Media representation at AirVenture is no longer exclusive to print and image publications. A community of Podcasters show up to tell their stories. These folks find some of the most interesting things and tell them in ways that remind us of a day when radio was a main source of information and entertainment.
Here are just three, but we have more on the way.
Hooking up with Opposing Bases
In a previous post about unconventional podcasts, we suggested that you check out Opposing Bases. AirVenture gave us the opportunity to meet up with Romeo Hotel, one of the two hosts. He, his co-host, and their crew were busy bringing you coverage of the show and their daily experiences. Most interesting was their reporting on arrivals and departures into and out of Whitman field … a task requiring a lot of planning, thought, and the NOTAM. They visited the controller’s station at Fisk by car, the entry point to landing at Whitman Field during AirVenture. But even better, they also reported on the experience from the cockpit. So ride along on their travels (both airborne and on the ground), and be sure to check out their website for videos. The three episodes combined really give you an idea of what’s going on between controllers and pilots in this dance to get thousands of airplanes safely on the ground and back in the air at the end of the show.
The Green Dot taped live with Burt Rutan
Photo courtesy of EAA
The hosts of The Green Dot, EAA’s bi-monthly podcast, held court with Burt Rutan, designer of the world’s most interesting and cutting-edge aircraft. You know, some of those ones with the wings in the front and crazy good performance. This was The Green Dot’s yearly live taping during AirVenture. When I cruised by the venue, the crowd was hanging on Burt’s every word. Be sure to check out this episode, and their other fascinating shows. Also, Rutan is no stranger to AirVenture … you know he’s there when you discover what we believe is the only flying Beech Starship parked on the ramp.
Second chances with Eric and Lyn Lindbergh
I stopped by the Urban Air Mobility Showcase and learned a few things about short-distance, electric aircraft. Of particular interest was the VerdeGo Aero booth. They are focused on developing hybrid-electric propulsion systems for electric vertical takeoff landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This is a fascinating piece of aviation that will likely transform air travel in the not-so-distant future. Another thing makes this remarkable. You know that Charles Lindbergh jump-started long-distance air transportation with his 1927 flight across the Atlantic. Now, his grandson Erik Lindbergh is attempting to jump start short-distance air transportation. He is the president of VerdeGo Aero, and what they are doing is a whole story in itself.
But we thought, rather than us tell you about it, why not learn about it straight from the source. Eric and his wife Lyn host a podcast called The Lindberghs. Their focus is Second Chances. And though their episodes, you’ll hear people tell some remarkable stories about wonderful things that came from having a second chance. That in itself is pretty cool. Every episode has left me wanting more. But you’ll also learn a lot about what’s coming in short-distance electric-powered air travel. For example, what industry is driving battery technology the fastest? Nope, not aerospace, and no is it the electric car industry. The answer will shock you.
Check out these episodes. And if you want to get straight to the eVTOL stuff … and to learn the answer to the previous question. (Hint: skip to 43 minutes into episode 10. But you’d really enjoy the entire show, so we recommend just starting at the beginning.)
Episode 7: Flying Cars with Eric Bartsch
Episode 10: Creating the future of flight with Dr. Pat Anderson
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