AvTalk Episode 381: Xavier Pepin, Ultra Long Range Pilot

On this episode of AvTalk, we speak with Xavier Pepin, the captain of the Airbus 24 hour, 24 minute Airbus A350-1000ULR flight from Melbourne to Toulouse. We talk about flight planning, crew resource management, fatigue and rest, and what’s next for the A350-1000ULR flight test program.

Also on this week’s episode, highlights from EAA Airventure in Oshkosh and flying the Goodyear Blimp. Boeing says the 737-10 MAX flight test program is complete after 976 flights. United says it doesn’t want the 777-9s that Emirates also doesn’t want. And Australia releases new fire bomber procedures designed to make fighting bushfires safer.

Helpful links for this week’s episode

* Airbus makes history with the A350-1000ULR

* Inside the Airbus A350 test cabin

* Inside the Flying Bulls DC-6

* Australia fire bombers SOPs

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.