Airchats with Airmacs Samuel Macadam

In Matt Potter's younger years, a chance encounter with author Mark Bowden helped to shape his future: "Journalism is the last great bastion and resort of the generalist". 

Propelled by a fascination to learn the inner workings of everything, Matt's curiosity led him into the centre of a story about international smuggling that would inspire his next book. The book, "Outlaws Inc: Flying with the World's Most Dangerous Smugglers", details the intriguing stories of Russian air crews navigating through complex situations to deliver unconventional cargo.

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Outlaws Inc. sheds light on the complexities of the aviation industry, highlighting the blurred lines between legitimate operations and illicit activities, especially in conflict zones.

While their actions may not always align with regulations and compliance standards, international smugglers play a significant role in providing services that others may not be willing to undertake, such as delivering aid to disaster zones at low costs.


Most people that aren't from an aviation background don't understand how much cargo a standard passenger plane holds. 

BEST MOMENTS

"When I see something that I think, oh, that's odd. No one's seen that, and that shouldn't be happening. I'm all over it."

"I think doubt is a fact of self-doubt is a fact of life for a lot of people. I think it's a big fact of life for me."

"I don't want to make these guys out to be heroes. They're economic players in a world that monetizes and rewards the getting round of rules. Make of that what you will."

"One of the reasons they all wanted to do aid flights for cheap, or for free sometimes, was that it would get them the paperwork to be allowed to fly into a war zone, where other planes couldn't. And that meant that there would be good cargo for buy and sell."

 

ABOUT THE GUEST

With an impressive repertoire spanning journalism, television, radio, and literature, Matt Potter has left a lasting mark on the world. As a seasoned journalist, Matt has reported from the far reaches of Eastern Europe, Afghanistan, and Southeast Asia for the prestigious BBC Radio. 

His literary prowess shines through in his published works, including five books that delve into subjects ranging from social history to cyber warfare. His acclaimed titles, such as "Outlaws Inc." and "We Are All Targets", showcase his ability to dissect complex topics with clarity and depth.

Beyond the written word, Potter's influence also extends to the screen. He has contributed to television shows across platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and the BBC, while also making waves in Hollywood with his screenplay adaptations and feature documentaries. 

https://www.mattpotter.com/ 

Outlaws Inc.: Flying With the World's Most Dangerous Smugglers  Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/eY4qKsJ 

https://www.instagram.com/mattpotteruk/?hl=en 

https://twitter.com/mattpotter?lang=en 

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Welcome to Airchats with Airmacs, a series that opens doors to reveal the captivating stories of aviation professionals. Join us, your hosts from Airmacs Aviation, the air transport specialists, as we embark on a journey through the skies and into the lives of the people who keep the aviation industry soaring.

We sit down with industry experts to explore their unique experiences, challenges, and insights. From navigating the complexities of air travel to the innovations shaping the future of flight.

Buckle up for a behind-the-scenes look at the human side of aviation & business. Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just curious about the world above the clouds, Airchats with Airmacs is your ticket to a diverse range of perspectives within the dynamic world of aviation. Welcome aboard!

SOCIAL LINKS

www.Airmacs.com

https://www.instagram.com/airchatswithairmacs

https://www.tiktok.com/@airchatswithairmacs

Concord, to some people out there, it's just a relic in a museum. But to others, it was a way of life. Who better to tell us about this majestic aircraft than the chief pilot of British Airways Concorde, Captain Mike Bannister. With over 9,600 Concorde flight hours and a distinguished career spanning decades, Captain Bannister brings unparalleled insight into the Concorde's legacy and its impact on aviation history. Join us as we delve into the skies with Captain Bannister and explore the remarkable story of Concorde.

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Mike wanted to be a pilot from a young age and set his sights on flying Concorde. He started flying Concorde in 1977 and became the Chief Concorde Pilot for British Airways. 
Only 20 Concordes were ever built - 7 for British Airways and the rest for Air France. It took experienced pilots about 6 months of training to qualify on Concorde due to its complexity. 
Concorde was capable of flying at twice the speed of sound and could cross the Atlantic in just over 3 hours. This led to many benefits for passengers like avoiding jet lag.
Concorde had very powerful engines to help it accelerate quickly and break the sound barrier. It also had a unique wing shape optimised for supersonic flight.
Concorde provided a luxurious flight experience with exemplary service from the cabin crew. Customers could even visit the flight deck inflight.
After retirement, most Concordes found homes in museums to continue inspiring future generations. The Concorde simulator at Brooklands offers the chance to experience flying this iconic aircraft.

BEST MOMENTS 

"And it was really fascinating. And of course, so the cabin crew were the best in British Airways. And so they were a great bunch of people."

“I can remember to this day, watching little aeroplanes fly over all the time, and I was on holiday with mom and dad.”

“I went straight from school to pilot training college, and then from Pilot Training College to British Airways”

 

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Mike Bannister, born in May 1949, is renowned as an airline pilot, notably serving as the Chief Pilot of British Airways' Concorde fleet from 1995 to 2003. Graduating from the Ashton School and the College of Air Training Hamble, he embarked on a distinguished career with BOAC in 1969, eventually becoming Concorde's youngest pilot in 1977. With over 9,600 Concorde flight hours, Bannister's legacy in aviation is unmatched. Post-retirement, he remains actively engaged in charitable endeavours and aviation consultancy, while also authoring the book "Concorde" in 2022, chronicling his remarkable flying experiences.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Welcome to Airchats with Airmacs, a series that opens doors to reveal the captivating stories of aviation professionals. Join us, your hosts from Airmacs Aviation, the air transport specialists, as we embark on a journey through the skies and into the lives of the people who keep the aviation industry soaring.

We sit down with industry experts to explore their unique experiences, challenges, and insights. From navigating the complexities of air travel to the innovations shaping the future of flight.

Buckle up for a behind-the-scenes look at the human side of aviation & business. Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just curious about the world above the clouds, Airchats with Airmacs is your ticket to a diverse range of perspectives within the dynamic world of aviation. Welcome aboard!

SOCIAL LINKS

www.Airmacs.com

https://www.instagram.com/airchatswithairmacs

https://www.tiktok.com/@airchatswithairmacs

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We have a small problem. All four engines have stopped. We are doing our damnedest to get them going again. I trust you are not in too much distress.” Those were the words of today’s guest, Captain Eric Moody all the way back on the 24th of June 1982 as he found himself at the helm of British Airways Flight 009, desperately trying to save the lives of the 248 passengers and 15 crew members on board. Find out all about this incredible story from the man himself as well as his life and lasting love of aviation. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Eric's fascination with aviation started in his childhood. As a teenager in the late 1950s, he learned to fly at the Hampshire Flying School and kept his pilot's licence active through self-funded flight hours
After undergoing surgery to fix a deviated septum that initially disqualified him from commercial piloting, Eric was hired by British Airways in the early 1960s. Over the next two decades, he progressed through roles on various aircraft like the de Havilland Comet and Boeing 707, eventually becoming a captain on the Boeing 747.
Eric Moody was the captain of British Airways Flight 9 that encountered a volcanic ash cloud from Mount Galunggung in Indonesia on June 24, 1982. All four of the Boeing 747's engines flamed out after flying through the ash cloud, leaving the plane and its 248 passengers stranded high above the Indian Ocean. 
The "Jakarta Incident," earned Eric prestigious honours including a Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air. However, he expressed disappointment that the aviation industry did not utilise his expertise on volcanic hazards to improve safety protocols. Eric believes pilots should be free thinkers and decision-makers, not just procedure followers.

BEST MOMENTS 

‘I told my mother at the age of three, I was going to be a pilot’

‘We set off half an hour late, and that half an hour was very significant’

‘I went up onto the flight deck, and there was the most beautiful display of St. Elmo's fire all over the windscreen’

‘We were proud possessors of the world's heaviest, largest glider’

 

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Captain Eric Moody is a distinguished British pilot, renowned for his exceptional skill and composure during the infamous British Airways Flight 9 incident in 1982. With a background in the Royal Air Force, Moody joined British Airways in 1965. On June 24, 1982, he captained Flight 9, navigating the Boeing 747 through volcanic ash, causing a complete engine failure. Despite the harrowing circumstances, Moody's expertise and calm demeanour led to a successful emergency landing in Jakarta. His remarkable airmanship and leadership have left an indelible mark on aviation history.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Welcome to Airchats with Airmacs, a series that opens doors to reveal the captivating stories of aviation professionals. Join us, your hosts from Airmacs Aviation, the air transport specialists, as we embark on a journey through the skies and into the lives of the people who keep the aviation industry soaring.

We sit down with industry experts to explore their unique experiences, challenges, and insights. From navigating the complexities of air travel to the innovations shaping the future of flight.

Buckle up for a behind-the-scenes look at the human side of aviation & business. Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just curious about the world above the clouds, Airchats with Airmacs is your ticket to a diverse range of perspectives within the dynamic world of aviation. Welcome aboard!

ABOUT THE HOST

Introducing Sam Macadam, your seasoned host on Airchats with Airmacs. With many years in the aviation industry, Sam is not just an enthusiast but a distinguished air charter specialist, making him a go-to authority in the field. His extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in air charter set him apart, having achieved several industry firsts through innovative thinking