Aviation LO Down
44 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 84 ratingsModern, engaging, and unique, Aviation LO Down is the official podcast of David Lombardo, also known by his operating initials, LO. Full of the passion, humor, and the famous improvisational style found on many of his past social media projects, Aviation LO Down features fascinating interviews and soundbites from across the industry in an exciting and energy-fueled format anyone can enjoy. A podcast that explores not just flying, but the art and science of what makes people in aviation tick. Whether it's a teen flight student playing a flight simulator, an air traffic controller working at an understaffed facility, a flight attendant on her 7th flight of the day, or a 25,000-hour airline captain on the brink of retirement, there really is something for everyone on the Aviation LO Down. Welcome aboard!
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Episodes
Flight Sim 2020, Incredible Graphics Cards, and more Furloughs!
September 01, 2020 13:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBIn this edition, I discuss some of the big issues that are going on, including Flight Simulator 2020, an update on mask mandates, and more furloughs and WARN notices in the industry. Don't miss this one! Sponsored by iFlyGPS.com
Pilots In 2020: FURLOUGHED.
August 05, 2020 13:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBWARN notices went out to literally hundreds of thousands of people over the past week, many of whom work in the aviation industry. What does this mean for the future of the industry? Also, should face masks be mandated (part II), and a video that you should check out!
Aviation SHUT DOWN AGAIN. Coronavirus?
July 21, 2020 16:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MBWow. The coronavirus continues to spread at an absolutely insane rate throughout the United States. What is going to happen to aviation? Specifically, commercial aviation? Should masks be required? Should counties let planes fly? And finally: check out the FAA's ATC facility coronavirus map!
Pilot on the radio: "You're an as*hole"
June 26, 2020 11:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBAbsolutely insane audio of a pilot telling a Las Vegas controller she is WRONG when telling him to vacate the Class B airspace! What could have gone wrong here?! Also, a discussion on the pandemic and it's affects on decision making and mood, the FAA's 'From The Flight Deck' series, and some throwbacks from a box I found in my basement.
74gear - Flying Huge Planes and Defending Plane Spotters on Instagram
June 15, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 46.6 MBKnown for his entertaining, educational, well-produced, and downright fascinating videos, 74gear (Kelsey) has shown the world just how exciting it can be flying the 747; and it's bigger, more rare cousin, the Dreamlifter. Join me, LO, as I sit down with 74gear via Skype on the other side of the plane. We talk about his YouTube channel, his life flying around the world, his expansion into more social media, and a well known and controversial debate currently raging online involving intellectu...
Aviation vs Instagram: A Fight You Should Be Following
June 11, 2020 14:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBWELCOME BACK TO SEASON 3! On this episode, I run down the basics as to where I have been over the past few weeks. I discuss the current state of the world, how it's affecting aviation, as well as some things that may interest you involving a feud currently going on on Instagram between plane spotters and large pages. Please subscribe on YouTube as well! @LOaltitude
RIP The Aviation Industry (as we know it)
March 24, 2020 14:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBThe coronavirus pandemic has completely altered life for a large portion of the planets population, and as of this podcast (3/24/2020), is beginning to severely affect places in the United States, most notably New York City and it's surrounding area. Thousands of airplanes are grounded, and it seems as if an equal number of employees are also without a job. Will things ever return to normal? Some words of caution, and some words of advice during this historic time for modern human civilizat...
SHUT UP AND TAKE MY OIL! A Brief History of OPEC
March 10, 2020 17:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBOil, and specifically, it's pricing, is undoubtedly one of the single biggest factors in an airline's overall profitability. Join me, LO, as I discuss how the coronavirus has resulted in some of the most volatile oil prices in decades, and why everyone involved in aviation, no matter how humble, should know the basics of the current market. This episode is sponsored by my friends at iFlyGPS.com! Use code LODOWN for 90 days free trial of the incredible EFB software for Apple, Android, and ...
Coronavirus and Aviation
March 02, 2020 19:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MBTo much of my haters disappointment, I am back! Took a month off for a number of reasons (no, I didn't go to jail or get the coronavirus) but we're off to a brand new month with a whole bunch of fresh new content and discussion! This episode is brought to you by my friends at iFlyGPS.com. Check them out!
How Dirty Socks Can End Your Flying Career. Become an ATC!
January 06, 2020 14:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBDo you smell that? Dude, is that your socks? Maybe. But it could also be a toxic chemical that has profound neurological effects, and is widely used in aircraft engines and APUs. On this episode, I discuss some of the more disturbing reports of toxic fume events, and how to access the database of such things. I also discuss how YOU can apply to be an AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER! Think you have what it takes? Apply! January 24, 2020 on USAJOBS.gov. Best of luck! Instagram: @LOaltitude Visit my s...
Why does aviation use AM radio? What is HF radio?
December 21, 2019 19:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBHave you ever really wondered: How does the radio in my airplane or control tower (or radar facility) really work? And, why does it use AM radio? What does that even mean? On this edition of Aviation LO Down, I discuss two videos I recently uploaded to my YouTube and Instagram channels. In part I, I describe AM vs FM, and why aviation uses AM. In part II, I describe HF radio, long range radar, and a story of how a bunch of ham radio operators helped defeat the Soviet Union. Sit back, relax,...
$200,000 Without A Degree?! Air Traffic Control!
December 13, 2019 00:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBThe FAA will supposedly be hiring new air traffic controllers this January. Learn about some facts of the job on my YouTube channel! In this episode, the first of season 4 of Aviation LO Down, I describe how the video went absolutely viral, and how you can apply if you're interested! I also go on an absolutely unscripted rant about beer prices at concerts in Saratoga Springs, New York. Instagram: @LOaltitude Visit my sponsors! fly8ma.com (use code: LOALT) Christopher-cloos.com (use code: LO...
Top 10 Aviation Memes of 2019
December 07, 2019 00:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBWell, it's that time of the year! That is, the year is almost OVER! On this episode, I recap the top 10 memes and posts from my Instagram page, @LOaltitude. Be sure to check out and subscribe to my YouTube channel! Just search for 'LOaltitude' there! Instagram: @LOaltitude Visit my sponsors! fly8ma.com (use code: LOALT) Christopher-cloos.com (use code: LOALTITUDE) Kimsplaceokc.com CertifiedFoggles.com AviationLifeClothing.com (use code: LOalt10)
YOU CAN ALWAYS GO AROUND!!!
November 26, 2019 22:00 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MBHow one student pilots video managed to demonstrate one of the biggest fundamental rules in aviation, and how one flight school took a potentially bad situation and made it into a beautiful and relevant display of an extremely important teaching point. Instagram: @LOaltitude Visit my sponsors! fly8ma.com (use code: LOALT) Christopher-cloos.com (use code: LOALTITUDE) Kimsplaceokc.com CertifiedFoggles.com AviationLifeClothing.com (use code: LOalt10)
Mooney Aircraft Closes
November 15, 2019 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBOne of the most iconic aircraft manufacturers closed its doors this week. Why did it happen? I share some of the community comments, and encourage others to share their opinion on this episode of Aviation LO Down! CONTACT: [email protected] Instagram: @LOaltitude Visit my sponsors! fly8ma.com (use code: LOALT) Christopher-cloos.com (use code: LOALTITUDE) Kimsplaceokc.com CertifiedFoggles.com AviationLifeClothing.com
DRONE WEEK!
November 01, 2019 15:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBDrones. We all have seen them. We all know about them. They can do amazing things. But what about their insane popularity and growth that is expected over the next few years? Actually, it has already begun. Despite their incredible use and technology, from Long Beach, New York, to Dubai, drones can pose a serious risk for pilots of manned aircraft. Next week, the FAA has brought this issue into light with the 'National Drone Safety Awareness Week'. On this episode, I explain some real world...
Melatonin, Stimulants, and The Longest Flight on Earth
October 20, 2019 22:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBAircraft and the modern aviation system has enabled humans to fly across the entire planet. But can the human body and brain itself actually handle it? Join me on this discussion that explores some concepts on sleep mitigation, and how it has been handled throughout the past century. With a new era in mind, Qantas, the airline that is experimenting with flying from NYC (JFK) to Sydney (Australia); a nearly 20 hour flight, is ready to see how this flight affects people. Hear how the airline i...
Planehub Categories, Abella Danger, and a German woman who is in love with a 737-800
October 12, 2019 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBOver the past 2 weeks I have gotten over 250 e-mails of people asking me if Planehub will become a real website. Well, the URL is for sale for $14,000, so if someone wants to donate some money, you know what you can do! But in all seriousness, @LOaltitude has been having many great stories; this morning, I was tipped off to a video that truly epitomizes the 'ERAU-esque' qualities of my followers: A German woman who has been in a 5 year relationship with a 737-800. AIRSHOW SEASON will be he...
Thomas Cook Airlines: Done.
September 23, 2019 23:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBLondon based Thomas Cook, founded in 1841, was the oldest running transportation company in the world. But this weekend, that all came to an abrupt end, as the company ceased operation. Thousands are out of a job, and many thousands more are stranded around the world. Here's my take on why a once legendary company, that was started decades before the flight of the Wright Flyer, ultimately met its fate in the instant gratification, social media based modern day. www.aviationLOdown.com Check...
Draco Crashes, DC-10 vs 737 MAX, and How To Simulate ATC Audio
September 17, 2019 23:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBDraco, one of my favorite airplanes EVER built, has crashed this week in Reno! Luckily, everyone, including builder and friend Mike Patey walked away, and even made a video about it. But it's a video worth watching. Can't wait to see his other builds to come... Also, DC-10 reputation vs the 737 MAX Reputation, and how to simulate ATC audio! Also, shout-out to my friends at CFS (Communicating For Safety) in Vegas this week! [email protected] Instagram: @LOaltitude AviationLOdown.com
Airliners, ADS-B Mandates, Hurricanes, and One Skilled Australian Pilot
September 07, 2019 17:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBA mechanic tries to sabotage an airliner, why some general aviation pilots may still be reluctant to upgrade their equipment to ADS-B in time for the mandate, Hurricane Dorian wrecks havoc on the Bahamas and air traffic in that location, and an Australian flight student lands his plane in an unexpected solo flight after his instructor passes out. Instagram/YouTube: @LOaltitude Visit my sponsors! fly8ma.com (use code: LOALT) Christopher-cloos.com (use code: LOALTITUDE) Kimsplaceokc.com Cert...
@wdymsarah - Embry Riddle and Hurricane Dorian
September 02, 2019 19:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBHow is Hurricane Dorian affecting Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL? We talk to Sarah, an air traffic control major (@wdymsarah) and learn about the overall strategy and mood of the campus, and where the students have gone! Visit my sponsors! fly8ma.com (use code: LOALT) Christopher-cloos.com (use code: LOALTITUDE) Kimsplaceokc.com CertifiedFoggles.com
SPECIAL EDITION COMING TOMORROW: HURRICANE DORIAN
September 01, 2019 17:00 - 7 minutes - 5.32 MBTune in tomorrow for a special edition podcast on how Hurricane Dorian is affecting aviation across the east coast of the USA and beyond. If you'd like to share your story and/or get on the podcast, please e-mail me at [email protected]!
William Hoffman - Neuroscience, Health, and Aerospace
August 24, 2019 01:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBToday on Aviation LO Down, I sit down with William "Billy" Hoffman, author of 'Wings of Deceit', one of my favorite books based on aviation. Billy attended Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC and is currently doing a residency in neurology. He is a private pilot, member of the U.S. Air Force, and in particular, is interested in the interface between neuroscience and aerospace. Billy is also interested in a number of studies having to do with pilot health; some of Billy...
Delta Flight 975 - Stranded At JFK
August 22, 2019 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBPicture getting on your flight, and then having to get off it, twice. Then picture waiting at your gate for 18 hours. This is what happened last night (into this morning) at JFK airport in NYC to Delta Flight 975, with service to Los Angeles (LAX). What do you think the airlines are responsible for? There were massive storms rolling through the area. Should the airline have helped accommodate the passengers better, or were they simply victim to weather, a random event that the airline doesn'...
Kyle McClung of 'Certified Foggles'
August 09, 2019 21:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MBToday, I sit down with Kyle McClung, owner of one of the most unique aviation companies I have ever seen: Certified Foggles. Kyle's company makes custom 'foggle' glasses for the training instrument (IFR) pilot. With many designs to choose from, Kyle also offers custom work, and each foggle is handmade by him himself in the USA! You don't want to miss this interview! Instagram: @kyle_mcclung and @certifiedfoggles https://www.certifiedfoggles.com
@fittoflyapparel - The Pilot Who's Creating Apparel For Fit Pilots
July 25, 2019 18:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MBToday, I sit down with Zach Richards, founder of Fit to Fly Apparel (@fittoflyapparel). We discuss what got him interested in health/fitness, and what convinced him to create a fashion and fitness brand that is geared towards pilots and others in the aviation industry! You don't want to miss this one! @fittoflyapparel FittoFlyApparel.com
Aviation & Mental Health: Drugs, Sleep, and Community
July 21, 2019 22:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB"Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart." Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment The topic of mental health in aviation has come up again on social media. From a thread that started on Facebook, I discuss some of the ideas and overall themes that have been shared on the topic recently; some of them show a disturbing trend in the fact that many do not feel that they can be transparent about their mental (or physical) health to their employers. I ...
When Departing VFR for IFR Is a Bad Idea, FAA Academy Chaos, and a Swiss ATCer Who Pays a Fine
July 11, 2019 17:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBOn this episode: One of the most intense chunks of real ATC audio I have heard in a long time. We talk about why a pilot would do such a 'crazy' thing, and whether or not it should be recognized and permitted. Housing provider at the FAA Academy, Isola Bella, sends out a rather startling notification to their residents, and a Swiss air traffic controller is sentenced for his role in a 2013 operational error (or "deal") involving two airliners. Be sure to subscribe!
LO Altitude and Season 2 of Aviation LO Down!
July 02, 2019 19:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBIn the past few weeks, I have had some major changes to some of the social media pages that I was a part of. Now, I am able to finally integrate many of my social media channels, such as the one on Instagram, to Aviation LO Down! On this episode, I simply discuss some of the bigger topics that have been brought up over the past few weeks, and address the changes that my pages have gone through. Please follow my page on Instagram at @LOaltitude, and @aviationLOdown. This summer, we have s...
Captain Joe: How One FaceTime Video Became One Million YouTube Subscribers
June 01, 2019 02:00 - 55 minutes - 25.4 MBCultivating a YouTube following of over 1 MILLION subscribers, Captain Joe is without a doubt one of the most watched and influential aviators today. From his detailed oriented, friendly, and extremely informative videos, to his creative vision and world-wide travel experiences, Captain Joe is undeniably one of the most inspiring pilots within the realm of aviation. Join me, LO, as I talk to Captain Joe to learn about his story and his channel. From his first flight in a biplane, to being ...
Laura Laban: CEO & Co-Founder of Infinite Flight
May 24, 2019 21:00 - 49 minutes - 22.8 MBEver since I was a kid, I've played flight simulators. The earliest versions of them that I remember were 256-color simulations that ran on your desktop computer, and if you're like most people who grew up in the 90s, this meant your family's only computer was completely occupied so you could fly your Cessna out of Meigs Field in Chicago. In 2019, this is no longer the case. In fact, many families don't even have desktop computers anymore. And Meigs Field is gone (for now). Today, more and ...
@fitaviatorsclub - The Man Who's Helping Pilots Stay In Shape
May 21, 2019 00:00 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MBAs a man dedicated to not only taking to the skies, but keeping himself and others in awesome shape, Fernando Contreras, a.k.a. @fitaviatorsclub, knows a thing or two about balancing different passions in life. As someone who I would consider to be 'pretty freakin' ripped', Fernando talks to me, LO, about his theory and practice of keeping healthy and fit, despite the notoriously unhealthy lifestyles that are sometimes associated with people who are constantly traveling. From what to do when...
I'm Back! My Insane Airline Journey To and From San Diego
May 13, 2019 17:00 - 30 minutes - 14.1 MBHello all! It's been a while since I have posted a new episode of Aviation LO Down because I recently moved! I also was just in San Diego, and had quite the interesting flying experience during that trip. In this episode, I'll explain to you what happened to me on that trip, and invite you to share your opinions of modern airline travel. From delays, to cancellations, to weather, what is an airline actually responsible for? Stay tuned, as Aviation LO Down is FINALLY back to it's normally sch...
Spread Aviation with Matt and Rob: Flight Instruction and Safety
April 18, 2019 23:00 - 54 minutes - 24.9 MBAfter a few weeks off, I'm back! Today I sit down with my friends Matt and Rob who run the aviation podcast Spread Aviation! As they put it, 'find out what happens when you cross a talk-show format with in-flight pilot training and a hefty dose of irreverence for practically everything, including gravitational forces.' I have known Matt and Rob for quite some time, and this episode features us discussing out time at SUN 'n FUN, aviation safety, what it's like to be an instructor and student ...
@newyorkskypirate - Aviation, Music, Friendship
March 25, 2019 04:00 - 50 minutes - 23.1 MBToday, I sit down with one of my best friends, @newyorkskypirate. Learn about his love of aviation from an early age, how he found a mentor, and what his life is like today. We also share stories of him being a musician, making prank phone calls, and one of the most famous diners in Upstate NY. @newyorkskypirate is one of the most passionate people I have ever met in aviation, and since the early days of our teenage years plane spotting and playing in bands, he also happens to be one of my b...
The Future: Software, Automation and Aviation?
March 14, 2019 04:00 - 29 minutes - 13.7 MBComputers can calculate huge amounts of data much more efficiently than a human brain. But, can they make decisions? Are they intelligent? Are they creative? Perhaps most intriguing, do they have a conscious? With the recent crashes of the two Boeing 737 MAX airliners, the discussion of whether or not industries like aviation have become too automated and complex has once again resurfaced. With President Donald Trump tweeting that airplanes have "become far too complex to fly" a very real de...
Radar and ADS-B: Stories From The Past, Thoughts For The Future
March 07, 2019 05:00 - 26 minutes - 12 MBRadar technology has been the foundation of air traffic control for more than 80 years. However, newer technology, such as ADS-B, promises to change that. In this episode, I take a break from the interviews to expand upon a 'Instagram Live' discussion that occurred last week on @atcmemes. I talk about a brief history of radar systems, how GPS was made available to the public, and what ADS-B means for pilots. I also talk about some potential security issues related to the newer technologies, ...
@madinkaclairec - Aviation, Tennis, and Travel
February 27, 2019 23:00 - 44 minutes - 20.6 MBFrom photos of Athens, Greece, to photos of the 737 Max flight deck, the Instagram account of Madina K (@madinkaclairec) is hard to ignore. As a skilled tennis player originally from Moscow, Russia and now studying in the United States, Madina takes the time to explain what it's like being obsessed with aviation in both the United States and in Russia. Join us on episode 6 of the Aviation LO Down as we discuss a cheering A380, being stuck on a plane for 20 hours, what it's like flying in air...
@pilotemilie - The Fit, Traveling, Adventuring Pilot From Canada
February 20, 2019 05:00 - 33 minutes - 15.2 MBWith an Instagram following of over 30,000 fans and growing, @pilotemilie inspires and motivates her followers from both the flight deck as well as from the gym. As a Canadian pilot with an unmistakable smile, Emilie has an eclectic taste for fitness, colorful Instagram photos, and setting her goals high, in both aviation and in life! Join me, LO, as I talk to Emilie about how she got into aviation, what challenges it presents for her fitness goals, and how being occasionally uncertain of wh...
steveo1kinevo - Aviation Stories From Behind The Scenes
February 15, 2019 05:00 - 25 minutes - 11.9 MBAs a pilot well known for his detailed, informative, and friendly aviation videos, steveo1kinevo has cultivated a loyal following of over a quarter million subscribers on YouTube. From his intricate flying lessons to his gorgeous videos of flights in Florida, The Bahamas, and beyond, Steve's unique 'POV' style transports the viewer into an experience that few pilots on YouTube have been able to recreate. Join me, LO, on episode 4 of the Aviation LO Down as we get to know the man behind the s...
Nicole - A Girl Who Really "Waves The Wands"
February 10, 2019 05:00 - 28 minutes - 13 MBToday, I'm talking to a 21 year old girl from Chicago named Nicole who directs air traffic. Now, she doesn't work in a tall control tower, or a dark TRACON/ARTCC radar room, but she knows how to direct aircraft, and how to direct them well. She wears a bright orange 'high vis' vest, and yes, she waves the bright orange wands. She also knows a few things when it comes to customer service, like how to defend yourself against customers throwing water bottles at you, and how to detect passengers...
Captain Roger Victor - The Pilot Who's a Puppet.
February 05, 2019 05:00 - 57 minutes - 26.2 MBAs the chief (and only) pilot of Speedtape Airlines, Captain Roger Victor has cultivated a whole new generation of loyal fans via social media, thanks to his world-class videos and memes exploring his life as a pilot on and off the job. As an aviation professional who also happens to...be a puppet, Captain Roger Victor is truly a one of a kind character in the fast paced world of aviation social media. Join LO as he gets to know Roger, his story, as well as the man who constantly has his han...
Welcome to Aviation LO Down!
January 31, 2019 05:00 - 15 minutes - 7.36 MBAviation Lo Down is a podcast hosted by David "LO" Lombardo from ATC Memes. In this first episode (recorded in a frigid car on a remote recorder), I simply take a few minutes to explain to my listeners what this podcast is all about. What makes aviation so passionate? Why did some people get into aviation? And why is it -49F degrees in Alaska? Join us on this journey. This will be Aviation LO Down.