Episode 48: Aviation 2018: the good, the bad, and the weird

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | Google Podcasts | RSS

2018 was a year of highs, lows, and head scratchers. We take you through the year that was and we also revisit some of our favorite interviews from last year.

What was new in 2018

We begin the show with new aircraft, either taking to the air for the first time in 2018 or achieving certification and entering service.

Featured interview

8:34 Jon Ostrower, editor-in-chief of The Air Current joined us to discuss Boeing’s plans for its New Mid-market Airplane (NMA), which will likely be unveiled at this year’s Paris Air Show.

Airlines no longer with us

39:00 We revisit some of the airlines that ceased operations in 2018. Brett Snyder at Crankyflier has a full list on his blog.

Accidents and incidents

43:18 We discuss some of the accidents and incidents that shaped the year, including Southwest 1380 and Lion Air 610.

Featured interview

1:01:44 UPS Airlines Captain Ken Hoke joins us to discuss his life as a cargo pilot flying for UPS Airlines and how that differs from passenger flying.

Let us know what you think

Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving us a review on iTunes. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us.

2018 Aviation Year in Review

As 2019 begins, we look back on a decidedly mixed 2018 for aviation. Positively, a variety of new aircraft entered service and airlines added new and longer routes, bridging continents. Conversely, 2018 erased the previous year’s record streak of fatality-free jet airliner accidents. Here’s our 2018 aviation year in review. (more…)

AvTalk Episode 45: Tossing a FUD Grenade

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | Google Podcasts | RSS

On this episode of AvTalk, The Air Current editor-in-chief Jon Ostrower joins us to discuss the investigation into the crash of Lion Air 610 and the attention now being paid to Boeing’s Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS). We also discuss Airbus’ plans for future aircraft development and the many incidents that occurred over the last two weeks, from Air Astana’s loss of control incident to runway overruns in Halifax and Gerorgetown. (more…)

Flightradar24 data regarding Air Astana E190 KC1388 loss-of-control incident near Lisbon

On 11 November, an Air Astana Embraer E190 (registration P4-KCJ), departed Alverca Airport following a heavy maintenance C-check at Oficinas Gerais de Material Aeronáutico. Shortly after departure the flight crew declared a Mayday stating they were dealing with a loss of control. After struggling with the aircraft for over 1 hour the crew was able to regain control and land at Beja Air Base on their third attempt. (more…)