Welcome back to the Black Box Aviation Podcast, where we talk aviation, travel, and the things you NEED and WANT to know about flying.

It’s a quick-hit episode today—covering breaking aviation news, airline hiring shifts, and some classic stories from the road.

• A look at a Challenger 600 crash in Bangor, Maine

• UPS officially retires the MD-11 and what it means for cargo aviation

• Southwest Airlines ends open seating—a major culture shift

• A car crashes into Delta’s baggage claim at DTW and the serious security implications

• The Frank Abagnale “fake pilot” story and modern aviation security concerns

• Avelo Airlines restructuring, recent hiring, and why major carriers are watching

• How low-time 737 pilots can position themselves for legacy airline jobs

• Why proving you can pass a Part 121 training program is everything

• Brandon texts in saying he loves hearing about the path to becoming an airline pilot — we’ll keep sharing our stories and plan to bring on a guest currently in the process

• Alex emails asking about Spirit Airlines furloughs — updates include reduced captain downgrades and canceled furloughs for hundreds of pilots

• A simple grocery store moment that turned into a reminder of why small acts matter

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✈️ In this episode:👨‍✈️ Pilot Path Talk & Listener Shoutouts:🛒 Stories From the Road:📩 Hit the Plugs: