Second Near Midair Collision Near Venezuela Involves Private Jet and US Air Force Tanker

Near Midair Collision Details

• ✈️ A private business jet flying from Aruba to Miami narrowly avoided a collision with a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker near Venezuela on Saturday.
• 🔊 The incident was detailed through air traffic control audio from LiveATC.net, with pilots reporting the close encounter.
• ⚠️ The pilots stated they were climbing through 26,000 feet when they nearly flew into the Air Force jet, noting the lack of a cockpit collision warning.

Similar Incident and Official Review

• 🔁 This event occurred just one day after a JetBlue flight reported a similar near-miss with an Air Force refueling tanker in the same general area.
• 🔍 The Pentagon and Dutch officials are reviewing the JetBlue incident, and the National Transportation Safety Board is gathering information on both events.

Expert Analysis on Aviation Risks

• 🚨 A former Blackhawk pilot described the back-to-back incidents as deeply concerning, emphasizing the potential danger when commercial and military aircraft operate in close proximity.
• 🪖 Military aircraft may turn off their transponders to avoid detection by adversaries, which also prevents air traffic control and commercial pilots from seeing them.
• ⚠️ The FAA issued warnings on November 21st and reiterated them, advising pilots to exercise caution in and around Venezuela due to heightened military activity.

Safety Recommendations

• 🧑‍✈️ It is the responsibility of every pilot, both commercial and military, to ensure they maintain separation from other aircraft.
• 🚫 Given the FAA warnings and potential for increased combat operations, flying near Venezuela is strongly discouraged, with commercial airlines advised to avoid the area.
• 🛑 The expert advised against loved ones traveling near the area, comparing it to a war zone.