Aviation News Talk Podcast

Max talks with ferry pilot Sarah Rovner, founder of Full Throttle Aviation, about her adventures and challenges flying planes across continents. Sarah stumbled into ferry flying when she helped deliver a plane and quickly found herself flying everything from gliders to agricultural aircraft across Central America and even the Atlantic. Her unique edge wasn’t just piloting—it was handling the complex international paperwork required for cross-border flights. Sarah explains the nuances of flying foreign-registered aircraft, using handlers, and dealing with customs and regulatory hurdles in countries like Mexico and Canada. She shares hair-raising tales like flying over the Arctic in winter in a Cessna 210, discovering a failed axle, and performing repairs in subzero temps. She’s faced oxygen failures, ferry tank malfunctions, and the infamous “ice bridging” during Atlantic crossings. Despite the flat-rate pay and frequent mechanical delays, Sarah loves the freedom, camaraderie, and adventure. She also

Max discusses engine-out scenarios and best glide strategies, prompted by listener feedback on Episode 372, which analyzed the crash of a Bonanza B35B (N2UZ) that suffered engine failure at 7,500 feet near Charlottesville, VA. Although the pilot did many things correctly, he overshot a long field and crashed. Max highlights choices that might have improved the outcome, such as flight following and alternate route planning. Listener emails, read by Aviation News Talk intern Kelly, offer insights and experiences. Karen Larson shares how a conversation about the episode helped her husband safely land a T6 with a failed engine. David Dismore and Nico Ghilardi emphasize the value of practicing power-off landings, especially from high altitudes. Daniel Switkin points out that glide range rings in EFB apps may not always be reliable, referencing an AOPA test. Carter Boswell inquires about glide differences between windmilling and stopped props. Max references Peter Garrison and Tom Turner for technical insig

Max talks with Dr. Tony Kern about human error, airmanship, and the hidden threats pilots pose to themselves. Tony shares how his passion for understanding error began with the tragic loss of two of his former B-1 bomber students in 1992. The crash, attributed to "a failure of airmanship," prompted him to research the elusive meaning of that term—work that eventually led to his book Redefining Airmanship. Beyond medical transport, they assist military veterans by flying them to camps designed for rehabilitation, as well as special events like Major League Baseball games. They also provide commercial airline tickets, through partnerships with JetBlue and Southwest, as backup transportation. Tony emphasizes that even the best pilots are “one decision away from disaster” and discusses how errors often don’t result in negative outcomes, which falsely reinforces bad habits. He introduces the concept of a “personal fingerprint of error” and advocates tracking errors—both in and out of the cockpit—to ident

Max talks with Adam Broun of PALS SkyHope, a volunteer pilot organization that provides free air transportation for medical patients, veterans, and others in need. Founded in 2010 by three pilots in the Northeast, PALS SkyHope has conducted over 34,000 flights, serving more than 4,000 families. Beyond medical transport, they assist military veterans by flying them to camps designed for rehabilitation, as well as special events like Major League Baseball games. They also provide commercial airline tickets, through partnerships with JetBlue and Southwest, as backup transportation. Safety is a major focus, with pilots required to have at least 350 hours of PIC time and an instrument rating. PALS SkyHope provides risk assessment tools, town halls, and mentorship to support safe operations. Volunteer pilots primarily fly single-engine aircraft like Cirruses and Bonanzas, but some missions require larger planes due to the needs of passengers. The organization constantly seeks pilots, especially in the E

Max talks about the NTSB’s final report on the fatal crash of a Piper PA-28-140 in Moab, Utah, in October 2023. The crash killed a North Dakota State Senator, his wife, and their two children. The probable cause was spatial disorientation due to somatogravic illusion, leading to controlled flight into terrain. Despite being an experienced military helicopter pilot with over 2,000 flight hours, the pilot had limited fixed-wing and night-flying experience. The crash occurred on a dark night with no moon, conditions that significantly increase accident risk. ADS-B data shows the aircraft climbed slightly, then turned right while accelerating, ultimately descending into terrain. Max explains how somatogravic illusion can mislead pilots into believing they are climbing when they are actually level or descending. He discusses night flying risks, noting that while only about 5% of personal flights occur at night, 20% of fatal accidents do. He emphasizes better planning, including avoiding night takeoffs wh

The NTSB held a press conference to provide preliminary findings from the flight Max talks about new findings from the NTSB Preliminary Report on the midair collision over the Potomac River involving a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and a PSA Airlines regional jet near Reagan National Airport (DCA). The episode features audio from NTSB Chairman Jennifer Homendy and DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, highlighting the systemic risks in the airspace. The report reveals a history of frequent near-midair collisions at DCA, with 85 close encounters (under 200 feet vertical, 1,500 feet lateral separation) in the last two and a half years. A key issue is Route 4, where helicopters fly with only 75 feet of separation from aircraft on approach to Runway 33. The NTSB recommends closing Route 4 near DCA and establishing an alternative route. The episode also discusses systemic normalization of deviance, where repeated near misses led to complacency. DOT plans major air traffic control upgrades, including AI monitoring

Max talks with Ranferi Denova about what pilots need to know about flying small planes to Mexico, though the advice applies broadly to international flights from the U.S., including to Canada and the Caribbean. Ranferi assures pilots that flying to Mexico is safe and rewarding, provided they plan ahead and follow proper procedures. He details aircraft and pilot documentation requirements, such as an airworthiness certificate, insurance, and an FCC radio license. He also explains essential paperwork, like the Mexican flight permit (A IU) and the newly required LOPA (Layout of Passenger Accommodations). Flight planning considerations include IFR versus VFR flights, the necessity of submitting an eAPIS manifest before departure, and understanding Mexican air traffic control procedures. Ranferi provides guidance on clearing customs both upon arrival and when returning to the U.S., emphasizing the importance of preparation and patience. Additionally, he discusses common pitfalls, offers practical tips

Max gives and update on the Learjet crash in Scottsdale and the crash of a Cirrus SR22 in Santa Barbara. He also analyzes the crash of N2UZ, a Bonanza B35B, which suffered an engine failure at 7,500 feet while flying over Virginia. The well-trained pilot attempted to glide to Charlottesville Airport (KCHO) but crashed in a wooded area just beyond a 3,000-foot-long field. ADS-B data shows that the aircraft’s10.2:1 glide ratio was insufficient to reach the airport from its initial altitude. He discusses factors that could have altered the outcome, including diverting to Snow Hill, a private 2,200-foot grass strip within possible gliding range, or choosing a higher cruising altitude to increase the glide distance. The episode emphasizes the importance of proactive flight planning, including staying within glide range of an airport, using avionics tools like glide range rings, and making early decisions when faced with an emergency. Suggestions for improved safety include better route planning, considerin

Max talks with Connor Hailey from ForeFlight about their new aircraft insurance comparison tool, designed to help aircraft owners evaluate their insurance policies. The tool allows users to upload their current policy, which is analyzed using AI to extract key details. Pilots can verify and adjust their information, including certificates, ratings, and flight hours, which ForeFlight Logbook can auto-fill. The tool then compares the extracted policy details against an aggregated range of similar policies, showing whether the premium is fair. The tool is currently only available to U.S.-based aircraft owners, though future plans may include expansion to renters and those seeking quotes before purchasing an aircraft. ForeFlight intends to keep this web-only tool free for all users, with no current plans to integrate it into the ForeFlight mobile app. While the tool is still in beta, its primary goal is to help pilots make informed decisions about their insurance costs and start productive conversations w

Rachael Webster recounts the surreal experience of having her airplane stolen from Palo Alto Airport. Initially mistaking the tampered aircraft for a kind gesture, she later received a call from the club informing her that her Citabria had been stolen and flown toward San Carlos with its transponder off. The aircraft was eventually discovered, nose-down but largely intact, on a beach south of Half Moon Bay. The thief, a man calling himself “Sun Rock,” had allegedly sought to expose airport security flaws. After landing, he went for tacos and was promptly arrested. The recovery process was complex, requiring approvals from multiple agencies, delaying removal and worsening damage due to saltwater exposure. Although insurance nearly totaled the plane, it was instead repaired after months of delays due to maintenance backlogs. Despite the ordeal, Rachael remains positive, humorously considering marketing her aircraft as the only tailwheel trainer with "real beach landing experience." She has since launc

The NTSB held a press conference to provide preliminary findings from the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) related to the January 29 midair collision near Reagan National Airport between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and a PSA Airlines CRJ regional jet. The Black Hawk was conducting a checkride with night vision goggles and was following FAA-designated helicopter routes. The CRJ was cleared for a visual approach to Runway 33. The investigation revealed discrepancies in altitude readings from the Black Hawk’s instruments, raising concerns about possible erroneous altimeter data. At 8:47:40 PM, the CRJ received an automated traffic advisory, and the tower instructed the Black Hawk to pass behind the CRJ. However, due to a transmission overlap, the Black Hawk may not have received the full instruction. Seconds later, the aircraft collided at approximately 313 feet altitude. The NTSB is conducting a visibility study, examining night vision goggle effects, air traffic contr

Max interviews Jeff Guzzetti, a former NTSB investigator, to discuss the accident investigation process, in relation to the DC midair collision. Jeff explains ICAO Annex 13, the international standard that guides accident investigations worldwide. He details the NTSB’s congressional mandate to investigate every civil aviation accident and explains their resource constraints, which often require FAA inspectors to assist. The conversation covers the NTSB’s investigative process, including the launch of a GO team for major accidents, the role of accredited representatives, and the importance of securing accident sites. Jeff discusses the retrieval and analysis of cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders, along with the increasing role of passenger electronics in investigations. Max and Jeff also touch on the psychological toll of accident investigation, the impact of high-profile crashes near Washington, D.C., and the importance of avoiding premature conclusions. Jeff shares insights into his

Max provides updates on the midair collision over the Potomac River between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and a regional jet, followed by an analysis of the fatal crash of a Learjet 55 in Philadelphia. Regarding the Potomac collision, the episode clarifies earlier reports about the Black Hawk's flight path, noting that it was slightly off its assigned helicopter route but not landing at Reagan National. Preliminary findings indicate that the helicopter was higher than permitted and slightly off course. The episode also examines ATC staffing at the time of the accident and systemic safety concerns, rather than placing blame solely on individuals. The second half covers the Learjet 55 crash, which occurred shortly after departure from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power—likely an engine failure—and crashed within seconds. The discussion explores how night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and potential pilot response factors may have contributed

Max discusses the tragic midair collision at Reagan National Airport between a PSA Airlines CRJ700 regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The midair crash over the Potomac River was captured by a Kennedy Center webcam. ATC instructed the Army helicopter to follow the airliner to Runway 33, but it did not comply. The helicopter was not transmitting ADS-B Out, though its position was tracked using Mode S transponders. TCAS alerts are disabled below 400 feet, meaning the pilots had no automated warning. Nighttime perception challenges likely contributed to the crew’s failure to see and avoid each other. Trescott reviews ATC audio and past midair collisions, emphasizing the Swiss Cheese Model of accident causation—multiple failures aligned to cause the crash. A reported FAA radar screen showed collision alerts 30 seconds prior, but no action was taken. He urges pilots to use traffic displays with relative vectors for better situational awareness, particularly at night. The episode ends wi

Note: There is a video version of this episode for Patreon.com supporters at the $20/month level, which also gives you access to over 90 other videos. Max Trescott talks with Patrick Lienhart about FlySto.net, a platform bringing Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) to general aviation (GA). FOQA, widely used by airlines, collects and analyzes flight data to enhance safety by identifying trends before they lead to incidents. FlySto applies similar principles, allowing GA pilots to review their flights, compare data, and track performance improvements.   FlySto offers multiple perspectives, including 2D/3D views, cockpit HUD, and graphical analysis. Pilots can upload flight data from various avionics, ADS-B track logs, and navigation apps. A key feature is approach scoring, which compares pilot performance to fleet averages and provides landing analysis. FlySto also includes customizable flag rules for monitoring exceedances, aircraft performance analysis against POH data, and video integration to ov

Max talks with Jim Goldfuss about his journey from a career in logistics and retail to fulfilling his dream of flying professionally with PlaneSense, a fractional aircraft ownership company. Growing up around aviation, Jim earned his private pilot’s license in 1989 but paused his flying ambitions due to financial constraints. Decades later, with stable finances and family support, he resumed training, earning his instrument rating, commercial license, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate between 2020 and 2022. Jim credits his time as a CFI with sharpening his aviation skills and communication abilities, which prepared him for his current role. He joined PlaneSense after a year-long application process, leveraging persistence and networking to stand out. At PlaneSense, Jim flies Pilatus PC-12s as a second-in-command, alternating legs with captains and handling preflight, avionics programming, and monitoring tasks. He praises the company’s culture, advanced equipment, and comprehensive trai

Max talks with Dr. Mark Alford, who shares his journey transitioning to the Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet. He completed a nine-day type rating course in Knoxville, preparing through extensive study and simulator sessions to master the jet’s systems and emergency procedures. https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/product/zulu-3-anr-headset/?campaign=Zulu%203&ref=63 Mark highlights the challenges and rewards of his Supervised Operating Experience (SOE) with Max, which involved 25 hours of mentorship to remove his type rating restriction. They undertook diverse flights, including weather flying, night landings, and mountain approaches, like Eagle County Airport’s challenging RNAV GPS approach and high-performance departure. Mark also recounts mastering the Garmin G3000 avionics, emphasizing the importance of training tools and preparation. Personal stories enrich the podcast, such as inspiring a young aviation enthusiast in Wisconsin and connecting with aspiring pilots at FBOs. Mark reflects on how SOE train

In this Aviation News Talk episode, Max Trescott analyzes the recent crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800, in South Korea. The aircraft landed gear-up on runway 19 at Muan International Airport, slid down the runway, hit a concrete berm, and burst into flames, leaving only two survivors among the crew. He performed a video analysis of the aircraft’s speed along the runway and concluded that the aircraft didn’t slow until after it left the runway, suggesting the engines were still at high power during the slide. https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/product/zulu-3-anr-headset/?campaign=Zulu%203&ref=63 The incident unfolded rapidly, with the pilots issuing a Mayday after a possible bird strike on the right engine. The timeline from the distress call to the crash was just five minutes, during which the crew attempted a go-around, circled back, and crash-landed. Analysis of video footage showed the engines were likely producing high power during the landing, preventing proper deceleration.

Max talks with Jason Blair, a DPE, about multi-engine ratings and training challenges. Jason explains that most pilots pursue multi-engine ratings as add-ons to their commercial certificates. He advises following an efficient training path: private single-engine, instrument rating, commercial single-engine, and finally, the multi-engine add-on. https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/product/zulu-3-anr-headset/?campaign=Zulu%203&ref=63 Challenges with multi-engine training include mechanical delays, as many trainers are older aircraft, and higher accident rates during instruction. Jason highlights the VMC demonstration as a critical yet risky maneuver that simulates engine failure. Pilots must maintain control and recover methodically by managing power and airspeed, avoiding loss of directional control. Performance considerations include accelerate-stop distance, single-engine ceilings, and reduced performance in high-density altitude environments. Underpowered twins, like the Twin Comanche, demand

Max talks with Dr. Catherine Cavagnaro about the value of advanced flight training and aviation experiences. Catherine shares her family tradition of gifting adventures instead of physical items, often involving flights to places like Fredericksburg, Texas, or Ireland, blending fun, learning, and aviation. https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/product/zulu-3-anr-headset/?campaign=Zulu%203&ref=63 They discuss using flight training as a “gift to oneself,” encouraging pilots to pursue new ratings or specialized courses to improve skills. Catherine highlights the instrument rating for enhancing precision and multitasking, and the commercial rating for smoothing out flying and improving passenger comfort. She advocates for specialized training like spin training to build stall confidence, mountain flying for high-terrain safety, tailwheel training for better rudder control, and quick, rewarding ratings like seaplane flying. Catherine emphasizes the importance of real IFR training, which focuses on enrou