Topic: Aircraft Engines

2 chapters across the catalog

Attunement
Episode 1815

1815: Attunement

DHS Purchase of Engineless Spirit Airlines Planes

DHS reportedly authorized the purchase of ten Spirit Airlines planes that lacked engines and were not actually owned by the airline at the time of the transaction. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is mentioned in relation to the controversy, which surfaced via a report in The Guardian. While purchasing airframes and engines separately is a standard aviation practice, the ownership status of the specific Spirit Airlines fleet remains a point of contention.

Cyclogenesis
Episode 1122 19:38 - 22:46

1122: Cyclogenesis

Software Arrogance and Artificial Intelligence Risks in Aviation

A discussion on the dangers of "software arrogance" suggests that the Boeing 737 MAX issues stem from a belief that complex flight characteristics can be corrected solely through code. The trend toward autonomous aircraft and fly-by-wire systems is criticized for removing pilot agency. Comparisons are drawn to previous Airbus accidents and the Uber/Waymo self-driving car fatality in Arizona.