The Air Up There

The average person probably has no idea what the FAA’s Technical Operations, or Tech Ops, employees do or what an adventure the profession can be. And by adventure, we mean wild beasts, volcanoes, and camping in the middle of nowhere!In the latest ‘The Air Up There’ podcast episode, “Adventures in Safety,” we talk about the extreme nature of Tech Ops and the great lengths our technicians go to maintain the airspace infrastructure so  pilots can fly safely and air traffic controllers can communicate with pilots. Warning – the content in this episode may cause wide eyes, a fast heartbeat, and shock. Listen in to hear stories from experienced technicians Jeremy Withrow and Charles Barclay, who have maintained flight navigation equipment in the unique – and extreme – environments of arctic Alaska, Hawaii and California desert. If you’re down for an adventure, you may develop a newfound interest in an exciting Tech Ops career. Nevertheless, you will walk away from this episode with a much higher appreciation for these unsung heroes! If you’re #TeamAdventure and #TeamSafety, visit faa.gov/jobs to learn about the career and check out our job openings to see where you could be an asset to our national airspace system. And if you liked this episode, please share.

Anyone who has ever had a goal is probably familiar with the phrase, "the sky's the limit." Ironically, that logic can be quite limiting because, for some, the sky is just the beginning. Take Sirisha Bandla, for example. Once upon a time, Sirisha was on a rooftop, gazing at the stars and wondering what it would be like to explore what's out there. Then, in 2021, she joined Virgin Galactic's Unity 22 suborbital flight and became the second India-born woman to fly to space!Curiosities can turn into out-of-this-world realities with the right knowledge, focus, and determination. In our newest podcast episode, "It's Just Rocket Science," we give you all the proof.In this episode, we speak with Sirisha Bandla and JaciLynn Poteet, an FAA commercial space safety inspector and rocket scientist. They tell us about their career trajectories, what it took for them to get there, and what's important to them in their field of work. They also give listeners advice for pursuing their dreams.After this episode, you'll be ready to, literally, reach for the stars. Learn more about Commercial Human Spaceflight at faa.gov/space, and if you like this episode, please share!

What comes to mind when you think about air traffic control towers? Probably not how they can create opportunities for small businesses that make a positive impact in their communities. This episode of The Air Up There podcast examines how investments from The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) keep flights moving safely, people employed, and small businesses thriving.In this episode, we chat with Jeff Babbitt, a disabled veteran and owner of TJ&B Air Conditioning and Electric. His company recently received a contract funded by the BIL to replace the heating and cooling (HVAC) equipment at FAA's air traffic control tower in San Antonio, Texas. So, what's the big deal about HVAC replacement? Because temperature matters, and when critical radar equipment gets too hot, it shuts down.So, the next time you think about air traffic control towers, remember that, in addition to supporting pilots, they also support the communities around them by creating opportunities for small businesses and the people they employ.

On this special Girls in Aviation Day episode, we meet two young aviators who share their love for the flying community and give advice about how others can get involved.Sahara is an instrument-rated pilot attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She's seen dramatic growth on campus since her first class a few years ago, when she was one of only two women in the lecture. And Mia is a high school glider pilot, who was raised in an aviation family.Both reflect on their journeys and the women who inspired, mentored and trained them. They're now able to pay it forward and create opportunities for other young women to follow their aviation dreams.Listen in and be inspired.

Imagine you're a passenger on a small plane and your pilot becomes unconscious. What would you do? That was the reality for Darren Harrison when the pilot on his plane went unconscious mid-flight on May 10. Darren had to quickly transition from a passenger to a pilot with absolutely no flying experience.Take a deep breath as we walk you through that exact experience we005ve dubbed "Miracle in the Air" in the latest episode of our podcast. It was a team effort to land the plane safely, and we caught up with some of the key players.Tune in to hear from Fort Pierce Tower air traffic controller Chip Flores and supervisor Justin Boyle, who took the initial emergency call from Harrison that day; as well as Palm Beach Air Traffic manager Ryan Warren, Palm Beach controller/Flight Instructor Robert Morgan, and Domestic Event Network manager Joe Heuser, each had a significant role throughout the ordeal.This episode highlights the very important role of an air traffic controller and related safety professionals. Without their experience and quick thinking, the miracle in the air could have ended differently.The FAA is seeking diverse applicants to take on the challenging and highly rewarding job of an air traffic controller. The nationwide entry level application window will be open June 24-27 for all eligible U.S. citizens. Share this podcast episode and career opportunity with those in your network.

Mental Health Awareness Month is almost over, but our care and concern for the emotional, psychological and social well-being of pilots continues. We receive so many comments on our social media platforms regarding pilots' concerns about mental health. We see you, and in the latest episode of our podcast, we clear the air about misconceptions around mental health and flying.The FAA continues to make improvements around policies, testing, treatments and approved medication for pilots. Tune in to hear from Dr. Susan Northrup, FAA's Federal Air Surgeon, and learn more about the transparent process pilots can expect during their individual health assessments. You'll also hear from Ellen Brinks, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Aeromedical Chair, who leads ALPA's Pilot Support Program.It is imperative for pilots to understand that it is okay to ask for help. Seeking help puts them on the right path to getting better so they can continue their passion for flying in the safest way possible.Share this important episode with pilots in your network. In the words of Jerry Crawford, To most people, the sky is the limit. To those in aviation, the sky is home. We want to make sure pilots get the help they need and deserve so that they can always feel at home.

The FAA is accountable for how aerospace impacts our planet. We join businesses, other governments, and citizens on a mission to "Invest In Our Planet," the theme for Earth Day 2022. We will continue to take bold actions, be innovative in our approaches, and implement solutions equitably.Just last year, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg released the U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan, which aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. aviation by 2050. Transportation produces the most emissions, and FAA is committed to doing its part to build a cleaner, quieter and more sustainable aviation system.In this special Earth Day episode of our podcast, we're talking to experts about sustainable fuels, new technologies, noise reduction and operational efficiency. You'll hear from Jim Hileman, the FAA's Chief Scientific and Technical Officer for the Environment; Greg McDougall, CEO, Harbour Air, Vancouver; and Dave Atwood, Structures and Propulsion Branch Manager, FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center.Operation Invest In Our Planet is underway. Tune in to learn how we're doing our part.

It's Women's History Month and we're celebrating women in aviation! Before we glide into this episode, can we take a moment to celebrate the amazing women on the FAA podcast team who did all the groundwork to make this episode take flight? *round of applause*Speaking of gliding and taking flight, the women featured in this episode know all about that and were excited to share their experiences with us. We talked with Lorry Faber, FAA lead test pilot; Marissa and Aerial (how fitting) Colclasure, a mother-daughter glider team; and Shannetta Griffin and Winsome Lenfert, an engineer and a pilot who lead the FAA's Office of Airports.We celebrate the Bessie Colemans and Amelia Earharts of the world who paved the way in aviation today. This episode features stories of people who paved the way for women, and for everyone, in aviation tomorrow.Listen in and be inspired. Happy Women's History Month!

We've got the inside scoop for one of Alaska's most iconic events — the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race! The Iditarod race is celebrating 50 years, and FAA's podcast team jumped on the opportunity to join the celebration. The FAA is well connected with Iditarod officials who are passionate about all things aviation, and FAA is full of dog lovers, thus making the 50th Iditarod race the perfect topic for an epic episode of The Air Up There podcast.Are you wondering what the connection is between aviation and Iditarod? Tune in to this episode to find out! We're going behind the scenes with Iditarod Air Force Chief Pilot Ed Kornfield; Musher Richie Diehl, a pilot who has multiple top 10 finishes in the Iditarod; and our very own Mike Holey and Sam McQuillin, members of an FAA Flight Service team who keep flights safe before, during, and after the last team has finished the race in Nome, Alaska.The Iditarod temperatures are cold, but the topics about all things Iditarod in this episode are hot! Want to learn more after listening to this episode? Check out our blog post "Iditarod from the Air … Up There."

Our holiday wish — give flight attendants chocolate, not problems. In this episode, we provide tips on how to get to your destination safely and on time for the holidays. Maximize your travel experience and enjoy the magic of flight. Get the inside story on why it's so important to follow cabin crew instructions, how to deal with disruptive passengers, and how to prepare for flying with children, and more. Also, learn about what FAA is doing to prepare for major traffic changes during the holiday season and beyond.You'll hear from: Sara Nelson, the International President of the Association of Flight Attendants, and LaKisha Price, the Air Traffic Manager at FAA's Command Center.Remember, flight attendants are trained professionals who are on board for your safety. Thank them for their service with good behavior, kind words, and chocolate (as you'll hear in this episode)!To learn more about safe holiday travel, listen to our previous podcast episode, Travel Safe this Holiday Season.