Airborne 01.09.26: Pilot Sues Boeing, KSMO Violations, Plane Theft

Also: Isaacman Donating Salary, Alaska Adopts Starlink, Transportation Bill, Supersonic Flight Bill

The Alaska Airlines pilot who was flying a Boeing 737-9 Max when the plane lost a panel in mid-flight is suing Boeing and Spirit Aerosystems for $10 million, alleging the company is trying to shift blame to him for the company's negligence. Attorneys for pilot Brandon Fisher filed the lawsuit in Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland, Ore., asking for $10 million in damages. KSMO has screwed up again... The FAA issued a ruling that Santa Monica Municipal Airport violated federal law by accumulating surplus revenues and intending to use the funds for general city services after the airport closes rather than for aviation purposes as required by law. A 2020 model Vans RV-12 was reportedly stolen from its hangar at Auburn Municipal Airport in Auburn, Wash. on Jan. 3, 2026. The owner discovered the aircraft was missing on January 5.
The plane is registered as N107TF and is described as unpainted silver (bare aluminum). It features a prominent circular sticker on the tail that reads "TEEN FLIGHT." All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!

Airborne 01.09.26 is chock full of info in this Daily News Episode, Friday, January 9th, 2026... Presented by Aero-TV veteran videographer and Airborne Host Holland Lee. Holland is supported by ANN Chief Videographer Nathan Cremisino, as well as ANN CEO/Editor-In-Chief Jim Campbell. This episode covers:

Captain Sues Boeing Over Flight That Lost Door Plug
FAA Says Airport Violated Fed Law Over Surplus Revenue
Vans RV-12 Reportedly Stolen in Washington
NASA Head Isaacman Donating Salary To Space Camp
Alaska Airlines to “Rapidly” Roll Out Starlink Service After E175 Success
Congress Returns To Take Up Transportation Bill
Supersonic Flight Bill Clears Committee

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