Small Basket, Big Nozzle - Al Spence on the A400 Atlas | MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession Podcast

Introducing MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession: Fasten your seatbelt and prepare for take-off as self-confessed aviation nerds Gini and Alex get completely obsessed with their favourite military aircraft. From Tristars to Tornadoes, VC10s to Buccaneers, they share their passion for planes and geek out on the week’s aviation news. We hope you enjoy this in-flight entertainment! Subscribe now and never miss an episode of this original podcast series from BFBS. by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

1 min listen

Lockheed Tristar: The Big White Party Bus: Gini’s been seeing planes in her sleep and Alex has been showing off to his mates about his transponder knowledge. Dick Lawtey from Airtanker pops by to properly fanboy the Lockheed L1011 Tristar from his 216 Sqn days at RAF Brize Norton and takes us down “Penny Lane” on the big white party bus. Some MavGeeks believe this was the inspiration for the Vengaboys biggest hit. Will they Kemble it or keep it? As its Gini’s favourite widebody- Alex needs to think very carefully and be very afraid… This is an original podcast series from BFBS. Written, presented and produced by Gini Carlin and Alex Gill by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

39 min listen

Back to the Future: Gini and Alex hit an all-time MavGeek level 10 this week at the DSEI exhibition. Gini's still trying to work out how you can fly things that haven’t been invented yet and Alex is disappointed there was no flux capacitor. They chat with Wing Commander Col Welsh from Project Tempest and Group Captain Shaun Gee all about Protector. Join them as they get their tiny minds well and truly blown... Get in touch. Email us via mavgeeks@bfbs.com This is an original podcast series from BFBS. Written, presented and produced by Gini Carlin and Alex Gill by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

41 min listen

I Ain't Afraid of No Ghosts: Our Mavgeeks get all Scooby Doo on this Halloween Special episode. Gini is trying not to go full Derek Acorah and Alex is geeking out about the King of Bahrain's 747... does it have a gold toilet? Hear a different kind of MavGeeks this week as our intrepid twosome share spooky stories of ghostly flight deck crew, weird goings on at the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum and someone at RAF Cottesmore pranking someone about a ghost... only to get trolled by said ghost... confused? You will be... Happy Halloween by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

32 min listen

Blackburn Buccaneer: The Aircraft you Drew as a Kid: This episode we go far back in time to a cold war era aircraft that looks crazy but flew amazingly. We hear about the aircraft that could fly low, fold its wings, land on ships, and carried the ultimate weapon. Group Captain (Retired) Chaz Kennett shares his stories of riding backseat of the mighty Blackburn Buccaneer. Gini and Alex also share their love of air shows, and stories from some of their favourites, including Duxford and The Royal International Air Tattoo. This is an original podcast series from BFBS. Written, presented and produced by Gini Carlin and Alex Gill Email us mavgeeks@bfbs.com by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

38 min listen

The Panavia Tornado: Tonka Tales with Vasco: After having a sit down, big mug of tea and at least six hours on an aircraft tracking app to calm down, our MavGeeks wave goodbye to DSEI and get back to the past. This episode they're over the top excited about the Tornado and speak to their old chum Wing Commander Greg "Vasco" Smith, who spent many an hour in the back seat. They're also geeking out about the runway at RAF Gibraltar and generally showing why they shouldn't be allowed out in polite company… apart from with other Mav and Av geeks. This is an original podcast series from BFBS. Written, presented and produced by Gini Carlin and Alex Gill Email us mavgeeks@bfbs.com by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

35 min listen

What's in Store in MAVGEEKS Series 3!: Here at MavGeeks towers, we’re preparing for take off on Series 3 of our weekly aviation geek-out. But, this Friday, we're bringing you tales of haunted hangars and freaky flights - that’s right, we launch Series 3 with MavGeeks’ Halloween Special! From then on, we stick to the fly pro as usual, as we chat with the pilots, air crew and ground crew who flew, fixed, loved and sometimes even loathed our favourite flying machines. by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

1 min listen

The Hawker Siddeley Nimrod - Looked like a comet, would make you vomit: This week our Mavgeeks are taking it right back to the old school, speaking to Flight Lieutenant Andy Bell of 70 Sqn at RAF Brize Norton about his time on arguably the RAF’s most well-known Maritime patrol aircraft, The Hawker Siddeley Nimrod. The Mavgeeks hear how it was developed from the world’s first commercial jet airliner, the need for a cast iron stomach when the Nimrod was low level cresting the waves, and just casually popping a window open to take a selfie mid-flight- no filter needed by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

25 min listen

Lockheed Martin C130 Hercules: A truly heavenly Body: Our MavGeeks have a truly spiritual experience this week as they speak to Our Sacred Lady of the Fat Albert, Reverend (Sqn Ldr) Alice McDermott – Pilot turned Padre -about her time flying the venerable C130 Hercules. Alex brings up a less than sanctified topic about praying to the Lockheed Martin gods down the big white telephone after a few bumpy trips down route, Gini comes to the confessional to admit she has also come close to offering up those prayers after a few spins around the Rock of Gibraltar in the back of the venerated Lockheed Lady; three Hail Hercules and a stiff cup of tea and peace is restored. Join our Mavs and the divine Rev Alice, as they chat through making bacon and eggs mid-flight, the J or the K, delivering tubes of pringles to warzones and meeting “Ally McMeal”. For what you are about to receive, may the Loadies/Lockheed Martin make us truly thankful… This is an original podcast series from BFBS. Written, by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

43 min listen

Around the World in 80 planes with Noel Phillips: Our MavGeeks are out of aviation hibernation and ready to be “navgeeked” as aviation and travel vlogger Noel Phillips joins Gini and Alex to kick off series two. Noel spills the beans about landing on the side of a mountain, travelling in a 40 year old Russian airliner around the Soviet block and recreating the Dambusters iconic practice flight over a Derbyshire dam. SPOILER ALERT: There’s even talk of train spotting, or as we like to call it.. travgeeks.  by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

36 min listen

Did someone order the Warbird Special?: It's the final MavGeeks for this season and there's a definite "End of summer camp" vibe going on. Alex is taking selfies, crying into a hankie and promising to keep in touch with everyone, while Gini is handing out homemade wristbands to make sure we are all MavGeeks friends forever. Gini and Alex take a look back at some special aircraft from this summer’s Duxford Airshow, including the Catalina Flying Boat (Say whaaat!) the B-17 Flying Fortress (swoon) with a nod to the fantastic Tiger Moth (taking it back to the old school). Gini speaks with owners and pilots of these fabulous aircraft, and manages not to annoy them too much or get herself arrested… try harder next time Mavgirl! It may be this season’s final episode, but our Mavs are back with a Halloween Special and more obsessing over Military aircraft up to Christmas. Please don't judge them, they didn't choose the Mavlife, the Mavlife chose them. This is an original podcast series from B by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

37 min listen

Insane in the Red Plane - MavGeeks Halloween Special: Our MavGeeks liftoff Series 3 with something a little out there… that’s right, it’s time for 2022’s MavGeeks Halloween Special! In what’s now an annual tradition, Gini Carlin and her new co-pilot Jamie Gordon welcome brilliant guests for the lowdown on some terrifying tales that defy aviation explanation.Get in touch. Email us via <a href="mailto:mavgeeks@bfbs.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: inherit;">mavgeeks@bfbs.com</a>This is an original podcast series from BFBS. Written, presented and produced by Gini Carlin and Jamie Gordon. by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

24 min listen

Tracking Santa with the Mavgeeks: Our Mavgeeks bring you a very special festive episode, as they track the World’s greatest aviator with NORAD and RAF Fylingdales. Join Gini and Alex as they find out about the F-18 escort that Santa gets over North America, How the heat signature of a ballistic missile is the same heat signature that’s in Rudolph’s nose and just how the big man uses OSA (Official Santa Act) technology to get across the globe. So grab a mince pie, a glass of cheer and wrap yourself up in gawdy 1980s foil decorations as the Mavgeeks Track Santa.Get in touch. Email us via <a href="mailto:mavgeeks@bfbs.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mavgeeks@bfbs.com</a>This is an original podcast series from BFBS. Written, presented and produced by Gini Carlin and Alex Gill by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

30 min listen

"Heart in Mouth Moments? Where do I Start?" - Andrew Neofytou Talks All Things Sea Harrier: This week's MiniMav sees our Gini with her old Mav man Alex Gill talking to Former Royal Navy pilot Andrew Neofytou. Andrew now flies the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and has his own business (flightdeckwingman.com), but there was a time when Andrew flew the mighty Sea Harrier, a plane which, to be honest, could be as stroppy as a teenager with no WiFi. Join our Mavs as they listen like two dweeby kids at summer camp to stories of smashed canopies at 30,000 feet, engine malfunctions, and of course, being flung off the side of an aircraft carrier. You won't want to miss this...Get in touch. Email us via <a href="mailto:mavgeeks@bfbs.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mavgeeks@bfbs.com</a>This is an original podcast series from BFBS. Written, presented and produced by Gini Carlin and Jamie Gordon.< by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

23 min listen

Small Basket, Big Nozzle - Al Spence on the A400 Atlas: Gini's flying solo this week as she brings you a brand new “MiniMav" episode! Speaking to Sqn Ldr Al Spence from 30 Squadron, Gini learns all about the A400 Atlas, how it flies, and how it compares to Al's previous career with fast jets. Then, on the first midair refuelling of an A400, by the RAF, what it's like to when a big old Voyager gets up close and personal and the sky seems a whole lot smaller...Get in touch. Email us via <a href="mailto:mavgeeks@bfbs.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(158, 75, 47);">mavgeeks@bfbs.com</a>This is an original podcast series from BFBS. Written, presented and produced by Gini Carlin and Jamie Gordon. by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

12 min listen

Trailer: MAVGEEKS Returns for Series 3!: Attracting weird looks because you're totally nerdy about planes? Come and join your tribe! MavGeeks: A Military Aircraft Obsession is back for a third series. Join Gini Carlin and new boy Jamie Gordon as they get ready to geek out over some iconic military aircraft with some of the people who fly them. Hit follow to join them in the jump seat! by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

1 min listen

Taking it to the (Boeing 737) Max - with Katy Lee MBE: This week's MiniMavs sees Gini and her old mav man Alex Gill stick their toes into the civil aviation world to become CavGeeks! They speak to RAFAC Officer and Airline First Officer Katy Lee MBE all about her work as a human factors specialist, flying instructor, charity trustee and of course, flying the Boeing 737 Max for a living.Get in touch. Email us via <a href="mailto:mavgeeks@bfbs.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: inherit;">mavgeeks@bfbs.com</a>This is an original podcast series from BFBS. Written, presented and produced by Gini Carlin and Jamie Gordon. by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

14 min listen

Space Stalking with RAF Fylingdales: Join us on a road trip to maybe the coolest RAF station ever, RAF Fylingdales. It's 30 years since those iconic golf balls gave way to the pyramid that sees into space, but the mission remains the same: Vigilamus (Latin for “We Are Watching”). These people are dedicated to keeping the UK safe from ballistic missiles and space junk. Space analyst Lacey Harrison and Flight Lieutenant Richie Weeks talk us through what it truly means to have your eyes on the skies 24/7, and how RAF Fylingdales plays its part in protecting those who live and work up there from some seriously heavy-duty space clutter.Get in touch. Email us via <a href="mailto:mavgeeks@bfbs.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: inherit;">mavgeeks</a><a href="mailto:mavgeeks@bfbs.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">@bfbs.com</a><span style="color by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

30 min listen

’Tis the Season to Track Santa - with NORAD: Yes! It's the time of the year when our MavGeeks set their eyes on the skies to follow the Big Man himself. Gini and Jamie learn all about what it takes to track the world's most famous aviator and his reindeer as they navigate the globe.Get in touch. Email us via <a href="mailto:mavgeeks@bfbs.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: inherit;">mavgeeks@bfbs.com</a>This is an original podcast series from BFBS. Written, presented and produced by Gini Carlin and Jamie Gordon. by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

15 min listen

I Feel the Need… the Need for Speed - Jo Salter MBE was Britain's First Female Fast Jet Pilot: This week, Gini and Jamie chat with Tom Cruise's bff. No, it's not Maverick, but Jo Salter MBE! Not only is she rubbing shoulders with Hollywood's elite but she's also Britain's first female fast jet pilot, a motivational speaker and Director of Global Transformative Leadership at a massive UK corporation. Join our MavGeeks as they fangirl/fanboy a true British aviation icon.Get in touch. Email us via <a href="mailto:mavgeeks@bfbs.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: inherit;">mavgeeks@bfbs.com</a>This is an original podcast series from BFBS. Written, presented and produced by Gini Carlin and Jamie Gordon. by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

28 min listen

"The Sexiest Plane in the Sky" - Flying the Lightning and the Phantom with Ian Black: You may be cool, but are you "a teenager going for a ride in a Harrier flown by your Dad cool?” Nah, thought not. Our guest this week IS that cool! Ian Black is a former Pilot and Navigator on the Phantom and Lightning, and is now an author and photographer. In fact, Ian liked the Lightning so much, he actually bought one. After hearing this, we MavGeeks needed a lie down in a darkened room...Get in touch. Email us via <a href="mailto:mavgeeks@bfbs.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: inherit;">mavgeeks@bfbs.com</a>This is an original podcast series from BFBS. Written, presented an by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

34 min listen

Duxford for Dummies: Gini takes us back to this year's Duxford Air Show, where she saw the Vampire, the Bristol Blenheim and the fully electric Pipistrel Velis. Listen in as she chats to Master Sergeant Jeremy Hall of the 351st Air Refuelling Squadron, pilot Sam Whatmough, Bristol Blenheim restorer John "Smudge" Smith and Wing Commander Martin "Tin Tin" Tesli of the Norwegian Air Force. Meanwhile, Jamie reminisces about a flight he once took with a popstar!  by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

28 min listen

Trailer: MavGeeks - Series 4!: Got an obsession with aircraft that’s impossible to contain? So maniacal about military aviation your friends are concerned for your wellbeing? Stop searching, you’re home! MavGeeks: A Military Aircraft Obsession is back and bigger then ever for series 4! Join Gini Carlin and Jamie Gordon as they get familiar with the most iconic planes in the sky and meet the superheroes who fly them. Listen to MavGeeks on bfbs.com/podcasts, and subscribe on your favourite podcast platform.We want to hear your aviation tale! Reach out at <a href="mailto:mavgeeks@bfbs.com?subject=MavGeeks" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mavgeeks@bfbs.com</a>.  by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

2 min listen

More Takeoffs Than Landings With Chris Burwell: This week, Gini joins Jamie from her new Canadian digs for an otherwise classic slice of MavGeeks. Earlier this year, the pair managed to pin down ex-Harrier pilot turned author Chris Burwell for a three-person natter about fast jet flight, Chris' excellent book "Nine Lives: The Compelling Memoir of a Cold War Harrier Pilot", and that fabled awkward moment in which one's required to exit an aircraft a little early... by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

34 min listen

From Fast Jets to British Airways with Al Bridger: MavGeeks is back! This time we talk the F-4 Phantom, BAE Hawk and Boeing 747 with British Airways' Director of Flight Operations Allister Bridger. With a career spanning both military and civil aviation, Al’s one of the most experienced and enthusiastic guests we’ve ever had. Equally generous with his wisdom and time, he even took Gini for a flying lesson in the British Airways’ Boeing 777 simulator (strap in for a bumpy landing!). Al shares some brilliant insights into flying RAF fast jets and explains why civil aviation still leaves him feeling like a giddy little kid.  We want to hear your aviation tale! Get in touch via mavgeeks@bfbs.com.  by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

43 min listen

MavPeakes with Tim Peake!: We’re feeling smug this week as Gini Carlin blasts off for an out-of-this-world chat with Britain’s first “official” astronaut Tim Peake! The pair touched on everything from common misconceptions around spacewalking, to deceptively huge characters in the otherwise serious world of space exploration, to Tim’s brand new book: Space: The Human Story. by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

29 min listen

A Lovely Day on the Shackleton With Brian Withers MBE: It’s back to basics this week for a nuts-and-bolts Mavs classic. Our Jamie was lucky enough to be offered a guided tour of the iconic Avro Shackleton by none other than Squadron Leader Retired Brian Withers MBE; the very one he flew on, in fact! Jamie learned all about this giant of the sky and the curious foibles that come with it.  by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

26 min listen

Mandy Hickson: Queen of the Skies: Jamie’s in the cockpit today for a long-overdue natter with Mandy Hickson. Rightly described by Gini as a “Queen of the skies”, Mandy’s a decorated Tornado GR-4 pilot with over 30 years of aviation experience, three tours of duty and 45 missions over Iraq to her name. After leaving the RAF, she authored the 2020 bestseller “An Officer, Not A Gentleman”. Jamie got the scoop on her fascinating, varied career. by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

34 min listen

Trailer: Introducing Near Death: Introducing Near Death, a brand-new podcast from BFBS Creative. How do you come back from the brink? A close encounter with a body bag, an out-of-body experience or a flight through a wall of fire. Some people know what it’s like to come back from death’s door. Near Death explores some of the darkest stories of human survival. Follow now and never miss an episode at bfbs.com/neardeath, or your favourite podcast platform. by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

2 min listen

Mavs in Space!: Gini and Jamie celebrate World Space Week 2023 by catching up with some of the most pioneering space figures on - and off - Earth. Jamie’s mind is blown by Delian Asparouhov of Varda Space Industries, Melissa Quinn tells Gini all about her time running Spaceport Cornwall and her current role keeping space clean at Seradata, and Jamie pins down none other than Dr. Paul Bate, the CEO of the UK Space Agency. by MAVGEEKS: A Military Aircraft Obsession

30 min listen

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Small Basket, Big Nozzle - Al Spence on the A400 Atlas

Small Basket, Big Nozzle - Al Spence on the A400 Atlas

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