Flights of Curiosity

A series of uniquely crafted aviation focused podcasts that look at the people, history, technology and its social impact during its rather short existence.
The videos are a mix of work by two generations of filmmakers, Jim and Bruce Reilly. Jim Reilly was a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force that had an amazing career flying during WWII, the Malayan Emergency, the Konfrontasi and the early days of Air Sea Rescue. Bruce, his son, has worked all over the world as an aircraft maintenance engineer and safety systems specialist.
A series of uniquely crafted aviation focused podcasts that look at the people, history, technology and its social impact during its rather short existence.
The videos are a mix of work by two generations of filmmakers, Jim and Bruce Reilly. Jim Reilly was a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force that had an amazing career flying during WWII, the Malayan Emergency, the Konfrontasi and the early days of Air Sea Rescue. Bruce, his son, has worked all over the world as an aircraft maintenance engineer and safety systems specialist.
Listen on:
Episodes
Episodes



Jul 26, 2026
Episode 6 - The Throat Microphone
Jul 26, 2026
Jul 26, 2026
2 min
It was a very different time and the helicopter was still very much an experimental aircraft. So the pilots that had to fly these underpowered, unreliable and hard to fly helicopters in Malaya had to adapt to the conditions.
In this video we look at the throat microphone, which first came into widespread use during the Second World War. It was used in noisy environments such as tanks and aircraft.
Soundtrack - Double Crossed in Johnson City by American Legion courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Jul 26, 2026
2 min



Jul 19, 2026
Episode 5 - Who Was Charles Taylor?
Jul 19, 2026
Jul 19, 2026
2 min
This is the first in our series that looks at the world of aviation maintenance and all those questions that you have about aviation. It is named in honour of Charles Taylor, who you will find out all about in this first episode.
Jul 19, 2026
2 min



Jul 16, 2026
Jul 16, 2026
2 min
Every once in a while we will launch a bonus episode. It will usually have something to do with a recent or upcoming episode, or just a story or topic that we hope that you will enjoy.
This short bonus episode is one on a favourite topic of mine, rotary wing aircraft such as helicopters and autogyros. Hopefully this will answer the question in the title.
Jul 16, 2026
2 min



Jul 12, 2026
Episode 4 - Why do You Pull Down Towards You?
Jul 12, 2026
Jul 12, 2026
2 min
We discover that when you pull that oxygen mask down towards you, a fire which burns at around 200 degrees Celsius is ignited in the passenger service unit above your head.
These rather incredible devices have saved many lives, but unfortunately, they have also been the cause of one of the world's worst airline disasters (more about that in a future video).
Music by Printers Alley | Roots and Recognition | courtesy of epidemicsound.com
Jul 12, 2026
2 min



Jul 6, 2026
Episode 3 - The First Aircraft in Persia
Jul 6, 2026
Jul 6, 2026
4 min
Aviation and the Middle East are very much in the news these days and this story is about this region of the world and early aviation. I came across this story when I was interviewing Lord Weir about the Weir Groups involvement in rotary wing flight. I will not spoil the story, but it does involve a very adaptable British engineer with a very much can do attitude.
Jul 6, 2026
4 min



Jun 30, 2026
Episode 2 - Three Questions About Drones
Jun 30, 2026
Jun 30, 2026
2 min
There is a pretty good chance that these three questions are ones that you will have wondered about when thinking of these new champions of aviation.
Music by Andres Cantu | Ice Hot Temperament | courtesy of epidemicsound.com
Jun 30, 2026
2 min



Jun 29, 2026
Episode 1 - A Framed Memory
Jun 29, 2026
Jun 29, 2026
5 min
This is the first episode of our new podcast series. To launch this new venture produced by Feathered Engine Films, we are screening online for the first time their multi award winning short film A Framed Memory.
Music by David Lindberg - Danny Boy | Hunter Quinn - Country Gold | courtesy of epidemicsound.com
Jun 29, 2026
5 min


