The Scissortail Brief | Jan 25-31

Bangor Challenger 650 Crash

January 25, 2026 | Bangor, Maine

On the evening of January 25, 2026, a Bombardier Challenger 650 business jet crashed while attempting to depart Bangor International Airport at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The accident occurred during winter storm conditions affecting much of the Northeast.

The FAA reported the aircraft was departing Bangor when the crash occurred. The airport was closed immediately following the accident and later reopened after emergency response and initial recovery operations were completed.

Six fatalities have been confirmed. According to reporting by the Associated Press and People Magazine, the decedents publicly identified to date are:

Captain Jacob Hosmer, 47, PIC; Tara Arnold, passenger and attorney, wife of Kurt Arnold, co-founder of the Arnold & Itkin law firm; Shawna Collins, passenger and Houston-based event planner; Nick Mastrascusa, passenger and chef from Hawaii; Shelby Kuyawa, passenger and sommelier.

At least one additional victim had not been publicly identified as of January 30, pending formal confirmation by the Maine Office of Chief Medical Examiner.

Public reporting indicates the flight was operating under Part 91. The aircraft had departed Houston earlier in the day and stopped in Bangor for fuel prior to a planned transatlantic flight. Multiple outlets referenced Paris-Vatry, France, as the intended destination, though investigators have not confirmed the filed flight plan.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation with support from the FAA. Investigators have secured the wreckage and flight data recorders for analysis. As of this morning, no preliminary findings have been released regarding aircraft performance, crew actions, runway conditions, or weather-related factors. A preliminary factual report is expected in the coming weeks.

Trump Threatens Decertification of Bombardier Aircraft Amid Canada Dispute

January 29, 2026 | Washington, D.C.

On January 29, 2026, President Donald Trump stated publicly that the United States would decertify Canadian-manufactured aircraft and impose tariffs of up to 50 percent on Canadian-built aircraft sold in the US unless Canada accelerates certification of certain Gulfstream business jets.

According to reporting by the Associated Press, the president specifically referenced Bombardier aircraft and stated that Global Express models could be subject to decertification. He tied the threat to Canada’s handling of certification and registration of newer Gulfstream aircraft.

In his public post, Trump named the Gulfstream G500, G600, G700, and G800 models as aircraft he believes Canada has failed to certify in a timely manner.

Reporting by the Financial Times and FlightGlobal clarifies the regulatory distinction at issue. New Gulfstream aircraft are able to operate in Canadian airspace when registered in another jurisdiction. However, Transport Canada has not completed the validation process required for certain newer Gulfstream models to be placed on the Canadian aircraft registry. As a result, Canadian-based operators are currently unable to register and purchase those aircraft domestically, even though foreign-registered Gulfstreams may operate freely within Canada.

Transport Canada records show that the Gulfstream G500 has already been validated and certified for Canadian registration. Older Gulfstream models are also certified and registered in Canada. The models still progressing through certification and validation include newer variants such as the G600, G700, and G800.

The FAA was reportedly not briefed in advance of the president’s statement. As of this morning, no formal FAA action has been taken to suspend or revoke any Bombardier type certificates, and no regulatory notices affecting current operations have been issued.

Bombardier stated publicly that its aircraft are fully certified to FAA standards and that it intends to engage with regulators and government officials to resolve the matter. Canadian officials had not announced retaliatory measures as of this morning.

FAA Issues Guidance on Intoxicated and Impaired Passengers

January 23–29, 2026 | United States

During the final week of January, the FAA issued guidance addressing intoxicated and impaired passengers on Part 91 and Part 135 operations in the form of an Information for Operators (InFO), accompanied by related internal guidance for FAA inspectors.

According to the FAA, the InFO was published by the Flight Standards Service and made publicly available through the agency’s standard Flight Standards communications channels. The guidance does not introduce new regulations, but clarifies how existing rules apply when a passenger’s intoxication or impairment could affect safety.

The FAA reiterated the pilot in command’s authority to refuse transport of an impaired passenger and noted that inspectors may review operator procedures and documentation during surveillance or enforcement activity involving such situations. The guidance applies to both domestic and international operations conducted under US operating authority.

FAA Announces Internal Organizational Restructuring

January 27, 2026 | United States

On January 27, the FAA announced changes to its internal organizational structure affecting offices responsible for safety oversight, certification functions, and advanced aviation programs.

According to the agency, the reorganization is intended to streamline internal activities and clarify responsibilities across safety management and oversight functions. No changes to regulations or inspector authority were announced in connection with the restructuring.

For more information:
https://www.faa.gov/newsroom

NOTAM System Transition Continues

January 2026 | United States

The FAA confirmed continued deployment of the new Notice to Air Missions Management Service during January. The new system is currently operating in parallel with the legacy NOTAM infrastructure.

The FAA reiterated that full transition to the new NOTAM system remains planned for late spring 2026. During the transition period, operators may encounter mixed formats depending on source and distribution channel.

For more information:
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/notams

Super Bowl LX Airspace Planning

January 2026 | San Francisco Bay Area

In January, the FAA released early information regarding airspace procedures associated with Super Bowl LX, scheduled for February 2026 in the San Francisco Bay Area.

According to the FAA, temporary flight restrictions and special traffic management procedures are expected between February 4 and February 10. Specific dimensions and times of restrictions will be published via FAA NOTAMs closer to the event.

For more information:
https://tfr.faa.gov
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic

Jet-A Fuel Pricing Trends

January 2026 | United States

Industry fuel pricing data released in late January indicates that average US Jet-A fuel prices declined in January compared with December 2025. The Western Pacific region showed a month-over-month increase, according to industry fuel tracking services.

For more information:
https://aviationweek.com
https://www.eia.gov

FAA Expands UAS Test Site Program

January 2026 | United States

The FAA announced the addition of new Uncrewed Aircraft System test sites in January as part of its ongoing research and evaluation program.

According to the FAA, newly designated test sites include locations operated by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and an Indiana-based economic development authority.

For more information:
https://www.faa.gov/uas/programs_partnerships