General Aviation Podcast
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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Oceano Airport and Off Highway Vehicles on Ocean Dunes
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Peter Garrison’s FLYING article: Gliding, Props
AvPlan EFB App with Airport Glide Range Overlay
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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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Blue Threat: Why to Err Is Inhuman
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Flight Discipline
Going Pro: The Deliberate Practice of Professionalism
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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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Max talks with Adam Broun of PALS SkyHope, a volunteer pilot organization that provides free air transportation for medical patients, veterans, and others in need. Founded in 2010 by three pilots in the Northeast, PALS SkyHope has conducted over 34,000 flights, serving more than 4,000 families.
Beyond medical transport, they assist military veterans by flying them to camps designed for rehabilitation, as well as special events like Major League Baseball games. They also provide commercial airline tickets, through partnerships with JetBlue and Southwest, as backup transportation.
Safety is a major focus, with pilots required to have at least 350 hours of PIC time and an instrument rating. PALS SkyHope provides risk assessment tools, town halls, and mentorship to support safe operations.
Volunteer pilots primarily fly single-engine aircraft like Cirruses and Bonanzas, but some missions require larger planes due to the needs of passengers. The organization constantly seeks pilots, especially in the 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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Air Care Alliance
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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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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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Preliminary NTSB Report on Reagan Midair Collision
#368 NTSB Accident Investigation Process with Jeff Guzzetti
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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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FlashPass App for making border crossings easy and fast
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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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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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Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.
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“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.
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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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.
Mentioned on the Show
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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/
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“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.
Rachael Webster recounts the surreal experience of having her airplane stolen from Palo Alto Airport. Initially mistaking the tampered aircraft for a kind gesture, she later received a call from the club informing her that her Citabria had been stolen and flown toward San Carlos with its transponder off. The aircraft was eventually discovered, nose-down but largely intact, on a beach south of Half Moon Bay. The thief, a man calling himself “Sun Rock,” had allegedly sought to expose airport security flaws. After landing, he went for tacos and was promptly arrested.
The recovery process was complex, requiring approvals from multiple agencies, delaying removal and worsening damage due to saltwater exposure. Although insurance nearly totaled the plane, it was instead repaired after months of delays due to maintenance backlogs.
Despite the ordeal, Rachael remains positive, humorously considering marketing her aircraft as the only tailwheel trainer with “real beach landing experience.” She has since launched a specialized tailwheel flight school, Next Level Tailwheel, incorporating Citabrias and Kitfox aircraft. Reflecting on the experience, she emphasizes patience in aircraft repairs, valuing skilled trades, and accepting that determined thieves will find a way—bike locks and all.
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.
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Mentioned on the Show
Buy Max Trescott’s G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553
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Video of Week: Infrared Camera View Searching for Downed 208
Washington Post 3D Visibility Study of Reagan National Midair
Best Portable ADS-B Receivers
Next Level Tailwheel Flight School
#346 Tailwheel Flying with Jim Hopp
Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk
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Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we’ll make a couple of dollars if you do.
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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
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“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.