What makes a good air incident investigator, with UNSW
It's said that every accident makes aviation safer – but that doesn't happen on its own. Across the globe, air incident investigators are on the scene whenever something goes wrong with an aircraft, finding out the root of the problem and making sure it doesn't happen again. But what skills are most important to investigators: aviation experience, or scientific training and critical thinking? What does an investigation team need to be certain they've got it right? In this podcast, Professor Brett Molesworth, head of UNSW School of Aviation, hosts a wide-ranging conversation on the fundamental tension between traditional aviation expertise and scientific methodology in incident investigation. Join him in this fascinating panel discussion with Wing Commander Clare Fry, Defence Flight Safety Bureau; Dr Curtis Calabrese, United Airlines captain, director of operations for Skyways Charter, former FAA Inspector and U.S. Navy Reconnaissance pilot; Dr David Wilson, senior transport safety investigator, ATSB; and James Barnett, manager group investigations, Qantas.
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Jetstar's Singapore fling
It's only been a few months since the end of Jetstar Asia, but now Jetstar is looking to make a bigger push back into the Singapore market. Starting next March, the low-cost carrier will fly between the Lion City and Bali … but that won't be the end of the journey. In an interesting twist, the Singapore–Bali services will only be one leg on direct routes connecting through to the Sunshine Coast and Newcastle, a pair of smaller airports in regional cities that wouldn't normally expect to see Singapore services – so, what's the plan for Jetstar? On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake, David and Bethany take a look at Jetstar's new Singapore routes, what they might do for the cities they serve, and what might be next. Plus, the plan to link Western Sydney Airport to high-speed rail – will it ever happen, and what will come of it if it does?
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A big step towards Project Sunrise
A few short years ago, Project Sunrise – Qantas' plan to fly non-stop from the east coast to London and New York – was a mere gleam in Alan Joyce's eye. Now, however, as the first A350-1000ULR gets ready to have its engines fitted, those marathon flights are looking closer than ever. While there's still a lot of work to be done, including extensive test flights, before the plane can be delivered in 2026 ahead of Project Sunrise's planned 2027 launch, there's now something undeniably concrete about the Flying Kangaroo's ultra-long-haul ambitions – but will they succeed? On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and Bethany discuss the milestone and what it might be like to spend upwards of 22 straight hours in the sky. Plus, Avalon Airport is set to return to international flights – is Melbourne's second gateway finally seeing some love?
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How a 'Teen Pilot Down Under' conquered the world
Last month, a remarkable journey came to an end when 16-year-old Byron Waller touched down at Brisbane Airport following 67 days circumnavigating the globe in a light aircraft. Covering 41,700km in his Sling TSi, Byron's odyssey through the skies took him over oceans, deserts, ice fields, and everything in between, including a landing at the Grand Canyon and guest appearances at big airshows. It was a monumental effort from a young aviator who just a few years ago was bedridden with chronic illnesses, and turned to flying – including becoming the youngest pilot to circumnavigate Australia, at age 14 – to make his dreams a reality. On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake talks to Byron and his mum Jeni about his incredible achievement – and his future aviation ambitions.
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Air T-Rex deal met with raptor-ous applause
After more than a year fossilised in amber, Australia's third largest airline looks to have avoided extinction – American firm Air T has agreed to buy Rex, prompting roars of approval from government and industry as well as the best name for any corporate buyout in history. But while Air T brings with it plenty of Saab 340 parts to resurrect Rex's dinosaur planes, will fleet renewal still be on the menu – and will creditors get their money back? Jake, David, and graduate journalist Bethany Alvaro make approximately too many Jurassic Park references as they dissect Air T's Rex purchase and what it might mean for the regional airline's future. Plus, the first jet lands at Western Sydney Airport; ex-Virgin boss Paul Scurrah returns to aviation; and what, scientifically, is an "RBH"?
The official podcast network of Australian Aviation – where we unpack all the latest insights and developments plus the big issues impacting Australia's aviation sector.
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