The Black Box Aviation Podcast

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 Mental Health Bill (H.R.2591) passes the House — what it means for pilots & controllersWhat are aircraft fume events and why are airlines like Delta finally taking action?We’ll also touch on aviation safety, passenger rights, and some behind-the-scenes frustrations pilots face every day.🎧 Whether you’re a frequent flyer, an aviation buff, or a fellow pilot, this episode has a little bit of everything—insight, humor, and hard truths about flying today.📩 Connect with Us:Email: Theblackbox01@yahoo.comnstagram/X: @the_black_box01Hotline: (203) 699-6792 (Leave your name for a shoutout!)#AviationPodcast #PilotLife #DeltaAirlines #FAANews #AirlineStories #AviationSafety #TravelPodcast #FlightDeck

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 aerobatic maneuvers in a jumbo jet that were never meant to be possible.We also discuss the book Touching History by Lynn Spencer, which gives raw insights from pilots and controllers on 9/11, plus the “5th Plane” conspiracy that still stirs debate.✈️ Hear how three FedEx crew members fought back against impossible odds, saved the aircraft, and changed aviation security forever.📩 Connect with Us:Email: Theblackbox01@yahoo.comInstagram/X: @the_black_box01Hotline: (203) 699-6792 (Leave your name for a shoutout!)#Aviation #FedExFlight705 #AviationPodcast #AirlineHistory #TrueCrime #BlackBoxPodcast #9/11Stories #PlaneHijacking

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 discuss the long-term impact on flight training, passenger vigilance, and how “Let’s Roll” became a symbol of courage in the skies. Plus, hear real stories of passengers intervening on flights post-9/11 and how those moments shaped modern security culture.And stick around—next week we dive into one of the wildest hijacking stories in aviation history: FedEx Flight 705, where the hijacker was a pilot himself.📩 Connect with Us:✉️ Email: theblackbox01@yahoo.com📱 Instagram/X: @the_black_box01☎️ HOTLINE: (203) 699-6792 (Leave your name!)

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 movie scenes about controllers, how clearances work over voice vs. CPDLC, and what pilots say that secretly drives controllers crazy.We also cover real-world stories: guiding traffic during emergencies, handling student pilots on frequency, and why 9/11 remains an important case study for controllers everywhere. Whether you’re a pilot, avgeek, or just curious about what happens on the other side of the radio, this episode gives you an insider’s perspective on one of aviation’s most critical jobs.📩 Connect with Us✉️ theblackbox01@yahoo.com📸 Instagram & X: @the_black_box01📞 Hotline: (203) 699-6792 (Leave your name!)#Aviation #AirTrafficControl #PilotLife #BlackBoxAviationPodcast #ATC #Flying

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 following news of the Alaska Airlines pilot who took mushrooms and tried to shut down the engines — now pleading guilty.Other highlights include how a simple smile from a hotel worker can change your whole trip, the preliminary report on aerobatic legend Rob Holland’s crash, and a preview of next week’s special guest — an air traffic controller giving us inside details on national airspace chaos.📩 Connect with Us:✉️ theblackbox01@yahoo.com📸 Instagram & X: @the_black_box01📞 Hotline: (203) 699-6792 (Leave your name!)#Aviation #PilotLife #BlackBoxAviationPodcast #LadyGaga #WestJet #Jumpseat #RobHolland

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 unexpected sidewalk emergency in Santa Monica, a flight from LAX to Newark with six horses onboard, Central Park runs, bagels on Venice Beach, and a stop at the USS Intrepid in NYC.In the news — Delta settles the infamous Fuel Dump case, paying out $78.75 million to victims.Whether it’s aviation insights, cockpit stories, or travel mishaps, this one’s packed with laughs and lessons.📩 Connect with Us:✉️ theblackbox01@yahoo.com📸 Instagram & X: @the_black_box01📞 Hotline: (203) 699-6792 (Leave your name!)#Aviation #PilotLife #ETOPS #FlyingFamily #BlackBoxAviationPodcast #Delta

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 Mike share their own experiences with emergency fuel dumps in the P-3 and MD-11, breaking down the regulations and real-world decision-making pilots face.To lighten it up, we wrap with Hawaiian vacation stories — from tarmac strolls in tropical air to oddball encounters with locals, surfboards, and beach chairs.📩 Connect with Us:✉️ theblackbox01@yahoo.com📸 Instagram & X: @the_black_box01📞 Hotline: (203) 699-6792 (Leave your name!)#Aviation #FuelDumping #DeltaFlight89 #PilotLife #Travel

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 can turn their skills into an $80K career.But it’s not all smooth flying — we cover drone near-misses with commercial jets, wildfire collision incidents, and the mysterious New Jersey drone sightings that even reached the White House briefing room in 2024.Whether you’re a pilot, drone hobbyist, or just curious about how unmanned aircraft are reshaping aviation, this episode delivers history, insights, and some jaw-dropping stories.📩 Connect with Us:🌐 Website: www.theblackboxaviationpodcast.com✉️ Email: theblackbox01@yahoo.com📸 Instagram: @the_black_box01🐦 X (Twitter): @the_black_box01📲 Text Line: 203-699-6792#Aviation #Drones #PilotLife #BlackBoxAviationPodcast

Welcome back to the Black Box Aviation Podcast with Tom & Mike — where we talk about aviation, travel, and the things you NEED (and want) to know about flying.In this episode, we cover it all:🌪️ Landing in San Juan with Hurricane Erin on the radar🚨 A Southwest pilot arrested for DUI on the jetbridge🌴 Hawaiian adventures — snorkeling with manta rays, golfing on lava fields, and the quirks of “island time”✈️ Plus: lounge drama, tipping debates, and the sweaty palms of an MD-11 landing at SJUIf you’ve ever wondered what aviation looks like behind the cockpit door — this one delivers turbulence, humor, and real talk.📬 Connect with Us:📧 Email: theblackbox01@yahoo.com📸 Instagram & X: @the_black_box01📞 Hotline: (203) 699-6792 — Leave your name & story for a chance to be featured!

Ever had a lounge showdown over a dirty glass? Tom shares a hilarious (and slightly awkward) encounter at an airport lounge that you won’t believe. We also talk about pilot coffee obsessions, hotel breakfast rip-offs, and a flap/slat disagreement at cruise altitude—plus what really happens when a heavy MD-11 takes off from Anchorage.Mike brings us along for his family trip to Boston, including Fenway Park magic, the Freedom Trail, and why hotel breakfasts are the biggest rip-off in aviation travel. And in the news: a Delta A330 hits severe turbulence over Wyoming, leaving passengers and crew injured—what went wrong? We break it down.✈️ Inside This Episode:Airport lounge etiquette gone wrongThe ultimate coffee snob hacks for pilots$32 hotel breakfasts & why Mike hates themReal-world flap/slat malfunction in flightDelta turbulence scare: lessons learned📩 Connect with Us:✉️ Email: theblackbox01@yahoo.com📸 Instagram & X: @the_black_box01📲 Call/Text Hotline: (203) 699-6792 (Leave your name!)🎧 Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or just love a good behind-the-scenes travel story, this episode has laughs, lessons, and real-world aviation insights. Hit play and join us!

Welcome back to the Black Box Aviation Podcast! In this episode, Tom & Mike take you inside the cockpit to discuss layover fatigue, crazy stories from the road, and the latest aviation headlines you NEED to know about.✈️ Topics We Cover:✅ Layover Fatigue Reality Check:Why fatigue is more dangerous than you thinkOAK to ANC trip chaos and why timing mattersNavy SEAL breathing tips for staying sharp✅ Stories from the Road:Midnight street fight in NYC outside the crashpadReturn to gate for rudder trim fail and the surprise St. Lucia layover✅ IN THE NEWS:Southwest Near Miss at Burbank – What happens when TCAS Resolution Advisories kick inSkyWest vs. B-52 Bomber over North Dakota – How close is too close?American Airlines Evacuation Gone Wrong – Blown tire, fire, and passengers grabbing their bagsAlaska Airlines Kodiak Incident – Deer on the runway, bloodbath aftermath🔥 If you’ve ever wondered what REALLY happens behind the scenes when things go wrong in aviation, this episode is for you!📬 Connect with Us:📧 Email: theblackbox01@yahoo.com📸 Instagram & X: @the_black_box01📞 Hotline: (203) 699-6792 — Leave your name and best aviation story!🎧 Stream now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen!#AviationPodcast #PilotStories #LayoverFatigue #NearMiss #TCAS #AirlineSafety #BlackBoxPodcast #PilotLife

In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom & Mike take a deep dive into one of the most shocking tragedies in modern aviation: the Germanwings Flight 9525 crash. On March 24, 2015, an Airbus A320 was intentionally brought down by its first officer, killing all on board. We break down the timeline, the cockpit voice recordings, and the critical lessons learned from this heartbreaking event.But that’s not all—we also explore:✅ The State of Mental Health in AviationNew research showing thousands of pilots may be hiding health conditionsWhy fear of reporting still dominates pilot cultureFAA and airline responses to mental health challengesPeer-to-Peer support and the role of ALPA advocacy✅ Key Questions We Answer:Could a similar tragedy happen again?How do pilots balance transparency with career security?What changes are being proposed by legislation like the Mental Health in Aviation Act (H.R. 2591)?🔥 Real-World Perspective:Tom shares personal insight into how airlines handle these sensitive issues today, the gaps in policy, and why many pilots still distrust the system.🎯 If you’re a pilot, an aviation professional, or just passionate about safety, this episode will open your eyes to a topic that impacts every single flight.📬 Connect with Us:📧 Email: theblackbox01@yahoo.com📸 Instagram & X: @the_black_box01📞 Hotline: (203) 699-6792 — Drop us your name & your best aviation story!🚨 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms!#AviationPodcast #Germanwings9525 #PilotMentalHealth #AirlineSafety #BlackBoxPodcast #AviationNews #PilotLife

Buckle up for an Episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast as Tom & Mike take you behind the cockpit door for an action-packed discussion on the latest in aviation.✈️ Main Topics:✅ GPS Jamming & Aviation Safety – How modern warfare tech is now disrupting civilian aviation and what pilots do when GPS fails.✅ Air Rage Epidemic – Why unruly passenger incidents are skyrocketing, shocking stories from real flights (including a Halloween flight gone completely off the rails), and the jaw-dropping stats you need to know.✅ Delta Pilot Alcohol Scare – A U.S. pilot pulled from the cockpit in Sweden after a failed breathalyzer test—but cleared by a blood test. We break down what happened, breathalyzer accuracy, and FAA rules for alcohol in aviation.🔥 Stories from the Flight Line:Layover chaos: MEM-OAK flight drama and system failuresWild Air Rage encounter mid-flight that ends with police on the jetbridgeGPS sensor failures, transponder issues, and real-world emergency proceduresUpcoming vacations, hotel life hacks, and free bacon on layovers🎯 If you’ve ever wondered how pilots handle technology disruptions, out-of-control passengers, and media-fueled airline scandals, this episode is a must-listen!📬 Connect with Us:📧 Email: theblackbox01@yahoo.com📸 Instagram & X: @the_black_box01📞 Hotline: (203) 699-6792 — Drop us your name & your best aviation story!🚨 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms!#AviationPodcast #AirlineStories #PilotLife #AirRage #AviationSafety #DeltaPilot #GPSJamming #FlyingTips #BlackBoxAviationPodcast

What really happens after the jet parks at the gate? In Episode 29 of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, we bring back the “Day in the Life” series — but this time we go beyond the cockpit and deep into hotel layovers, crew routines, unexpected travel perks (like free bacon!), and the realities of life on the road as an airline pilot.Tom & Mike open up about:✈️ Navigating FAA Part 117 rest rules🥓 Free bacon and late-night pizza🏊 Swimming laps at Ala Moana in Hawaii🏁 NASCAR’s ARCA Menards Series in Dover🧑‍✈️ Layovers from Minot to Paris💤 Pilot sleep strategies & workout routines😳 The Air India flight where the captain shut down both engines📊 Airline passenger disturbances and rage — are they increasing?📆 Involuntary trip extensions up to 84 hours and how to mentally preparePlus, stories of:🍕 Pizza buffets in Buffalo🍺 $2 Labatt drafts📱 Convincing a crew member to call in sick for safety’s sake👟 Ironman training and marathon runs while on layoversWe explore how lifestyle, fitness, and mental wellness intersect with the job — and how good crews look out for one another on the road.📩 Connect with Us:🌐 Website: www.theblackboxaviationpodcast.com📧 Email: theblackbox01@yahoo.com📸 Instagram & X: @the_black_box01📲 Hotline/Text Line: (203) 699-6792 — Leave your name and a story or question!🔍 #PilotLife #AirlinePodcast #LayoverLife #AviationLifestyle #FreeBacon #PilotFitness #AirIndia #HotelLayovers #AirRage #PodcastClips #BlackBoxAviation #AviationHumor #TravelStories

In Hot Topic #9 of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom & Mike dive into the haunting story of Northwest Orient Flight 2501, a DC-4 lost over Lake Michigan in 1950 during a violent storm—becoming the deadliest aviation accident in U.S. history at the time. With chilling similarities to modern incidents, and a 75-year mystery that ends not with discovery, but with surrender, this episode explores low-level icing, microbursts, and the limitations of vintage aviation tech.We’ll also touch on the emotional quest of a son searching for his mother’s cowbell, the role of Charles Lindbergh and the airline’s great circle legacy, and why this story still matters today.📬 Got thoughts or stories? Reach out!📧 Email: theblackbox01@yahoo.com📸 IG & X: @the_black_box01📞 Call or text: (203) 699-6792 — Leave your name, and you might hear yourself in a future episode!📰 Based on the New York Times article:“75 Years After a Deadly Plane Crash, the Search for Its Wreckage Ends” by Ashivarya Kavi#aviationmystery #nw2501 #blackboxaviation #lakeMichiganCrash #aviationhistory #airdisaster #aviationpodcast #trueaviationcrime #charleslindbergh #microburst #aircrash

In Episode 28 of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom & Mike dive deep into the just-released preliminary report on Air India Flight 171, the tragic 787 crash out of Ahmedabad. What initially looked like a puzzle of flap settings, weather, and electrical theories now zeroes in on a chilling cockpit moment: both engines lost power after the fuel cutoff switches were mysteriously triggered just seconds after takeoff. Was it mechanical failure or human error? We break it all down.We also hit:🧳 Stories from the RoadTSA shenanigans, PreCheck weirdness, and the return of “swamp crotch”Elevator etiquette and breakfast missions in AnchorageHotel crew discounts getting shady – who’s pretending to be a pilot?📉 Air India 171 Full BreakdownEngine and MEL historyWeather, flap settings, and failed theoriesA haunting cockpit exchange: “Why did you cut off the fuel?”The unexpected deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT)A similar story from a T-1 student pilot who cut off fuel… on the ramp. A rare mistake, but not unheard of.🛫 In The NewsTSA considers ending the shoe removal rule (Finally.)Why you’ll still need to take out your charger but might get to keep your shoesSouthwest’s pricing changes and customer identity crisisHotel charging setups – why does every room seem built for 2003?This one’s full of insight, stories, and those moments in aviation that make you go: Wait, what just happened?📬 Connect with Us:📧 Email: theblackbox01@yahoo.com📸 Instagram & X: @the_black_box01📞 Hotline: (203) 699-6792 — Drop us your name & story!✈️ The Black Box Aviation PodcastReal pilots. Real stories. What really happens when someone accidentally shuts down both engines? Let’s talk about it.

It’s a jam-packed episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast with Tom & Mike, where we talk aviation, airlines, travel chaos, grilling food, and the wild world of airline policy. This week we dig into everything from 4th of July cookout trends to TSA controversies, historic crashes, and whether Southwest Airlines is losing its soul.Here’s what’s on the flight plan:🌭 4th of July Food & Fireworks MayhemFrom baby back ribs to flying bratwurst — and a reminder that 14,700 people landed in the ER last year from fireworks injuries. Don’t be a stat.🛫 Vacation Plans & Evermore Resort OrlandoHear what’s on deck for our next trip and whether it's worth checking out for your next family adventure.📉 Delta Flight 1141 Crash BreakdownA cautionary tale from 1988: flaps not set, TOWS system failed, cockpit distraction, and a deadly crash just 22 seconds after liftoff. We draw eerie parallels to the recent Air India 787 incident.👞 TSA Might Finally End the Shoe RuleA potential end to the smelly foot parade? ABC reports TSA may ditch the outdated policy tied to 2001’s Richard Reid “Shoe Bomber” — plus a look at PETN explosives and how close flights came to tragedy.📦 Southwest Airlines’ New DirectionWill they abandon free bags and open seating? We talk CEO Bob Jordan’s moves, Wall Street pressure, and whether the new strategy will alienate their famously loyal flyers.📻 Stories from the RoadAnchorage storms, flight deck dynamics, and why you never assume clear weather means an easy approach. Oh, and that spicy sausage story from Uncle G...📦 In The NewsTSA bans high-proof alcoholRevisiting lithium battery dangersAnd the latest buzz from the terminal floor📬 Connect with Us:📧 theblackbox01@yahoo.com📸 Instagram & X: @the_black_box01📱 Hotline: (203) 699-6792 — Leave us your name and your story!Black Box Aviation PodcastReal pilots. Real stories. And no, we don’t miss the shoe scanner either.

Welcome to another episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, where we talk all things aviation, flying, travel — and the occasional wild conspiracy. Your hosts Tom & Mike are back with stories from the road, industry news, and an unsolved mystery from aviation history.Here’s what we dive into this week:🇺🇸 4th of July in the Airline World — Why holiday pay isn’t always guaranteed, contract frustrations, and how the system should work.✈️ Stories from the Flight Deck — From Memphis to Anchorage to dodging thunderstorms in Memphis, hear how weather, windshear alerts, and good old-fashioned pilot instinct played out.🚫 TSA’s Latest Ban — High-proof alcohol is now off-limits on flights. We discuss the reason (hint: it involves an infamous Guam crash and duty-free booze).💣 The National Airlines Flight 967 Mystery — A vanished airliner, a convicted con-man, a briefcase, life insurance, and one of aviation’s eeriest unsolved disasters. Was it an accident — or a faked death?🔌 Travel Gear Review — Mike shares his take on the Tessan Universal Travel Adapter and how to avoid international power problems with your devices.We’ve got true crime, travel tips, pilot rants, and aviation history all packed into one episode.📬 Connect with Us:📧 theblackbox01@yahoo.com📸 Instagram & X: @the_black_box01📱 Hotline: (203) 699-6792 — Leave us a message with your name and you might make the next episode!Black Box Aviation Podcast — Honest flying stories. Real travel advice. A little conspiracy on the side.

Welcome to Hot Topic #8 on the Black Box Aviation Podcast with your hosts Tom & Mike, where we break down the latest and most pressing events in aviation. Today’s episode takes a hard look at the tragic Air India crash involving a Boeing 787 that went down on June 12th shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London.We examine:The sequence of events captured on video, including the unusually high angle of attack, gear still down, and ultimate impact beyond the runway.Possible causes ranging from flap/slat misconfiguration to mechanical failures, and even a misstep in gear vs. flap retraction during the critical “positive rate” phase.New, unconfirmed technical details including a dual engine rollback possibly linked to monsoon-induced electrical failure via the Ground Power Unit (GPU) housing — and the implications of RAT deployment in such a scenario.We explore Air India’s history, from its Tata family roots and bureaucratic past to its recent privatization struggles, safety record, and operational culture.Plus:✈️ A quick primer on flaps, slats, takeoff calculations, and how high-stakes decisions get made in just seconds at rotation.🚨 This is an evolving investigation — we’ll continue to report as more verifiable information becomes available.📬 Connect with Us:📧 theblackbox01@yahoo.com📸 Instagram & X: @the_black_box01📱 Hotline: (203) 699-6792 — Drop your name and thoughts; we might feature you in a future episode!

Welcome back to the Black Box Aviation Podcast with your hosts Tom & Mike, where we dive into all things aviation, travel, and the stories that come with life in the skies.This week we kick things off with our review of the Netflix documentary “Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds” — our takeaways, the behind-the-scenes reality of these elite aviators, and how this film stacks up to the Blue Angels docs we've seen before. Spoiler alert: the “ThunderChickens” nickname made the cut, and yes, we laughed.We also swap airshow stories, including Tom’s wild experience at the Great State of Maine Airshow where a C-5, a windsock, and some questionable airfield design nearly spelled disaster. You’ll hear:✈️ What it’s like flying the massive C-5 Galaxy into tight spaces🌬️ How a windsock almost cost an aircraft commander their qualifications🎪 Insider airshow life — VIP tours, meeting legends, and dodging the unexpectedAs always, we wrap with humor, lessons learned, and a preview of next week’s Air India Hot Topic and another accessory review for those of you always looking to upgrade your travel game.📬 Connect with Us:📧 theblackbox01@yahoo.com📸 Instagram & X: @the_black_box01📱 Hotline: (203) 699-6792 — Drop your name and thoughts, you might make the next episode!