Tom is checking in live from Guangzhou, China as he kicks off his B777 Initial Operating Experience (IOE) trip! ✈️🌏

In this episode, Tom and Mike dive into the growing industry-wide concern over lithium-ion battery fires onboard aircraft—highlighting recent WSJ reports, real-world cargo flight safety protocols (including EVAS and automated fire suppression systems), and what pilots do when thermal runaway occurs.

Plus, the guys break down:

• The summer weather chaos causing massive Northeast ground stops, air traffic control (ATC) staffing limits, and pilot duty-time logjams.

• Funny moments on the road: Navigating 5-bag limits, calling the Director of Operations to rescue golf clubs, and Uber drivers losing Taco Bell to thieves in Alaska.

• Airline tail strikes on go-arounds and the unique challenges of flying longer airframes like the B777-300 and A321.

• Listener voicemails, Midway crash memories, and growing up as an aviation enthusiast.

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