Aviation News Talk Podcast

Max talks with Nicholas about his recent experience buying a Cirrus SR22 and flying it from California to Missouri. After Nicholas arrived in San Jose, they drove to Santa Maria, where the plane had been relocated for a pre-purchase inspection. Nicholas discussed how he arranged for a local pilot to ferry the plane to the inspection site and his use of the Cirrus Owners Pilots Association (COPA) to find an independent shop. The journey itself was full of challenges and learning opportunities. Departing under overcast skies, they flew through mountainous terrain in California, dealt with downdrafts and updrafts, and navigated around weather in Arizona and New Mexico. Their first stop was at the Grand Canyon Airport, where they met a friendly Twin Otter pilot who lent them his truck for lunch. Fatigue and weather influenced their decision to stop in Albuquerque for the night. The next morning, they flew to Wichita, where they made a fast refueling stop before heading to Missouri. Along the way, they had to

In this episode of the Aviation News Talk podcast, Max discusses the crash of N629AG, a Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage, which occurred on a visual approach to Anderson, Indiana (KAID) on a Friday morning. The aircraft, arriving too high and fast, attempted a go-around but stalled shortly after, killing the pilot and three passengers. The flight had departed from Fort Dodge, Iowa (KFOD) under IFR, leveling off at FL210 before beginning its descent. The pilot likely lost situational awareness, as the aircraft descended too slowly to correct for the high altitude and fast speed on final approach. Despite having tools like the Garmin G1000, which could have alerted the pilot to the impending danger, the descent planning was inadequate. The episode emphasizes the importance of proper descent planning and the use of avionics tools to prevent accidents, especially in situations where an aircraft is too high and fast for a safe landing. Max also highlights the potential distractions in the cockpit that could lead

Max talks with Patrick Carter of NflightCam about his journey from running an aerobatic flight school to creating specialized camera systems for aviation. His interest in video recording began nearly 20 years ago when he used a basic camera setup to help a student improve his loops. This experience highlighted the value of video for flight instruction, as it allowed students to debrief and learn more effectively by reviewing their performance on the ground, free from the stress of flying. Patrick has also offered a Promo code for Aviation News Talk listeners. To get 10% off all purchases from nflightcam.com, use the promo code: MAX Carter emphasizes that while video is a powerful tool for instruction and safety, it should never become a distraction during flight. He stresses the importance of easy-to-use, non-intrusive camera systems that allow pilots to "set and forget" during flight, ensuring that the primary focus remains on safe flying. He also discusses the legality of mounting cameras on aircraft, ex

Max talks with CFI Jim Hopp, who shares insights about tailwheel flying. He explains that tailwheel planes offer a more hands-on flying experience, with fewer instruments and a stick for better control. The primary challenge in tailwheel flying is ground handling due to the center of gravity being behind the main gear, which increases the risk of swerving and ground loops during takeoff and landing. Hopp discusses gyroscopic precession, a factor that causes tailwheel planes to yaw left during takeoff, requiring more right rudder input. He also highlights the importance of precise rudder control, particularly in crosswinds, and explains the different landing techniques used in tailwheel planes: the three-point landing and the more advanced wheel landing. In the air, tailwheel planes demand more rudder usage due to their older, draggy designs, which make adverse yaw more noticeable. Hopp also talks about the requirements for a tailwheel endorsement, including extensive ground training and practice in handl

Max interviews listener Jim about a prop strike incident that occurred while landing his Cessna 182. The conversation covers Jim's flying background, the details of the incident, and the lessons learned. Jim, who began flying in 2012, purchased his Cessna 182 in 2022 and upgraded it with a Garmin G3X system. During a return flight from New Mexico, Jim experienced challenging weather but expected a routine landing. However, a sudden yaw and bank just before touchdown resulted in a prop strike. Using the Garmin G3X data and Flysto.net, Max and Jim analyzed the incident, identifying unstable flight conditions and incorrect control inputs that led to the strike. Jim discusses the repairs, additional training, and surprising insurance implications that followed. Despite the setback, Jim remains committed to improving his piloting skills and encourages others to share their experiences for the benefit of the aviation community. If you're getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo,

In this episode, Max talks with Jeff Menasco, the Director of Aviation at Truckee Tahoe Airport, who describes the unique challenges and beauty of the airfield. Situated at a high elevation of 5,901 feet, the airport experiences high-density altitudes, often exceeding 9,000 feet, which can surprise pilots unaccustomed to such conditions. The surrounding mountainous terrain further complicates approaches, creating high minimums and orthographic wind effects, particularly in the afternoons with gusts up to 35 knots. Winter weather adds another layer of complexity, with heavy snowfall requiring extensive snow removal efforts. The area’s scenic appeal and proximity to the Bay Area draw significant air traffic, with 65% originating from there. Jeff highlights accident trends, noting that 24 accidents over 28 years were primarily due to high-density altitude, gusty winds, and IFR conditions with visual obscurations. The airport’s FLY SAFE program incentivizes pilot proficiency through the FAA WINGS program, of

In this replay of episode #398 of the Aviation Careers Podcast, guest Max Trescott discusses strategies for pilots to stay safe while building flight time toward the 1,500-hour requirement for airline positions. Emphasizing the higher risk associated with general aviation compared to commercial airline flying, Trescott highlights key factors such as the "killing zone" for low-time pilots and the importance of accumulating time in type rather than just total flight hours. He underscores the necessity of a professional attitude, akin to that expected in airline operations, and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Trescott warns against complacency and overconfidence, stressing continuous learning and thorough understanding of aircraft limitations. He advises maintaining safe margins, avoiding risky behaviors, and being aware of the heightened dangers of night flying, particularly the somatogravic illusion and black hole approaches. Trescott also touches on the hazards of fatigue, the importan

In this episode, Max discusses the recent fatal crash involving of N990PT, a Cirrus SR22, at Bar Harbor Airport in Maine. The aircraft lost control after an IFR approach in low visibility conditions. He emphasizes the importance of proper decision-making, especially in challenging weather. Max also discusses the risks associated with low weather conditions, such as the need for a reliable alternate airport and the potential dangers of widespread low ceilings. The episode aims to educate pilots on avoiding small mistakes that can lead to major accidents and underscores the importance of always having a safe alternative landing strategy. If you're getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon. Support the Show by buying a Lightspeed ANR Headsets Max has been using only Lightspeed headsets for nearly 25 years! I love their tradeup program that let's you trade in an older Lightspeed headset for a newer model. Start with one of the links below, and Lightspeed will

In this special episode of Aviation News Talk, Max discusses a recent fatal crash involving N1089W, a Beechcraft A36 Bonanza, at MacArthur Airport in Long Island. The aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff, leading the pilot to attempt a 180-degree turn back to the runway, a maneuver often referred to as the "impossible turn." The plane crashed short of Runway 6, resulting in the deaths of both the pilot and passenger. Max explains the dangers of the "impossible turn," especially for faster aircraft like the Bonanza, due to their larger turn radius. He suggests that using the full length of the runway, rather than an intersection departure, might have provided the pilot with more options for an emergency landing. He emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation, including identifying suitable landing spots and conducting pre-takeoff briefings. He also advises pilots to use the full runway length whenever possible and to be cautious and prepared for emergencies. If you're getting value from this sh

Max talks with career coach Carl Valeri about current trends in the aviation industry regarding pilot hiring. Major issues include supply chain problems affecting both Boeing and Airbus, with specific concerns about engine inspections and manufacturing delays. Additionally, the premium leisure travel market is thriving, while low-cost travel faces challenges due to economic conditions. The conversation also highlights the ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers, especially in the East Coast corridor, leading to reduced flights and pilot demand. Valeri emphasizes the importance of pilots gaining flight experience despite market downturns and advises aspiring pilots to aim for a thousand hours of PIC turbine time. He also touches on the varying hiring practices among major airlines, noting pauses and conditional job offers. The episode provides insights into the aviation career landscape, urging perseverance and continued skill development despite industry fluctuations. If you're getting value from thi

In this episode, Max visits Skyryse, a Southern California-based startup. Its Skyryse One helicopter, has a revolutionary cockpit configuration that eliminates traditional controls such as the cyclic, collective, and pedals. Instead, it features a single centrally mounted control stick and two touchscreen displays, all powered by a triply redundant fly-by-wire flight control system and the company's proprietary SkyOS. The Skyryse One is half the cost of the cheapest IFR-certified helicopters, significantly enhancing safety in the helicopter industry. The aircraft is priced at $1.8 million, higher than the standard Robinson R66 that its based upon, but Skyryse believes the increased safety and capability will justify the premium cost for private pilots and commercial operators. The company aims to certify the Skyryse One by 2025 and it plans to offer the system in other helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. The podcast includes a detailed discussion and demonstration of the Skyryse simulator, highlighting

In this episode, Max explores Loft Dynamics, a Swiss company transforming helicopter training with cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) simulators. During his visit to their Santa Monica demo center, Max flies the Airbus H125 training device, the only VR simulator approved by EASA. Loft Dynamics offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional full-motion simulators, which are bulky and expensive, ranging from $6 to $20 million. Their compact VR simulators, including the H125, H145, and Robinson R22, cost around $1 million and utilize an open design with electric motor-driven seats. The technology includes Varjo VR headsets, Valve Index Base Station systems, and Lenovo servers running IPACS software, ensuring high accuracy and immersive experiences. Tedd Rossi from Loft Dynamics provides insights into the simulator’s features, including an instructor console that manages aircraft settings, environmental controls, and malfunction simulations. The console tracks eye movements and body positioning, offering

Max discusses the critical role of human factors in aviation safety, prompted by the tragic crash of Yeti Airlines flight 691 in Nepal in 2023. The flight crashed during a visual approach due to pilot errors and high workload, resulting in the loss of all 72 people on board. Trescott explains how human factors like high workload, distractions, and ineffective Crew Resource Management (CRM) played a critical role in the accident. The crew's use of noise-canceling headsets and the challenging new airport approach added to their workload, leading to mistakes. Trescott uses the SHELL model (Software, Hardware, Environment, Liveware) to analyze the accident, emphasizing how the interaction of these elements can lead to errors. He discusses the effects of high workload on pilot performance, including attentional narrowing and task shedding, and offers strategies to manage it, such as starting descent planning earlier and effective CRM practices. Recognizing high workload is crucial, but pilots often don't noti

Max talks with CFI Jim Simon, about an incident involving a Cirrus SR22T and a parachute deployment. During a routine flight, the engine of their aircraft suddenly seized, resulting in a complete loss of power. Jim, who was flying with a learner, took control and performed emergency procedures. He opted not to land on a congested highway or in water, instead aiming for a greenbelt area. At 1,500 feet MSL, he pulled the aircraft's parachute, experiencing a violent but controlled descent. They narrowly avoided power lines and landed softly in a marshy area. Both occupants exited the aircraft unharmed. Jim emphasized the importance of training and preparation for such emergencies. He credited their survival to the Cirrus Aircraft Parachute System (CAPS) and noted that without it, a safe landing in such a dense urban area would have been nearly impossible. The incident underscored the value of safety features like CAPS and the need for pilots to be thoroughly trained in emergency procedures. If you're gett

Max talks with Dr. Victor Vogel about mental health issues and what pilots need to know when getting a pilot medical certificate. He also talks about how somatogravic illusion nearly brought down Southwest flight 2786, which nearly crashed while flying the missed approach at Lihue, Hawaii. He also discusses two fatal twin engine accidents that occurred this week in Colorado and New York. If you're getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon. Support the Show by buying a Lightspeed ANR Headsets Max has been using only Lightspeed headsets for nearly 25 years! I love their tradeup program that let's you trade in an older Lightspeed headset for a newer model. Start with one of the links below, and Lightspeed will pay a referral fee to support Aviation News Talk. Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset $1199 Lightspeed Zulu 3 Headset $899Lightspeed Sierra Headset $699 My Review on the Lightspeed Delta Zulu Send us your feedback or comments via email If you have a que

Max talks with John Fiscus discuss about strategies for flight instructors when teaching in the traffic pattern. These tips are also useful for pilots flying by themselves. John highlights a common issue among new CFIs: teaching based on qualitative feelings rather than quantitative data. He emphasizes the importance of providing concrete numerical guidance to students. John introduces the concept that "energy equals time," stressing that the amount of energy (airspeed, power, altitude) affects reaction time, especially as the aircraft gets closer to the ground. He also talks about the need for CFIs to balance allowing student mistakes with ensuring safety. John describes the different roles of an instructor: teacher, coach, and evaluator, and the importance of setting specific error tolerances at various traffic pattern stages. They also discuss practical techniques for being ready to take over controls without alarming students. John also talks about the ever tightening tolerances he permits around the

Max talks with Mark Kolber, an aviation lawyer and CFI, about the FAA's compliance program. Mark explains that the program, launched in 2015, shifted from a punitive approach to a more rehabilitative one, encouraging pilots to report mistakes and undergo retraining rather than facing severe penalties. He highlights the benefits of being proactive and transparent with the FAA to resolve issues through remedial training. Mark discusses the importance of filing a NASA form for protections if a case goes to formal enforcement and advises seeking professional guidance when contacted by the FAA. He clarifies that while the compliance program handles minor infractions, serious violations like fraud or repeated offenses still lead to formal enforcement actions. The conversation includes practical advice for pilots who receive a Brasher warning, suggesting they contact the tower with brief, factual information without making admissions. Mark emphasizes that modern technology like ADS-B makes evading detection imp

Max interviews Jason Blair about the FAA reauthorization bill and its implications for flight training and pilot certification. And Max reads listener stories and emails. Jason highlights a significant change allowing non-collegiate programs to qualify for restricted ATP certificates through enhanced qualification programs developed by airlines or FAA-approved training centers. This opens new pathways for aspiring pilots outside traditional collegiate programs. He also discusses the bill's focus on workforce development, including a GAO study on the pilot shortage and provisions to streamline the process for pilots training in experimental or limited category aircraft. Notably, the bill includes measures to improve the deployment and standardization of Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs), such as creating a national oversight office and developing tools to better manage examiner availability and scheduling. Additionally, Jason mentions the upcoming removal of expiration dates from flight instructor certific

Max and Jason Blair discuss recent changes in the FAA's aviation testing standards, notably the transition from PTS to ACS. Key updates include the conversion of the CFI test to ACS, introducing scenario-driven evaluations. New maneuvers, such as demonstrating flight characteristics under various conditions, have been added for CFIs. Instructors can now use pre-developed lesson plans, easing the preparation burden. Instrument rating changes allow using approaches with decision altitudes like LNAV/VNAV and mandate partial panel approaches to reflect real emergency scenarios. GPS databases must remain current. For commercial pilots, precision in power-off 180-degree landings is emphasized, and understanding ballistic parachute systems is required. These updates aim to modernize testing, aligning it with current industry practices and technology without drastically altering training content. The use of electronic flight bags (EFB) for planning and in-flight operations is now permitted, enhancing practicalit

Max reads a number of listeners stories and emails from listeners. Several of the stories are in response to #328, in which we talked about a tragic aviation accident involving a CFI who purchased his dream airplane, N8924Y, a Piper Twin Comanche, and crashed it on the way home. Listeners share their experience with landing gear problems, Garmin G3000 question, and IFR questions. Support the Show by buying a Lightspeed ANR Headsets Max has been using only Lightspeed headsets for nearly 25 years! I love their tradeup program that let's you trade in an older Lightspeed headset for a newer model. Start with one of the links below, and Lightspeed will pay a referral fee to support Aviation News Talk. Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset $1199 Lightspeed Zulu 3 Headset $899Lightspeed Sierra Headset $699 My Review on the Lightspeed Delta Zulu Send us your feedback or comments via email If you have a question you’d like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener que