Australian Aviation Podcast Network

We were joined on the podcast by Shannon and Stephen from Outback Aviators. Both Stephen and Shannon are passionate pilots and both were looking for a little adventure when Stephen came across the Outback Air Race and decided then and there that he needed to be part of it! The outback air race only comes around every 3 years and is a GPS based navigation time trial that takes participants through some of the most remote parts of Australia. Stephen and Shannon hand only 2-3 months to make a plan, find a plane, gather their sponsors and organise their personal lives. With some good old fashioned hard work, some deep determination and some modern day hustle they managed to put it together but on launch day they had to make a go or no go decision in a 40 knot gusting crosswind. Listen in as they share their story, their background and some of the decisions and human factors that played such a large role in their trip. The air race took them in their Sling 2 from Brisbane to Broome and back. I'm excited they're here so please help me in welcoming Shannon and Stephen.

Tim Frankel has enjoyed an enviable career as a helicopter pilot. He began his career in the British Army and after 10 years transferred to the Australian Army. Over that time Tim has flown many types including the Squirrel, the Lynx, Blackhawk and the AW139. Tim is a highly experienced pilot with operational experience in the Balkans, Timor-Leste, Pakistan and now on a daily basis as an EMS pilot for Toll Air Ambulance working out of the Sydney base. Listen in as Tim shares his story and we discuss 40-years since the Blackhawk was introduced into operational service.

Today we are joined by Chris Smyth from Inflighto. Inflighto is the most sophisticated inflight entertainment and moving-map app available. It was created by pilots for airline passengers. Inflighto is a moving-map with a difference. No other in-flight app has Inflighto's detailed maps, exclusive features and premium content. It's designed for use onboard airlines with internet-connected in-flight Wi-Fi. Listen in as Chris describes how you can heighten and enhance your flight experience as an airline passenger. http://www.inflighto.com/

On today's show our guest is Vincent Aiello, call sign Jell-O Vincent is a 25-year veteran of the United States Navy and is a qualified Top Gun instructor. His career as a naval aviator took him all over the world and he enjoyed several operational deployments including to the Persian Gulf for Operation Southern Watch in the late 1990's. Vincent is rated on several types including the A-4 Skyhawk, the Classic Hornet, the Super Hornet the F-16 the Boeing 717 and soon the 757. If you've never heard the story of getting carrier qualified and what it's like to take a lap around the boat then you're in for a real treat on this podcast. Outside of aviation Vincent resides in San Diego with his wife and 2 sons and keeps busy with his job as an airline pilot and the host of the Fighter Pilot Podcast. Vincent's passion for naval aviation is infectious and it's my pleasure to be able to share his stories with you. I'm excited he's here so please help me in welcoming Vincent Aiello. https://www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/

On today's show I'm joined by Greg Maiden and Aaron Jones from Boeing Defence Australia. Greg recently achieved an incredible milestone in his aviation career as the first aircrew member to achieve 4000 hours on the CH-47 Chinook. Greg always had an interest in aviation and his career in the Army began in 1990 as an avionics technician. He first encountered the CH-47 Chinook in 1994 when he was amongst the first members of the Australian Defence Force to be trained on the aircraft in the United States. Fast forward to 1999 and Greg's career in aircrew began. Greg was lucky enough in his career to undertake multiple international and Australian deployments which included several tours in Afghanistan. Greg is now an integral part of the School of Army Aviation with Boeing Defence Australia's Army Aviation Training and Training Support program He looks likely to retain his record stating that he plans to remain flying until he is forced to retire. As you would know, the ADF could not, and does not operate in isolation. It's supported by thousands of passionate people in the defence industry. Today I'm also joined by Aaron Jones. Aaron is a Senior Manager of the Sustainment Support Group for the CH-47. He's responsible for the support of Chinook maintenance and training in Australia and he looks after the close working relationship that Boeing has with the Australian Defence Force. Hosted & Produced by Robert Brus (C) 2018 Aviator Media Pty Ltd https://www.australianaviation.com.au

For so many people who learned how to fly, life gets in the way and puts the career or hobby on hold for an extended time. When time comes to get back in the cockpit, the challenge becomes one of polishing up those old, rusty skills again, and gaining confidence and proficiency. So what considerations should a rusty pilot make when looking to re-gain currency? Steve is joined by Chritian Bocousis, Owen Zupp and Paul "Simmo" Simmons in a roundtable discussion that covers many aspects of this often challenging issue. -- Steve Visscher - Producer (C) 2018 Aviator Media Pty Ltd australianaviation.com.au

Australia's Red Bull Air Racer, and former RAAF Hornet pilot Matt Hall joins us to talk about his recent success at the Red Bull Air Race. Matt took first place in round 2 in Cannes, France, and again in round 3 in Chiba, Japan. Matt currently sits at the top of the Red Bull Air Race table, sharing equal first place with American Michael Goulian. Image credit - Balazs Gardi/Red Bull Content Pool

In our third podcast episode we talk to Cathay Pacific head of flight technical services David Lohse about the flight test acceptance process when an airline takes delivery of a new aircraft, and chat to ex Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot, Red Bull Air Racer and new Australian Aviation contributor Matt Hall.

Is there a pilot shortage in Australia? In our second podcast episode we talk to aviation recruitment specialist Kirsty Ferguson of Pinstripe Solutions and AOPA Australia executive director Ben Morgan about pilot training and recruitment, while long-time Australian Aviation contributor and airline pilot Owen Zupp discusses his experiences flying the RAAF's new Pilatus PC-21.

In the first edition of Australian Aviation Radio, we talk to the magazine's new owner Christian "Boo" Boucousis & editor Gerard Frawley about the brand's transition into digital. Boo also talks about his former career as a fast jet pilot with the Royal Australian Air Force. We also speak with managing editor of our sister publication, Australian Defence Business Review, Andrew McLaughlin, about current issues in local military aviation, including the F-35 program.