AvTalk - Aviation Podcast
An aviation podcast by aviation geeks for anyone who looks up when they hear an airplane fly overhead. Listen in as Ian Petchenik and Jason Rabinowitz bring you aviation news, views, and special guests every Friday. If you're a new avgeek or just can't get enough aviation in your life, get your avgeek fix with us.
Overrun by squirrels
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Indian investigators have downloaded the data from AI171’s recorders. Chinese authorities decline to release a report on China Southern flight 5735, citing threats to “national security and social stability.” A report on the Heathrow power station fire makes clear that it should have never happened. And a US Air Force base is being overrun by squirrels… again.
Helpful links for this week’s episode
China Eastern Airlines flight 5735 data and report announcement BBC summary of Heathrow transformer fire report Mexicana’s first E195-E2 EASA’s take-off performance monitoring system (TOPMS) p...Diversions and diversion tactics
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss all that has happened in Middle East airspace over the past week—from the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities and elaborate diversion flights to the Iranian retaliation against US bases in Qatar and the subsequent airspace restrictions to the fragile cease fire and the gradual opening of airways.
We also ponder why nearly two weeks after the crash of Air India flight 171, investigators have still not reviewed the data from the flight data recorders even as both were recovered just days after the crash. And the NTSB hold...
The crash of Air India flight 171
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss the crash of Air India flight 171 shortly after take off from Ahmedabad last week. What we know, what we don’t know, and possible avenues of investigation. We also examine the situation in the Middle East to see what effects current hostilities between Iran and Israel are having on commercial aviation. And we dig into the order numbers from this week’s Paris Air Show.
Helpful links for this week’s episode
Flightradar24 data regarding Air India 171 Airspace closures in the Middle East Paris Air Show news round up...Five flights to nowhere
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Silver Airways ceases operations immediately and Qantas says subsidiary Jetstar Asia will wind down flights by the end of July. The NTSB releases the preliminary report on the American Airlines 737 fire in Denver. May was a big month for Boeing, with more than 300 orders, while Airbus recorded orders for precisely 0 aircraft. This month’s Paris Air Show has the potential to close the gap.
Southwest is looking at “monetizing its order book,” while American Airlines sends the wrong 787 to Naples. And Condor operates five flights in a failed attempt to get pass...
Raccoons on a plane
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Airbus’ Montreal final assembly line is invaded by a family of raccoons. Newark reopens its main runway a few days early as airlines and the FAA jostle over flight cuts. United and JetBlue announce their Blue Sky partnership, while the IATA annual general meeting generates announcements of its own. A Condor flight misses Munich’s curfew by mere seconds and Air India reveals how much flying around Pakistan is costing the airline.
Helpful links for this week’s episode
Condor diversion due to missed curfew Global Airlines LinkedIn post addressi...They bounced the wheel right off
On this episode of AvTalk, Ian and Jason and back home from Stockholm and ready to take on the week’s news. The NTSB is out with a handful of reports, including details on the FedEx 767 bird strike in Newark, Frontier’s hard landing and go around in San Juan, and Alaska Airlines’ main landing gear collapse. We also discuss the crash of a Cessna Citation in San Diego last week.
Plus, Boeing says it has a fix for the 777X thrust link problem, which grounded the test fleet for months.
Helpful links for this week’s...
Global gets off the ground
This week, Gabe Leigh joins Ian and Jason in Stockholm for a special episode of AvTalk. Gabe recounts his experience on the first Global Airlines revenue flight and we discuss the future prospects for the would-be, all-A380 airline. We also get into the interesting media relations strategy being pursued by Global Airlines CEO James Asquith.
We also cover Etihad’s aircraft order and surprise route announcement to Charlotte. Spanish investigators release their final report on a Lufthansa pilot’s incapacitation near Zaragoza last February. And the story of how the 747 deal between the US and Qatar unfolded gets...
About that Qatari 747
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Ian and Jason are joined by resident numbers expert Gavin Werbeloff for the facts and figures behind some of the large aircraft we’ve seen this week. There are more changes coming to Newark as the FAA tries to prevent more air traffic control outages. And we dig in to the history of the 747-8I Qatar wants to gift the US and why any thought of quickly turning it into a temporary Air Force One is a flight of fancy.
Helpful links for this week’s episode
DOT’s new AT...What’s old is Newark again
On this episode of AvTalk, we learn more about what happened at Newark last week, what is still causing dozens of daily cancellations, and what’s being done to mitigate the problem. We also discuss some of the ideas touted by Newark’s biggest user, United Airlines, to improve the situation. We get an update on the situation in India and Pakistan as tensions continue to rise and airlines are staying further away. Plus, just as things at Pratt and Whitney were looking up for the GTF engine, machinists are on strike, with a long work stoppage threatening to furt...
“All the brain damage of buying a whole airline”
On this week’s AvTalk, Indian airlines lose access to Pakistani airspace and gain a massive fuel bill. A massive power outage in Spain and Portugal affects millions of passengers, but airports keep moving. Newark falls victim to equipment outages again as Congress proposes $15 billion to modernize air traffic control. And JetBlue and United are said to be in talks about a proposed partnership that could see United back at JFK, but what form that partnership takes long-term is in the hands of United CEO Scott Kirby. And another major aerospace manufacturer lays out its plans for dealing with ta...
The (Q1) results are in
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, it’s hard numbers, euphemistic language, and a bit of planes on fire. If all of the first quarter earnings reports could be summed up in a single headline, it would be: “Seeking stability in a fluid age of dynamically uncertain softening.” We review Q1 financials from Boeing, Southwest, and […]
The post AvTalk Episode 317: The (Q1) results are in appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
The helicopter in the Hudson
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss what’s known so far about the crash of a Bell 206 in the Hudson River last week. We also break down the sequence of events after the crash that led to the FAA issuing an emergency grounding order for the helicopter operator. Also this week, more tariff […]
The post AvTalk Episode 316: The helicopter in the Hudson appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Growth has “largely stalled”
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Jason joins Ian in Chicago for a face to face conversation, which also means it’s a self-edited show this week. The preliminary report on the Swiftair 737 crash in Vilnius looks to human factors as investigators probe how and why one of the aircraft’s hydraulic systems was shut off […]
The post AvTalk Episode 315: Growth has “largely stalled” appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
World Champion Gas Ballooning
On this episode of AvTalk, we learning all about long endurance gas balloons with a world record holder. We learn more about the erroneous TCAS alerts that plagued aircraft near DCA at the beginning of March and what the FAA is doing following a fist fight in the DCA air traffic control tower. Heathrow’s chief […]
The post AvTalk Episode 314: World Champion Gas Ballooning appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Turn off the airport, and turn it on again
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, the lights are back on at Heathrow and investigation into what happened is in full swing. We discuss the Transport Safety Board of Canada’s preliminary report on the Endeavor Air accident in Toronto, including the sequence of events leading up the landing and some the challenges faced during the […]
The post AvTalk Episode 313: Turn off the airport, and turn it on again appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
It's good to have balloon insurance
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Chris Lomas fills in for a vacationing Jason. The FAA acts on the NTSB’s urgent safety recommendations in DC and reconfigures helicopter routes near DCA. An American Airlines 737 catches fire at the gate in Denver, leading to questions about evacuations when passengers are already deplaning. The NTSB issues […]
The post AvTalk Episode 312: It’s good to have balloon insurance appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
No LUV for a broken Heart
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, the NTSB releases its preliminary report on the mid-air collision over the Potomac River. In addition to the report, the NTSB also issued a pair of urgent safety recommendations to the FAA regarding the helicopter routes in the Washington DC area. We also discuss the preliminary report from the […]
The post AvTalk Episode 311: No LUV for a broken Heart appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
“Engulfed in flames”
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, another round of tabloid journalism meets aviation incident as a FedEx bird strike and resulting engine fire lead to breathless headlines. Also this week, the FAA issues a set of Airworthiness directives aimed at the CFM56 engine nacelle, Boeing finishes rework on its 787 backlog, and Aer Lingus finally […]
The post AvTalk Episode 310: “Engulfed in flames” appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Tower, how’d that happen?
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a tale of 3 go arounds. We first visit Chicago, where a Southwest pilot made the quick decision to go around as an unauthorized aircraft crossed the runway. Then we visit San Francisco where an Asiana Airlines A350 descended too low as it approached SFO and went around. And […]
The post AvTalk Episode 309: Tower, how’d that happen? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Upside down, but alive
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, an Endeavor Air CRJ-900 ends up upside down in Toronto, but everyone on board makes it out safely. The NTSB provides a detailed update on the mid-air collision in Washington, including the agency’s focus on the helicopter’s altitude and the altitude the pilots believed they were at. We discuss […]
The post AvTalk Episode 308: Upside down, but alive appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Everything is delayed 5-10 years
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a Bering Air Cessna 208 crashes near Nome, Alaska. Updates on the mid-air collision in Washington DC and what airspace changes may become permanent. New propulsion technology projects from major manufacturers are being pushed back 5-10 years. And we share the recipe for the ultimate inflight desert. Helpful links […]
The post AvTalk Episode 307: Everything is delayed 5-10 years appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
The facts from Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Aktau
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 306: The facts from Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Aktau appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Boom booms for the first time
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 305: Boom booms for the first time appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Oh baby baby
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 304: Oh baby baby appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
A comforting musky scent
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 303: A comforting musky scent appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Blowout, one year later
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 302: Blowout, one year later appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Azerbaijan Airlines 8243 and Jeju Air 2216
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 301: Azerbaijan Airlines 8243 and Jeju Air 2216 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Our favorite conversations in 2024
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 300: Our favorite conversations in 2024 appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Let’s talk about the drones
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 299: Let’s talk about the drones appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Boeing gets going again
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 298: Boeing gets going again appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
He used a helicopter to ask
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 297: He used a helicopter to ask appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
A fire, a crash, and a contract
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 296: A fire, a crash, and a contract appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Severe turbulence, more bullets, and hundreds of hamsters
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. […]
The post AvTalk Episode 295: Severe turbulence, more bullets, and hundreds of hamsters appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Please don't shoot at the planes
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 294: Please don’t shoot at the planes appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
All right, everybody back to work
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 293: All right, everybody back to work appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Airplane facts with Max
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 292: Airplane facts with Max appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
They strike on
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 291: They strike on appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Boeing brings the battle axe
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 290: Boeing brings the battle axe appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
The FAA doesn’t want headless pilots
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 289: The FAA doesn’t want headless pilots appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
Escalation or the new normal?
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 […]
The post AvTalk Episode 288: Escalation or the new normal? appeared first on Flightradar24 Blog.
