The Black Box Aviation Podcast

10 Episodes
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By: The Black Box

Aviation related topics brought to you by airline pilots, military pilots and professional aviation experts. Discussions including personal experience involving life as a professional aviator, the airline industry and everything else that comes with the curiosity of flying. Contact us at: Email: theblackbox01@yahoo.com Instagram: the_black_box01 X: @the_black_box01

Flight School Paths: Part 61 vs 141, Wild Weather Flights, and Statue of Liberty Trouble
Yesterday at 5:00 AM

Buckle up for a hilarious and unforgettable ride in this week's episode of the BlackBox Aviation Podcast!

We kick off answering a fantastic listener question from our text line about how high school students can best prepare for aviation careers, including the difference between Part 61 and Part 141 flight schools, discovery flights, and early steps toward a pilot license. Mike trained in both of these types of training. Whether you're just starting or guiding someone who dreams of flying, this is a must-listen!

Then Tom shares a wild weather story flying into Boston — complete with turbulence, cr...


Hot Topic Briefing #2 – Delta Flight 2276 Tailpipe Fire in Orlando: What Happened and Why It Matters
Last Friday at 5:00 AM

In this Hot Topic Briefing of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, we break down the dramatic incident involving Delta Flight 2276, which experienced a tailpipe fire at the gate in Orlando. What exactly caused this fiery event? What should pilots do in this scenario—and more importantly, what should they not do?

We dive into the mechanics of a tailpipe fire, the crucial role of checklist discipline, and the decision-making process that determines whether to evacuate an aircraft or keep passengers on board. Evacuations can save lives—but they also come with serious risks, including injuries to passengers. This...


TSA Takedowns, Volcano Warnings & the VFR Maze: Spring Break in the Sky
04/23/2025

This week on The BlackBox Aviation Podcast, we’re diving headfirst into the chaos, comedy, and close calls of spring break air travel—aviator style. I share stories from the road (and sky), including the saga of dragging golf clubs through JetBlue's SRQ route, how a sentimental pocket knife survived post-9/11 TSA... until it didn’t, and why TSA always finds my sunscreen but misses the good stuff.

Plus, we nerd out at the legendary Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage, where volcano warnings double as desk decor and you can spot fellow pilots by their iPads. Oh, and wa...


Hot Topic Briefing #1: The Mitsubishi MU-2 Crash in Upstate New York
04/16/2025

Welcome to the very first episode of our new mini-series, Hot Topic Briefing, where we dive into one pressing issue in aviation in a quick, focused format.

This week, we're breaking down the tragic crash of the Mitsubishi MU-2 in upstate New York. We’ll examine what’s known so far, the aircraft's controversial safety record, and what this incident could mean for the industry.

Whether you're a pilot, enthusiast, or aviation safety advocate, this briefing delivers the essential takeaways you need to stay informed.

🔊 Stay tuned for expert insight and hard questions—because e...


Red Flag Captains, Go-Arounds & Dog Barf: Regional Turbulence in the Skies | BlackBox Aviation Podcast
04/09/2025

Buckle up—it’s another wild ride in the jumpseat! This week on the BlackBox Aviation Podcast, we swap crazy cockpit stories, including a go-around that left more than just the passengers a little queasy (yes, a dog barfed). We also break down a walking red flag of a captain that had us all doing double-takes.

On the industry side, we dive into big moves in the regional world: the surprise Mesa-Republic merger announcement and what it could mean for pilots and passengers alike. Plus, what’s next for Air Wisconsin now that American’s giving them the cold...


Special Guest! From P-3 Sensor Operator to Major Airline Captain and Airline Interviewer. Including Funny Crashpad Stories and Interview Fails
#13
04/02/2025

In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, we're joined by a special guest who started his aviation journey as a P-3 sensor operator in the military, worked his way up through the ranks, and is now a major airline captain and airline interviewer. But before the stripes and interviews, the three of us were just broke pilots sharing a crashpad at the infamous Clarion Hotel in Detroit.

We share hilarious crashpad memories, including how the hotel's "free" breakfast became a lifeline—because when you're down to pocket change, even stale Froot Loops that chew like Sk...


🚨 Mistaken Runways & Pilot Interview Prep: Lessons from Southwest 3278 & Comair 5191
#12
03/26/2025

In this episode, we tackle the dangers of mistaken runways for takeoff. We break down the Southwest Flight 3278 incident in Orlando, where the crew mistook a taxiway for a runway—leading to an aborted takeoff after a critical intervention from ATC. Then, we compare it to the tragic Comair Flight 5191 crash in Lexington, where a takeoff from a closed, unlit runway ended in disaster.

What causes these errors, and what safeguards can prevent them? We explore real-world lessons from these cases. Plus, we continue our pilot interview prep series, offering key insights into what to expect in yo...


Delta 4814’s Close Call & Landing Your Pilot Interview
#11
03/26/2025

In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, we break down the intense moment when Delta Flight 4814, a CRJ operated by Endeavor Air, experienced a wing strike at LaGuardia Airport. What went wrong, and what can pilots learn from this incident? Plus, for those looking to break into the cockpit, we dive into expert tips on securing a pilot interview—covering networking, resume strategies, and standout interview techniques. Tune in for insights, analysis, and aviation wisdom!

📩 Connect with Us:
🌐 Website: ⁠www.theblackboxaviationpodcast.com⁠
✉️ Email: ⁠theblackbox01@yahoo.com⁠
📸 Instagram: ⁠@the_black_box01⁠
🐦 X (Twitter): ⁠@the_black_box01⁠


Delta 4814’s Close Call in LGA & How to Get Your Pilot Interview
#11
03/19/2025

In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, we break down the intense moment when Delta Flight 4814, a CRJ operated by Endeavor Air, experienced a wing strike at LaGuardia Airport. What went wrong, and what can pilots learn from this incident? Plus, for those looking to break into the cockpit, we dive into expert tips on securing a pilot interview—covering networking, resume strategies, and standout interview techniques. Tune in for insights, analysis, and aviation wisdom!

📩 Connect with Us:
🌐 Website: ⁠www.theblackboxaviationpodcast.com⁠
✉️ Email: ⁠theblackbox01@yahoo.com⁠
📸 Instagram: ⁠@the_black_box01⁠
🐦 X (Twitter): ⁠@the_b...


How to become an Airline Pilot + Door Emergencies, Jumpseating, and… McDonald's or Mac Donald’s?
#10
03/12/2025

Ever dreamed of becoming a pilot? In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, we break down the path to the cockpit—what it takes to earn your wings and the challenges along the way. We also dive into a pilot’s worst nightmare: what actually happens when a door opens mid-flight? Plus, the ins and outs of jumpseating as a commuting pilot, and the ultimate debate—is it McDonald's or Mac Donald’s? Tune in for aviation insights, pilot stories, and some unexpected turbulence in the fast-food world!

📩 Connect with Us:
🌐 Website: www.theblackboxaviationpodcast.com
✉️ Em...