Our aim to educate and inform you, explore and develop your passion for aviation, and entertain you a little along the way.
799 Doomsday Planes
Korean Air 747s will become the new doomsday planes, the new ATC rest rules have been delayed by the FAA, Breeze flight attendants voted to join the union, a United jumpseat pilot has upset some Southwest pilots, the GA flyover in DC was a success, Boeing employees were found to have falsified 787 Dreamliner inspection records, Airbus hasn’t leveraged an advantage in light of Boeing’s woes, and airlines sue the DOT over a new rule requiring the disclosure of fees.
Aviation News
Former Korean Air 747s Slated To Become USAF Doomsday Planes
Korean Air has confirmed the sale of five of its 747-8s to Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), which is building the new Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) aircraft, also referred to as “doomsday planes.” The USAF states:
The E-4B "Nightwatch" serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and is a component of the National Military Command System for the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
In case of national emergency or destruction of ground command and control centers, the aircraft provides a highly survivable command, control, and communications center to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders, and coordinate actions by civil authorities.
SNC acquired five Boeing 747-8s from Korean Air. The current E-4B aircraft are based on the 747-200. SNC specializes in aircraft modification and integration as well as space technologies.
FAA Delaying the Start of ATC Rest Rules
The new FAA ATC rest requirements require controllers to have at least 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before a midnight shift. The rule was to have taken effect by mid-July. However, the FAA has delayed those requirements while it talks to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) union. FAA Air Traffic Organization Chief Operating Officer Timothy Arel hopes to reach a joint rest period agreement for the 2025 schedule "or sooner where feasible."
Flight attendants at this Utah airline just voted ‘overwhelmingly’ to unionize
More than 76% of the roughly 600 Breeze Airways flight attendants voted to join the Association of Flight Attendants. AFA international president Sara Nelson said “We are inspired by their solidarity and thrilled to welcome them to our AFA family. Our labor movement is growing. Everywhere.” See: Breeze Flight Attendants Vote Overwhelmingly to Join the Flight Attendant Union.
“Breeze Flight Attendants organized for a union and a contract due to ongoing issues with constantly-changing work rules, substandard pay for time on the job, inadequate hotel accommodations, insufficient work hours, and inconsistent and disrespectful treatment from management.”
American Airlines is Issuing ‘Poverty Verification Letters’ For New-Hire Flight Attendants Because Their Wages Are So Low
Nearly One in Ten Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Have Experienced Homelessness in the Past Year and Over a Third Have Been Forced to Use a Food Bank
Poverty verification letters are being sent to some new-hire flight attendants based in expensive areas.
Airline Feud Escalates: United Pilots Barred From Southwest Airlines Jump Seats After Controversial Incident
This stems from an incident where a “relatively new” United pilot reported some “inadequacies” to the FAA after jumpseating on a Southwest flight.
AOPA’s General Aviation Flyover in DC
Video: LIVE DC Flyover - AOPA's National Celebration of General Aviation
https://www.youtube.com/live/vpSaYYcljIk?si=7eb13EFMVeUZUx4o
FAA is investigating Boeing for apparent missed inspections on 787 Dreamliner
Boeing voluntarily disclosed to the FAA that some B787 Dreamliner inspections may not have been performed, but were signed off as completed. The inspections are intended to verify adequate bonding and grounding at the wing-fuselage joint.
In a statement to NPR, the FAA said it's also investigating "whether Boeing completed the inspections and whe...
5/15/2024 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 50 seconds
798 Satellite Communications
Satellite communications for aviation with the Executive Director of Aviation at Iridium Communications Inc. In the news, Dick Rutan passes, a DOT Office of Inspector General report looks at NextGen, an unruly passenger pays the price, a second Boeing whistleblower dies, the delclining value of frequent flyer programs, and squawking the 7700 emergency distress code.
5/8/2024 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 33 seconds
797 Pilot Training
Pilot training with guest Jason Miller from The Finer Points. In the news, more pilot downsizing, new DOT rules for canceled and significantly delayed flights, the FAA reauthorization bill, a general aviation flyover of the nation’s capital, and airport vs. tornado.
5/1/2024 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 8 seconds
796 Air Traffic Controller Fatigue
FAA addresses controller fatigue, runway incursion, American safety issues, Boom SFA to exceed Mach 1, states can enforce airline consumer laws, bill to ban CLEAR.
4/24/2024 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 8 seconds
795 Airline Industry Insights
Airline industry insights, Korean and JAL orders, Frontier pilot training, frequent flyer rewards, airport name change, Boeing 797.
4/17/2024 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 6 seconds
794 SouthWings Environmental Flights
SouthWings volunteer pilot organization, best-selling piston aircraft, student pilot stats, LearJet world flight, Las Vegas airport, skipping TSA, flight deck features, Spirit order deferral.
4/10/2024 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 4 seconds
793 Hypersonic Flight
Stratolaunch Talon A2 hypersonic vehicle, COMAC C929, pilfering on Air Force One, Gulfstream G700, Spirit Airlines' credit boost, pilot therapy sessions, United pilot capacity, Frontier Airlines' prank.
4/3/2024 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 4 seconds
792 Boom Supersonic XB-1 Demonstrator
Boom XB-1 demonstrator, Boeing leadership changes, FBI and Alaska Flight 1282, Boeing quality, FAA United oversight, PW1100G engine issue, A-10 demonstration team.
3/27/2024 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 15 seconds
791 U.S. Space Force
U.S. Space Force, business aviation tax proposals, probable cause for the LATAM 787 dive, FAA production audit at Boeing, NTSB hearing on 737, JetBlue gets unfavorable response after a flight.
3/20/2024 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 4 seconds
790 Airline Ticket Price
Airline ticket price components, Machinist’s Union and Boeing contract, NTSB is unhappy with cooperation from Boeing, a large American Airlines order, Indonesian pilots fall asleep, Alaskan law enforcement use of aircraft, LATAM flight experiences a “technical event” with injuries.
3/13/2024 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 4 seconds
789 Scaled Composites
Scaled Composites president and the VP of flight operations, FAA tells Boeing to make a plan, Boeing looks at SpiritAerosystems, Skyryse fly-by-wire helicopter, V-22 Osprey returning to flight, airlines scale back pilot hiring, JetBlue - Spirit merger off.
3/6/2024 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 4 seconds
788 Corporate Flight Attendant
Corporate flight attendant egress training, Bombardier Challenger crash, Boeing executive shuffling, Spirit AeroSystems whistleblowers, 737 Max Service Difficulty Reports, air traffic training, Boeing safety recommendations.
2/28/2024 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 40 seconds
787 California Science Center Space Shuttle Endeavour
Space Shuttle Endeavour at California Science Center, T-7A Red Hawk program delay, El Al communication takeover, infrastructure grants for US airports, Delta trading cards, Boeing immunity deal.
2/21/2024 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 47 seconds
786 Flying Tigers
The Flying Tigers 69th DRS Association, GPS jamming and spoofing, 737 MAX 9 lawsuits, Boeing quality, SAF options, pilot retirement age, AV-8B Harrier.
2/7/2024 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 47 seconds
785 The Boeing Company
Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, lap babies, proposed JetBlue and Spirit Airlines merger, airline route growth, Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, B-21 Raider, more favorite aviation movies.
1/31/2024 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 21 seconds
784 Inflight Connectivity
Inflight connectivity, B737 MAX 9 inspections, unleaded avgas, an Air Force officer crowned Miss America, more favorite aviation movies.
1/24/2024 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 21 seconds
783 Favorite Aviation Movies
Listener’s favorite aviation movies, MAX 9 cabin door plug, British Airways pilot kidnapped and robbed, Spirit sale/leaseback, Netjets mandatory retirement age, Cirrus new generation SR-22.
1/17/2024 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 42 seconds
782 NASA X-59 Test Pilots
Two X-59 test pilots discuss the NASA Quesst mission, the design and technology of the X-59 aircraft, the role of test pilots, and the challenges of flying supersonic.
1/14/2024 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 21 seconds
781 Astronaut
The experiences of a NASA astronaut, 737 Max 9 grounded, A350 collides with Dash-8, air rage, Smart Gating, 300 hybrid-electric aircraft buy.
1/10/2024 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 21 seconds
780 Bits & Pieces XXXI
Flying Breeze Airways, getting into aviation, family holiday story, becoming an air marshal, Collings Foundation, getting to know Launchpad Marzari, 2023 year in review.
12/27/2023 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 2 seconds
779 Aircraft Leases
Aircraft leases, Southwest FAs must vote again, video stunt pilot stunt flying again, 737NG nacelle retrofits, PW1100G engine inspections, Southwest fined, museum for WWII crashes.
12/20/2023 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 2 seconds
778 China Aviation Market
China aviation market, V-22 Osprey grounded, JetBlue-Spirit merger, airport expansion, SAF from CO2 direct air capture technology.
12/13/2023 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 26 seconds
777 Aviation Accident Litigation
Aviation accident litigation, bad ATC, FAA Safety Team recommendations, United bribes, cargo drone airline, Collings Foundation air tours, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines.
12/6/2023 • 1 hour, 41 minutes, 25 seconds
776 Moving to Multi-engine Aircraft
Moving to a multi-engine aircraft, a Southwest airport lounge idea, Best Restroom, hydrogen engine for GA, municipal airport challenges, GA deliveries.
11/29/2023 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 2 seconds
775 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
$30 Billion Port Authority capital plan, unruly passenger fine, remote airport tower certification, public charter flights, possible AA strike, ATC graduates skip FAA training.
11/22/2023 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 2 seconds
774 Why Flying is Miserable
Why flying is miserable and how to fix it, NTSB on increase in near-misses, ARC will examine pilot mental health, preliminary Hawker/Cessna accident report, cargo pilots offered $250,000 to go regional, UA frequent flyer program.
11/15/2023 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 2 seconds
773 North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco
The North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco, Van’s Aircraft financial issues, DOT and Schiphol airport, Federal Flight Deck Officer threatens another pilot.
11/8/2023 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 2 seconds
772 Managing Small Airports
Success factors for small airports, bizjets collision at Houston Hobby, airline cockpit safety, the NBAA show, new FAA administrator, Spirit halts pilot and FA training.
11/1/2023 • 1 hour, 48 minutes, 2 seconds
771 Bits & Pieces Number 30
Interviews from Cranky Dorkfest 2023, Micah on lighter than air vehicles, and a chance encounter at Costco.
10/25/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 19 seconds
770 Boarding the Airplane
The airline boarding process, Leap-1A engine compressor-stalls, the $19 billion Kennedy Airport transformation project, SpaceX Starlink Internet connectivity on planes, and an update on the oldest skydiver. Also, another Australia Desk report and great listener mail.
10/18/2023 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 7 seconds
769 Transonic Truss-braced Wing
A transonic truss-braced wing X-Plane, air travel capacity, germs on airliners, B-17 crash victim settlement.
10/11/2023 • 50 minutes, 57 seconds
768 Xwing Autonomous Aircraft
Xwing autonomous aircraft, Delta loyalty program, GPS spoofing, Schipol capacity, crash takes two lives, a 104-year-old woman goes skydiving.
10/4/2023 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 44 seconds
767 Aircraft Seat
The CEO of an aircraft seat upholstery specialist company, airline loyalty programs, unapproved parts, Boeing in India.
9/27/2023 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 49 seconds
766 Air Travelers with Disabilities
Air travelers with disabilities, PAX compensation for delays, lux terminal services, controller shortage, social media post causes plane crash, seagliders for Hawaiian airline.
9/20/2023 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 38 seconds
765 Air Travel
The state of air travel and future outlook, commemorating 9/11, airlines leaving regional airports, skiplagging, FAA Administrator nomination, Air China engine fire.
9/13/2023 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 1 second
764 Oshkosh and Spurwink Farm
Interviews from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and from the Spurwink Farm Fly-in and Pancake Breakfast.
9/6/2023 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 44 seconds
763 Rigid Airships
Rigid airships and the fatal crash of R101, pilot medical conditions, Boom Supersonic XB-1, fatal military crashes, more air traffic controllers needed.
8/30/2023 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 21 seconds
762 A Curtis P-40 Pilot and a United Assistant Chief Pilot
We speak with a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk owner and pilot, and with an Assistant Chief Pilot at United Airlines.
8/23/2023 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 6 seconds
761 Airline WiFi
Roger Sands, the CEO of Wyebot, explains airline WiFi. Wyebot provides AI-driven WiFi automation for the WiFi industry.
8/16/2023 • 44 minutes, 9 seconds
760 Brian Shul Replay
A replay of our conversation with USAF Maj. Brian Shul from Airplane Geeks Episode 375.
8/2/2023 • 38 minutes, 58 seconds
759 Reyné O’Shaughnessy Replay, Pilot Mental Health
A replay of our conversation with Reyné O’Shaughnessy from Airplane Geeks Episode 671 about pilot mental health.
7/26/2023 • 39 minutes, 14 seconds
758 Jeff Bolton Replay, Inside the B-2 Bomber
A replay of our conversation with Jeff Bolton, originally published as Episode 570 on September 18, 2019.
7/19/2023 • 31 minutes, 28 seconds
757 Amy Laboda Replay
A replay of Episode 89 with guest Amy Laboda, originally published on March 16, 2010.
7/12/2023 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 52 seconds
756 Eileen Bjorkman Replay
A replay of our conversation with Eileen Bjorkman from Episode 618 published on August 26, 2020.
7/5/2023 • 29 minutes, 20 seconds
755 Spurwink Farm Fly-In and Pancake Breakfast Replay
A replay of our 2022 Spurwink Farm Fly-In and Pancake Breakfast coverage.
6/28/2023 • 56 minutes, 58 seconds
754 Ward Carroll Replay
A replay of our conversation with Ward Carroll from Episode 680, published on November 24, 2021.
6/21/2023 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
753 Igor Sikorsky III Replay
A replay of our conversation with Igor Sikorsky III from Episode 144, published on April 19, 2011.
6/14/2023 • 41 minutes, 5 seconds
752 Breeze Airways, plus Cranky
Interviews from the Breeze Airways inaugural flight celebration at the Portland International Jetport (PWM), and an interview with Cranky.
6/7/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 58 seconds
751 Providing Ukraine with F-16s
We speak with a USAF General about the challenges involved in providing Ukraine with F-16s.
5/29/2023 • 28 minutes, 52 seconds
750 Northeast Alliance
Northeast Alliance ruling, American Airlines app, Breeze Airways, Republic Airways pilots, and Cessna Citation Ascend.
5/24/2023 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 32 seconds
749 Human Trafficking at Airports
How human trafficking takes place at airports, and how the problem is being addressed.
5/17/2023 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 8 seconds
748 JAARS Mission Aviation
Mission aviation with JAARS, airlines add staff, funding flight training, PAX compensation, Airline Customer Service Dashboard.
5/10/2023 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 10 seconds
747 Boeing 747, the Queen of the Skies
We look at the history of the Boeing 747, some facts and figures, our memories of the plane, the 747 in the news, and we discuss a few of the accidents and incidents. We also have some personal photos of the Boeing 747 taken by our listeners.
5/3/2023 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 8 seconds
746 Live ATC Transmissions
Live ATC transmissions, FAA Acting Administrator stepping down, Airbus and Air France cleared in AF 447 accident, FAA on TAWS use, ADs for 747-8s and B-17s.
4/26/2023 • 1 hour, 55 minutes, 47 seconds
745 Air Turbulence
Air turbulence increasing, aeronautics science and technology priorities, Delta pilot raided, passengers skip immigration, prison time for pointing a laser, aborting a takeoff, flying with children.
4/12/2023 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 5 seconds
744 DOJ Antitrust Lawsuit
DOJ antitrust lawsuit to block JetBlue-Spirit Merger, Delta flight aborts takeoff, Shell cancels SAF plans, Delta uses Lyft, FAA travel disruption warning, aviation career advice, more lap babies.
4/5/2023 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 22 seconds
743 Chinese Commercial Aviation
China flies CJ-1000A engine destined for Comac C919, Chinese Airbus final assembly line delivers first A321, “Really Cool” airline, United and Archer eVTOL air taxi service, no permanent FAA Administrator, Osprey V-22 orders, Point Mugu Air Show.
3/29/2023 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 27 seconds
742 Condor Airlines
Condor Airlines Director of Sales on plans for the North American market, FAA Aviation Safety Summit sessions, Russian fighter and Reaper drone, CVR recording time, lap infants on commercial flights.
3/22/2023 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 27 seconds
741 Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance
Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance, F/A union proposal, Reno air races, parting out 787s, NASA, hydrogen fuel, F130 engine test, Aerospace Media Awards, Boeing 747-400 N401PW.
3/15/2023 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 6 seconds
740 Status Match
Status match and airline loyalty programs, an alleged export control violation, a hydrogen-powered regional airliner takes flight, Jetblue court cases, FAA problem impacts check rides, report from Avalon, a visit to an El Al MRO shop.
3/8/2023 • 1 hour, 54 minutes, 45 seconds
739 Decarbonizing Aviation
Decarbonizing aviation, increasing SAF availability, the PT6, GA aircraft shipments, Continental engines AD, airport close call, pets and TSA x-Ray machines, DOJ and the Jetblue/Spirit merger.
3/1/2023 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 38 seconds
738 Air Traffic Control
Air Traffic Control certification program, FAA safety call to action, increased hand-flying, airport safety management systems, FAA IT system fixes, flying over Russian airspace.
2/22/2023 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 52 seconds
737 Flight Sim Controller
Jon Ostrower describes the exciting new flight sim controller from Yawman, Chinese balloon impact on Boeing, a United 777 experiences a steep dive, American Airlines pilots refuse to be interviewed on tape, more unidentified objects are shot down.
2/15/2023 • 1 hour, 46 minutes, 16 seconds
736 Autonomous Aircraft
Xwing autonomous aircraft, Airbus and Qatar Airways A350 dispute, personal eVTOL, close call with two airliners on the same runway, F-22 Raptor gets first kill, a Boeing 737 crashed fighting fires in Australia.
2/8/2023 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 58 seconds
735 Aircraft Automation
The co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics on aircraft automation, first United Aviate Academy class, NTSB and BEA on Ethiopian 737 Max crash report, pilots making airport safer, Southwest meltdown, ADS-B Exchange and Jetnet.
2/1/2023 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 29 seconds
734 Grand Dames of Aviation
The Grand Dames of Aviation, Transonic Truss-Braced Wing airliner, Boeing arraignment, Southwest strike vote, JFK runway incursion, AusDesk, Seattle Aerospace BBQ.
1/25/2023 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 44 seconds
733 NOTAM Outage
The NOTAM outage and subsequent ground stop, why Amazon Air is selling cargo capacity, the runway incursion at JFK, the Airbus automated emergency diversion system, and an Australia News Desk report.
Aviation News
Here's the latest on the NOTAM outage that caused flight delays and cancellations
On January 11, 2023, the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system failed and the FAA issued a domestic ground stop, leading to thousands of delayed and canceled flights. A corrupt database file has been cited as the cause of the failure. NAV CANADA reported issues with their NOTAM system on the same day. At the time, they did not believe the Canadian outage was related to the FAA outage. See FAA's NOTAM computer outage affected military flights.
Amazon Air to Sell Surplus Capacity Onboard its Jets Ahead of Predicted Market Slump
In 2023, the global air freight market is forecast to shrink by about 25%. Amazon Air has decided to sell excess air freight capacity on its fleet of 97 wet-leased planes.
The FAA is investigating a near-miss between two passenger planes at JFK airport
A Delta Air Lines 737-900 (Flight 1943) was on its takeoff roll when ATC noticed an American Airlines Boeing 777 (Flight 106) crossing the active runway. The Delta plane stopped about 1,000 feet before the crossing. The American 737 returned to the gate and passengers disembarked. Due to a crew resource issue, the flight resumed the next morning. Customers were given overnight accommodations.
Airbus tests pilot assist that can automatically divert flights
Airbus is testing a pilot assistance feature called DragonFly, which can automatically divert a flight in an emergency. The system can pick a flight path to the best airport and communicate with air traffic control and an airline's operations center. Even if the pilots are incapacitated, DragonFly can land the aircraft safely.
Australia News Desk
This week we have a follow-up on the news about Bonza Airline's air operators certificate, which was approved by the regulator the day last week's episode went live. There's some consternation among the travel agent sector over Bonza's decision not to service Sydney at all, but as we talked about last week, they're trying a different strategy. Time will tell if it works or not.
Australia’s Bonza awarded AOC
On the tourism front, two of China's three major carriers - Air China and China Southern - are boosting their schedule for flights to Australia, in a move that many hope will see the lucrative inbound Chinese tourist market ramping back up.
China Southern, Air China boosting flights to Australia
And a new network of satellites from Skykraft, sporting significant levels of Australian-made components, has been successfully deployed over the country, in a move that will eventually allow more accurate and reliable tracking of aircraft and WHF communications in some of the more remote areas of the continent.
Australia’s largest ever satellite constellation now active
Mentioned
Airline Pilot Study - A questionnaire for pilots to learn about what aspects of innovation might make an airline more attractive to pilots when they decide which airline to apply to fly for.
Rob's Newest jet:
Hosts this Episode
Max Flight, Rob Mark, and David Vanderhoof.
1/18/2023 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 36 seconds
732 Cabin Air Management
Cabin air management technology, AD for A220 engines, terrible ground crew accident, Southwest meltdown, airport without fuel, happy pets, giveaway winners, AusDesk.
1/11/2023 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 24 seconds
731 Bits and Pieces 30
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with the president and CFO of DG Fuels, continuous pricing models for airlines with the co-founder and chief AI at Fetcherr, an #AvGeek look-back at 2022.
1/4/2023 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 3 seconds
730 Christmas Trees and B-17s
A timeless story about a remarkable man named Si Spiegel who flew the B-17 in World War II and went on to develop something that was unusual for the time, but commonplace now during the Christmas season.
12/28/2022 • 21 minutes, 6 seconds
729 Airport Lounges
We speak with the operator of the world’s largest network of airport lounges. United’s Boeing order, air travel trends, Boom Supersonic engine, Army selects Bell V-280, passengers injured by turbulence.
12/21/2022 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 18 seconds
728 Safety Cards and Carry-on Luggage
We speak with the owner of a company that designs and creates airline safety cards, and talk with a T-Mobile manager about an interesting new product for air travelers.
12/14/2022 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 17 seconds
727 Air Mobility Solutions
Air mobility grants, preliminary NTSB report on airshow collision, F-22 Raptor, B777X engine issue, Delta pilots contract, F-16 crash.
12/7/2022 • 1 hour, 56 minutes, 4 seconds
726 One-Pilot Cockpits
One-pilot cockpits, Frontier customer service, pigeons, Real ID, A-10 pilot, A-1H Skyraider, Mooney crash, America’s best airports.
The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum opened the completed portion of the renovation at the National Mall in Washington, DC.
The Museum calls itself “the world's largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts, encompassing all aspects of human flight, as well as related works of art and archival materials.” It’s typically the most visited museum in the United States.
The museum occupies two locations: The original location is in Washington, DC and the newer Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is the annex, located outside DC next to Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia. That facility was made possible by a $65 million donation by Steven F. Udvar-Házy, a co-founder of the aircraft leasing firm International Lease Finance Corporation, or ILFC.
In this episode, we look at the DC facility. It was established in 1946 as the National Air Museum and the main building opened on the National Mall in 1976. In 2018 the Museum started a $250 million seven-year renovation project. When the renovation is completed, all of the museum’s 23 galleries and presentation spaces will be updated or completely redone.
On Oct. 14, 2022, the downtown museum reopened with eight new and renovated galleries in the west wing. Our Hillel Glazer was present representing the Airplane Geeks podcast at the press preview day, and he recorded some interviews.
Christopher Browne
Hillel recorded the opening video and the remarks from Christopher Browne, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. Browne joined the museum as deputy director in 2017 and served as acting director from 2021 to 2022 when he was named director.
Next, Hillel speaks with Dr. Jermery Kinner, the Associate Director of Research and Curatorial Affairs at the National Air and Space Museum. He leads the Museum’s three research and curatorial departments (Aeronautics, the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies or CEPS, and Space History). Kinner also provides counsel and advice on curatorial and museum affairs to the Director and the Senior Leadership Team.
Finally, we’ll hear from Beth Wilson. She’s been an educator at the Museum since 2004.
Video: Space For Everyone | The Reimagined National Air and Space Museum Open October 14
https://youtu.be/Ds6ILAlNUPU
Hosts this Episode
Max Flight and Hillel Glazer.
11/16/2022 • 35 minutes, 3 seconds
723 Boeing MoM
No Boeing MoM for now, propellers for aviation sustainability, high-wall super suites, passenger detention, large PAX weight and balance, KC-46 Class A mishap.
11/9/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 16 seconds
722 Flight Tracking with Flighty
The founder and CEO of Flighty describes the flight tracking app that pulls together a number of tools for flyers into one application.
11/2/2022 • 29 minutes, 36 seconds
721 Hype Aviation News Aggregator
Isaac Alexander is Chief Content Officer for Hype Aviation, a news aggregator and media intelligence service for aerospace industry professionals and enthusiasts.
10/26/2022 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 36 seconds
720 SkySquad
SkySquad provides an extra set of helping hands at the airport. John and Martha King talk about their new book Lift: How to start, run, and grow your own business.
10/15/2022 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 35 seconds
719 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2022
Max Flight reports from the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta held October 1-9, 2022. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Balloon Fiesta.
10/5/2022 • 44 minutes, 30 seconds
718 Aircraft Towing
Advances in aircraft towing systems, personal flying vehicles, and a story about becoming an airplane geek.
9/29/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 23 seconds
717 Jetblue/Spirit Merger
We talk with a mergers expert about the proposed JetBlue/Spirit merger.
9/21/2022 • 41 minutes, 16 seconds
716 Air Navigation Services
We speak with four women working for air navigation services provider Air Navigation Solutions Ltd (ANSL). We also talk with the president of Hartzel Propeller.
9/14/2022 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 2 seconds
715 Airline Seats
A human factors and ergonomic expert explains how the comfort and safety of airline seats are related. We also talk with the founder and CEO of LiveATC.net and present our traditional Labor Day message.
9/7/2022 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 27 seconds
714 Airline Contact Centers
Airline contact centers, Top Gun Maverick, Boeing and Airbus delivery problems, new aircraft carrier, avionics market report, Air France pilots.
8/31/2022 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 55 seconds
713 Women Aviators
Two woman aviators: An insurance claims adjuster who became a B777 pilot, and a Marine MV-22 pilot in training. Also, DOT wants action from the airlines, an Apple AirTag leads police to a bag thief, two pilots reportedly fell asleep, and seaplane service in the eastern U.S.
8/24/2022 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 50 seconds
712 Digital Co-pilot
AI digital co-pilot, 787 delivery, personal eVTOL, USAF eVTOL training, A-10 updates, partnering for pilots, pilot shortage, B-52 variant.
8/17/2022 • 1 hour, 42 minutes, 29 seconds
711 Women Student Pilots
Earning pilot’s license late in life, helping women become pilots, Cirrus Aircraft CEO, F/A landing injury, mother/daughter flying first, passenger refund NPRM, FAA seeks seat size comments, JetBlue turnover, flight cancellations and delays.
8/10/2022 • 1 hour, 55 minutes, 28 seconds
710 Plane Crash
Inside look at a 737 plane crash from a flight attendant. JetBlue to purchase Spirit Airlines, Piper Aircraft and CAE partner on electric aircraft, 2 million aviation professionals needed, FAA wants secondary fight deck barrier, EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2022 numbers.
8/5/2022 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 24 seconds
709 Aviation Training
Aviation training at UMA, orders at Farnborough, Delta TechOps, fighter market forecast, open fan engine demonstrator, KC-46 co-pilots, electronic bag tags, bad airline pilots, travel demand and airline capacity.
7/27/2022 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 48 seconds
708 Spurwink Farm Fly-In
Fly-in conversations, lost baggage woes, airports limiting passenger volume, and a missed runway crash investigation.
7/20/2022 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 23 seconds
707 Boeing 707
This episode is dedicated to the Boeing 707 with guest from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute which displays a Boeing VC-137C used as Air Force One for seven U.S. presidents.
7/13/2022 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 28 seconds
706 Airport Flight Delays
Flight delays and cancellations, long lines, higher fares, and travel woes with Johnny Jet. Also, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta tips, Spurwink Farm International Fly-In, PlaneTags Festival, ultra-efficient business plane.
6/29/2022 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 40 seconds
705 Air Force One
Air Force One paint scheme and production problems, F-35 Aggressors, Israeli extended range F-35s, Delta “juniority benefit,” Piedmont wage increases, U.S. Navy safety stand-down.