AvTalk Episode 377: About that low, low pass by the 777

AvTalk Episode 376: Transferring that risk elsewhere

Jun 26, 202652 minSummary

In this episode of AvTalk, the hosts cover a wide range of aviation news, beginning with the World Cup spirit as they discuss the creative special liveries painted on various national flag carriers. The conversation then shifts to serious safety concerns within the United States National Airspace System. They analyze a recent close call in Boston involving a Delta A319 and an American Airlines 737, questioning the reliance on human performance and debating the potential for automated alerting technology to assist air traffic controllers. The episode also examines the ongoing friction between the U.S. Coast Guard and the FAA regarding airspace revisions around Washington, D.C., and discusses the legislative struggle in Congress over ADSB safety mandates. Additionally, the hosts touch upon the FAA’s adoption of new AI-driven flow management tools, noting that while technology helps, chronic understaffing at New York TRACON remains the primary capacity constraint. Other segments include an emergency airworthiness directive for the A380, Airbus’s plans for a potential A220 stretch, and a look at Transport Canada’s review of licensing processes following the discovery of a fraudulent pilot credential.

AvTalk Episode 375: Progress, but to what end?

Jun 19, 202646 minSummary

In this episode of AvTalk, the hosts recap a recent visit to the Goodyear Blimp base in Ohio, offering listeners a glimpse into the unique world of airship operations and teasing an upcoming interview with a chief airship pilot. The conversation shifts to the aviation industry’s latest news, beginning with a critical look at the interim progress report regarding the Air India Flight 171 accident. The hosts express frustration over the lack of substantive information in the report, noting the importance of timely transparency in safety investigations. The discussion continues with the European Union’s latest update on passenger rights, which largely maintains the status quo after a decade of negotiation. The hosts analyze the complexities of airline baggage fees and the ongoing industry tensions surrounding these regulations. Additionally, they cover the latest in airline fleet management, including Qantas’s long-term Project Sunrise preparations, Airbus’s expansion of its assembly lines, and the unusual bankruptcy proceedings involving Spirit Airlines. Finally, the episode touches on Norwegian Air’s surprising acquisition of a leisure travel group, highlighting the airline’s significant financial turnaround after its shift back to a short-haul model.

AvTalk Episode 373: Eight hours to nowhere

Jun 5, 202653 minSummary

In this episode of AvTalk, the hosts delve into a wide array of aviation updates, ranging from personal travel anecdotes to major industry shifts. Jason shares his recent experiences navigating the complexities of the EES implementation at European airports and his travels on Air Serbia, providing a candid look at the current state of international connections. The conversation pivots to significant operational news, including the recent SAS flight to Mumbai that was forced to return to Copenhagen mid-air due to unresolved clearance issues. The hosts also discuss the first flight of the Airbus A350-1000 ULR, designed for Qantas' ambitious Project Sunrise. They analyze the tension between Airbus and China regarding certification delays and explore the ongoing stability efforts at Boeing as the manufacturer works to increase production rates for the 737 MAX. Finally, the episode addresses the somber reality of aviation in conflict zones, touching upon recent events in Kuwait and the surprising rise in overflights across Syria. The discussion concludes with a look at India’s new billion-dollar fund aimed at supporting airlines against the volatility of jet fuel costs.

AvTalk Episode 372: Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should

May 29, 202631 minSummary

In this episode of AvTalk, the hosts discuss a range of developments across the aviation industry, starting with an overview of the upcoming ILA Berlin air show, which promises an impressive display of aircraft including the Airbus Beluga and the Leonardo AW249. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to addressing a controversial trend where individuals have attempted to use spectral analysis to reconstruct cockpit voice recorder audio from accident investigation dockets. The hosts express strong disapproval of these actions, emphasizing that such technical exercises provide no value to investigations and show a lack of consideration for the victims and their families. The discussion also touches on the preliminary report regarding the China Eastern A350 jet bridge collision, the ongoing delays for Qantas’ Project Sunrise aircraft, and the hosts' personal experiences flying historic aircraft in Sweden, including the DC-3 and the Convair 340. The episode concludes with insights into the production of behind-the-scenes aviation content, highlighting how cockpit environments facilitate unique, authentic interactions between film crews and flight deck personnel, offering viewers a rare look at the human side of aviation.