Plane Tales
343 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 143 ratingsThe View from Our Side of the Cockpit Door
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Episodes
Written in the Blood of the Innocent
December 01, 2017 18:58 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBThe tragic loss of Alaska Flight 261 and the negligent events that led up to the crash. The recovered jackscrew. The spiral "wire" wound around the threaded portion is the remains of the acme nut internal screw thread that was stripped from the nut. Images under Creative Commons with thanks to Ken Fielding and the NTSB.
300
November 25, 2017 18:45 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBA special Plane Tale to celebrate the Airline Pilot Guy's 300th anniversary show, centering on the Airbus A300. Images under Creative Commons licence with thanks to Alex Beltyukov, Eduard Marmet and Warner Bros.
The Charger
November 19, 2017 02:20 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MBThe story of the development of the first Supersonic airliners. The non existent Boeing, the successful Concorde and the disaster that was the TU144, Charger! Boeing 2707 mockup. The TU144 flying at the 1973 Paris Air Show the day before it crashed. The last ever flight of Concorde G-BOAF. Images under Creative Commons licence, Arpingstone - Adrian Pingstone, Ralf Roletschek, RuthAS and Bill Abbott.
Billy Barker
November 17, 2017 02:11 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBThe remarkable exploits of the Canadian fighter ace who fought in World War 1. He remains the most decorated hero in the history of the Canadian armed service. Col Barker, VC, in one of the captured German aeroplanes against which he fought his last air battle in 1919. Images under Creative Commons licence, Canadian Copyright Collection held by the British Library, Barker, Wm. G and For Valour - The Air VCs Chaz Bowyer.
From Four to One
November 13, 2017 12:40 - 16 minutes - 15 MBA late night take off dissolves into a nightmare for a cargo crew flying a venerable Lockheed Electra as, one by one, their engines fail. Image under Creative Commons licence, RuthAS.
Nij Demery – The 49ers Part Three
November 05, 2017 16:10 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MBA union dispute against an aggressive and ruthless employer can result in sadness, bitterness and broken lives. Nij Demery was a senior union representative and then president of such a union during the longest industrial action in aviation history. This is the final part of his story.
Nij Demery – The 49ers Part Two
October 28, 2017 16:07 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBA union dispute against an aggressive and ruthless employer can result in sadness, bitterness and broken lives. Nij Demery was a senior union representative and then president of such a union during the longest industrial action in aviation history. This is the second part of his story.
Nij Demery – The 49ers Part One
October 21, 2017 15:57 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBA union dispute against an aggressive and ruthless employer can result in sadness, bitterness and broken lives. Nij Demery was a senior union representative and then president of such a union during the longest industrial action in aviation history. This is the first part of his story.
The Ian Black Interviews, Part Two
October 11, 2017 15:48 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBThe second part of a two part Plane Tale about the ex fighter pilot and aviation photographer and publisher, Ian Black.
The Ian Black Interviews, Part One
October 07, 2017 15:47 - 16 minutes - 15 MBThe first of a two part Plane Tale about the ex fighter pilot and aviation photographer and publisher, Ian Black.
Against All Odds
September 30, 2017 15:38 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MBMany might know this story of survival against all odds when a Uruguayan team from the Old Christians Rugby club fail to arrive at their destination. Abandoned by the authorities high in the Andes, they choose life over death but only at a terrible cost to their consciences. Nando Parrado and Roberto Canessa, sitting. Images under Creative Commons licence, Pedro Escobal and Héctor Maffuche.
A Late Night Flight, Please
September 19, 2017 02:46 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBA steam pipe fitter from New York manages an incredible feat of flying skill, whilst under the influence, not once but twice! So famous was he that they made a cocktail in his honour!
The Plane People
September 12, 2017 02:38 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MB9/11 had devastating consequences but for those who were trying to get home, into the closed airspace of the United States, their diversions to unexpected destinations opened their eyes to the generosity of strangers. Images under Creative Commons licence, Wally Gobetz and CFB Gander.
The Hunger Winter
September 11, 2017 22:35 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBThe Nazi Germans in the Netherlands were using starvation as retribution and air drops were the only way to save thousands. The RAF and American bomber crews provide the solution. A Lancaster bomber drops relief supplies to the Dutch people. The people of the Netherlands spell out their thanks.
But Sir, Harriers Don’t Actually Hover
August 31, 2017 22:23 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MBBy for the most successful vertical take off fighter ever built. The Harrier was a technological success for Hawker Siddeley that produced a fast jet fighter that could land on a runway and in a ploughed field! Images under Creative Commons licence by Alan Wilson and Anthony Noble.
Eating the Sun
August 25, 2017 22:21 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBAn eclipse of the sun moves over the earth at an incredible speed and no aircraft could possibly keep up with the shadow it casts whilst carrying a whole team of expert observers... except perhaps one! Images through Creative Commons licence, Sunil Gupta, Natarajanganesan and André Cros.
No Distant Lands
August 19, 2017 22:12 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBAmerica is keeping the Second World War at arms length whilst a Pan Am Clipper is wending its way from San Francisco down to Auckland in New Zealand. What happens next is a remarkable achievement for a civilian airliner but it remains an almost unknown story.
7543
August 11, 2017 22:05 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBThe tragic death of a friend leads to a life saving technology that has saved so many pilots. Martin Baker. Images through Creative Commons licence, StromBer and US Gov US Navy.
The No 9 Combustor
August 05, 2017 22:00 - 23.8 MBA faulty jet engine combustor leads to a tragic disaster but much is learned from the Manchester air disaster. Images through Creative Commons licence, UK Gov Crown copyright.
Of Degrees, Knots, Pounds and Things
July 31, 2017 21:55 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBIn aviation we use a bewildering array of measurements, enough to confuse, baffle and discombobulate the average pilot.
Wooden Wonders and Aluminum Overcast – Part 2
July 23, 2017 21:50 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBThe second of a two part tale which examines two bombers from the Second World War, their successes and their loss rates. This tale is the story of the de Havilland Mosquito. The bombing of the Gestapo HQ in Copenhagen, Denmark. Mosquito FB Mk XVIII carrying the 57mm Molins gun. Images under Creative Commons licence, UK Gov, Crown copyright.
Wooden Wonders and Aluminum Overcast – Part 1
July 15, 2017 21:48 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBThe first of a two part tale which examines two bombers from the Second World War, their successes and their loss rates. This tale is the story of the Boeing B17. Boeing Y1B-17 in flight. (U.S. Air Force photo) Images under Creative Commons licence, US Gov.
The Maverick of Malta
July 08, 2017 21:41 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MBAn unusual pilot helps to defend the island of Malta during its darkest period. A brave man who excelled at Photo Reconnaissance. Image under Creative Commons licence, UK Gov Imperial War Museum.
Turning Oceans Into Ponds
July 02, 2017 21:30 - 26.9 MBThe race across the Atlantic and those adventurous first aviators who tackled the huge body of water that separates Europe and America. Charles Lindbergh and his aircraft, The Spirit of St Louis. Images under Creative Commons licence, US Gov and Library of Congress.
A Load of Hot Air
June 24, 2017 21:20 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBBalloons, Air Ships, Dirigibles, Blimps, Aerostats and all things lighter than air. Tethered Aerostat Radar System. Images under Creative Commons licence from the US Gov Library of Congress and farrider.us.
Blackbird Bye Bye
June 18, 2017 21:16 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBOne of the most amazing aircraft to make it out of the Skunk Works, the SR71 Blackbird.
D-Day Part 2
June 10, 2017 21:11 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBSome personal recollections from Air Force service men who took part in D Day. Image under Creative Commons licence, UK Gov, Crown Copyright.
The Ghost Fleet
June 04, 2017 21:03 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBSome of the lesser known but vital parts played by the Allied Air Forces during the D Day invasion. Title Image under Creative Commons licence, UK Gov, RAF crown copyright.
The Buff
May 25, 2017 21:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBThe history of the B52 Buff and some of it's more memorable moments. One of two Mk.39 thermonuclear bombs rests in a field in Faro, NC after falling from a disintegrating B-52 bomber. Boeing B-52D-40-BW (S/N 56-0695). Note the GAM-72 Quail decoy missile and trailer near the nose of the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo) Image through Creative Commons licence, US Gov and USAF.
The Aviators of Pittsburgh
May 17, 2017 20:55 - 17 minutes - 15.6 MBA look at the famous aviators of Pittsburgh prior to the Wings Over Pittsburgh meetup.
Key Must Go
April 29, 2017 20:49 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBThe crash of Papa India, a Trident, near Staines. A disaster which brought to light the need for Crew Resource Management in the cockpit environment. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Images under Creative Commons licence by TSRL and Nimbus227.
The Second Series of Interviews with Andy Anderson – Part 3
April 21, 2017 20:43 - 13 minutes - 12 MBCapt Nick's final conversation with Andy Anderson, holder of the Legion d'Honneur and Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Association.
The Second Series of Interviews with Andy Anderson – Part 2
April 14, 2017 20:34 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBThe second part of Capt Nick's most recent interview with Andy Anderson, holder of the Legion d'Honneur and Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Association.
The Second Series of Interviews with Andy Anderson – Part 1
April 05, 2017 00:13 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBCapt Nick continues his Conversations with Andy Anderson, holder of the Legion d'Honneur and Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Association.
Burning the Forrestal
March 27, 2017 00:10 - 17 minutes - 16 MBJuly 1967 and USS Forrestal is preparing for a major strike against North Vietnam. All goes well until a combination of a change in arming procedure, a batch of old unstable bombs and a few loose electrons combine. The result is devastating for the men of Forrestal. Images on Creative Commons licence by US Gov and United States Navy.
In The Box
March 20, 2017 00:08 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBAll commercial pilots just LOVE getting into the simulator! Title image of a Link Trainer under Creative Commons licence.
No Highway in the Sky
March 13, 2017 00:06 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MBThe DH Comet was the first jet airliner and was going to be a world beater until there were unexplained and sudden losses. The investigation that followed opened the eyes of the entire industry to the dangers of aircraft pressurisation and metal fatigue. An enormous water tank was erected test the fuselage during repeated pressurisation runs. The fuselage of G-AYLP which broke up in mid air. Images under Creative Commons licence with thanks to UK Gov, Imperial War Museum and Krel...
The Divine Wind
March 06, 2017 00:03 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBAn opportunity to set the record straight about Japanese suicide missions in the final days of the Second World war Images under Creative Commons licence, US Gov.
The Stringbags
February 28, 2017 00:01 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MBThe Fairey Swordfish. In a war of high speed monoplanes, a biplane from a previous generation of combat aircraft could hardly change the face of the Second World War... could it? Title image under Creative Commons licence by Beadell, S J (Lt), Royal Navy official photographer.
The Son of Zeus
February 21, 2017 23:59 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBThe C-130 Hercules; the longest continuously produced military aircraft in history! An early version of the C130 lands at Kham Duc during the Vietnam war. A C130 lands aboard USS Forrestal during trials. C130 captures a satellite payload after reentry. The Blue Angels C130 demonstrates a JATO takeoff. The Hercules... a perfect all terrain work horse. Images through the Creative Commons licence from US Gov.
The Busby Babes
February 14, 2017 23:57 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBThe 1958 Munich plane disaster which decimated the Manchester football team and a look at some other sporting aviation tragedies.
The Curate’s Egg
February 07, 2017 23:52 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MBA nostalgic look back at the aircraft that Capt Nick flew. Capt Anderson the First. The Slingsby T31 (flying brick) glider. The ubiquitous Cessna 150A trainer. The Jet Provost T Mk3. The slightly pointier Jet Provost T Mk5. The very pointy Folland Gnat. The wonderful Hawker Hunter. The mighty F4 Phantom II. Yawn, the BAe Hawk T1. The Ozy McDonnell Douglas F/A18. Another yawn, the BAe Tornado F3.
The Rosinenbomber
January 31, 2017 23:50 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBIn the aftermath of the Second World War, Russia attempts to take control of Berlin by cutting off access to the West but an audacious plan to supply the beleaguered city from the air is mounted. One special American pilot becomes famous amongst the people of Berlin. "OPERATION VITTLES" (Berlin Airlift)Berlin youngsters who live near the Tempelhof Air Force Base, where the U.S. Air Force transport planes unload their airlift supplies, play at a game called "Luftbrucke" (air bridge). They...
Larry, We’re Going Down
January 24, 2017 23:48 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBFundamental errors in dealing with the dangers of winter operations brings a B737 down into the Potomac river, just after take off from Washington National airport. An apaling accident which was compounded by a poorly organised rescue which occured in the full blaze of publicity. An Air Florida Boeing B737. The flight path of Flight 90 taken from the NTSB report. Images under Creative Commons licence by Peter Duijnmayer, the US Gov NTSB and the Washington Post
Six in One Day
January 16, 2017 23:44 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBFebruary 1956 and the RAF is proud of it's fine new jet fighter, the Hawker Hunter. Of course the occasional loss is to be expected but this day's work ends up with questions being asked in Parliament and a surprise for the people of Swaffham! Images under Creative Commons licence, by Alan Wilson and UK Gov OS.
Operation Yonatan
January 14, 2017 23:38 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBA hijacking of an Air France A300 ends up in Uganda which is ruled by the despot Idi Amin. The Israeli Commandos mount a rescue that stuns the world. The survivors disembark at Ben Gurion airport. Images under Creative Commons licence by SRA Andy Dunaway - DefenseImagery.mil and the Government Press Office (Israel).
Little Things
January 06, 2017 23:35 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBHow something small and insignificant distracted a crew to the point of disaster. The story of Flight 401. The flight path of Flight 401 recreated for the NTSB accident report. Images under Creative Commons licence by Jon Proctor and US Gov NTSB.
Christmas Heroes
December 29, 2016 23:30 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBFor most of the holidays around Christmas are a time to enjoy and celebrate but during the World Wars the fighting never stopped. This is the story of three brave pilots, each holding their countries highest awards for valour and each killed during Christmas in pursuit of the same aims, victory. The Victoria Cross. The Air Force Medal of Honor. The Knight's Cross. Images under Creative Commons licence, Crown Copyright Commonwealth War Graves Commission,
The Christmas Angels
December 22, 2016 23:24 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBTo survive falling thousands of feet from a disintegrating airliner is a remarkable feat but that was just the start of the story! A similar Lockheed Electra L-749 to LANSA flight 501. Title image under Creative Commons licence by Trotterjt.
The Fight to First Flight
December 16, 2016 23:21 - 15 minutes - 14 MBAt Kitty Hawk the Wright Brothers take their first hops into the air but elsewhere in the world others were striving to be first! Image under Creative Commons licence by W. B. Robinson.