The Fearless Flyer

Your Hosts Grant & James

About

Our podcast is for people who have a fear of flying or, an anxiety associated with being in an aircraft. In our first series (S1), we 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. The aim is to remove the myth of flying and arm you with the knowledge to make you into a Fearless Flyer. 
We then run an episode we call S2 "Going on a Flight," explaining the preparation you should consider before a flight and, talking you through the process and the noises etc you will hear on an actual flight. 
We then move onto series 3 (S3), an on-going series discussing historical aviation events, what we learnt from these events and how these lessons were implemented into the aviation industry in order prevent them happening again. These historical lessons have made a significant contribution as to why the aviation industry is now so regulated and, why flying is one of the safest forms of transport today.
You Hosts are James and Grant. James studied Aviation Management at a New Zealand University and is now employed in a commercial role for a major airline. 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 19,000 hours of flying time. 

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52 episodes

S3 S9 Chaos.. confusion.. chaos Part 2

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 https://patreon.com/TheFearlessFlyer

56m
Apr 01, 2024
S3 E8 Chaos.. confusion.. chaos Part 1

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 https://patreon.com/TheFearlessFlyer

32m
Mar 01, 2024
S3 E7 Random fuel motion

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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz94kJRXWqA 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 https://patreon.com/TheFearlessFlyer

32m
Feb 01, 2024
S3 E6 Vermilion Boxes

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 https://patreon.com/TheFearlessFlyer

31m
Jan 01, 2024
S3 E5 Unstable Gyro

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 https://patreon.com/TheFearlessFlyer

30m
Dec 01, 2023
S3 E4 Lightning strikes once

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 https://patreon.com/TheFearlessFlyer

31m
Nov 01, 2023
S3 E3 Unseen metal fatigue

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

32m
Oct 01, 2023
S3 E2 Comet part 2

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

33m
Sep 01, 2023
S3 E1 Comet part 1

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

25m
Aug 01, 2023
S2 V2 Going on a flight

Hi Guys. Due to some great feedback, weve updated this episode of Going on a Flight, the main changes are the addition of some of the noises you will hear. The time markers have been amended accordingly.  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 time 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. 1:07  Preparation 3:12  Day before the flight 5:01  Day of the flight 8:00  Security & Passport control 10:01  Orientation from the boarding gate 11:47  Boarding time 17:00  Pusback 19:11  Takeoff 21:52  Cruising time 23:58  Descent 29:06  Landing 30:34  Hello bags You can contact us on email or social media at: Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod Facebook: The Fearless Flyer Instagram: FearlessFlyPod

33m
Jul 31, 2023
S3 Insights

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

1m
Jul 10, 2023
Going on a flight

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

29m
Jun 11, 2023
E40 Summary of Series 1

Hi Folk, Weve 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 guests 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

16m
May 01, 2023
E39 Regulatory stuff and crazy measuring units

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

27m
Apr 01, 2023
E38 Media Sensationalism

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!

44m
Mar 01, 2023
E36 Maintaining My Aircraft

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   

30m
Jan 01, 2023
E35 Jet-lag & FTL

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

20m
Dec 01, 2022
Hello to The Fearless Flyer

Welcome to The Fearless Flyer. James and Grant are your hosts, lets have listen to what theyve 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

3m
Nov 22, 2022
E34 Evacuation

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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_8hbsWKoOU 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

21m
Nov 01, 2022
E33 Flight Data: A Just Culture

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 lets 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

26m
Oct 01, 2022
E32 CRM: The making of a great pilot

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 couldnt 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

40m
Sep 01, 2022
E31 Accident Statistics and evolution of aircraft

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

21m
Aug 01, 2022
E30 On going pilot training - the simulator check

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

19m
Jul 01, 2022
E29 Cabin Crew training

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. Kates instagram  is: @coach.me.kate  You per usual, you can contact us on email or social media at: Email: contactus@thefearlessflyer.net Twitter: @FearlessFlyPod Facebook: The Fearless Flyer Instagram: FearlessFlyPod

33m
Jun 01, 2022
E28 ATC, communications and aircraft tracking

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

20m
May 01, 2022
E27 Flight planning, ETOPS & straight lines

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

19m
Apr 01, 2022
E26 EGPWS and TCAS

In this episode James and Grant discuss the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) that has significantly reduced the amount 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

20m
Mar 15, 2022
E25 Fuel & Fuel Policy

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

18m
Mar 01, 2022
E24 Aircraft Performance & Limitations

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

20m
Feb 15, 2022
E23 Pilot Training

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.

1h 14m
Feb 01, 2022