The Air Up There Podcast

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A podcast for people who are curious about the wide world of aviation. Join the FAA as we nerd out about the future of flight, drones, and ways to make the National Airspace System safer, smarter, and more efficient.

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Zen Traveler: Tips for Mastering Air Travel Stress

Season 5, Episode 7
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Zen Traveler: Tips for Mastering Air Travel Stress

Flying can be an exciting adventure, but for many, it comes with an unwelcome companion – stress. Whether it's a fear of flying or the anxiety of navigating busy airports, managing stress is a very real part of air travel.

In our latest podcast episode, "Zen Traveler: Tips for Mastering Air Travel Stress," we spoke with Tampa International Airport’s CJ Johnson, who shares helpful tips for navigating...

Zen Traveler: Tips for Mastering Air Travel Stress
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Fly Safe With Lithium Batteries

Season 5, Episode 6
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The Air Up There Podcast: Fly Safe With Lithium Batteries

Watts all this talk about lithium batteries and why are they such a hot topic when it comes to flying? You might be shocked to learn that everyday items you pack in your travel bags contain lithium batteries that can cause cabin fires. Your cell phone, laptop, tablet, and smart watch all have lithium batteries and can be potential fire hazards. On the positive side, you have the ...

Fly Safe With Lithium Batteries
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It’s Sunny. Why is My Flight Delayed?

Season 5, Episode 5
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Aircraft waiting on runway

Your alarm clock just went off and you’re rushing out the door to catch your flight. You check the weather and the flying conditions are perfect where you are – it’s about to be a great day. Yet, you check your airline reservation and… your flight is delayed? Why?

Tune into our latest podcast episode, “It’s Sunny. Why is My Flight Delayed?” to discover why your flight might be delayed at your departure...

It’s Sunny. Why is My Flight Delayed?
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International Air Travel Tips: Spread Your Wings

Season 5, Episode 4
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The Air Up There: International Air Travel Tips: Spread Your Wings

Hello. Bonjour. Hola. Ciao. Nǐ hǎo. Now that you’ve learned how to say hello in multiple languages, you’re ready for international travel!

Wait – maybe not just yet. Do you have a passport? How long does it take to get a passport? What are the security and entry requirements for international travel? Do you know about the programs that can make your journey through the airport and into other countries...

International Air Travel Tips: Spread Your Wings
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Flying With Kids: Tips From A Flight Attendant

Season 5, Episode 3
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The Air Up There-Flying with Kids: Tips from a Flight Attendant

Riddle us this! You’re a family of 4 (including a child under 2) planning to travel by plane. How many tickets should you purchase to ensure everyone’s safety? We won’t make you think too hard, the answer is 4. Your lap, though cost-saving, is not the ideal or safest place for your child on an airplane. 

From hangry children to unexpected clear air turbulence, a number of things can impact the mood and...

Flying With Kids: Tips From A Flight Attendant
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Flying With Kids: Tips From TSA

Season 5, Episode 2
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Flying with Kids: Tips from TSA

Making plans to fly with your kids? Do you know what to pack, how to pack it, and how to get through the security line seamlessly? Check in first with the Transportation Security Administration and Federal Aviation Administration by listening to our latest ‘The Air Up There’ podcast episode.

TSA – The Suitcase Advisors? Actually, we have a lot in common with TSA’s Emily Bonilla-Pieton and Lisa Farbstein:...

Flying With Kids: Tips From TSA
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Flying With Kids: Tips From An Expert

Season 5, Episode 1
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Toddler walking through an airport pulling a suitcase

Air travel can be challenging, especially when you add your kids in the mix. You can do this!

How do you get them through security, navigate the airport and then quickly carry them, your bags AND their car seat down the plane aisle to get to your seats? Do you know the safest way for a child under 2 to fly? How do you prepare your little ones to know what to expect so you can, hopefully, prevent a...

Flying With Kids: Tips From An Expert
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Adventures in Safety

Season 4, Episode 9
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Adventures in Safety image

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...

Adventures in Safety
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It's Just Rocket Science

Season 4, Episode 8
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rocket image

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...

It's Just Rocket Science
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Building Better Futures

Season 4, Episode 7
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Building Better Futures image

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...

Building Better Futures
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