MD-11 Grounding, ETOPS Reality, Skylab 4, U-2 “Dragon Lady” Stories & Taxiing Giant Jets

MD-11 Grounding, ETOPS Reality, Skylab 4, U-2 “Dragon Lady” Stories & Taxiing Giant Jets

Author: The Black Box November 19, 2025 Duration: 48:49

Welcome back to The Black Box Aviation Podcast, where Tom & Mike dive into aviation, travel, and everything you need and WANT to know about the world of flying.

This week is PACKED:

✈️ Breaking News — MD-11 Grounding

  • FAA Air Directive grounding the MD-11, DC-10 & MD-10 fleet

  • No inspection or repair guidance released yet

  • NTSB briefing findings — CVR captured final 2 hours of audio

  • What this means for pilots currently flying the MD-11

  • Simulator concerns, schedule cancellations & pilot readiness

🚀 This Day in Aviation History — Skylab 4

  • The final mission to Skylab launched November 16

  • Chrysler’s surprising impact on the space race

  • From Saturn rockets… to the 1990 Chrysler Lebaron (yes, really)

🛩 Stories From the Road

  • Teaching kids to drive vs teaching pilots to fly

  • Taxiing everything from a T-1A trainer to a C-5 Galaxy

  • The stress of right-seat 180° turns in a jet with a 223-ft wingspan

  • Real-world perspective on spatial awareness after recent CRJ-900 mishaps

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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
9/11 Timeline, Hijacking Lessons & The Day Aviation Changed Forever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:19
In this powerful episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom & Mike reflect on September 11, 2001—walking through the timeline, sharing where they were in their own pilot training, and discussing how 9/11 reshaped avi…
Inside the Tower: A Live Chat with Air Traffic Controller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:51
This week the Black Box Aviation Podcast brings you something special — our first live guest, Air Traffic Controller Ian! Tom & Mike sit down with Ian for a candid look behind the mic at the people who keep airplanes mov…
Lady Gaga, Jumpseat Drama & West Jet St. Maarten Evacuation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:08
This week on the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom & Mike cover everything from music icons to major aviation headlines. Tom visits New York, takes in the USS Intrepid Air Museum, and maybe even spots Lady Gaga — but is he…
Flying the Family, ETOPS Explained & Fuel Dump Fallout [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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…
☕ Lounge Drama, Boston Vibes & Delta Turbulence Scare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:43
Ever had a lounge showdown over a dirty glass? Tom shares a hilarious (and slightly awkward) encounter at an airport lounge that you won’t believe. We also talk about pilot coffee obsessions, hotel breakfast rip-offs, an…