The Hangardeck Podcast

The Hangar Deck Podcast is back from the Summer Break.  Pete, Ed, Rick and Andy jump right back into the studio and discuss the most recent British Airways Catastrophic Engine Failure.   The NTSB most recent press release:   As part of its ongoing investigation into Tuesday’s engine fire that occurred during takeoff of British Airways flight 2276, a Boeing 777, at McCarran International Airport (LAS), the NTSB today released the following investigative update.   NTSB investigators arrived on scene Wednesday morning local time to begin the on-scene investigation. The NTSB investigative team includes experts in powerplants, airplane systems, and fire. The following groups will be organized: powerplants, airworthiness (airplane structure, systems, and fire), flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.   Parties to the NTSB investigation are the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), The Boeing Company, and GE Aviation. In accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13, the UK

In this Episode of the Hangar Deck Podcast, the team discusses our Boeing 747-400 Cargo Aircraft with Pilot Brian Mills.      The Boeing 747-400 is a major development and the best-selling model of the Boeing 747 family of jet airliners. While retaining the four-engine wide-body layout of its predecessors, the 747-400 embodies numerous technological and structural changes to produce a more efficient airframe. Its most distinguishing features versus preceding 747 models are 6-foot (1.8 m) winglets mounted on 6-foot (1.8 m) wing tip extensions, which are found on all 747-400s except for Japanese domestic market versions.   The 747-400 is equipped with a two-crew glass cockpit, which dispenses with the need for a flight engineer, along with more fuel-efficient engines, an optional fuel tank in the horizontal stabilizer, and revised fuselage/wing fairings. The aircraft also features an all-new interior with upgraded in-flight entertainment architecture. As on the 747-300, passenger variants include a stretched up

In this Episode of the Hangar Deck Podcast, the team discusses our Aircraft Pick of the week.  The B-25 Mitchell.  The B-25 was derived from the 1939 NA-40B company proposal that was not accepted by the Army Air Corps. The Air Corps issued a circular (Number 38-385) in March 1938 describing the performance they required from the next bombers - a payload of 1,200 lb (540 kg) with a range of 1,200 mi (1,900 km) at more than 200 mph (320 km/h). Those performance specifications led NAA to submit their NA-40 design. The NA-40 had benefited from the North Amercian XB-21 (NA-39) of 1936 which was the company's partly-successful design for an earlier medium bomber that had been initially accepted and ordered but then cancelled. However, the company's experience from the XB-21 contributed to the design and development of the NA-40. The single NA-40 built flew first at the end of January 1939.  It went though several modifications to correct problems. These improvements included fitting 1,600 hp Wright R-2600 "Double C

This episode is brought to you by www.cuvr.org. The Grey Beard Series is all about Aircraft Maintenance Stories from experienced military and commercial aircraft technicians.  WARNING:  Explicit languange and content with this series of discussions. In this Episode, Pitchlock Pete's panel of aviation contributors include former US Navy and Commercial Technicians discussing the dreaded aircraft wash and horror stories from the Wash Rack. We promise it will be downright silly. The Grey Beard Series is all about our sarcastic and funny side of the Aviation Community with stories that might surprise you or remind you of times of past. The Hangar Deck Podcast would like to thank our listeners for the continued support on our adventure.  We have reached a milestone of over 6,000 downloads and continue to grow our shows and audience.  If you would like to be a guest on The Hangar Deck Podcast, contact us at Pitchlockpete@hangardeck.com. The Hangar Deck Podcast Team continues to strive and bring our listeners a grea

This Episode is brought to you by In this Episode of the Hangar Deck Podcast, the team interviews Veteran, Author and Professional photographer Mr. Del Laughery.  Del is the Author of the book The Boneyard Almanac.  Del is a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Submarine Service. During his Navy days, Del served aboard USS Jacksonville, SSN-699, USS George Washington Carver, SSBN-656 (Gold), USS Pasadena, SSN-752, and USS Norfolk, SSN-714. He was aboard the USS Jacksonville during her collision with a Turkish freighter in 1982, and in a cruel twist of fate was assigned to her again as his final boat - following the Norfolk - and was aboard for another collision in 1996. In addition, to his submarine background Del is a private pilot, aviation photographer, and works in the aviation industry at Pratt & Whitney.   If you know aviation, you know that company.  His is the lead for the military jet engine training program. Del says, “Writing these books came as something of an accident.  I didn't "get the bug" to w

This Episode is brought to you by In this Episode of the Hangar Deck Podcast, the team interviews the 9th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, MCPON Jim Herdt.  We discuss his time as the Command Master Chief or CMC of the Aircraft Carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).  This interview is by far our best work and we appreciate his stories and memories. Jim Herdt  is the CEO of Herdt Consulting, Inc.  Jim transitioned from active duty in April 2002 with 35 years of active naval service.  He served the last four years of his active service as the most senior enlisted member of the United States Navy.  As such, his responsibilities included leading program and policy development for an enlisted force of over 400,000 personnel.  Additionally, he served as a personal advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations, Secretary of the Navy, Secretary of Defense and U.S. Congress on all U.S. Navy personnel policies. This is an awesome and inspiring conversation from MCPON Herdt and he takes a trip back in time to the

This Episode is brought to you by In this Episode of the Hangar Deck Podcast, the team continues the series on US Navy Squadrons HCS-84 and HCS-85 and invite Former Skipper (CO) of HCS-84, Captain Sean Butcher to join our aviation panel.   We continue discussing the mission, history and future of U.S. Navy Helicopter Squadrons HCS-84 and HCS-85. These squadrons have rich histories within the US Navy and are highly regarded due to their close relationships with Special Forces. Captain Butcher explains the history that dates back to the Vietnam War and the significance of these specialized squadrons and how relevant they are today.  Captain Butcher has 6 deployments to the Gulf region and discusses the contributions to COCOMS HSC-84 and HCS-85 have contributed.  HSC-84 and HSC-85 flew over 1,200 SOF missions in OIF and are currently deployed forward as a main part of the Navy’s contribution to counter terrorism.  Captain Sean Butcher specifically outlines the support that is provided to US Navy SEALS.   We ha

In this Episode of the Hangar Deck Podcast, the team interviews the , Mr. Ed Sierra.  The museum celebrates the past, present and future of the Research, Development Test and Evaluation of Naval Aircraft.  The team discusses the Construction of the new Patuxent River Naval Air Museum and Tourism Center and the details of the new facility and exhibits. Ed explains the history of the Museum and the passion of its patrons and contributors. The discussion is very informative with a vast lists of museum activities and new planned activities. What originally began as a temporary location for the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum 14 years ago is currently being turned into a museum complex. There are currently two buildings, one of which holds the museum exhibits and a second building that is currently being used for storage. The new building is under construction and will fully take this facility from a museum building to a museum complex. The new museum will make the museum a landmark for St. Mary’s County and South

In this Episode of the Hangar Deck Podcast, the team interviews U.S. Navy CMDCM (NAC/AW) Lee Barbrey (ret).  and discuss the mission, history and future of the U.S. Navy Helicopter Squadrons HCS-84 and HCS-85. These squadrons have rich histories within the US Navy and are highly regarded due to their close relationships with Special Forces. Lee explains the history that dates back to the Vietnam War and the significance of these specialized squadrons.  In recent weeks, we have noticed news articles discussing the future of these squadrons. The Hangar Deck Podcast would like to thank our audience for the continued support on our venture.  We reached a milestone of over 4,000 downloads and continue to grow our audience.  The Hangar Deck Podcast Team continues to strive and bring great interviews for the aviation enthusiast.  Tell us how we are doing by dropping Pitchlock Pete a direct comment at pitchlockpete@thehangardeck.com.

In this Episode of the Hangar Deck Podcast, the team interviews US Navy AFCM (NAC/AW) Joe Tierney (ret.). Joe has been a private pilot since 1982 and he has always had the desire to be around aviation.  Joe chased his dream and passion for aviation and recently built his own airplane.  We talk exclusively with Joe on his aircraft build efforts from kit selection to engine selection and avionics selection.  Sure, every home built aircraft has its own challenges but if you’re determined like Joe, then you are sure to succeed.  Listen into this episode as Joe explains the challenges and milestones from the first rivet to the first flight and FAA certification of his experimental experimental aircraft build.  Follow his build at this website The Hangar Deck Podcast Team continues to strive and bring great interviews for the aviation enthusiast.  Tell us how we are doing by dropping Pitchlock Pete a direct comment at pitchlockpete@thehangardeck.com.    

  In this Episode of the Hangar Deck Podcast, the team interviews US Navy Captain Curt Phillips, President of the Maritime Patrol Association (MPA) and US Navy Captain Rich Heimerle (ret.), National Director of the MPA.  The MPA is a non-profit professional organization for the Maritime and Patrol Reconaissance Force (MPRA) community.  The Maritime Patrol Association, Inc (MPA) was founded in 2011 to provide recognition and to enhance the prestige of the U.S. Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance community by promoting the use of the patrol and reconnaissance aircraft in the United States Navy. In pursuing these objectives, MPA will provide a forum whereby past, present and future MPA members can: interact and network with each other through a variety of meetings and events and media; provide recognition to those persons who have made significant contributions to the community. The Hangar Deck Podcast Team continues to strive and bring great interviews for the aviation enthusiast.  Tell us how we are doing by

In this Episode of  Pitchlock Pete and Co-host Fast Eddie along with our Contributor Andy White 'Whitey' talk with the Brunswick Naval Museum and President Mr. John Briley.  John and his members have started an organization to preserve the history of the closed Naval Air Station Brunswick (NASB), Maine. John details for the Hangardeck crew when the Museum idea was first discussed and how popular it is to former base residents and the local community.  He explains the Museum’s purpose and how they would like to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the history of naval airborne patrol, especially the history of NASB and naval units based in Maine; and to maintain a memorial to those service members who gave their lives in service to their country.  To that end they are planning to  establish and maintain museum facilities, maintain the memorial gardens, collect and preserve artifacts, photographs, documents and other materials pertaining to that history, and mount ongoing educational activities in

In this Episode, , Fast Eddie and Raging Rick have a discussion on vs. Sense and Avoid.  The guys outline See and Avoid for new listeners and then discuss Sense and Avoid as it relates to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).  Also discussed briefly is the recently released UAS Proposed regulations.  The guys talk about how technology available takes part in See and Sense and Avoid.  Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems or TCAS is briefly discussed with manned and unmanned aircraft.  is referenced and discussed briefly in this episode. Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode.  Stay tuned for great upcoming episodes that include a very diverse choice of topics which include the , , , NOAA and many more.  We appreciate the continued support and look forward to great discussions. Check out our channel for quick video blasts on upcoming events, news and schedules.  You can always find us at

Our Best Episode to date.  YOU MUST LISTEN TO THIS INTERVIEW!!! This interview is with the Lead Flight Engineer and Program Manager for the NASA Super Guppy and he talks to the Hangar Deck Podcast team about this wonderful aircraft.  The Super Guppy is a National Asset and the only one still flying today.  The Guppy and Super Guppy missions date back to the 1950’s and it’s a very interesting story.  Listen to Mr. Dave Elliott talk about this wonderful aircraft and the details of what this mission is all about. We are very proud to bring this segment to our listeners and if you are interested in working for the NASA team contact us at: and we can put in touch with Mr. Dave Elliott and the NASA team.  We continue to enjoy bringing these interviews to you so if there is something you like about it or not, leave us a comment and tell us how we are doing.  I know there are a lot of Flight Engineer’s that might listen to this podcast and we continue to support the Professional Flight Engineer in the Navy and in th

***Caution***  This Podcast is all about flying aircraft in Dangerous Situations.  Please listen closely if you would like to do this job.  I am back in studio with the Hangar Deck Team talking again with Dale Head and now Dan Mathern.  We are discussing the specifics of using aircraft to fight forest fires.  These guys have tons of experience and go into detail how the team does it with the mighty P-3 Orion. The Audio is quite choppy cause we lose Dan Mathern's cell phone numerous times.  Please excuse this technology hiccup.  Pass the word for the Orion Arial Fire Fighters and as always, thanks for listening to the Hangar Deck Podcast.

In this Hangar Deck Podcast Episode the team talks with Mr. Dale Head.  Dale is the CEO of the who are determined to get the P-3 Orion Firefighting aircraft flying again.  They been grounded since 2011 for structural inspection debates.  Pitchlock Pete, Fast Eddie, and Raging Rick talk about Dale's plan and discuss the program prior to 2011 and the importance of these aircraft to the region. Dale and his team launching an indiegogo campaign for 60 days using his fellow fire fighters and many aviation enthusiasts.  This campaign starts January 15, 2015 and can be found on social media at  

Key West Search and Rescue These stories are rarely told about this special US Navy Search and Rescue Unit.  I am proud to have been part of a great cohesive unit.  Most Open Ocean rescues that normal people are exposed to are on TV and usually include the US Coast Guard.  The US Navy does not share the same exposure as does the US Coast Guard so we are bringing some of these stories to you from the Hangar Deck Podcast.  Listen to the men who participated in these actual dangerous open ocean rescues and their participation during Hurricane Andrew.  I can assure you the stories are real and it did happen the way these men describe them.  From delivering babies to night time Cuban Refugee Rescues these are the stories.  The Hangar Deck Podcast Team is proud to present this episode and dedicates this to all the men and women serving as Rescue Swimmers and who Operate and Maintain these Search and Rescue units.   

Were back after a short break!  In this Episode, we interview the company  or the Cluster for Unmanned Vehicles and Robotics from Exton, PA.  Tom an Steve join the Hangar Deck Podcast team to discuss a number of interesting topics regarding Commercialization of UAVs in the US National Airspace System (NAS). We briefly talk about the terms UAV, Drones, Remote Control (RC) and what the differences are.  Rick and Ed also add their Airline experience and discuss UAVs operating in Commercial Airspace.  Tune in and Enjoy The Hangar Deck Podcast.  Thanks for listening.

In this Episode, Pitchlock Pete, Fast Eddie and Raging Rick welcome special Guest Brian Mills who me have official deemed him nickname as Blazing Brian.  The topic for this Episode is Aircraft Automation Dependency. Blazing Brian’s resume includes a vast military and commercial aviation background.  A US Navy P-3 Flight Engineer for 22 years, Brian continued his Career flying for a major Cargo Carrier and as an FE has flown the 747-100 and 200 series legacy aircraft.  Brian has always had the desire to pilot aircraft and as owned and piloted a Cessna 172 aircraft for many years.  In most recent years, he has upgraded his licensing and now flies as a first officer on the 747-400 Aircraft. The Hangar Deck Podcast Team talks with Blazing Brian about automation on the Flight Deck and current and past training that most carriers require of their pilots.  In addition, we briefly touch on the Asiana Flight 214 mishap.  Thanks for all the overwhelming support from our audience!  We recently partnered up with the guy

In this Episode.  Fast Eddie describes and discusses the Lockheed C-130 Hercules Cargo Aircraft.  It's fascinating to learn how long this platform has been in production at the Marietta, GA Lockheed facility.  This airplane has a vast and long history supporting the US Military and is the most under appreciated platform in our inventory.  Listen close as Fast Eddie discusses in detail the Lockheed C-130 Hercules Aircraft.  And always, Thanks for listening to the Hangar Deck Podcast.