Weather Briefings, Tokyo Pools, and Neck Pillow Wars

Weather Briefings, Tokyo Pools, and Neck Pillow Wars

Author: The Black Box June 11, 2025 Duration: 57:52

Welcome back to The Black Box Aviation Podcast, where Tom & Mike take you through everything from fighter jet flight plans to sushi near train stations in Tokyo.

In this episode, we kick things off with Navy sweatshirts and golf tournaments, touch on Greta Thunberg’s headline-making arrest, and revisit the mystery of D.B. Cooper. Listener Bentley (not the car, but close!) asks how pilots really get weather updates—prompting a full breakdown of flight planning in the digital age, the old-school Navy weather desks, and how today’s tech is transforming the cockpit.

Tom recaps his epic Tokyo pool adventure—yes, the actual Olympic pool—and all the chaos, trains, gadgets, and misfired Mentos along the way. Plus, we launch a new segment: Travel Accessories, starting with Tom's neck pillow tirade that might just save your next red-eye.

As always, we love your listener questions and feedback!

📧 Email us at: theblackbox01@yahoo.com
📞 Call the Hotline: (203) 699-6792 (Leave your name!)
📱 Follow us: @the_black_blox01 on Instagram & X


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…