Colleen Mondor
@chasingray.bsky.social
Aviation journalist, especially on Alaska. Never met a federal database I didn't love. "Probable Cause" newsletter is here: https://colleenmondor.substack.com/
Also, the way we are elevating people who work without pay as the "true patriots" should concern everybody.
It's wrong. Everything about this is wrong and it does nothing to increase flight safety in America.
It's wrong. Everything about this is wrong and it does nothing to increase flight safety in America.
November 21, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Also, the way we are elevating people who work without pay as the "true patriots" should concern everybody.
It's wrong. Everything about this is wrong and it does nothing to increase flight safety in America.
It's wrong. Everything about this is wrong and it does nothing to increase flight safety in America.
And as for this comment in the press release, it is beneath an agency dedicated to safety to include it.
This is more evidence of the insidious practice of politicizing the FAA. It's a not so subtle threat, but in 2025 I am not surprised. /fin
This is more evidence of the insidious practice of politicizing the FAA. It's a not so subtle threat, but in 2025 I am not surprised. /fin
November 17, 2025 at 1:35 AM
And as for this comment in the press release, it is beneath an agency dedicated to safety to include it.
This is more evidence of the insidious practice of politicizing the FAA. It's a not so subtle threat, but in 2025 I am not surprised. /fin
This is more evidence of the insidious practice of politicizing the FAA. It's a not so subtle threat, but in 2025 I am not surprised. /fin
From the FAA press release cancelling recent emergency order that reduced flight ops in 40 airports nationwide.
One of the key things that came out of the conversation following the DCA midair was the definition of "normal", as it pertains to ATC, is a very fluid thing. /1
One of the key things that came out of the conversation following the DCA midair was the definition of "normal", as it pertains to ATC, is a very fluid thing. /1
November 17, 2025 at 1:35 AM
From the FAA press release cancelling recent emergency order that reduced flight ops in 40 airports nationwide.
One of the key things that came out of the conversation following the DCA midair was the definition of "normal", as it pertains to ATC, is a very fluid thing. /1
One of the key things that came out of the conversation following the DCA midair was the definition of "normal", as it pertains to ATC, is a very fluid thing. /1
Next newsletter goes out tomorrow. Sign up here: colleenmondor.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 2:09 AM
Next newsletter goes out tomorrow. Sign up here: colleenmondor.substack.com
For those tracking the Typhoon Dogs out of southwest Alaska, here is another reunion, in Anchorage. (From the family's notes in the comments, they look cold because they all ran outside when they heard that Boots had arrived.)
November 14, 2025 at 8:57 PM
For those tracking the Typhoon Dogs out of southwest Alaska, here is another reunion, in Anchorage. (From the family's notes in the comments, they look cold because they all ran outside when they heard that Boots had arrived.)
Boeing is part of the investigation because it now owns McDonnell Douglas. The companies were separate when this aircraft was built and sold however. (For the difficult history of that merger, I strongly suggest Peter Robison's book, FLYING BLIND. peter-robison.com/the-book) /4
November 5, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Boeing is part of the investigation because it now owns McDonnell Douglas. The companies were separate when this aircraft was built and sold however. (For the difficult history of that merger, I strongly suggest Peter Robison's book, FLYING BLIND. peter-robison.com/the-book) /4
What aviation looks like in Alaska these days. This is Ryan Air, unloading Typhoon dogs in Anchorage.
Pic was taken from the Ryan Air FB page.
Pic was taken from the Ryan Air FB page.
November 3, 2025 at 8:17 PM
What aviation looks like in Alaska these days. This is Ryan Air, unloading Typhoon dogs in Anchorage.
Pic was taken from the Ryan Air FB page.
Pic was taken from the Ryan Air FB page.
You know where this is going, right? The system was not in operation in 1967 because, well, money and lack of leadership and too many different groups arguing about what to do and MONEY. Also, going to the Moon.
But it will be ready by 1973!!!! /4
But it will be ready by 1973!!!! /4
November 3, 2025 at 6:59 PM
You know where this is going, right? The system was not in operation in 1967 because, well, money and lack of leadership and too many different groups arguing about what to do and MONEY. Also, going to the Moon.
But it will be ready by 1973!!!! /4
But it will be ready by 1973!!!! /4
From September 19, 1969 in the NY Times. First, the headline highlighting a preventable accident. This is when folks typically say the FAA never does anything and always waits for tragedy before acting. But then read the article excerpts & below to see that is not true. The FAA does try. /3
November 3, 2025 at 6:59 PM
From September 19, 1969 in the NY Times. First, the headline highlighting a preventable accident. This is when folks typically say the FAA never does anything and always waits for tragedy before acting. But then read the article excerpts & below to see that is not true. The FAA does try. /3
Here's some of the headlines from decades ago that I have found in researching ATC. They could all be written today, couldn't they?
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of covering the FAA is how much this story never changes. /2
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of covering the FAA is how much this story never changes. /2
November 3, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Here's some of the headlines from decades ago that I have found in researching ATC. They could all be written today, couldn't they?
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of covering the FAA is how much this story never changes. /2
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of covering the FAA is how much this story never changes. /2
These folks are awesome.
Please donate here to the great folks of Bethel, Alaska who are saving a ton of a dogs (and at least one turtle) following the typhoon. :https://www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html
Please donate here to the great folks of Bethel, Alaska who are saving a ton of a dogs (and at least one turtle) following the typhoon. :https://www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html
November 3, 2025 at 6:27 PM
These folks are awesome.
Please donate here to the great folks of Bethel, Alaska who are saving a ton of a dogs (and at least one turtle) following the typhoon. :https://www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html
Please donate here to the great folks of Bethel, Alaska who are saving a ton of a dogs (and at least one turtle) following the typhoon. :https://www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html
My Mom’s sunglasses were wicked cool in 1975 and still are today. 🙂
(I am going thru some old family photos.)
(I am going thru some old family photos.)
October 26, 2025 at 11:25 PM
My Mom’s sunglasses were wicked cool in 1975 and still are today. 🙂
(I am going thru some old family photos.)
(I am going thru some old family photos.)
World Central Kitchen is in Bethel, Alaska and doing the same good work there that they do around the world. Make sure you follow them! @wck.org & founder @chefjoseandres.bsky.social.
October 24, 2025 at 6:13 PM
World Central Kitchen is in Bethel, Alaska and doing the same good work there that they do around the world. Make sure you follow them! @wck.org & founder @chefjoseandres.bsky.social.
Typhoon Dogs update - they are heading out to, hopefully, trap the last of the dogs in Kipnuk, Alaska!
Donate to help the amazing work of these dog heroes here: www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html
Donate to help the amazing work of these dog heroes here: www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html
October 24, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Typhoon Dogs update - they are heading out to, hopefully, trap the last of the dogs in Kipnuk, Alaska!
Donate to help the amazing work of these dog heroes here: www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html
Donate to help the amazing work of these dog heroes here: www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html
Highly highly recommend you read Jeron's entire commentary (and the first part from a few days ago). He's an excellent writer. Here's a bit more from him on adjusting to Anchorage. (The link: alaskabeacon.com/2025/10/24/a...)
October 24, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Highly highly recommend you read Jeron's entire commentary (and the first part from a few days ago). He's an excellent writer. Here's a bit more from him on adjusting to Anchorage. (The link: alaskabeacon.com/2025/10/24/a...)
Alaska aviation is about the best there is.
Please continue to spread the word and donate to www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html for the Typhoon Dogs.
Please continue to spread the word and donate to www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html for the Typhoon Dogs.
October 23, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Alaska aviation is about the best there is.
Please continue to spread the word and donate to www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html for the Typhoon Dogs.
Please continue to spread the word and donate to www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html for the Typhoon Dogs.
For everyone concerned about cats in the western Alaska villages affected by the typhoon, here's some info:
October 23, 2025 at 12:04 AM
For everyone concerned about cats in the western Alaska villages affected by the typhoon, here's some info:
Many folks have asked me about other animals from the evacuated villages. Overwhelmingly, it is all dogs in Rural AK however, you can see that other pets are being saved. From comments on this FB post, the turtle was rescued from the classroom. (Also - good on Fox AIr for getting all these dogs!)
October 20, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Many folks have asked me about other animals from the evacuated villages. Overwhelmingly, it is all dogs in Rural AK however, you can see that other pets are being saved. From comments on this FB post, the turtle was rescued from the classroom. (Also - good on Fox AIr for getting all these dogs!)
They have dogs coming in from Kwigillingok (aka "Kwig") as well and this is how some are getting tagged. Lots of Typhoon Dogs getting rescued from the YK-Delta, and the folks doing it could use your help. Donate here: www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html
October 20, 2025 at 10:09 PM
They have dogs coming in from Kwigillingok (aka "Kwig") as well and this is how some are getting tagged. Lots of Typhoon Dogs getting rescued from the YK-Delta, and the folks doing it could use your help. Donate here: www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html
The big guys have now entered the Typhoon Dogs rescue - Northern Air Cargo contracted Bethel Friends of Canines and offered to transport some dogs on 10/19. These animals were flown into Bethel & will now joined their evac'd owners in ANC.
Even in 2025, aviation is everything in AK.
Even in 2025, aviation is everything in AK.
October 20, 2025 at 10:09 PM
The big guys have now entered the Typhoon Dogs rescue - Northern Air Cargo contracted Bethel Friends of Canines and offered to transport some dogs on 10/19. These animals were flown into Bethel & will now joined their evac'd owners in ANC.
Even in 2025, aviation is everything in AK.
Even in 2025, aviation is everything in AK.
What the folks who stayed behind in Kipnuk are doing to save these dogs is so inspiring. I mean...does this look easy to you?
Donate to Bethel Friends of Canines to make all their hard work worthwhile and help the dogs once they are out. www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html
Donate to Bethel Friends of Canines to make all their hard work worthwhile and help the dogs once they are out. www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html
October 17, 2025 at 11:04 PM
What the folks who stayed behind in Kipnuk are doing to save these dogs is so inspiring. I mean...does this look easy to you?
Donate to Bethel Friends of Canines to make all their hard work worthwhile and help the dogs once they are out. www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html
Donate to Bethel Friends of Canines to make all their hard work worthwhile and help the dogs once they are out. www.bethelfriendsofcanines.com/donate.html
How folks are getting dogs to the Kipnuk Airport. (Pic from Facebook.)
It did not used to look this way. (And it's pretty much all 4-wheeler out there now.
It did not used to look this way. (And it's pretty much all 4-wheeler out there now.
October 17, 2025 at 11:00 PM
How folks are getting dogs to the Kipnuk Airport. (Pic from Facebook.)
It did not used to look this way. (And it's pretty much all 4-wheeler out there now.
It did not used to look this way. (And it's pretty much all 4-wheeler out there now.
We flew dog teams this way a few times and it is a mess afterwards (as you imagine). The fact that Ryan Air went in and is getting the dogs out this way just to save them, is a great thing. (You use tiedown straps to attach their collars to rings on the floor and you hope they don't fight.)
October 17, 2025 at 10:57 PM
We flew dog teams this way a few times and it is a mess afterwards (as you imagine). The fact that Ryan Air went in and is getting the dogs out this way just to save them, is a great thing. (You use tiedown straps to attach their collars to rings on the floor and you hope they don't fight.)