AvTalk Episode 385: “Looking into” that low flypast

AvTalk Episode 385: “Looking into” that low flypast

Author: Flightradar24 September 4, 2026 Duration: 51:56
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 situation isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
South Korean officials move to charge seven officials from the transport ministry with falsifying documents after the Jeju Air crash in Muan.
And US airlines continue the race to be as premium as possible.
Helpful links for this week’s episode

* Airlink’s low flypast: video, data, airline statement, South Africa CAA statement
* La Guardia Controllers left the tower early
* JetBlue’s new first class
* American Airlines’ new premium heavy 777-300ER
* Chinese airlines swing to losses in the first half of 2026
* Airline Atlas, the new map prints powered by Flightradar24 data

 

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 386: The Miami runway overrun [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:36
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 da…
AvTalk Episode 384: And we’re back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:21
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, follow…
AvTalk Episode 383: Goodyear Blimp Chief Pilot Michael Dougherty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:42
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…
AvTalk Episode 382: The RISE of the Open Fan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:46
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 f…
AvTalk Episode 381: Xavier Pepin, Ultra Long Range Pilot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:01
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…
AvTalk Episode 380: A Whale of a time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:25
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…
AvTalk Episode 379: This feels eerily similar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:56
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 th…
AvTalk Episode 378: How the Farnborough Airshow comes together [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:44
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, Farnbo…
AvTalk Episode 377: About that low, low pass by the 777 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:32
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…
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…