The Good the Bad and the Ugly: The Aviation Maintenance Industry - Raw!

Is Wheelz alive? Apr 14, 2025 00:01:33 “Where have you been?” “Are you still alive!?” “Has the FAA captured you?” “Is all ok?” We’re here :), Yup, not yet and so-soAppreciate the continued support and camaraderie folks! Take care, be save and always do the right things for the right reasons!

A/P Schools bastardized! Unsafe, unprepared & ... shenanigans. A TGTBTU Expose! Oct 10, 2023 00:43:18 Hello everyone and welcome to 2023's first expose' episode. We're diving into the changes being put into effect for our Part 147 Airframe and Powerplant schools in the U.S and why these "changes" aren't all they appear... While I agree the curriculum taught in A/P school(s) needs to be upgraded, modernized it doesn't end there. As almost everything "aviation" nowadays, there always seems to be a

From the Archives! - Being an aircraft mechanic during the beginning of COVID Sep 13, 2023 00:22:57 Thanks for tuning into 2023's first Bonus episode pulled "from the archives". This was recorded back in 2021 in Season 1. It was put on the back burner as other content took priority & forgotten about until this year. I've received a lot of questions about mine & other mechanics experiences during the first few weeks COVID 19 hit the U.S. I've been hesitant to releas

Podcast Aug 2023 update ! Aug 10, 2023 00:07:06 Hello everyone and thank you so much for supporting the show all these years and sticking by throughout! No, this isn't goodbye but in the upcoming months I will be taking another hiatus to take care of some personal 'stuff' which means I will be less active after October 2023. Still a few months away and there theres still new episodes incoming :) That means I will be needing someone

2023's FIRST aircraft Tech talk! Aug 9, 2023 00:31:42 The long awaited 'Aircraft Tech Talk' is back. Tune in for 2023s first Aircraft Tech Talk where I answer your aircraft "technical questions" and boy have I received a lot over the past winter! So, sit back and relax as we dive into the technical side of how aircraft "work" and "why." Embraer's, Airbus A300's, 767's and I put the 'kabosh' t

How to be a good manager and avoid becoming a bad one. Jul 12, 2023 00:16:24 Hey there everyone and thanks for tuning in! We're talking about how to be a good manager and how to avoid being a bad one in addition to talking about the traits of bad leadership and why they are... the way they are. And if you're a bad member of leadership listening to this, maybe you will learn something too! Link: "A mechanics voice and why managers should listen: https://spotif

2023's first episode! Update & 'mini' listeners questions answered! Jun 14, 2023 00:25:53 Hello everyone and WELCOME BACK!! This is 2023's FIRST episode of the show in season 3 and I answer the big question, "Where in the hell have you been Wheelz?!?" Also, I'll be answering your questions in addition to letting you know what to expect ahead this year! So, consider this episode as dual purpose in a sense: What's been going on with me, answering your questions AN

Bonus 12! Destroying trolls. Hangar talk & B757 parts wait. Dec 8, 2022 00:18:39 Hello and welcome ! No, did not expect to be talking to you fine folks so soon BUT trolls need to be schooled sometimes and hell, waiting for THE CORRECT parts to arrive for an aircraft can be boring. Recorded in the hangar, edited and uploaded for your entertainment! Join me will you as I go one-on-one with today's local twitter troll, talk some 'hangar talk' and ask you, the list

Christmas 2022 update. .. while driving Dec 2, 2022 00:32:16 Hello everyone and welcome! Update on, “where you been?”, what’s expected, AND I get cut off in traffic. In addition you’ll hear my rant about the FAAs decision to bastardize Part 147 A/P schools, SouthWest is getting better, Alaska Airlines on the, “up and up”, mechanics who love certain brands of tools, my .02$ dealing with bad passengers AND a Merry Christmas message! Wow! Quite a lot for 40 mi

Is "Maintenance" really the reason behind flight delays and cancellations? Jul 13, 2022 00:12:58 Thanks for tuning in everybody! This episode comes from the 'old archives' and was not previously released but here it is! In this episode, I'm talking about the increase in flight delays and cancellations being blamed on maintenance and why its happening. Its not all what it appears... Here is the two episodes I mentioned: https://anchor.fm/bryan-wheelz/episodes/Episode-7-A-Me

Special Episode! Interview W/ Pieter Johnson @ 'Xtended Aviation' Podcast! Jun 8, 2022 00:45:49 Hey there everyone! Thank you for tuning in. In this TGTBTU Special; I've got the distinct pleasure of being a guest on the, 'Xtended Aviation Podcast'. In this episode I am speaking to Pieter Johnson about the podcast, why I do it and what the premise of TGTBTU is all about!. What a great time I had speaking with Pieter and I hope to do it again soon! Check out the 'Xtended A

Anti-Boeing Trolls -VS- Me May 11, 2022 00:15:35 Hello everyone and welcome! This podcast was supposed to be a bonus podcast but instead I thought it needed to be said sooner rather than later.. Why does social media and the ignorant make false claims, spread bad information and hate on those of us who dare tell the TRUTH? Why do Anti-Boeing trolls hesitate or deflect when told facts and why do they get so upset when those living in reality

2022's first expose'- The Saga of N874AA Apr 13, 2022 00:44:33 Hello and welcome to this, 2022's first expose' podcast! We're talking about the saga of N874AA (I refer to it in the show as "Nine874”) An ex- AA 727 that was donated to the museum of flight in Seattle, WA & ended up in the hands of a museum located in Missouri. It was ultimately scrapped in 2021. But it’s not the scrapping of the aircraft which I found interesting, it's

China Eastern Air Crash: Debunking false/bad aircraft information Mar 21, 2022 00:17:18 Hello everyone and welcome! In this pretty much, off-the-cuff episode; I am dispelling some ridiculous statements, rumors and B.S information about the China Eastern Airlines B737-800 that crashed today carrying 132 people in southern China. A very tragic and saddening event that's becoming overshadowed by anti-Boeing propaganda, false narratives and asinine aircraft 'tech' informat

Bonus 11.5: "Was I picking on Cpt. Sully Sullenberger?" Nope. An Explanation. Mar 16, 2022 00:10:17 Hello and welcome everyone! In this kind of-sorta bonus, 'explanation' podcast I'm talking about how some of my social media postings recently were taken out of context when referring to Cpt. Sullenberger. Sully is an amazing person, an American hero, no doubt! I have NOTHING 'against' him. But his focus as US. Aviation Ambassador seems to me focused solely on the safety o

Episode 14: Is your GENFAM Instructor blowing smoke? Debunking the smoke & mirrors! Mar 10, 2022 00:24:02 Hello and welcome to the podcast! Talking about bad GENFAM instructors in todays episode and correcting some bad information some instructors have shared with their students! We rely on GENFAM to be an experience where we take away fundamental, systematic knowledge of the aircraft for which we're in the class for. (DUH) NOT to be fed a line of B.S! Tune in and please remember to subscribe

Bonus #10: What's with all these aircraft tire mishaps? Are re-treaded tires really safe? Feb 20, 2022 00:22:26 Hello everyone and welcome to this last minuet bonus podcast!. I've been asked quite a lot recently why we're seeing all these aircraft tire blow out incidents on commercial flights and whether re-treaded or 're-capped' aircraft tires are really safe. I'll answer these questions and put your mind at ease while an additional bonus, you get to hear my not so great COVID voice (y

Episode 13- Listener question: Are MELs safe? Do airlines abuse MELs? Feb 9, 2022 00:13:26 Hello everyone and WELCOME to the second episode of 2022!. Please forgive me for my "COVID voice" - I'm still getting over having COVID but the show's got to continue. In this short podcast, I answer a listener's question(s) about MELs. Do airlines skimp on them? And are MELs safe? In this very short episode I explain! ALSO dont miss the new website is up! https://aviat

Episode 12: Aircraft Mechanics liability and the consequences! Jan 17, 2022 00:21:32 Hello and welcome! In this podcast, I once again do my due diligence, and spoke to three aviation lawyers about an aircraft mechanics' liability and the consequences according to the LAW. You'll be surprised how easy it is to be held criminally culpable of negligence as an aircraft mechanic EVEN if you followed the tech pubs! I walk you through the process of how and why as explaine

Merry Christmas 2021! Welcome 2022! Dec 25, 2021 00:03:42 Christmas 2021 message from yours truly!  This year has been FILLED with so much good, bad, and ugly throughout the world and throughout the aviation industry as well.  With the podcast studio under repair and re-construction, I hope to be up and running by the end of January 2022. There will still be a January podcast but with previously recorded content.  ( "A Mechanics liability

The #2 - Aircraft Tech Talk! Dec 8, 2021 00:13:27 Hey there and welcome to the SECOND, NEW podcast segment, "Aircraft Tech Talk" where I answer your aircraft tech questions and give you a quiz at the end! I'll answer the quiz question during the NEXT Aircraft Tech Talk podcast and if you answer correctly, I'll send you some 'The Good the Bad and the Ugly' SWAG! Tune in! We have several really good questions in this

Bonus#9: Podcast end of Year update! What's happened and what lies ahead! Nov 29, 2021 00:21:22 Hey every one and thanks for tuning into the podcast! This is an end of the year, unscripted update with a twist... What's the twist? Well, its a new mic. Introducing the Shure SM7B microphone!  I talk about what's been happening on the Homefront, I recap some of my favorite episodes, talk about things to come in the future, a planned collaboration podcast with "Cancelled for Maintenance" , a

Bonus #8: American Airlines increasing F/As holiday pay but not others? Nov 24, 2021 00:08:35 Hello and thank you for tuning into this short bonus podcast where I discuss American Airlines' recent decision to increase flight attendant holiday premiums to keep them happy.  Did AA make the right decision? Are they forgetting about other employees who work equally hard and who ALSO work during holidays?  Tune in and I'll give you my $.02   Reach out to me at: apmechanicpod

Episode 11: Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance Nov 10, 2021 00:25:46 Hello and welcome!  In this podcast, I received an email asking me to about talk about Human Factors, the 'Dirty Dozen' and its issues within the aviation maintenance industry and how it affects aircraft mechanics!  **UPDATE- Made a slight change @5:00PM MST- audio is 150% better now, sorry about that** Reach out to me at: apmechanicpodcast@aol.com  or Twitter @goodbadugly_ap F

BONUS Special Podcast: American Airlines & FAA, Shenanigan's at its finest. Is AA the next Allegiant? A TGTBTU Expose' Nov 1, 2021 00:32:05 Hello everyone and thank you for tuning into this special expose' podcast.  Is American Airlines the next Allegiant Airlines? Are they up to no good and rolling the dice with peoples lives? I give you my take in the second expose' podcast, tune in!  *Yup, it's been remastered, cleaned up etc since it first aired as when I recorded it I was away from my studio- Enjoy!*  Feel free to

Bonus#7 : "Tribal knowledge" Is it good, bad? Does it belong in aviation maintenance? Oct 16, 2021 00:09:40 Hello and welcome to Bonus podcast #7 !   I received a message asking for my take on 'Tribal knowledge' and whether I think it has a place in the Aviation Maintenance industry.  Tune in!  ** Do you have questions, thoughts, concerns or want to share YOUR stories and experiences live on the podcast?   Reach out to me at: apmechanicpodcast@aol.com  or Twitter @goodbadug

Episode 10: Allegiant Airlines, Shenanigans at its finest. Oct 14, 2021 00:40:38 Hello and thanks for tuning in!  Sincerest apologies for the lateness getting this episode out.  With everything going on the Home front and the studio renovation, it took awhile. thank you so much everyone for your patience!    In this very special exposé podcast we're talking about Allegiant Airlines and its history of shenanigans, violations, fines and some real shady a

Episode 9: FAA FOIA request FAIL! What are they hiding? Sep 17, 2021 00:18:19 In May of 2021 I submitted an Freedom Of Information act to the FAA for 16 cases (investigations).  Tune in to find out what happened.  *You may notice some subtle differences in the audio of these newer podcasts as I tweak and adjust the new software and mic in the renovated studio.*  Reach out to me at: apmechanicpodcast@aol.com or Twitter @goodbadugly_ap Facebook :https://www.fac

A new podcast sound? Bonus podcast update, little 'chat' about upcoming Allegiant Airlines Episode and more! Sep 16, 2021 00:04:58 Hello everyone and welcome to another short update.  YES, this is the new and (hopefully improved) sound-  Would really appreciate it if you wouldn't mind sending a quick email or message to me, letting me know how you like it (or don't) Also in this short update podcast, a correction on tomorrows (17th) BONUS podcast and some info on October 13ths, "Allegiant Airlines, Shenanigan's at i

Episode 8: Listeners Questions Answered #2 ! Sep 8, 2021 00:21:04 Another listeners Questions podcast, Episode 8!! where I answer some more of your questions in this podcast. You wont want to miss it! Some questions I answer: - RTS MX , AOG MX & aircraft recovery experience - Women in aviation at Boeing? - Listeners bad A/P school experience - Why does it take so long for aircraft mechanics to do paper work? And why do they 'SIT' on the plane? *Was a

Podcast test with new studio equiptment for twitter poll Aug 31, 2021 00:01:05 Hey everyone and thank you for tuning in.  This is the FIRST podcast TEST session with the new equipment and I am asking for YOUR input.  Simply put- Does it sound good.  Or - does it sound bad.   Twitter Link for poll here: https://twitter.com/goodbadugly_ap/status/1432524002459803652?s=20 Do you have questions, thoughts, concerns or want to share YOUR stories and experiences

Podcast Update! 8-25-21 Aug 26, 2021 00:07:00 Hello and welcome!  I know, I know-- I haven't "Been around" much lately.  In this UPDATE podcast I fill you in on the new renovations to the podcast studio and what to expect in the upcoming podcast! Listen in.

Bonus #6 Uh-oh. "Haters gonna Hate" One Tweet gone wrong- My clarification Aug 18, 2021 00:08:11 Well,  I knew one day a tweet of mine would piss someone off  Today it did. This bonus podcast is just a clarification of what I meant.  Tweet link right here: https://twitter.com/goodbadugly_ap/status/1427998651813666827?s=20 Do you have questions, thoughts, concerns or want to share YOUR stories and experiences live on the podcast? Reach out to me at: apmechanicpodcast@aol.com or

WOW! The new segment, 'Aircraft Tech Talk' is taking off! Aug 12, 2021 00:00:56 Well it seems folks are enjoying the new podcast segment, 'Aircraft Tech Talk'. That's Awesome!  Getting some really good feedback and already receiving some listener emails for the next one!  Thank you everyone for tuning into the podcast, really glad your enjoying it!  If you missed 'Aircraft Tech Talk', here is the link: https://anchor.fm/bryan-wheelz/episodes/The-NEW-Aircraft-Te

The NEW Aircraft Tech Talk Segment !!! Aug 11, 2021 00:11:08 Hey there and welcome to the first, NEW podcast segment, "Aircraft Tech Talk" where I answer your aircraft tech questions and give you a quiz at the end! I'll answer the quiz question during the NEXT Aircraft Tech Talk podcast and if you answer correctly, I'll send you a little 'The Good the Bad and the Ugly' SWAG! We have four good questions in this podcast! Tune in!

Bonus #5 FAA aids Mexico instead of US? Aug 10, 2021 00:08:42 Hello and thank you for tuning into this bonus podcast where I talk about the FAA's nice little vacation to Mexico to help their aviation industry out of a rut.  Is this the right move?  Tune in and find out!  Do you agree?  Do you disagree?    Reach out to me at: apmechanicpodcast@aol.com  or Twitter @goodbadugly_ap Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/goodbadugly

Coming August 11th the new ‘Aircraft Tech Talk’ segment begins! Aug 9, 2021 00:00:26 Stay tuned August 11th for the NEW ‘Aircraft Tech Talk’ segment begins! I’m excited about this one, how you are too! Remember I love receiving your feedback good or bad! Share with your friends, let them know! Remember to subscribe! Thanks!

Podcast PSA #2 - Unruly PAX kinda have me ticked! Aug 4, 2021 00:03:40 Hello and welcome!   With all the Unruly PAX issues within the past week (and longer) I had to take a break from my normal routine of informing about the many 'fails' within the aviation maintenance industry and get this off my chest.  I empathize with persons who have a health issue or mental ailment that prevents them from wearing a mask-  I do! And if thats the case, it might beh

Bonus Podcast#4: FAA launches program to voice concerns. Does this include mechanics? Jul 21, 2021 00:06:20 In this quick, Bonus Podcast I am giving my .02$ and detailing the contradicting information of a new program released by the FAA.   On June 21,2021 the FAA announced a new "Reform mandate" called 'The Voluntary Safety Reporting Program' - a confidential "non-punitive"  program that encourages open reporting of aviation safety issues and concerns. This was pushed by congress to address t

SPECIAL PODCAST! The Transair/Rhoades Aviation Fiasco!! Jul 17, 2021 00:09:38 On July 16th the FAA revoked Transair/Rhodes Aviation's' Operating Certificate citing numerous concerns unrelated to July 2nd water ditching of a B737-200C - In this special bonus podcast I talk about the Transair/Rhodes Aviation Fiasco and whether they had it coming...  Tune in!   Reach out to me at: apmechanicpodcast@aol.com  or Twitter @goodbadugly_ap Facebook :https://www.f

Podcast PSA-> update 7-12-21 Jul 12, 2021 00:00:45 Just a quick PSA!  New podcasts the 2nd Wednesday of each month ! And the NEW 'Aircraft Tech Talk' starts August 11th! Remember to Check out Karlene Petitt's Blog at: https://karlenepetitt.blogspot.com/  Do you have questions, thoughts, concerns or want to share YOUR stories and experiences live on the podcast? Reach out to me at: apmechanicpodcast@aol.com , https://anchor.fm/bryan-wheel

Episode 7 "A Mechanics Voice" and why management should listen! Jul 7, 2021 00:25:21 In this episode I discuss the importance of a mechanics 'voice' and why its essential that management listen and the consequences if they don't...  Stay tuned!   Do you have questions, thoughts, concerns or want to share YOUR stories and experiences live on the podcast?  Reach out to me at: apmechanicpodcast@aol.com  or Twitter @goodbadugly_ap Facebook :https://www.faceboo

Episode 6: Mechanics vs Crew? Crew vs Mechanic? Does it happen? Jul 2, 2021 00:27:23 Thank you for tuning in for our 6th podcast!  I received an email from a listener asking about the relationships between mechanics and the flight crew.  I explain how the 'relationship' is between the two and share my experience of when I had to have a 'light discussion' with two different crew members.  (thats putting it nicely)  You wont want to miss this one!    &n

SPECIAL PODCAST! United Airlines bad decisions and MY way of fixing the B.S! Jun 30, 2021 00:13:39 United Airlines has been in the news the past couple of days, touting just "how good they are doing"-  But are they really?  Bad decisions being made left and right! And NOW they want to spend more money, YOUR money hard at work?  Tune in to hear about the B.S thats being pulled by Unites Airlines and my 'passionate' fix for their problem(s)! **And yes- I said in my intro. " In thi

Bonus podcast: 777X fiasco! Did the FAA do the right thing and why! Jun 28, 2021 00:09:34 Hey everyone and THANK YOU for listening to this BONUS podcast where I discuss the FAA's decision to without its granting of the TIA (Type Inspection Authorization) from Boeing!  Remember I will be releasing a podcast every month starting July 2021 on the first and last Friday of the month!  Tune it!  Reach out to me at: apmechanicpodcast@aol.com  or Twitter @goodbadugly_ap Fac

#2 of: The Best and Worst gate calls! -Bonus Podcast #3 Jun 22, 2021 00:14:11 Welcome to another bonus podcast where I talk about some of my best,worst, challenging or even funny hate calls! As always thank you for listening. Enjoy! #2  ** Microphone was a little to amplified during this- apologies!** Do you have questions, thoughts, concerns or want to share YOUR stories and experiences live on the podcast? Reach out to me at: apmechanicpodcast@aol.com , https://ancho

Episode 5: The line verse the Hangar, which is better? And GENFAM training, why is it important! Jun 19, 2021 00:33:31 Welcome yet again to episode 5 where we discuss the 'Line' environment verse the 'Hangar' environment.  Which is better?  Also I talk about the importance of proper GENFAM training.  And of course I go on a little tangent (again) about poor management and how it affects employees and ultimately, the aircraft.     **Correction when I was referring to 'AD's I meant to s

787 gear collapse at Heathrow airport! SPECIAL PODCAST ! Jun 19, 2021 00:10:06 Hey there and thanks for tuning in!  This is a special podcast covering the B787 Nose Gear collapse that occurred today at Heathrow airport. I received several emails this morning asking what I thought about the incident.  Although I've never wrenched on the B787 I still share my thoughts on this podcast. #787 heathrow EDIT - TWO CORRECTIONS: 1.) I said in this podcast that the B787 syst

Was I banned?! Bonus Podcast#2 Jun 18, 2021 00:12:56 Hello everybody and thank you for tuning in! Today I received word that one of my social media account that carries my podcast was flagged! Let me tell you about it…. Reach out to me at: apmechanicpodcast@aol.com  or Twitter @goodbadugly_ap Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/goodbaduglyap New podcasts the 2nd Wednesday of each month !  The Podcast website is up to! Check it out! https://

Episode 4: ‘Pencil Whipping’- Does it happen? Should you be concerned? Jun 17, 2021 00:36:01 A little off the next scheduled episode topic but an interesting episode which I speak about ‘Paper whipping’ in the aviation maintenance industry- It does happen. Why should the average Joe be concerned? Why should you, the mechanic be concerned? In this episode I break it down giving some of the most common examples of paper whipping. Sure I might catch some flak from aircraft mechanics for ‘b

Do you want to be on the podcast? Jun 16, 2021 00:00:33 Do YOU want to be on the podcast live?   Do you have questions, thoughts, concerns or want to share YOUR stories and experiences live on the podcast? Reach out to me at: apmechanicpodcast@aol.com , https://anchor.fm/bryan-wheelz/messageor Twitter @goodbadugly_ap

BONUS PODCAST !! Best and worst gate calls#1 Jun 16, 2021 00:16:07 I've received some emails asking for bonus content to be added to my podcasts- So here it is, a BONUS podcast where I talk about some of my best and worst experiences on the line! Enjoy! I will be doing occasional BONUS podcasts featuring topics YOU, the listeners have asked to hear about and sharing YOUR stories and experiences! As always, thank you for tuning in! Do you have questions, t

Episode 3 - Listener questions answered! Jun 16, 2021 00:18:53 In this podcast I share listeners questions and I answer them! Enjoy. I talk about morales and ethics in aviation, whether aircraft are safe, bias against GA, managers with no business in aviation, worst 'thing' about being an aircraft mechanic, MRO mergers and more! ** I was a little under the weather during this one so excuse the coarseness of my voice and my statistic data is derive

Episode 2: A/P School experience, breakdown and what to expect ALSO an A/Ps first day on the job 101 Jun 16, 2021 00:38:02 I. episode 2, I talk about my experience in A/P school, what should have been expected and what YOU should expect if your thinking about becoming an A/P. Also I talk about my first day on the job as an A/P , tips for the 'newbie' and go on a slight rant about my experience at a Tuscon Arizona MRO many years ago--- Fighting, especially while on the job is never acceptable. ( I learned...

The Good the Bad and the Ugly: The Aviation Maintenance Industry - Raw! (Trailer) Jun 15, 2021 00:00:31

Pilot Episodes Part I and II of The good, the bad and the ugly of the Aviation Maintenance industry: A raw and unscripted look Jun 15, 2021 00:33:35 Hello and thank you for stopping by!  This is my first Pilot podcast episode. (Be patient, I got a better microphone in later episodes) In this podcast I introduce myself, talk about my background and give some insight as to what to expect in the upcoming podcasts.   This podcast discusses the 'ins' and 'outs' of the Aviation Maintenance industry- I.E "The good, the bad and the ugly" &nb

The Good the Bad and the Ugly: The Aviation Maintenance Industry - Raw!

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