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On this episode of AvTalk, what we learned from the first of three days of investigative hearings by the NTSB into January’s crash at DCA. Russian investigators peel the layers of problems that led to the crash of a Gazpromavia SuperJet. An American Airlines 737 suffers a landing gear problem and fire in Denver.
In our strange new series there’s more animal-related aviation news this week and in honor of our 330th episode, Ian gives Jason a pop quiz on the Airbus A330.
Helpful links for this week’s episode

NTSB investigative hearings
Russian investigator’s report on the SuperJet crash
American Airlines 737 playback
OIG announcement
Nordwind flight to Pyongyang

Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review or comment on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

AvTalk Episode 330: Acceptable deviation?

Max talks about a dramatic ground collision between two Pasadena Police Department helicopters and the wide-ranging lessons pilots can draw from it. On November 17, 2012, two Bell OH-58 helicopters collided at the Pasadena PD Benedict Heliport when one returned from a flight and struck another that was sitting on the pad with its rotors turning. Six people suffered minor injuries, but the accident destroyed both aircraft and revealed systemic issues far beyond a single pilot error.        Max uses the NTSB report and audio clips from the Rotary Wing Show—where host Mick Cullen interviewed Dan Parsons—to examine how this accident unfolded and why different people interpret it so differently. Initial reactions, including Max’s own when first hearing the episode, tended to blame the landing pilot. However, as Dan points out, there were organizational and procedural factors that made this an accident waiting to happen. One major factor was the normalization of deviance. Due to poor drainage on Pad 1, it was common for helicopters to be parked slightly outside the designated landing box to avoid puddles. On the day of the accident, N96BM was positioned completely outside the pad’s markings. When N911FA returned to land in light rain with a wet windscreen, the landing pilot assumed the parked helicopter was within its box and focused on positioning her own aircraft properly on Pad 2. The two rotor systems intersected just as she lowered the collective to land. The lack of a monitored UNICOM frequency and formal radio procedures compounded the hazard. At the time of the accident, no standard protocol existed for announcing arrivals or departures beyond what ground personnel could hear. The parked helicopter’s radios were not yet on, so the pilots had no communication link. Combined with rain-obscured visibility and non-standard pad markings, these conditions created a perfect storm. Max highlights how this accident illustrates core principles of Safety Management Systems (SMS), even for pilots outside of airline or charter operations. SMS emphasizes proactively identifying hazards, implementing mitigations, and creating feedback mechanisms to prevent unsafe practices from becoming normalized. The Pasadena PD air unit responded after the accident by redesigning their heliport layout to increase pad separation, establishing monitored UNICOM procedures, and instituting regular safety meetings to address hazards before they could lead to incidents. The episode also touches on pilot psychology. As Mick Cullen points out in one clip, the markings on the ground or guidance from a marshaller are just that—guidance. Ultimately, the pilot in command decides where to place the aircraft and is responsible for ensuring clearance. This is a valuable lesson not just for helicopter pilots but for fixed-wing pilots taxiing around crowded ramps. Max connects this to a story of a low-time pilot at his club who taxied into a fuel truck and insisted it wasn’t his fault—a reminder that responsibility always lies with the PIC. In the Updates segment, Max turns to two sobering Cirrus SR22 accidents. The first, in Jesup, Georgia, involved an experienced pilot attempting to land in near-zero visibility without flying the published instrument approach. Track data showed low-speed, high-bank maneuvers just before the airplane stalled and crashed short of the runway. The pilot’s tendency to avoid being late for appointments may have contributed to self-induced pressure, leading to a poor decision to attempt a visual arrival in IMC. The second accident, in Oxbow, Oregon, involved a newly certificated pilot who encountered forecast icing conditions at altitude. The airplane entered IMC, likely accumulated ice, and descended rapidly. The pilot deployed the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System, but at a speed far above the published deployment limit, causing structural failure of the parachute system. The accident underscores the critical importance of understanding aircraft limitations, respecting icing forecasts, and recognizing that CAPS is not a magic shield if operated outside design parameters. Max ties both Cirrus accidents back to the SMS theme. In each case, small decisions compounded into catastrophic outcomes. An absence of previous incidents can create a false sense of security, but SMS teaches that safety is not the absence of accidents—it’s the presence of robust defenses and hazard awareness. For general aviation pilots, this means constantly evaluating risks, questioning assumptions, and not allowing convenience or routine to override sound decision-making. The Pasadena PD helicopter accident provides a vivid case study in how seemingly minor deviations, inadequate procedures, and environmental factors can align to produce a serious accident even among highly experienced pilots. With over 16,000 and 13,000 hours respectively, neither pilot fit the stereotype of “low-time error.” Instead, it was the system around them—and the normalization of small deviations—that created the conditions for disaster. Max concludes with a reminder that SMS isn’t a bureaucratic requirement; it’s a mindset. Whether you fly a Cirrus SR22, a Robinson R44, or a law enforcement helicopter, applying SMS principles—identifying hazards, creating mitigations, and fostering open communication—can make the difference between routine operations and a preventable accident. For all pilots, this episode offers both a sobering analysis and actionable takeaways to enhance safety in every flight environment. 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 $1299  NEW – Lightspeed Zulu 4 Headset $1099  Lightspeed Zulu 3 Headset $949Lightspeed Sierra Headset $749  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 question using your phone.   News Stories     GA Groups Rally to Support Next Year’s Special Olympics Airlift  Dual electronic ignition introduced in Skyhawks  172 Takes Off From Oshkosh Taxiway In Wrong Direction  Garmin introduces Guided Visual Approaches  Avidyne earns FAA certification to continue Cirrus avionics upgrades  Senate Bill Would Require ADS-B on All Civilian and Military Aircraft  Distracted pilot crashes while landing  Overloaded Aircraft Carrying Moose Meat Caused Fatal 2023 Crash  Vibrating Suit Could Help Pilots Avoid Fatal Disorientation  Mentioned on the Show Buy Max Trescott's G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553 Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset Giveaway NTSB News Talk Podcast UAV News Talk Podcast Rotary Wing Show Podcast NTSB's Dust Devils Video  Max's article in FLYING Magazine: RNAV Glidepath Capture three-day investigative hearing into the Reagan National midair   Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk   So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification    Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we’ll make a couple of dollars if you do.   Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.   Check out Max’s Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/   Social Media Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook Follow Max on Instagram Follow Max on Twitter Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium   "Go Around" song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

394 Pasadena PD Helicopter Crash Analysis and Cirrus SR22 Safety Lessons

Have a great week and thanks for listening! Visit our website at: https://www.opposingbases.com Support the show and unlock the full archive, bonus content, and early access episodes at: https://opposingbases.supercast.com Want this episode on time and access to the full Iceberg Archive?All episodes and bonus content are now available to supporters—early, organized, and ad-free.  Public audio releases are now delayed and will eventually be archived for supporters only. Keep the feedback coming—it drives the show! Use the "Send Audio to AG and RH" button on our website to send a message, or reach us through your Supercast dashboard using your tier-specific email address. Music bumpers by audionautix.com Third party audio provided by liveatc.net Legal Notice: The views and opinions expressed on Opposing Bases Air Traffic Talk are for entertainment purposes only and do not represent the views, opinions, or official positions of the FAA, Penguin Airlines, or the United States Army. Episodes shall not be recorded or transcribed without express written consent. For official guidance on laws, rules, and regulations, consult an aviation attorney or certified flight instructor.

OB393: Simulated Emergencies

The MOSAIC final rule, an interview with the founder and CEO of Flying Eyes Optics, FAA guidance on certification of powered lift vehicles, new galleries opening at the National Air and Space Museum, a Delta pilot lands and gets immediately arrested, deer strikes in Alaska, and the NTSB investigation of a fatal flight in that state. Also, thoughts on recent moves to relocate the Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum to Space Center Houston.



Guest



Dean Siracusa



Dean Siracusa is the founder and CEO of Flying Eyes Optics. Dean, a pilot, started the company when he realized that existing sunglasses did not perform well with the increased clamping force of modern aviation headsets.



Flying Eyes temples are made of a patented material that allows the temples to conform to your head instead of curving around your ears. They're easy to put on and take off while wearing a headset or helmet. The flexibility of the temple material and shatterproof polycarbonate lenses makes these glasses hard to break.



Hillel Glazer, our Aviation Innovation and Entrepreneurship Correspondent, interviewed Dean at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025.



Aviation News



U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Announces Improvements to Recreational Aviation Safety, Expansion of Light-Sport Sector



The Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) final rule was announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. The new rule makes changes to the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category and Sport Pilot privileges by expanding an alternative to experimental amateur-built aircraft. MOSAIC:




Removes the weight limit



Encompasses aircraft with higher speeds, more seats, and retractable landing gear. 



Allows for new types of propulsion and modern avionics.



Allows aerial work with LSA, such as infrastructure and forest inspections, photography/filming, and agricultural surveillance.



Allows pilots operating under Sport Pilot privileges to fly a broader range of aircraft.



Reduces regulatory requirements by expanding the types of aircraft that qualify as LSA and the types of aircraft pilots can fly under Sport Pilot privileges.




Changes for sport pilots and light-sport repairmen take effect 90 days after the final rule publishes. Changes for LSA certification take effect 365 days after the final rule publishes.



Video: Secretary Sean P. Duffy Holds Press Conference for Important Announcement on General Aviation




https://www.youtube.com/live/iRzzTspdjUM?si=gje-ftiRm94Y2eY4




EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2025 Facts and Figures



Attendance for the week: approximately 704,000, the highest on record. More than 10,000 aircraft, 2,543 show planes, nearly 6,000 volunteers, and 962 commercial exhibitors.



FAA Releases Powered-Lift Certification Guidance



Originally, certification of the new advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft types, such as eVTOLs, had been worked under Part 23 regulations for light aircraft. In 2022, the FAA categorized them as powered-lift under FAR 21.17(b) regulations for special class aircraft. That category had no airworthiness standards and operating rules.



The FAA has now released an advisory circular “streamlining the certification process for advanced air mobility aircraft by releasing guidance for how manufacturers can meet the agency’s aircraft design and performance safety standards. It establishes a consistent, performance-based framework for manufacturers to follow.  The FAA will carefully evaluate each proposed design to ensure it meets the agency’s rigorous standards.”



The AC defines powered-lift as heavier-than-air aircraft that use “engine-driven lift devices” or engine thrust for vertical takeoff and landing and low-speed flight. For lift during horizontal flight, they use rigid airfoils such as wings.



National Air and Space Museum Opens Five New Galleries July 28 [2025]



The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum opened five ...

857 MOSAIC – the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification final rule

A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.This third episode of The Merge explores the fateful flight of June 13, 2008 from the brief up to moment of impact.Brought to you by BVR Productions.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The Merge-3: Impact

The job market for pilots has been through some wild swings lately, but aviation career coach (and former airline pilot) James Onieal says it’s neither as good nor as bad as you might think. He offers frank advice about the dangers of social media for aspiring pilots, explains why networking matters now more than ever, and discusses the differences between airline jobs and corporate jobs. In the Ready to Copy segment, James talks about the biggest career mistakes to avoid, what it’s like to flight check instrument approaches, and his favorite joke about cops.

Realistic career advice for pilots, with James Onieal

 This week, Dylan and Max talk Oshkosh FOMO, a rogue taxiway takeoff, and some serious Midwestern rental car struggles. Mailbag highlights a listener mapping out his aviation career path and asking if it’s possible to fly both corporate and airline gigs at once (spoiler: not easy). Flight Advice tackles how to best spend $8K of National Guard tuition money—seaplane rating, CFI, backcountry flying, or something else entirely? Plus, Starlink outages and the return of our favorite sunshade gear review.   The Killing Zone Book Pilot Armor Sunshades   Show Notes  0:00 Intro & Oshkosh 9:41 Musings: Flights & Tolerance 19:18 Starlink 23:08 Reviews 25:45 Mailbag 44:19 Flight Advice    Our sponsors: Harvey Watt, offers the only true Loss of Medical License Insurance available to individuals and small groups. Because Harvey Watt manages most airlines' plans, they can assist you in identifying the right coverage to supplement your airline’s plan. Many buy coverage to supplement the loss of retirement benefits while grounded. Visit harveywatt.com to learn more! -- Advanced Aircrew Academy enables flight operations to fulfill their training needs in the most efficient and affordable way—anywhere, at any time. We do this by providing high-quality professional pilot, flight attendant, flight coordinator, maintenance, and line service training modules delivered via the web using a world-class online aviation training system. Visit aircrewacademy.com to learn more! --  Tim Pope is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a pilot. His financial planning practice provides services to aviation professionals and aviation 401k plans. Tim helps clients pursue their financial goals by defining them, organizing & optimizing resources, planning, implementing, and monitoring their financial plan. Visit https://link.21fivepodcast.com/timothy-pope to learn more. Check out Tim's podcast: The Pilot's Portfolio podcast -- VSL ACE Guide Version – Your All-in-One Pilot Training Resource Stay ahead in your aviation journey with the VSL ACE Guide, meticulously crafted to provide everything you need for pilot training and certification. This guide includes the most up-to-date Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Instrument Instructor (CFII) ratings. 21Five listeners get a discount on the guide, click here to learn more! VAERUS MEANS RIGHT, TRUE, AND REAL. Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, using a true partner, to make your dream of flight real. Connect with Brooks at Vaerus Jet Sales | Learn more about the DC-3 Referral Program  --  The 21.5 Podcast is supported by our friends at ProPilotWorld.com - The Premier Information & Networking Resource for Professional Pilots  -- Do you have feedback, suggestions, or a great aviation story to share? Email us info@21fivepodcast.com Check out our Instagram feed @21FivePodcast for more great content and to see our collection of aviation license plates. The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.   

177. Should You Spend $8K on a Seaplane Rating or a CFI?

Max Trescott takes listeners deep inside Day 1 of the NTSB’s investigative hearing into the tragic midair collision near Washington’s Reagan National Airport between a PSA Airlines CRJ-700 and a U.S. Army UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter. The accident claimed the lives of 67 people, including the crew of both aircraft, and has become one of the most scrutinized airspace safety failures in recent history. In this episode of NTSB News Talk, Max distills over ten hours of testimony into 18 critical clips, delivering more than an hour of compelling audio that reveals surprising findings, heated exchanges, and systemic safety issues.The day opened with an animated reconstruction of the collision showing the helicopter at 280 feet MSL—80 feet above the 200-foot altitude depicted for that segment of the published helicopter route—and the CRJ-700 at 290 feet on short final to DCA’s Runway 33. Panel 1, “Overview of Accident Helicopter’s Air Data Systems and Altimeters,” uncovered a significant problem with UH-60L altimeter accuracy. Test flights conducted after the accident revealed rotor downwash caused barometric altimeters to read 80–130 feet lower than true altitude at hover and cruise. Compounding the issue, transponder encoders legally transmit in 100-foot increments and can be off by up to 90 feet while still being “in spec.” The testimony underscored how cumulative tolerances could create a 100-foot discrepancy between left and right seat altimeters, even with properly maintained systems.The hearing also exposed a fundamental difference in altitude standards between Army and civilian pilots. Army witnesses stated their standard is to maintain altitude within ±100 feet, meaning 300 feet would still be considered acceptable when targeting 200 feet MSL. Civilian operators, including medevac pilots accustomed to the DCA corridor, testified that in this airspace 200 feet is treated as a hard ceiling, not a target with a tolerance band. This cultural gap framed much of the day’s discussion.Panel 2, “Overview of the DCA Class B Airspace and Helicopter Routes,” shifted focus to the unique and congested structure of Washington’s helicopter corridors. FAA representatives confirmed a startling fact: the altitudes on the published helicopter charts are “recommended” for VFR operations and are not regulatory unless specifically assigned by ATC. Likewise, drifting off the depicted route or exceeding the published altitude is not a violation unless ATC imposes a hard restriction. Yet multiple witnesses testified that in practice, both Army and civilian pilots, as well as controllers, treat the published routes and altitudes as mandatory. The disconnect between policy and operational understanding drew pointed questioning from the Board.A recurring theme was the vulnerability of the route structure due to lack of consistent oversight. FAA orders require an annual review of the Baltimore-Washington helicopter route chart, but testimony revealed that DCA Tower has cycled through ten air traffic managers since 2013, with five in the last five years, making continuity of safety evaluations nearly impossible. A working group identified Route 4—the exact route used by the Black Hawk—as hazardous and attempted to mitigate risk by designating charted hotspots. FAA’s Aeronautical Information Services rejected the request on the grounds that “hotspot” symbology is limited to surface charts. NTSB members expressed frustration that bureaucratic charting standards overrode a direct safety recommendation from front-line controllers in the nation’s most complex helicopter environment.One surprising revelation involved ADS-B compliance. The Army testified that less than 20% of its flights in the region flew with ADS-B Out enabled. Even worse, the investigation discovered that seven of eight Lima-model Black Hawks at Davison Army Airfield were misconfigured and not broadcasting ADS-B Out at all due to maintenance...

Reagan National Midair NTSB Hearing Day 1: Army Black Hawk & Regional Jet Crash Testimony

In this episode, Seth sits down with Jeremy Lashbrook, a seasoned pilot and Designated Pilot Examiner with over 26 years of U.S. Army aviation experience. Jeremy brings unique insight from his extensive background flying both rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft, EMS helicopter operations, and type ratings in multiple complex aircraft.  Together, they discuss common applicant mistakes, tips for smoother checkrides, airworthiness pitfalls, understanding endorsements, oral and flight maneuver trends, and key lessons for CFIs to better prepare students. Jeremy also shares his experience with ATP and type rating checkrides, plus valuable advice for pilots moving into professional aviation.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Check Ride Insights  03:10 Administrative Preparation for Check Rides  05:58 Understanding Endorsements and Airworthiness  09:02 Navigating Type Ratings and Avionics  12:06 Oral Exam Challenges and Airworthiness Knowledge  15:03 Flight Maneuvers and Practical Test Expectations  31:37 Understanding Power Changes During Maneuvers  34:07 The Importance of Pylon Selection  36:45 Addressing Stall Maneuvers in Training  40:04 Navigating Instrument Check Rides  43:28 Common Pitfalls in Instrument Flight Planning  46:57 Understanding Special VFR and Weather Minimums  52:32 Personal Minimums and Decision Making  57:46 Final Thoughts on Readiness for Check Rides

Checkride Insights Ep. 4 — Jeremy Lashbrook on Airworthiness, Checkride Errors, and CFI Rolls

Ever wondered what it really takes to be a pilot? Well, in this episode Petter and Ben share their real life experience of the road to becoming a qualified pilot. The obsession that carries them from the start to the finish line, and how difficult it really is to get there.As always if you’d like a question to be featured on the show you can email us at captains@mentourpilot.com!For more content about aviation incidents, find Mentour Pilot on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MentourNowFor more analysis of the aviation industry, find Mentour Now! on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MentourNowAnd consider supporting the channel on Patreon, where you'll find bonus content, exclusive live hangouts with Petter, and early access videos: https://www.patreon.com/c/mentourpilot/home Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What It Actually Takes To Be A Pilot… (Audio-Only Version)

The aviation world just got flipped upside down! At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, the FAA dropped the MOSAIC bomb—the biggest shake-up to general aviation since 2004. Sport pilots can now fly aircraft with stall speeds up to 59 knots, and now have access to four-seat aircraft. But this isn&#39;t just about sport pilots—MOSAIC fundamentally reshapes the landscape for ALL pilots.Our friend Ted, who sits on the ASTM committee and apparently has nothing better to do than read 700-page regulatory documents while camping in 100-degree heat, spent a week at Oshkosh decoding this mess so the rest of us could keep flying instead of drowning in federal paperwork. Fresh from his &quot;undisclosed location in the canned pumpkin capital,&quot; Ted breaks down everything you need to know about the most significant expansion of pilot privileges in decades.What You&#39;ll Learn:Why sport pilots can now fly Ben&#39;s Cessna 182 &quot;Beast&quot; (and thousands of other aircraft)How the 1,320-pound weight limit disappeared and what replaced itThe maintenance revolution that lets experimental aircraft owners perform their own inspections with just 16 hours of trainingWhat this means for flight training costs and aircraft availabilityHow manufacturers like Van&#39;s and Sling are ready to start building completed aircraft instead of just kitsThe hilarious story of how the official FAA announcement got the details completely wrongDisclaimer: We&#39;re pilots and podcasters, not FAA officials or aviation lawyers. Always consult official sources and qualified professionals for regulatory guidance.Show Notes &amp; Links:Airports &amp; Aircraft Mentioned:Blue Ridge Airport (MTV):https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ridge_AirportBeechcraft Duchess BE76:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beechcraft_DuchessDeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK):https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeKalb%E2%80%93Peachtree_AirportPiper Comanche:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piper_PA-24_ComancheOfficial MOSAIC Resources:MOSAIC Final Rule (FAA):https://www.regulations.gov/document/FAA-2023-1377-1381FAA Official Announcement:https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/us-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-announces-improvements-recreational-aviationEAA MOSAIC Information:https://www.eaa.org/eaa/advocacy/top-issues/mosaic-aircraft-certificateEAA &quot;MOSAIC Is Done!&quot; Article:https://www.eaa.org/eaa/news-and-publications/eaa-news-and-aviation-news/2025-07-22-mosaic-is-doneIndustry Analysis &amp; News:General Aviation News MOSAIC Coverage:https://generalaviationnews.com/2025/07/23/long-awaited-mosaic-final-rule-released/AOPA Light Sport Rules Expansion:https://aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/july/22/light-sport-rules-expand-dramaticallyKitplanes MOSAIC for Homebuilts:https://www.kitplanes.com/mosaic-is-here-what-it-means-for-homebuilts/Flying Magazine MOSAIC Coverage:https://www.flyingmag.com/faa-finalizes-major-overhaul-of-light-sport-aircraft-rules/Flight Insight Training Impact Analysis:https://www.flight-insight.com/post/faa-releases-final-mosaic-rulePiper Flyer MOSAIC Forum Discussion:https://piperflyer.com/forum/unicom/1219-breaking-news-mosaic-final-rule-and-your-piper.htmlTraining &amp; Maintenance:Rainbow Aviation LSRM Courses:https://rainbowaviation.com/15-day-light-sport-repairman-maintenance-course/Rainbow Aviation LSA Repairman Info:https://rainbowaviation.com/the-lsa-repairman-maintenance-or-inspection-rating/Infinity Aero Club LSRM Training:https://infinityaeroclub.org/light-sport-repairman-maintenance-lsrm/Kitplanes Light Sport Repairman Guide:https://www.kitplanes.com/light-sport-repairman-maintenance/Connect With Us:Website:https://midlifepilotpodcast.comEmail:midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.comPatreon Community:https://www.patreon.com/midlifepilotpodcastYouTube Live Mondays 8 PM Eastern:https://www.youtube.com/@midlifepilotpodcast

Midlife Pilot Podcast

EP139 - MOSAIC for All Pilots: Ted Read 700 Pages So You Don't Have To

On this week’s episode of AvTalk, Ian returns from Europe and Jason returns from sitting and staring at the wall for a brand new episode. We discuss the conversation around the Air India flight 171 preliminary report, a close call in Mexico City, and another in Minot, North Dakota.
Plus, things are looking up for airlines awaiting Boeing 737 MAX deliveries, the NTSB issues a final report that raises questions about moose meat and the Ship to Theseus, and someone smuggles a turtle onto a flight.
Helpful links for this week’s episode

Air India flight 171 preliminary report
Data on close call in Mexico City
Air Force statement on Minot incident
NTSB report on Alaska crash

Thank you for listening!
Thank you so much for listening to AvTalk! Like the podcast? Have suggestions for future shows? Let us know by leaving a review or comment on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Reviews on iTunes not only help us make a better show, they help more people find the podcast! Want to send us additional feedback, just email us. And tell that friend who asked you for a podcast recommendation that AvTalk is the one they want to listen to next.

Please click here for a transcript of this episode.

AvTalk Episode 329: Planes where they shouldn’t be

David and Alicia share the latest ⁠2025 AirVenture news⁠ with an on-the-scene report from Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, including long-awaited MOSAIC rules, the AOPA Sweeps 182 winner, Van's RV-15 wing kits ready to order, ForeFlight's Dynamic Procedures,  a record-setting Piper order, and a Valkyrie aircraft that wows onlookers.

Episode 233: 2025 EAA AirVenture news

Welcome back to your Weekly UAS News Update. We&#39;ve got three stories for you this week. First, the Neo 2 has been spotted in FCC filings, Insta360 is jumping into the drone game with a new brand called Antigravity, and the CEO of DroneUp seems to be pushing for digital airspace authorizations.First up, it looks like DJI might have some serious new competition. Insta360, the company known for its 360-degree cameras, has launched a new drone brand called Antigravity. And their first drone sounds pretty revolutionary: it&#39;s reportedly the world&#39;s first 360-degree drone that weighs less than 249 grams and can shoot in 8K.Antigravity says its focus isn&#39;t on raw specs, but on creating an &quot;immersive flight&quot; experience that makes storytelling easy for everyone, from beginners to experts. The drone will reportedly include smart safety features, like payload detection to deter misuse or modifications. The full, official unveiling is scheduled for this August. We&#39;ve seen other companies like GoPro and Skydio struggle to challenge DJI&#39;s dominance, so it will be interesting to see if Insta360 and Antigravity’s approach.Next up, a new DJI drone, the Neo 2, has surfaced on the FCC website, which is usually the first major step before a product can be sold in the US. The filing reveals a notable upgrade: a 1606 milliamp-hour battery, which is about a 12% increase from the original Neo. This should translate to longer flight times than the original&#39;s 18 minutes. While FCC approval is a promising sign, it doesn&#39;t guarantee the Neo 2 will be available in the US. Since last October, US Customs has been detaining some DJI shipments, citing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. DJI firmly disputes any connection to forced labor, but the issue has already prevented the official US release of other products, like the Mavic 4 Pro. So, even with the FCC&#39;s green light, the Neo 2&#39;s future in the American market remains uncertain.And finally, Tom Walker, the CEO of DroneUp, published an opinion piece for Fox News where he pointed to a recent, dangerous incident during the Texas floods. A private drone reportedly collided with a rescue helicopter, forcing the crew to land and grounding a vital asset during a life-or-death situation.Walker says this isn&#39;t an isolated problem. He cited FAA data showing that illegal drone incursions near US airports jumped by 25% in the first quarter of this year compared to 2024. He warns that our current systems for detecting and responding to these threats are, in his words, &quot;fractured, outdated, and dangerously inadequate.&quot;So what&#39;s the solution? Walker wants a unified, real-time tracking system for all low-altitude air traffic. He&#39;s also pushing for secure digital credentials to link drones to their pilots, and for expanding the authority of local law enforcement to counter drone threats. He argues that the technology to do this already exists, but says we need to act now before one of these incidents becomes a national tragedy.I can tell you that we at Pilot Institute will oppose any sort of technology that introduces ANY cost to access the national airspace system. Access to the NAS must remain free for ANY and ALL users. We’ll be watching this closely. And on Postflight, our show where we share our opinions in the premium community, we’ll discuss the SkyRover X1 and how drones are being used to drop mosquitos in Hawaii. We’ll see you on Monday for the live and for post flight in the community! https://dronedj.com/2025/07/25/dji-neo-2-drone-fcc/https://dronexl.co/2025/07/28/insta360-antigravity-drone-360-8k/https://dronexl.co/2025/07/21/drone-ceo-warns-of-escalating-airspace-risks/

Drone News Update

Drone News: Insta360's New Drone, Neo 2 Spotted in FCC Filings, CEO Pushes for Airspace Credentials

Max talks with Tom Turner, Executive Director of the American Bonanza Society’s Air Safety Foundation, about an extraordinary initiative to preserve the operational future of the iconic V-tail Bonanza aircraft. When Textron Aviation quietly stopped producing the magnesium ruddervator skins—a unique flight control surface used only on V-tail Bonanzas—it left over 5,000 aircraft potentially grounded due to a lack of repair parts. Even minor damage could make these aircraft unrepairable.        To solve this crisis, the ABS Air Safety Foundation awarded the $500,000 Maciel Ruddervator Prize to SRS Aviation of Minnesota. Tom explains the history and challenges behind the ruddervator issue: the original parts were made from a now-obsolete thickness of magnesium, which is no longer commonly produced. Even worse, the chemical process used to harden the magnesium is so caustic and environmentally hazardous that almost no facility could perform it anymore. SRS Aviation, already experienced in building replacement aluminum control surfaces, initially declined to compete. But after realizing no one else was pursuing a solution, they took on the challenge, developing their own safe and FAA-acceptable hardening process. They eventually met the prize’s requirements, which included certifying replacement skins for all three ruddervator design variants and producing at least 100 completed kits to prove production viability. Tom also discusses the origin of the prize money: a generous bequest from Manny Maciel, a quiet aircraft fueler in Santa Rosa, California, who left $5 million to aviation safety research. The ABS Air Safety Foundation received $1 million of this funding, which it used to underwrite the prize. Tom emphasizes that the Foundation structured the award not just to incentivize a solution, but to ensure long-term support for V-tail Bonanza owners. The story also touches on how the ruddervator issue impacted aircraft valuations and even insurance policies—some insurers were unwilling to total aircraft with ruddervator damage, knowing repairs were impossible. Tom notes that after the prize was announced, Textron resumed limited production of the original ruddervator skins, showing how serious ABS was about finding a solution. Max wraps up by asking what other challenges might face Bonanza owners. Tom replies that while issues will always arise, most are solvable. The ruddervator shortage, however, was unique—it was an existential threat. Thanks to SRS Aviation and the support of the aviation community, that threat has now been eliminated. 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 $1299  NEW – Lightspeed Zulu 4 Headset $1099  Lightspeed Zulu 3 Headset $949Lightspeed Sierra Headset $749  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 question using your phone.   News Stories       Light sport rules expand dramatically  Stratus 4 introduced  AOPA Sweepstakes Plane Sidelined In Runway Excursion  Poor planning, training  are main reasons for loss of control accidents  Takeoff goes awry on significantly shorter runway than planned  Van's Aircraft begins taking RV-15 orders  Boeing trims pilot demand forecast slightly  Pilot charged with hijacking and terrorism over Vancouver flight  Stratos adventurer Baumgartner dies    Mentioned on the Show Buy Max Trescott's G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553 Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset Giveaway NTSB News Talk Podcast UAV News Talk Podcast Rotary Wing Show Podcast NTSB's Dust Devils Video Tom Turner’s Mastery Flight website Aviation News Talk #339 Skyryse One Helicopter  Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk   So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification    Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we’ll make a couple of dollars if you do.   Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.   Check out Max’s Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/   Social Media Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook Follow Max on Instagram Follow Max on Twitter Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium   "Go Around" song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

393 Bonanza Ruddervator Crisis Solved: $500K Prize Spurs Certified Replacement

This week, we flip the script—Fig and RePete aren’t hosting, we’re the guests on The Flying Dutchman Show. Dutch dives into the stories, chaos, and camaraderie that define life as a Marine Harrier pilot, pulling out unforgettable tales from our years in the cockpit.



From flight school struggles and first carrier landings to NATOPS checkride drama and mid-air close calls, no part of Marine aviation is off limits. You’ll hear how Fig got his call sign, how RePete nearly lost his flight contract, and how both of us beat the odds to fly the legendary AV-8B.



We talk about our time in VMA-223, what makes the Harrier such a beast to fly, and why landing on a postage stamp at sea isn’t just a figure of speech. Whether you’re a pilot, veteran, or aviation junkie—if you’ve ever wondered what it takes to survive a nozzle-flop or why a death equation matters at 50 feet—this one’s for you.






















https://youtu.be/v0KBqE97e5I

So There I Was

Hook Slaps & Nozzle Flops Episode 169

We bring you to AirVenture 2025 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This annual event attracts hundreds of thousands of aerospace professionals, aerospace enthusiasts, and their families for a unique aviation experience.

Flight Safety Detectives

Live from Oshkosh! - Episode 285

Raves at Narita? On the apron? Can you bring your own air vent? What?

Layovers - Air Travel podcast

149 TYO - Narita rave, airline soundtracks, arrivals hell, Tokyo's airport of tomorrow, LEGO MUC, pre-recorded captain

OB392: Let Your Mind Wander

Mark Sellers shares the story of a nighttime overwater flight in his Bellanca Viking where a landing gear issue arose during approach.