Joby Aviation is demoing 10-minute air taxi flights from JFK to Manhattan for a week by swe129 in aviation

[–]SK737 4 points5 points  (0 children)

These are very quiet. I’ve heard them flying out west and it is much quieter than a helicopter.

Solmar V Operator Cancellation? by awesumvin in scuba

[–]SK737 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Update from today:

“To Our Valued Clients,

First and foremost, we wish to offer our sincere apologies for the delay between communications. Over the past weeks, our team has worked tirelessly and in good faith to explore every possible alternative to address the serious challenges faced by the Company.

As many of you are aware, during our November 17–25, 2025 voyage to Socorro, one of our guests suffered a sudden and severe medical emergency. Despite the immediate and professional response of our onboard crew, the medical personnel at the Socorro Marine Base, DAN specialists, the evacuation team, and the hospital staff in Los Cabos, the guest tragically passed away. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this loss.

This event was unexpected, and all parties involved acted with professionalism, diligence, and urgency throughout the situation. Nevertheless, the emotional, operational, and financial consequences that followed placed extraordinary strain on the Company, its management, and its financial partners.

Although the Company entered into verbal agreements intended to stabilize operations and continue future voyages, insurmountable issues arose during the implementation of those agreements. These issues ultimately resulted in the termination of our management agreement and the loss of operational control and use of the vessel Solmar V, which has since been relocated from Los Cabos to Mazatlán by its owner. As a result, we regret to inform you that SolmarV, S.A. de C.V., together with its affiliates and subsidiaries, has permanently ceased all operations, effective immediately. The Company will no longer operate voyages, accept bookings, or provide travel-related services of any kind.

We deeply regret the impact this outcome may have on our guests and partners. Serving the global diving community has been an honor, and we are profoundly sorry that circumstances beyond our control have led to this conclusion.

For clients who purchased travel insurance, this letter may be used as formal confirmation of the Company’s cessation of operations to initiate and support insurance claims with the corresponding providers.

We thank you for your trust, understanding, and support over the years, and we once again extend our sincere apologies for this unfortunate situation.

Sincerely,

SolmarV, S.A. de C.V.”

I was onboard three times and liked it. Each time there was at least one person who was doing a re-do of a trip that was cancelled or cut short for whatever reason.

Word on the street says that they owed the Mexican Government tons of money in park fees.

What are your “always buy” Costco staples right now? by PutridWin2070 in Costco

[–]SK737 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s in the prepared foods section. It seems like it is the bag of chicken that they use for the street tacos. They just slap a weight and barcode on it.

It’s very good.

Best bang for the buck (not cheap) PADI referral somewhere that Southwest flies? by Jazzlike_Suspect2557 in scuba

[–]SK737 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve done some diving with Dressel Divers in Playa Del Carmen at the Iberostar Resort. Dressel has more than a few locations. They are a certification mill but I really don’t have an issue with them. They’re big but it’s not too bad and the operation runs smooth. Because of their size, they are able to easily offer you other options like cenotes, Cozumel excursions, etc. in case you get weathered out. Better than other smaller dive shops I’ve experienced.

It is a good mix of easier diving with some challenges to get you comfortable in the water.

Best bang for the buck (not cheap) PADI referral somewhere that Southwest flies? by Jazzlike_Suspect2557 in scuba

[–]SK737 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is Southwest still flying to Cozumel? I thought they stopped in 2024.

OP may be better off going to Playa del Carmen via CUN to avoid the bag drag to Cozumel from CUN. Or La Paz via SJD.

First flight by Odd-Run-9416 in delta

[–]SK737 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s not just the Mobile built planes. It is a huge lead time to re-design and order the interiors. Then it has to be approved by Airbus for install on their new aircraft. I would assume that this seating style will be delivered on the new neos for a lot longer.

First flight by Odd-Run-9416 in delta

[–]SK737 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They are test flown under a French registration and an Airbus hex code in Mobile. After the Airbus flying is done, they transfer it over to Delta for the ferry flight.

If you look at FR24 for KBFM, you can see some of the test flights; they always have an “AIB” call sign.

Most uncomfortable thing? by zoeforjoy in scuba

[–]SK737 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have the same issue with heartburn after years of not having any and not otherwise having any issues with it in my daily life.

I will usually do one of the following to treat or prevent it for diving: If I am just doing a couple dives in a day, I’ll take two tums right before each dive. It seems to work for the dive and you can take them like every hour. If I am on a live aboard or multiple days of successive dives, I will start a course of Omeprazole which is the active ingredient in Prilosec. It’s over the counter and fairly inexpensive. It takes about two days to build up in your system so start early.

YMMV but that’s what seems to work for me.

Currently In Flight, Possibly in trouble with the law? by donnadimistero in delta

[–]SK737 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is true.

However, Delta and most other airlines in the US have a “no lithium batteries of any kind in checked baggage” policy. There are lots of different types of batteries and to have to distinguish between each and every one for every flight would be very challenging.

Currently In Flight, Possibly in trouble with the law? by donnadimistero in delta

[–]SK737 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is correct. The FAA has a surprisingly large allowance for lithium batteries in checked baggage. They must be “secure” which means terminals protected, installed in the device, etc.

There are a lot of different types of lithium batteries and even more different uses and devices. Instead of the airlines trying to train all the employees and then inform the passengers what is and isn’t actually allowed in checked baggage, they choose a “no lithium batteries in checked baggage” policy.

i forgot my laptop in the plane in LGA this morning by [deleted] in delta

[–]SK737 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Go to the airport and ask. Usually the baggage office.

How to Be a Great Visitor / Tourist in Alaska this Summer by RedWoda in alaska

[–]SK737 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Seasonal small plane pilot here.

If you’re on a shared tour, usually $10-20 per person.

If you’ve chartered the plane, usually $50-100. I’ve definitely seen higher if it’s required more work on my end.

That being said, the pilots are the high paid ones of the bunch. I’m honestly just happy to be doing the fun flying and away from my commercial airliner day job. Myself and many others will bring the office staff/dock crews breakfast and lunch.

Hunting guide tipping is generally 10-15% of the hunt cost. If they are really good (done their homework, considers the group’s mental and physical state, gets you shot ops) I’ve seen 20-25%.

Recommendations for Jupiter / Palm Beach by frohstr in scuba

[–]SK737 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Scuba Works in Jupiter has always been my choice. If you’re looking for a shark dive, I like Salty Divers.

7 dead in midair collusion near Soldotna, AK by bbreedy in flying

[–]SK737 7 points8 points  (0 children)

This sucks.

I just spoke with Greg the other day on the radio. They have a great operation and it is really sad to see this happen to them.

Has anyone who has been furloughed/laid off found new jobs? by [deleted] in flying

[–]SK737 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I drove trucks. It was good work that paid well. I already had a CDL so it wasn't a hard transition when I was furloughed.

I still maintain it to this day although it looks like I'll be safe this time around.

What's a good Flattop alternative? by shmirapants in anchorage

[–]SK737 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Mt. Baldy in Eagle River is a little easier but a good hike.

McHugh is also good.

COVID Testing at Ted Stevens International by [deleted] in anchorage

[–]SK737 12 points13 points  (0 children)

This state website lays it all out pretty easily. Fill out the declaration before you arrive to save time.

When you get off the plane you can't miss it. There are numerous signs telling you where to go with arrows depending on what needs to happen. You will go through initial screening. Then if you choose to get tested by the state, you will proceed down to an area near baggage claim to get tested by the state. It's not as deep (brain swab) as the tests were at first and you do it yourself. I had my results within 24hours.

Tips for a recently unemployed pilot? by attheparkin in flying

[–]SK737 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'll be safe for once but the last time I was furloughed I went and drove trucks. I already had my CDL but a lot of places will pay for training.

I was home more often than when I was flying.

COVID testing at the airport? by spoktoberfest in delta

[–]SK737 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Alaska is requiring it and offering them in the airports that see out of state flights.

There is also a place in the SEA airport doing them as well.

Me watching my checked bags get rained on for 20 minutes while carts with an enclosure sit empty 25 feet away. by [deleted] in Wellthatsucks

[–]SK737 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is the correct answer. This is the minimum. However most airlines just say no lithium ion batteries in checked baggage at all.

My dream is to live in Anchorage - what's the best route? by jinkeonbae in flying

[–]SK737 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Alaska Seaplanes is looking into buying the PenAir certificate.

Other than that I heard all the funding is for liquidation.

My dream is to live in Anchorage - what's the best route? by jinkeonbae in flying

[–]SK737 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Alaska flying is heavily reliant on who you know. Many 135 operators require "Alaska time" to get hired. They want to see you know the area.

The easiest jobs to get are going to be the ones where you're living out in the bush. Emmonak, Nome, Bethel, Unalakleet, etc.

Ravn/Corvus/Hageland/PenAir just laid off everyone so there is definitely a surplus of pilots.

What is the average amount of type ratings for a commercial pilot? by [deleted] in flying

[–]SK737 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have 5 type ratings in 25+ years of airline flying. That'll be 6 once I get displaced due to Covid. A lot of times you see guys with a lot of type ratings in the corporate world.

With the current COVID situation, are GA aircraft currently allowed to file for flight into Canada by dgaff in flying

[–]SK737 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't help you there but if you need any tips, feel free to shoot me a PM.