Concept, Crew & Crash Course
- Published on: 2025-03-24
- With: Thomas Friesacher, Maximilian Kunz
- Runtime: approx. 57 minutes
βοΈ What is this episode about?
We introduce the concept of Mayday Files β Behind the Scenes of Aircraft Accident Investigation, define the roles within the team, and provide a crash course on how accident investigations work: What happens from the initial securing of the site to the analysis in the lab? Why do we focus on clear storytelling instead of technical jargonβand why is “learning instead of blaming” crucial for safety? This pilot episode sets the tone and the standard for all upcoming episodes.
π Listen now
π Chapter markers
- Chapter Marks: Max & Thomas introduce the series, explaining its objectives and style.
- Why this podcast? What we do differently (translating complex reports into clear audio stories) and the aviation spectrum we cover: General Aviation, helicopter operations, business jets, and commercial airline operations.
- Mayday Fact: Thomasβs path & methodology. Personal background, initial insights; how an investigation works from an investigator’s perspective.
- Roles in the Podcast Team: Max = Host & Author, Thomas = Investigator & Technical Analyst, “Alex” = Fact VO (not in the studio, provides precise voice-overs for flight paths/case intros).
- Crash Aperitifs: short, objective vignettes β focusing on lessons learned rather than sensationalism. (Content editorially neutralized.)
- Community, Platforms & Support: Where you can hear/watch us; shownotes & production.
- Outlook & Outro: Teaser for the next episode & closing remarks.
π§ Contents & Highlights
- Why this podcast? We make technically dense reports digestible β as exciting, correct audio stories, without sensational language.
- Wide range of applications: From small aircraft to helicopters and business jets to scheduled airline operations β recurring patterns can be identified and improved everywhere.
- Mayday Fact (Thomas): Personal introduction & working principles of an active investigator β from the first “Why?” to the reliable chain of causation.
- Team Roles:
Maximilian Kunz β Host & Author; guides, organizes, and adds a touch of humor.Thomas Friesacher β Investigator & Technical Analyst; Airline Pilot (ret.) β provides depth ranging from aerodynamics to materials science. “Alex” (Fact VO) β fictional name; not in the studio, provides factual voice-overs for flight paths & case intros. - Crash Aperitif: short, objective case vignette with a clear focus on lessons learned (processes, training, crew decisions, technical checks) β without graphic or sensationalist terminology.
ποΈ Bonus content (for supporters) π
- Deep-dive dossier (PDF): from field to lab phase to reporting
- Go-Team-Toolkit (checklists & priority matrix)
- Black-Box-Pipeline (Recovery β Download β Validation)
- Interview guide Human Factors (HF/CRM)
- Case timelines & maps for the short cases
- Downloadables (DAW template, recording checklist, chapter markers)
π£οΈ That's what the crew says
"Our goal is prevention, not blame. We show how facts become effective for safety."
- Thomas Friesacher
"We tell investigations in a way that they become understandable β with a touch of humor."
- Maximilian Kunz
π Shownotes & Contact
- Shownotes & Literature: www.maydayfiles.com (Production: AeroXpert Visuals)
- Backstage clips: YouTube β Maydayfiles
- Questions/Suggestions: redaktion@maydayfiles.com
