Above the Wing

This week, we talk about bird strikes and the multitude of rules & regulations our aircrafts undergo to share our skies with these friendly animals. We also briefly discuss other wildlife disturbances -- listen to learn what else pilots have to dodge! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we took a look at cabin pressurization in airliners and portable oxygen systems for General Aviation. In the evolving market, portable oxygen has allowed pilots in GA to reach new heights, while commercial airliners have always relied on consistent technology. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we discuss the debate of who was first in flight. Specifically, we focus on Brazilian Alberto Santos-Dumont and his rise to his first flight. We contrast his journey and flight with the American Wright Brothers and their famous flight in Kitty Hawk. We also took a look at the evolution for flight during their time, and how far we have come since then. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Air show season is in full swing! This week, we recap Kim's trip to the 2022 NY International Air Show! We talk about what she saw, who performed, and the target audience. We also compare and contrast Kim's experience to Ashley's experience at AirVenture. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

At the end of July, Ashley attended AirVenture, the world's largest airshow that takes place annually in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In the episode, we discuss what Ashley saw and her favorite parts. Since it was her seventh year attending, we also touch on what made this year's show unique. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week, we revisit the Moon landing that took place in July 1969. We not only discuss the tech specs of the rockets, but we also compare the rocket to what we see today. Then, we take a look at how the media covered the monumental event. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Inspired by the recent release of Top Gun: Maverick, we decided to chat about the original Top Gun move, released in 1986. We discuss how it came to be, our personal ratings, and some surprising facts about Tom Cruise himself. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week, we recap our thoughts on the second episode of Challenger, which is available for streaming on Netflix. Challenger: The Final Flight recounts the events that led to an ultimate disaster. It features testimonies from employees, family members and friends of the crew, and behind the scenes events that were outside of the public eye at the time. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week, we discuss freight flights, which is something that we think is often overlooked in the aerospace and aviation industry. We take a look at freight and cargo flights throughout history, and how current events played a crucial role in shaping these flights' development. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we take a closer look at Airbus as a company. We discuss their history, comparison to Boeing, and recent new headlines. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week's episode looks into the second part of the Netflix documentary, Downfall. This portion focuses on the turbulent history of Boeing, and how decisions made on the corporate level ultimately led to the company's downfall. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we share our thoughts and opinions on the first half of Downfall: The Case Against Boeing, which can be streamed on Netflix. The first portion details the aftermath of the two 737 MAX crashes and introduces us to those affected by and close to the crashes. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we discus how concepts from the aerospace and aviation industry are used for an unlikely application - the Winter Olympics! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week, we continue our Featured Flyer series with Bessie Coleman. We chose to feature Bessie in honor of Black History Month, which occurs each February. We discuss her impressive affinity for flight, and her journey to becoming the world's first Black woman to earn her pilot's license. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week, we kick off a potential new series, Featured Film, where we watch an aviation- / aerospace-related film and share our thoughts. We started this potential series with the first episode of Challenger: The Final Flight, a Netflix original documentary. Let us know what you think of this new series! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we discuss the recent dispute over implementing 5G and its threat to airline safety. We give an overview of what 5G is, why it affects pilots, and how this issue quickly turned political. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we discuss the career of the inspirational Sirisha Bandla. Aside from being onboard Virgin Galactic's recent inaugural spaceflight, she has a glittering career in engineering and aerospace. Despite her incredible accomplishments, she has stayed true to her inner space kid, and we are so excited to introduce her story to you. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we discuss the background of aerial firefighting, including aircraft types and attack strategies. We also touch upon recent research and studies in the field, and some of the major players might surprise you! We definitely enjoyed learning more about this application of aviation that we usually don't think twice about. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we give an overview of Boeing's doomed 737 MAX aircraft and the generations that preceded it. We touch upon the culture at the aircraft company, the FAA's response, and how the fleet operates now. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In the second and final part of our guest episode with Stefan, we discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic affected individuals within and the airline industry as a whole. Stefan gives insight on how fatigue affects pilots and the regulations that are put into place to ensure that airline safety is never compromised. This episode is sponsored by Anchor. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In our first guest episode, we talk to Stefan Derewetsky about his path into his current role as an airline captain. He talks about his university journey, how he found his first job, and what he's doing now. We both learned a lot about the behind the scenes work on a commercial aircraft, and we had a ton of fun bringing on their first guest!

In this episode, we discuss Amazon's freight shipping service, Amazon Air. We explain its rapid growth and how the service expanded to its current fleet of 67 aircraft in 6 years. We also touch on Prime Air, a separate delivery service from Amazon Air.

In this week's episode, we discuss Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). We give an overview of what it is, how it is currently used, and how it will impact us for years to come. We also talk about recent government- and privately-funded initiatives to bring this to the forefront of the industry.

In this episode, we go on our first deep dive on animal transport. Inspired by the recent 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games, we talk about how animals, specifically horses, are transported abroad to compete. We also discuss how other animals and marine life are treated like royalty on their exciting flights to faraway destinations.

In our first Featured Flyer episode, we talk about the remarkable Wally Funk. Her journey in aviation started when she was just one year old, and she is still thriving in the field today. You may recognize her name from Blue Origin's recent flight in New Shepard! We discuss her accomplishments, perseverance, and resilience that propelled her through her exceptional and still ongoing career.

In this episode, we discuss the recent events in Commercial Space Flight, specifically the rivalry between Branson's Virgin Galactic and Bezos' Blue Origin. We looked into the crews onboard, the stats for each flight, and how they are igniting a new generation's interest in space.

Today, we will be talking about Urban Air Mobility (UAM) or Air Taxis! These vehicles were designed to transport passengers by air at low altitudes in urban areas to reduce traffic congestion and automobile emissions. We'll look into key players getting involved in this estimated $1.5 million industry.

Welcome to our first full episode! In addition to our main episode topic, this week kicks off our two regular segments: In the News and Featured Photos. Check out instagram (@abovethewing.podcast) to view the photos we mention in the episode. In the bulk of our episode, we discuss the latest news in Supersonic Flight: Boom Supersonic's Overture, which United Airlines recently announced they would add to their fleet by 2029. We'll also reminisce about the infamous Concorde, the first supersonic aircraft, compare and contrast how it differs from Overture, and diagnose why Concorde was ultimately unsuccessful.

Welcome to our first episode, where we will introduce ourselves and our podcast! Stay tuned for our next episode, which will consist of our regular content of aviation news and topics.