Flying the Family, ETOPS Explained & Fuel Dump Fallout

Flying the Family, ETOPS Explained & Fuel Dump Fallout

Author: The Black Box September 3, 2025 Duration: 1:01:32

In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom & Mike kick things off by answering listener hotline questions: What is ETOPS flying? And how do pilots use the Great Circle Route? Plus, an update on the tragic NYC helicopter crash.

From there, it’s stories from the road: Mike flies his family for the very first time — only to end up deplaning them after an APU failure 😬. We also cover an unexpected sidewalk emergency in Santa Monica, a flight from LAX to Newark with six horses onboard, Central Park runs, bagels on Venice Beach, and a stop at the USS Intrepid in NYC.

In the news — Delta settles the infamous Fuel Dump case, paying out $78.75 million to victims.

Whether it’s aviation insights, cockpit stories, or travel mishaps, this one’s packed with laughs and lessons.

📩 Connect with Us:
✉️ theblackbox01@yahoo.com
📸 Instagram & X: @the_black_box01
📞 Hotline: (203) 699-6792 (Leave your name!)

#Aviation #PilotLife #ETOPS #FlyingFamily #BlackBoxAviationPodcast #Delta


Ever wondered what it’s really like to sit in the cockpit, not just during a smooth flight but through the challenging moments that define a career in the sky? The Black Box Aviation Podcast pulls back the curtain, offering a rare seat at the table with the people who live and breathe flight. Hosted by The Black Box, each conversation features airline pilots, military aviators, and seasoned industry experts sharing unfiltered stories from their professional journeys. You’ll hear more than just technical discussions; this podcast delves into the human side of aviation-the daily realities, the tough decisions, and the unique culture that comes with a life spent above the clouds. It’s about the airline industry’s inner workings, the transition from military to civilian flying, and the sheer curiosity that drives a passion for aviation. Whether you’re an aspiring pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the stories behind the controls, these discussions provide a genuine, grounded perspective you won’t find in a manual. Tune in for honest reflections and personal experiences that capture the true essence of flying.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 91

The Black Box Aviation Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Hot Cabin, Cold Contracts & Air Traffic Chaos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:28
In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, we’re hitting turbulence from every angle—literally and figuratively. Broadcasting from a hotel room I paid for myself thanks to a contract that still doesn’t include tr…
Hot Topic Briefing #1: The Mitsubishi MU-2 Crash in Upstate New York [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:01
Welcome to the very first episode of our new mini-series, Hot Topic Briefing, where we dive into one pressing issue in aviation in a quick, focused format.This week, we're breaking down the tragic crash of the Mitsubishi…
Delta 4814’s Close Call & Landing Your Pilot Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:03
In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, we break down the intense moment when Delta Flight 4814, a CRJ operated by Endeavor Air, experienced a wing strike at LaGuardia Airport. What went wrong, and what can pi…