AvTalk - Aviation Podcast

On this episode of AvTalk, we review what we know so far about the mid-air collision between a US Army UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter and a PSA Airlines CRJ-700 in Washington DC, what we don’t know, and some of the avenues of inquiry investigators and authorities are following. We also discuss the crash of a Learjet 55 air ambulance shortly after takeoff near Philadelphia. And finally, we sort through the preliminary report on the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines flight 8243 near Aktau, Kazakhstan to begin to understand just what an incredible effort it was by the pilots to limp the E190 across the Caspian Sea. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Flight data and other helpful information regarding the crash in Washington DC * Flight data regarding the crash near Philadelphia * Flight data and the preliminary investigative report regarding Azerbaijan Airlines flight 8243 Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Check back soon for a transcript of this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2025

Note: this episode of AvTalk was recorded prior to the crash in Washington DC involving a PSA Airlines CRJ-700 and US military H-60 helicopter. We will have complete coverage of the accident and where the investigation stands on next week’s episode. For regular updates, please visit our blog post on the accident here. On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Boom makes a boom for the first time, taking its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft beyond the speed of sound for the first time. The NTSB is investigating a United Airlines flight that experienced “unexpected aircraft movement” over the Ivory Coast. The aircraft diverted to Lagos where a handful of passengers and crew received medical attention. South Korean investigators have released their preliminary report. We discuss the report and which questions the it raises rather than answers. And elsewhere in South Korea an Air Busan A321 was severely damaged by a fire that broke out prior to the aircraft’s departure for Hong Kong. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Boom’s first supersonic flight * United Airlines flight 613 * Jeju Air flight 2216 preliminary report * Judgement in Air Canada gold heist case Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please check back soon for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2025

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Jason journeys through the European fog for a very special trip to the beach. Snow hits the US Gulf Coast from Houston to New Orleans forcing the cancellation of thousands of flights. The Boeing 777X is flying again and the NTSB releases its final report on the United Airlines 767 hard landing. And on a HiFly A330 this week, a new passenger was added to the manifest mid-flight. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Jason’s video landing in Barra in the Twin Otter * NTSB final report on United 767 hard landing * Photos from HiFly’s baby (born) on board Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please check back soon for a transcript of this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2025

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, TCAS once again ensures everyone goes home safely, this time avoiding a collision between a Delta A330 and United 737 in Phoenix. A Delta 757 suffers and engine failure on departure from Atlanta. Lufthansa could be in a bit of trouble as the European Commission says the airline must return to preferential pricing for Condor. The EC is also  investigating the airline’s transatlantic joint venture with United and Air Canada. And Air France has released its signature scent, AF001. Helpful links for this week’s show * TCAS at work in Phoenix * Video of Delta 757 engine failure * European Commission notice to Lufthansa * Air France’s Signature Scent Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Pleach click here for a transcript of this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2025

On this episode of AvTalk, Ian and Jason are back with their first regular episode of 2025. We get an update on the investigations into the crashes of Azerbaijan Airlines flight 8243 and Jeju Air flight 2216. We take stock of Boeing’s progress toward a new safety culture one year after the Alaska Airlines 737-9 MAX door plug blowout. We discuss the preliminary report on the ground collision between a landing Japan Airlines A350 and Japan Coast Guard Dash 8. And the transition by Air Greenland from its former hub in Kangerlussuaq to the capital Nuuk is not without challenges. Helpful links for this week’s episode * JTSB preliminary report on A350 and Dash 8 collision * Crankyflier article on Condor’s changes * Someone explain this window fire to us, please Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2025

On this special episode of AvTalk, Ian and Jason discuss what we know so far about the crashes of an Azerbaijan Airlines E190 in Aktau, Kazakhstan and a Jeju Air 737 in Muan, South Korea. This episode of AvTalk was first released as a video episode on our AvTalk Podcast YouTube channel. For the visual version of the episode, click the link in the show notes below or search AvTalk Podcast on YouTube. All of the visuals from Flightradar24 included in the video can be found on the Flightradar24 blog pages for the respective accidents linked in the show notes. * Video version of the podcast on YouTube * Azerbaijan Airlines flight 8243 crashes near Aktau, Kazakhstan * Jeju Air flight 2216 crashes in Muan, South Korea   Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.  

Published: 3 January 2025

On this episode of AvTalk, we look back at a trio of our favorite conversations from this past year. In 2024, we were fortunate to speak with experts from across the aviation industry. In this recap of the year, we revisit three conversations with people who helped us understand challenges facing the industry, what it takes to bring a new aircraft to life, and how its possible to seamlessly merge airplanes and Lord of the Rings. Matt Thurber, AIN Media Group editor-in-chief — GPS interference GPS interference, whether through jamming or spoofing, has risen dramatically over the past few years and the industry response has been limited. We talked with AIN Media Group editor-in-Chief Matt Thurber to learn how the aviation and navigation industries and approaching the challenges presented by GPS interference. Gary O’Donnell, Airbus A321XLR head of program Gary O’Donnell has been with the A321XLR program at Airbus from the beginning. Speaking to our Chris Lomas on the occasion of the aircraft’s certification by EASA, O’Donnell tells what it takes to get an aircraft from the drawing board to the skies. Max Comer, Airplane facts with MAX In perhaps the most fun conversation of the year, Ian speaks with Max Comer of Airplane Facts with Max about the meteoric rise in popularity of Max’s social media presence, how we creates his airplane facts videos, and why so many people are enamored with his content. Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 27 December 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Ian and Jason take a deep breath and discuss the New Jersey drones. What are people claiming they’ve seen, why nearly all of the reports are just aircraft, and why you should never, never shine a laser or fire a gun at an airplane—identified or not. Plus, AerLingus takes its first (and second) A321XLRs, Boeing restarts 767/777 production, and the FAA finalizes drug and alcohol testing for repair stations outside the US. And NASA completes the first aircraft accident investigation on another planet.   Helpful links for this week’s episode * DHS, FBI, FAA & DoD Joint Statement on New Jersey drone sightings * Statistics on laser incidents in New Jersey in December 2024 * FAA’s finalized drug and alcohol testing rule * The first aircraft accident investigation on another planet * Flying stinky pigs * Busiest routes of 2024 Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Ian and Jason are back from their travels and back in the studio for a full week’s worth of aviation news. We start with Boeing’s resumption of 737 production and a judge’s rejection of the plea deal negotiated by Boeing and the US Department of Justice. Then we head west for the first major moves by Alaska Airlines as it integrates Hawaiian Airlines into its operations. And in safety news, investigators begin analyzing the black boxes of the crashed Swift Air 737. And the NTSB releases its final report on the inflight upset suffered by a Challenger 300 in 2023, which finds the pilots did not follow proper procedures at multiple points before and during the flight—all starting with an ill-timed delivery of ice. Helpful links for this week’s episode * NTSB report on Challenger 300 * NTSB report on Southwest 737 vs Diamond DA40 Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please check back soon for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Ian is joined by Flightradar24 colleague Chris Lomas in Stockholm as Jason finishes his travels in Asia. In this news this week, a marriage proposal involving a helicopter and Flightradar24, Lufthansa’s stake in ITA Airways clears the final hurdle, Aeroflot takes its first wet lease, and a fire fighting Airbus A319 is in the works. Helpful links for this week’s episode * A helicopter marriage proposal * Instrument calibration flight patterns Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please check back soon for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Jason is traveling in Japan and Ian is prepping his Thanksgiving Turkey. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to discuss. An Azimuth Airlines SuperJet caught fire after a hard landing in Antalya. A Swiftair 737-400 operating for DHL crashed 1.5km short of the runway in Vilnius, killing one of four crew members on board. And Emirates took delivery of its first A350, but the flight path left many scratching their heads. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Azimuth Airlines flight catches fire after hard landing * Swiftair 737-400 crashes in Vilnius * Emirates A350 delivery flight path * UK AAIB report on Ryanair 737-8-200 MAX * Etihad announces 10 new destinations * Royal New Zealand Air Force’s first C-130 flight to Antarctica Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please check back soon for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2024

On this week’s AvTalk, severe turbulence leads to an inflight engine shut down on an SAS A330. A CargoJet 767 overruns the runway in Vancouver after a flap failure. A Southwest Airlines jet is struck by a bullet in Dallas. A Qantas A380 flew for a month with a tool in one of its engines. And hundreds of hamsters get loose on a TAP A321neo. Helpful links for this week’s episode * SAS A330 encounters severe turbulence * CargoJet 767 runway overrun in Vancouver * ATSB Qantas A380 engine tool report * Hamster plane Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2024

On this week’s AvTalk, at least three aircraft are struck by bullets while trying to landing in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Spirit Airlines could soon file for bankruptcy after Frontier walks away from a potential merger. And Colombian cargo carrier Aerosucre has yet another close call, striking the ILS array at the end of the runway while trying to depart Bogota. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Spirit Airlines flight 951 hit by bullets * FAA NOTAM restricting US flights in Haiti below 10,000 feet * Aerosucre 727 strikes ILS array * Apple AirTag find my bag coming soon * 99% Invisible’s podcast on Spirit Halloween Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Boeing machinists in the pacific northwest ratify a new contract, ending a 53 day strike. We discuss what’s in the contract and where Boeing goes from here. Spirit Aerosystems, the maker of 737 fuselages, says it may not have long as a “going concern.” Spirit Airlines will furlough hundreds more pilots next year as it continues searching for a path out of the financial hole it’s in. The Wall Street Journal reports that Russia is behind the series of parcel fires in air cargo shipments in Europe. Dublin’s passenger cap is on hold for now, Air Canada is bringing back a pair of 767 passenger jets, and airlines in the US must now refund you for significantly delayed or canceled flights if you choose not to fly. And we pay tribute to Ben Baldanza, former Spirit Airlines CEO and US ultra low cost carrier pioneer, who died this week at the age of 62 after a battle with ALS. Helpful links for this week’s show * The machinists new contract compared to previous contract * Wall Street Journal report on incendiary devices in air cargo * Air Canada 767 parked in the desert Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we welcome Max Comer, and airline mechanic and the man behind social media sensation Airplane Facts with Max, which compares and contrasts interesting aviation information… and the works of JRR Tolkien. Also this week, the NTSB releases its preliminary report on the Frontier Airlines flight that made an emergency landing in Las Vegas last month. WestJet is sending a trio of hail-damaged 737s to the desert. Riyadh Air places a major order for its narrow body fleet. And the final report on the crash of MS804 is out—eight years after the accident and with two starkly different conclusions. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Airplane facts with Max — where you can find Max’s content * Frontier emergency landing preliminary report * MS804 final report Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Boeing announces a $6 billion third quarter loss, while the company’s striking machinists reject the latest contract offer, sending negotiators back to work. A close call in Austin as TCAS comes to the rescue, while Indian airlines deal with a spate of hoax bomb threats. Frontier and Spirit could revive merger talks and it was a terrible week to taxi an aircraft at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Boeing’s third quarter earnings * Boeing CEO statement on third quarter earnings * TCAS saves the day in Austin * Indian airlines facing hoax bomb threats * ULD container wedged in Japan Airlines 747, 2009 * FAA “powered lift” final rule and Medium post * Final Qantas 717 flight * Final CSA Czech Airlines flight Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Boeing announces layoffs affecting 17,000 employees and the sunset of the 767 program. The 777X is delayed until at least 2026 and airlines are having trouble getting ahold of aircraft that are already certified. This is leading to some airlines refurbishing already well-worn aircraft and others canceling flights and routes. The US DOT OIG says the FAA (acronym much?) isn’t capable of effectively regulating Boeing. Sri Lankan investigators are probing a bizarre incident in which the captain allegedly locked the first officer out of the flight deck. And the ARJ21-700 is now the C909. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Boeing CEO letter to the company * US DOT OIG Report on FAA oversigt of Boeing * ARJ21 > C909 Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2024

On this episode of AvTalk, a new report from the New York Times raises questions about Boeing’s differing response to 737 MAX operators’ requests for safety information following the crash of Lion Air 610. A passenger safely lands a King Air after the pilot is incapacitated. The NTSB issues a pair of preliminary reports. And when it comes to the 787, the FAA says a tired pilot is better than a headless pilot. Helpful links for this week’s episode * New York Times article on Boeing’s response to Ethiopian Airlines * FAA SAFO regarding rudder actuator assemblies * Photo of Boeing 787 flight deck * Playback of Turkish Airlines flight 204 diversion to JFK * Playback of Beech C90 King Air landing by passenger * NTSB preliminary report on Alaska Airlines rejected take off due to runway incursion * NTSB preliminary report on Delta A350 vs CRJ-900 strike in Atlanta * Recording of the conversation between IATA CEO Willie Walsh and Breeze founder David Neeleman Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss Iran’s missile attack on Israel and the consequences (so far) for commercial aviation. The NTSB shakes its fist at the FAA over moist rudders, while the FAA’s investigation into United’s safety system turns up nothing. Qatar Airways is taking a 25% stake in Virgin Australia, with an interesting twist. A WWII-era bomb long-buried under a taxiway at Miyazaki Airport in Japan explodes. And NOAA is getting a new pair of hurricane hunter aircraft. Plus, we sit down with Capt. David Surridge, American Airlines’ director of air traffic management to learn more about ADS-B IN and how the airline is working with the FAA to gain operational efficiencies and save money in the process. Helpful links for this week’s episode * NTSB’s urgent safety recommendation on 737 rudder assemblies * WWII bomb explodes under Japanese airport taxiway * How dropsondes work * NOAA’s new hurricane hunting drones Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Boeing gives its striking machinists union its “best and final” offer. But how best and final is it?  EASA informs A350 operators to ensure they’re cleaning their fuel hoses properly. Canada heads down a confusing path on its quest resolve airline complaints. And a United Airlines flight experiences an unusual TCAS Resolution Advisory as it prepares to land in San Francisco. Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please check back soon for a transcript of this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2024

On this episode of AvTalk, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines secure Department of Transportation approval of their merger. As the Boeing Machinists’ strike enters week two, the company is implementing a long list of measures to hoard cash. In other strike news, Air Canada and its pilots union have reached a tentative agreement, but it still needs to be ratified. Ian heads to Dorkfest and SpotLAX in Los Angeles and chats with Kevin and Rudy from YouTube channel Airline Videos Live about the growth and future plans. And a US company is suing Australian airline REX for allegedly stripping aircraft for parts that didn’t belong to them. Helpful links for this week’s episode * US Department of Transportation announcement on Alaska + Hawaii merger approval conditions * Airline Videos Live captures a Lufthansa 747-8 hard landing and go around at LAX * Brett Snyder’s Cranky Dorkfest wrap-up Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a Delta A350 clips a CRJ-900, knocking the regional jet’s tail off. Brazilian investigators release their preliminary report on the crash of VoePass flight 2283. Boeing reaches a tentative labor agreement with its machinists union, but the union rank and file are not happy. Air Canada’s pilots could be on strike as early as September 18. And Southwest Executive Chairman and former CEO Gary Kelly is stepping down next year as the airline continues to try to hold off Elliott Management’s call for wholesale change in leadership. Plus, authorities find 2.7 tonnes of cocaine in a G-IV in Guinea Bissau. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Delta A350 hits CRJ-900 * VoePass 2283 preliminary report * Southwest Airlines board changes * EASA requiring Trent XWB97 inspections * 2.7 tonnes is a lot of cocaine Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2024

On this week’s AvTalk, a fuel hose failure on a Cathay Pacific A350 prompts fleet-wide inspections of the Trent XWB engine. Russian investigators release their preliminary report on the Gazpromavia SuperJet crash—and incorrectly installed angle of attack sensors feature prominently. Plus, a vulnerability in the US’ Known Crewmember system could have theoretically allowed anyone to bypass security. And the US seizes Venezuela’s presidential jet and flies it to Florida. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Cathay Pacific inspects its A350 fleet after engine failure * EASA orders inspections of the Trent XWB97 * Russian IAC preliminary report on Gazpromavia SuperJet crash (PDF, in Russian) * Technical description of SQL injection in Known Crewmember database * Seizure of Venezuelan presidential jet Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 6 September 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss Dominic Gates and Paige Cornwell’s article in this week’s Seattle Times detailing how the door plug on the Alaska Airlines 737-9 MAX was reinstalled without the proper bolts, allowing it to blow out of the aircraft shortly after departure on January 5th. We also learn via Aviation Week that cracks have been found in the inactive Boeing 777X test aircraft as well. Italian investigators release their preliminary report on the LATAM 777 tail strike in Milan. And for reasons passing your humble podcasters’ understanding, someone wants to start a new airline in Australia. Helpful links for this episode * Flightradar24 You’re the Captain! puzzle book pre-order * Aviation Week article on Boeing 777-9 thrust link cracks * Seattle Times article with detailed timeline of Boeing 737-9 door plug work * LATAM 777 tail strike preliminary report * Belgian Icon livery design contest * Aeromexico new logo Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2024

On this week’s episode, Boeing’s 777X test fleet is grounded after separated or cracked thrust links are found on all three aircraft. An update on the VoePass 2283 investigation. Elliott Management, the activist investor group trying to replace Southwest Airlines’ board of directors and top management unveils its list of candidates for the board. There’s a battle among low cost carriers brewing in… Connecticut? And the FAA says check your 787 pilot seats for missing button covers. Helpful links for this episode * Boeing grounds 777X fleet after failure of key engine mounting structure — The Air Current * Elliott Management Group’s full list of proposed Southwest Airlines directors Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 23 August 2024

On this week’s AvTalk, we’re joined by Nomadic Aviation Group founder and pilot Steve Giordano to discuss the circumstances around the crash of VoePass flight 2283. Giordano breaks down some of the important terms surrounding the accident and describes in detail the key points of turboprop flying as it relates to what we know so far about the crash and the conditions in the area at the time. Helpful links when listening to this episode * ADS-B data and flight playback * Deicing boots on an ATR 72’s wing Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Click here for a transcript of this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, the NTSB holds two days of investigative hearings on the Alaska Airlines 737-9 MAX exit door plug blow out. What we learned from the hearings and what we still don’t know. Tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, and we’re on NOTAM watch. And Crowd Strike, Microsoft, and Delta Air Lines continue to trade legal threats. Useful links * Background on AS1282, the NTSB’s public docket, and NTSB hearing archive * Cessna 172 ferry flight to Hawaii * New IndiGo Business class product Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Check back soon for a transcript of this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we’re joined by Ned Russell and his dog Heathrow to break down the appointment of Kelly Ortberg as Boeing’s new CEO. We also unpack Boeing’s second quarter earnings report, which while not particularly cheerful does have a few bright spots. Southwest and Spirit Airlines each announced massive changes, with Southwest adding assigned seating and extra legroom and Spirit following Frontier into fare bundling, including offering a true first class product. Will these changes be enough to right the ship for the struggling carriers? Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss the Crowd Strike outage and why it took Delta Air Lines so much longer than everyone else to get their operations back on track. The FAA is increasing scrutiny of Southwest Airlines after a third low descent incident in just four months—this time a flight approaching Tampa was as low as 150 feet nearly 5 miles from the runway. A Saurya Airlines CRJ-200 crashes on departure in Kathmandu we discuss what we know so far. As Airbus celebrates EASA certification of the A321XLR, we sit down with Gary O’Donnell, the head of the A321XLR program, to learn more about what it takes to get an aircraft from the drawing board to the skies. Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2024

On this week’s episode, Ian heads to the basement because TORNADO is in the METAR. And it’s finally some good news for Boeing as the 777-9 begins certification test flights. A Gazpromavia Superjet crashes outside of Moscow and we learn more about the incident a few weeks ago where a Southwest flight departed on a closed runway. Helpful links * BEA report on 9H-EMU incident in Paris Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Boeing agrees to plead guilty to felony charges, the NTSB issues its preliminary report on the Southwest Airlines flight that experienced “Dutch roll,” and two CRJ-900s come closer than they should have in Syracuse. Plus, a pair of Air India Express engine problems, Delta and Riyadh Air’s surprising new partnership, and the catering on one Delta flight was bad—very, very bad. Thank you for listening! Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next. Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, what Boeing did to earn a sanction from the NTSB. What the weekend may hold for Boeing’s legal troubles. Boeing and Airbus agree to deals to acquire Spirit Aerosystem’s operations. And Air Europa flight 45 experiences turbulence bad enough to toss a passenger into the ceiling space above the […] The post AvTalk Episode 275: The NTSB puts Boeing in timeout appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Boeing, Airbus, and Spirit Aerosystems near a deal to bring Spirit back into the Boeing fold. Another Southwest 737 flew too low, this time in Oklahoma City. The NTSB releases its preliminary report on UA28’s uncontained engine failure on 14 May. And Seoul’s Incheon Airport was closed for a […] The post AvTalk Episode 274: International trash balloons appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun is back in front of Congress. A trio of stories involving Southwest Airlines, including an apparent incidence of Dutch roll, a roller coast ride off the coast of Hawaii, and a system on the CFM LEAP engines that pilots apparently didn’t know about. And investigators […] The post AvTalk Episode 273: Congress, Dutch roll, and bad titanium appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Air India and IndiGO A320neos come close enough for authorities to open an investigation. We detail the sequence of events and why this incident received any attention at all. The NTSB released two final reports this week, detailing the probable cause of two near collisions in New York and […] The post AvTalk Episode 272: Reduced separation appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Jason flies from Germany to New York just to record the podcast and you can barely tell he’s been awake for nearly 24 hours. And in the news, Boeing provides the FAA its plan for renewed engineering excellence, the IATA annual general meeting takes place in Dubai with plenty […] The post AvTalk Episode 271: Boeing’s plan to fix itself appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, investigators in Singapore release their preliminary findings for the turbulence encountered by SQ321. And Jason is joined by Seth Miller in Hamburg as we review the news from this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo to see what innovations could be coming to an airplane near you in the a few […] The post AvTalk Episode 270: Coming to an airplane near you, news from AIX 2024 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss the extreme turbulence encountered by Singapore Airlines’ flight SQ321 that led to the death of one passenger and serious injuries to dozens of others. We also focus on how media reporting got the story wrong for so long. We also discuss the crash of the helicopter carrying […] The post AvTalk Episode 269: Extreme turbulence appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2024

On this episode of AvTalk, the US Department of Justice finds Boeing violated the terms of its 2021 deferred prosecution agreement and Congress passes the FAA reauthorization and we dig in to see what’s inside. Plus IndiGo could expand its fleet even further with an order for 100 regional aircraft. Thank you for listening! Thank […] The post AvTalk Episode 268: Not-so-deferred prosecution? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, employees at Boeing’s 787 assembly facility in South Carolina were falsifying inspection records. Spirit Aerosystems loses nearly as much in the first quarter of 2024 as it did in all of 2023, Alaska Airlines gets some Boeing store credit, and Emirates announces where it will send its new A350s […] The post AvTalk Episode 267: Falsifying records appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we learn that Embraer is considering a challenge to the Airbus-Boeing duopoly with a new mainline single-aisle aircraft of its own. Indigo orders up to 100 Airbus A350s, while Airbus navigates Boeing’s potential purchase of Spirit Aerosystems and what that means for the A350 fuselage sections and A220 wings […] The post AvTalk Episode 266: A new challenger emerges appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2024

On this week’s episode, we welcome current commercial pilot and former RAF captain Scott Bateman to discuss his new book, Hercules: First in. Last Out. The story of an RAF legend. Listen now to find out how to enter to win a copy of Scott’s book. We also discuss a pair of runway incursion incidents last […] The post AvTalk Episode 265: Scott Bateman’s Hercules appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, escalating retaliatory attacks between Iran and Israel and their effects on global air travel, congressional hearings sharpen the focus on Boeing’s problems, and United Airlines makes big changes to its order book. Plus, we’ve got stolen gold, expensive eels, and a unique competition. Thank you for listening! Thank you […] The post AvTalk Episode 264: Stolen gold and expensive eels appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2024

Thousands of extra planes take to the skies and New Jersey experiences an earthquake. And that’s just through Monday this week. We then hear from a fresh whistleblower at Boeing who alleges that some 787 and 777 aircraft could experience structural failures. Plus, the NTSB issues its preliminary report on the United flight that went […] The post AvTalk Episode 263: Another whistle blows appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a plane crash lands and then crashes into another plane that crashed a few months earlier. Pratt and Whitney may have a new problem on their hands. The FAA’s mental health panel makes its recommendations. And the French pilot union is calling for a strike to protest a proposed […] The post AvTalk Episode 262: Striking for the right to strike appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we welcome AIN Media Group editor-in-chief Matt Thurber to discuss how the aviation industry is reacting to GPS spoofing and jamming. Plus, major leadership changes at Boeing could take the company in a new direction. And the FAA continues to clamp down, this time taking a closer look at […] The post AvTalk Episode 261: How the aviation industry is reacting to GPS spoofing appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2024

On this episode of AvTalk, an update on the inflight upset experienced by a LATAM 787, the problem with popular media’s hyper focus on aviation incidents, and we dig in to the report detailing what actually happened when an errant flight plan shut down UK airspace last August. Plus, we discuss Flightradar24’s new GPS jamming […] The post AvTalk Episode 260: Beware the chair appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2024

On this episode of AvTalk, Batik Air pilots asleep on the flight deck, a LATAM flight experiences an inflight upset, and Boeing’s problems only seem to be getting bigger. Batik Air pilots were asleep for nearly 30 minutes during their flight to Jakarta. Over the sea between Australia and New Zealand, a LATAM flight experienced […] The post AvTalk Episode 259: Asleep at the sidestick appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, JetBlue and Spirit walk away, American Airlines adds to its order book, and the NTSB isn’t pleased with Boeing. JetBlue and Spirit call it quits JetBlue and Spirit agreed to terminate their merger agreement, deciding that it would be impossible to meet regulatory conditions by the time their agreement […] The post AvTalk Episode 258: With respect to documentation appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 8 March 2024

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, following a highly critical report by a panel of aviation safety experts, the FAA gives Boeing 90 days to explain how its going to get its act together. We review a collection of aviation safety reports, including the final report on PK8303. And a TCAS incident between Qatar and […] The post AvTalk Episode 257: 30 minutes of bad decisions appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.

Transcribed - Published: 1 March 2024