The Fearless Flyer: Recent Episodes
Your Hosts Grant & James
For people who have a fear of flying. Our podcast will take you from the basics about how an aircraft works with an insight as to what is happening and why during a flight to the stuff you don't see behind the scenes. We aim to remove the myth of flying and arm you with the knowledge to make you into a Fearless Flyer. Your Hosts are James and Grant. James is a student at a New Zealand University studying Aviation Management. Grant is a Boeing 777 Captain with a major airline in the Middle East, he spent the first 8 years of his career as an Aircraft Engineer before taking up flying full time. Previous aircraft Grant flew were the Boeing 757, 767 and 737, he currently has over 18,000 hours of flying time.
Send us a text
Al chats to Mark E about his aviation career in part 2 of 2 of his conversation with Mark. Join Al as he delves into Mark's fascinating career.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hello Fearless Flyers,
Join us for part 4 with Grant and Al as we discuss the TCAS system in more depth and learn about its low-level limitations, we then finish with a discussion on the collision in Washington between a commuter jet and a helicopter in early 2025.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Al chats to Mark E about his aviation career in part 1 of 2 of his conversation with Mark. Join Al as he delves into Mark's fascinating career.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hello Fearless Flyers,
Join us for part 3 with Grant and Al as we discuss a new form of technology that was being implemented in order to bring a reduction in mid-air collisions. In this episode we focus on a mid-air collision, the result which was subsequently caught on camera and really made people start to question why this was happening and what was being done about it.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hi Fearless Flyers, welcome to, "There I was... with Al." In this episode, Part 2, I continue our discussion with Sean and, we start off with talking about his ejection out of a fast-moving jet then continue with his aviation career and his flying experiences throughout it.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hello Fearless Flyers,
Join us for part 2 with Grant and Al as we discuss some early mid-air collisions when the airline industry was rapidly expanding and what the industry was doing about it in order to bring a reduction in them. In this episode we focus on some mid-air collisions that occurred in the early days of piston flying going into the jet era.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hi Fearless Flyers, welcome to, "There I was... with Al." In this episode, Part 1, I chat with Sean about his career, leading up to where he had to eject from a fighter jet.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hello Fearless Flyers,
We now start a mini-series of four episodes dealing with mid-air collisions. And to help us understand where, why and what can be done about it, we have Al joining us for the next four episodes. Not only is Al a current B777 Captain and CRM instructor, previous to being a pilot he was an Air Traffic Controller. Al also runs series 4, "There I was with AL" here on the The Fearless Flyer podcast.
In this episode we look at some mid-air collisions that occurred very early on in the aviation industry.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hi Fearless Flyers, welcome to, "There I was... with Al." In this episode, Part 2, I continue our discussion with Mark about his aviation career involving helicopters and fixed in flying, his flying experiences and what he has experienced throughout his career.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hello Fearless Flyers, Stefan joins us again as a guest host to discuss the Boeing 747 which he flew for many years. Using his knowledge, we delve into the loss of a Boeing 747 forward cargo door climbing out of Hawaii.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hi Fearless Flyers, welcome to, "There I was... with Al." In this episode, part 1, I talk to Mark about his aviation career involving helicopters, his initial flying experiences and what he has experienced throughout his career, this will be part one of a two-part episode with Mark and the second part will be about his fixed wing career.
So join me, Allan, in the middle of every month for a new journey into the fascinating careers of everyday individuals who you rarely get to interact with behind that locked flight deck door.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hello Fearless Flyers, welcome back to part 2 of the DC10 cargo door fiasco. Stefan also joins us to continue with second part as we try to understand why it was allowed to happen.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hi Fearless Flyers, welcome to my new series on the Fearless Flyer Podcast, "There I was... with Al." In this episode, part 2 of talking to Shorty about his aviation career, his brushes with the poison, tree branches and what he has experienced throughout his career, the lessons he had learnt and finally asking Shorty, "what makes a good pilot?"
So join me, Allan, in the middle of every month for a new journey into the fascinating careers of everyday individuals who you rarely get to interact with behind that locked flight deck door.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hello Fearless Flyers, we welcome Stefan onto this episode to discuss what happens when a new aircraft design is pushed too fast by an aircraft manufacturer.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hi Fearless Flyers, welcome to, "There I was... with Al." In this episode I talk to Shorty about his aviation career, initial flying experiences and what he has experienced throughout his career, this will be part one of a two-part episode talking to Shorty.
So join me, Allan, in the middle of every month for a new journey into the fascinating careers of everyday individuals who you rarely get to interact with behind that locked flight deck door.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hello Fearless Flyers, we welcome Charlie onto this episode to discuss what was going to be done about all those non-precision approaches that were the cause of many accidents that categorised as controlled flight into terrain.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hi Fearless Flyers, welcome to my new series on the Fearless Flyer Podcast, "There I was... with Al." In this episode I talk to Hennie about his aviation career, initial flying experiences and what he has experienced throughout their career, the lessons he had learnt and finally asking Hennie, "what makes a good pilot?"
So join me, Allan, in the middle of every month for a new journey into the fascinating careers of everyday individuals who you rarely get to interact with behind that locked flight deck door.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hello Fearless Flyers, we finish our discussion with Adrian about the GPWS with how the Enhanced GPWS saved a flight from disaster.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hi Fearless Flyers, welcome to Al's new series on the Fearless Flyer Podcast, "There I was... with Al." Grant will be interviewing Al about his aviation career, his flying experiences and what he has experienced throughout his career, the lessons he has learnt and finally asking Al, "what makes a good pilot."
Then episode 3 onwards, join Allan, in the middle of every month for a new journey into the fascinating careers of everyday individuals who you rarely get to interact with behind that locked flight deck door.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hello Fearless Flyers, we continue our discussion with Adrian about the disastrous effects of when flight crew lose their situational awareness, this time the aircraft had GPWS installed but it was still using the basic GPWS, new technology that was available had not yet been mandated into the industry to save this particular flight. This accident led the industry to implementing Don's more advanced version of the GPWS with more urgency.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hi Fearless Flyers, welcome to my new series on the Fearless Flyer Podcast, "There I was... with Al." I will be interviewing pilots about their aviation careers, their initial flying experiences and what they have experienced throughout their career, the lessons they have learnt and finally asking them what makes a good pilot.
So join me, Allan, in the middle of every month for a new journey into the fascinating careers of everyday individuals who you rarely get to interact with behind that locked flight deck door.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hello Fearless Flyers, we continue our discussion with Adrian about the disastrous effects of when flight crew lose their situational awareness, this time the aircraft had GPWS installed but it was still using basic GPWS, new technology that was available had not yet been mandated into the industry to save this particular flight. Let's listen to what happened as Don and his team that developed the GPWS probably looked upon this particular accident in frustration, in that the regulators were slow to implement their new technology.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hello Fearless Flyers, we continue our discussion with Adrian about the disastrous effects of when flight crew lose their situational awareness, the good news however was that the regulators had sat up and mandated that new technology be applied to reduce this ongoing issue. And a brilliant avionics engineer Don Bateman and his team would ultimately come to the rescue.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hello Fearless Flyers,
We have a new host joining the Fearless Flyer, bringing his own series to the podcast, "Series 4, There I was.... with Al." Al is a Boeing 777 Captain and also a Crew Resource Management (CRM) instructor. In his series he will be chatting to experienced pilot's about their careers, interesting events that had occurred and what was learnt from them and, what gems they can pass on to a new generation of pilots.
We plan to drop a new episode on the 15th day of every month starting January 2025, so listen out for a chat with Al and a flying colleague starting in the new year.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hello Fearless Flyers, in this and the next four episodes we are going to be discussing the disastrous effects of when flight crew lose their situational awareness, the good news however was that a brilliant avionics engineer would ultimately come to the rescue. We are fortunate enough to have Adrian back with us for these episodes, so we hope you enjoy them.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
A request for help from Apple podcast users: Our podcast does not register in the fear of flying search options for Apple podcast users, the only way it can get recognised is with Apple folk providing reviews. Therefore, if you are enjoying the show, would you please be so kind as to write us a quick review. Your help is much appreciated.
Send us a text
Hello Fearless Flyers, in this episode we welcome Al as a guest host, Al has a special interest in CRM and in this particular episode, the pilots used those skills to land an aircraft with absolutely no flight controls.
Click here to watch a short video on testing a jet engine and see what happens when a fan blade is intentionally separated whilst the engine is running at high speed.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Send us a text
Hello Fearless Flyers, in this episode we chat about an aircraft that had a complete engine failure and, how the pilots managed to get the aircraft onto the ground in one piece without any injuries or damage to the aircraft itself.
A request for our Apple Podcast listeners, if you get the chance could you please write us a small review on apple podcasts reviews. Thank you from James and Grant.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Send us a Text Message.
James and Grant welcome guest host Stefan to discuss what happens when what the largest aircraft in the world turns into the largest glider in the world mid-flight.
Click this link to look at the Flight Engineers lament, a humorous 3:30 video about the Flight Engineers position that is no longer part of today's modern aircraft.
If you are enjoying our podcast, please leave a short review. If you are not enjoying it, then please also tell us.
If you want us to talk about a particular aviation event, then please do not hesitate to contact us at any of the contact details below here.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode James and Grant discuss what happens when a computer takes control of an aeroplane.
If you are enjoying our podcast, please leave a short review. If you are not enjoying it, then please also tell us.
If you want us to talk about a particular aviation event, then please do not hesitate to contact us at any of the contact details below here.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Hi Fearless Flyer podcast listeners, following two recent turbulence events, I wanted to give you a special update to our original turbulence episode.
In this special episode we cover what causes high level turbulence, what g forces are, discuss the preliminary report of SQ321 and a few other events, Grant's views on turbulence when you are not in your seat and some more turbulence statistics.
I would also suggest you listen to S1 E7 Turbulence if you have not heard it before listening to this special episode.
I hope this episode helps with your concerns or worries about the subject of turbulence and as per usual, feel free to contact us at the below contact points should you want to chat about any concerns or worries you have about turbulence or flying in general.
Kind regards to all our listeners, Grant.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode James and Grant have a guest host Adrian joining them to discuss an accident which was too similar to the previous episode on Air Fance 447. Some operators just didn't want to incorporate the lessons learnt from AF447, however we finish on another incident that had a positive outcome, indeed most operators had taken the lessons on board.
If you are enjoying our podcast, please leave a short review. If you are not enjoying it, then please also tell us.
If you want us to talk about a particular aviation event, then please do not hesitate to contact us at any of the contact details below here.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Support the Show.
James and Grant are your hosts along with Dave as our special guest host for part 2 of Air France flight 447. Investigators were very good at finding out what happened but with no witnesses and without the flight and cockpit recorders, there was no information about how the tragedy happened. Now with the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, we find out how the tradegy unfolded.
If you are enjoying our podcast, please leave a short review. If you are not enjoying it, then please also tell us.
If you want us to talk about a particular aviation event, then please do not hesitate to contact us at any of the contact details below here.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Support the show
James and Grant are your hosts along with Dave as our special guest host for the next two episodes. In this and the next episode we will be talking about Air France flight 447. Investigators were very good at finding out what happened but with no witnesses and without the flight and cockpit recorders, there was no information about how the tragedy happened.
If you are enjoying our podcast, please leave a short review. If you are not enjoying it, then please also tell us.
If you want us to talk about a particular aviation event, then please do not hesitate to contact us at any of the contact details below here.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Support the show
James and Grant talk about the first time the flight data recorders were used in the United Kingdom, to help pinpoint the cause of an accident that had investigators initially quite baffled as to what had happened.
Click here to watch an excellent black and white BBC North documentary from 1968 that runs 49 minutes regarding the Stockport crash and how the investigators carried out their analysis as to what happened.
If you are enjoying our podcast, please leave a short review. If you are not enjoying it, then please also tell us.
If you want us to talk about a particular aviation event, then please do not hesitate to contact us at any of the contact details below here.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Support the show
Hello Folk,
Our Series 3 Insights, happy 2024 is in order as it was launched on 1 January 2024. Here we chat about historical accidents or incidents, what we learnt from them and how this learning has made the aviation industry safer.
If you are enjoying our podcast, please leave a short review. If you are not enjoying it, then please tell us.
If you want us to talk about a particular aviation event, then please do not hesitate to contact us at any of the contact details below here.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Support the show
Hi Folk, we are back with our third series called Insight. We are going to be taking a look at historical accidents and incidents that shaped the aviation industry and, how these events changed the course of the industry leading to what is in essence, a very regulated and safe form of mass transport that we experience today.
In this episode we will be discussing the "whirl mode effect," something no one knew anything about during the development of the L188 Electra. The lessons learnt would be implemented into aircraft designs of the future. We then finish our discussion on some bird news.
If you want us to talk about a particular aviation event, then please do not hesitate to contact us at any of the contact details below here.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Support the show
Hi Folk, we are back with our third series called Insight. We are going to be taking a look at historical accidents and incidents that shaped the aviation industry and, how these events changed the course of the industry leading to what is in essence, a very regulated and safe form of mass transport that we experience today.
In this episode we will be discussing the only recorded time lightning has been the sole culprit for an aircraft accident, then we will finish our discussion on some facts about lightning.
If you want us to talk about a particular aviation event, then please do not hesitate to contact us at any of the contact details below here.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Support the show
Hi Folk, We are back with our third series called Insight. We are going to be taking a look at historical accidents and incidents that shaped the aviation industry and, how these events changed the course of the industry leading to what is in essence, a very regulated and safe form of mass transport that we experience today.
In this episode we will be discussing a Boeing 707 accident that hardly any of you would have heard about. For had it not happened to this particular aircraft and the unfortunate crew, then it would definitely have happened to another aircraft with possible significant consequences for many more people.
If you want us to talk about a particular aviation event, then please do not hesitate to contact us at any of the contact details below here.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Support the show
Hi Folk, We are back with our third series called Insight. We are going to be taking a look at historical accidents and incidents that shaped the aviation industry and, how these events changed the course of the industry leading to what is in essence, a very regulated and safe form of mass transport that we experience today.
Part 2 of the Comet issues, we look at how these new pressurised cabins affected metal fatigue.
James and Gant will once again be your hosts, we will also have some guest hosts along the way. If you want us to talk about a particular aviation event, then please do not hesitate to contact us at any of the contact details below here.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Hi Folk, We are back with our third series called Insight. We are going to be taking a look at historical accidents and incidents that shaped the aviation industry and, how these events changed the course of the industry leading to what is in essence, a very regulated and safe form of mass transport that we experience today.
James and Gant will once again be your hosts, we will also have some guest hosts along the way. If you want us to talk about a particular aviation event, then please do not hesitate to contact us at any of the contact details below here.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
James and Grant want to welcome you to Series 3 Insights from the Fearless Flyer. This is where we will be discussing historical accidents and incidents and, how these events changed the course of the aviation industry, thereby making it safer for the travelling public today.
As per usual we welcome your feedback and ideas, you can get in touch with us at any of the media options below:
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode we take you on a flight, well more to the point we talk to you about the flight you are going to go on. We will explain our thoughts on the preparation in the days before, talk to you as your flight day progresses with what is going on and give you some top tips to think about.
We have included 12 chapter markers with the chapters here as well so you can easily go to the segment time in minutes and seconds of the episode that relates to where you are on your journey.
0:38 Preparation
2:43 Day before the flight
4:32 Day of the flight
7:31 Security & Passport control
9:31 Orientation from the boarding gate
11:18 Boarding time
15:31 Pusback
17:03 Takeoff
19:21 Cruising time
21:26 Descent
25:34 Landing
26:55 Hello bags
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Hi Folk,
We've come to the end of series one of the Fearless Flyer. In this episode James and Grant discuss some of the statistics of the most listened to episodes to date in this series, look at some of the issues going on in the industry at the moment and, we finish up with what our plans are for the next two series of our podcast.
A big thanks to all our guest's and, you the listeners who have participated even by simply listening or sharing our podcast with other folk, it has been much appreciated.
As per usual we welcome your feedback and ideas, you can get in touch with us at any of the media options below:
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
We discuss The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and why it is more of a guide to aviation policy rather than policing aviation, IATA which is a group of aviation businesses involved in influencing aviation policy. We chat about all the different units of measurement used in aviation, talk about the airborne motorway system across the north Atlantic and finish talking briefly about airport design.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode James and Grant talk to Al and Dave about their experiences and views on the exaggeration and sensationalism that occurs in the media. The conversations led us "off-piste" on some interesting statistics and a great discussion ensued on why we sometimes have to break off the landing.... the go-around.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPodt!
In this episode James & Grant discuss terrorism, pilot suicide and pesky passengers.
As per usual feel free to contact us, if you are enjoying the podcast then please leave us a review.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode we discuss aircraft maintenance, and we were fortunate enough to have Glenn join us who has many years experience as an Aircraft Engineer.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode James and Grant discuss jet lag and go on to discuss the flight time limitation scheme (FTL) that is in place to reduce crew fatigue.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Welcome to The Fearless Flyer. James and Grant are your hosts, lets have listen to what they've got to say....
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode we discuss the passenger evacuation, such a rare event but worth talking about. We chat about the certification requirements, talk about some top tips, discuss a survey done of passenger evacuations by the NTSB (National Transport Safety Board in the USA) and finish with a chat about the Airbus A380 passenger evacuation test done for its certification. Click here to watch a 3-minute video of that test.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode we discuss the Flight Data Monitoring programme that airlines have, we have an interview with Matt, who used to be directly involved in the Flight Data Monitoring programme in his previous airline. Flight Data monitoring is a system within in airline, like a quality assurance programme and has significantly contributed to making flying safer. So let's find out why.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
James and Grant are joined by guest host Dave for this episode where we talk all about crew resource management, CRM for short. CRM has had a huge influence on the aviation industry and has significantly contributed to a major reduction in aircraft accidents. Dave is a CRM instructor as well as a Captain on the Airbus A380, we therefore couldn't have had anyone better to join us for this episode.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode James and Grant discuss accident statistics, then they go on to have a look at the evolution of aircraft and how this has significantly contributed to a decline in aircraft accidents. We then finish up talking about a few "what if this happens" scenarios.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode we discuss the on-going ground training that pilots must go though such as ground school, medicals, simulator checks and line checks.
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode we have an interview with Kate who was a member of the cabin crew crew then went on to become a cabin crew trainer. We also talk to Greg, a very experienced Purser who shares his experiences and knowledge for those of you with an anxiety about flying.
Kate has a podcast called Life is Messy - Kate Schroeter. Kate's instagram is: @coach.me.kate
As per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
James and Grant discuss Air Traffic Control (ATC), talk about the different types of communications between ATC and aircraft and finish up on tracking of aircraft.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode James and Grant discuss the factors in planning a flight route, the term ETOPS and how it relates to twin engine aircraft, we talk about why the shortest distance between your departure and destination airports is depicted as a curve on those back seat screen maps instead of a straight line. We then talked about some of the top 10 airports in the world.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode James and Grant discuss the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) that has significantly reduced the number of collisions with terrain. We also discuss the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) which has also significantly reduced airborne collisions.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode we chat about the two main aviation fuel types then discuss how we use an airlines fuel policy to operate a safe and legal flight.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode James and Grant discuss the takeoff, landing and en-route performance of an aircraft in order to ensure every flight is conducted in a safe and legal manner. We then finish up talking about some of the aircraft limitations.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode we discuss pilot training from the very beginning, we talk about what is involved in the interview process for joining an airline and finish up with a brief discussion on what is involved in the training when you start at an airline.
If you are only interested in certain elements of this episode, here is a time scale:
6:40 An interview with George about his experience from beginning basic flight training and going through an integrated flying training course.
49:00 An interview with John, who in addition to being an airline pilot was also a pilot recruitment specialist at a major airline.
1:07:30 Grant discusses what is involved in the process from the day you join an airline until you are qualified to fly passenger operations.
In this episode we discuss system redundancy, another more common term would be system backup. We also chat about the door slides, the potable water tanks, the toilet system and finish with a discussion on the MEL, which enables us to operate a flight when a system is not functioning 100%.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode we discuss the evolution of the flight deck, the Instrumentation and finish up talking about the Instrument Landing System which enables us to land in fog.
Click here for the short video to the Flight Engineers Lament
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode we discuss the aircraft Auxiliary power unit (APU), some other ground support equipment equipment and talk a bit about engine starting.
Click here to the video link showing a buddy start on a C130 Hercules, forward to around 3:30 in the video.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode James and Grant discuss the hydraulics, electrics and pneumatics that are the life blood of an aircraft, these systems drive all the components on an aircraft. As you'll hear, the design of these systems is well thought out with a view to system redundancy (backups) and safety.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Fire on an aircraft and subsequently how to deal with it has been well thought on today's modern jet aircraft. Lets take a journey and understand how crew deal with all the scenario's you could think of.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode we discuss why we need to pressurise the cabin. We all hear that PA by the cabin crew before takeoff, "that in the unlikely event of a cabin depressurisation oxygen masks will appear..... etc, etc" so we'll talk about that, why it may have happened and what happens during a depressurisation.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Here we discuss the airconditioned air and how some of it is recycled through special filters called HEPA filters, which actually saves on fuel burn. We also briefly touch upon the pressurisation system.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
James and Grant discuss why we takeoff and land into wind, we look at what we do on those windy days with gusts and finish by discussing winds blowing across the runway which are called crosswinds.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
We discuss slowing down in the air and other systems that contribute to ground braking in addition to the wheel brakes.
Click here to watch a B757 perform a 3 point turn.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode we discuss the undercarriage and have a bit more of a chat about the wheels and brakes.
Click here to see an interesting 4 minute video of the testing of the brakes as part of the B777 certification process. Its is a rejected takeoff at maximum takeoff mass using maximum braking. Warning: things get very hot!
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
We discuss engines and have a a discussion about the difference between the piston and jet engines, then go into a bit more detail about the workings of a typical jet engine, we then finish with those vapour trails in the sky.
Click here for a link showing a cross section picture of a typical jet engine.
Can anyone guess the engine type or aircraft type at the start of this episode?
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode we discuss the flaps and slats that are on the wing.
Then the last 8 minutes of the show we get to know James.
Click here to see a picture of them.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
There are a number of reasons why we fly so high, in this episode James and Grant discuss them, enjoy.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
The final episode on weather where we discuss strong winds, windshear, rain, hail, snow, lightening and space weather.
Some links that might be of interest to you as discussed in this episode are;
A pdf file file with some pictures of windshear, click here
A 2 minute video of testing a new engine type click here
A great diagram of the space level weather click here In this link at the top are the three different charts we use; geomagnetic storms, solar radiation storms and radio blackout
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode Grant and James discuss clouds as clouds give us a lot of information about what is happening in the atmosphere.
If you want more information with some excellent pictures of clouds then click here
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode James and Grant discuss turbulence, what causes it and how it is classified into 3 levels, what you can expect as a passenger in these 3 different levels and how the crew and pilots deal with each of these levels.
We hope this will put turbulence into context as we know for many of you turbulence is a driver of anxiety, so have a listen and send us some feedback if you want some more information in another episode .
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode we talk to a senior Cabin Crew member about her role onboard, we discuss the meal service, the importance of fluid intake, safety equipment and some other interesting aspects of her role that we as passengers don't see.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
James and Grant discuss the basic flying controls; ailerons, elevator and the rudder, we also talk about fly-by-wire control systems then finish up on speedbrakes/spoilers.
Around 16 minutes into the pod we go a bit heavy discussing the secondary effects of the ailerons and rudder, this goes for around 3 minutes then we return back to the basics, so stay with us if it gets bit overwhelming, we return to normal operations around 3 minutes later.
Click here for that diagram with the basic controls.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode we discuss the 4 basic forces that affect every flight
Click here for a diagram on the 4 basic forces on an aircraft
Click here to see a quick video of the wake vortex generated from an aircraft wing
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode we cover the basic concepts of aircraft design, a bit about testing including a more in depth look at testing a wing and then we go onto the fundamental aspect of flight, Lift.
Click here to expand on this lift formula
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
In this episode we have an interview with Doctor Martin Seif, a clinical psychologist with over 35 years experience in dealing with anxiety issues and specialising in those with a fear of flying.
Those that want to delve further in Dr Seif's work will find a lot of useful information on his website at: www.drmartinseif.com
Dr Seif also recommends looking at the following website www.adaa.org which also has further information on anxieties in general.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Introducing the Fearless Flyer to our new listeners who have a fear of flying.
Grant and James talk about how they plan to arm you with basic aviation knowledge with the intention of reducing your anxiety associated with air travel.
You can contact us on email or social media at:
Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net
Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod
Facebook: The Fearless Flyer
Instagram: FearlessFlyPod
Your Hosts are James and Grant. James is a student at a New Zealand University studying Aviation Management. Grant is a Boeing 777 Captain with a major airline in the Middle East, he spent the first 8 years of his career as an Aircraft Engineer before taking up flying full time. Previous aircraft Grant flew were the Boeing 757, 767 and 737, he currently has over 18,000 hours of flying time.