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Guest Mark Baker is the President and CEO of AOPA, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. In the news, wake turbulence from an A380 flips a Challenger 604, two flight attendants sue American Airlines for failure to enforce company policy, an engine on a Saab 340 loses its propeller in flight. Also, an interview from the National Air & Space Museum Restoration Hangar, and an idea for a circular runway.
Guest
Mark Baker, president and CEO, AOPA.
Mark Baker is President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He is also chairman of AOPA’s Political Action Committee, chief executive officer for the AOPA Foundation, president of the International Council of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Associations representing pilots in 72 countries, and publisher of AOPA Pilot, the world’s largest aviation publication.
We talk about air traffic control privatization, user fees, BasicMed, and other areas of aviation advocacy by AOPA. Mark tells us about the effectiveness of AOPA regional fly-ins, and touches on aviation safety and Congressional general aviation caucuses.
Mark is a longtime general aviation pilot and has been flying for 35 years with over 7,500 hours. He holds certificates for commercial pilot with single- and multi-engine land and seaplane ratings, rotorcraft rating, and type ratings in the Cessna Citation 500 and 525s
Aviation News
The Wait for ATC Privatization is Over as White House Budget Emerges
President Trump’s proposed 2018 budget would privatize air traffic control operations by creating an “independent, non-governmental organization.” Who would control the new corporate entity, and how it will be funded?
Enroute A380 wake flips Challenger 604 upside down
An Emirates Airbus A380-800 was at FL350 over the Arabian Sea when a Challenger 604 business jet passed 1000 feet underneath in opposite direction. The A380 continued to Sydney uneventfully. The Challenger didn’t fare so well in the wake turbulence from the A380.
American Airlines flight attendants sue, say they’ve been called sows, prostitutes and worse on Facebook
Two flight attendants claiming sexual and gender harassment on social media have filed federal lawsuits against American Airlines for failed to enforce its policies governing employee use of social media.
Field Interview
David speaks with Christopher Moore at the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar about the preservation of the Martin B-26B-25-MA Marauder “Flak-Bait”. This medium bomber flew over 200 missions during World War II, the most for any American aircraft.
Christopher Moore (L) and David Vanderhoof at the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar.
Listener Recording
Glen Towler tells us about two of his his most memorable flights.
Mentioned
AOPA Live This Week – The weekly news video podcast from AOPA.
The Boeing Company 2016 Annual Report [PDF] See page 125 if you are interested in picking up the last new C-17 Globemaster III. Credit to Launchpad Marzari for the sharp eye.
Passenger plane’s propeller shears off in mid-flight, forcing emergency landing at Sydney
Will circular runways ever take off? from the BBC. See also the Endless Runway project page.
Credit
Intro music courtesy Brother Love from his Album Of The Year CD. Outtro by Bruno Misonne from The Sound of Flaps.
