Phil Derner
@philderner.substack.com
Gravity Fighter, Aviation Advocate, AvGeek, born in Queens, NY. Former @NYCAviation owner/Operations Mgmt/Dispatcher/Loadmaster. Opinions are my own.
Pinned
Phil Derner
@philderner.substack.com
· Apr 12
Who am I?
I’ve spent 20+ years in aviation: dispatch, ops, safety, news media, writing, public speaking, gov affairs, and advocacy. I connect people, amplify voices, and bridge the gap between flight, the public, and the boardroom. I serve this industry with heart, hustle, and New Yorker honesty.
I’ve spent 20+ years in aviation: dispatch, ops, safety, news media, writing, public speaking, gov affairs, and advocacy. I connect people, amplify voices, and bridge the gap between flight, the public, and the boardroom. I serve this industry with heart, hustle, and New Yorker honesty.
Cargo pilots fly through the same skies, and face the same risks, but when one crashes, not every tragedy trends.
This article revisits 3 UPS crashes that changed lives and quietly influenced safety for everyone who flies today.
Read or listen here:
open.substack.com/pub/phildern...
This article revisits 3 UPS crashes that changed lives and quietly influenced safety for everyone who flies today.
Read or listen here:
open.substack.com/pub/phildern...
Forgotten Freight: The UPS Crashes That Should Haunt Aviation
Three accidents that faded from public memory, but whose lessons still echo.
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Cargo pilots fly through the same skies, and face the same risks, but when one crashes, not every tragedy trends.
This article revisits 3 UPS crashes that changed lives and quietly influenced safety for everyone who flies today.
Read or listen here:
open.substack.com/pub/phildern...
This article revisits 3 UPS crashes that changed lives and quietly influenced safety for everyone who flies today.
Read or listen here:
open.substack.com/pub/phildern...
The most uninformed and the least well-intended will be the first to politicize tragedy.
Keep that in mind over the coming hours and days.
RIP #UPS2976
Keep that in mind over the coming hours and days.
RIP #UPS2976
November 4, 2025 at 11:24 PM
The most uninformed and the least well-intended will be the first to politicize tragedy.
Keep that in mind over the coming hours and days.
RIP #UPS2976
Keep that in mind over the coming hours and days.
RIP #UPS2976
Reminder to people, especially dispatchers, to keep your FAA certificate updated with your current address!
Or like I had to do, change my hair color from brown to bald. No option for shaved. :p
Or like I had to do, change my hair color from brown to bald. No option for shaved. :p
September 6, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Reminder to people, especially dispatchers, to keep your FAA certificate updated with your current address!
Or like I had to do, change my hair color from brown to bald. No option for shaved. :p
Or like I had to do, change my hair color from brown to bald. No option for shaved. :p
The 3 events that tell of how MD-80s and Runway 13 were not BFFs.
LaGuardia’s Runway 13: The MD-80 Slip N’ Slide
Of the seven accidents at LGA during my lifetime, three involved MD-80s. Thankfully, none were fatal, but they were far from smooth rides.
open.substack.com
September 2, 2025 at 11:58 AM
The 3 events that tell of how MD-80s and Runway 13 were not BFFs.
While conducting research, I am amazed how much information I come across on plane crashes that never even happened.
Generated by both AI and passionate enthusiasts, I worry that crawlers or unknowing researchers will lump these into real crash stats, altering industry and public perception.
Generated by both AI and passionate enthusiasts, I worry that crawlers or unknowing researchers will lump these into real crash stats, altering industry and public perception.
September 1, 2025 at 3:33 PM
While conducting research, I am amazed how much information I come across on plane crashes that never even happened.
Generated by both AI and passionate enthusiasts, I worry that crawlers or unknowing researchers will lump these into real crash stats, altering industry and public perception.
Generated by both AI and passionate enthusiasts, I worry that crawlers or unknowing researchers will lump these into real crash stats, altering industry and public perception.
My good friend Andrew, who has over 20 years in airport ops and management, sat down with me to discuss a video of a Delta 767 engine fire that took place in 1996.
With radio chatter between ATC, pilots, and ARFF, we see the event unfold and learn how things have changed over the last 3 decades.
With radio chatter between ATC, pilots, and ARFF, we see the event unfold and learn how things have changed over the last 3 decades.
Delta 767 Engine Fire: Airport Ops Breakdown
YouTube video by Phil Derner
www.youtube.com
August 23, 2025 at 9:52 PM
My good friend Andrew, who has over 20 years in airport ops and management, sat down with me to discuss a video of a Delta 767 engine fire that took place in 1996.
With radio chatter between ATC, pilots, and ARFF, we see the event unfold and learn how things have changed over the last 3 decades.
With radio chatter between ATC, pilots, and ARFF, we see the event unfold and learn how things have changed over the last 3 decades.
I’m confused. News or Opinion? You literally can’t be both.
If you admit you’re injecting your opinion, then we can’t trust your news.
If you admit you’re injecting your opinion, then we can’t trust your news.
news: MSNBC is renaming itself MS NOW (My Source News Opinion World)
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/18/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/18/b...
Goodbye, MSNBC. Hello, MS NOW.
www.nytimes.com
August 18, 2025 at 11:39 PM
I’m confused. News or Opinion? You literally can’t be both.
If you admit you’re injecting your opinion, then we can’t trust your news.
If you admit you’re injecting your opinion, then we can’t trust your news.
I'm writing a long article, likely around 9,000-11,000 words.
I'm planning on publishing on my Substack as a 5-10 part series, but curious your thoughts.
Do you enjoy super long form, or digestible parts with strong standalone stories?
I'm planning on publishing on my Substack as a 5-10 part series, but curious your thoughts.
Do you enjoy super long form, or digestible parts with strong standalone stories?
August 16, 2025 at 11:54 PM
I'm writing a long article, likely around 9,000-11,000 words.
I'm planning on publishing on my Substack as a 5-10 part series, but curious your thoughts.
Do you enjoy super long form, or digestible parts with strong standalone stories?
I'm planning on publishing on my Substack as a 5-10 part series, but curious your thoughts.
Do you enjoy super long form, or digestible parts with strong standalone stories?
I was a 757 loadmaster/dispatcher, know hundreds of pilots, have read everything on my favorite, active airliner. I never heard "Atari Ferrari." A search only shows this article.
I think someone overstated this to the writer.
Still, the reasons are correct. A good read on an underrated aircraft.
I think someone overstated this to the writer.
Still, the reasons are correct. A good read on an underrated aircraft.
Here's Why The Boeing 757 Got The Nickname 'Atari Ferrari'
Here's Why The Boeing 757 Got The Nickname 'Atari Ferrari'
The Boeing 757 was a favorite among pilots, who dubbed it the "Atari Ferrari." Learn the specs behind this aircraft and how it got its nickname.
www.jalopnik.com
August 16, 2025 at 7:30 PM
I was a 757 loadmaster/dispatcher, know hundreds of pilots, have read everything on my favorite, active airliner. I never heard "Atari Ferrari." A search only shows this article.
I think someone overstated this to the writer.
Still, the reasons are correct. A good read on an underrated aircraft.
I think someone overstated this to the writer.
Still, the reasons are correct. A good read on an underrated aircraft.
Are we not asked to arrive at the airport two hours early anymore?
If we are, why are check in counter and TSA not open 2 hour prior?
If we are, why are check in counter and TSA not open 2 hour prior?
August 12, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Are we not asked to arrive at the airport two hours early anymore?
If we are, why are check in counter and TSA not open 2 hour prior?
If we are, why are check in counter and TSA not open 2 hour prior?
I've always been blown away how old-time journalism meant adding someone's home address every time you mention them.
"The only injured person was John Marbury, 32, of 134 Parsons Blvd, Bayside, N.Y.,..."
Why was this a thing? haha
"The only injured person was John Marbury, 32, of 134 Parsons Blvd, Bayside, N.Y.,..."
Why was this a thing? haha
August 10, 2025 at 7:35 PM
I've always been blown away how old-time journalism meant adding someone's home address every time you mention them.
"The only injured person was John Marbury, 32, of 134 Parsons Blvd, Bayside, N.Y.,..."
Why was this a thing? haha
"The only injured person was John Marbury, 32, of 134 Parsons Blvd, Bayside, N.Y.,..."
Why was this a thing? haha
Air India Flight 171: Let’s Pump the Brakes
There’s a lot of noise out there. Before jumping to conclusions, let’s take a moment to understand a few things about the Air India investigation. #AI171
There’s a lot of noise out there. Before jumping to conclusions, let’s take a moment to understand a few things about the Air India investigation. #AI171
Air India Flight 171: Let’s Pump the Brakes
There’s a lot of noise out there. Before jumping to conclusions, let’s take a moment to understand a few things about the Air India investigation.
open.substack.com
July 24, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Air India Flight 171: Let’s Pump the Brakes
There’s a lot of noise out there. Before jumping to conclusions, let’s take a moment to understand a few things about the Air India investigation. #AI171
There’s a lot of noise out there. Before jumping to conclusions, let’s take a moment to understand a few things about the Air India investigation. #AI171
YouTube is about to see my VHS-converted NYC planespotting tapes from the early 2000s.
Part 1 has the final BA Concorde, MD-80 powerback, LGA Expressway Visual s-turns, go arounds, and more.
Not even remotely HD. ;)
Part 1 has the final BA Concorde, MD-80 powerback, LGA Expressway Visual s-turns, go arounds, and more.
Not even remotely HD. ;)
Vintage Planespotting at JFK & LGA Part 1 (2003–2004): Final Concorde, MD-80 Powerback, and more
YouTube video by Phil Derner
www.youtube.com
July 19, 2025 at 1:02 AM
YouTube is about to see my VHS-converted NYC planespotting tapes from the early 2000s.
Part 1 has the final BA Concorde, MD-80 powerback, LGA Expressway Visual s-turns, go arounds, and more.
Not even remotely HD. ;)
Part 1 has the final BA Concorde, MD-80 powerback, LGA Expressway Visual s-turns, go arounds, and more.
Not even remotely HD. ;)
The #DaleFire, 15 miles east of Temecula, is the first wildfire of the season in my region that brought such a wide range of aircraft types: DC-10, C-130s, BAe-146, MD-87, S-2, OV-10, S-61L, C-47, S-60/70, Bell 429, and I'm surely missing some.
I hate NEEDING to see them, but glad they're here.
I hate NEEDING to see them, but glad they're here.
July 17, 2025 at 2:54 PM
The #DaleFire, 15 miles east of Temecula, is the first wildfire of the season in my region that brought such a wide range of aircraft types: DC-10, C-130s, BAe-146, MD-87, S-2, OV-10, S-61L, C-47, S-60/70, Bell 429, and I'm surely missing some.
I hate NEEDING to see them, but glad they're here.
I hate NEEDING to see them, but glad they're here.
Totally unrelated to anything going on out there, but...
"Suicide by pilot" can only be applied where the pilot in question is alone.
Any other associated fatality is straight murder.
Do not conflate or confuse heartbreaking suicide with those who chose to take others with them.
"Suicide by pilot" can only be applied where the pilot in question is alone.
Any other associated fatality is straight murder.
Do not conflate or confuse heartbreaking suicide with those who chose to take others with them.
July 13, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Totally unrelated to anything going on out there, but...
"Suicide by pilot" can only be applied where the pilot in question is alone.
Any other associated fatality is straight murder.
Do not conflate or confuse heartbreaking suicide with those who chose to take others with them.
"Suicide by pilot" can only be applied where the pilot in question is alone.
Any other associated fatality is straight murder.
Do not conflate or confuse heartbreaking suicide with those who chose to take others with them.
My new TravelPro checked bag came! And FedEx gave it the Spirit Airlines treatment.
Geez.
(Bag is fine)
Geez.
(Bag is fine)
July 12, 2025 at 2:46 AM
My new TravelPro checked bag came! And FedEx gave it the Spirit Airlines treatment.
Geez.
(Bag is fine)
Geez.
(Bag is fine)
Not my brightest moment, but that sure was exciting!
Right Over My House, With No Engines (Or So I Thought)
That time I thought my MD-80 was going to crash-land into my own neighborhood.
open.substack.com
July 10, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Not my brightest moment, but that sure was exciting!
Reposted by Phil Derner
A 767 suffered a main landing gear collapse back in 2023. It was determined that the gear had been overhauled at an MRO, using a mis-calibrated grinder.
In early 2024 Boeing and the MRO realized this could also affect gear for 166 737s and 20 757s. An AD is now forthcoming for both types.
#AvGeek
In early 2024 Boeing and the MRO realized this could also affect gear for 166 737s and 20 757s. An AD is now forthcoming for both types.
#AvGeek
July 7, 2025 at 7:18 PM
If you saw this an aircraft on approach in the fog 1,504ft off the ground 8 miles away from an airport...
...drop to 248ft off the ground 1min later when 5 miles out...
...then climb up to 961ft when 3 miles out...
...would you think this was almost controlled flight into terrain?
...drop to 248ft off the ground 1min later when 5 miles out...
...then climb up to 961ft when 3 miles out...
...would you think this was almost controlled flight into terrain?
July 4, 2025 at 4:35 PM
If you saw this an aircraft on approach in the fog 1,504ft off the ground 8 miles away from an airport...
...drop to 248ft off the ground 1min later when 5 miles out...
...then climb up to 961ft when 3 miles out...
...would you think this was almost controlled flight into terrain?
...drop to 248ft off the ground 1min later when 5 miles out...
...then climb up to 961ft when 3 miles out...
...would you think this was almost controlled flight into terrain?
Reposted by Phil Derner
In which I write a bit about Air India, the DC midair, the rocky FAA & DOT relationship, & Robert Oppenheimer. Includes a couple of shout outs to @leahsottile.bsky.social & @amartini.bsky.social.
We've got ourselves a update-style newsletter, y'all. colleenmondor.substack.com/p/29-updates...
We've got ourselves a update-style newsletter, y'all. colleenmondor.substack.com/p/29-updates...
#29: Updates on many things.....
On what we don’t know about Air India, the conversation shaping up around the DC midair, how everything old is new again for the FAA, some atomic bomb thoughts & more.
colleenmondor.substack.com
July 3, 2025 at 2:53 AM
In which I write a bit about Air India, the DC midair, the rocky FAA & DOT relationship, & Robert Oppenheimer. Includes a couple of shout outs to @leahsottile.bsky.social & @amartini.bsky.social.
We've got ourselves a update-style newsletter, y'all. colleenmondor.substack.com/p/29-updates...
We've got ourselves a update-style newsletter, y'all. colleenmondor.substack.com/p/29-updates...
HELP! I'm buying luggage. Large, checked bag for carrying suits and stuff for those week-long trips.
Best brands and deals? I want to be thorough before I go to my default of TravelPro.
Best brands and deals? I want to be thorough before I go to my default of TravelPro.
July 3, 2025 at 6:10 PM
HELP! I'm buying luggage. Large, checked bag for carrying suits and stuff for those week-long trips.
Best brands and deals? I want to be thorough before I go to my default of TravelPro.
Best brands and deals? I want to be thorough before I go to my default of TravelPro.
Over my house today again, and again at 600ft, 12 miles out.
Certainly not a complaint. Just wondering why.
Certainly not a complaint. Just wondering why.
July 1, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Over my house today again, and again at 600ft, 12 miles out.
Certainly not a complaint. Just wondering why.
Certainly not a complaint. Just wondering why.
Taking a moment to grasp the reality behind audio recordings of disaster...
The Finality, Loneliness, and Unspoken Defeat in Ill-Fated Crash Recordings
Transcripts and audio recordings of radio calls, air traffic control, or cockpit voice recorders carry raw emotion and deeper stories behind tragic events. Here are the 3 recorded events that still ha
open.substack.com
June 29, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Taking a moment to grasp the reality behind audio recordings of disaster...
NASA’s P-3 Orion, N426NA, seems to be doing a little tour of SoCal. Surprised to see it 600ft off the ground 12 miles out from March Air Base. Not complaining!
Now going over Salton Sea at 750ft, not slowly, either.
Now going over Salton Sea at 750ft, not slowly, either.
June 29, 2025 at 5:12 PM
NASA’s P-3 Orion, N426NA, seems to be doing a little tour of SoCal. Surprised to see it 600ft off the ground 12 miles out from March Air Base. Not complaining!
Now going over Salton Sea at 750ft, not slowly, either.
Now going over Salton Sea at 750ft, not slowly, either.