Today, Explained: A Comedian Tries to Fix Aviation
Vox Media Podcast Network
Release Date: May 28, 2025
Hosts: Sean Rameswaram and Noel King

1. Introduction to Aviation Safety Challenges

In this episode of Today, Explained, Sean Rameswaram and Noel King delve into the troubling state of American aviation, highlighting a series of recent crashes and systemic issues plaguing the industry. The hosts set the stage by referencing a recent midair collision involving an American Airlines flight and a Black Hawk military helicopter in Alaska, emphasizing the severity and frequency of these incidents.

Sean Rameswaram [00:00]: "American aviation has been having a tough year."

2. Newark Liberty International Airport: A Case Study

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Newark Liberty International Airport, where ongoing radar and air traffic control (ATC) failures have raised alarms. Darrell Campbell, an aviation safety writer for The Verge, provides an in-depth analysis of the situation.

Darrell Campbell [02:04]: "What's been happening at Newark has actually been happening for almost a decade and a half... it's systemic."

Campbell explains that radar outages and outdated ATC systems at Newark are not isolated issues but indicative of widespread problems across the nation's airports.

3. Systemic Problems in Air Traffic Control

The episode outlines several critical challenges facing ATC systems nationwide:

• Staff Retention and Training: The rigorous training process for air traffic controllers, which can take up to four years, coupled with stagnant wages, leads to high turnover rates and staffing shortages.

  Darrell Campbell [03:42]: "It just takes a long time to get up to the point where you're actually entrusted with airplanes."

• Aging Infrastructure: Many ATC facilities rely on outdated technology and infrastructure that struggle to keep up with modern aviation demands.

  Darrell Campbell [02:20]: "This is emergency level of staffing at a baseline."

• Mandatory Overtime and Burnout: Controllers are often required to work excessive hours, exacerbating burnout and further reducing the workforce.

4. Efforts to Address the Issues and Their Limitations

Sean and Campbell discuss recent governmental efforts to modernize ATC systems, including increased funding and hiring initiatives. However, Campbell remains skeptical about the long-term effectiveness of these measures.

Jeff Wise [05:46]: "We have the plan we actually have to build a brand new state of the art air traffic control system."

Darrell Campbell [07:13]: "It's really this fight between the FAA and Congress where everybody's willing to have a photo op to say, yeah, we're gonna do a lot today to fix these problems."

Despite commitments, the persistent budget backlogs and political challenges hinder substantial progress, leaving the industry vulnerable to ongoing safety risks.

5. Recent Accidents Highlighting Persistent Issues

The conversation shifts to recent accidents, including a tragic crash in San Diego where a Cessna 550 collided with power lines, resulting in six fatalities. The incident underscores the dire consequences of ineffective ATC and poor pilot communication.

Darrell Campbell [07:52]: "This is exactly what he's talking about."

6. Nathan Fielder’s "Rehearsal": Satirical Take on Aviation Safety

A unique segment of the episode explores Canadian comedian Nathan Fielder's HBO show "Rehearsal," specifically its second season focused on aviation safety. Fielder's approach blends absurdist humor with serious commentary on pilot communication and crew resource management (CRM).

Nathan Fielder [15:36]: "The captain has made a decision. The first officer understands it's wrong, but the first officer doesn't feel they have the ability to speak up about it."

Fielder attempts to address communication breakdowns between pilots by implementing unconventional solutions, such as actors echoing pilot statements to boost confidence and assertiveness.

7. Expert Insights on Crew Resource Management (CRM)

Aviation expert Jeff Wise elaborates on CRM, emphasizing its critical role in ensuring safe flight operations through effective communication and teamwork among flight crew members.

Jeff Wise [17:12]: "Crew resource management is the idea that a flight crew is more than the sum of its parts."

Despite CRM being a mandated part of pilot training since the 1970s, Wise acknowledges ongoing deficiencies and cultural barriers that prevent effective implementation.

Nathan Fielder [17:39]: "The training could be improved because right now it's terrible."

Wise discusses the concept of "Safety Voice," a subset of CRM focused on empowering first officers to assert concerns without fear of retribution, highlighting cultural challenges within pilot communities.

Jeff Wise [20:19]: "Some pilots were like, that sounds like girl stuff."

8. The Intersection of Comedy and Seriousness in Aviation Safety

The hosts and guests reflect on the impact of Fielder's show, questioning whether blending humor with serious safety issues can drive meaningful change in the aviation industry.

Jeff Wise [22:47]: "In theory it could. But I think there's a major caveat to that..."

While the show brings attention to critical safety issues, Wise remains cautious about its potential to effect real regulatory change without substantial industry support.

9. Recent FAA Reauthorization and Its Implications

The episode touches on the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, highlighting its intentions to modernize ATC systems and increase staff. However, Campbell critiques the act's temporary fixes and the government's inconsistent funding approach.

Jeff Wise [05:46]: "It works for a little while. But then three years down the road, the same problems are really still occurring."

10. Conclusion: A Grim Outlook and the Need for Continuous Vigilance

As the episode concludes, the hosts underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms in aviation safety and ATC systems to prevent further tragedies. The ongoing challenges exemplify the complexities of governmental and industrial change, leaving listeners with a sobering perspective on the future of American aviation.

Darrell Campbell [09:45]: "This is your textbook why governments fail case study."

Notable Quotes

• Sean Rameswaram [00:00]: "American aviation has been having a tough year."

• Darrell Campbell [02:04]: "This is systemic."

• Jeff Wise [17:12]: "Crew resource management is the idea that a flight crew is more than the sum of its parts."

• Nathan Fielder [17:39]: "The training could be improved because right now it's terrible."

• Darrell Campbell [09:45]: "This is your textbook why governments fail case study."

For Further Reading and Listening:

• Darrell Campbell's Work: Explore his articles on aviation safety at The Verge and his book Fatal: How the Managerial Class Loses Control of Software.

• Jeff Wise's Podcast: Finding MH370 explores the mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.

• Nathan Fielder's "Rehearsal": Watch the second season on HBO or HBO Max to see his satirical take on aviation safety.

This summary provides an in-depth overview of the "A Comedian Tries to Fix Aviation" episode of Today, Explained, capturing the critical discussions on aviation safety, systemic challenges, and innovative yet unconventional approaches to mitigating risks in the aviation industry.