The Black Box Aviation Podcast
The Black Box 119 episodes Nov 3, 2026
The Black Box Aviation Podcast features conversations with airline pilots, military pilots, and aviation professionals about life as a professional aviator. Episodes cover personal flying experiences, the airline industry, and the broader curiosity and culture of aviation. The hosts use firsthand expertise to explore what it takes to work in the skies and the topics that surround the profession.
Episodes
Learjet 60 Crash: Extreme Weather, High-Altitude Icing & A Pilot’s Terrifying Day in Florida
A devastating Learjet 60 crash in Florida, extreme thunderstorms, high-altitude icing, and a frightening day of aviation disruptions. On this breaking aviation news episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, airline pilots Tom and Mike break down the tragic Learjet 60 accident and discuss the weather conditions, potential aerodynamic factors, and critical lessons that every pilot should understand
Donnie Wahlberg’s Rejected Takeoff: Runway Overrun, Pilot Decision-Making & Aviation Safety
What happens when a private jet rejects a takeoff at high speed—and runs off the end of the runway? On this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, airline pilots Tom and Mike break down the reported rejected takeoff involving New Kids on the Block star Donnie Wahlberg, examining the critical decisions pilots face when a takeoff goes wrong.From rejected takeoff procedures and V1 decision speed
Drone Warfare, Laser Strikes & Airline Safety: What Pilots Need to Know
How safe is commercial aviation when modern warfare, drone technology, and laser strikes threaten the skies? And what happens when an experienced airline crew discovers a stronger-than-expected tailwind during a nighttime landing?On this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, airline pilots Tom and Mike break down emerging threats to aviation safety and share a real-world cockpit experience th
War Zone Flying, GPS Jamming & Pilot Fatigue: Inside a Dangerous Istanbul Arrival
What happens when global conflict, pilot fatigue, GPS interference, and one of the world's busiest airports collide? On this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, airline pilots Tom and Mike take you inside the real-world challenges of international flying, from breaking aviation news involving Saudi Arabia to a demanding arrival into Istanbul that tested communication, situational awareness,
UPDATE to FlyDubai Cockpit Attack: New Crash Revelations, Pilot Security & Aviation Safety
🚨 FLYDUBAI COCKPIT ATTACK — NEW REVELATIONS & AVIATION SAFETY CONCERNSWhat happens when the biggest threat to an airliner may come from inside the cockpit?On this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike break down the latest revelations surrounding the FlyDubai incident, including the reported cockpit attack, concerns about pilot background screening, cockpit security, the use
Flydubai Flight 1073: Cockpit Attack, Hijacking & How Pilots Saved the Flight
🚨 BREAKING AVIATION NEWS: FLYDUBAI FLIGHT 1073 🚨What really happened aboard Flydubai Flight 1073 on its way from Dubai to Tel Aviv?In this breaking-news episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike break down the developing reports surrounding the dramatic Flydubai 1073 incident, including an alleged attack inside the cockpit, a massive altitude deviation, a distress call, a diversion i
Airline Pilot Life on the Road: Reserve Duty, Flight Delays, and a Heartfelt JetBlue Story
✈️ Airline Pilot Life on the Road: Reserve Duty, Flight Delays, and a Heartfelt JetBlue Story | The Black Box Aviation PodcastWhat is life really like for an airline pilot when a trip goes wrong? In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike share real-world airline pilot stories, the challenges of reserve duty, international cargo operations, and a touching story about how a Jet
21 Air Pilot Whistleblower: Safety Complaints, Retaliation & What Went Wrong?
Former 21 Air pilots raised safety concerns before the Amazon Prime Air crash in Miami — and now Amazon has paused its operations with 21 Air. In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike break down the whistleblower allegations, 21 Air's safety concerns, and what the ongoing investigation could mean for the cargo airline.What did former 21 Air pilots tell investigators and
AMAZON CUTS 21 AIR: What the 21 Air Crash Reveals About Amazon Prime Aviation & Pilot CRM
Amazon is cutting 21 Air from its Amazon Prime Air flying following the deadly 21 Air cargo crash in Miami. What happened during the approach, what does the cockpit voice recorder reveal, and why are experienced airline pilots Tom and Mike focusing so heavily on crew resource management (CRM), pilot decision-making, training, communication, and the breakdown between the captain and first officer?I
Pilgrim Airlines Flight 458: The Twin Otter Fire That Forced an Emergency Ditching | Aviation Accident
What happens when a seemingly harmless aircraft system turns into a life-threatening emergency? In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike break down the incredible story of Pilgrim Airlines Flight 458, a 1981 aviation accident involving a De Havilland Twin Otter, an inflight cockpit fire, aircraft icing, and an emergency landing on a frozen reservoir in Rhode Island.This obsc
Amazon Miami 767 Runway Overrun: What We Know So Far | Breaking Aviation News
A Boeing 767-300 cargo aircraft operating as Prime Air Flight 7598, operated by 21 Air, overran Runway 30 at Miami International Airport after arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico. In this breaking-news episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, airline pilot Thomas Gallagher breaks down what was known at the time of recording—and what investigators still needed to determine.Thomas examines the rep
Pan Am Flight 103 & the Lockerbie Bombing | Netflix Documentary Review
What really happened to Pan Am Flight 103? And how accurate is Netflix's documentary about the Lockerbie bombing?In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike take a deep dive into the 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 disaster and review the Netflix documentary that revisits one of the most infamous events in aviation history.The conversation goes far beyond simply recapping the docume
Airline Pilot Life: Bidding, Line Checks, Aviation Radiation & Same Call Sign Chaos
Welcome back to The Black Box Aviation Podcast! 🎙️✈️In this episode, airline pilots Tom and Mike pull back the curtain on the unpredictable reality of life on the road. From packing in minutes and recording a podcast while traveling to TSA mistaking aviation equipment for something else, this is a behind-the-scenes look at what professional pilots deal with.Mike is getting ready to jump on the Bri
APU Failure, Flight Delays & Pilot Decision-Making | Real Airline Pilot Stories
What really happens behind the scenes when an airline flight starts going sideways? In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, pilots Tom and Mike take you inside a series of real-world airline operations stories involving APU failures, extreme cabin temperatures, ground support problems, ATC delays, fuel management, maintenance issues, jet bridge failures, and challenging approaches into
Airline Pilot Nightmares, Fort Lauderdale Limo Rides & Alaska Airlines Security Scare
Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes when a pilot's trip completely unravels? In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, professional airline pilots Tom and Mike break down the chaos of rolling delays, crew scheduling nightmares, and what it’s really like to time out at an outstation (Fort Lauderdale edition!). We also dive into breaking aviation news, including the recent Alaska
Wrapping Up B777 IOE, Volcanic Ash Dangers & St. Martin Approaches
Tom is checking in live from his home studio after wrapping up his Boeing 777 Initial Operating Experience (IOE) trip! ✈️🌏 In this episode, Tom and Mike dive into the unfiltered realities of pilot life, tackling random post-flight drug testing, the hidden dangers of volcanic ash encounters on international routes, and the critical importance of crew resource management (CRM) with flight attendants
Airline Mergers, Historic Wrecks & Flying Over War Zones
What really happens behind the scenes when long-haul cargo pilots cross continents, manage fatigue, and fly through restricted airspaces?In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom checks in from Liege, Belgium, during a massive 13-day trip to detail the reality of flying over high-terrain routes, navigating geopolitical no-fly zones, and staying alert across time zones. Meanwhile, Mike
Lithium Battery Fires in Flight, Summer Delays & Airline Ground Stops
Tom is checking in live from Guangzhou, China as he kicks off his B777 Initial Operating Experience (IOE) trip! ✈️🌏 In this episode, Tom and Mike dive into the growing industry-wide concern over lithium-ion battery fires onboard aircraft—highlighting recent WSJ reports, real-world cargo flight safety protocols (including EVAS and automated fire suppression systems), and what pilots do when thermal
NetJets Laredo Crash Preliminary Report & 737 MAX Spoiler Wire Malfunctions
In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, airline pilots Tom and Mike dive into the highly anticipated preliminary NTSB accident report on the NetJets Citation Latitude highway crash in Laredo, Texas. We break down the timeline of the dual engine flameout, the unusual in-flight vibrations, and the critical component failures—including a fractured fuel-tube assembly and damaged starter gen
The Tragedy of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash: Fuel Exhaustion & Pilot Reserve Realities
Happy 4th of July from the crash pad! In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike dive deep into a legendary rock-and-roll tragedy: the 1977 Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash. We break down the technical factors surrounding the Convair CV-240 disaster, including the faulty right engine carburetor, severe fuel exhaustion, and how crew currency and the transition away from flight engine
An Air Traffic Controller Tells All: Overtime Rules, Flight Delays, and the Beijing Skyscraper Crash
Can you handle the truth behind flight delays? ✈️In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, co-hosts Tom and Momo Mike welcome back resident FAA Air Traffic Controller and former Air Force C-5 flight engineer, Ian! Get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how air traffic control (ATC) really manages the skies, how pilots handle simulator check rides, and what's changing with aviation safe
Commuter Nightmares, Reserve Chaos & Recent Military/Private Jet Crashes
What is it really like to live the airline pilot lifestyle during the hectic summer travel peak? In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike dive deep into the raw, unscripted realities of aviation commuting, crash pad living, and the chaos of getting called out on reserve. From navigating the gamesmanship of jumpseating through major hubs like Chicago O'Hare and Atlanta to sur
The Crash That Changed the Airline Industry Forever: Colgan Air 3407
What really happened to Colgan Air Flight 3407? On February 12, 2009, a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 operating as a Continental Connection flight crashed during an instrument approach to Buffalo Niagara International Airport, resulting in 50 tragic fatalities. In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, hosts Tom and Mike break down the complex chain of events that led to the devastating crash in
Miracle in Toronto: The Fireball Crash of Air France Flight 358
Welcome back to another episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast with your hosts Tom and Mike! In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most incredible survival stories in modern aviation history: the crash of Air France Flight 358 at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).On August 2, 2005, an Airbus A340 flying from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris battled severe thunderstorms, rapi
Air France 447 Manslaughter Verdict & Southwest 1248: The Truth About Runway Braking Action
On June 1st, 2009, Air France Flight 447 tragically crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. Now, nearly 17 years later, a French court has handed down a massive corporate manslaughter verdict against Air France and Airbus. In this episode, Tom and Mike break down the timeline of this historic aviation lawsuit and what it means for airline liability. Plus, we dive deep into the mechanics of pilot braking
B777 Training, FAA Medical Realities, Wind Shear Departures, and R-ATP Hiring Hurdles
In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the challenges professional pilots face—from the technical demands of transitioning to wide-body aircraft to the high-stakes reality of FAA medical certification.Tom kicks things off with an update on his latest travels and the start of his Boeing 777 (B777) ground school and systems training. He shares the logistical hurdles of the transition, includin
How Airline Pilot Scheduling Works: Seniority, Bidding, & Cockpit Secrets
Ever wonder how commercial airline pilots actually get their monthly flight schedules? In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike pull back the curtain on the complicated, high-stakes world of airline pilot bidding, PBS (Preferential Bidding System), and line bidding. If you've ever asked a commercial pilot, "What's your route?", the answer is far more complex than you think.
Frontier Flight 4345 Runway Collision: The Denver Incident & Pilot Stories from the Road
In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike dive deep into the harrowing Frontier Flight 4345 accident in Denver, where an A321 Neo struck a pedestrian during its takeoff roll. We break down the ADSB data, the rejected takeoff at 120+ knots, and the graphic reality of runway incursions. We also bring back our popular "Stories from the Road" segment, covering:Runway Se
Spirit Airlines Collapse, A Near-Miss at United, & Handling Departure Weather Delays
This week on the Black Box Aviation Podcast, we are covering the most critical headlines in aviation. From the abrupt shutdown of Spirit Airlines to a chilling near-miss incident at United, we break down what’s really happening in the industry.In this episode, Tom and Mike pull back the curtain on the aftermath of the Spirit Airlines shutdown. We discuss the human toll on thousands of displaced av
Gamers to Air Traffic Control & The Hidden Truth of Aviation Insider Threats
In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike dive into the evolving landscape of aviation safety and the unique ways the industry is recruiting the next generation of professionals. From high-stakes security concerns to the future of air traffic management, we pull back the curtain on what it’s really like behind the scenes for pilots and controllers. In this episode, we discuss
Sky King: The 2018 Sea-Tac Stolen Q400 Incident | The Untold Story of Richard Russell
In 2018, the world watched in disbelief as a Horizon Air Q400 was stolen from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by a ground service agent with zero piloting experience. On this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike break down the tragic and bizarre "Sky King" incident.We dive into the cockpit with Richard Russell to discuss:The Unauthorized Takeoff: How a tow team member manag
MEOW! Chaos on Guard & The Airline Merger Madness
In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike break down the recent controversy surrounding "cats on the radio" and the unprofessional antics on the emergency guard frequency. We examine the safety implications of unauthorized transmissions at busy hubs like DCA and discuss how the FAA and FCC handle these frequency disruptions.Shifting from cockpit etiquette to industry economic
Doors Open & Close Calls: Surviving Unexpected In-Flight Emergencies
In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike break down a series of recent "hair-raising" incidents that highlight the unpredictable nature of flight operations. We start with the wild Cape Air story where a cabin door swung open just 10 minutes after takeoff from Nantucket, and discuss why staying calm and "flying the airplane" is the most critical response to any emergency.Shi
Iran Rescue Ops: F-15E Down, Artemis Moon Mission & Pilot Radio Skills
In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike break down the high-stakes military rescue operation following a recent F-15E Strike Eagle shoot-down in Iran. We examine the complex coordination of search and rescue (SAR) assets, including the roles of the MC-130, MQ-9 Reaper, and B-1 bomber in a contested environment, while diving into the reality of SERE training and the "is
NTSB Warnings: LaGuardia Crash Investigation, ATC Staffing Crisis & TSA Funding Chaos
In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike pull back the curtain on the critical safety failures currently plaguing the U.S. aviation system. We break down the NTSB’s urgent investigation into the LaGuardia ground collision, examining how a simple missing transponder on a fire truck led to a CRJ-900 impact and what it says about our aging ASDE-X technology.Beyond the hardware,
F-35 Missile Strike, TSA Shutdown Chaos & The $27K Tarmac Rule
Aviation News, TSA Shutdown, F-35 Stealth Fighter, Jet Fuel Prices, DOT Tarmac Rules, Airline Industry Trends, Pilot Podcast.In this packed episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike break down the high-stakes world of modern flight, from combat zones to the terminal. We dive deep into reports of an F-35 Lightning II being damaged by an Iranian surface-to-air missile, discussing the h
LGA Runway Collision: The Air Canada CRJ-900 & Fire Truck ATC Analysis
"I messed up." Those are the chilling words from the LaGuardia tower moments after an Air Canada CRJ-900 collided with an airport fire truck on an active runway.In this emergency "Hot Topic" episode, Tom and Mike—both professional airline and military pilots—break down the newly released ATC audio tapes from last night’s tragic incident at LGA. We go beyond the headlines to ana
Pilot Hiring 2026: Southwest Apps, Checkride Failures, and Legacy Forecast
The major airlines are on a hiring spree in 2026, but are you prepared for the "scrub"?In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike break down the current pilot hiring landscape. We go deep into the Southwest Airlines pilot application—from the initial screener to the high-stakes supplemental questionnaire.Whether you’re a military pilot navigating "green folders&
Aviation Crisis: KC-135 Crash, Oil Volatility, and P-3 Orion Missions
Breaking down the KC-135 mid-air collision in Iraq and why jet fuel prices just spiked 50%. Tom and Mike analyze the technical and geopolitical fallout.In this urgent Monday release, we dive into the high-stakes world of military tanker tracks and the "Broadway" line. We cover the miracle landing of a damaged Stratotanker in Tel Aviv and discuss how airline captains are battling record-h
Incoming: Iranian Intercepts, Jet Fuel Jolts, and the Evacuation Dilemma
In this high-stakes episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike dive into the intensifying air power struggle in the Middle East. Tom reflects on his own harrowing experience flying a P-3 Orion in the Persian Gulf and what it’s like to be "lit up" by an Iranian Hawk missile site.The guys break down the current "air power war," the role of U.S. Carrier Strike Groups,
The Fireball Over Paris: The Tragic End of the Concorde (Air France 4590)
On July 25, 2000, the "flagship of the skies" met a catastrophic end. In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike break down the tragic crash of Air France Flight 4590, the fatal Concorde flight that eventually grounded supersonic air travel for decades.We dive deep into the chain of errors and the freak mechanical failure involving a DC-10 titanium strip that trigger
Is Your Flight Path Giving You Radiation?
Tom and Mike explore the "silent hazard" of aviation: Cosmic Radiation. We compare pilot exposure to nuclear workers and discuss the FAA's lack of protection for crews.In this episode:Top 18 Ranking: We celebrate our Pod Ranker debut.Space Weather: How solar flares impact your health and your GPS.Flight School Truths: Should you pick a school based on their fleet?Listener Mail: We an
The Ghost Plane: Payne Stewart and the Silent Killer at 39,000 Feet
On October 25, 1999, a luxury Learjet 35 departed Orlando with PGA legend Payne Stewart on board. Minutes later, the cockpit went silent. What followed was a four-hour "ghost flight" across America, pursued by F-16s as the world watched in horror.In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike peel back the layers of this tragic mystery. We explore how a silent, invisible killer ca
Flight Sim Mastery, Navy Checkrides, and the Pilot Stripe Mystery
Can virtual flying prepare you for a real-world Navy checkride? This week, Tom and Mike sit down with Wide-body Captain and simulation pro Jovan J. to explore the high-stakes world of online flight simulation. From the technical nuances of MSFS 2024 and VATSIM to how these tools are revolutionizing pilot training for the Navy, we’re breaking down the bridge between the desktop and the flight deck.
Air France 447: The Pilot Errors that Caused a High-Altitude Stall
The "unstallable" plane fell from 35,000 feet in just 4 minutes. On June 1, 2009, Air France Flight 447 vanished over the South Atlantic. In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike analyze the official accident report to uncover how a simple technical glitch—frozen Pitot tubes—turned into a fatal catastrophe.We break down the critical factors, including:Airbus Altern
ExecJet 901: Citation Latitude vs. 4 Deer (ATC Breakdown)
What happens when a mid-sized business jet hits a herd of deer at 100 MPH? 🎧In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike analyze the recent emergency involving ExecJet Flight 901 out of North Palm Beach County (F45). We break down the real-time ATC audio as the crew deals with airframe damage, fuel gauge failure, and the high-stakes decision to keep the landing gear down.Key hig
Pilot Career Tips & Flight Training with Ava Almquist
How do you balance an airline career, a social media brand, and a healthy lifestyle? In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, we sit down with Ava Almquist (@pilot.avabelle) to discuss the modern path to the flight deck. From navigating the flight training "hamster tunnels" at the University of North Dakota (UND) to the realities of sitting on airport reserve, Ava provides a tr
DCA Mid-Air Collision: The 2025 Potomac River Tragedy & NTSB Report
Why did a commercial jet and a military Black Hawk collide over the Potomac River? In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, we analyze the NTSB final report on the 2025 DCA mid-air collision. We dive into the systemic FAA failures, air traffic control workload, and the heartbreaking connection to the 2026 Winter Olympics and US figure skater Maxim Naumov.Key Topics Discussed:The Incident
The MD-11 Mystery & Winter Ops Chaos: Pilot Stories from the Blizzard
Why do airplanes hate the cold? In this episode, we’re breaking down the high-stakes world of Winter Aviation Operations. From Mike’s "sketchy" blizzard departure in Providence to the "cockpit gremlins" that appear when the mercury hits zero, we explore the technical challenges of de-icing, fuel planning, and keeping a jet alive in sub-zero Newark. If you've ever wondered w
The Mount Erebus Disaster: A Fatal Error in the Flight Plan
What really happened to Air New Zealand Flight 901? 🏔️✈️In our first "Hot Topic" episode, Tom and Mike dive deep into one of the most controversial aviation accidents in history: the 1979 Mount Erebus disaster. What was supposed to be a luxury, champagne-filled sightseeing flight over Antarctica turned into a nightmare when a DC-10 slammed into an active volcano.In this episode, we discu
From Audio to Video: Black Box Aviation’s First Studio Episode
In this milestone episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike officially bring the show to video for the very first time.This special episode goes behind the scenes into their home studio setups, aviation memorabilia, podcast gear, and how the show is evolving from a traditional audio podcast into a full video aviation podcast experience.But it’s not just about the studios — the conver
Airline Hiring Changes, Challenger Crash, and Aviation Security Concerns
Welcome back to the Black Box Aviation Podcast, where we talk aviation, travel, and the things you NEED and WANT to know about flying.It’s a quick-hit episode today—covering breaking aviation news, airline hiring shifts, and some classic stories from the road.A look at a Challenger 600 crash in Bangor, MaineUPS officially retires the MD-11 and what it means for cargo aviationSouthwest Airlines end
One Year In: MD-11 Lessons, Career Flow Paths, and the Passion That Keeps Aviation Alive
Welcome back to the Black Box Aviation Podcast with Tom & Mike—and this one is special. This episode marks our 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY, celebrating one full year of conversations about aviation, travel, career paths, and the realities of life in and around the flight deck. Our very first show aired on January 12th, and this episode reflects on how far we’ve come and where the industry is headed.We
Airline Mergers & WWII Bombers: From Allegiant–Sun Country to the Bloody 100th
Welcome back to the Black Box Aviation Podcast, where Tom, Mike, and special guest Travis dive deep into aviation history, industry news, and the stories that shape the world of flying.In this episode, we cover two very different but equally fascinating sides of aviation—modern airline consolidation and the brutal realities of World War II bomber operations.We break down the reported Allegiant–Sun
Standby Nightmares, Caribbean Chaos & Travel Mishaps
Welcome back to the Black Box Aviation Podcast, where Tom and Mike talk aviation, travel, and the real-world experiences flyers and crews deal with every day—covering the things you need and WANT to know about flying.This episode blends technical aviation insight, travel chaos, and classic road stories, with plenty of humor along the way.• Heather joins us while navigating a difficult family loss—
Holiday Flying, Aviation Corrections & Business Jet Crashes | Christmas Travel, Training, and the Greg Biffle Citation Crash
In this post-Christmas episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike recap the holidays, listener corrections, airline life on the road, and dive deep into recent aviation accidents and industry discussions.The guys break down listener call-outs and corrections from the Christmas episode, talk airline schedules, training culture, and what it’s really like balancing family life with flyin
🎄Christmas in the Skies: Holiday Travel Stories, Aviation Movies, Elvis, and Flying Home
Welcome back to the Black Box Aviation Podcast, where Tom and Mike talk aviation, travel, pilot life, and the things you NEED—and WANT—to know about flying, with a special Christmas edition of the show.This episode blends holiday traditions, aviation culture, travel memories, and real-world news, with plenty of laughs and meaningful moments along the way.🎶 Holiday Talk & Traditions• Elvis and
MD-11 Update, 777 Training, Near-Midair JetBlue Incident & Life on the Road
Welcome back to the Black Box Aviation Podcast, where Tom and Mike break down aviation news, airline operations, pilot life, and the stories you don’t hear anywhere else.In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics—from critical MD-11 fleet updates to big career news, unexpected travel chaos, and a JetBlue flight that narrowly avoided a military tanker near Venezuela.✈️ What’s in this episode:
FedEx Christmas Surprise, MD-11 Crisis & Thunderbirds Crash | Aviation News, Airlines & Flying Stories
Welcome to the Black Box Aviation Podcast, where Tom and Mike break down the latest in aviation news, airline industry updates, pilot stories, air travel trends, and real-world flying experiences.This episode is packed with surprises, industry drama, and jaw-dropping aviation stories — including a live FedEx delivery surprise that shows up during the recording!✈️ What we cover in this episode:• A
Aviation Chaos Week — Airbus Recall, UPS MD-11 Grounding & Winter Runway Scares
Buckle up — this week in aviation has been absolute turbulence.From major software recalls to a global cargo fleet grounding, winter runway scares, and wild stories from the road, Aviation Chaos Week breaks down everything shaking the industry.✈️ This Episode Covers:🔹 Airbus A320 global software recall impacting airlines worldwide — what caused it, who’s hit hardest, and how long disruptions may l
Thanksgiving in the Sky — Pilot Holiday Stories, Wild Weather & Life on the Road
It's Thanksgiving — aviation style. 🦃✈️On this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom & Mike dive into the emotional, hilarious, and downright chaotic reality of spending the holidays as a pilot.We cover:🍽 Childhood Thanksgiving traditions (and the family chaos that came with them)🌨 New England vs Florida — the wildest Thanksgiving weather events ever recorded⚠️ The Portland Gale t
Swissair Flight 111 — Smoke in the Cockpit: The MD-11 Disaster That Changed Aviation Forever
Ladies and gentlemen — welcome aboard another adrenaline-charged episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, where aviation gets real.In today’s episode, Tom and Mike break down the chilling story of Swissair Flight 111, an MD-11 that departed New York for Geneva in September 1998… and never arrived. What began as a routine transatlantic flight quickly turned into one of the deadliest and most defi
The 707 That Lost Two Engines in Flight — and Still Landed | Trans-Air-Service Flight 671
Welcome back to The Black Box Aviation Podcast — where we dive into aviation, travel, and the wild, unbelievable stories from the world of flying that you need and want to know. Hosted by Tom & Mike, two pilots who love airplanes and aren't afraid to get technical.On March 31st, 1992, a 28-year-old Boeing 707-321C departed Luxembourg carrying 70,000 lbs of freight. What should have been a
MD-11 Grounding, ETOPS Reality, Skylab 4, U-2 “Dragon Lady” Stories & Taxiing Giant Jets
Welcome back to The Black Box Aviation Podcast, where Tom & Mike dive into aviation, travel, and everything you need and WANT to know about the world of flying.This week is PACKED:✈️ Breaking News — MD-11 GroundingFAA Air Directive grounding the MD-11, DC-10 & MD-10 fleetNo inspection or repair guidance released yetNTSB briefing findings — CVR captured final 2 hours of audioWhat this means
❄️ Tragedy on the Potomac: Air Florida Flight 90 and the Deadly Dangers of Winter Ops
In this chilling episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike take listeners back to one of the most haunting winter aviation disasters in U.S. history — Air Florida Flight 90, the Boeing 737 that crashed into the icy Potomac River moments after takeoff from Washington National Airport in 1982.This episode explores how improper de-icing, pilot error, and misjudged procedures led to trag
UPS MD-11 Grounded! | Government Shutdown Wreaks Havoc on Travel + Heather’s Stressful Vacation Planning
The skies are turbulent this week — literally and politically. 🛫In this action-packed episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike welcome Heather back in studio to unpack major breaking aviation news and real-world travel chaos.✈️ Here’s what we’re covering:UPS Flight 2976 Update: Inside the investigation of the Louisville MD-11 crash and what the NTSB found in the recovered black box.
🚨 Breaking News: UPS Flight 2976 MD-11 Crash — Early Details & Expert Analysis
In this special breaking news edition of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike dive deep into the tragic crash of UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 that went down shortly after takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky.This episode hits close to home — Tom is currently qualified and flies the same aircraft type involved in the accident. With that insider knowledge, the hosts break down wha
Winter Weather Ops: De-Icing, Delays, and the Science of Staying Airborn
Tom & Mike are back in the cockpit for Episode 44 of the Black Box Aviation Podcast! We kick things off with a spooky recap of last week’s Halloween Spooktacular, featuring eerie listener stories — including one from a haunted hospital that’ll send chills down your spine.Then, we shift gears from ghosts to gusts, diving into the realities of winter flying. From the frosty ramps of Anchorage to
The Black Box Aviation Podcast HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR! 🎃
Tom & Mike are joined by special guest Travis — an Air Force Guard pilot and major airline aviator — for a chilling flight through the paranormal side of aviation.In this spooky, story-packed episode, we share personal ghost encounters, eerie aviation legends, and real-life hauntings from the skies to the tarmac. Buckle up — this one’s got turbulence of the supernatural kind!✈️ In this episode
Halloween Mayday, Pan-Pan & the Haunting of Flight 401 | Ghosts in the Cockpit & TSA Confessions
This week on the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom & Mike dive deep into aviation emergencies, strange skies, and one of the eeriest stories in airline history — the haunting of Eastern Air Lines Flight 401.We start off with a quick recap of last week’s interview with Nate Ehlers, founder of TheBackseatPilot.com. Don’t forget — you can still grab 15% off your order with code BLACKBOX at checkout
Nate Ehlers, founder of The Backseat Pilot (thebackseatpilot.com)
In this special episode, Tom & Mike welcome Nate Ehlers, founder of The Backseat Pilot (thebackseatpilot.com), to get behind the scenes of how a small reference-card idea turned into one of the most trusted training platforms for flight instructors and pilots alike.Nate walks us through:His origin story: how a simple IFR/VFR reference card spawned what’s now a full suite of products and lesson
Surviving the Southwest Wing Strike: Special Guest Heather’s Horror Flight & CRJs collide at LGA Airport!
This week on the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom & Mike sit down with special guest Heather, a passenger on Southwest Flight 2169 — the flight that suffered a wing strike on landing in Hartford back in 2019. Heather relives that terrifying day: the violent touchdown, passengers getting sick as the plane attempted two more landings, and the final emergency diversion to Providence. It’s a firsth
FAA Pilot Mental Health Bill, Delta Passenger Rights & Airline Fume Events
This week on the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom & Mike share real stories from the cockpit and the road:FedEx substitution vs. industry standardsRiding Delta to Anchorage, hitting Diamond Status, and getting reprimanded for recording inflight 🎥FAA landing currency rules and what happens when your trip gets droppedMcDonald’s new “value” meals vs. $18 airport Big Macs 🍔Breaking news: The Pilot
🎙️ FedEx Flight 705: The Hijacking That Nearly Brought Down a DC-10
On this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom & Mike break down one of the most shocking aviation stories ever—FedEx Flight 705. In 1994, Auburn Calloway, an off-duty FedEx pilot, attempted to hijack a DC-10 using hammers, mallets, and even a speargun. His plan: crash into FedEx headquarters in Memphis. What followed was a brutal cockpit battle, a desperate fight for survival, and aer
9/11 Timeline, Hijacking Lessons & The Day Aviation Changed Forever
In this powerful episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom & Mike reflect on September 11, 2001—walking through the timeline, sharing where they were in their own pilot training, and discussing how 9/11 reshaped aviation forever. We cover the hijackers’ path from Portland to Boston, the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the heroic stand of United Flight 93.We also discu
Inside the Tower: A Live Chat with Air Traffic Controller
This week the Black Box Aviation Podcast brings you something special — our first live guest, Air Traffic Controller Ian! Tom & Mike sit down with Ian for a candid look behind the mic at the people who keep airplanes moving safely through the skies.Ian shares his path to ATC, from school and training timelines to life inside the radar room. We talk about the stress myths vs. reality, favorite
Lady Gaga, Jumpseat Drama & West Jet St. Maarten Evacuation
This week on the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom & Mike cover everything from music icons to major aviation headlines. Tom visits New York, takes in the USS Intrepid Air Museum, and maybe even spots Lady Gaga — but is he really a fan?We break down the WestJet 2276 hard landing in St. Maarten that forced a passenger evacuation and shut down the airport, plus a discussion on jumpseat etiquette f
Flying the Family, ETOPS Explained & Fuel Dump Fallout
In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom & Mike kick things off by answering listener hotline questions: What is ETOPS flying? And how do pilots use the Great Circle Route? Plus, an update on the tragic NYC helicopter crash.From there, it’s stories from the road: Mike flies his family for the very first time — only to end up deplaning them after an APU failure 😬. We also cover an
Forgetting Underwear & Fuel Dumping Disasters | Black Box Aviation Podcast
Even pro travelers make rookie mistakes — Tom forgot to pack underwear. 🧳✈️ Mike won’t let him live it down as the Black Box Aviation Podcast takes off with stories from the road.This episode dives into the world of fuel dumping: why airlines do it, FAA rules, and what happened when Delta Flight 89 dumped thousands of gallons over Los Angeles, showering neighborhoods and schools below. Tom and Mik
Drones in Aviation: From War Machines to Everyday Flyers | Hot Topic Briefing
In this Hot Topic Briefing episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom & Mike dive into the fascinating world of drones — past, present, and future.We trace drone flight from its surprising beginnings in 1849 unmanned balloons to modern military UCAVs, kamikaze drones, and modified commercial UAVs. We also look at the civilian side: FAA regulations, Part 107 licensing, and how drone pilots
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