Airplane Geeks - Episode 175 - Bits and Pieces VIII [ 1:15:51 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (5904)

This is another Bits and Pieces episode. Occasionally, we take holiday weekends off and instead of recording a new episode together, we each contribute a pre-recorded segment and put them all together into a complete episode.

Here’s what we have this time:

Benet Wilson, the new Director of Media Relations for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Benet talks about her new job and provides some information about the AOPA Air Safety Institute. Find her personal site at AviationQueen.com.

David Vanderhoof brings us three interviews from Northrop Grumman about UAVs from the PAX River show:

Walter Kreiter, Director BAMS UAS Business Development.

Tighe Parmenter, Business Development, Navy UCAS Program.

Dion Kolliopoulas on the Firescout.

The Across The Pond segment this week has Pieter looking at his aviation travels. What was his favourite aircraft to fly on, what was the best looking aeroplane that he had flown on, and where in the world is his favourite airport. He also describes the most unusual aircraft he has ever piloted. The full list of aircraft he has travelled on can be found on his blog Alpha Tango Papa.

In the Australia Desk report, Steve likes the current exchange rates, RAAF C-17 acquisition programme progresses, 4 ex-RAAF C130H aircraft gifted to Indonesia, 23 ex RAAF F111 airframes dumped in landfill in Queensland, Qantas CEO death threats investigation dropped by New South Wales police, Qantas social media blunder, Tiger Airways has best on time performance for 2011, Virgin Australia announces $68M loss, CASA announces review of UAV procedures.

Dan Webb brings us some airline news, including the slot swap between Delta and US Airways at Laguarda and Washington National airports, and some results (and speculation) on the recent FAA slot auction.

We received one listener v-mail on the recent tarmac delays at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut. We’ve got that as well as a response from Rob.

Finally, for those who like the outtakes, we have quite a few: a little from this episode, a few from the AusDesk, and past outtakes from Pieter Johnson. We finish up with part of the episode 174 pre-show that gives you a little insight about what actually happens before the show starts.

Mentions:

• Lynda Meeks, Girls With Wings.

Next week we’ll return to our usual format with the full complement of co-hosts and a great guest.

Follow the @AirplaneGeeks on Twitter and on Facebook, send us email at thegeeks@airplanegeeks.com, or leave a message on our listener line: (361) GEEKS01.

Opening and closing music is provided by Brother Love from the Album Of The Year CD. You can find his great music at www.brotherloverocks.com.

All post photos by David Vanderhoof.

Airplane Geeks - Episode 170 - GE Aviation Looks to the Future [ 1:37:41 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (14194)

Dale Carlson, Executive for Advanced Engine Systems at GE Aviation is our guest. Dale is responsible for all government funded technology initiatives, and also for aligning technology as it matures with future propulsion system offerings for GE Aviation.

We talk about why this is an exciting time to be in the commercial engine and airframe business. What’s left in Brayton cycle engines (not much) and what we can do about that. Why pulse detonation is not a good solution. Dale talks about adaptive (or variable) cycle engines, the fuel burn improvements needed for new engine offerings, and why we’ll see integrated airframe and propulsion systems in the future, the blended wing aircraft being an example.

Distributed propulsion with large numbers of engines on the aircraft is a future possibility, as is all-electric propulsion. Of course, we can’t talk about fan diameter without covering thermal efficiency and propulsion efficiency. We talk a little about the future of the F136. That’s the engine GE is developing as an alternative to the Pratt & Whitney F135 that powers the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Finally, Dale offers some sound advice for people considering a career in aerospace.

The week’s aviation news:

• 2015: A (Potentially) Interesting Year for US Airways and the Regionals
• Bombardier faces turbulence and potential nine-month CSeries delay, says analyst
• Next-Gen Winglet for KC-46A Tanker?
• ANA knocks first 787 into boarding bridge

David provides another powerful history lesson in his This Week in Aviation segment.

In this week’s Australia Desk Report: Qantas politics goes on and on and on….. RAAF takes delivery of the last four Super Hornets, Omega Tanker takes three ex RAAF 707 tankers, Department of Defence looks seriously at C27J Spartan to replace Caribous, RAAF looks at a disposal date for C130H.

Find the boys down under at the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast, and follow the show on Twitter at @pcdu. Steve’s at @stevevisscher and Grant at @falcon124.

Mentions:

• Careers in Aerospace – For young people looking toward a career in aviation. From a partnership of The Royal Aeronautical Society and A|D|S Group (Advancing UK AeroSpace, Defence and Security industries).
• British Airways Pilot Recruitment

Follow the @AirplaneGeeks on Twitter and on Facebook, send us email at thegeeks@airplanegeeks.com, or leave a message on our listener line: (361) GEEKS01.

Opening and closing music is provided by Brother Love from the Album Of The Year CD. You can find his great music at http://www.brotherloverocks.com/.

In memory of Anthony Kenneth Johnson RN PO TAG.

Airplane Geeks - Episode 167 - Kevin Still Creates [ 1:31:37 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (6035)

Author, writer, and pilot Kevin Garrison returns to discuss aviation news and offer the benefit of his years of experience and wisdom. Kevin tells us about the Kentucky Institute for Aerospace Education that seeks to improve student learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and create career pathways in aerospace. Kevin’s books, including Kindle editions, can be found on Amazon.com. His new ebook Fly Like You Mean It will be released soon for the Kindle.

The week’s aviation news:

• Cargolux 747-8F delivery impasse ended, delivery on October 12
• Ruling Favors US Airways
• iPhone App Can Fly Unmanned Aircraft
• F-16 Sale approved for Iraq Lockheed production until 2015

In this week’s Australia Desk Report, Steve and Grant talk about an LSA that crashed into a ferris wheel, three ex-RAAF tankers purchased by Omega Tanker, and Grant gets a carried away explaining the Albuquerque Box Effect. Find them on the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast, and follow the show on Twitter at @pcdu. Steve’s at @stevevisscher and Grant at @falcon124.

The Grill the Geeks segment returns and our listeners have little trouble stumping us. Send easier questions!

Mentions:

• Wikipedia: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Follow the @AirplaneGeeks on Twitter and on Facebook, send us email at thegeeks@airplanegeeks.com, or leave a message on our listener line: (361) GEEKS01.

The US Airways A319 post photo taken at Anchorage International (PANC) is from amazing photographer Paul Filmer. Find his work at Skipyscage Photography.

Listener Micah sent along some photos from the Grand Opening of the new terminal at Portland International Jertport PWM in Portland, Maine. The tour by Airport Director Paul Bradbury went behind the scenes through the baggage handling and screening facilities, and the HVAC system, which is geothermal! Paul is a great supporter of plane spotting and set up a free parking area with signs and pictures illustrating the kind of commercial aircraft that fly in and out of PWM.

Opening and closing music is provided by Brother Love from the Album Of The Year CD. You can find his great music at http://www.brotherloverocks.com/.

Airplane Geeks - Episode 164 - Henry Harteveldt [ 1:25:19 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (5720)

Our guest this episode is industry researcher and analyst Henry Harteveldt. He’s a Co-founder of Atmosphere Research Group where he will head up the airlline and travel practice of this research and advisory firm that will look at ecommerce, distribution, marketing and operations planning for airlines, hotel companies, travel agencies, GDS companies, and marketing agencies. Henry is also Chairman of the Association of Travel Marketing Executives and can be found on Twitter at @hharteveldt.

The week’s aviation news:

• How 9/11 really changed flying for consumers
• 737 MAX Was No Surprise, Airbus Says
• Southwest not one of the carriers that have Boeing 737 MAX on order
• Low-Cost Carriers Jockey For Position On National, LaGuardia Slot Auction
• US Airways takes preliminary look at A321neo
• Fliers’ saggy pants, skimpy garb test airlines

Steve and Grant recorded the Australia Desk Report on location at Coldstream Aerodrome (YCEM) where they had their mobile studio set up for the Australia Centre for Mission Aviation Discovery Day. Find them on the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast, and follow the show on Twitter at @pcdu. Steve’s at @stevevisscher and Grant at @falcon124.

This week on Across the Pond, Pieter Johnson talks to Brian Burrage, co-founder of the Vickers Viscount Network and an ex Rolls Royce Dart Engineer. Brian tells us about the success of the Viscount as Britain’s best post war selling turboprop airliner, being sold world-wide with over 400 being produced. None are left flying but the Viscount Network aims to keep the aircraft awareness high through a fabulous website, talks and visits to the remaining airframes. You can find Pieter Johnson on Twitter at @Nascothornet.

Follow the @AirplaneGeeks on Twitter and on Facebook, send us email at thegeeks@airplanegeeks.com, or leave a message on our listener line: (361) GEEKS01.

Post photo: N7406 c/n 104 built for Capita Airlines and seen here in June 1962 operating for United. Credit Brian Burridge.

Post photo: The Plane Crazy crew live on location. Can you name them?

Opening and closing music is provided by Brother Love from the Album Of The Year CD. You can find his great music at http://www.brotherloverocks.com/.

Airplane Geeks - Episode 159 - Aviation Chatter [ 1:49:23 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (9961)

Pat Flannigan from Aviation Chatter joins us to talk about some aviation news, his website and his new Hold Here iPhone app, and even some weight and balance. Pat is a professional airline pilot, an aviation blogger, and a licensed flight instructor. On Twitter, Pat is @PatFlannigan.

The week’s aviation news:

• Cirrus loses access to Vision jet prototype
• Congress finds compromise to end FAA partial shutdown
• The F-35 joins the Great F-22 Grounded Fleet!
• A short history of the subsystem that grounded the F-35
• US Airways, Pilots Clash on Slowdown

This week on Across the Pond, Pieter Johnson updates us on the challenges airports are having in South East England and on some news items.

Find Steve and Grant on the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast, and follow the show on Twitter at @pcdu. Steve’s at @stevevisscher and Grant at @falcon124.

Mentions:

• GE Aviation: A Little Brand Fun
• GE Future Flight – Terminal Command
• Paul Filmer’s Ag plane photos
• Volantor cocumentary film
• American’s weight and balance process
• Owen Zupp
• Save The Trident
• IAGblog Podcasts

Follow the @AirplaneGeeks on Twitter and on Facebook, send us email at thegeeks@airplanegeeks.com, or leave a message on our listener line: (361) GEEKS01.

Opening and closing music is provided by Brother Love from the Album Of The Year CD. You can find his great music at http://www.brotherloverocks.com/.

Airplane Geeks - Episode 149 - Loads of Listener Mail [ 1:57:45 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (7162)

Photo by Stephen Tornblom from his birthday trip to Chino Airport.

We talk with Milford Shirley from FlightTime Radio about their live broadcast at the upcoming Become a Pilot Family Day and Fly-In, June 18, 2011 at the National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center next to Dulles International Airport. Max, Rob, Dan, and David plan to join in the show along with some other aviation podcasters.

The week’s aviation news:

• EASA Grounds Falcon 7X, FAA Action To Follow
• Pilots to blame for crash that buried three Irish doctors in the Atlantic
• Blue Angels leader steps down over low-level move
• Delta and US Airways Propose New York/Washington Slot Swap Again, and This Time It’ll Happen

Steve Visscher and Grant McHerron from the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast provide their Australia Desk Report. Follow the podcast on Twitter at @pcdu, Steve at @stevevisscher and Grant at @falcon124.

In this week’s Across the Pond segment, Pieter Johnson gets an update from David Cenciotti on Operation Odessy Dawn in Libya, what it was like to break an international aviation story to the world, and how to track those “untraceable” black ops flights. Be sure to see David Cenciotti’s Website and follow him on Twitter at @cencio4. On Twitter, Pieter is @Nascothornet.

We spend a lot of time this episode talking about some of the great listener mail we’ve received. Click these links for more information:

Blue Angels’ almost crash: the risk of Controlled Flight Into Terrain during formation aerobatics – David Cenciotti’s blog post and video.

On 100 low lead aviation fuel: 100 Octane Unleaded Aviation Fuel – A Website dedicated to the distribution of information about the fuel crisis facing users of piston engines in General Aviation, and the promotion of an unleaded 100 octane fuel. Flying G100UL: Yeah, It Works.

On the new Pan Am TV show: ABC 2011 Fall TV Premiere: Pan Am and Pan Am, ABC Show, To Explore 1960s Flying Culture (VIDEO).

N709DN Takeoff, a 777-200/LR test flight video.

The Jetstar war on pilots.

Possible federal aid cuts could jeopardize air service in small communities.

Texas House passes bill banning TSA airport groping and Senate stirs pot with TSA groping bill, sanctuary cities.

Brunswick International Fly-In.

From Dan W. concerning air ambulance operations:

• http://tinyurl.com/3w8rhrs [PDF]
• http://tinyurl.com/3eqpvnk [PDF]
• http://tinyurl.com/3n2jq7u
• http://tinyurl.com/3nfjqj5 [PDF]
• http://tinyurl.com/3pq42qo
• http://tinyurl.com/42bb3ey [PDF]

Barnstorming, the movie.

Michael O’Leary on Spanish fines:
Texto íntegro de la carta: cortesía con el ministro pero ultimátum en negrita and the Google translation:
Full text of the letter: courtesy to the minister but bold ultimatum.

On the NTSB publication of final report on the Gol 1907 accident: Command of Aeronautics, General Staff of the Aeronautics, Final Report, A-00X/CENIPA/2008 [PDF].

United Reinstates, Quickly Withdraws, 9/11 Flight Numbers.

Boeing KC-135: The Ultimate Caffeine Delivery Machine

DC area museum ideas:

• Newseum
• College Park Aviation Museum
• Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum
• National Museum of the Marine Corps
• Patuxent River Naval Air Museum Association

Ryanair To Ground 80 Aircraft Next Winter.

F-35A may need mods to fix range shortfall.

Whew, that was a lot of listener mail!

Follow the @AirplaneGeeks on Twitter and on Facebook, send us email at thegeeks@airplanegeeks.com, or leave a message on our listener line: (361) GEEKS01.

Opening and closing music is provided by Brother Love from the Album Of The Year CD. You can find his great music at http://www.brotherloverocks.com/.

Airplane Geeks - Episode 146 - Ice Pilots [ 1:44:59 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (7575)

Our guest this episode is Mikey McBryan from Buffalo Airways and the TV show Ice Pilots (known as Ice Pilots NWT in Canada). In the U.S., thie show airs Fridays at 10pm ET/PT on the National Geographic Channel. You can follow them on Twitter at @IcePilotsNWT.

The week’s aviation news:

• Bin Laden Raid May Have Exposed Stealth Helo
• Boeing Completes First Test Flight of Phantom Ray Stealth UAV
• USAirways Merger Rumors Continue
• Republic narrows loss but struggles continue at Frontier
• Republic alludes to A320neo place holder deposit
• Another Black Eye for FAA when an ATC computer goes down

Steve Visscher and Grant McHerron from the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast provide their Australia Desk Report. Follow their show on Twitter at @pcdu, Steve at @stevevisscher and Grant at @falcon124.

In this weeks Across the Pond segment, Pieter Johnson talks with Peter Vojinovic from the Tango Six Blog.

Follow the @AirplaneGeeks on Twitter and on Facebook, send us email at thegeeks@airplanegeeks.com, or leave a message on our listener line: (361) GEEKS01.

Opening and closing music is provided by Brother Love from the Album Of The Year CD. You can find his great music at http://www.brotherloverocks.com/.

Airplane Geeks - Episode 96 - Karlene's Flight to Success [ 1:52:50 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (5829)

Our guest this week is Karlene Petitt, a long time airline pilot, currently flying with Delta. She blogs at Flight to Success and she’s also an emerging author. Karlene describes her training to fly the A330, what it’s like to pilot for a major U.S. airline, and how pilots like to be in control but sometimes are not. Karlene also brings a lot of good insight into current airline news. We had such an interesting conversation with Karlene that we had to skip a lot of the news.

Benet Wilson from AviationWeek helps out with the co-hosting. By the way, she’s got a new blog going called The TRAVEL World According to Benet. Also, Steve Visscher and Grant McHerron from the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast joined us live for the news:

• 2010 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition
• Airline merger’s route leads to federal regulators
• United/Continental Unions Could Battle
• Safety recommendations made on engines, life vests in plane that ditched into Hudson River
• US Airways CEO: NextGen benefits don’t justify equipage investment

David returns to provide his This Week in Aviation history segment.

Follow the @AirplaneGeeks on Twitter and on Facebook, send us email at thegeeks@airplanegeeks.com, or leave a message on our listener line: (361) GEEKS01.

Thanks to Mark Hsiung for permission to use his Delta A330 photograph above.

Opening and closing music is provided by Brother Love from the Album Of The Year CD. You can find his great music at http://www.brotherloverocks.com/.

Airplane Geeks - Episode 94 - Jet Checking [ 1:41:07 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (5159)

Our guest this episode is Jonathan Heckman, founder and writer of the JetCheck.net blog. Jonathan attends Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he’s working to a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Business Administration. He’s also a student pilot, logging hours in a Diamond Eclipse.

The news:

• Airlines want payouts for ‘overreaction’
• Airlines and Ashes
• Aircraft engine makers, regulators study ash impact
• US Airways calls off merger talks with United Airlines
• With Higher Passenger Revenue, Delta Narrows Loss to $256 Million
• Southwest Airlines posts $11 million 1Q profit
• Spirit Airlines Installs “Pre-Reclined” Seats On New Airbus A320′s
• DOT Denies Requests for Waiver of Tarmac Delay Rule
• Swelblog: Dr. Amy Cohen on Tarmac Delays
• O’Hare to shorten runway
• EADS North America Intends to Submit Proposal for U.S. Air Force Tanker
• See also: EADS KC-45 Tanker and The Real American Tankers
• U.S. Army Unveils UAV Road Map
• ‘Green Hornet’ flies for Earth Day

David provides his This Week in Aviation history segment, and we have a great report from the Airplane Geeks Australia Desk.

Follow the @AirplaneGeeks on Twitter, send us email at thegeeks@airplanegeeks.com, or leave a message on our listener line: (361) GEEKS01. We’re  also on Facebook.

Opening and closing music is provided by Brother Love from the Album Of The Year CD. Visit his site at http://www.brotherloverocks.com/.

Airplane Geeks - Episode 76 - Flight Testing With James [ 1:17:20 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (3548)

Our guest this episode is life-long test pilot James Patton. He was the Chief Test Pilot & Head of Flight Ops at NASA Langley, a naval aviator, an FAA test pilot, and an expert at spin testing. Jim was just inducted into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame.

David Vanderhoof has another This Week in Aviation, Steve Visscher and Grant McHerron from the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast have their Australia Desk report, and we have some listener mail.

• F.A.A. Clarifies What Can Be Stowed in Seat Back
• FAA won’t allow cockpit naps as part of plan to reduce pilot fatigue
• Two Years of Lost Growth – Slow Improvement Trend
• US Airways Pilots Ask Department of Justice to Investigate US Airways/Delta Transaction
• Bertrand Piccard’s Solar Impulse aircraft makes inaugural flight [Thanks, John!]
• Northrop Rejects Tanker Bid Under Draft RFP

Follow the @AirplaneGeeks on Twitter, send us email at thegeeks@airplanegeeks.com, or leave a message on our listener line: (361) GEEKS01.

This episode’s opening and closing music is provided by Brother Love from the Album Of The Year CD. Visit his site at http://www.brotherloverocks.com/.