Outside/In: Do airports dream of electric planes?

Flying is a mess. Underserved airports, a global pilot shortage, and incessant extra fees. . . not to mention, of course, the emissions.

But, in 2022, an aviation start-up debuted “the world’s first all-electric passenger plane.” They say that electric flight can help address not only emissions, but also entrenched problems in the entire aviation system. Can it?

Featuring Noah Karberg, Lynnette Dray, Dan Wolf, and Greg Davis, with appearances by Jim Goddard, Scott Genthner, Joe Urbanski, and Bill Guinee.

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The hangar floor at Cape Air’s HQ in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

Justine Paradis

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A framed drawing by Jim Goddard’s daughter, framed on his wall. “It's one of my most favorite pieces of art ever,” he said.

Justine Paradis

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Jim Goddard, senior VP of fleet planning and technical operations for Cape Air, poses in front of a Cessna 402.

Justine Paradis

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A damaged spar. “It came in contact [with] something on the ground,” said Goddard.

Justine Paradis

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A rebuild of the airplane wing involved in the “ground incident.”

Justine Paradis

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Technicians Joe Urbanski and Scott Genthner working on an engine change. With an electric engines, maintenance like this would be far less frequent.

Justine Paradis

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LINKS

Why do airlines try to sell you credit cards? Because “airlines are just banks now.” (The Atlantic)

Experts told us that on the whole, the aviation system is quite safe… but it might be more complicated. (New York Times) 

CREDITS

Outside/In host: Nate Hegyi

Reported, produced, and mixed by Justine Paradis

Edited by Taylor Quimby

Our team also includes Felix Poon.

NHPR’s Director of Podcasts is Rebecca Lavoie.

Music by bomull, Bill Vortex, Guustavv, Xavy Rusan, Bonkers Beat Club, Nul Tiel Records, Adelyn Paik, Shiruky, Uncle Bibby, Scott Gratton, and Blue Dot Sessions.

Outside/In is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio.