Flight Safety Detectives

Latest Episodes:

All You Need to Know About Whole Aircraft Rescue Parachute Systems Jan 13, 2021

Show notes

Episode 52

More than 430 lives have been saved by the BRS Whole Aircraft Rescue Parachute System. John and Greg welcome BRS Managing Director and President Enrique Dillon to get all the details about the system.

BRS invented the Whole Aircraft Rescue Parachute System in 1980. Since then, the system has been installed on more than 35,000 aircraft. It is a safety option that can be installed on virtually any general aviation plane.

The discussion covers the details of proper installation and maintenance. Tips are offered for pilots to make this safety system part of safe operations.

Listen also for other aviation details and Greg and John’s take on the best leadership for the FAA.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

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Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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Piloting Issues in Business and Charter Aviation Jan 06, 2021

Show notes

Episode 51

Experienced pilot Bob Jenkins joins Greg and John for this look at piloting challenges in business and charter aviation. COVID-19 is leading to increased interest in these flight options as a way to avoid the crowds of commercial aviation.

Pilots face demands of both aircraft and flight readiness. Pilots must be prepared to make flight safety decisions, even when they are unpopular with the employer on board.

Jenkins discusses the dangers of automation dependence, handling missed approaches, the importance of good relationships with maintenance crews and more. The value of professionalism is highlighted.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Photo by Edwin Leong

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Piper Wing Spar Corrosion Examined Dec 23, 2020

Show notes

Guest Jason Lukasik, president of JL2 Aviation Consultants and former FAA inspector, walks John and Greg through the recent Airworthiness Directive related to PA 28 Series planes. Jason shares his firsthand experience encountering dramatic corrosion on Piper wing spars.

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Assessing Cognitive Function in Pilots Dec 16, 2020

Show notes

Episode 49

Special guest is Dr Chuck Dennison, forensic and aviation psychologist, who specializes in neuropsychological evaluations for the FAA. He talks about how he tests cognitive function to ensure pilots have the mental acuity to fly safely.

Greg and John explore the many conditions that can trigger the need for assessment such as head injury, substance abuse issues, and conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease. The FAA medical certificate process is an important aspect of aviation safety.

They also discuss the potential for long-term neurological impacts on individuals who contract COVID-19.

With the Boeing 737 Max airplane approved to return to service, John and Greg recap their findings related to the high-profile accidents that led to the grounding. Calling it “the safest airplane flying,” they call on the industry to be vigilant about the training and maintenance needed to keep the Max safely in service.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

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Drugs Impact Aviation Safety and WTF Segment Begins Dec 09, 2020

Show notes

John and Greg kick off this episode with a new segment – WTF. They talk about several recent accident reports that identify unbelievable neglect of basic safety procedures.

“Stupid or not stupid, all these accidents take a toll on investigators and the people left behind,” John comments. The detectives plan future WTF segments to highlight the things that can and will happen when safety procedures are ignored.

This episode also covers the increasing prevalence of prescription and non-prescription drug use in all areas of aviation. A recent NTSB study of toxicology reports from fatal accidents reveals growing incidences of drug use.

Greg advocates for all pilots to make use of the “I’m Safe” and “Are You Fit to Fly” profile tools offered by the FAA.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

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Emergency Response in Aviation - Episode 47 Dec 02, 2020

Show notes

Episode 47

Jump in for a deep dive into emergency response in aviation. All sectors of the industry need to plan and prepare for emergency scenarios like crashes and much more.

Special guest is Mark Dombroff, partner in the Northern Virginia office of Fox Rothschild and co-chair of the firm’s aviation practice.

The conversation covers what goes into an effective emergency response and the importance of regular reviews and exercises. Listen to understand why companies need to have a plan to respond and answer to a range of scenarios worldwide.

They also introduce some industry resources:

The Aviation Emergency Response Organization (AERO), a non-profit that provides education and events for emergency response professionals from all aspects of the aviation industry worldwide, http://www.aviationemergency.org/
The annual aviation symposium that will be an all-online event in Feb. 2021, https://plane-lyspoken.foxrothschild.com/2020/11/19/the-2021-aviation-symposium/

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

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Propellers and Air Safety Nov 19, 2020

Show notes

Episode 46

Prop strikes are pretty common. Even seemingly minor nicks and gouges can lead to major safety issues.

John and Greg focus on propellers as the “ugly stepsisters” of aircraft maintenance. They dive into an accident involving a LancAir 4P caused when a damaged prop lead to engine failure.

In his years of service as a mechanic, John has seen plenty of engine damage caused by prop strikes. Greg layers in accident investigation work to illustrate just how important propellers are for aircraft safety.

This episode challenges every mechanic and pilot to give more attention to the humble propeller. Any abnormalities are worthy of thorough investigation.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

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Icing on Aircraft Lessons from the Crash of AE 4184 Nov 11, 2020

Show notes

Episode 45

Weather caused Flight 4182 to be in a holding pattern to land on October 31, 1994. Weather also triggered a fateful series of events that led to the loss of the aircraft and 68 lives.

John and Greg offer a minute by minute analysis of the cockpit voice recorder. They believe this was the event that woke the industry up to the effects of icing on aircraft.

The NTSB accident report focuses on communicating hazardous weather information to flightcrews, Federal regulations regarding aircraft icing, and training for icing events.

The accident is a reminder for pilots as the season of wintry weather conditions approaches. Be present in the cockpit mentally. Push away distractions and focus on the machine.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Mention the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and receive a 5% discount!

Photo credit: Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Revisiting the Crash Scene of American Eagle Flight 4184 Nov 04, 2020

Show notes

Episode 44

This episode starts when Greg got the call about the tragic crash of American Eagle Flight 4184. He walks through the first week of responding to the accident scene as the NTSB Investigator in Charge.

Insights:

First crash site where NTSB biohazard protocols were applied
How “why” questions lead to thorough on-scene information gathering
Roles of the various teams and parties involved in the investigation process
Importance of the field notes process
The story told by debris patterns

John and Greg share their expertise on the workings of plane de-icing systems. Listeners get an inside look at how weather, aircraft operation and aircraft certification emerged as leading factors in the crash.

Flight Safety Detectives is sponsored by Avemco Insurance, an aviation insurance company that--like the detectives--values training and safety as means to ensure safe flying for all.

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NTSB Still Not Onsite, CO Pilot Makes Up the Rules Oct 28, 2020

Show notes

Episode 43

The NTSB is still not doing onsite accident investigations...A pilot landing in Colorado decides to ignore the rules...Long-term health impacts of COVID could impact pilots, mechanics and flight attendants...Greg and John focus on these topics in their latest episode.

A recent accident in Buffalo prompted two senators to write a letter to the NTSB asking for an onsite investigation. The Board responded that they are not visiting accident scenes and deferred to the FAA for on-scene information gathering.

Greg and John continue to call on the NTSB to do its mandated job. They discuss the impact on aviation safety now and into the future.

This episode also analyzes a midair collision involving a Beech A36 Bonanza and a Robinson R44 Raven II in 2018 at Northern Colorado Regional Airport. The Beech pilot chose to set aside the rules and flew over the Robinson with disastrous results.

They wrap up with a discussion of COVID. People with even minor cases are reporting loss of taste and brain fog. Sense of smell is important to just about every aviation role on the ground

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