It’s no secret that the global aviation industry has endured hardship since the global COVID-19 pandemic began. Organizations like PilotsTogether and many others have emerged as sources of support and information, and podcasts have also played a core role in keeping both professionals and enthusiasts up-to-date on the topics that matter most.
Some aviation podcasts offer a light overview of general topics, while others dig deep into the technology, software, and regulations that are most prevalent in the global aviation industry.
In no particular order, here’s our pick of the top aviation podcasts to check out in 2022.
1. The Airplane Geeks Podcast
Co-hosts Rob Mark and David Vanderhoof pilot this weekly podcast, in association with Max Flight. Their website features a list of all of the guests who have joined them on the podcast, and it’s a pretty impressive mix of aviation industry experts. Mark and Vanderhoof are also often joined by a panel of regular contributors, which broadens the scope of the conversation.
The aim of the podcast is to educate and inform listeners, while exploring and developing listeners’ passion for aviation and entertaining them a little along the way. You’ll find 41 episodes to choose from on Apple Podcasts, with topics ranging from aviation industry trends and aircraft-specific reports, to in-depth conversations centered around improving pilots’ mental health and helping young aviators to succeed in the industry.
2. AVIATE with Shaesta
In 2017, Shaesta Waiz became the youngest woman to fly solo around the world in a single engine aircraft (a Beechcraft Bonanza A36). Her historic journey was fuelled by her tenacity and determination to succeed, despite several odds being against her. Shaesta wanted to encourage other women to share their true emotions, challenges, stories and passions in aviation by creating a space for them to talk openly about their experiences, and so the podcast was born.
Each conversation Shaesta has with her guests is guided by the elements of AVIATE (Acknowledge, Vocalize, Inclusion, Act, Travel, and Evolve). Although it’s a relatively new podcast, the impact of the powerful conversations featured in it is undoubtedly inspiring the next generation of women in aviation, and empowering women to forge ahead with their goals and aspirations.
3. The Diggintravel Podcast
An audio haven for anyone interested in listening to some of the world’s most successful digital leaders in the aviation sector. Host and Diggintravel founder, Iztok Franko, discusses the latest marketing, travel and aviation industry news and innovations that directly impact the aviation industry, including how best to interpret analytics and utilize data.
If you’re interested in digging deeper into how data and analytics will impact the future of aviation, then this podcast is a must-listen. “Being more data-driven is always something that comes up when I talk to airline professionals.” – Iztok Franko.
4. AvTalk Aviation Podcast from Flightradar24
Is an aviation podcast list really complete without mentioning Flightradar24’s AvTalk Aviation Podcast? Surely not! Every Friday, co-hosts Ian Petchenik, Jason Rabinowitz and Gabriel Leigh discuss the latest news, trends, updates and hot topics across the world of aviation.
The podcast has clearly found its stride in the time it has taken to amass 145 episodes, and the efforts made to make content accessible to both avgeeks and intro-level enthusiasts alike has secured the podcast a loyal following.
5. The Air Up There
The Federal Aviation Administration (USA) invites those who are curious about the world of aviation to tune in to their podcast. Something that stands out about this podcast is its selection of rotating hosts and co-hosts, which adds a great sense of diversity in content and conversation.
Listeners are guided through a broad range of topics in each episode, including aviation industry trends, drones, and ways to make the National Airspace System safer, smarter, and more efficient.
6. Pilot to Pilot – Aviation Podcast
This podcast is a treasure trove of genuinely helpful information and tips for pilots. According to the podcast’s website, the ultimate goal for the Pilot to Pilot podcast is to be a place for aviators to come for inspiration and encouragement. It was set up by a pilot named Justin Siems, after his wife suggested he find a way to give back to the aviation community and encourage fellow pilots to achieve their dreams.
With a seriously impressive 207 episodes to choose from, listeners praise this podcast for introducing them to topics that mean the most to present and future aviators, and for the opportunity to hear from real pilots working in various sectors of the aviation industry. Perhaps best enjoyed with a freshly brewed Pilot’s Coffee!
7. AviaDev Insight Europe
Your host for this podcast is Juraj Toth, Managing Director at AviaDev Europe, which is a platform created to transform regional European air connectivity. The next AviaDev Europe event will take place from 30th Nov – 2nd Dec 2022 in Valencia, Spain, but in the meantime, listeners can check out any of the 121 podcast episodes to learn more about the topics that matter to the regional European aviation industry.
8. Australian Aviation Podcast Network
This Sydney-based podcast is the official podcast of Australian Aviation. Rotating hosts keep each episode fresh and interesting, with a broad range of topics specially selected to appeal to listeners across the entire Australian aviation sector.
9. “There I was…” An Aviation Podcast
Presented by the AOPA Air Safety Institute (USA), this storytelling podcast instantly draws the listener in with tales of near-misses, unpredictable scenarios, and the skills utilized to ensure the pilots got to fly another day. The website confirms the storytelling approach of the podcast, stating that it honors the tradition and heritage in aviation to leverage “hangar flying” as an avenue to pass along knowledge and experience.
There are 42 episodes to choose from, each with a story as captivating as the next. The AOPA website has a dedicated podcast section, where listeners can find several interesting podcasts to choose from.
10. Plane Talking UK Podcast
An aviation podcast created by an aviation enthusiast, for aviation enthusiasts. Topics are generally geared towards passengers and hobbyists rather than focusing on the technical side of flying, but this format has worked extremely well, earning the podcast solid ratings and a dedicated audience.
Hosts Carlos (the podcast’s creator), Matt, Nev and Armando regularly work with other popular aviation podcasts, which adds real value for listeners and has helped the podcast team to create a rich and diverse content library. With 404 episodes to browse through, you’ll never be short of one to choose; the Women in Aviation special 2021 episode is a particular highlight.
11. The Green Dot
The official podcast of the Experimental Aircraft Association (USA) provides listeners with bi-weekly episodes featuring news, aviation history and interviews with members. 116 episodes in, it has established itself as one of the go-to podcasts for those interested in the unique world of experimental aircraft.
Hosts Chris Henry, Hal Bryan and Tom Charpentier are regularly joined by guests who share their passion for aircraft that have been meticulously custom-built or painstakingly restored to their former glory. Other episodes include interviews with NASA astronauts, aerial firefighters and aerobatic pilots, as well as discussions about careers in aviation and the restoration of historic aircraft.
12. Squawk 7000 Podcast
Presented by FlyinginIreland.com, this podcast offers so much for aviation enthusiasts to enjoy. Not too far off the coveted 100th episode milestone, Squawk 700 is a ‘one stop shop’ for global, regional and local aviation news for commercial, private and hobbyist pilots in Ireland.
