It’s hard to believe we’re already getting ready for our 5th Annual South Texas PAMA Gala!

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Over the last five years, this event has grown into something we’re incredibly proud of, and that is entirely because of the support of our aviation community. Whether you’ve sponsored the Gala, attended, donated, volunteered, or simply helped us spread the word, thank you.

This year, we’re introducing several brand-new Hosted Experience Sponsorships, along with bringing back the sponsorship opportunities that have helped make the Gala what it is today. We’ve also put a lot of thought into making this an even better night for our attendees, sponsors, and their guests. Here is all the event info:

What hasn’t changed is why we do this. Every ticket, sponsorship and donation helps us continue investing in scholarships, education and opportunities for the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals.

Sponsorships and registration are now open, and I hope you’ll join us on November 21st at the Lone Star Flight Museum.

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Thank you again for five incredible years of support. Let’s make this our best Gala yet.
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Best Regards,
​Chad M. Tew

A passenger’s video from the 8/8/2026 Delta Airlines Boeing 757 evacuation event in Atlanta reveals interesting details. Also on the episode, the recent discovery of the Pan Am flight 526A Douglas DC-4 wreckage from 1952 off the coast of Puerto Rico.John Goglia and Todd Curtis dissect the video with their deep understanding of aviation safety issues.

Two videos taken by passengers on board showed the professionalism of the flight crew and questionable choices by some passengers. Several people evacuated the aircraft with carry-on baggage. John and Todd discuss this long-standing issue in aviation and suggested that passengers plan their flight so that their most important items are always with them.

In other news, a Pan Am DC4 airliner that crashed in 1952 near San Juan, Puerto Rico was recently found. The plane crashed following an engine failure.
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John discusses why budget issues and the fact that the Civil Aeronautics Board had already investigated this event would keep the NTSB from further investigating this accident. Hear whether this discovery might affect the chances of finding and recovering MH370.

Just days ago, Marine One took off from the White House carrying President Trump while an airliner was taking off from nearby Reagan National Airport. This event highlights unresolved air space issues made apparent by the fatal midair collision involving a U.S. Army helicopter and a regional airliner.

The FAA is typically notified, and controllers clear the airspace for Marine One. John Goglia and Todd Curtis share what happened in this latest event. They discuss the significant safety issues involved. The issues raised after the recent fatal collision in the same airspace clearly still need action.

Also headlining this episode is the discovery of cracks found in 737 aircraft. The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive. The AD addresses structural issues with three models of the 737 and raises significant safety concerns about these aircraft.
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In July, the crew of a British Airways A320 overcame serious flight control issues shortly before landing at Heathrow Airport in London. The crew experienced two stall warnings in flight. This incident raises serious safety issues for this computer-controlled aircraft.

When is an aircraft truly airworthy? The answer is more complicated—and more important—than most pilots and aviation professionals realize.

Aviation safety experts Todd Curtis and John Goglia are joined by aviation attorney Sarah MacLeod and certification expert Mike Borfitz for a fascinating discussion about what airworthiness really means. Is an airplane airworthy simply because it matches an approved design, or does it also have to be safe to fly today?

The panel dives into real-world aviation issues that affect pilots, mechanics, maintenance managers, manufacturers, and regulators every day:

• The difference between regulatory conformity and operational safety
• How maintenance records and paperwork omissions can change critical decisions
• Why organizational pressure can lead to unsafe outcomes
• The role of tolerances, imperfections, and human judgment in aviation maintenance
• Who is accountable when something doesn’t look right
• Why new aviation professionals must learn to speak up, ask questions, and report mistakes

Todd also shares a revealing story from his flying club that demonstrates why every pilot should have access to maintenance information before accepting an aircraft.

Watch now to hear four aviation experts tackle one of the industry’s most misunderstood safety questions—and learn the habits that help keep aircraft, crews, and passengers safe.

Greg Feith, John Goglia, and Todd Curtis, along with returning guest Mike Borfitz dig into the developing facts emerging related to the recent 737 crash in the northern Arabian Sea. As the wreckage is recovered, the Flight Safety Detectives are keen to learn about the plane’s history and maintenance records.

They also discuss a recent incident that appears to be a suicide. A flight instructor exited a Cessna 150 midflight, leaving his student to land the aircraft.

The discussion focuses on pilot mental health and related legislation that is slowly working its way through Congress.

Previous FSD mental health episodes:

• Episode 239: Anxiety in Flight Turns Deadly
• Episode 274: John Goglia Costars in Nathan Fielder’s “The Rehersal” on HBO
• Episode 307: Xyla Foxlin on Pilot Mental Health

The discussion also covers engineering and maintenance careers in aviation. Mike’s engineering career includes work at Boeing and the FAA. Both Mike and John share experiences that made them knowledgeable about aviation and the roles they could play. Todd is also an engineer who has worked on the operational and manufacturing sides of aviation.