Australian Aviation Podcast Network

Where were we? Oh yes, COVID, border closures, lockdowns, thousands upon thousands of redundancies, lawsuits and the worst two years in aviation since World War II. But on the Australian Aviation podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Adam Thorn celebrate, if not the very end of the pandemic, certainly the moment the corner has been turned. On today's episode, the team discusses just what the opening of international borders means for a weary nation, as Qantas operates its iconic QF1 flight from Sydney to London once again. Plus, we ask, can new airline Bonza really find lucrative new routes in a market already dominated by three main players?

Earlier this month, startup airline Bonza broke cover to reveal a plan to fly "point-to-point" leisure routes not serviced by Qantas, Virgin and Rex with a fleet of two to three new 737 MAXs. Now founder Tim Jordan tells the Australian Aviation Podcast host Adam Thorn how he plans to find a niche for his business against stiff competition. The pair also talk about why Bonza has chosen the MAX, what he'll do if rivals decide to compete on their routes, when it will launch and how the industry will recover from COVID. Plus, ex-Virgin Blue executive Jordan reveals why he's passionate about budget travel.

This week saw huge announcements out of NSW and Queensland confirming their plans to reopen international borders before the end of this year. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporters Hannah Dowling and Bella Richards discuss the NSW Premier's bombshell announcement to drop all quarantine requirements for returning overseas travellers. Plus, the team ponders all the remaining unanswered questions surrounding exactly how Australia will emerge from its 18-month hibernation from the rest of the world. Finally, the crew unveils CASA's new mandate for Upset Prevention and Recovery Training and what this means for the industry.

Royal Australian Air Force Flight Lieutenant Aimee Heal is the second-ever female member of the RAAF's aerobatic display team The Roulettes, currently serving as Roulette Seven. In this episode of Sky's The Limit, hosts Anna Grbas and Hannah Dowling sit down with Aimee to hear about her adrenaline-fuelled days piloting Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, and her role as the only full-time Roulette. Plus, Aimee shares her experience rising through the ranks of the RAAF after first enrolling in the Australian Defence Force Academy straight out of high school. Finally, she shares the best advice she'd give to her younger self, and to younger women looking to take on a future career in the RAAF and aviation.

It's been a long, 18-month COVID pandemic, but it looks like commercial international flights to Australia could return sooner than we would have thought. This week, a returning Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn talk through what a restart could mean for our industry. Will the announcement of a firm date spark more carriers into joining Qantas from 14 November? Plus, the pair talk about the other big topics, including NSW's new Premier, the RAAF replacing its damaged Growler and a record 17-hour repatriation flight. Finally, what are the ramifications from Google's announcement that it is sending delivery drones from a shopping mall roof direct to people's homes?

It seems like an age ago now, but pre-COVID, Australia was battling another crisis with its 'Black Summer' bushfires – the worst in living memory. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, former NSW fire commissioner Greg Mullins explains why climate change means bigger fires will soon be a regular reality. He also talks to host Adam Thorn about the state of play with our aerial firefighting fleet and why the federal government must do more to prevent another disaster. Finally, Mullins speaks about the reality of fighting fires on the front line, and why it runs in his blood.

This week, debate continued to wage over the state of Australia's domestic and international borders, as Queensland and Western Australia stand strong on their hard borders. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss where we stand in our journey towards the re-opening of state and international borders. Plus, the team reveals NSW's roadmap out of lockdown, and how this will impact the aviation sector. Finally, the crew discusses Qantas' major move away from Perth, as the state's borders cause the airline to reconsider its flagship London-Perth route.

As Victoria and NSW's long lockdowns linger on, the aviation industry is quietly readying itself for the quicker-than-thought return of international travel. In this week's episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling ask if the industry is prepared to get planes flying again, with confusion over how COVID-safe protocols will work. And with foreign airlines circling to snap up locked-down Aussie aviation workers, does the industry have a plan to keep hold of its best people? Finally, the pair discuss the future of vaccine passports as Rex opts in as the UK opts out.

As chief remote pilot at the CSIRO, Amanda Meys has trailblazed through a very impressive career in risk management, drone piloting, maintenance and military aviation, just to name a few In this episode of Sky's The Limit, hosts Anna Grbas and Hannah Dowling sit down with Amanda to discuss her early career in military aviation, and her sheer determination to pursue avionics engineering. Plus, Amanda shares her insight to the next generation of drone pilots hoping to find their way in the RPAS space. Finally, she unveils why Australia has played such a critical role in the development of drone technologies, and become a global leader in the RPAS space.

Australian states are gearing up to end lockdowns and we're being told we'll soon have to learn to live with the virus. But are we ready to? In this episode, Phil and Adam discuss what needs to be done for airports to be ready to open borders domestically and, crucially, internationally. The pair also ask why major foreign airlines are so keen to hire Aussie pilots, and whether we'll be left short in a post-COVID world? Finally, what actually goes on in desert boneyards, and why is the work so secret?

This year's R U OK? Day serves as an important reminder to open up the conversation on mental health, both in the workplace and at home, according to David Coleman, member for Banks and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. In this special episode, join Momentum Media director Alex Whitlock as he speaks to Mr Coleman. Together, the pair discuss the importance of shining a spotlight on mental health issues, share why the consequences of stigmatising mental health are significant, and reveal how you can make a difference to your workplace, community, family and friends.

While COVID has generated headlines for grounding commercial airlines, it's also forced those in the MRO sector to quickly innovate to keep their clients airborne. In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn speaks to the CEO of Salus Aviation, Greg Edmonds. He talks about the group's New Zealand owned and operated business Oceania Aviation, which offers nose-to-tail MRO support for rotary and fixed-wing operators. The pair discuss the challenges of the past year, closed borders, expanding across the Tasman, and sourcing the best talent globally. Plus, with hybrid aircraft and eVTOLS on the brink of breaking through, what's next for the industry as a whole?

After two months in a COVID slumber, Qantas finally poked its head up to reveal its full-year financial results. And while the loss was predictable, far more interesting was its ambitious plan to get flying again this year, and bring its A380s back earlier than expected. In this episode, Adam Thorn and Hannah Dowling discuss the politics behind the story, and which of its A380s will be the first to leave the desert to return. Plus, why has Qatar's Hamad airport been named the best in world despite the invasive search of Australian women returning home last year?

This week, the RAAF's attempts to evacuate thousands of Australians from Kabul Airport in Afghanistan became mainstream news. In this episode, Phil and Adam talk about the latest updates and discuss whether the war in Afghanistan was always unwinnable. Plus, COVID and aviation stories intertwine again as state premiers appear to diverge on when the country should open up. Finally, the pair talk through the latest issue of the Australian Aviation print magazine.

Starting first as an aeronautical engineer, and then a flight test engineer for the Canadian Armed Forces, Kristen Raby has climbed the ranks of both the public and private sectors, to now be Nova Systems' general manager of operations. In this episode of Sky's The Limit, hosts Anna Grbas and Hannah Dowling sit down with Kristen to discuss her early fascination with the aviation industry, and how it shaped her future career path. Plus, Kristen reveals how she demonstrated her capabilities to kickstart her early career progression, how decisions she made early on affected her later down the road, and the way she climbed up the corporate ranks. Finally, she shares the greatest advice she would give to a younger woman looking to take on a similar path.

As NSW's near two-month lockdown rumbles on, state and territory leaders seem to be backing out of their national cabinet promise to open borders when most of us have been vaccinated. On this week's episode, Phil and a very recently jabbed Adam discuss how COVID politics is keeping domestic aviation grounded. Plus, the team discuss a screwdriver incident, Alliance's amazing profits and stand downs at Rex and Virgin. Finally, the pair chat about the imminent launch of the new issue of Australian Aviation's print magazine.

This week, Qantas announced it would stand down 2,500 employees, just one day after the government revealed its plan to provide additional financial support to the airline industry. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn and reporter Hannah Dowling discuss the conveniently-timed move, and speculate as rival Virgin bides its time. Plus, the team reveals the details of that booze-fuelled Japan Airlines flight that saw some Australian Olympians end up in hot water with the international media. Finally, the crew talks of one lucky frequent flyer that spent 2 million points on two used Qantas A380 seats.

People often don't take the time to consider the kind of retirement they want to have, and whether they can afford it. But delaying making a plan will only make things more difficult in the long-run. In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Adam Thorn speaks to MGD Wealth's Richard Marsden and Alec Berry to discuss how professional financial modelling can take the guesswork out of enjoying a successful retirement. Richard talks through the questions you should be asking, such as what age can you afford to retire and will my assets maintain my quality of living? Finally, the pair give us some real-life case studies from those in the industry to illustrate how different scenarios can get you successfully to your end goal. The information in this podcast is current as at the date of the recording. Please note that past performance is not an indication of future performance. Any advice included in this podcast is general and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. As such, you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. Any tax information refers to current laws, is not based on your unique circumstances and should not be relied on as tax advice. Before you make any decision about whether to acquire a certain financial product, you should obtain and read the relevant product disclosure statement.

Aviation's deep freeze shows no sign of thawing – but this week Alan Joyce broke cover to reassure staff stand-downs will be avoided. For now. In this week's episode, Phil and Adam discuss the latest situation with borders and lockdowns, and ask how quickly domestic aviation can recover. Plus, Australian Aviation talks through its story aiming to track down all the Qantas 747s in boneyards. How did we do it… and what happens when an aircraft reaches the Pearly Gates? Finally, Air New Zealand is now Australia's biggest international airline. What does this mean for bragging rights across the Tasman?

As domestic aviation's latest COVID slumber continues, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn try to find some reasons to be positive. Because amid the gloom, there's been some great stories of late, not least that of hero pilot Gerry Geltch, who saved his trainee co-pilot by repeatedly re-entering the wreckage of his Cessna after it crashed into the sea. The team also discusses the space race between Sir Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos, and what it means for the future of aviation. Finally, as Talisman Sabre continues, what is its significance to the RAAF?

Amy Shira Teitel is a woman of many talents – she's a space historian, YouTuber, TV host, and now, a biographical author. On this episode of Sky's The Limit, hosts Anna Grbas and Hannah Dowling are joined by Amy to discuss her latest biographical novel, titled Fighting for Space, which tells the story of the women vying to become NASA's first female astronauts, and the Mercury 13. Amy tells us the story of Jackie Cochran and Jerrie Cobb, two distinguished pilots who dreamed of flying to space, and the rivalry between them that contributed to the downfall of the Mercury 13 program. Finally, Amy shares details of how she pieced together this incredible story, her creative process, as well as her own experience as a woman operating in the male-dominated spaces of science, history and academia.

Leaving any job in aviation can be hard. Particularly if you're a pilot, and even more so if you're an RAAF fighter pilot. How do you deal with giving up a lifetime's work? There's probably no person in Australia who has managed the transition better than Jim Whalley, who co-founded Nova after a hugely successful career flying Hornets. In this interview, Adam and Jim discuss his career, what possessed him to take the gamble of moving into business, and what the future holds for one of our industry's most influential companies. Plus, the pair chat about why it's so important to get the next generation of young Australians interested in STEM subjects, as aviation faces years of huge disruption and growth.

Last week, it was back to the future as half of Australia went into lockdown and state borders slammed shut. On this week's episode, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn talk through the sobering events and ask how long airlines can hold their nerve and not stand down workers. Plus, the pair chat about the effect of Australia reducing its overseas arrival caps. How much harder will it make it for the country to remain open, and for stranded Aussies to get home? Finally, we celebrate the ingenious targeting abilities of Army's super smart Shadow drones, and a new era of space and aviation collaboration.

In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Defence Connect news editor Charbel Kadib joins Adam and Phil to discuss the latest developments in military aviation. The team begins by addressing the latest COVID-19 outbreak in NSW and its potential consequences, before reflecting on the evolution in air power, including the recent integration of the fifth-generation F-35A fleet. The trio also touch upon the recent testing of RAAF capability across a number of major military exercises, including Exercise Arnhem Thunder and Exercise Rogue Ambush. Finally, they chat about the impact of suspending the MRH-90 Taipan fleet and the greenlighting of Defence's purchase of 29 Boeing-built Apache aircraft.

Last week, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk advised citizens not to travel to NSW – but stopped short to shutting her borders. It meant many businesses were in limbo, denied insurance payments but also unable to travel or put on events. In this week's episode, Phil and Adam discuss where Australia's state border chaos goes. Should there be a national plan, and has the country surrendered its advantage with its slow vaccine rollout? Finally, the pair talk about the ongoing capacity wars: does Virgin have a chance of knocking Qantas off its pedestal as airlines scramble to reclaim lost market share?

Deborah Lawrie is undoubtedly a name you have heard before – She was Australia's first female pilot for a major commercial airline, following a years-long battle with Ansett Airlines that made it all the way to the High Court. On this episode of Sky's The Limit, hosts Anna Grbas and Hannah Dowling are joined by the pioneering female aviator to discuss the details of her early career in aviation, and how her passion for flight began to develop in her teens. Deb also shares the story of fighting against Reg Ansett himself for her right to fly, how she never thought her discrimination case would end up reaching the High Court of Australia, and the barriers that still permeate through the aviation industry to this day for women. Finally, Deb reveals her own plans and solutions to getting girls interested and engaged with the aviation industry from a younger age, a feat she believes will see female participation in the industry skyrocket.

How's this for a life story: Matt Hall was an ex-Hornet pilot, combat instructor and Wing Commander who transitioned into becoming an air race pilot. In 2019, he become the Red Bull Air Race World Champion. In this episode of the Australian Aviation podcast, Matt talks to hosts Boo and Phil on his 2010 crash, dealing with risk, flying in the RAAF and how he navigated COVID. Matt also talks about his love of flight, getting into the Air Force, believing in himself and why it's important to take your chances in life.

Last week, Rex released a newspaper advert featuring supposed complaints from Qantas customers struggling to get their refund. It marked a new low in the very public fallout between the two airlines. On this week's episode, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn discuss the fallout. Is all fair in love and war, or will Rex rue the day it hit below the belt? Plus, as Melbourne's lockdown shuffles along, has the Victorian government made the right call? Finally, it's snakes – quite literally – on a plane as the critters shelter under Qantas A380 wheels.

Weren't things going so well? Domestic aviation had seen record low prices, record high planes in the air and almost all employees back to work. However, Victoria's latest lockdown has sent the industry back into crisis mode. This week, Adam and Phil discuss what it means – and how big the damage could be. The team also discusses last week's big interview with Rex deputy chairman John Sharp, who talked about the long-running disagreement between the regional airline and Qantas. Finally, the podcast investigates whether coffee by drone is a good thing, or not.

What a year Rex has had: from COVID-induced oblivion to fighting for the Golden Triangle via a high-profile falling out with Qantas. In this episode, we talk to the man in charge, deputy chairman John Sharp, to find out first-hand how it all played out. We dig deep into the rights and wrongs of Qantas launching flights on previously exclusive Rex routes, how he coped with having to stand down staff and why the pandemic presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand. Finally, Sharp talks about his passion for aviation and why he loves the industry so much.

In this inaugural episode of Sky's The Limit, hosts Anna Grbas and Hannah Dowling are joined by guest Kirsty Ferguson, Australian Aviation's own careers and training columnist and aviation recruitment extraordinaire. This week, Kirsty discusses the current state of career opportunities in Australia in the post-pandemic environment, and the shift in managers' views towards gender and diversity in light of COVID. She also speaks out on the individual and important differences that women bring to today's aviation sector, and how she's using education as the most important tool to encourage more women into the industry. Finally, she touches on how an entrepreneurial spirit could be key to excelling in the post-COVID aviation working environment.

The ACCC has revealed it's proposing to deny authorisation for Qantas and Japan Airlines to collaborate when international travel – finally – resumes. On this week's episode, Adam and Phil discuss what this means and why the airline has also opted to remain in its current bases. Plus, the pair discuss the latest developments at Soar Aviation – the once biggest flight school in Australia that sunk into administration. Finally, they examine the fallout from the latest COVID scare, caused by the now infamous 'BBQ Man'.

In this week's episode, Australian Aviation's chief pilot-cum-prodigal son, Boo, returns to join Phil and Adam to discuss the latest issues in the industry. And chief among them is how the vaccine debate has changed, as worries shift from supply to demand. Aussies' reluctance to get the jab is making many worry whether the country will ever open up, with Canberra Airport's CEO arguing the inoculated should be spared from observing lockdowns. Finally, the team discusses Anzac Day flypasts, Jetstar's eye-catching campaign and a mix-up with Brisbane's green zone.

Domestic aviation is roaring back with aircraft back in the air and most staff now stood up. Surely, it's a time for celebration in the industry, right? Qantas and Rex have other ideas. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn discuss why Qantas' Alan Joyce and Rex's John Sharp traded withering insults in newspaper columns last week, from 'broken propellers' to 'desperate' balance sheets. Who is right and what's the motive for such personal attacks? And, who actually gains from this unpleasantness, or is it entirely about bruised egos? Finally, we touch on the stunning recreation of the 737's upstairs cocktail lounge, hiccups with the trans-Tasman bubble and the latest on the sheep farmer taking the RAAF to court.

The last 12 months have been tough for those working in the aviation industry, many of whom have had their incomes turned off for the first time in their lives. In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Adam Thorn speaks to MGD Wealth's Richard Marsden and Alec Berry to find out the stories they're hearing from their clients first-hand. The pair discuss what options are available to those affected, the pros and cons of taking early retirement and why workers should take a long-term view of their finances. Finally, the team chat about the future as borders begin to open and the industry starts to return to normality. The information in this podcast is current as at the date of the recording. Please note that past performance is not an indication of future performance. Any advice included in this podcast is general and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. As such, you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. Any tax information refers to current laws, is not based on your unique circumstances and should not be relied on as tax advice. Before you make any decision about whether to acquire a certain financial product, you should obtain and read the relevant product disclosure statement.

This week marked the most significant moment since the start of the COVID crisis as the trans-Tasman bubble opened. And being the intrepid reporters we are, Australian Aviation's own Blair Dods was on one of the very first flights from New Zealand to Australia on Monday (in what we called the Blair Ditch Project, naturally). On this week's episode, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn ask Blair to give his experience and discuss whether the bubble will help prop up the industry or burst at the first sign of a COVID case. Finally, the team discusses the return of the Capacity Wars, as both Qantas and Virgin fight to restore their market share in an increasingly hostile market.

Last week, a mini-RAAF revolution took place when the Air Force decided to drop the term airmen in favour of aviators. But on this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, our chief pilot Christian "Boo" Boucousis tells stand-in host Adam Thorn they've got it all wrong. The pair discuss whether the move wrecks tradition or will be an important part of modernising the organisation. What should the RAAF be doing to get the next generation itching to become fighter pilots? Finally, the team discusses the latest problems to hit the country's vaccine rollout. Will Fortress Australia ever lower its walls to the rest of the world?

This week marked the 100-year anniversary of the RAAF, which culminated in one of the most ambitious flypasts attempted in years. And a special occasion demands a special podcast. This week, host Phil Tarrant brings together Australian Aviation's Adam Thorn and Defence Connect's Liam Garman to discuss the past, present and future of our Air Force. The team analyses how well equipped the RAAF is to deal with an uncertain period in the Indo-Pacific region, the government's huge investment in the larger ADF and whether we're likely to have a Royal Australian Space and Cyber Force in years to come. Finally, the three discuss a very significant tribute from the Queen, who made a rare COVID appearance to celebrate the centenary.

What is the RAAF's greatest ever aircraft? The Classic Hornet? F-111? Or perhaps, the Boomerang? In this week's episode, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn discuss Australian Aviation's poll to find out which should win out, timed to coincide with our Air Force's 100th birthday. Plus, the pair chat about the Network Wars between Qantas and Rex, which have been launching flights on each other's patches. Is either airline in the wrong? Or is this just the healthy competition the industry needs right now?

After months of rumour and speculation, the industry finally found out that the wage-subsidy replacement for JobKeeper would be, well, exactly the same as JobKeeper. In this week's episode, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn discuss what it all means and the story behind how we ended up back to where we started. Plus, the pair continue to rant and rave about their favourite RAAF aircraft, as Australian Aviation opens its 40-year archive of photos. Adam argues why the Boomerang, created in just 16 weeks, exemplifies everything that's great about Australia.

A nervous aviation industry finally got the news that it will get further financial help when JobKeeper ends. But will it be any good? In this week's episode, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn talk through the details of the government's plan to bankroll half-price tickets. The pair ask why certain locations have been picked, whether it will stop lockdown-happy Premiers shutting down their states and how much of a vote-winner free holidays could be. Plus, the pair continue to talk about the best of RAAF ahead of its landmark centenary at the end of the month.

COVID has caused untold damage to pilots currently working in the industry, but the plight of those taking their first steps into the profession is often forgotten. In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn speaks to Mark Dixon and Lyn Gray, from training school Fly Oz, to get advice and reassurance for those thinking about climbing into the cockpit. They highlight how an underlying pilot shortage is reason for optimism, why aviation will bounce back stronger than we think and what newcomers should look for in an instructor. Finally, the passionate pair talk about what inspired them to pursue their dreams of a career in the skies.

In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn geek out discussing which was the greatest RAAF aircraft ever. Adam chooses the Caribou, but reserves the right to change his mind as the team begin their challenge to edit our unrivalled photo archive. Plus, to more immediate matters, the pair discuss the latest in the industry's battle to secure a JobKeeper replacement and Alan Joyce's wise, or is that foolish, decision to duck a crucial senate committee hearing. Finally, tributes are paid to Australian Aviation's spotters, who were on hand to snap the first Rex capital city flight from inside, and outside, the 737.

As birthdays go, it's a big one. Not just for the RAAF but really for aviation in Australia, which owes its start to the world's second independent air force. In this episode, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn reveal how Australian Aviation will celebrate the milestone, as well as asking for help from our listeners and readers. Plus, the team digs into the big issues of the last week, including whether Virgin really can make mid-market work after the TWU raised concerns. Finally, our story on a Singapore A380 leaving Alice Springs broke the internet – but why was it so popular?

If the last year was stressful, then spare a thought for the one man directly involved in every twist and turn, TWU national secretary Michael Kaine. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, Adam Thorn speaks to one of the industry's most influential figures about the biggest stories of the last few months. The pair discuss the union's rocky relationship with Qantas and its chief executive, Alan Joyce, whether Virgin really is genuine about its promises to become a mid-market carrier, and Rex's entry into the Golden Triangle. Finally, the pair talk about JobKeeper and what will happen if it doesn't continue for aviation at the end of next month.

In this episode of Australian Aviation Podcast, Mark Burgess, managing director and CEO of Quickstep, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss his firm's growing contribution to Australian Industry Capability. Burgess explains how Quickstep has transformed in recent years to become one of Australia's most promising defence and aerospace companies, supporting key Defence projects, including the Joint Strike Fighter program. The CEO also discusses the importance of building Australia's sovereign industrial capability, noting how Quickstep is working to foster greater local participation in the defence industry supply chain. Finally, Burgess unveils how the ASX-listed company plans to leverage its recent acquisition of a Boeing subsidiary to support Quickstep's growth ambitions.

As the industry starts to – haphazardly, maybe – emerge from COVID crisis, there are worries as to whether we're going to have enough skilled professionals left when normality returns. This week, host Phil Tarrant and guests Christian "Boo" Boucousis and Adam "Brains" Thorn talk about how a perfect storm of factors, from stand-downs to retirements and young people looking elsewhere, could damage the recovery. Plus, the team discusses the upcoming centenary of the RAAF and why it matters, and a new ticket war between Qantas, Virgin and Rex. Finally, the boys chat about whether the border crisis will ever end, and how the Victoria lockdown affects the industry.

From age seven, Damien Toohey dreamed of becoming a pilot but took up law instead, before retraining to fulfil his true aviation ambitions in 1999. But when COVID hit, he combined the two: working in law as a barrister but on aviation-related matters. In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Phil Tarrant speaks to a man who thought on his feet to survive as the industry went through the most difficult period in its history. He talks his final flight from Australia to London, getting back up after being knocked down and fighting off imposter syndrome.

While 2020 was a challenging year for traditional aviation, COVID encouraged many airline pilots to transfer to flying drones, while governments began to embrace the burgeoning UAV revolution. In this special episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, host Adam Thorn speaks to Ross Anderson and Rowan Kimber from leading drone training centre Aviassist. The panel discusses the raw skills required to make the transition, the unique challenge of flying beyond the line of sight and how the space is evolving. Finally, the team debates how the world of manned and remotely piloted aircraft will co-exist and amalgamate in future – can we really remove the people in the cockpit?

After Victoria welcomed thousands of tennis players and coaches into the country for the Australian Open, a fuming Alan Joyce returned serve to point out its hypocrisy. Why, he asked, was Victoria allowing people to enter from where "the virus was raging" but not from Sydney, where case numbers are some of the lowest in the world? This week, host Phil Tarrant and guest Adam Thorn take to their soapboxes to go through the issue in detail and ask what a better response could have been. Plus, the team chats about the change to the top team at Virgin, a surge in domestic passengers in December and the arrival of another Antonov An-124-100 at Avalon Airport.