The Black Box Aviation Podcast

Lithium Battery Fires in Flight, Summer Delays & Airline Ground Stops

July 22, 2026·42 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

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.Got a question, story, or feedback for the crew? 📞 Call/Text our line: (203) 699-6792📧 Email us: blackbox01@yahoo.comDon't forget to follow, rate 5 stars, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast!#AviationPodcast #PilotLife #Boeing777 #LithiumBatteryFire #AirTrafficControl #AviationSafety #AirlineDelays #FlightCrew #PilotTraining #AvGeek

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