Airplane Geeks Podcast

The NASA X-70 Fractal program, aero engines that power data centers, competition for a new Navy trainer jet, FAA digital air traffic control towers, and the end of floppy disks.Aviation NewsNASA Announces X-70 Program, Promises More ComingThe crewed X-70 Fractal subsonic jet is planned to be a “highly adaptable research platform… designed to accelerate the development and testing of advanced...

BAE Systems and Bombardier collaborate on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) for a sixth-generation fighter, production of the AI-piloted X-BAT fighter jet is planned for Puget Sound, nine perish when a Learjet 60 crashes in Florida, images have emerged of China’s electric CE-25A commuter demonstrator, a study makes recommendations to reduce the vulnerability of U.S. aerial refueling...

Pratt & Whitney Canada unveils the PT9 engine; the U.S. Navy takes delivery of its first C-130J for conversion into an E-130J Phoenix II; the Boeing 737-10 MAX finally receives FAA certification; jet fuel prices affect airline profitability and ticket prices; the FAA issues a special airworthiness certificate to BETA Technologies for its A250 electric eVTOL aircraft; the B-23 Dragon formerly...

Interviews from the Pacific Airshow, a visit to the American Helicopter Museum, and an Australia desk with news from Down Under.Pacific AirshowThe Pacific Airshow® ran Friday, October 2, through Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Huntington City Beach, Southern California. It launched in 2016, and organizers say it draws the largest attendance of any airshow in the United States. This year, Brian...

FAA ATC hiring record, NBAA and ATC modernization, restrictions on flights near spacecraft launches, Army findings on the DC midair crash. Also, VFC-12 (the “Fighting Omars”), talking with Kiah Erlich and Martin Kemp, Launchpad’s last chocolates, Kinner Sportwing B-2, a new refueling squadron, and a United transatlantic flight makes an unusual fuel stop.Aviation NewsFAA Breaks ATC Hiring Record,...

This episode:ETOPS flights could be impacted by the closing of an airport on a tiny South Pacific island.FAA rescinds Cessna Citation single-pilot exemptions.Heart Aerospace unveils the ES-36 hybrid-electric 30-seat regional commercial aircraft and JSX purchase agreement for up to 100 aircraft.A Congressman questions the FAA deployment of the Strategic Management of Airspace Routing Trajectories...

Advanced airline systems technology with the head of DataArt’s Aviation Practice. In the news: cloud-based air traffic control in the Washington, D.C., area; thousands of flights delayed and canceled after FAA and NATS system failures; safety reforms after the DCA midair collision; and the loss of a new Cessna Citation Latitude.GuestTim McMullen is Vice President, Business Development, Aviation...

Bombardier and global aerospace manufacturing, air traffic controller criticism of the FAA, boom refueling for RAF tankers, airport gate access for people without tickets, restricting beverage service after pushback, and an OzDesk report.Aviation NewsTrump’s Call for Bombardier Ban Draws OppositionIn a social media post, the President threatened to ban Bombardier’s business jet sales in the...

We learn about airshow photography as we talk with a private pilot and UAV operator. In the news: Textron’s new president and CEO, controllers and the fatal Air Canada Express crash, Marine One communications with DCA tower, Boeing’s new F-15 contract, the TSA’s Gold+ privatized airport screening program, and the Airlink low pass over a Cape Town stadium.Thunderbird F-16 in flight. All...

Aircraft carrier catapult systems, Peraton’s performance as the Prime Integrator for the FAA’s Brand New Air Traffic Control System, the Department of Homeland Security’s luxury jets, Google’s purchase of Spirit Airlines’ data for AI training, American Airlines economy seatback screens, and a Li-ion laptop battery that caught fire in flight. Also, Micah’s first flight, Delta’s requirements for...