Inclement weather conditions are, by far, the largest cause of flight delays in the United States. In an average year, inclement weather — including convection — is the reason for nearly 70 percent of all delays.

In this episode, we'll hear from two professionals on convective weather, flight delays, and the work that FAA does to get ahead of severe weather and minimize delays.

Read the show notes on our blog.

Simulators — they're sort of like video games for training, research and skill enhancement. Flight and other types of aviation simulators help pilots, air traffic controllers, drone operators and more to gain proficiency and get certified faster, all in a virtual environment.

In this episode, we'll hear from multiple aviation professionals about the work that they're doing to ensure aviation safety with the use of simulators and virtual reality.

Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, DOT, or FAA. As an agency of the U.S. government, FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.

Read the show notes on our blog.

In February, the Biden-Harris Administration appointed Bradley Mims to serve as FAA's new Deputy Administrator. In this special mini-episode, Administrator Steve Dickson sits down with his new colleague for a brief conversation about goals for the next few years, including furthering aviation safety, COVID-19 vaccine distribution, and ways our agency can address racial and climate justice.

Mr. Mims is no stranger to transportation — he's served in leadership roles at the Department of Transportation and at FAA, in addition to the private sector.

In this special episode, we're celebrating Women's History Month with a remarkable woman who made FAA history this year. In January, Dr. Susan Northrup became the first woman to serve as the FAA's Federal Air Surgeon. She is an accomplished medical professional, a retired Air Force colonel, and a private pilot.

In this episode, our reporter Liz Cory talks with Dr. Northrup about her career journey and her goals as Federal Air Surgeon.

Wildlife strikes are on the rise, with birds accounting for about 97 percent of reported strikes. Factors like an increase in passenger traffic, the introduction of much quieter engines on newer planes, and a large increase in wildlife populations have all led to a rise in the probability of wildlife strikes both at airports and in the air.

In this episode, we'll hear from three professionals about the work that they do to help prevent these strikes and keep birds and those aboard aircraft safe.

Read the show notes on our blog.

Space — it's big, it's dark, and there's so much that we don't know about it yet! In this episode, we'll hear from FAA experts what role the agency plays in commercial space transportation, from licensing to launch and reentry.

Read the show notes on our blog.

Drone package delivery isn't just something cool that could happen in the future — it's happening now! In this episode of The Air Up There, you'll learn how FAA works with businesses, local governments and researchers to ensure drone package delivery happens safely. You'll also hear from representatives at UPS and Wing about ways they've incorporated drone package delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the show notes on our blog.

The COVID-19 vaccine distribution effort is a massive logistical operation possibly unlike anything the nation has seen in modern history. It's all hands on deck, and FAA continues to play an essential role. In this bonus episode, you'll hear directly from the experts managing FAA's role in facilitating the vaccine transportation operation.

The agency's adaptive response includes helping airlines understand how to safely carry larger-than-typical amounts of dry ice — a hazardous material — when needed to ensure vaccine doses stay at appropriate temperatures, prioritizing flights carrying the vaccine, and working quickly to provide guidance to pilots, air traffic controllers, and others who hold FAA medical certificates or medical clearances.

Read the show notes on our blog.

What would the aviation industry be without trailblazers? Well, frankly, it would not be at all.

In our final podcast episode of the season, you'll hear from Administrator Steve Dickson about the path that led him to aviation. But this isn't your standard interview. The person asking the questions is Malik Sinegal, a young aviator whose story is rather remarkable, too.

Read the show notes on our blog.

Drones are the most rapidly evolving form of aircraft, and while recreational pilots fly them for fun or photography, drones can do a lot more. In this episode, we explore some of the many functional roles that drones play right now — from creating maps in the aftermath of a wildfire and measuring wind speed in the center of a hurricane, to monitoring crops. You'll hear from Commander Tom Madigan of the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, Lieutenant Junior Grade Nicole Chappelle from NOAA's Officer Corps, and James Grimsley, who managed the Choctaw Nation's participation in the FAA's UAS Integration Pilot Program.

Read the show notes on our blog.