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A Boeing 787 Senior First Officer tells us about flying that plane. We discuss the implications of privatizing air traffic control, replacing the T-38C Talon with the Advanced Pilot Trainer, the impact of subsidy claims on Open Skies agreements, and a candidate for the top FAA spot. We also have an interview with the Commander of 302 Squadron of the Dutch Royal Air Force.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Courtesy Boeing.
Guest
Senior First Officer Mike currently flies the Boeing 787 for a major for European airline and is based out of London Heathrow. In our wide-ranging conversation, we learn about the transition from the Airbus to the Boeing 787, some of the differences, and training aspects. Mike tells us about the Lithium-Ion batteries used in the aircraft and cabin crew procedures for passenger battery problems.
FO Mike adds his perspectives as we discuss ATC privatization (or is it ATC corporatization?) and U.S. airline claims that Middle Eastern carriers received unfair subsidies. Mike isn’t shy about expressing his views, and along the way, we discover his preference for Boeing over Airbus.
Mike learned to fly in a Cessna 152 at age 17, then moved onto a Piper PA-28. After completing the obligatory requirements, PPL, ME/IR, CPL and theoretical knowledge exams, FO Mike applied for the Advanced Entry Programme with a major Middle Eastern Airline. Starting with the Airbus A330, Mike progressed to become MFF/CCQ on the A330/A340, before moving over to the Boeing 787 as part of the entry into service crew for the airline.
Mike moved back to Europe in 2016 where he joined his current airline. He holds a number of ratings: CPL, ME/IR, ATPL and is also Training First Officer and Type Rated Instructor. Altogether, Mike has flown the Airbus A330-200 and -300, the A340-500 and -600, and now the Boeing 787-9. Follow him on Twitter as @FOMike787.
Aviation News
Still Wondering Why GA/Biz Av Think the Airlines Will Run a Privatized ATC System?
One contentious aspect of the proposal to privatize Air Traffic Control in the U.S. is the makeup of the 13-member ATC board. What interests would be represented, in what numbers, and how might that impact general aviation?
T-X to replace T-38 at pilot training bases
The contract to replace the T-38C Talon with the Advanced Pilot Trainer (T-X) is yet to be awarded, but the U.S. Air Force is already planning the first pilot training base to receive the aircraft as early as 2022.
Emirates Airline boss reveals that the nastiest feud in the airline industry could kill his $76 billion Boeing order
Some U.S. airlines have accused Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways of receiving more than $50 billion state subsidies, a violation of Open Skies. Sir Tim Clark, the president of Emirates Airline, believes that Open Skies is at risk and the US aviation industry stands to lose.
Trump’s Pilot for FAA Administrator
We don’t know if the man is qualified, or even if this is a good idea.
Airline Story of the Week
Woman surprises husband with pregnancy announcement on flight from Tampa
An American Airlines crew helps a woman announce her pregnancy to her husband inflight, and catches his reaction on video.
Listener Recording
Thirteen-year-old Will gives us a teaser about his research project and his Airplane Geeks segment to come.
Interview
Airplane Geeks reporter-at-large Launchpad Marzari interviews Lt Col Grijspaardt, Commander 302 Squadron, Dutch Royal Air Force.
Mentioned
Robert Poole’s libertarian think-tank Reason Foundation.
Black Lightning: The Legacy of the Lockheed Blackbirds by Jeannette Remak and Joseph Ventolo Jr.
Qantas Group Pilot Academy | Qantas
A pilot lost his daughter in the Parkland shooting and over 100 colleagues came to her funeral
Credit
Outtro by Bruno Misonne from The Sound of Flaps.
Surprisingly uninformed and politically unbalanced conversation about Trump administration’s proposal of personal pilot for FAA job. I say surprisingly because you guys usually come to the table with a fairly complete set of information to share with the audience. Max, I realize you were about the only voice of balance/reason at the table, but I’ve got to vote with my wallet and cancel my monthly Patrion support.
I thought I would give your podcast a try, having never listened previously. I’ve been a licensed pilot 35 years flying both fixed wing and rotorcraft. I started with this episode because the 787 FO interview interested me.
Lo and behold, a few minutes in, you have go and throw politics into the mix. I immediately turned off the podcast.
I listen to political podcasts and I listen to aviation podcasts. I do NOT want politics mixed in with an aviation podcast. Like most a Trump bashers, you can’t keep your opinions to yourselves.
I voted for Trump and I feel that, given a chance, he can do good things. But I didn’t subscribe to your podcast to hear about your political opinions…I couldn’t care less.
So I’m done with Airplane Geeks…too bad. You looked promising.
We do try to minimize the political remarks, but these days it’s quite impossible to avoid the occasional human tendency to speak our mind. And sometimes politics are intertwined with the current aviation topics we discuss.
Thanks for giving us a try.