Aviation Week’s Check 6 Podcast
- Episodes
- 100
- Released
- several times a week
- Latest episode
- Nov 13, 2026
About the podcast
Aviation Week & Space Technology editors take a look at some of the bigger-picture issues in the world of aerospace and defense
Episodes 100
How Seats Are Delaying New Aircraft Cabins
Production constraints and certification requirements are still proving to be major bottlenecks in getting aircraft seats to customers. Gary Weissel of Tronos Aviation Consulting joins editors to break down the …
Show notes
Production constraints and certification requirements are still proving to be major bottlenecks in getting aircraft seats to customers. Gary Weissel of Tronos Aviation Consulting joins editors to break down the interiors crisis.
---
Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
Invisible No More—Stealthy F-117 On Display
As the F-117 Nighthawk goes on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center for the first time, Aviation Week editors are joined by Air & Space Museum Director Chris Browne to reflect on the stealth aircraft and …
Show notes
As the F-117 Nighthawk goes on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center for the first time, Aviation Week editors are joined by Air & Space Museum Director Chris Browne to reflect on the stealth aircraft and its place in history.
---
Thank you to our sponsor, GE Aerospace. GE Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support its defense customers, providing reliable, high performance military engines and systems for air and sea. Building on more than a century of innovation, GE Aerospace continues to mobilize a new era of growth, balancing the current needs of the industry with the advanced capabilities needed for the future.
For more information, visit https://www.geaerospace.com/
What Do The Midterm Results Mean For Pentagon Spending?
Aviation Week editors are joined by Maj. Gen. (ret) Lee Levy to try and answer the trillion dollar-plus question of what the outcome of the midterm elections really means for the U.S. defense budget. --- Sign …
Show notes
Aviation Week editors are joined by Maj. Gen. (ret) Lee Levy to try and answer the trillion dollar-plus question of what the outcome of the midterm elections really means for the U.S. defense budget.
---
Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
Check 6 Revisits: Belenko's Betrayal And The Saga Of The Foxbat
Check 6 revisits how a misconception of the MiG-25 transformed U.S. air power, until a Soviet pilot's defection revealed the truth. Aviation Week & Space Technology subscribers can explore our archive here and …
Show notes
Check 6 revisits how a misconception of the MiG-25 transformed U.S. air power, until a Soviet pilot's defection revealed the truth.
Aviation Week & Space Technology subscribers can explore our archive here and read key Aviation Week articles related to this episode here:
- New Interceptors Can Exceed Mach 2.5 (July 17, 1967)
- MiG Case May Spur Japan Arms Buy (Sept. 13, 1976)
- MiG-25 Pilot Lands Fighter At Hakodate (Sept. 20, 1976)
The Outlook With PwC: Demand is Surging—Can Aerospace Keep Up?
Listen in as PwC's aerospace team zeroes in on the supply chain and where it is most fragile in this special sponsored episode. Read PwC's State of the Ramp report here
Is Boeing's Recovery Still Gaining Altitude?
Analyst Scott Mikus joins Aviation Week editors to discuss third-quarter earnings and why an oversupply of narrowbodies may be looming. Read Scott's column here --- Thank you to our sponsor, DXC Technology …
Show notes
Analyst Scott Mikus joins Aviation Week editors to discuss third-quarter earnings and why an oversupply of narrowbodies may be looming.
Read Scott's column here
---
Thank you to our sponsor, DXC Technology, helping airports and travel operators connect the systems that keep passengers moving. When one delay impacts multiple systems, DXC connects airport platforms so the whole operation can respond as one, for smoother journeys.
Learn more here
Beyond Rafale—Meet France's ACF And What It Means For GCAP
Aviation Week editors discuss the evolving European fighter landscape, introducing France's approach to its next-generation fighter it calls ACF, and the thinking around what will happen with Germany, Spain and …
Show notes
Aviation Week editors discuss the evolving European fighter landscape, introducing France's approach to its next-generation fighter it calls ACF, and the thinking around what will happen with Germany, Spain and the implication for the GCAP program, too.
CFM Durability Deep Dive With President Gaël Méheust | Sponsored By CFM International
CFM established an industry benchmark for reliability with its CFM56; roughly 24,000 are still in operation today, setting up big expectations for in-service durability. Today it continues producing spare …
Show notes
CFM established an industry benchmark for reliability with its CFM56; roughly 24,000 are still in operation today, setting up big expectations for in-service durability. Today it continues producing spare engines, military engines and spare parts for the variant. But CFM's Leap program has been working through some issues since its entry into service.
On this episode sponsored by CFM, Aviation Week editors hear about CFM's durability roadmap from President Gaël Méheust, and how the company intends to apply lessons learned to its future Rise technology program Open Fan engine.
Listen to a past Check 6 Revisits episode exploring 40 years of CFM here
Hello MAX 10, Auf Wiedersehen A346
Editors discuss what the long-awaited certification of the Boeing 737-10 means for the industry and what's happening with the 777X. They also reflect on the Airbus A340-600 after its last major operator …
Show notes
Editors discuss what the long-awaited certification of the Boeing 737-10 means for the industry and what's happening with the 777X. They also reflect on the Airbus A340-600 after its last major operator, Lufthansa, retired the quadjet.
Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
Army Aviation Takes Center Stage: Budgets, Balloons & The Bible
As developments in Ukraine highlight new issues for army aviation, editors share what they heard from leaders at AUSA 2026 and discuss how the service is looking to evolve. Thank you to our sponsor, GE …
Show notes
As developments in Ukraine highlight new issues for army aviation, editors share what they heard from leaders at AUSA 2026 and discuss how the service is looking to evolve.
Thank you to our sponsor, GE Aerospace. GE Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support its defense customers, providing reliable, high performance military engines and systems for air and sea. Building on more than a century of innovation, GE Aerospace continues to mobilize a new era of growth, balancing the current needs of the industry with the advanced capabilities needed for the future.
For more information, visit https://geaerospace.com/
Assessing Aviation In The Middle East
How will the fatal Houthi attacks that closed Riyadh Airport affect commercial aviation in the region? Aviation Week's team survey the immediate impact on Saudi Arabia and how it could alter grander plans for …
Show notes
How will the fatal Houthi attacks that closed Riyadh Airport affect commercial aviation in the region? Aviation Week's team survey the immediate impact on Saudi Arabia and how it could alter grander plans for the industry.
Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
'We Happy Band Of Robots'—The Pentagon's New Command
Will Project Agincourt spur the new U.S. Autonomy Command to great things? Editors discuss the implications of the Pentagon's military autonomy efforts and the broader context of uncrewed systems in modern …
Show notes
Will Project Agincourt spur the new U.S. Autonomy Command to great things? Editors discuss the implications of the Pentagon's military autonomy efforts and the broader context of uncrewed systems in modern warfare.
Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
Inside JetZero's Engine Search
Editors assess the progress of JetZero's blended wing body aircraft and explore its efforts to find the right powerplant that would suit both civil and military customers. Sign up to receive Aviation Week …
Show notes
Editors assess the progress of JetZero's blended wing body aircraft and explore its efforts to find the right powerplant that would suit both civil and military customers.
Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
Questions Swirl Around MV-75 And Army Aviation
Ahead of AUSA, editors discuss the MV-75 and the U.S. Army's modernization plans, including long-range fires, air defense, space capabilities and the budget challenges shaping its next steps.
Can Airbus' A350F Upend Boeing In The Air Cargo Market?
Editors discuss the next-generation freighter market after first flight of the Airbus A350F and with Boeing's 777-8F in line to take off soon. Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here …
Show notes
Editors discuss the next-generation freighter market after first flight of the Airbus A350F and with Boeing's 777-8F in line to take off soon.
Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
Breaking Down Boeing's Big F/A‑XX Win
Editors react to Boeing being announced as the winner of the U.S. Navy's F/A-XX contest ahead of Northrop Grumman and share their impressions of the next-generation tactical combat aircraft's design after a new …
Show notes
Editors react to Boeing being announced as the winner of the U.S. Navy's F/A-XX contest ahead of Northrop Grumman and share their impressions of the next-generation tactical combat aircraft's design after a new rendering was released.
Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
What's The Buzz In Space Beyond Weapons—Ubiquitous Earth Observation And Launch Laments
Aviation Week Military Space Editor Vivienne Machi reflects on what we learned at AFA on space and the Iran war, as well as launch concerns for the Space Force and how that resonates with what Executive Editor …
Show notes
Aviation Week Military Space Editor Vivienne Machi reflects on what we learned at AFA on space and the Iran war, as well as launch concerns for the Space Force and how that resonates with what Executive Editor for Defense and Space Robert Wall heard at World Space Business Week.
The Case Of The Missing Blackbird
Emergency podcast: A special Lockheed SR-71A has gone missing after being displayed in front of a NASA facility for more than 26 years. Meanwhile, the NASA administrator is dropping hints that a new X-plane is …
Show notes
Emergency podcast: A special Lockheed SR-71A has gone missing after being displayed in front of a NASA facility for more than 26 years. Meanwhile, the NASA administrator is dropping hints that a new X-plane is in the works that happens to look a lot like a Blackbird. What's going on here? Editors Robert Wall, Graham Warwick and Steve Trimble explain what's going on—as far as they know today.
Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
Why Tensions Have Flared Between Boeing And GE
Long-running tensions between Boeing and GE Aerospace over engines surfaced again, with 777X the cause du jour. Editors explain the dynamics at play and also discuss the 737 MAX ramp-up and what might happen if …
Show notes
Long-running tensions between Boeing and GE Aerospace over engines surfaced again, with 777X the cause du jour. Editors explain the dynamics at play and also discuss the 737 MAX ramp-up and what might happen if SPEEA technicians and professionals strike in the Seattle area come October.
Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
Space Weapons Declassified, Gucci F-16s And More—What To Know About AFA
Editors discuss the news from last week's AFA gathering, addressing the Air Force secretary's bombshell weapons-in-space disclosure, new aircraft weapons concepts on show and so much more. Thank you to our …
Show notes
Editors discuss the news from last week's AFA gathering, addressing the Air Force secretary's bombshell weapons-in-space disclosure, new aircraft weapons concepts on show and so much more.
Thank you to our sponsor, GE Aerospace. GE Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support its defense customers, providing reliable, high performance military engines and systems for air and sea. Building on more than a century of innovation, GE Aerospace continues to mobilize a new era of growth, balancing the current needs of the industry with the advanced capabilities needed for the future.
For more information, visit geaerospace.com
The Sun Is Setting On The Boeing 747
Aviation Week's resident 747 experts Guy Norris and Jens Flottau discuss why Boeing's "jumbo jet" still matters and has outlasted predictions made decades ago. Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here …
Show notes
Aviation Week's resident 747 experts Guy Norris and Jens Flottau discuss why Boeing's "jumbo jet" still matters and has outlasted predictions made decades ago.
Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
What To Expect At AFA
Editors gather on the eve of the AFA's Air, Space & Cyber Conference to discuss what the key themes will be at this year's event. Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
The Heart Of The Engine: Inside GE Aerospace's New Deal
GE Aerospace's $12 billion acquisition of CPP has huge implications for the castings and aircraft engine sectors—Aerodynamic Advisory's Kevin Michaels joins Aviation Week editors to explain why. Sign up to …
Show notes
GE Aerospace's $12 billion acquisition of CPP has huge implications for the castings and aircraft engine sectors—Aerodynamic Advisory's Kevin Michaels joins Aviation Week editors to explain why.
Sign up to receive Aviation Week newsletters here: https://aviationweek.com/signup
Where Are CCAs Headed Next? U.S. Navy Carriers And Swedish Runways
Listen in as editors discuss Saab's collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) concept, Europe's evolving uncrewed combat aircraft strategy and the U.S. Navy's ambitious carrier-based CCA plans. Mission-critical …
Show notes
Listen in as editors discuss Saab's collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) concept, Europe's evolving uncrewed combat aircraft strategy and the U.S. Navy's ambitious carrier-based CCA plans.
Mission-critical defense systems demand unwavering reliability. Siemens delivers comprehensive solutions across engineering, manufacturing and lifecycle management. When precision matters most, trust Siemens. Your mission is our commitment. Learn more at siemens.com.
GPS Spoofing And Jamming: Can Civil Aviation Adapt?
Aviation Week's Graham Warwick offers a scathing assessment of U.S. regulators as a King Air crash earlier this year underscores concerns about the Global Positioning System. He is joined by Robert Wall and Joe …
Show notes
Aviation Week's Graham Warwick offers a scathing assessment of U.S. regulators as a King Air crash earlier this year underscores concerns about the Global Positioning System. He is joined by Robert Wall and Joe Anselmo to discuss its vulnerabilities and the barriers to overcoming those.
Talking Malice, F/A‑XX & Naval Aviation Modernization
Editors talk Tailhook, covering the Navy's surprise unveiling of Malice, a new long-range air-to-air missile, future carrier deck operations, the use of uncrewed aircraft, hypersonic weapons and more. Thank you …
Show notes
Editors talk Tailhook, covering the Navy's surprise unveiling of Malice, a new long-range air-to-air missile, future carrier deck operations, the use of uncrewed aircraft, hypersonic weapons and more.
Thank you to our sponsor, GE Aerospace. GE Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support its defense customers, balancing the current needs of the industry with the advanced capabilities needed for the future. Learn more about the reliable, high-performance military engines and systems that continue to mobilize a new era of growth. Explore now
How The A321 Became Airbus' Sales Engine
Did Boeing's inaction open the door to Airbus' sales bonanza? United's plan to use XLRs on new transatlantic routes revives the question. Joe Anselmo, Jens Flottau and Christine Boynton are joined by regular …
Show notes
Did Boeing's inaction open the door to Airbus' sales bonanza? United's plan to use XLRs on new transatlantic routes revives the question. Joe Anselmo, Jens Flottau and Christine Boynton are joined by regular columnist Richard Aboulafia, managing director at AeroDynamic Advisory, to discuss.
How New Dynamics Are Shaping The NRO And Military Space Efforts
Aviation Week's Military Space Editor Vivienne Machi discusses the latest developments with the National Reconnaissance Office, the Victus Haze rendezvous and proximity operations missions, and what awaits the …
Show notes
Aviation Week's Military Space Editor Vivienne Machi discusses the latest developments with the National Reconnaissance Office, the Victus Haze rendezvous and proximity operations missions, and what awaits the new slate of U.S. defense and intelligence space leadership.
Not So Dog Days Of Summer
Listen in as our editors discuss good earnings, bad earnings, SpaceX, AI, the aftermarket, Boeing, an electric airplane and a Groundhog Day moment.
What Were The Golden Nuggets At SMD 26?
Robert Wall and Brian Everstine discuss the annual Space and Missile Defense Conference in Huntsville and focus on the major themes that emerged there.
These are the latest 40 of 100 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
Similar podcasts
More News podcasts
Is this your podcast?
Confirm it with an entry in your feed: you get a code here, add it as podcast:txt to the channel of your feed, and we check it. Your podcast is then shown as “verified” on SoundNode.