Beyond the Big Jets: Jonathan Fickling on Life After Airlines & The Thrills of Stick and Rudder
Release Date: 04/24/2025
Investigating Durban Airshow Crash What REALLY Happened
Bryan Air
đď¸ EPISODE SNAPSHOT This week, the Bryan Air Podcast takes a hard look at the preliminary accident report into the tragic Extra 300 crash at the Durban Airshow â breaking down key findings, safety gaps, and lessons for the aviation community. We also dig into the bizarre case of a South African-registered Sling 4 shot down in South America, and debate the global push to raise the pilot retirement age. Plus, we round up major aviation headlines from engine failures to eVTOL progress, airline policies, and the worldâs longest direct flight. âąď¸ TIME-STAMPED...
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#245 Assassination Shock, Pilot Scandals & Boeingâs Latest Crisis
Bryan Air
đď¸ EPISODE SNAPSHOT This weekâs Bryan Air Podcast hits hard with breaking news and aviation industry shake-ups. From the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk to Alaska Airlinesâ off-duty pilot scandal, we unpack the headlines shaping aviation safety, regulation, and trust. Expect insights on Qantasâ cyber attack fallout, Lufthansaâs pension strikes, Boeingâs union battles, and FAA production limits. We also spotlight American Airlinesâ bizarre âemptyâ transatlantic flights, the retirement of Rolls Royceâs iconic 747 test bed, and Swissâ new fine-dining...
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Should Pilots Fly Past 65? IATAâs Retirement Age Push Explained
Bryan Air
đď¸ EPISODE SNAPSHOT IATAâs proposal to raise the pilot retirement age from 65 to 67 takes centre stage this week. We unpack the safety, staffing, and mentorship implications then cover key industry moves, a Colorado mid-air, Boeing/WestJet orders, 787 engine returns, Jobyâs stock surge, and what pilots really carry in their flight bags. We close with rugby and F1. âąď¸ TIME-STAMPED FLIGHT PLAN 00:00 - Welcome to the Bryan Air Podcast 01:13 - Community Spotlight: Fly Africa 03:40 - Debate: Raising pilot retirement age (65 â 67) 07:19 - Africaâs aviation outlook...
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Mango Airlines is Dead | Why Airline Startups Keep Failing
Bryan Air
đď¸ EPISODE SNAPSHOT This week on the Bryan Air Podcast, we put the Mango Airlines saga to rest and unpack what it really takes to start an airline in todayâs aviation environment. From bureaucracy to branding, we reveal why reviving a failed carrier is nearly impossible. We also break down aviation headlines including VistaJetâs Saudi breakthrough, Alaska Airlinesâ brand shake-up, and Qatarâs regional partnerships. Plus, Bryan introduces his brand-new project 'Kaizen and the Art of Command' in collaboration with Laurie Graham, designed to sharpen leadership and decision-making...
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Durbanâs Comeback, Airshow Tragedy & FAA Evacuation Reality Check
Bryan Air
đď¸ EPISODE SNAPSHOT From world-class beachfronts to a shocking aviation incident, this weekâs episode takes you from the sunny shores of Durban to the hard truths of aviation safety. We unpack the last-minute airshow that ended in tragedy, explore why evacuations remain one of the most poorly executed flight deck procedures, and question whether the FAAâs 90-second evacuation rule is grounded in reality. Plus: sports pride, airline bans, eVTOL funding moves, and why South Africa must value its current aviators as much as the next generation. âąď¸ TIME-STAMPED FLIGHT PLAN ...
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Inside the Flight Deck: Command, Leadership & What No One Teaches You with Laurie Graham
Bryan Air
đď¸ EPISODE SNAPSHOT In this exclusive Bryan Air Podcast episode, Bryan sits down with aviation legend Laurie Graham, former SAA Senior Check Captain, Airbus and Boeing commander, and leadership strategist to unpack the missing piece in pilot training: leadership. We trace Laurieâs journey from his days in Zimbabwe to directing professional standards at a major airline, and reveal how a lack of leadership training is creating unnecessary risk in the industry. From reputation to self-evaluation and team dynamics, this episode is a masterclass in what it really takes to lead in and...
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Middle East Gold Rush: Why Pilots Are Flocking to the Desert Skies
Bryan Air
đď¸ EPISODE SNAPSHOT This week on the Bryan Air Podcast, we zoom in on the aviation world's new epicenter: the Middle East. From Boeingâs latest forecast predicting a massive global pilot shortage to Saudi Arabiaâs mega airline ambitions, we unpack why pilots with foresight are eyeing the region for their next career move. We also dive into the FlySafair pilot strike, what makes a roster system fair, and how smaller operators may be the unexpected winners. Plus, we discuss the AI trap on LinkedIn, YouTube content trends, and Ryanâs new family venture thatâs a must-see for any...
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South African Aviation: Pilot Strikes, Pay Wars & a Failing Flag Carrier â What Comes Next?
Bryan Air
đď¸ EPISODE SNAPSHOT This week on the Bryan Air Podcast, we dive into a turning point for one of South Africaâs leading low-cost carriers. Pilots have rejected a proposed salary increase, triggering strike action and exposing cracks in airline rostering, management, and morale. We also unpack SAAâs shocking financial figures and what they reveal about deeper instability in the national aviation framework. From pilot burnout to brain drain, this episode covers it all. âąď¸ TIME-STAMPED FLIGHT PLAN * 00:00 - Welcome to the Bryan Air Podcast * 03:01 - The 5.7% salary offer...
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Aviation Crisis Explained: Aircraft Grounded, Single Pilot Ops Cancelled & The Captain Exodus Begins
Bryan Air
âď¸ BRYAN AIR PODCAST | EPISODE SHOW NOTES đď¸ EPISODE SNAPSHOT Over 1,300 aircraft grounded. A national aviation emergency. Automation plans canceled. And captains walking away from promotions. In this episode, Bryan and Ryan unpack the high-stakes decisions shaking the aviation world, from regulatory chaos and pilot shortages to the collapse of single pilot ops and why experienced aviators are stepping back, not up. If you're building a future in aviation, this is your wake-up call. âąď¸ TIME-STAMPED FLIGHT PLAN 00:00 Welcome to the Bryan Air Podcast 00:14 The...
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South African Aviation in Crisis? Inside the 12-Year Engine Rule Fight
Bryan Air
đď¸ EPISODE SNAPSHOT Is South Africaâs general aviation industry under threat? In this critical episode, Bryan and Ryan sit down with Kevin Storie, CEO of CAASA and head of the AIC 18.19 Task Team, and Goitse Diale, Chairman of the Aeroclub of South Africa, to unpack the regulatory chaos surrounding the revoked AIC 18.19. They dive deep into the controversial 12-year engine rule, the new SA-CAR and SA-CAT 43.2.05 proposals, and what it means for the future of South African aviation. The conversation is a rallying cry for collaboration and clarity. If youâre...
info_outlineIn This Episode:
Meet Jonathan Fickling, an inspiring ex-SAA/SA Express pilot, on the Bryan Air Podcast. Jono recounts his journey from airline command to facing career crossroads post-SAA. Hear why he prioritized family over traditional airline paths, leading him to the unique world of agricultural aviation (crop spraying) and challenging ferry flights. Jono shares the deep satisfaction found in "stick and rudder" flying, his positive outlook on South Africa, and insights into forging your own path in aviation beyond the major airlines. A truly motivating conversation with a true aviator.
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