Airplane Geeks Podcast

Guest Kip Hawley was Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from July 2005 to January 2009. He’s also just written the book, “Permanent Emergency: Inside the TSA and the Fight for the Future of American Security” available through his website (KipHawley.com), Amazon.com, and many bookstores. We talk with Kip about how he came to be the TSA Administrator, the risk that business aviation presents, and the Large Aircraft Security Program. Kip explains why the full TSA “body search” shouldn’t be necessary and he gives us some interesting details about the plot that led to the ban on liquids over 3 ounces. We consider calls to privatize the TSA, and discuss managing security and managing risk, the public perception of “the threat” and just how large it really is, security theater, the cost of technology, behavioral profiling, the effects of TSA security on the travelling public and thus on the commercial aviation industry, the history of Blogger Bob from The TSA Blog, and even a little peek inside the Bush oval office. Kip observes that the risk in counter-terrorism is nonlinear, whereas in aviation safety it is linear. We have to be looking for nonlinear risk but a lot of the risk models used came out of the FAA safety regime and don’t apply well to security. The week’s aviation news: EBACE: HondaJet flies third test aircraft New Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 Aircraft Set to Revolutionize the Light Jet Segment Cessna Announces Long-Range Citation Business Jet TSA Gropes Another Senior Citizen (Specifically, Henry Kissinger) Time to privatize the TSA? In this week’s Australia Desk report: Alligator Airways loses court bid to overturn CASA grounding, Army temporarily grounds Tiger Armed Recon Helicopters, Lockheed Martin ready to begin training RAAF pilots, Sydney Airport CEO claims the airport has plenty of spare space for expansion, Airservices Australia CEO steps down unexpectedly, China Southern to establish the “Canton Route” from Australia to the UK, Air Pacific announces a re-branding to Fiji Airways. Find more from Grant and Steve at the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast, and follow the show on Twitter at @pcdu Steve’s at @stevevisscher and Grant at @falcon124. In this week’s Across the Pond segment: Pieter Johnson asks our adopted Spanish correspondent Diego Lopez-Salazar from Aeropodcast.com to give us some feedback on his recent trip to Mexico. He gives us a summary of the airline structure there and the key carrifull service, low cost models. Find Pieter Johnson on Twitter as @Nascothornet, on his blog Alpha Tango Papa, and also on Facebook at XTPMedia. 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.

This time we go without a guest to give more time for listener mail. We cover such topics as long, long takeoff rolls, pilots who seee UFOs, and airbags in A320 seat belts. We have more from a 14 year old listener on his aviation aspirations, cell phones on airplanes, and the Russian Irkut MC-21. We also deliver our personal “Happy Mother’s Day” message to Hariett, an octogenarian aviator and one of our favorite listeners. The week’s aviation news: Rob’s report on the Collier Trophy Event at DCA for the Boeing 787. American Airlines now considering merger scenarios American Upgrades Business Class, Downgrades Coach on Widebody Fleet Putin’s Aerospace Rebirth Ambition Hangs on SuperJet Crash Probe In memorium: Evelyn B. Johnson | Early pilot, 102 Denny Fitch dies; off-duty pilot in heroic landing In this week’s Australia Desk report: Qantas pilots union lose an appeal in the Federal Court against the management decision to ground the airline last year, Federal budget cuts affect Defence procurement programs, including the F35A & P8 – they also bring forward the retirement of the C130H fleet to this year, instead of 2013 – The RAAF confirms a purchase order for 10 Aleania C27J Spartan aircraft in a move worth $A1.4billion, Federal Government announces a 17% hike in departure taxes, raising the cost of leaving Australia to $A55…..and GM for PM?? Could be a theme coming here…. Find more from Grant and Steve at the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast, and follow the show on Twitter at @pcdu Steve’s at @stevevisscher and Grant at @falcon124. In the Across the Pond segment: Last year we were contacted by Bill Jones from Kansas City, Missouri to ask if we could help with a flight he planned to take in a small GA aircraft across the North Sea from Holland to the UK. Unfortunately it didn’t quite work out but we managed to get Bill connected to our friend a recent guest Jelle Hieminga who was featured on our VC Tenderness episode and then again on GA in Holland in Episode 169. On Across the Pond this week we hear how Bill got on. Find Pieter Johnson on Twitter as @Nascothornet, on his blog Alpha Tango Papa, and also on Facebook at XTPMedia. Mentions: AirSafe.com, Dr. Todd Curtis’ excellent resource. General Aviation Airport Coalition - Find the user fee petition on the Alerts page, or go direct to the whitehouse.gov page. From the listener mail: Russian (okay Ukrainian actually) Plane uses ALL of Canberra Airport’s Runway (YouTube). Japan Air Lines flight 1628 incident UFO over Chicago O`Hare Airport Nov 7, 2006 UFO Files | Black Box UFO Secrets PilotEdge, ATC service for a range of flight simulators. Offered on Virgin Atlantic (Upper Class Cabin) flights… Planeview: browse the upper class suite Pocket Casts by Shifty Jelly. ExpertAviator.com – Increasing Your Aviation Knowledge One Blog Post At A Time. 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.

Guest Linda L. (Heid) Maloney had a 20 year military career as a naval flight officer flying the A-7, EA-6A, and the EA-6B Prowler. She was one of the first women to join a combat military flying squadron. Since then, she’s provided engineering and technical support to the Navy’s aviation acquisition programs and has just authored the book, Military Fly Moms ~ Sharing Memories, Building Legacies, Inspiring Hope. We talk with Linda about being a female military aviator, and the time she had to eject from her plane. In her book, a collection of women military pilots tell their stories, the decisions they have had to make, the legacy they want pass down to their children, and the encouragement they give to other women. A portion of the proceeds from the book go to Girls With Wings. Find Linda (and her book) at www.LindaHeidMaloney.com or on Twitter as @militaryflymoms. Also see the Military Fly Moms ~ Sharing Memories, Building Legacies, Inspiring Hope Facebook page. The week’s aviation news: Delta Buys Delco Refinery Some pilots refuse to fly F-22 Raptor amid jet’s oxygen problems Air France Flight 447: ‘Damn it, we’re going to crash’ David’s Aircraft of the Week: The EA-6A Electric Intruder. In this week’s Australia Desk report: In addition to the airshow noise, Grant and Steve talk about CASA grounding another animal themed airline, Qantas considering laying off 400 maintenance workers in Melbourne, Qantas delaying two A380s but increasing domestic capacity to fight off Virgin Australia and the recent Australian decision to delay making a decision on when to purchase the F35. Find more from Grant and Steve at 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 again talks with UK airline consultant Tim Gresty from Cognitio. Tim shares more of his views on the way the industry is developing and where he thinks things will develop for some of the carriers. Find Pieter Johnson on Twitter as @Nascothornet, on his blog Alpha Tango Papa, and also on Facebook at XTPMedia. Mentions: Martin Baker, maker of ejection seats. 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/.

Guest Kelly Murphy is a founder of Emerald Media, which handles public relations, media services, and all the editorial aspects of producing publications for aviation clients. Kelly runs the group’s publishing activities and that includes newsletters, magazine, brochures, and presentations. She is the editor of Regional Horizons, the magazine of the US Regional Airline Association, and Saab Aircraft Leasing’s Saab Market Report and Saab Aerotech’s Support Solutions. Kelly is a member of the Aero Club of Washington, a private pilot license holder and occasionally flies a Cessna 172 for her family’s aerial photography business. She’s the former editor of Professional Pilot magazine, Water Flying magazine and Commuter/Regional Airline News (US). We talk about last week’s World Airline Training Show in Florida and where the next generation of pilots is going to come from, and the special supplement produced for the Women in Aviation Conference in Dallas. The RAA 37th Annual Convention is coming up in in Minneapolis next month and comments for the NPRM closed on Monday, April 30, 2012. The week’s aviation news: Eclipse Receives Production OK from FAA General Aviation Airport Coalition launches petition against $100 fee and a link to the petition House Panel Reviews Aviation Safety in the U.S. Regional Airline Association Press Release: RAA Emphasizes Flight Time Does Not Equal Experience (PDF) In this week’s Australia Desk report: Tiger Airways ditches $1 fares but is looking toward better use of technology for check-in, Australian Government introduces a National Airline Customer Advocate, Avalon Airport in Victoria to allow greater GA utilisation….but check out those user fees!…Virgin Australia shows off its latest A330s, Australian Government refuses to fully fund a trip for the 70 remaining veterans of Bomber Command from WW2 to attend the opening of the official memorial in London. Find more from Grant and Steve at 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 talks to heavyweight airline executive Tim Gresty from Cognitio about the challenges of the low cost airlines versus the full fare carriers and what impact the new High Speed Rail Link in the UK will have on the regional airline sector. Tim gives us a real insight into what senior airline executives think about these challenges as well as enlightening us to some fascinating views on airline performance. Tim and his business have worked with British Airways, Air France/KLM, Hapag Lloyd, Etihad and Air Belin as well as working in some very interesting markets such as Mauritius, Iran and South Africa. Find Pieter Johnson on Twitter as @Nascothornet, on his blog Alpha Tango Papa, and also on Facebook at XTPMedia. Mentions: US Regional Airline Association Saab Aircraft Leasing General Aviation Airport Coalition Culpeper Regional Airport, Culpeper Air Fest, October 6, 2012 Pilots: JJ Quinn by Kelly Murphy Regional Horizons Women in Aviation Supplement (PDF) Regional Horizons, Regional Airline Industry Forecasts Links from Listener Email: What Cities Gain When Their Airports Are Close to Downtown Aviation reports – 2011 – A11F0012 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/.

Guest Steve Harris is currently a senior at the University of Michigan in Aerospace Engineering and writes the Aeroscholar blog. He’s also the president of the UofM Student Chapter of The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and is a member of the Jet Engine Team of Michigan. Steve is starting to pursue a private pilot’s license, he has taken students on a tour of the top aerospace companies in southern California, he attends the Aerospace Sciences Meeting every year, and through the AIAA he lobbies for the aerospace industry in Washington D.C. Steve Tweets as @Aeroscholar. The week’s aviation news: David Vanderhoof gives us a report on the Space Shuttle swap-out at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles Airport. He spoke with NASA Director Charles F. “Charlie” Bolden, NASM Curator Dr. Helen Morill, and Senator John Glenn. Dan spoke with Virgin Galactic’s CEO and President George Whitesides aboard Virgin America’s inaugural flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia. Warbirds Facing Doom? American Airlines unions, US Airways announce deal to support merger Merged airline would be called American Airlines, headquartered in Fort Worth Bates: US Airways has a good plan, American Airlines doesn’t A JET FLIGHT PASSENGER’S NIGHTMARE: Delta flight forced to emergency land after bird strike takes out a 757 jet engine Business Expert Videos Delta 1063 Mid Air Bird Strike David’s aircraft of the Week: the Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama. No Australia Desk news report this week, but you can still find more from Grant and Steve at 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 talks again to Rohit Rao from AeroBlogger about developments in India with the focus on airlines. There’s more news from Kingfisher and the guys look at some of the new airlines starting up in the region. Find Rohit on Twitter as @TheAeroBlogger. Find Pieter Johnson on Twitter as @Nascothornet, on his blog Alpha Tango Papa, and also on Facebook at XTPMedia. Links from Listener Email: How Things Work: Lightning Protection 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/. Post photo by David Vanderhoof  

This week our scheduled guest was called away at the last minute, so the Geeks go it alone to talk about some of the recent aviation news and discuss a lot of interesting listener mail. Of course, we also have David’s This Week in Aviation history segment, Steve and Grant’s Australia News Desk, and Pieter’s Across the Pond Segment. The week’s aviation news: NTSB releases recommendations for air races NTSB Provides Investigative Update and Issues Recommendations to Increase Safety at Air Races State Department Seeks Expanded UAV Security Fleet Airlines hit record highs for on-time flights, luggage handling Live Virtual Constructive technology set to revolutionize air combat training Why Doesn’t Snow on the Wings Matter? David’s aircraft of the Week: the Rockwell Space Transportation Systems OV-103, otherwise known as the Space Shuttle Discovery. In this week’s Australia Desk report: Steve has a new get rich quick idea as Qantas operates an A330 from Sydney to Adelaide on April 13th partially powered by biofuel, Qantas A380 VH-OQA takes to the skies after 18 months of repairs following its infamous incident above Indonesia in 2010. Find more from Grant and Steve at 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 talks to Frenchez Pietersz from Aviation Platform about airline news from the Benelux countries of Europe, that’s Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg. With so much to cover we focused this week’s talk on Belgium and Holland, how the KLM Air France merger is developing, and how Lufthansa is challenging them with flights from Brussels. You can dind Aviation Platform on Twitter as @AviPlatform, on Facebook, and on LinkedIn. Find Pieter Johnson on Twitter as @Nascothornet, on his blog Alpha Tango Papa, and also on Facebook at XTPMedia. Links from Listener Email: Lightning Strike via John Arvin. Bush and Arctic Pilot, recommended by Chris. DC-3/Dakota Historical Society, Inc. also from Chris. Lost In Oscar Hotel, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Piper Cub. Space Shuttle Discovery to Fly Over Washington Metro Area April 17 and… Shuttle lands here soon, so sorry Houston from Harry. RAF sonic boom jets spark resident alarm after helicopter emergency from Ben. Squawk codes & Transponders via Tim Robinson. Permission to use the post photograph has been obtained from the photographer. 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/.

Mike Kincaid is a CFI/Designated Examiner at Mountain Lakes Seaplanes, based at Pappy Boyington Airport (COE) in Hayden, Idaho. He learned to fly in Alaska, where seaplanes are a must, and he had a career with the Alaska Department of Public Safety. In Alaska, Mike hiked, fished, hunted, skied, snowshoed, mushed dogs, flew bush planes, chased bad guys, protected the wildlife of Alaska, and built log cabins deep in the woods. He now shares his passion for seaplane flying with students from around the globe in his restored Piper J3 and writes when the weather grounds him. We talk about how Mike ended up in Alaska and learned to fly, and what it’s like to fly with floats. He offers a few stories about his adventures in Alaska, some good and some very much the opposite. Mike’s books include Seaplane Rating Basics and several others based on his Alaska adventures. Mike was also involved in the movie The Frozen Ground based on a real case about a serial killer in Alaska. The movie is scheduled for release December 2012 and stars Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, and Vanessa Hudgens. Mike did the flying (some if it spectacular glacier flying) which director Scott Walker referred to as “organic flying.” He was the stunt double and pilot for John Cusak. The week’s aviation news: Benet Wilson joins us with her impressions from Sun ‘n Fun Man Tries to Board Plane at PHL With Fireworks Man Arrested At PHL Checkpoint With Loaded Firearm JetBlue co-pilot calmly and quickly got jet down David’s aircraft of the Week: the Thwipplenut Parakeet. In this week’s Australia Desk report: Qantas announces Jetstar Hong Kong in partnership with China Eastern….but will Hong Kong’s lawmakers allow it? Fiji’s military government causing problems for Qantas’ 46% stake in Air Pacific, RAAF ramps up plans for EA18G “Growler” conversions, Melbourne Airport announces a $A1billion upgrade. Find more from Grant and Steve at 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, we get our own student pilot back: Neil Bradon. When we last talked to Neil back in Episode 168 he had just solo’d in Ireland and was planning to spend the next few years in the USA. Well, he arrived, found his school and is flying again. Find out how he’s doing. Neil is an avid Airplane Geeks listener and supporter and has his own blog at www.getmyppl.blogspot.co.uk and lives his life on Twitter as @Pilot_ngb. Find Pieter Johnson on Twitter as @Nascothornet, on his blog Alpha Tango Papa, and also on Facebook at XTPMedia. Links from Listener Email: Queenstown. The Remarkable Challenge of RNP. (Part One). An Aviation Blog by Owen Zupp As drones rise, a manned fighter falls 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/.

Guest Leigh White is President of Alertness Solutions. We talk about the science of fatigue and how it can be applied to aviation, be it for pilots, cabin crew, air traffic controllers, and others. Leigh talks about new fatigue management requirements, how to integrate those with existing processes, and how fatigue management is really an enhancement of operator safety management systems. When managing a flight department and incorporating fatigue into the operation, there are four main factors to be aware of: 1. a continuum of performance impairment, not just falling asleep 2. focus on circadian rhythm 3. the hours of wakefulness (at 16 hours there is a significant performance drop) – impact on long duty days 4. sleep debt – the cumulative effect of insufficient sleep The week’s aviation news: ALPA Galvanizes Industry Efforts to Combat Pilot Fatigue Cessna to develop a plan to build business jets in China David’s aircraft of the Week: the Lockheed JetStar. In this week’s Australia Desk report: Grant is out sick and Steve has been in South Australia covering the Parafield Air Show where among others, he recorded an interview with Flight Lieutenant Richard Morris, a pilot with the RAAF Display Team “The Roulettes.” We give the airline news a break this week as we hear about life in the RAAFs elite display team. Find out more about the Roulettes at www.airforce.gov.au/roulettes and follow the RAAF on Twitter @airforcehq. Find more from Grant and Steve at the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast, and follow the show on Twitter at @pcdu Steve’s at @stevevisscher and Grant at @falcon124. In the Across the Pond segment, Gareth Stringer and Tim Robinson talk with Pieter Johnson about the English Electric Lightning, C135′s at Mildenhall, the Singapore Air Show, and an old piece of Royal Aeronautical Society film footage that has surfaced of some great historical aircraft. Find Gareth at Global Aviation Resource and Tim at the Royal Aeronautical Society. Pieter can be found on Twitter as @Nascothornet or at XTP Media’s Facebook Page. Links to items in the Across the Pond segment: Global Aviation Magazine The Royal Aeronautical Society’s Centenary Garden Party in 1966 – caught on film Links from Listener Email: Department of Transport, Bureau of Air Safety Investigation Report, Boeing 727-277 VH-ANA VH-ANA photo Watchdog: Many co-pilots don’t meet training standards Air Canada maintenance firm gets bankruptcy protection Is Boeing’s 737 an Airplane Prone to Problems? Flyngo.com Infinite Flight for iOS 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 this week’s Australia Desk report: Grant is out sick this week and Steve has been in South Australia covering the Parafield Air Show where among others, he recorded an interview with Flight Lieutenant Richard Morris, a pilot with the RAAF Display Team “The Roulettes.” We give the airline news a break this week as we hear about life in the RAAFs elite display team. Find out more about the Roulettes at www.airforce.gov.au/roulettes and follow the RAAF on Twitter @airforcehq.

Guest Steve Fulton is a Technical Fellow with GE Aviation. He was the pilot at Alaska Airlines who helped develop the world’s first RNP procedure (that’s Required Navigation Performance), and he was a co-founder of Naverus, now part of GE. RNP enables aircraft to be placed on efficient predefined paths from top of descent to the runway. We discuss RNP, the FAA reauthorization, and what the U.S. Congress has mandated. We talk about bringing what was developed in simpler situations to more complex ones here in the U.S., and mention “The Highways in the Sky” study where GE identifies significant benefits at airports that are not at the top of the FAA priority list. Steve points out that besides techincal challanges, this technology requires attention to the human element because it represents such a large change for pilots and air traffic controllers. Controllers, for example, have great vectoring skills that work well for loading the runways, but not very efficiently. RNP brings efficiency, but the task is more about managing automation. Steve also talks about translating the benefits of RNP to general aviation and unmanned aviation as well. Steve writes for the GE Aviation Skyward Blog, and you can follow him Twitter at @captstevefulton. The week’s aviation news: Stretched potential for Boeing 777 Multiple Carriers File for New Beyond-Perimeter DCA Slots Boeing finishes tests for GE-engine 787 [Analysis:] Delta-Boeing clash threatens Obama bid to renew Eximbank Two Venice couples and child killed in N.C. plane crash In this week’s Australia Desk report: Virgin Australia restructure goes ahead despite Qantas trying to block it, damaged Qantas A380 V-OQA repaired and returning to Aus next month, AirNZ ATR 72s grounded due to wing cracks, and Air Asia X pulling out of Christchurch route. Find more from Grant and Steve at the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast, and follow the show on Twitter at @pcdu Steve’s at @stevevisscher and Grant at @falcon124. In his Across The Pond segment, Pieter Johnson talks with AeroBlogger Rohit Rao about the situation for airlines in India. Rohit gives his views on Kingfisher and their well publicised troubles as well as looking at Indigo. It’s a fascinating insight into Indian aviation. Follow Rohit on Twitter as @TheAeroBlogger and Pieter can be found on Twitter as @Nascothornet or XTP Media’s Facebook Page. 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/.

Guest Darryl Jenkins is a seasoned airline analyst, Chairman of the American Aviation Institute, and author of the Handbook of Airline Economics. The week’s aviation news: EU-China Battle Stalls Sales of Airbus Jets US to send JSTARs to South Korea United’s Reservation System Switch Goes Well With Only Minor Glitches In this week’s Australia Desk report: the Qantas Asian venture takes a dive as Malaysia Airlines pulls out of the Red Q proposal, Air New Zealand is upsetting customers with its new “bid for a seat” frequent flyer programme, and Airbus Military offers the RAAF a 6th KC30A tanker. Find more from Grant and Steve at the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast, and follow the show on Twitter at @pcdu Steve’s at @stevevisscher and Grant at @falcon124. In his Across The Pond segment, Pieter Johnson talks with Diego López-Salazar from Aeropodcast.com to give us an update on the airlines in Spain. They discuss Spanair, Iberia Express and Volotea and the Spanish Government’s step down from privatisation. Pieter can be found on Twitter as @Nascothornet or XTP Media’s Facebook Page. Mentioned in the episode: AirlineMeals.net F7U Cutlass National Museum – United States Air Force 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/.

Guest Ryan P. Starkey, Ph.D. has been working with University of Colorado students to develop a Mach 1.4 UAV. Propulsion for this very efficient aircraft comes from a 20 pound turbojet that features an afterburner and thrust vectoring nozzle. We talk about the design of the vehicle, possible commercial and military applications, and the timeline for first flight. Ryan is Assistant Professor and a McAnally Faculty Fellow, as well as Director of the Busemann Advanced Concepts Lab at the University of Colorado Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences. You can also learn more about this project at Starkey Aerospace Corporation. The week’s aviation news: Air Force Aborts Tucano Contract two months after Awarding it! UN aviation body says emissions proposal by year-end Airport gate crasher charged by feds FAA publishes first officer qualification rule American Will Join The ‘Premium Economy’ Parade By Selling Extra Legroom Rows This week’s Australia Desk report was recorded live at the Tyabb Airshow, 70km southeast of Melbourne. Air Australia owes creditors $A90million but had less than $A500,000 in funds when it went bankrupt, Qantas fails in its bit to have to Federal Government change the Qantas Sale Act (1992), Virgin Australia restructures into domestic & international companies, tour operator, Jetset, has an incredible profit increase thanks to the high value of the Aussie dollar, ATC Ben makes a cameo appearance, Grant is horrified that Steve left light beer in his fridge! Find more from Grant and Steve at 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 John Greenway from the Manchester Airport Group about Manchester Airport’s growth and success at becoming the first Aerocity. Manchester has an innovative style to accommodating its customers, has a great Twitter feed and is performing well in a demanding market. Hear how the Airpark (the place for aviation spotters and enthusiasts) homes some of the nations most prized assets, including a Concorde. You can find the Manchester Airport Group at www.manchesterairport.co.uk and on Twitter as @manairport. See also the Airport City website at airportcity.co.uk. Pieter can be found on Twitter as @Nascothornet or XTP Media’s Facebook Page. Mentioned in the episode: Center for Space Entrepreneurship Skippyscage Photography Links from listeners: FAA, airport officials no-shows at hearing Photos: Boeing Delivers First 747-8 Intercontinental, Though VIP Buyer Remains a Mystery 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/. Post photo by Paul Thompson: Three Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire UK. He liked the picture as they flew towards him at around 500 feet and then went and had a little play ( vertically to about 20000 feet) as it were.

Guest David Allen produces the great video podcast Other People’s Airplanes, where he takes you with him on flights in, well, other people’s airplanes. He also co-hosts the popular Pilot’s Flight PodLog, a hangar flying podcast. Follow David on Twitter as @DaveFlys. We talk about how David uses multiple GoPro cameras mounted on the airplane to capture an immersive in-cockpit video experience, and some exciting changes coming to the Pilot’s Flight PodLog. David has also seen the first rough cut of the documentary film, A Pilot’s Story and he gives us a little taste of that. This will be a DVD that we’ll all want to own when it becomes available. David tells us what it takes to do what he does, and how you can too. Also, if you stick with the show, you’ll hear where the handle Ducky came from. The week’s aviation news: Air Traffic Controllers Caught Sleeping In The Tower At Westchester Airport FAA: Ditch The 3rd Class Medical Petition, Denied NTSB calls for safety upgrades for Boeing 737 cabin, pilot seats National Transportation Safety Board – Safety Recommendation F-35 Plane Falls Short on Goals Costing Lockheed $32 Million In this week’s Australia Desk report: In this week’s Australia Desk report: Grant has been to an air show without Steve! Air New Zealand announces job cuts following low profit figures, Air New Zealand confirms the purchase of two additional 787-9s, Virgin Australia announces profit increase of 118% on same time last year, RAAF may reconsider purchase of C27J Spartans – Airbus Military keen to sell them C295s instead. Find more from Grant and Steve at 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 the Across The Pond segment, Pieter Johnson talks to Simon Atack, one of the world’s greatest aviation artists. We find out how Simon starting drawing and painting aeroplanes and what inspires him to keep producing his amazing pictures. You can find Simon Atack on Twitter at @SimonWAtack on the Web at www.simonatack.com, and on Facebook. Pieter can be found on Twitter as @Nascothornet or XTP Media’s Facebook Page. Mentioned in the episode: A Pilot’s Story Links from listeners: Conquistadors del Cielo Bob Crandall’s return to American Airlines AA Bankruptcy Song Bye Bye American Pride West Coast DHC-6-100 C-FGQH Twin Otter at Vancouver Harbour Seaplane Terminal A fantasy camp for airline nerds Isaac’s Seattle links: Aviation Geek Fest The Museum of Flight 2012 NorthWest Scale Modelers Show Future of Flight The Flying Heritage Collection Historic Flight at KILO-7 Legend Flyers – Me 262 Project Museum of Flight Restoration Center Visit Seattle Sea-Tac International Airport 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/.

Our guest this episode is Joe Bellino, a retired Air Traffic Controller. He was with the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) and after the 1981 Controllers strike he became the local union rep for the new National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). Joe was a regional union VP from 1986 to 1990, and also the Executive VP of NATCA from 1991 to 1994. We talk about NextGen ATC, controller fatigue, types of people who make good controllers and how to test them (or not) for native ability, aircraft separation, and other air traffic control topics. The week’s aviation news: Obama signs FAA bill that aims to modernize aviation system Collapse Of The U.S. Regional Airline Industry Is A Real Concern In this week’s Australia Desk report: Air Australia goes bankrupt only three months after re-branding from Strategic, leaving 4,000 passengers stranded and 96,000 ticket holders wondering if they’ll get any refund. We’re joined by senior aviation journalist Ben Sandilands as we discuss the events and what led up to them. The news provided a perfect diversion for Qantas CEO Allan Joyce, as he delivered very poor profit figures and announced 500 job cuts during the week. Find Ben Sandilands online at Plane Talking and follow him on Twitter as @planetalking. Find more from Grant and Steve at the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast, and follow the show on Twitter at @pcdu. Steve’s at @stevevisscher and Grant at @falcon124. On Across The Pond this week, Pieter talks to James Cliff, PR Executive and Commentator for the Blades Display Team, one of Europes best aerobatic display teams. You can find The Blades team on Twitter at @thebladesteam on the Web at www.theblades.biz, and on Facebook as The Blades Aerobatic Team. Pieter can be found on Twitter as @Nascothornet or XTP Media’s Facebook Page. Mentioned in the episode: Bell 525 Relentless Aviation Museums Link to One Six Right on Hulu White 767s at Dulles maps.google.com 38.942792,-77.449264 Links from listeners: NTSB: Planes at Chicago’s Midway came within 300 feet of each other The Hidden Cost of Africa’s Air Traffic Boom Sikorsky Opens Business Office in Mexico Chile LAN Airlines Sees TAM Merger Consolidated In Second Quarter Yokosuka D4Y-1 Suisei “Judy” Restoration at Planes of Fame 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/.