A midair collision between a private drone and an aircraft fighting the Los Angeles area fires caused damage to the plane and an evacuation of all firefighting aircraft from the area. John Goglia and Todd Curtis explore the tragic effect on firefighting as well as the violations of aviation rules.

This event was a major setback in firefighting efforts. The FAA had taken steps to restrict flying around the fire area that were not followed. They expect federal action to be taken against the drone pilot.
The collision with the DJI Mini 4 Pro drone punched a hole in the leading edge of the left wing and grounded the Canadair CL-415 SuperScooper amphibious aircraft for several days. The FBI recovered the drone wreckage from inside the wing and is looking for the pilot.

The Canadair SuperScooper amphibious aircraft is designed to pick up about 1,600 gallons of water from lakes or oceans and drop it on large fires. It was one of the largest aircraft types operating over the fires in California.
​
Most drone operators have no certification and are unaware of the FAA regulations restricting where and when drones can fly. Todd and John highlight the basics. Drone operators must educate themselves on FAA regulations and follow the rules.

Sailplane pilot Bob Pett had a close encounter with an unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP) that exhibited extraordinary speed and maneuverability. Bob shares the experience with John Goglia and Todd Curtis in his first public statement about the encounter.

While the first UAP flew in close formation off his left wing during the encounter, two similar UAPs descended from a cloud and joined up with the first. Seeing the next two UAPs approach raised the hair on the back of Bob’s neck.

Bob and his passenger documented what they saw on August 9, 2015, including sketches of the event. Richard Haines of the National Aviation Reporting Center on Anomalous Phenomena (NARCAP) later published a detailed report of the encounter. Bob was not identified by name in the report.

Several aspects of this encounter, including pilot decision-making under stress, reporting hazardous events to the appropriate authorities, and the lingering effects of experiencing a potentially catastrophic event in the air, are relevant to aviation safety with or without the involvement of a UAP.

The aviation industry has not taken the UAP issue seriously. Despite the increased acceptance of the issue at the highest level of government, resistance to discussing the issue remains.
​
UAP-related aviation safety issues should be reported by pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, other aviation professionals, and passengers. NASA’s Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) is an excellent and anonymous reporting system that ensures that anyone reporting a UAP event will not be identified.

✈️⛳ Save the Date! The 14th Annual South Texas PAMA Golf Classic is here! ⛳✈️

Join South Texas PAMA on Tuesday April 15th, 2025, at the stunning Wildcat Golf Club in Houston, Texas, for a day of golf, networking, and giving back!

We’re continuing our mission to award more A&P scholarships in 2025 and need YOUR support! Sponsorships are now open, so don’t miss this incredible opportunity to support the next generation of Aviation Maintenance Technicians.

CLICK HERE FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!

Event Highlights:
🍳 7:00 AM - Registration & Breakfast
🍹 Bloody Mary/Screwdriver Bar
🎯 8:30 AM - $5000 Putting Contest
⛳ 9:00 AM - Shotgun Start (4-man scramble)
🥪 3:00 PM - Lunch Start Time
🎁 Silent Auction, Raffle, and Free Beverages!

On-Course Activities:
🏌️‍♀️ LPGA Beat the Pro Challenge
🚀 World Long Drive Champion Demonstration
💰 $5000 Cash Putting Contest
🚗 Hole-in-One Contest for a chance to win a 2025 Ford F-150!
Every golfer will receive a premium gift bag with golf gear, an event hat, and vendor swag!
4:30 PM - Announcements & Awards

Location:
Wildcat Golf Club
12000 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77045

Contact Chad Tew at [email protected] for sponsorship and event details today!

Let’s come together to support the future of aviation while enjoying an unforgettable day on the course. 🌟

A wave of drone sightings are being reported throughout New Jersey and metropolitan New York, including flights over military installations and critical infrastructure. Drones are now part of battlefields. Are we under attack?

Todd Curtis and John Goglia look at the facts related to the reported drone sightings. Some video clearly shows airplanes in flight. However, others appear to show drones.

The federal government’s response has been lacking, with government spokespersons offering few insights into who or what is behind the drone flights or whether there is a national security issue.
Russia, China, Iran or private companies testing advanced technology are not likely behind the drone flights since being caught performing such flights would not be in their best interests. There also does not seem to be any attempt to hide the activity.

Todd shares the FAA requirements for drone flights at night, including use of remote ID.

The government has added dozens of flight restrictions in New Jersey and New York. These may not be effective because there may not be enough resources in place to identify drone activity in all those areas.

Todd and John discuss their work as instructors at Vaughn College in New York, describing how the students there create drones using 3-D printing. Todd, a commercial drone pilot since 2016, discusses the drone class he teaches and how he incorporates drone developments, such as the innovations in the use of drones in the war in Ukraine, into the course.

More to come on drones as Todd and John examine a sailplane encounter with a UAP in the next episode.

22nd Annual First State Chapter - PAMA Maintenance Symposium & IA Renewal
When: Saturday - January 11, 2025   8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Where: Deerfield Golf & Tennis Club
              507 Thompson Station Rd   Newark, Delaware 19711 
Cost: FREE EVENT TO ALL ATTENDEES

Attendee & Sponsorship Registration now Open on Chapter Web site: 
www.FirstStatePAMA.com

Event Includes:

• 8 Hours of IA Approved Training
• Breakfast
• Lunch
  
• ​After Event Free Cocktail Hour
• Door Prizes

All Free

Sponsor & Vendor Registration NOW OPEN! 
Symposium Partner - $5000.00
Meeting Sponsor – West Star Aviation
Breakfast Sponsor -  Aircraft Specialties, Inc
Morning Coffee Sponsor – The AD Toolbox
Lunch Sponsor - Honeywell Aerospace
Afternoon Coffee Sponsor - Polytech School of Aviation Maintenance
Cocktails Sponsor - Velocity Maintenance Solutions
Hors devours Sponsor - CAMP Systems

Gold Sponsorship - $1750.00 - Aircraft Lighting International and CD Aviation Services
Silver Sponsorship - $1500.00
May have more than one Sponsor
Bronze Sponsorship - $1000.00 - Standard Aero, Concorde Battery, Duncan Aviation and First Aviation Services / Aerospace Turbine Rotables

Trade Show Table comes with all Sponsorships
Trade Show Table only – 28 available - $750.00
Standard Aero
Velocity Maintenance Solutions
West Star Aviation
Polytech School of Aviation Maintenance
The AD Toolbox
Lee Aerospace
Hartzell
Aircraft Lighting International
Aircraft Specialties, Inc
Duncan Aviation
First Aviation Services / Aerospace Turbine Rotables
Honeywell Aerospace
CAMP Systems
CD Aviation Services
Cosgrove Aircraft Service
PWI Inc.
Gogo Business Aviation
Sensenich Propeller
Trade Show 8:00 AM till 5:00 PM 

Vendors interested in sponsorship or tables at the trade show please contact John Agnew – President at  [email protected]  or 302-983-0042