Even high-profile crashes can result in NTSB reports that miss important safety takeaways. The focus of this episode is the October 2002 crash that killed Senator Paul Wellstone and seven others. John, Greg, Todd and guest Dick Healing talk about facts that played a much greater role in the accident than the listed probable cause.

“There is no question that contributing factors were poor practices by the operator,” Healing says.
The charter operator’s organizational deficiencies set this flight up for failure before takeoff.

• Pairing of two pilots with questionable skills
• Lack of equipment such as cockpit recorders and proper manuals
• Questionable FAA oversight

While the NTSB has highlighted these issues in final reports for large carrier accidents, they are only found in the docket of this investigation.
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Listen to hear many findings not found in the report that are essential to air safety.

Greg, John and Todd have a lively conversation triggered by the recent announcement from Delta Airlines that pilots no longer need a college education. Will this impact aviation safety?

“I know a lot of pilots that know aviation but don’t understand aviation,” says Greg. He adds that investigating the results of their poor decisions keeps him busy as a safety investigator.

The question at the center of the debate is what is needed to equip pilots to make the decisions and have the maturity that are needed for success. Is a college education a worthy process to make sure that only the most qualified people wind up in the cockpit?
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Listen to the debate and add your thoughts. Should all airline pilots be required to have a college education?

​PAMA, in coordination with its generous industry partners, has made available award opportunities for current and future aviation maintenance professionals. Awards are provided to current or recent aviation maintenance students and may be used toward the purchase of tools, tuition or other education-related expenses.

• Future AMT Professional Award, provided by PistonPower™ by AEPC™ (AeroEngine Protection Corp.)

          Two $1000 awards

• ​JSFirm.com Aviation Mechanic Student Award

         One $1500 award

Award winners will be announced at the Aerospace Maintenance Competition in Dallas in April.