Aviation News Talk – General Aviation Podcast

380 Max Trescott on Aviation Safety, Judgment, and Human Performance on Dr. Tony Kern’s podcast + ForeFlight News

In this special crossover episode, Max Trescott, host of the Aviation News Talk podcast, appears as a guest on Dr. Tony Kern’s Only Human podcast. The two aviation safety advocates engage in a candid, insightful conversation that bridges their shared backgrounds in aviation, safety culture, and leadership.

The episode begins with a segment called “This Week in Safety Land,” spotlighting a tragic helicopter crash involving tourists over the Hudson River. The Director of Operations (DO) at the company involved chose to cease operations pending investigation, only to be overruled and fired by the CEO—prompting FAA intervention. Max and Tony reflect on this as a textbook example of the ongoing conflict between operational production and safety protection, a dynamic familiar in aviation, military, and corporate environments alike. They explore how profit-driven decisions often undermine safety, and how organizations with high-risk operations must prioritize a culture that empowers safety-conscious leadership.

Tony shares a story of elephants at the San Diego Zoo sensing an earthquake before it was perceptible to humans—forming a protective circle around the young. Max likens this to the importance of organizational structures that support bottom-up safety communication. Drawing on his early career at Hewlett-Packard, he praises HP’s open-door policy that encouraged employees to escalate safety issues when necessary. He stresses that open communication channels are essential, especially in high-risk domains.

Max then shares his personal journey from a successful 25-year career at HP to full-time aviation after a layoff. What began as a side hobby teaching flying eventually evolved into a full-time vocation, spurred in part by a deeply personal tragedy: the death of a close friend and five others in a preventable aircraft accident. Max, who arrived on the crash scene within 45 minutes and attended multiple funerals that week, found a new purpose—preventing similar accidents by educating pilots.

That experience drove Max to start Aviation News Talk, where he strives to deliver rich, actionable content on general aviation safety. His mission: to save lives by making safety knowledge accessible, engaging, and relevant to every pilot—from student to professional. He explains that his podcast is designed to offer “at least one nugget of value per episode” that listeners can apply immediately.

Tony and Max discuss the unglamorous public perception of safety roles—often viewed as dull or punitive. Tony notes that safety officers are often assigned the job after incidents or during grounding periods. Max offers a reframing: don’t lead with safety—lead with professionalism. If pilots strive to be excellent in their craft, safety naturally follows. “Do your job well, be curious, be disciplined,” Max says—traits that elevate both personal performance and safety outcomes.

They turn to current trends, asking whether aviation is getting less safe. While total accident numbers may be down, Max points out that media coverage is up, and many general aviation (GA) accidents—especially runway excursions involving business jets—suggest continued risks. What matters more than raw numbers, he explains, is the accident rate per 100,000 hours flown, data that lags by over a year. For GA pilots, the accident risk remains significant, especially among newer or less experienced pilots.

Looking forward, Max and Tony explore the safety challenges of tomorrow. Max debunks the idea of achieving a static “safe state” and explains that aviation is inherently dynamic—subject to changes in personnel, technology, weather, and processes. He highlights the importance of conducting safety assessments prior to changes in operations, procedures, or equipment. Quoting safety expert Todd Conklin, Max describes accidents as “the unexpected combination of normal aviation variability,” reinforcing the need for ongoing vigilance.

Tony adds that while technological innovations—like AI, automation, and real-time training—offer efficiency, they don’t guarantee increased safety. Often, humans simply push the margins when given better tools. He uses anti-lock brakes as an analogy: rather than driving more safely, people just drive faster. Similarly, faster, cheaper training methods could reduce experience levels without solving core human performance issues.

The conversation closes with Max outlining the timeless characteristics of a great aviator:

Judgment – the most critical trait, separating the skilled from the safe.
Curiosity – a desire to learn, explore, and seek out knowledge.
Discipline and consistency – following procedures and making flights “boring” in the best way.
Situational awareness – understanding not just your own position, but what everyone else in the airspace is trying to do.
Humility – recognizing that overconfidence kills and that learning never stops.

Max emphasizes that aviation teaches life skills: staying humble, seeking excellence, and always being ready to learn. He ends by inviting listeners to consider flight training—not just for fun, but as a profound growth experience. Learning to fly, he says, can change how you see the world and yourself.

Tony echoes the sentiment, encouraging listeners to take a discovery flight and explore the possibility. As the episode wraps, both hosts agree: while aviation may be unforgiving, it offers unmatched rewards for those who approach it with professionalism and passion.

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Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott’s G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset Giveaway
Dr. Tony Kern’s Convergent Performance company
Only Human with Dr. Tony Kern podcast
Dr. Kern’s Books
Blue Threat: Why to Err Is Inhuman
Redefining Airmanship
Flight Discipline
Going Pro: The Deliberate Practice of Professionalism
Darker Shades of Blue: The Rogue Pilot
Armored Knight
The Ghost of Nathan Hale
Dark Wind by Buck Myles (Tony Kern)
13 Bullets: A Blue Walker Action Thriller Series by Buck Myles

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379 Ferry Pilot Flying, Everything Explained with Sarah Rovner + GA News

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 trains and mentors pilots, including retirees and aspiring time-builders, emphasizing the importance of judgment over just stick-and-rudder skills. Her company now provides aircraft imports, paperwork, and check rides, and she encourages others interested in ferry work to learn multiple aircraft types and fly smart. 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 $899 Lightspeed 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 question using your phone. News Stories

Mentioned on the Show Buy Max Trescott’s G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553 Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset Giveaway Video of the Week: SR22 Pilot Induced Oscillation Max’s Max Impact FLYING magazine column: February Stop the prop by Barry Schiff 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.

378 More on Best Glide + Bad Pilots and ATC in the News

In Episode 378 of Aviation News Talk, Max Trescott continues the conversation around engine-out emergencies, building on the analysis presented in Episode 372, which examined the fatal crash of a Bonanza B35B (N2UZ) near Charlottesville, Virginia. This episode generated more listener email than any other recent episode, and Max shares many of those responses—read by Aviation News Talk’s resident intern, Kelly—with thoughtful commentary and added technical insight.

Max opens the show by reviewing the crash of N2UZ. The pilot, flying from North Carolina to the northeast, experienced engine failure at 7,500 feet. Though he got to best glide speed quickly and contacted Charlottesville Tower, he ultimately overshot a 3,000-foot-long field and crashed into trees. The airport was just outside his gliding range. Max highlights decisions that might have changed the outcome—such as requesting flight following, cruising at a higher altitude, or planning a route that always remained within gliding distance of airports. He reiterates his call for EFB apps like ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot to help pilots create safer, altitude-aware routes during preflight planning.

Kelly reads a series of insightful listener emails. Karen Larson, a 787 airline pilot and Carbon Cub owner, describes how she and her husband discussed Max’s episode prior to ferrying a T6 to Houston. During the return flight, the T6 suffered a power loss over Austin. Thanks to their discussion and prompt action, they safely landed at a nearby private airpark. Karen credits the podcast for influencing that successful outcome.

David Dismore, working on his Commercial certificate in an SR20, writes about the value of practicing power-off 180s to a landing spot. Max agrees that such maneuvers are beneficial but warns against combining them with no-flap landings during practice. He points out that power-off 180s are usually practiced from predictable pattern positions, whereas engine failures in cruise often occur at high altitudes, making energy management and terrain assessment more challenging. Max advocates for practicing engine-out glides from altitude to better simulate real-world emergencies.

Listener Nico Ghilardi echoes this sentiment. He shares how he practices gliding to airports from cruise altitude without touching the throttle again—a more realistic and challenging version of a power-off landing. Nico suggests that aerobatic training might also help improve energy management skills. Max agrees and notes that most types of training likely contribute to overall pilot improvement.

Daniel Switkin contributes a timely caution. He references a video from AOPA that tested the glide range features of three EFB apps in three aircraft—and in each case, the aircraft failed to reach the runway, despite what the glide rings suggested. Max hadn’t seen the video but thanks Daniel for flagging it and makes it the podcast’s “Video of the Week.” He encourages pilots to test their own glide rings during practice flights, rather than trusting them uncritically during emergencies.

Carter Boswell writes with a question about the aerodynamic differences between a windmilling and a stopped propeller during engine-out flight. Max draws on a detailed article by Peter Garrison, who explains that the answer isn’t simple: in some cases, a stopped prop may create more drag than a windmilling one, especially at high speeds. Garrison recommends pulling the prop to coarse pitch and leaving the throttle open, based on his testing. Max also consults Tom Turner of the American Bonanza Society, who estimates that stopping the prop might reduce the descent rate by a few hundred feet per minute—but no definitive data exists.

Finally, Kelly reads an email from Bozzie Boswell in Australia, who introduces Max to an app called AvPlan EFB. Unlike some U.S. apps, AvPlan offers an “Airport Glide Range” overlay in its flight planning mode. This shows shaded glide circles around airports based on planned altitude, aircraft glide ratio, and forecast wind—making it easier to plan routes that stay within gliding distance of a runway. Bozzie, who flies in remote areas of Australia, emphasizes that this feature gives him greater peace of mind in terrain where emergency options are few.

Max dives into the details of AvPlan’s pricing and features, comparing it to ForeFlight and praising its glide ring planning tools. He reiterates his hope that more flight planning apps will adopt similar tools to improve safety for general aviation pilots.

Throughout the episode, Max emphasizes how real-world preparation—like practicing realistic glides, using flight following, and planning routes with terrain and glide range in mind—can make the difference between a safe outcome and a tragedy in engine-out situations. Listener stories and questions add valuable perspectives, showing how shared knowledge in the aviation community continues to make flying safer for everyone.

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Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott’s G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset Giveaway
Oceano Airport and Off Highway Vehicles on Ocean Dunes
Max’s FLYING Magazine article: Skyryse One helicopter
Video of the Week: Testing Glide Rings in three EFB apps
Peter Garrison’s FLYING article: Gliding, Props
AvPlan EFB App with Airport Glide Range Overlay
Tom Turner’s FLYING LESSONS newsletter

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377 Why Good Pilots Crash with Dr. Tony Kern + GA News

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 identify behavioral patterns.

The conversation also touches on complacency, fatigue, and how inexperienced team members can sometimes better sense danger than veterans. He recalls the Thirtymile Fire as a case study in poor decision-making and leadership under stress. Tony concludes by stressing the instructor’s responsibility not to pass along a faulty product, and encourages pilots to be relentless students of their own behavior. He also shares resources from his company, Convergent Performance, and his books, podcast, and LinkedIn newsletter.

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376 PALS SkyHope Volunteer Flying of Medical Patients and Veterans with Adam Broun + GA News

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.

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 Eastern U.S., and relies on donations, marathons, and galas for funding.

Adam emphasizes how volunteer flying gives pilots a meaningful reason to fly while making a real difference in people’s lives, often significantly improving patient outcomes through faster, stress-free travel.

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Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott’s G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset Giveaway
PALS SkyHope
Air Care Alliance

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375 Final NTSB Report on Night Crash that Killed a ND Senator and family + GA News

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 when possible, delaying turns until reaching a safe altitude, and using a disciplined instrument scan to prevent fixation. He also suggests time-saving strategies like using food delivery services to avoid unnecessary delays that push departures into nighttime conditions.

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Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott’s G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Buy Max Trescott’s G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset Giveaway
Final NTSB Report: Moab Utah Night Takeoff Accident

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374 NTSB Preliminary Report Out for Reagan National Midair Collision over Potomac River

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 for collision hotspots.

Max reviews details from the cockpit voice and flight data recorders, noting altitude discrepancies and miscommunications between ATC and the helicopter crew. He urges pilots to report hazards proactively, emphasizing that a culture of safety is critical to preventing future accidents.

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Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott’s G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Buy Max Trescott’s G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Preliminary NTSB Report on Reagan Midair Collision
#368 NTSB Accident Investigation Process with Jeff Guzzetti

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373 How to Fly a Small Plane to Mexico and other Countries + GA News

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 for a smooth experience, and introduces tools like FlashPass to simplify the process. Whether heading to Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean, pilots will gain valuable knowledge to navigate international flying confidently.

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Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott’s G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Buy Max Trescott’s G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Max’s January FLYING column: Choosing ILS vs RNAV approaches
FlashPass App for making border crossings easy and fast
Ranferi Denova’s Flying to Mexico website

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372 N2UZ Bonanza Crash: When Best Glide is Insufficient; Scottsdale Learjet Update + GA News

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, considering altitude selection, and advocating for EFB applications to incorporate flight planning tools that maintain energy cones.

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Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott’s G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Buy Max Trescott’s G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Video of the Week: Bonanza crashes at Seaplane base
FLYING Magazine: Max’s Somatogravic Illusion article
Learjet N81VN Scottsdale Crash Preliminary NTSB Report
Cirrus SR22 Crash at Santa Barbara

Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk

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371 ForeFlight Aircraft Insurance Comparison Tool with Connor Hailey

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 with their brokers. ForeFlight is focused on refining the tool and adding more features rather than monetizing it.

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Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott’s G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553
Buy Max Trescott’s G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553
F oreflight Aircraft Insurance Comparison Tool

Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk

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