In this issue of the Aviation Watchdog, you’ll find stories featuring serious lapses in leadership and transparency across the industry. This includes accident investigations that take far too long and are susceptible to bias and influence to chaotic ground evacuations caused by passengers failing to follow flight attendant instructions. When leadership fails the vacuum is quickly filled by those who can conceal, mislead, or lie for personal or corporate gain. The aviation industry is in dire need of strong leadership and transparency across all sectors. Without it the safety margin will continue to shrink.

Global focus on aviation safety has intensified following the release of the Air India 171 Preliminary Investigation Report. This issue provides the Foundation’s analysis of the report’s contents and, critically, highlights what remains unaddressed. The Cover Story examines the disturbing influence of financial incentives on adherence to safety fundamentals. Additional articles discuss the intended function of Safety Management Systems and underscore the significance of flight crew duty periods and mandated rest requirements. Lastly, don’t miss the latest edition of Warning Bells.

The June 2025 Aviation Watchdog Report reviews recent developments in aviation safety, focusing on the Air India Flight 171 crash involving a Boeing 787—the first hull loss of that model—along with a broader discussion of manufacturing and maintenance concerns identified in FAA Airworthiness Directives. It explains the technical aspects of the 787's systems and highlights inspection requirements for structural components and engines. The newsletter also covers the FAA’s Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) program, which allows manufacturers to self-certify under FAA oversight, and notes recent legislative and policy updates aimed at strengthening regulatory practices. A retrospective on the 1989 United Flight 232 incident illustrates how lessons from past accidents continue to shape safety improvements. The issue concludes with a preview of an upcoming podcast featuring airline pilot and educator Petter Hörnfeldt, who will share insights from the flight deck.

The May 2025 Aviation Watchdog Report exposes serious gaps in FAA oversight and aviation safety, focusing on toxic cabin air from aircraft bleed air systems, which continue to injure crew and passengers despite decades of warnings and inaction. The newsletter also highlights the dire need to overhaul the U.S. air traffic control system, plagued by outdated technology and chronic staffing shortages. Practical evacuation tips are offered in light of recent emergency incidents, and the issue features an inspiring intern spotlight on aerospace graduate Nikita Joy. The Foundation renews its call for a federal aviation safety task force and invites the public to report incidents and suggest reforms.

​The April 2025 edition of the Aviation Watchdog Report from the Foundation for Aviation Safety highlights ongoing safety concerns with the Boeing 737 MAX, emphasizing unresolved engineering and manufacturing defects despite the aircraft's recertification. The report also critiques Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg's recent Senate testimony for lacking transparency and accountability regarding these issues. Additionally, the Foundation urges Congress to establish an interagency task force to address systemic aviation safety problems and calls for the release of withheld evidence related to the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash.

​The March 2025 edition of the Aviation Watchdog Report from the Foundation for Aviation Safety highlights a significant increase in drone-related incidents, with at least 28 serious safety events reported since October 2024, raising concerns about the risks drones pose to commercial aircraft. The report also criticizes Boeing's request for an exemption from safety requirements for the 737 MAX's Stall Management Yaw Damper system, despite acknowledging software errors that could lead to catastrophic failures, and urges the FAA to deny this petition. Additionally, the Foundation calls for enhanced enforcement of airspace controls and rapid response capabilities to address emerging threats and improve aviation safety.