Aviation Deep Dives Episodes

Focused explorations of aviation topics, events, and technology, drawing on pilot experience and industry expertise to explain complex subjects in detail.
May 13, 2025

Newark Chaos, Missed Flights, and Visual Approaches: A Pilot’s Wild Week

This week on The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom is back from training with a flight bag full of stories. From shooting RNP .2 approaches to trying out the tricky Newark Stadium Visual Runway 29, it was anything but routine. After delays in Newark reroute his trip, Tom finds himself sprinting through DTW, dealing with valet bag failures, and navigating late-night hotel decisions—at a place that may or may not have had a dead flight attendant. We break down the chaos at Newark Liberty Airport,...
May 1, 2025

Hot Topic Briefing #3: Aerobatic Legend Rob Holland, Experimental Aircraft, and the Risk-Reward of Aviation

In Hot Topic Briefing #3, we take a somber but important look at the tragic accident that claimed the life of world-renowned aerobatic pilot Rob Holland during a practice session at Langley AFB in Virginia ahead of the Air Power Over Hampton Roads Airshow. We explore Holland’s incredible legacy — from his championship career flying the high-performance MXS-RH aircraft to his leadership in pushing the boundaries of aerobatic flight. We also dive into the world of experimental aircraft, the uni...
Guest: Rob Holland
April 24, 2025

Hot Topic Briefing #2 – Delta Flight 2276 Tailpipe Fire in Orlando: What Happened and Why It Matters

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 ...
April 16, 2025

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

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...
April 9, 2025

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

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 ne...
Feb. 25, 2025

Turbulence, Chaos, and a CRJ Upside Down: A Pilot’s Perspective

Episode Description: In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Mike and Tom reunite after three years apart, sharing stories from the skies and the terminals. The episode kicks off with how their paths finally crossed again on one of Mike’s trips before diving into some unforgettable experiences on the road. Tom recounts a chaotic airport scene where passengers erupted in frustration after missing a connection, while Mike shares the eerie experience of flying through St. Elmo’s Fire....
Feb. 11, 2025

Day In The Life Part 4 - What do Pilots do in Cruise? Have we seen UFOs?

What do pilots do in cruise flight? Have either one of us ever seen a UFO? What if we have to use the restroom? These are the questions we answer in our latest episode. We also share some pretty hilarious stories and memories. Don't forget to comment and let us know what you'd like for us to touch on or talk about next. Email: theblackbox01@yahoo.com Instagram: the_black_box01 X: @the_black_box01
Feb. 4, 2025

AA5342 Crash at Washington National Discussion DCA

In this episode we dive into to what we know about the tragic accident at Washington National on January 29th between American Airline Flight 5342 operated by PSA, a CRJ 700, and PAT 25, a blackhawk helicopter. We give stories about flying into DCA but try to avoid making any assumptions about the accident. Be sure to let us know what you think and comment or reach out with any questions or topics you'd like to see covered. Email: theblackbox01@yahoo.com Instagram: the_black_box01 X:...
Jan. 28, 2025

Day In the Life part 3 - Let's Go Fly!

In this episode you will follow Tom and Mike along as we get to the airplane, push back, and take off. As usual there will be multiple stories about lessons learned and advice given a long the way. Have a question or an idea for the show? Contact us below: theblackbox01@yahoo.com Instagram: THE_BLACK_BOX01 X: @the_black_box01 https://youtube.com/@theblackboxwithtomandmike?si=-sGEs7Oa2StSWPUR
Jan. 21, 2025

A Day In The Life Part 2

In this episode Captain's Mike and Tom start off discussing the nuances of being new to higher levels of social media and podcast broadcast production. The show moves into some quick takes on some real life stories from last week's travels. Then we get into what its like to arrive at the airport, head to the gate, meet the crew, do the pre-flight and get ready to push the flight off the gate. We wrap-up with a discussion about a current even topic regarding a Southwest Airlines pilot who was arr...