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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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News Stories

• High Winds in Texas lead to two jets going off runways
• HondaJet, N524HJ veers off runway
• NTSB issues final report for Nashville Saratoga crash
• FAA Probes False Alerts TCAS Alerts at Reagan National
• GE Aerospace’s Catalyst turboprop engine has been certified by the FAA
• 100% Bonus Depreciation Return Could Ignite Aviation Industry
• FlightRadar24 is Fighting An Ongoing DDoS Cyber Attack
• Actor and pilot Gene Hackman has passed away

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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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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.

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
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Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset $1199
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My Review on the Lightspeed Delta Zulu

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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

• Runway incursion at Chicago Midway Airport
• DOT Secretary says pilot error played a role in recent plane crashes
• ATC hiring supercharged
• Administration Considering Pay Hike For Air Traffic Controllers
• Repeated attempts to start engine end in fire
• Lack of brake fluid leads to plane crashing into hangar
• Pilot continues takeoff after wing hits runway
• Bonanza crashes at Seaplane base

Mentioned on the Show
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

So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars
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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/

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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.

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.

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

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/

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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.

News Stories

• Regional airliner destroyed following crash landing in Toronto
• Fatal midair collision at Marana, AZ
• Learjet owned by Mötley Crüe member crashes at Scottsdale Airport
• FAA fires fewer than 400 workers, transportation chief says
• Eviation Pauses Alice Development
• 10 Killed in Caravan Crash in Alaska
• Fatal Cessna Caravan Crash in Florida
• Stolen trailer carrying small plane found burned
• Airplane stolen in Mississippi found
• Skyryse One completes fully automated landing

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 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

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.