Podcasts about Aircraft

In this episode of Behind the Prop, Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhern unpack one of the most persistent and underestimated threats in aviation: cockpit distraction. Drawing from both historical airline accidents and modern general aviation trends, they explore how small lapses in attention can escalate into major safety events. The hosts revisit the tragedies of Eastern Airlines Flight 401 and United Flight 173, where professional crews became so focused on minor gear-indicator issues that they stopped flying the airplane—proving that distraction, not mechanical failure, can be the true killer. With the NTSB attributing 15–20% of GA accidents to distraction, the need for proactive management has never been clearer.The conversation moves into the cockpit realities of today's pilots, where heavy reliance on iPads, automation, and touchscreen avionics often leads to excessive head-down time. Bobby and Wally share recent examples from training flights where pilots missed radio calls, misprogrammed GPS units, or became task-saturated simply because tech drew their attention away from flying. They emphasize the importance of preparing devices and routes before takeoff, and using automation deliberately rather than reactively. A key takeaway is that pilots must be willing to self-identify errors, speak up immediately, and assume the mistake is theirs until proven otherwise—a mindset that dramatically improves safety margins.The episode also highlights the critical role of the sterile cockpit, with Bobby advocating its use below 2,500 feet in GA. The hosts explain how nonessential chatter during taxi, takeoff, or climb dilutes situational awareness and can overwhelm newer pilots. They encourage instructors to reduce excessive talking as students advance, creating the “intentional silence” needed for real concentration and independent decision-making.Finally, Bobby and Wally address a commonly misunderstood distraction: open doors during takeoff or initial climb. They explain why an open door is typically benign, why rejecting a takeoff is often riskier, and why pilots must train for these scenarios before facing them unexpectedly.The episode closes with a call to action—pilots should openly discuss distractions, log them, review them, and build habits that keep them anchored to the core principle of aviation: aviate, navigate, communicate.

Episode: 1489 Inventing the helicopter: harder than it looked.  Today, we invent the helicopter.

Ian Korgel, from Scratchwerkes.com, shares his journey from starting a detailing business in North Dakota, to expanding into various sectors including agriculture and aviation. On this first episode of the 5th season of the Calling All Detailers Podcast, Ian also discusses the challenges of working in extreme cold, strategies for attracting clients, and the importance of word-of-mouth marketing. Ian also delves into his new consulting services aimed at helping other detailers succeed, emphasizing the significance of confidence in sales and the necessity of deposits. The discussion highlights the intricacies of polishing techniques for different substrates and the importance of building trust with clients. The Takeaways: Ian started detailing while in college, inspired by a friend's advice. He operates a mobile detailing business in North Dakota, often in heated shops. Word of mouth and social media have been key to attracting agricultural clients. Polishing techniques vary based on the type of paint and substrate. Ian has expanded his services to include aviation detailing. He launched a YouTube channel (  @IanPolishes  ) to showcase his work and educate others. Consulting services are available for new and experienced detailers. Structuring service packages as good, better, best can help clients choose. Traveling for work has opened new opportunities in warmer states. Confidence and action are crucial for success in the detailing business. Sound bites "Confidence sells." "Keep it short and sweet." "Life happens, stuff happens." Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Ian Korgel and His Journey 02:13 Navigating the Cold: Detailing in North Dakota 03:58 Attracting Agricultural Clients: Strategies and Insights 05:47 Polishing Techniques for Agricultural Equipment 07:55 Expanding into Aviation: Ian's Experience with Planes 10:02 The Barn Find: Reviving a Vintage Airplane 11:00 Consulting Services for Detailers: Sharing Knowledge 14:01 Good, Better, Best: Structuring Service Packages 16:05 Future Plans: Expanding Services Beyond North Dakota 20:21 Polishing Techniques and Challenges 22:49 Sales Strategies for Detailers 26:35 The Importance of Deposits 30:11 Pricing and Value in Detailing 32:28 Networking and Collaboration in the Industry Calling All Detailers include Detailing Enthusiasts - DIY and Detail Professionals. Our goal is to help Detailers earn more money, by helping then Create more SUCCESS through Knowledge, Motivation and the 10X Mindset, Plus incorporate Common Sense and Sales & Marketing Strategies to their business plans. Be sure to use the best Detailing Supplies and Ceramic Coatings in the world. Pearl Nano. Grab your free Wholesale account at CallingAllDetailers.com Links to the websites are below. Watch my free, 16 chapter, online course all about how to 10X your detailing business: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbQrc3JEe48FEqkR1hTNzhAMwDBS_6Y9Y Check out the Calling All Detailers Podcast (Business + Products + Community): https://open.spotify.com/show/2spT8MrFQPrl0rwpjo6cbN Join our Private Facebook group - a community of experienced detailers who use Pearl Nano products: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1071820092849444/ Sign up for your free wholesale account: https://callingalldetailers.com/pages/wholesale Launch your own brand of car care products: https://www.privatelabelcarcare.com/ or apply here: https://callingalldetailers.com/pages/private-labeling ------------------------- Schedule your podcast interview at Calendly.com/Callingalldetailers ------------------------- BEST PRODUCT-RELATED RESOURCES: Selling Car Care Products? Which ones to begin with and why: https://youtu.be/oikt-NbtFL0 Launching Your Own Brand of Amazing Car Care Products: https://www.privatelabelcarcare.com/ Buy Pearl Nano - Retail/ DIY Detailers: PearlNano.com - https://pearlnano.com/ Buy Pearl Nano Wholesale for Detailing Professionals" CallingAllDetailers.com - http://CallingAllDetailers.com ---------- Follow me: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callingalldetailers/ • Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pearlnano • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@callingalldetailers Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CallingAllDetailers It sounds cliche, but my job is to make you money! I do that by helping, teaching, and mentoring you. From a 10X mindset to motivation and driven dedication. It's all hard work, but it all comes from within. I also offer the best detail supplies in the world. If you don't believe me, order a sample pack and see for yourself. https://pearlnano.com/products/pearl-nano-sample-pack-with-coatings-pro-only For order directly, please contact: Sales@PearlNano.com #AutoDetailing #carcareproducts #privatelabelcarcare #MakeMoreMoney #Detailing #10XDETAIL #PEARLNANO #callingalldetailers #autodetail #ceramiccoating #detailingprofessionals

In this in-depth episode, Brandon Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Horizon Aircraft, joins host Jason Pritchard to discuss one of the industry's most compelling hybrid-eVTOL programs: the Cavorite X7. A former CF-18 fighter pilot and experienced aerospace innovator, Brandon offers a rare combination of technical clarity and operational insight. He begins by unpacking Horizon's recent full-wing transition flight milestone with its large-scale X7 demonstrator — an achievement he describes as “beautifully boring,” meaning exceptionally safe and predictable. He explains why Horizon's simple, retractable ducted-fan architecture avoids the complexity and risk of tilt-rotor and tilt-wing designs, offering a robust platform built for real-world operations. The conversation dives into the hybrid-electric powertrain at the heart of the X7. Brandon details why pure-electric solutions fall short for long-range missions, and how the X7's turbine-battery hybrid enables four times the range, twice the speed of comparable eVTOLs, self-charging capability, and all-weather operation — including anti-icing and IFR flight, a major differentiator in the market. Safety and reliability take centre stage as Brandon outlines the aircraft's deep redundancy, from isolated ducted fans to durable electric motors that dramatically reduce maintenance. The result: up to 75 per cent lower operating cost per mile compared to helicopters, while flying twice as fast. Looking ahead, Robinson shares an encouraging update on Horizon's certification roadmap, the clarity gained from mature regulatory frameworks, and the company's collaboration with Cert Center Canada. He also offers an honest assessment of industry-wide technical and regulatory risks, and why many competitors are now quietly shifting toward hybrid architectures.

Working as a fueler or fuel systems specialist in the military often meant daily exposure to toxic chemicals, jet fuel vapors, and environmental hazards — all of which can lead to long-term health issues. In this episode, we explore the types of conditions that can result from fuel exposure, how to establish a VA service connection, and what steps veterans can take to strengthen their claims for benefits.Whether you fueled aircraft, vehicles, or storage systems, this episode will help you understand your options and what evidence you'll need to get the compensation you deserve.

Back on this day in 1945, an aircraft squadron disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle.  KTAR Timeline is brought to you by Beatitudes Campus. 

Researchers at NASA have found a novel paint-by-numbers method to measure experimental data faster and more accurately than ever before.

This is a brilliant episode with Lovefly Community Superstar Chris Grubb and a friend he met in the Dominican Republic.  John has built three of his own aircraft and then flown them - that's trust isn't it. Lovefly Courses  FB - Lovefly Insta @loveflyhelp #fearofflying #flyingwithout fear #anxiety #aviation #lovefly #pilots #turbulence #claustrophobia Private Members Group https://lovefly.podia.com Intro and outro music 'Fearless' Daniel King Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you build products that can keep pace with the climate crisis without compromising on speed, innovation, or customer insight? The scale and urgency of the transformation required to fight climate change has never been more clear. Building hardware and software products, acquiring the funding and creating a diverse community to enhance talent capacity and to drive innovation, is essential to tackling this global environmental crisis. In this podcast, Silicon Valley Bank (a division of First Citizens Bank) Climate Tech & Sustainability SVP Maggie Wong will be interviewing Elysian Aircraft Co-Founder & Co-CEO Daniel Rosen Jacobson to discuss decarbonizing aviation industry via EV battery, prioritizing to get customer feedback early, as well as being able to learn and unlearn to succeed in product development.

Aviation under pressure: Airbus A320 glitch adds to a year of crashes, questions, and shaken confidenceThe Airbus A320 fault sparked worldwide delays and airport chaos, and has renewed fears over aviation safety in a turbulent 2025Guests:Grant Bradley - Aviation commentatorDan Lake - Travel commentatorLearn More:Planes grounded after Airbus discovers solar radiation could impact systemsVictim identified following fatal mid-air collision between two planes in Sydney's southwestFleet of UPS planes grounded after deadly crash expected to miss peak delivery seasonUS fears cover-up in Air India crashWashington DC plane crash: Aircraft plunges into Potomac River after colliding with Black Hawk helicopter, major emergency response, flights groundedFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Amy MacIver speaks to independent aviation expert Guy Leitch, who has been following the rollout of updates, the science behind bit flips, and what this means for the future of aircraft reliability. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fleets of Airbus A320s are back in service after more than 6000 were grounded to repair a critical software issue. Ashok Poduval from Massey University's school of aviation spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A software fix had airlines around the world canceling and delaying flights. AP correspondent Donna Warder reports.

Indian Air Force is looking at revamping its airlift capabilities by inducting the proposed Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA), that will be assembled in India, as its main workhorse in the modern era. Snehesh Alex Philip, Editor - Defence and Diplomacy explains in his show #DefenceScope.

PREVIEW — David Rooney — Rolls-Royce Engines and the 1919 Transatlantic Flight. Rooney describes the 1919 Atlantic crossing attempt, which definitively established Rolls-Royce's reputation as the premier manufacturer of aircraft engines. The company's Eagle and Falcon engines proved vital because they could sustain continuous operation for over 10 hours without requiring refurbishment or maintenance, making them ideally suited for the demanding 20-hour transatlantic journeY.  1921

The U.S. Navy is scrambling to retrieve two aircraft that fell into the South China Sea without explanation in October—and they're trying to find them before the Chinese do.On the flip side, the decision on whether or not to sell Nvidia's AI chips to China now sits on President Donald Trump's desk. Until that's settled, some people are allegedly getting creative with AI chip “exports.” Four men were recently arrested by the feds and accused of selling AI chips directly to China and making off with $4 million in the process. Let's go through it all together.

How to 10X Your Detailing Business Course episode 13 - Breaking in to NEW markets - RV's, Aircraft or Boats. This is a short and to the point training course about 10Xing your detailing business. In these courses, I talk about the 10X mentality, sales, and how to grow your business using the 10X business tactics. From Marketing and media production to lead generation and sales training. Thinking big and keeping your mind and body in great shape is the way to become extremely successful in business and in life. If you have any questions or comments about these episodes, please email me at Dave@PearlNano.com or call me directly at 808 779 7163. Thanks -David Elliott   P.S. If you are interested in amazing car care products and ceramic coatings, please head over to PearlNano.com and CallingAllDetailers.com - Sign up for your wholesale account and ask about our latest specials. Lastly, if you have always wanted to launch your own brand of car care products and ceramic coatings, then now is the time. Fill out the form on PrivateLabelCarCare.com and we can get started right away. 

The U-2 “Dragon Lady” remains one of the most iconic and mysterious aircraft ever flown—designed in secrecy, flown at the edge of space, and still serving critical intelligence missions nearly 70 years after its first flight. In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, we expand on the recent YouTube feature with additional insights, extended storytelling, and the full interview with Gogo, who brings first-hand knowledge and perspective on what it takes to fly, operate, and support this legendary reconnaissance aircraft.We explore the U-2's origins during the Cold War, the missions that shaped its legacy, the demanding training pipeline for pilots, and the unique flight characteristics that make it one of the most challenging aircraft in the world to master. You'll also hear behind-the-scenes details from the making of the video and extended conversation you won't find anywhere else.Whether you're an aviation history buff, a military aviation enthusiast, or simply fascinated by aircraft that operate where few dare to fly—this episode takes you deeper into the story of the Dragon Lady than ever before.AeroExploration: Check out the YouTube Channel. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AeroExploration⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Community:If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media.Sponsor Information:Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible!Affiliate Links:Lightspeed Headsets: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/?campaign=flyingmidwest23&ref=101⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Flying Eyes Sunglasses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://flyingeyesoptics.com/?ref=Flyingmidwest23⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchaseFly the Transition Merch:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flyingmidwest.com/merch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact Information:Do you have questions or comments about the show? Do you have an idea for a future episode? Do you want to be a guest on the podcast? Reach out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jim@flyingmidwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or connect with Jim through social media or the website.

In this episode of Behind the Prop, hosts Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhern welcome Mark Patey — entrepreneur, aviator, and co-founder of Best Tugs and Best Aviation Products — for a powerful conversation on aviation innovation, safety, and personal growth. With over 12,000 flight hours and nearly three decades of flying experience, Mark shares how his passion for engineering and aviation led to building products that offer twice the value for only 10–20% more cost, creating a winning formula for pilots who prioritize both performance and safety. His companies now have 47 new aviation products under development, each designed to make flying more efficient, safer, and more enjoyable.Beyond business, Mark opens up about his transformation from the thrill-seeking days of the “Flying Cowboys” to becoming a safety advocate focused on humility and honesty. He reflects on how earlier flying videos showcasing aggressive backcountry flying unintentionally encouraged risk-taking, and how experience — along with age and perspective — taught him the true meaning of responsible flying. Mark emphasizes that proficiency and preparation make the difference between danger and mastery, comparing backcountry flying to instrument flying: both can be safe or deadly, depending on skill and mindset.The discussion also explores the growing issue of negativity in online aviation communities, where misinformation and quick judgments often drown out real learning opportunities. Mark and the hosts discuss the need for empathy, understanding, and constructive dialogue among pilots. In response to the fear and stigma surrounding mistakes, Mark introduces his vision for a “Pilot Confessional” podcast, where aviators can anonymously share near-miss experiences and lessons learned — helping others avoid similar situations without fear of backlash or violation.In a heartfelt conclusion, Mark reveals how a near-death medical experience reshaped his outlook on life and aviation. No longer chasing records or recognition, he now prioritizes peace, longevity, and family. His message to the aviation community is clear: be honest about your skills, stay humble, and fly for the love of life — not the thrill of risk.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel by going to  https://youtube.com/@thedanabucklershow?si=4Mb50wFnUcHopG5nDid Edgar Wright's The Running Man deliver on the hype?

A San Mateo-based tech company has permission to test its flying cars at the Hollister airport. BenitoLink reporter Noe Magaña shares his reporting about the company and the region's growing rapport with electric aircraft businesses.

On Today's Show: To Support And Subscribe: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/Today, I cover the 2025 wildfire season by the numbers and compare them to last year. Total Fires (nationally and by region)Acres Burned (nationally and by region)Crew OrdersAircraft OrdersFlight HoursUTFsCancelationsDrone Incursions, And More. I also cover the LEAF Act, which was introduced to ensure local contractors receive a least 26% of contracts for project work, and a conversation about the AI push in wildfire. ShareTHE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.

Ralph Riegel, Southern Correspondent with the Irish Independent

The Casuals discuss the classic thanksgiving movie Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987).

Last time we spoke about the Soviet-Japanese Border Conflict. The border between Soviet Manchuria and Japanese-occupied territories emerges not as a single line but as a mosaic of contested spaces, marks, and memories. A sequence of incidents, skirmishes along the Chaun and Tumen rivers, reconnaissance sorties, and the complex diplomacy of Moscow, Tokyo, and peripheral actors to trace how risk escalated from routine patrols to calibrated leverage. On the ground, terrain functioned as both obstacle and argument: ridges like Changkufeng Hill shaping sightlines, river valleys shaping decisions, and markers weathered by snow, wind, and drift. In command tents, officers translated terrain into doctrine: contingency plans, supply routes, and the precarious calculus of restraint versus escalation. Both nations sought to establish firmer defensive barriers against the other. Inevitably they were destined to clash, but how large that clash would become, nobody knew.   #176 The Changkufeng Incident Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. In the last episode we broke down a general history of the Soviet-Japanese Border Conflict and how it escalated significantly by 1938. Colonel Inada Masazum serving as chief of the 2nd Operations Section within the Operations Bureau in March of 1938 would play a significant role in this story. When the Japanese command's attention was drawn to the area of Changkufeng, consideration was given to the ownership and importance of the disputed high ground. Inada and his operations section turned to an appraisal of the geography. The officers had been impressed by the strategic importance of the Tumen, which served to cut off the hill country from North Korea. In the Changkufeng area, the river was a muddy 600 to 800 meters wide and three to five meters deep. Japanese engineers had described rowing across the stream as "rather difficult."  Russian roads on the left bank were very good, according to Japanese intelligence. Heavy vehicles moved easily; the Maanshan section comprised the Russians' main line of communications in the rear. To haul up troops and materiel, the Russians were obliged to use trucks and ships, for there were no railways apart from a four-kilometer line between the harbor and town of Novokievsk. Near Changkufeng, hardly any roadways were suitable for vehicular traffic. On the right, or Korean, bank of the Tumen, there were only three roads suitable for vehicular traffic, but even these routes became impassable after a day or two of rain. In the sector between Hill 52 to the south and Shachaofeng to the north, the most pronounced eminences were Chiangchunfeng and the humps of Changkufeng. Rocky peaks were characteristically shaped like inverted T's, which meant many dead angles against the crests. The gentle slopes would allow tanks to move but would restrict their speed, as would the ponds and marshes. In general, the terrain was treeless and afforded little cover against aircraft. Against ground observation or fire, corn fields and tall miscanthus grass could provide some shielding. Between Chiangchunfeng and the Tumen, which would have to serve as the main route of Japanese supply, the terrain was particularly sandy and hilly. This rendered foot movement difficult but would reduce the effectiveness of enemy bombs and shells. The high ground east of Khasan afforded bases for fire support directed against the Changkufeng region. Plains characterized the rest of the area on the Soviet side, but occasional streams and swamps could interfere with movement of tanks and trucks. The only towns or villages were Novokievsk, Posyet, Yangomudy, and Khansi. At Kozando there were a dozen houses; at Paksikori, a few. The right bank was farmed mainly by Koreans, whose scattered cottages might have some value for billeting but offered none for cover. On the left bank, the largest hamlets were Fangchuanting, with a population of 480 dwelling in 73 huts, and Yangkuanping, where there were 39 cottages. Shachaofeng was uninhabited. Japanese occupation of Changkufeng would enable observation of the plain stretching east from Posyet Bay, although intelligence made no mention of Soviet naval bases, submarine pens, or airstrips in the immediate area of Posyet, either in existence or being built in 1938. As Inada knew, the Japanese Navy judged that Posyet Bay might have another use, as a site for Japanese landing operations in the event of war. In Russian hands, the high ground would endanger the Korean railway. This line, which started from Najin in northeastern Korea, linked up with the vital system in Manchuria at the town of Tumen and provided a short cut, if not a lifeline, between Japan and the Kwantung Army and Manchuria from across the Sea of Japan. Even from relatively low Changkufeng, six or seven miles of track were exposed to Soviet observation between Hongui and Shikai stations. The port of Najin, with its fortress zone, lay 11 miles southwest; Unggi lay even nearer. It was not the danger of Japanese shelling of Vladivostok, at an incredible range of 80 miles that was at stake but the more realistic hypothesis of Russian shelling of the rail line, and Russian screening of the Soviet side of the border. Hills and questions were thought to have two sides. It was the consensus of Japanese that Changkufeng Hill's potential value to the Russians far outweighed its possible benefits to them, or at least that the Japanese had more to lose if the Russians took the high ground by the Tumen. Inada nurtured few illusions concerning the intrinsic value of the heights. Despite the fact that the high command always had good reasons for quiescence in the north, Inada believed that the latest border difficulty could not be overlooked. By mid-July 1938 Inada's thoughts crystallized. The Japanese would conduct a limited reconnaissance in force known as iryoku teisatsu in the strategic sense. Whereas, at the tactical schoolbook level, this might mean the dispatch of small forces into enemy territory to seek local combat intelligence, at the Imperial General Headquarters level the concept was far more sweeping. There would also be useful evidence of mobilization and other buildup procedures. The affair at Changkufeng was merely a welcome coincidence, something started by the Russians but liable to Japanese exploration. Inada had no intention of seizing territory, of becoming involved in a war of attrition at a remote and minor spot, or of provoking hostilities against the USSR. The Russians would comprehend the nature of the problem, too. If they were interested in interfering seriously with the Japanese, there were numberless better locations to cause trouble along the Manchurian front; those were the places to watch. The cramped Changkufeng sector, described as "narrow like a cat's brow," could too readily be pinched off from Hunchun to render it of strategic value to either side. The bog land to the north interfered with the use of armored forces, while artillery sited on the heights along the Tumen in Korea could as easily control the area as batteries emplaced east of the lake. It was Inada's professional opinion that the Russians could commit three or four infantry divisions there at most, with no mechanized corps—no heavy tanks, in particular. No decisive battle could be waged, although, once the Russians became involved, they might have to cling to the hill out of a sense of honor. The military action would be meaningless even if the Japanese let the Russians have the heights. For their part, the Japanese would ostensibly be fighting to secure the boundary and to hold Changkufeng peak, beyond which they would not move a step onto Soviet soil. There would be no pursuit operations. Troop commitment would be limited to about one division without tank support. Japanese Air Force intervention would be forbidden. Matters would be directed entirely by Imperial General Headquarters working through the Korea Army chain of command and carried out by the local forces. Calm, clear, and dispassionate overall estimates and instructions would be based on materials available only in Tokyo. The command would not allow the Kwantung Army to touch the affair. Inada foresaw that the Japanese government might also seek a settlement through diplomacy. Although border demarcation was desirable and should be sought, the command would not insist on it, nor would it demand permanent occupation of Changkufeng summit. As soon as reconnaissance objectives had been achieved, the local forces would be withdrawn. As Inada described it "In the process, we would have taught the Russians some respect and given them a lesson concerning their repeated, high-handed provocations and intrusions. If a show of force sufficed to facilitate the negotiations and cause the Russians to back down, so much the better; the affair would be over and my point proved." The instrument for carrying out Inada's strategic design appeared to be ideal, the 19th Division, strenuously trained and high-spirited. It could be expected to perform very well if unleashed within defined limits. Colonel Suetaka was just the commander to direct local operations. Since he had been pleading to fight in China, an operation at Changkufeng might prove to be an excellent "safety valve." His staff was full of experienced, fierce warriors eager for battle. Until recently, the Korea Army commanding general had wisely kept the aggressive division away from Changkufeng Hill, but now Imperial general headquarters had its own overriding ideas and needs. How could the Japanese ensure that any military action would remain limited if the Russians chose to respond with vigor? Naturally, one infantry division, without armor or air support, could not withstand all of the Soviet forces in the maritime province. Inada answered that the mission to be assigned the 19th Division was merely the recapture of Changkufeng crest. If the Japanese side had to break off the operation, evacuation would be effected voluntarily and resolutely on Imperial general headquarters responsibility, without considerations of "face." At worst, the Japanese might lose one division, but the affair would be terminated at the Tumen River without fail. "Even so, we ought to be able to prove our theory as well as demonstrate our true strength to the Russians." In case the Soviets opted for more than limited war, the Japanese were still not so overextended in China that they could not alter their strategic disposition of troops. Although the Kwantung Army's six divisions were outnumbered four to one and the Japanese were not desirous of a war at that moment, the first-class forces in Manchuria could make an excellent showing. In addition, the high command possessed armor, heavy artillery, fighters, and bombers, held in check in Manchuria and Korea, as well as reserves in the homeland. There was also the 104th Division, under tight Imperial general headquarters control, in strategic reserve in southern Manchuria. Inada recalled "How would the Russians react? That was the answer I sought. Victory in China depended on it." By mid-July, the high command, at Inada's urging, had worked out a plan titled, "Imperial General headqaurters Essentials for Dealing with the Changkufeng Incident." Tada's telegram of 14 July to Koiso described succinctly the just-decided policy: the central authorities concurred with the Korea Army's opinion regarding the Changkufeng affair, then in embryo. Considering that Changkufeng Hill posed a direct threat to the frontier of Korea, Imperial General headqaurters would immediately urge the foreign ministry to lodge a stern protest. Next day, Tojo sent a telegram stating the Japanese policy of employing diplomacy; whether the Russians should be evicted by force required cautious deliberation in case the USSR did not withdraw voluntarily. On the basis of the guidance received from Imperial General headqaurters, the Korea Army drew up its own plan, "Essentials for Local Direction of the Changkufeng Incident," on 15 July. Intelligence officer Tsuchiya Sakae was sent promptly to the front from Seoul. At the same time, military authorities allowed the press to release news that Soviet troops were constructing positions inside Manchurian territory in an "obvious provocation." The government of Manchukuo was demanding an immediate withdrawal. Even then, those Japanese most closely connected with the handling of the Changkufeng Incident were not in agreement that everybody at command level was as ardent a proponent of reconnaissance in force as Inada claimed to be. Some thought that most, if not all, of his subordinates, youthful and vigorous, were in favor of the notion; others denied the existence of such an idea. Inada remained clear-cut in his own assertions. Everything done by the local Soviet forces, he insisted, must have been effected with the permission of Moscow; it was customary for the USSR not to abandon what it had once started. The Japanese Army never really thought that the Soviet Union would withdraw just as the result of diplomatic approaches. Therefore, from the outset, preparations were made to deal the Russians one decisive blow. Inada had recommended his plan, with its clear restrictions, to his colleagues and superiors; the scheme, he says, was approved 14 July "all the way up the chain of command, through the Army general staff and the ministry of war, with unexpected ease." The only real opposition, Inada recalled, came from the navy, whose staff advised the army operations staff, in all sincerity, to give up the idea of strategic reconnaissance. Inada adhered to his opinion stubbornly. He never forgot the grave look on the face of Captain Kusaka, the UN operations section chief, as the latter gave in reluctantly. The navy view was that the Changkufeng affair typified the army's aggressive policies as opposed to relative passivity on the part of the navy. Like Kusaka, Japanese Navy interviewees shared the fear that Changkufeng might prove to be the most dangerous military confrontation ever to occur between the USSR and Japan. In view of navy objections, one wonders where Inada could have drawn support for his concept of reconnaissance in force. If one accepts the comments contained in a letter from a navy ministry captain, Takagi Sokichi, to Baron Harada Kumao at the beginning of August, in the army and in a portion of the navy there existed "shallow-minded fellows who are apt to take a firm stand in the blind belief that the USSR would not really rise against us, neglecting the fact that the Russians had foreseen our weak points." Takagi also had violent things to say about "white-livered" Gaimusho elements that were playing up to the army. Although Takagi's remarks, expressed in confidence, were sharp, cautious injunctions were being delivered by the high command to the new Korea Army commander, General Nakamura Kotaro, who was about to leave for Seoul to replace Koiso. Nakamura's attitude was crucial for the course and outcome of the Changkufeng Incident. More of a desk soldier than a warrior, he characteristic ally displayed a wariness that was reinforced by the guidance provided him. This personal quality assumes even greater significance if one believes that the Russians may have initiated the Changkufeng Incident by exploiting the special opportunities afforded them by the routine replacement of the Korea Army commander, the temporary absence from Moscow of Ambassador Shigemitsu Mamoru, and the geographical as well as subjective gap between the Kwantung and Korea armies that was exposed during the Lyushkov affair. At 10:00 on 15 July Nakamura was designated army commander by the Emperor at the palace. Soon afterward, he was briefed by Imperial General headquarters officers. Hashimoto, the operations bureau chief, recalled that when he saw Nakamura off on 17 July, Hashimoto stressed prudence, limitation of any military action, and diplomatic solution of the problem. The new commanding general, Inada asserted, promised full cooperation. There was no mention, at this level, of Inada's concept of reconnaissance in force. When Nakamura reached Seoul, he found an Imperial order from Tokyo dated 16 July awaiting him. This important document stipulated that he could concentrate units under his command in Korea near the border against the trespassing Soviet forces in the Changkufeng area. Resort to force, however, was dependent upon further orders. This message was followed by a wire from Kan'in, the Army general staff chief. The Imperial order, it was explained, had been designed to support diplomatic negotiations. Simultaneous approval was granted for concentrating forces to respond swiftly in case the situation deteriorated. As for implementation of the Imperial order, discretion should be exercised in line with the opinion expressed earlier by Korea Army Headquarters. Negotiations were to be conducted in Moscow and Harbin, the location of a Soviet consulate in Manchukuo. Meanwhile, the command was dispatching two officers for purposes of liaison: Lt. Colonel Arisue Yadoru in Operations and Major Kotani Etsuo a specialist in Soviet intelligence. Inada advised Arisue that, apart from liaison flights inside the frontiers, particular care should be exercised with regard to actions that might lead to air combat. Nevertheless, although Inada stated that the Imperial order called for "a sort of military demonstration," he admitted that it meant preparatory action for an attack. The Korea Army senior staff officer, Iwasaki, recalled hearing nothing about secret intentions. Nakamura briefed his staff about the need for restraint, especially during this key period of the Wuhan operation. Koiso had disposed of speculation that he had issued an order to concentrate the 19th Division before Nakamura arrived, although he and Nakamura did have the opportunity to confer in Seoul before he departed for Japan. The Imperial order of 16 July, in response to Koiso's inquiry received in Tokyo on 14 July, had arrived in Seoul addressed to Nakamura; thereupon, the Korea Army chief of staff, Kitano, had the message conveyed to the division. By 21 July Koiso was back in Tokyo where, the day afterward, he advised the war minister, Itagaki, "to act prudently with respect to the Changkufeng problem." Why did the high command dispatch two field-grade liaison officers to Korea from the outset of the Changkufeng Incident? The Korea Army lacked operations staff. Its commander had been allotted prime responsibility, within the chain of command, for defense of northeastern Korea. At the beginning, the highest-ranking staff officer at the front was a major. Since there were no fundamental differences of opinion between the command and the forces in Korea, it was proper to send experts from Tokyo to assist. Imperial General headqaurters would observe the situation carefully, devise measures on the basis of the overall view, and issue orders which the Korea Army would implement through ordinary channels. It had not been the type of incident which required the army commander to go to the front to direct. This was the Korea Army's first test, and political as well as diplomatic problems were involved that the army in the field should not or could not handle. If Tokyo had left decisions to the division and its regiments, the latter would have been held to account, which was not proper. Imperial General headquarters had to assume responsibility and reassure local commanders of its full support. Imaoka Yutaka explained that operational guidance by Imperial General headquarters and line operations conducted by the 19th Division formed the core of the affair; the Korea Army, placed between, was "shadowy." Koiso had not been enthusiastic; this set the mood among the staff. Nakamura, who arrived with a thorough comprehension of AGS thinking, was basically passive. The Korea Army staff, in general, included no "wild boars."    There was an urgent need to monitor developments. Not only was the Korea Army unfamiliar with handling this type of incident, but many hitches occurred. There had been no practice in emergency transmission of coded wires between the Korea Army and Tokyo. Now telegram after telegram had to be sent; most were deciphered incorrectly and many were not decoded at all. Another problem centered on the lack of knowledge in Tokyo about the situation on the spot, which only visual observation could rectify. As a result, the two Army general staff experts, Arisue and Kotani, arrived in Korea on 16 July. Kotani recalled that he was to collect intelligence and assist the local authorities. One of the first duties that he and Arisue performed was to disseminate the principle that use of force required a prior Imperial order. Also on 16 July, Japanese newspapers reported that the USSR was still concentrating troops, that the Manchukuoan government was watching intently, "decisive punitive measures" were being contemplated by the Japanese-Manchukuoan authorities, and there were signs of a worsening of the crisis. Despite good reasons for this gloomy appraisal, the Japanese press had not yet given the incident page-one treatment. More alarming news was being disseminated abroad. Domei, the official Japanese news agency, reported that the situation would probably become worse unless Soviet troops were withdrawn. The position of the Japanese government impressed foreign correspondents as unusually firm. Informants characterized the Changkufeng Incident as the most serious affair since the clash on the Amur River in 1937. Irked by the Korea Army's timidity and eager for first-hand information, the Kwantung Army dispatched two observers to the front: from Intelligence, Ogoshi Kenji, and from Operations, Tsuji Masanobu. If you listen to my pacific war week by week podcast or echoes of war, you know I highlight Tsuji Masanobu as one of the most evil Japanese officers of WW2. No other way to describe this guy, he was a shithead. In his memoirs, Tsuji asserted that he and Ogoshi climbed Changkufeng Hill, discerned Soviet soldiers digging across the peak in Manchurian territory, and concluded that "probably even Tokyo could not overlook such a clear-cut case of invasion." Although his account aligned with the general thrust, Ogoshi contended that Tsuji could not have accompanied him. According to sources with the 19th Division, when Koiso learned that Tsuji and Ogoshi were disparaging the Korea Army's ability to defend Changkufeng, he ordered "those spies" ousted. Ogoshi replied that the army staff was not angry, but Koiso did become furious and ordered Ogoshi "arrested for trespassing." Ogoshi surmised that Koiso's concern was that emotional outsiders such as Tsuji could provoke trouble, perhaps even war, if they visited Changkufeng. This view was widely shared. Inada stated that he made a practice of keeping away to maintain the degree of detachment and impartiality required of high command authorities. One sidelight to the "fraternal" visit to the Changkufeng area by observers from Hsinking was provided by Lt. Colonel Katakura Tadashi, chief of the Kwantung Army's 4th Section, which handled Manchukuo affairs, primarily political direction. When Katakura visited the Operations Section, Tsuji and Ogoshi told him that an intrusion had been confirmed and that the Kwantung Army staff was studying ways to evict the Soviets. Katakura consulted Maj. General Ishiwara Kanji, acting chief of staff, who was already in possession of the draft of an operations order calling for offensive preparations by the Kwantung Army against the Russians at Changkufeng. Katakura asked for reconsideration of the order. This was not a matter to be handled solely by the operations staff. Borders and international affairs were involved; hence the 4th Section, along with the Manchukuoan government, the Gaimusho, and other agencies, were concerned. Field observers were expressing exaggerated personal opinions based on having seen Soviet sentries on a hilltop. If the matter fell within the Korea Army's defensive prerogative, that army ought to handle it. Apparently the Kwantung Army commander and Ishiwara agreed with Katakura, for the draft order was not approved. The so-called private message dispatched by a Kwantung Army staff officer just before Koiso's departure may have been provoked by this rejection of direct participation by forces under Kwantung Army command. Staff officers in Tokyo believed that Hsinking could not see the forest for the trees. In the high command's view, the Kwantung Army's deliberate escalation of a negligible frontier incident undoubtedly stemmed from a failure to grasp the strategic requirements of national defense—pursuit of the campaign in China, the nurturance of Manchukuo, and the buildup of operational readiness for the ultimate solution of the Soviet problem. The high command felt obliged to remind the Kwantung Army that, in dealing with the Changkufeng Incident, the central authorities pressed for a Russian pullback through diplomacy. Consequently, the Korea Army had been instructed to be ready to concentrate troops near Changkufeng as a "background." Meanwhile, it remained the Imperial will that utmost prudence be exercised. The Kwantung Army commander accordingly issued cautious instructions to subordinate units, especially those on the eastern border. The high command's injunctions did not end the discontent and recrimination at the lower levels of Kwantung Army Headquarters, nor did they quiet the concern felt in Tokyo. A former war minister told Baron Harada repeatedly in late July that the Kwantung Army was "no good," while the superintendent of police added that the Kwantung Army was embarrassing Foreign Minister Ugaki. Nevertheless, the Kwantung Army did exert self-restraint. For its part, the Korea Army naïvely sought to achieve entente with an antagonist who considered the case nonnegotiable. First, the government of Manchukuo was asked to lodge a formal protest with the USSR. The commissioner for foreign affairs at Harbin phoned V. V. Kuznetzov, the acting consul, on the night of 14 July and saw him on the 18th. Basing its contentions on maps, the Haensing regime demanded Soviet withdrawal from Changkufeng. The Japanese government was lodging similar protests within the framework of Japanese-Manchukuoan joint defense agreements. On the spot, the situation inflamed. During the afternoon of 15 July, a Japanese military police patrol from Korea reconnoitered at the foot of Hill 52, southeast of Changkufeng. The party came under Soviet gunfire and was driven back, abandoning the body of Corp. Matsushima Shakuni. Japanese sources claimed that a Russian ambush had been set inside Manchuria. The Russian side insisted that it was the Soviet frontier that had been violated by thirty meters. Kuzma Grebennik, the colonel commanding the 59th BGU, which covered the Posyet sector, asserted that Matsushima's effects included a notebook containing reconnaissance results and a camera with film of Soviet-claimed terrain, particularly Changkufeng Hill. According to Maj. Gilfan Batarshin, a subordinate of Grebennik, two Russian border guards from Podgornaya opened fire when the Japanese fled after being challenged. Japanese protests to the USSR about the death of Matsushima and the taking of his body were added to the negotiations concerning the disputed border and the alleged trespassing. Charge Nishi Haruhiko lodged a vigorous complaint in Moscow on 15 July but was answered by a counterprotest. Ambassador Shigemitsu underwent an identical experience during a conversation with Foreign Commissar Maxim Litvinov on 20 July. Shigemitsu retorted that the murder tended to exacerbate the negotiations. In his memoirs, he stated that the killing of Matsushima provoked the local Japanese border garrison unit. The shooting occurred as the Soviet military buildup continued, according to Japanese sources. Mechanized units were reported moving in the direction of Kyonghun from Barabash and Posyet Bay. Biplanes were reconnoitering the Hunchun Valley, within Manchurian territory, from the afternoon of 16 July. To the local Japanese authorities, it seemed that the Russians were adopting a challenging attitude. Although the Japanese-Manchukuoan side remained willing to negotiate—that is, to take no forceful actions if the Russians would withdraw, the latter appeared not to share such an intention. The Soviets were not only misinterpreting the Hunchun treaty to their advantage but were encroaching beyond what they claimed to be the line; they "lacked sincerity." Decisive use of force might have been imperative to secure the Manchurian border, which was Japan's legal responsibility. As far north as Tungning on the eastern Manchurian frontier, two Soviet ground divisions and considerable numbers of tanks and aircraft were reported massed in full view. At Changkufeng, Russian soldiers fortified the crest. Mountain guns were now seen with muzzles pointed toward Manchuria, and Japanese intelligence estimated that Soviet troop strength near Changkufeng had grown to 120 or 130 by the evening of 18 July. As Sawamoto Rikichiro, an Imperial aide, noted in his diary, "It would seem that settlement of the affair had become increasingly difficult." Korea Army staff officer Tsuchiya sent two emissaries bearing the notice to the Soviet border. The pair, "blazing with patriotic ardor,"set out on 18 July, carrying a message in one hand and a white flag in the other. From Kyonghun came the report the next day that there had been an urgent, well-attended Soviet staff meeting at BGU Headquarters in Novokievsk all night, and that the Russian side had been discomfited by the Japanese request, which had been transmitted to higher authorities. Still, the emissaries did not return, while a stream of reports indicated a Soviet buildup along a dozen frontier sectors. Russian authorities had reportedly forced the natives to evacuate an area twenty miles behind their borders. From Japanese observation posts, Soviet convoys of men, guns, and horses could be sighted moving toward Novokievsk after being unloaded from transports originating at Vladivostok. Japanese Army Intelligence reported that on 18 July a regimental-size force had arrived at Novokievsk; artillery displacements forward were particularly visible by night east of Khasan. A confidential Gaimusho message indicated that Soviet truck movements between Posyet, Novokievsk, and the front had increased since the 20th. Russian intrusions, kidnappings, and sniping incidents were reported along the Manchurian borders, from Manchouli on the west to Suifenho on the east, between 18 and 25 July. Aircraft on daytime reconnaissance were detected as far as three miles inside Manchurian territory in the Hunchun area. Although the Japanese asserted that their forbearance was being tested, Izvestiya charged "Japanese militarists" with manufacturing an affair at Ussuri as well as at Changkufeng. The Japanese themselves received reports from the Changkufeng front that by 20 July the Soviets had 250 soldiers, armed with field pieces, trench mortars, howitzers, and light and heavy machine guns, on the southern slopes. The Russians were putting up tents capable of holding 40 men each; officers could be observed for the first time. On the evening of the 20th, the Soviets lobbed illuminating shells toward Manchurian territory. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. Inada Masazum, studying maps and mud, saw Changkufeng Hill as a prize with peril, a test of nerve rather than a conquest. Tokyo's orders pulsed through Seoul and Harbin: guard, probe, and deter, but avoid full-scale war. Across the border, Soviet units pressed closer, lights and tents flickering on the hillside. The sea within sight whispered of strategy, diplomacy, and a warning: a single misstep could redraw Asia. And so the standoff waited, patient as winter.

Today we learn that President Trump is presented with the option for imminent Operations in Venezuela. Venezuela in response conducts Military Drills to defend against U.S. Aircraft carrier and finally we see that the Venezuelan Dictator Maduro orders creation of an app for population to “Report Everything they see and hear”. 00:00 Intro 03:11 Look at Venezuela 10:36 Dangerous Enemy 19:46 Striking Distance 22:08 Military Options

Today we learn that President Trump is presented with the option for imminent Operations in Venezuela. Venezuela in response conducts Military Drills to defend against U.S. Aircraft carrier and finally we see that the Venezuelan Dictator Maduro orders creation of an app for population to “Report Everything they see and hear”. 00:00 Intro 03:11 Look at Venezuela 10:36 Dangerous Enemy 19:46 Striking Distance 22:08 Military Options

Researchers in Antarctica detected radio pulses “coming from below” the ice. What it it?

Send us a textDilip Sarkar is the author of over 60 books inspired by the Spitfire and Battle of Britain stories. Dilip is himself a living link to the past, given his privileged relationships with countless wartime survivors. He joins us to to discuss the importance of the Battle of Britain, the impossible odds that Britain faced, the people who made victory possible, and why we must never forget them.You can learn more about Dilip and find his books, battlefield tours, and much more here: https://www.dilipsarkarmbe.com/If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, please contact us at info@veteranstateofmind.com , or drop us a DM on instagram @veteranstateofmindSupport the show

Congress inches towards ending shutdown with no extension of ACA subsidies. Aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrives in the Caribbean in latest escalation of Trump's war on cartel boats. Laura Ingraham clashes with Donald Trump in Fox News interview. One-Hit Wonder Wednesday. Why socialism is becoming popular with young people. Trump mentioned in newly released Epstein emails.

A window from an aircraft that appeared in 1964's Goldfinger is up for auction at Heritage Auctions.

In this episode of Behind the Prop, hosts Wally Mulhern and Bobby Doss dive into one of the most important and often overlooked stages of a pilot's development — the period right after earning a Private Pilot Certificate, when decision-making truly begins. While training provides structure and supervision, real pilot-in-command judgment is built through solo experience, reflection, and continuous learning.Wally explains that many new pilots complete training with strong technical skills but little real-world decision-making experience. He compares flying to golf — once the fundamentals are learned, consistent, thoughtful application separates good pilots from great ones. Without the safety net of an instructor, new private pilots must learn to evaluate fuel, weather, and personal minimums on their own. Both hosts emphasize that certification is not the finish line but the starting point of lifelong learning.The conversation covers key tools like the PAVE acronym (Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures), which provides a structured way to assess preflight risk. Wally and Bobby also stress the importance of mental rehearsals and “what if” scenario planning to strengthen decision-making during unexpected events. Through real stories — from leaving chocks in place to handling equipment failures — they illustrate how small mistakes can lead to valuable lessons when managed properly.Technology plays a major role in modern flying, but the hosts caution against overreliance on apps and automation. Errors in systems like ForeFlight can mislead pilots who fail to verify data manually. Proficiency, not just currency, is the foundation of safety. Pilots are urged to set personal minimums, fly regularly with instructors, and stay humble about their skill level, especially after certification.The episode closes with a powerful reminder: good judgment is learned through experience, reflection, and discipline. Wally and Bobby encourage pilots to embrace real-world flying, learn from others' incidents, and view every flight as an opportunity to refine decision-making. Their shared vision promotes a culture of continuous learning and safety, helping pilots evolve from newly certified to truly competent and confident aviators.

The first flight of the Lockheed Martin X-59 supersonic Aircraft, Boom Supersonic, the end of SeatGuru, JetBlue emergency landing, new Navy jet trainer, and an Airbus A400M is delivered to Indonesia. Also, a talk with Cranky Flier and the certification of Chinese commercial jets. Aviation News NASA takes one step closer to launching quiet supersonic jets Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®, in partnership with NASA, completed the first flight of the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft. The X-59 is designed to demonstrate the ability to fly at supersonic speeds while reducing the sonic boom to a “gentle thump.”  Lockheed Martin X59 first flight. The X-59 took off from Skunk Works' facility at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, before landing near NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Lockheed Martin says “the X-59 performed exactly as planned.” Working with NASA, Skunk Works will continue to lead the aircraft's initial flight test campaign to expand the X-59's flight envelope over the coming months. Part of this test will include the X-59's first supersonic flights and enable NASA to operate the X-59 to measure its sound signature and conduct community acceptance testing. Lockheed Martin press release: X-59 Soars: A New Era in Supersonic Flight Begins. Douglas X-3 Stiletto. Related: Boom Supersonic – Overture Airliner Program Outlook. The Overture remains targeted for a first flight in 2027, followed by a goal of certification by 2029. Boom is assembling and testing components for its in-house Symphony turbofan engine, with manufacturing and validation underway at its Colorado R&D facility. Full-scale engine tests are anticipated in 2026. At least 15 people sent to hospital after JetBlue flight drops altitude, forcing emergency landing in Florida, officials say In a statement, JetBlue said Flight 1230 from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, “experienced a drop in altitude.” The plane diverted to Tampa International Airport, and at least 15 people were sent to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and discharged. The Airbus A320 dropped about 100 feet in about seven seconds. The FAA is investigating a “flight control issue.” End Of An Era: SeatGuru Officially Shuts Down, Redirects To TripAdvisor SeatGuru was launched in 2001 and was widely used by air travelers to examine airline seat maps of most aircraft types. TripAdvisor acquired SeatGuru in 2007, but by early 2020, updates to the seat maps ceased. Seatguru.com now displays the message “SeatGuru has closed down, please visit Tripadvisor to plan your next trip.” TripAdvisor doesn't offer the service that SeatGuru once did. Alternatives include AeroLOPA, SeatMaps, Expert Flyer, and AwardFares. United Airlines CEO Aligns With Trump, Eyes JetBlue Merger? United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby appeared at the White House alongside Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, voicing strong support for reopening the U.S. government without conditions. Kirby emphasized the strain on air traffic control and the airline industry amid the prolonged government shutdown. He called for a “clean continuing resolution.” Some observers speculate that Kirby has a strategy to integrate JetBlue's operations in the Northeast with United's existing Newark operations and a potential Boston expansion. T-45 to Depart the Pattern The T-45 Goshawk Navy jet trainer was originally manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, which merged with Boeing in 1997. The Navy wants a replacement for the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program. Vying for the contract are the SNC Freedom Trainer and the Beechcraft M-346N. The Navy expects to formally announce a request for proposals in December 2025 and award a contract in January 2027. Airbus delivers first A400M to Indonesia The Indonesian Air Force will operate the Airbus Defence and Space A400M heavy tactical airlift aircraft.

From maintaining aircraft records to dealing with bad advice and sub-standard parts, Mike, Paul, and Colleen say being an aircraft owner is one of the hardest jobs in aviation. Email your questions to podcasts@aopa.org for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below: Randy wants to know if circuit breakers have a life limit. He has a Mooney with about 3,000 hours. He had one that was acting up, and was wondering if he should intentionally exercise or change them on some interval. Paul said he recommends to all his clients that they exercise their breakers every few years, since they do tend to corrode. Just tripping it breaks oxidation off the contacts, he said. If you check the resistance before and after the resistance often goes down. Colleen said she replaces a few breakers during each annual.   Gary owns a Lake Amphibian with a IO-360 and he runs with fine wire plugs. At the last annual he found four of his Champion plugs had infinite resistance. They otherwise seemed to function normally. He's wondering what the implications are? Paul said he has boxes old boxes of new Champion plugs that he can't force himself to throw away, but he refuses to give them away either because he doesn't trust them. The hosts said they've seen many problems with Champion fire wire plugs and the insulators. So they've stopped using them and suggest others do as well. They all endorse the massive electrode Champions are just fine, however.   Chris helps clients establish aircraft logbooks after they buy their first airplane. Paul said: You should keep as much of the maintenance records as possible for value. Old invoices he puts in a bag and sets them aside. He keeps weight and balance history and it's nice to have a 337 record. Only the current equipment list is necessary. He'll recommend customers organize their own logbooks and not pay him to do it. Colleen also keeps a separate spreadsheet for time in service of all the airplane's components. That makes it easy for inspection, replacement, and for ADs. Mike's records include a big Word doc that includes all his maintenance records and a spreadsheet with the weight and balance, equipment list, and so on. Paul suggests only giving your maintenance provider a thumb drive so they can't hold your logbooks hostage, nor do anything else you don't approve of. Then when you're ready to leave, you get the thumb drive and the sticker to go in the logbook when you get home.   Paul read an article that advised against leaning too quickly and leading to washboarding of cylinders. Mike thinks that came from an old service bulletin. He said it needs to be taken in context. They were talking about heating the cylinder too fast. They weren't talking about the transition from rich of peak to lean of peak, but rather a very rich mixture to a slightly less rich mixture. The piston heats faster than the cylinder barrel, and it expands faster than the cylinder. The piston could potentially cause metal to metal contact.

John B. Allen, known as MrBallen, is a former U.S. Navy SEAL, and storyteller specializing in strange, dark, and mysterious true stories. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Allen served as a Navy SEAL from 2010 to 2017, completing multiple deployments including to Afghanistan, where he was wounded and medically retired.  Launching his content career in 2020 on TikTok and YouTube as a form of therapy, he quickly amassed millions of followers with his engaging narratives of true crime, mysteries, and the unexplained, becoming one of YouTube's biggest storytellers.  Founder of Ballen Studios, he hosts the top-rated MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories and has authored graphic novels like MrBallen Presents: Strange, Dark & Mysterious: The Graphic Stories (2024) and Where Nightmares Live (2025).  Through the MrBallen Foundation, established in 2022, he honors victims of violent crimes and supports their families with education, training, and financial aid.  Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://tryarmra.com/srs⁠ ⁠https://shawnlikesgold.com⁠ ⁠https://ROKA.com⁠ – USE CODE SRS ⁠https://shopify.com/srs⁠ ⁠https://simplisafe.com/srs⁠ ⁠https://tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes⁠ ⁠https://USCCA.com/srs⁠ ⁠⁠https://americanfinancing.net/srs⁠⁠ NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.327% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-781-8900, for details about credit costs and terms. John B. Allen Links: Website - https://ballenstudios.com YT - https://www.youtube.com/@MrBallen X - https://x.com/mrballen IG - https://www.instagram.com/mrballen TT - https://www.tiktok.com/@mrballen FB - https://www.facebook.com/mrballen Podcast - https://ballenstudios.com/shows/mrballen-podcast-strange-dark-mysterious-stories MrBallen Foundation - https://mrballen.foundation Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0D98RD8HH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Krystal and Saagar discuss Trump doubling down on war with Venezuela, multiple US crafts crash near China, whistleblower speaks out on American journalist killed by IDF, AI replaces thousands of jobs. Pablo Torre: https://x.com/PabloTorre To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show AD FREE, uncut and 1 hour early visit: www.breakingpoints.comMerch Store: https://shop.breakingpoints.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get into our Mens Room Question: How many jobs have you had, and what was your best/worst job?

Join Dana, David, and Ivan on a chilling journey into one of horror's most iconic sagas: The Exorcist! In this gripping episode of The Dana Buckler Show, we break down the terrifying original 1973 masterpiece, widely considered one of the greatest horror films of all time. But we don't stop there! Our hosts also delve into the often-debated sequels, exploring their impact, controversies, and what they added (or didn't) to the Exorcist universe. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the horror genre, get ready for an in-depth discussion on demonic possession, faith, and fear that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Tune in for expert analysis, behind-the-scenes insights, and lively debate. Don't miss this definitive look at The Exorcist franchise!

In this episode, Wally Mulhern and Bobby Doss take listeners deep into the mindset and methods behind effective flight planning. They break down how professional pilots think, plan, and prepare—long before the engine ever starts.Wally explains why smart flight planning begins weeks in advance, sometimes as early as 20 days before departure, especially for longer trips. He shares how to select fuel stops just beyond the halfway point—around 280 to 320 miles—to maintain both efficiency and mental endurance. Past experiences taught him that chasing cheaper fuel can backfire through delays and limited services, making reliability and safety worth the extra cost.Weather plays a defining role in every flight, and Wally emphasizes checking forecasts repeatedly—three weeks, two weeks, ten days, and again the night before. He outlines how to analyze broad surface charts, TAFs, and METARs to anticipate conditions, adjust routes, and account for winds that can change fuel burn by up to 20% in a Cessna 172. He also discusses planning around TFRs and keeping alternate airports ready, even when not required.Bobby builds on that foundation with his focus on cockpit organization and readiness. His night-before checklist includes verifying oil levels, charging devices, updating ForeFlight, and packing flight materials. These habits reduce stress, save time, and make each preflight smoother. Wally echoes this with his own structured airline routine—packing the night before, updating iPads, and keeping notes on the yoke for future pilots. Both stress that good organization directly impacts performance and safety, especially during check rides.Together, they underline a shared philosophy: prepare early, plan thoroughly, and stay flexible. Weather forecasts are only predictions, sound judgment and real-time decision-making matter most. Their combined airline and general aviation experience shows that professional-grade preparation leads to safer, more confident flying.Whether you're a new student pilot or seasoned aviator, this episode delivers actionable insights on fuel management, weather interpretation, and cockpit discipline—helping you fly smarter, safer, and more like a pro.

Send us a textIn this episode, we're joined by screenwriter Jack Epps, Jr. and his student, up and coming screenwriter Kate Ginley, who is writing a screenplay about Pan Am and Tenerife.Jack is now a professor and Chair of the Writing for Screen and Television Division at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, also known as USC. But you probably already know of him from the most iconic aviation films ever made — the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, which he co-wrote with his longtime screenwriting partner, Jim Cash. Starring Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer, Top Gun didn't just redefine aviation movies — it became a cultural phenomenon. It inspired generations of aviators, reignited pride in flight, and set the gold standard for how aviation could be portrayed on screen.The film was also a popular hit during its run as a featured movie of Pan Am's Theatre in the Air. Beyond the breathtaking aerial footage, Top Gun is a brilliant study in the craft of screenwriting — how character, emotion, and story structure come together to create cinematic magic.After Top Gun, Jack Epps, Jr.  and Jim Cash went on to write a series of major Hollywood hits, including Legal Eagles, The Secret of My Success, Dick Tracy, and Turner & Hooch. Today, Jack brings that same storytelling mastery to his students at USC — shaping the next generation of screenwriters and filmmakers.In our conversation, we'll talk about Jack's remarkable career, his insights into the art and discipline of screenwriting, the enduring legacy of Top Gun, and how Kate is carrying that storytelling spirit forward in her new screenplay about Pan Am and the tragedy at Tenerife.Support the show Visit Us for more Pan Am History! Support the Podcast! Donate to the Museum! Visit The Hangar online store for Pan Am gear! Become a Member! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!A very special thanks to Mr. Adam Aron, Chairman and CEO of AMC and president of the Pan Am Historical Foundation and Pan Am Brands for their continued and unwavering support!

PREVIEW HEADLINE: Putin Faces Deep Disappointment Over War Failures; Escalation Threatened if NATO Shoots Down Russian Aircraft GUEST NAME: Anatol Lieven, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft 50-WORD SUMMARY: Anatol Lieven discusses the deep disappointment and worry in Russia over the badly run war, with mistakes traced back to Putin. Lieven states that while Putin does not want to escalate, he has no maneuvering room and would be forced to respond with military force, potentially spiraling toward war, if the West escalates by seizing Russian cargos or if NATO were to shoot down Russian aircraft. 1900 RUSSIA

Support our Halloween “Overcoming the Darkness” campaign to help people with depression: https://weirddarkness.com/HOPEA mysterious aircraft crash near Area 51 sparked an FBI investigation after someone planted fake evidence at the cleaned-up site.PRINT VERSION to READ or SHARE:https://weirddarkness.com/fbi-area-51-crash-tampering-investigation/=====(Over time links may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: October 10, 2025ABOUT WEIRD DARKNESS: Weird Darkness is a true crime and paranormal podcast narrated by professional award-winning voice actor, Darren Marlar. Seven days per week, Weird Darkness focuses on all thing strange and macabre such as haunted locations, unsolved mysteries, true ghost stories, supernatural manifestations, urban legends, unsolved or cold case murders, conspiracy theories, and more. On Thursdays, this scary stories podcast features horror fiction along with the occasional creepypasta. Weird Darkness has been named one of the “Best 20 Storytellers in Podcasting” by Podcast Business Journal. Listeners have described the show as a cross between “Coast to Coast” with Art Bell, “The Twilight Zone” with Rod Serling, “Unsolved Mysteries” with Robert Stack, and “In Search Of” with Leonard Nimoy.DISCLAIMER: Ads heard during the podcast that are not in my voice are placed by third party agencies outside of my control and should not imply an endorsement by Weird Darkness or myself. *** Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.#WeirdDarkness, #Area51, #FBIInvestigation, #MilitaryMystery, #Area51Crash, #ClassifiedAircraft, #UnexplainedMysteries, #GovernmentSecrets, #UFOCoverup, #ConspiracyTheory