Podcast · Leisure & Travel

AvTalk - Aviation Podcast

by Flightradar24 · English · Leisure & Travel

An aviation podcast from Flightradar24, the world’s most popular flight tracking service.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 53 min
Latest: 9 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026 · 53 minNew

AvTalk Episode 390: Running a decade behind to avoid the glitches

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, the latest on the investigation into flydubai flight 1073. The NTSB releases its preliminary report on the 767 runway overrun in Miami last month. The Houthis warn airlines against using Saudi Arabian airspace. And airlines are still using decade-old software to avoid glitches in the 737. Keep up with the stories in this week’s epsiode * –02:12 Opening / Plans for Lufthansa’s final A340-600 flight * –05:00 Planes on a train * –11:11 flydubai incident update — investigation, captain’s recovery, and future aviation safety possibilities * –17:16 NTSB…

Play episode WhatsApp Download

Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E389 · 2 Oct 2026 · 56 min

AvTalk Episode 389: flydubai flight FZ1073

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we unpack what we know so far about f lydubai flight FZ1073 , what happened to the aircraft itself, and what might lie ahead for any investigation. Also this week, German investigators find brake application on the Vietnam Airlines 787 in Munich , the Airbus A350F makes its first flight , Alaska Airlines makes a big push toward more premium cabins (with a big caveat), and in a twist we don’t think anyone expected, NASA is in the early stages of returning an SR-71 to the skies. –flydubai FZ1073 discussion Click here for a transcript of this episode .
E388 · 25 Sep 2026 · 54 min

AvTalk Episode 388: The difference a millisecond makes

On this week’s AvTalk, we’re back from Dorkfest/SpotLAX with a busy week of news. We’re digging into the ATC failure that snarled traffic in the northeast US to start the week. And the preliminary technical report from NATS on the 8 September outage of the London Control Area says that one millisecond made all the difference between normal operation and the the cancellation of 2,000 flights. Plus Michael O’Leary gives his thoughts. And we have a new kind of show notes this week thanks to some feedback from long-time listeners. Once you click play on the podcast, you can click the time code…
E387 · 18 Sep 2026 · 51 min

AvTalk Episode 387: The CVR makes it worse

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Ian and Jason prepare to head to Los Angeles for the annual CrankyFlier Dorkfest and NYC Aviation’s SpotLAX events . If you’re in town, stop by and say hello. But before we take off, the NTSB released a partial summary of the cockpit voice recorder from the 21 Air 767 that overran the runway in Miami. Far from providing clarity, the summary only adds to the questions raised about the pilots’ actions in the final minutes of the flight. A news helicopter covering a fatal car collision crashed in Los Angeles, killing the pilot and reporter onboard the aircraft,…
E386 · 11 Sep 2026 · 58 min

AvTalk Episode 386: The Miami runway overrun

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, the more we learn about last Sunday’s fatal runway overrun in Miami , the more confusing the circumstances become. We break down what we know from the ADS-B data and the limited flight data recorder information released by the NTSB thus far. A computer failure at NATS leads to the cancellation of 1500 flights over two days in the UK, while Anak Krakatau’s eruption halts flights in Jakarta. One of only two active DC-8s suffers a runway overrun and gear collapse in Kinshasa. We learn about Honeywell’s Mag Mav, Italian passengers and the danger of steep stairs,…
E385 · 4 Sep 2026 · 52 min

AvTalk Episode 385: “Looking into” that low flypast

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss the low Airlink flypast in Cape Town, what’s been lost in the discussion so far, and what the South African civil aviation authority has to say about it. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns airlines to avoid Russian airspace as drones play an ever increasing role in the war between Russia and Ukraine. German authorities blame Russia for the recent explosive-laden drone in Leipzig. The FAA is moving to fire a pair of controllers who left the La Guardia tower early on the day of the crash between an Air Canada CRJ and ARFF truck. But the…
E384 · 28 Aug 2026 · 53 min

AvTalk Episode 384: And we’re back

After a week away, there’s much to discuss on this week’s episode of AvTalk. We start in Munich, where the Runway 26L took a great deal of abuse. We discuss the Vietnam Airlines 787 runway overrun and tail strike , followed two days later by a Lufthansa A380 touching down before the threshold on the same runway. We also examine what happened aboard Air India A320neo VT-EXO, which briefly lost pressure across all three hydraulic systems, causing an upset that injured nearly two dozen people. Plus, American puts two aircraft with the same call sign on the same frequency—again—and investigators…
E383 · 14 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 19 min

AvTalk Episode 383: Goodyear Blimp Chief Pilot Michael Dougherty

On this episode of AvTalk, we’re joined by Goodyear Blimp Chief Pilot Michael Dougherty to learn more about his unique role in the aviation industry. Also on this week’s episode, German investigators continue looking for answers for how a drone was able to make it onto the Leipzig Airport ramp. FedEx paints a 777 in a special retro livery to coincide with the renaming of Memphis Airport in honor of FedEx founder Frederick W. Smith. Apollo Global Management wins the battle for easyJet and Air Baltic will shrink its fleet for stability. A BEA report on an incident involving an Air France A320…
E382 · 7 Aug 2026 · 53 min

AvTalk Episode 382: The RISE of the Open Fan

On this episode of AvTalk, we jump back to Oshkosh for a conversation with David Ostdiek of GE Aerospace for an in-depth update on the progress being made on the CFM RISE program, as the manufacturer moves toward first flight of the new engine design by the end of the decade. Also on this week’s episode, a drone laden with explosives is found on the ramp in Leipzig and a DHL 757 strikes something on approach to the airport. The NTSB’s preliminary report on the crash of a Beech King Air in New Mexico leads to popular press reporting that misses the mark. TCAS proves its worth once again as it…
E381 · 31 Jul 2026 · 46 min

AvTalk Episode 381: Xavier Pepin, Ultra Long Range Pilot

On this episode of AvTalk, we speak with Xavier Pepin, the captain of the Airbus 24 hour, 24 minute Airbus A350-1000ULR flight from Melbourne to Toulouse. We talk about flight planning, crew resource management, fatigue and rest, and what’s next for the A350-1000ULR flight test program. Also on this week’s episode, highlights from EAA Airventure in Oshkosh and flying the Goodyear Blimp. Boeing says the 737-10 MAX flight test program is complete after 976 flights. United says it doesn’t want the 777-9s that Emirates also doesn’t want. And Australia releases new fire bomber procedures designed…
E380 · 24 Jul 2026 · 39 min

AvTalk Episode 380: A Whale of a time

It’s episode 380, so the Airbus A380 is most certainly on the agenda. But first we’re checking in on the orders placed at this year’s Farnborough Airshow. Sir Tim Clark opines on the proper use of early build Boeing 777X frames. Then we get to learn about the important mission for Airbus’ A380 Flight Lab. Also, Ian will be at Oshkosh this weekend for the close of EAA AirVenture. Give him a shout if you’re going to be there. Elsewhere, TCAS does its job over the Atlantic, a Kalitta Air 777 drags its tail in Cincinnati, and passengers on an American Airlines flight from Boston to London go…
E379 · 17 Jul 2026 · 48 min

AvTalk Episode 379: This feels eerily similar

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a Ryanair (Malta Air) 737-800 suffers an uncontained engine failure after departing Thessaloniki, Greece, resulting in a shattered cabin window and a passenger partially sucked out of the cabin. We discuss the specifics on this accident and its similarities with Southwest 1380. German investigators release their preliminary report on the Lufthansa 787 that suffered a gear retraction last month in Frankfurt. In a first on Flightradar24, nine 7700 squawks happen near-simultaneously—we dig into what happened at Gatwick airport on Tuesday. And the bidding for…
E378 · 10 Jul 2026 · 58 min

AvTalk Episode 378: How the Farnborough Airshow comes together

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we’re headed to Farnborough for an inside look at how the airshow comes together. From state of the art aircraft tracking technology to making sure all of the toilets are working, Farnborough International director of operations Ben Gleenson explains what it takes to make sure the biannual airshow goes off without a hitch. Also on this week’s episode, what we know so far about the crash of a K2 Airways Cargo 737 off the coast of Pakistan. Castlelake and easyJet agree in principle to an acquisition. A new report highlights long-term issues with French air…
E377 · 3 Jul 2026 · 52 min

AvTalk Episode 377: About that low, low pass by the 777

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a pair of powerful earthquakes cause widespread damage and significant loss of life in Venezuela. We look at how aid is reaching the country and the impacts on commercial aviation. A low pass at Horseshoe Bay by a 777 is under investigation by the FAA. After a small aircraft crashed into the tallest tower in Beijing late last week, Chinese authorities are implementing further restrictions on general aviation flights in the country. An Electra Airways A320 operating from Warsaw to Tel Aviv on behalf of LOT accidentally squawked 7500 — signaling unlawful…
E376 · 26 Jun 2026 · 52 min

AvTalk Episode 376: Transferring that risk elsewhere

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, airspace safety and efficiency take center stage as the NTSB begins an investigation into a close call in Boston. The US Coast Guard says changes to DC’s airspace have actually made helicopter operations in the region less safe. US congressional leaders remain at odds over competing aviation safety bills, but the real sticking point seems to be money. And the FAA announced this week its choice for developing AI-enabled airspace modernization tools. Plus, there are more problems with Airbus A380 wings, one airline is lowering fees (really), and World Cup…
E375 · 19 Jun 2026 · 46 min

AvTalk Episode 375: Progress, but to what end?

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Indian investigators issue a progress note, but don’t necessarily note their progress. After more than a decade of negotiations the European Parliament keeps its signature airline compensation legislation much the same. Qantas announces the first Project Sunrise route for its forthcoming Airbus A350-1000ULRs. And Spirt gets the go-ahead to auction off its assets, including its coveted slots at La Guardia Airport in New York. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Read the AAIB progress report * IATA’s Save a life, not a bag campaign * Reuters reporting on…
E374 · 12 Jun 2026 · 46 min

AvTalk Episode 374: 17 years without a license

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, a Lufthansa 787 takes a bow in Frankfurt, the NTSB issues its preliminary report on the United 767 accident in Newark, and Canadian authorities charge a former Air Canada pilot with fraud and forgery after it was discovered he flew for the airline without ever having the appropriate license. We also check in on the IATA annual general meeting to see airlines looking hopeful about Boeing’s certification efforts, gloomy about sustainable aviation fuel, and stormy about the current (and future) price of jet fuel. Click here for a transcript of this week’s…
E373 · 5 Jun 2026 · 53 min

AvTalk Episode 373: Eight hours to nowhere

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, SAS’s India relaunch doesn’t quite make it to India. The first Airbus A350-100ULR for Qantas’ Project Sunrise takes to the skies. Boeing is advancing the 737 MAX monthly production rate as it says it anticipates MAX 7 and MAX 10 certification by the end of the year. Violence flares in the Middle East with fresh strikes, including one that hit Kuwait Airport, killing one person and injuring dozens in the terminal. Swiss is parting out a pair of A220-100s and parking the rest to support its A220-300 fleet. Want to buy an MD-83? A former Far Eastern Air…
E372 · 29 May 2026 · 31 min

AvTalk Episode 372: Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should

We’re in Stockholm for a our semi-annual Flightradar24 crew meetup this week. Ian is joined by Gabe Leigh to discuss what’s it like behind the scenes capturing the stories of aviation professionals around the world. We review the recent incident where NTSB cockpit voice recorder data from UPS flight 2976 was used to recreate simulated audio. The NTSB removed the public docket system in order to prevent further such efforts. The preliminary investigation into the China Eastern A350 jet bridge collision in Shanghai finds a total brake failure on the aircraft. Qantas says its Project Sunrise…
E371 · 22 May 2026 · 51 min

AvTalk Episode 371: “So that started this on the wrong trajectory to begin with”

On this episode of AvTalk, we follow the NTSB’s thread as the agency holds two days of investigative hearings on the crash of UPS flight 2976 , the MD-11 that crashed in Louisville after one of its engines separated from the wing. The FAA issues its first official response to the NTSB’S safety recommendations following the 2025 DCA mid-air collisions. And the NTSB calls for more realistic training of smoke in the cockpit scenarios after a 2023 incident. A Croatia Airlines A220 suffers a runway excursion during a rejected takeoff in Split. Indian investigators will travel to Seattle in June…
E370 · 15 May 2026 · 1 hr 16 min

AvTalk Episode 370: The man collecting Spirit’s pieces

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we’re joined by Nomadic Aviation Group co-founder Steve Giordano to talk about what happens when you suddenly need to move dozens of aircraft in a very short amount of time. Steve and his crew have spent the past two weeks bringing former Spirit Airlines aircraft to the desert for storage following the collapse of the airline on May 2nd. What does it take to make sure those aircraft can be legally, safely, and efficiently moved from wherever they ended up when the airline shut down? Also on this week’s episode, a tragedy in Denver as a man intentionally…
E369 · 8 May 2026 · 55 min

AvTalk Episode 369: Extra exits, bread trucks, and bankruptcies

This week’s episode of AvTalk takes us from the highest highs to the lowest lows of the aviation industry. We begin with a major announcement mere minutes before our recording as AirAsia orders 150 A220s in a new, denser cabin configuration . Spirit Airlines succumbs to its long running financial difficulties and ceases operations. Newly released documents provide insight into the crash of a China Eastern 737 in 2022. And video from this week’s incident involving a China Eastern A350 in Shanghai raises more questions than it answers. Back in the US, a United Airlines 767 struck a light pole…
E368 · 1 May 2026 · 47 min

AvTalk Episode 368: Humanoids handling your bags?

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, the NTSB’s preliminary report on the crash at La Guardia Airport in New York lays out the avenues of investigation and spurs the Port Authority to action. FedEx says it will put the MD-11 back into service in May, but the FAA still needs to weigh in. US low cost carriers are pitching the government on a $2.5 billion support package, while Spirit negotiates separately for an increasingly unlikely $500 million loan. Alaska Airlines launches its first European service, while American Airlines returns to Venezuela for the first time since 2019. American and…
E367 · 24 Apr 2026 · 56 min

AvTalk Episode 367: We’re worried about availability, not just cost

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Europe’s jet fuel supplies run low while airlines cut flights as we transition into the summer season. We’re joined by Steven Fox from NATS to learn more about how the UK’s air navigation service provider prepares for the influx of summer flights. TCAS plays an important role in the nature of our discussions as we discuss safety margins rather than mid-air collisions. And pilots of a Lufthansa flight act well before a situation in Bogota becomes unsafe. The back half of this week’s episode checks in on the financial state of the aviation industry, mainly in…
E366 · 17 Apr 2026 · 53 min

AvTalk Episode 366: An unserious proposal

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we make our annual trek to Hamburg for the Aircraft Interiors Expo where Jason is joined once again by PaxEx.aero ’s Seth Miller. * Buttons, buttons, and more buttons * The Skynook concept American Airlines celebrates its 100th anniversary with a special flight and a new set of trading cards , while Lufthansa celebrates its 100th anniversary with a cabin crew strike. Many publications jumped on news this week that United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby suggested a merger between United and American Airlines. We take an icy look at this unserious proposal. A…
E365 · 10 Apr 2026 · 52 min

AvTalk Episode 365: Bag fees, bag fees, bag fees

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we make a special trip to space and await Artemis II’s return to Earth. A tenuous cease fire in Iran leads to the first airspace re-openings, but a lack of jet fuel is affecting airports in Asia and Europe. US airlines are hiking bag fees across the board and United Airlines is introducing basic premium fares. And in Brisbane, one particular jet bridge really had it out for a pair of 737s. Helpful links for this week’s episode * How NASA’s Optical Communications System (O2O) works * NASA’s test cat “Taters” * Photos from the Artemis II mission * United…
E364 · 3 Apr 2026 · 56 min

AvTalk Episode 364: Emergency management mode

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, airlines—and entire countries—outside of the Middle East are facing a reckoning as the high price and impending unavailability of fuel. The FAA is making changes to approaches in San Francisco, reducing the arrival rate even further than planned runway construction already will. A Delta A330 suffers an uncontained engine failure departing São Paulo. Major leadership changes are coming at Air Canada and IndiGo and Jason nominates Ian for IATA director general. And it’s a busy week for new special liveries. Helpful links for this week’s episode * SAS’ 80th…
E363 · 27 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 3 min

AvTalk Episode 363: Collision on the runway

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss what we know so far about the collision between flight AC8646 and an airport fire truck at New York’s La Guardia Airport. We walk through the sequence of events provided by the NTSB and analyze some of the initial areas where investigators are focusing their efforts. In Los Angeles, Jason is joined by Ned Russell and Jon Ostrower to recap the news from United Airlines’ big reveal, including new aircraft configurations, features, and a new aircraft name. Plus, it was the unscripted comments just as much as the scripted ones from United CEO Scott…
E362 · 20 Mar 2026 · 56 min

AvTalk Episode 362: Beware tall elk and low flying hog hunters

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, more updates on the war in the Middle East, including the mid-air collision between two US Air Force KC-135s and an Iranian drone attack on a fuel facility next to Dubai International Airport. We take a gander at some wildlife related accidents and Atlas Air places the largest A350F order so far. A Tunisian appeals court increases the sentences of two airline executives convicted in hiring fraud. And LEGO is ready with another aviation set that we can’t wait to get our hands on. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Middle East war live blog * Beware elk…
E361 · 13 Mar 2026 · 56 min

AvTalk Episode 361: When saving money costs lives

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, updates on the war in the Middle East and the widening effects on the aviation industry. We cover the new airspace restrictions in Azerbaijan, additional rescue flights by airlines in the region, and the pressing problem of skyrocketing fuels costs around the world. Also on this week’s episode, Air India Express loses a nose wheel in Phuket, while IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers abruptly resigns. Auditors in South Korea explain why the ILS antenna in Muan was constructed with a concrete wall. China is considering a large Boeing order to be timed with a state visit…

About AvTalk - Aviation Podcast

An aviation podcast from Flightradar24, the world’s most popular flight tracking service.

AvTalk - Aviation Podcast is a English leisure & travel podcast from Flightradar24. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Flightradar24
Language: English
Category: Leisure & Travel
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 53 min
Latest episode: 9 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1215571407

RSS feed Apple Podcasts

More English leisure & travel 6

Take it with you

The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.