saying safety remains its top priority. The grounding, affecting key players in global cargo logistics, is already forcing route reshuffles and contingency operations to keep freight moving.

With more than 500 personnel involved in the response, investigators continue to analyze debris, LIDAR scans and hazardous materials at the site. As the NTSB transitions its work to Washington for laboratory analysis, both agencies are united by the same mission: uncovering the cause of the failure and ensuring that the MD-11—long a workhorse of global cargo—can return to the skies safely.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ Archer Aviation is taking flight with a $126 million deal to acquire Hawthorne Municipal Airport, just three miles from LAX. The 80-acre field will serve as the anchor for Archer’s Los Angeles air taxi network, set to debut ahead of the 2028 Olympics, and as a testbed for its AI-driven aviation systems. Plans include transforming 200,000 square feet of hangar space for electric aircraft testing, charging and maintenance.

🛩️ Last week, the FAA ordered temporary flight reductions at 40 major U.S. airports to maintain safety amid an air traffic controller shortage caused by the ongoing government shutdown. The 10 percent cut in daily flights will phase in through Nov. 14 to ease pressure on the system while keeping disruptions minimal. Officials called the move a proactive step to protect passengers and prevent overload, with plans to lift restrictions once staffing and funding are restored.

🛩️ Used jet prices inched up in October while piston singles and turboprops declined, signaling a mostly stable market, according to Sandhills Global. Jet asking prices rose just under 1 percent, with piston singles down 1.8 percent and turboprops off about 4.1 percent. Jet inventories tightened slightly, especially among larger models, as analysts noted the market continues to level out after the post-pandemic boom.

🛩️ The Seaplane Pilots Association is helping keep Alaska’s wild places within reach, funding repairs to the Southeast Heckman cabin deep in the Tongass National Forest. Accessible only by floatplane, the remote cabin got new life thanks to a weeklong effort by the Recreational Aviation Foundation and U.S. Forest Service crews who rebuilt docks, restored the ramp and refreshed the cabin.

🛩️ Textron Aviation’s Cessna Citation Ascend has earned FAA type certification, paving the way for deliveries next year. Built in Wichita, the new 560XL-series jet features Garmin G5000 avionics with autothrottle and synthetic vision, powered by twin Pratt & Whitney PW545D engines for 441 knots and nearly 2,000 nautical miles of range. Inside, a refined flat-floor cabin offers quieter acoustics, modern lighting and wireless control of comfort systems—bringing midsize jet performance and luxury to new heights.

PilotTube

Aimed at anyone ready to chase their dream of flight, this video takes you inside the thrilling journey of earning a Private Pilot License. Guided by a seasoned corporate pilot, it breaks down the path from ground school to that unforgettable first solo, with practical tips, essential gear and insider advice along the way.

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