The Air Up There Podcast

Curious about aerospace? This podcast is for you! Tune in to hear inspiring stories from professionals in the field. Learn new concepts and more about the FAA's role in keeping our airspace safe. Find out about careers, programs, and organizations that can help you in your journey. We hope this podcast ignites your enthusiasm – because aerospace is for everyone!
More Ways to Listen
To receive updates about new episodes, subscribe to our newsletter.
Women in Aviation
Season 4,
Episode 2
Published:

It's Women's History Month and we're celebrating women in aviation! Before we glide into this episode, can we take a moment to celebrate the amazing women on the FAA podcast team who did all the groundwork to make this episode take flight? *round of applause*
Speaking of gliding and taking flight, the women featured in this episode know all about that and were excited to share their experiences...
- Transcript
- Download (MP3)
Iditarod from the Air
Season 4,
Episode 1
Published:

We've got the inside scoop for one of Alaska's most iconic events — the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race! The Iditarod race is celebrating 50 years, and FAA's podcast team jumped on the opportunity to join the celebration. The FAA is well connected with Iditarod officials who are passionate about all things aviation, and FAA is full of dog lovers, thus making the 50th Iditarod race the...
- Transcript
- Download (MP3)
Give Thanks This Holiday Season
Season 3,
Episode 8
Published:

Our holiday wish — give flight attendants chocolate, not problems. In this episode, we provide tips on how to get to your destination safely and on time for the holidays. Maximize your travel experience and enjoy the magic of flight. Get the inside story on why it's so important to follow cabin crew instructions, how to deal with disruptive passengers, and how to prepare for flying with children, and more. Also,...
- Transcript
- Download (MP3)
Travel Safe this Holiday Season
Season 3,
Episode 7
Published:

The holiday season is upon us! Are your travel plans underway? Make sure safety is at the top of your itinerary. In this episode, we explore safety precautions you should take when you fly, as well as the dos and don'ts for packing your bags. If you're thinking about chartering an airplane, we'll help you learn the rules, regulations, and requirements so you can easily identify a safe air charter service. You'll...
- Transcript
- Download (MP3)
Drones Revolutionize Wildland Firefighting
Season 3,
Episode 6
Published:

The use of drones for fighting wildfires is a "hot" topic, with more than 6 million acres of forest burned this year. When they are used by emergency responders they have proven to help suppress and contain massive blazes, and save lives on the ground and in the air.
Drones have revolutionized wildland firefighting, and can come equipped with infrared cameras and ignition payloads for wildfire control....
- Transcript
- Download (MP3)
How to Become an Aviation Safety Inspector
Season 3,
Episode 5
Published:

If you're interested in a career in aviation but not quite sure where you want to land, your future as an Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) might take flight after this episode!
Today, we're learning all about ASIs and their critical role in maintaining safe skies. ASIs administer, investigate and enforce safety regulations and...
- Transcript
- Download (MP3)
How to Become an Air Traffic Controller
Season 3,
Episode 1
Published:

Welcome to the first installment of our summer career series! We're answering your questions and doing a deep dive into careers in aerospace and the steps you can take to get started in the field. Today's episode is one of our most requested topics — how to become an air traffic controller as an entry-level applicant. FAA experts will walk you through everything from the application process to training...
- Transcript
- Download (MP3)
“We're putting it in the trees.”
Season 2,
Episode 14
Published:

On a flight back to his home airport in a Cherokee 140, pilot Truman O'Brien ran into engine trouble. FAA air traffic controllers at the Portland, Oregon TRACON were in close communication with the pilot, offering him multiple landing options and working hard to help guide him to safety. But, flying at 8,000 feet, the aircraft lost altitude quickly. Even with top-notch air traffic control...
- Transcript
- Download (MP3)
Building a Career with Drones
Season 2,
Episode 13
Published:

In Season 2, Episode 11, we spoke with FAA drone expert Danielle Corbett to gain a better understanding of how drone pilots can fly safely and in line with FAA rules. That episode is packed with lots of information that will help you to be a great drone pilot!
In today's episode, we'...
- Transcript
- Download (MP3)
Lose the Laser
Season 2,
Episode 12
Published:

Last year, there were nearly 7,000 reported laser strikes against pilots — and those are just the ones that were reported. In fact, laser strikes increased during 2020 despite a lower number of air traffic operations. Laser lights can pose a serious safety risk to pilots flying aircraft, and pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime.
Learn what a laser strike is, what impact they have on pilots,...
- Transcript
- Download (MP3)