Safety & Operations Episodes

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 ...

This week on The BlackBox Aviation Podcast, we’re diving headfirst into the chaos, comedy, and close calls of spring break air travel—aviator style. I share stories from the road (and sky), including the saga of dragging golf clubs through JetBlue's SRQ route, how a sentimental pocket knife survived post-9/11 TSA... until it didn’t, and why TSA always finds my sunscreen but misses the good stuff. Plus, we nerd out at the legendary Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage, where volcano warnings double...

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...

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...

In this episode, we tackle the dangers of mistaken runways for takeoff. We break down the Southwest Flight 3278 incident in Orlando, where the crew mistook a taxiway for a runway—leading to an aborted takeoff after a critical intervention from ATC. Then, we compare it to the tragic Comair Flight 5191 crash in Lexington, where a takeoff from a closed, unlit runway ended in disaster. What causes these errors, and what safeguards can prevent them? We explore real-world lessons from these cases. ...

In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, we break down the intense moment when Delta Flight 4814, a CRJ operated by Endeavor Air, experienced a wing strike at LaGuardia Airport. What went wrong, and what can pilots learn from this incident? Plus, for those looking to break into the cockpit, we dive into expert tips on securing a pilot interview—covering networking, resume strategies, and standout interview techniques. Tune in for insights, analysis, and aviation wisdom! 📩 Connect wi...

Ever dreamed of becoming a pilot? In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, we break down the path to the cockpit—what it takes to earn your wings and the challenges along the way. We also dive into a pilot’s worst nightmare: what actually happens when a door opens mid-flight? Plus, the ins and outs of jumpseating as a commuting pilot, and the ultimate debate—is it McDonald's or Mac Donald’s? Tune in for aviation insights, pilot stories, and some unexpected turbulence in the fast-food w...

In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, we dive into recent airline incidents, including multiple go-arounds and the near-miss involving a Southwest Airlines flight in Chicago. What causes these tense moments in aviation, and how do pilots handle them? Plus, we answer a listener’s question about the path to becoming a pilot—training, costs, and career expectations. Ever wondered how pilots get to their hotels and what kind of accommodations they expect? We break down the behind-the-sc...

Episode Description: This episode is packed with wild aviation stories and the latest updates from the skies! We jump right into the incident involving Delta flight 4819, a CRJ operated by Endeavor Air, that flipped on landing in Toronto. Plus, we’ve got fresh details from the NTSB about American Airlines flight 5342 (operated by PSA), which collided with a Black Hawk helicopter at DCA. We also talk about the challenges of flying in Alaska, including how the weather may have contributed to th...

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:...

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