The Flight Pod

Preserving the Sky: Allan Winn’s impact on history, heritage, preservation, and the future of aviation.

Host Michael Arron interviews Allan Winn, a New Zealand–born aviation and motoring journalist who became editor and later publisher of Flight International after starting in mechanical/aeronautical engineering and shifting into journalism. Winn recounts covering major events such as Pan Am 103, the Concorde crash, industry consolidation (including Boeing/McDonnell Douglas and the formation of EADS/Airbus), and the rise of low-cost carriers, while meeting leaders across airlines and manufacturers. He explains moving into museum leadership amid publishing’s digital transition, becoming CEO of Brooklands Museum in 2003 and leading projects including rescuing and restoring British Airways Concorde G-BBDG, pairing it with a working simulator, and creating an award-winning aircraft factory exhibition featuring the restored Vickers Wellington AR. He discusses flying on Concorde, views on future aviation (blended wing bodies, skepticism about air taxis), excitement about warbird restorations, and career advice: say yes to opportunities and realistically assess your capabilities. 00:00 Welcome to The Flight Pod 00:37 Childhood Airport Spotting 01:24 Engineer to Aviation Editor 02:50 Big Stories at Flight 04:58 From Print to Brooklands 07:04 Concorde Up Close 10:00 Brooklands Hidden Gems 12:03 Saving Concorde Delta Golf 14:45 Concorde Facts and Legacy 17:15 Supersonic Successors 21:23 Future Airliners and Air Taxis 24:40 Keeping Warbirds Flying 27:49 Do You Still Love Flying 29:08 Why No Pilot License 30:55 Dream Aircraft to Revive 33:31 Pinch Me Moments 36:26 Career Advice to Live By 37:50 Final Advice for Listeners Episode Host: Michael  Arron  Producer and Editor Stewart Anthony Original Music: Mood Mode The Flight Pod's Instagram www.instagram.com/theflightpoduk/ [https://www.instagram.com/theflightpoduk/] The Flight Pod Website www.theflightpod.com [http://www.theflightpod.com] https://www.brooklandsmuseum.com/ [https://www.brooklandsmuseum.com/]

Dan Ross - Airmiles, Travel and Ditching the 9-5 for a Boarding Pass

Episode Host: Michael  Arron  Producer and Editor Stewart Anthony Original Music: Mood Mode The Flight Pod's Instagram www.instagram.com/theflightpoduk/ [https://www.instagram.com/theflightpoduk/] The Flight Pod Website www.theflightpod.com [http://www.theflightpod.com] Dan Ross TikTok  cometravelwithdan [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.tiktok.com/%40cometravelwithdan&ved=2ahUKEwjM9-7w8tGSAxVpa0EAHSOyGckQFnoECCIQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2wsj0R8uCVOh_2YLfjM924] Dan Ross Instagram cometravelwithdan [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.instagram.com/cometravelwithdan/%3Fhl%3Den&ved=2ahUKEwjM9-7w8tGSAxVpa0EAHSOyGckQFnoECAwQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3q7d5mzr-ZEp5Kgwalzj0h] 00:00 Plane Spotting Origins 00:58 First Solo Flight 02:01 Pilot Dream Doubts 04:01 London Jobs Burnout 06:01 Masters Pivot Loughborough 06:50 Barcelona Summer Spanish 07:34 Choosing The Points Guy 10:25 BA Cadet Scheme Reality 12:49 Learning Points And Miles 14:08 Best Redemption Fluke 17:06 La Premiere Upgrade Chase 19:26 Rethinking Value Of Premium 22:22 Choosing Flights Wisely 24:11 Cheapest Isn’t Best 25:29 Budget Airline Fee Traps 26:57 Simplifying Baggage Rules 27:22 Underrated Loyalty Programs 29:44 Gen Z and Points Future 31:52 Airport Early Rituals 33:06 Lounge Access Hacks 36:07 Dream Redemption Goals 37:03 Human Moments Abroad 42:33 What Travel Gives You

Fred Finn - The Concorde King: The Supersonic Man Who Flew 718 Times On Concorde

Episode Host: Michael  Arron  Producer and Editor Stewart Anthony Original Music: Mood Mode The Flight Pod's Instagram www.instagram.com/theflightpoduk/ [https://www.instagram.com/theflightpoduk/] The Flight Pod Website www.theflightpod.com [http://www.theflightpod.com] Fred Finn Twitter/X www.x.com/flyfinn1 [https://x.com/flyfinn1] Fred Finn Instagram www.instagram.com/fred.finn [https://www.instagram.com/fred.finn] www.fredfinn.uk [http://www.fredfinn.uk] Sonic Boom - Autobiography of Fred Finn - The World's Most Travelled Man https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sonic-Boom-Autobiography-Worlds-Travelled/dp/1399990098 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sonic-Boom-Autobiography-Worlds-Travelled/dp/1399990098]

Rick Peacock-Edwards - Adventures of an RAF fighter pilot

interview with Rick Peacock-Edward’s, a former RAF pilot, detailing his journey influenced by his Battle of Britain pilot father. He explains how his father's experiences and a single conversation led him to join the Royal Air Force rather than the South African Air Force. Rick recounts his training, his first solo jet flight, and his favourite aircraft, particularly the Lightning and the Gnat. He shares anecdotes about intercepting Russian aircraft during the Cold War and highlights leadership challenges, including introducing the Tornado aircraft into RAF service and leading during the Gulf War. Rick emphasizes the importance of being oneself in leadership roles and expresses nostalgia for the hands-on flying experiences of his era. He also reflects on the evolution of military aviation, the potential future of unmanned aircraft, and advises young aspiring pilots to seize opportunities in the RAF. Lastly, Rick touches upon his rewarding post-RAF career and the different paths it has taken. The Flight Pod's Instagram www.instagram.com/theflightpoduk/ [https://www.instagram.com/theflightpoduk/] The Flight Pod Website www.theflightpod.com [http://www.theflightpod.com] Books by Rick Peacock-Edward’s available at amazon, and all good book stores. Rate of Climb: Thrilling Personal Reminiscences from a Fighter Pilot and Leader - https://amzn.eu/d/93gYSCf [https://amzn.eu/d/93gYSCf] Gnat Boys: True Tales from RAF, Indian and Finnish Fighter Pilots Who Flew the Single-Seat Training and Fighter Aircraft - https://amzn.eu/d/2k6x6NN [https://amzn.eu/d/2k6x6NN] Coming soon:  Teddy Peacock-Edwards: Battle of Britain Pilot and Second World War Ace https://amzn.eu/d/f1WSO1v [https://amzn.eu/d/f1WSO1v] 00:00 Introduction to the Fly Pod 00:21 Rick's Early Influences and Decision to Join the Air Force 01:58 Journey to Becoming a Fighter Pilot 06:01 First Solo Flight and Training Experiences 08:35 Favorite Aircraft and Memorable Missions 13:18 Intercepting Russian Aircraft During the Cold War 24:41 Leadership Challenges and Personal Insights 27:03 Navigating Social Dynamics in the Air Force 27:39 Challenges of Introducing the Tornado Fighter 29:39 Evolution of Military Aviation 33:18 The Rise of Drone Technology and AI 34:28 Reflections on a Rewarding Career 39:00 Mentors and Influences 41:45 Advice for Aspiring Fighter Pilots 47:13 Quick Fire Questions and Personal Insights 52:40 Concluding Thoughts and Podcast Outro

John Hutchinson, supersonic stories from a Concorde Captain.

In this episode of The Flight Pod, host Michael Arron interviews John Hutchinson, one of the few elite pilots who had the opportunity to fly the iconic Concorde. Hutchinson shares his incredible journey from his childhood fascination with aviation in India to his illustrious career as a Concorde captain. He discusses the rigorous training he underwent and recounts memorable flights, including a dramatic engine surge incident. Hutchinson also reflects on the supersonic jet's legacy, the evolution of aviation technology, and his hopes for the future of air travel. The episode concludes with insights into Hutchinson's personal life, including the crucial support from his wife and his encounters with famous passengers. The Flight Pod's Instagram www.instagram.com/theflightpoduk/ [https://www.instagram.com/theflightpoduk/] The Flight Pod Website www.theflightpod.com [http://www.theflightpod.com] The Wind Beneath My Wings - John Hutchinson Concorde Pilot by Susan Ottaway - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wind-Beneath-My-Wings/dp/1839014326# [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wind-Beneath-My-Wings/dp/1839014326#] Episode Host: Michael  Arron  Producer and Editor Stewart Anthony Original Music: Mood Mode 00:00 Introduction to John Hutchinson 00:29 Early Life and Inspiration 01:41 Career Beginnings and Choices 03:04 Becoming a Concorde Pilot 04:59 Challenges and Training 16:33 Memorable Experiences 23:20 Concorde's Legacy and Future of Aviation 37:00 Personal Reflections and Advice 44:52 Closing Remarks