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

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

Author: Flightradar24 May 22, 2026 Duration: 51:21
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 to be present for tests of 787 fuel cutoff switches at Boeing’s Pacific Northwest facilities. And WestJet is under investigation for what passengers are calling a deceptive practice of swapping flights to airplanes undergoing maintenance before cancelling those flights to avoid paying compensation.
 

Please click here for a transcript of this week’s episode.

Every Friday, the team at Flightradar24 opens the hangar doors for a conversation that goes far beyond just tracking flights. AvTalk-Aviation Podcast is hosted by Ian Petchenik and Jason Rabinowitz, two genuine enthusiasts whose curiosity is as vast as the skies they discuss. This isn't a technical manual, but a weekly gathering for anyone who feels that familiar pull to look up at the sound of a jet engine. You'll hear the latest news shaping the industry, from new aircraft developments to airline culture, alongside deeper explorations into the history, places, and societal impact of flight. The discussions are grounded in expertise yet remain completely accessible, whether you're just discovering your inner avgeek or you live and breathe all things aviation. With regular special guests adding their perspectives, each episode feels like sitting in on a fascinating conversation among friends who love to share what they know. Tune in for your regular dose of everything that makes aviation endlessly compelling.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

AvTalk - Aviation Podcast
Podcast Episodes
AvTalk Episode 376: Transferring that risk elsewhere [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:14
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 heli…
AvTalk Episode 375: Progress, but to what end? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:09
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 compen…
AvTalk Episode 374: 17 years without a license [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:25
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 frau…
AvTalk Episode 373: Eight hours to nowhere [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:03
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…
AvTalk Episode 372: Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:01
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 r…
AvTalk Episode 370: The man collecting Spirit’s pieces [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:09
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 hi…
AvTalk Episode 369: Extra exits, bread trucks, and bankruptcies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:51
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…
AvTalk Episode 368: Humanoids handling your bags? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:40
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-1…
AvTalk Episode 367: We’re worried about availability, not just cost [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:52
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 navigatio…
AvTalk Episode 366: An unserious proposal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:40
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 concep…