Focus on Aviation Mechanics - Episode 327

Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss the details in the NTSB preliminary accident report about the March 22, 2026 fatal collision between an Air Canada Jazz regional jet and a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport. The preliminary report offers a detailed timeline of the key events in the minutes before the accident.  The airliner struck a fire truck that was leading six other emergency vehicles across an active runway to deal with an emergency situation. The fire truck had been cleared to cross the runway. Shortly before the truck entered the runway, a controller ordered the fire truck to stop, but the truck entered the runway and collided with the airliner. John has four key questions that he wants the NTSB to address in the final report: 1. Why didn’t airport authorities equip their emergency vehicles with transponders that would have given the controllers a more precise location of every vehicle? 2. Could the fire truck have stopped before reaching the runway? 3. Was the control tower communicating effectively? 4. Are the warning lights on the runway effective for separating aircraft from vehicles crossing the runway? Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website. Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to [email protected]. Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this recording of April’s livestream, Todd Curtis and John Goglia focus on all things related to aviation mechanics. John and Todd just completed their participation at the latest AMC MRO maintenance competition and they share the unique perspectives on the past, present and future of A&P mechanics. 👉 Hear what more than 500 competitors from across the globe achieved at the 2026 Aerospace Maintenance Council competition. 👉 Understand how the current shortage will impact everyone from the largest airlines to general aviation pilots. 👉 Hiring! A&P mechanic skills are valued in aviation and many other industries. John and Todd also have an update on the recent accident at LaGuardia airport. The focus is on the roles played by air traffic controllers and transponders for managing ground traffic. Flight Safety Detective channel members participated live and had questions about Air India 171 and much more! Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website. Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to [email protected]. Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Todd Curtis and John Goglia did some digging beyond the official investigation of the tragic March 22, 2026 collision at LaGuardia Airport involving an Air Canada regional jet and an airport fire truck operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. This incident raises serious questions about airport ground safety—and what they have found may surprise you. John digs into critical factors that could have contributed to the accident, including: - Why the fire truck may not have been visible on radar - How the lack of a transponder on emergency vehicles can create blind spots - Whether runway lighting and visibility played a role  - The potential impact of color vision on interpreting critical warning signals Despite having ground surveillance systems in place, air traffic controllers reportedly saw only two targets instead of seven separate vehicles. So what went wrong? Could something as simple as visibility—or even color perception—have made the difference between a safe crossing and a fatal mistake? This is a must-watch breakdown for pilots, aviation professionals, and anyone interested in how complex systems can fail under pressure. 👉 Watch now to understand the hidden risks on the runway—and what this accident could mean for the future of airport safety. Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website. Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to [email protected]. Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Controversial proposed landing fee increases at two airports in Mesa, Arizona could have ripple effects nationwide as more airports adopt user fees. What may look like a routine pricing update could significantly impact flight schools, student pilots, and the overall pilot training environment. John Goglia, Greg Feith and Todd Curtis dive into a critical safety concern. As costs rise, pilots may shift training to less expensive, uncontrolled airports where they will miss out on essential real-world experience communicating with air traffic control. That tradeoff could have real safety implications. John brings insider perspective from his work with airport authorities, revealing how fee structures don’t always align with the needs of pilots and aviation businesses. Together, the hosts explore how local financial decisions can unintentionally alter training quality, traffic patterns, and ultimately, aviation safety. If you care about the future of flight training, airport policy, or aviation safety, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website. Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to [email protected]. Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The aviation industry is facing a critical challenge—the growing shortage of aviation mechanics. Todd Curtis and John Goglia break down what’s driving it and why it matters now more than ever.  From an aging workforce to surging global demand for air travel, the need for skilled technicians is reshaping the future of aviation careers. Go inside the high-energy Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC), where students, military teams, and industry pros compete head-to-head in real-world technical challenges. Top employers are also there actively scouting their next hires. As airlines boost pay to attract talent, general aviation is feeling the strain. This has led to maintenance delays and impacts on flight training. Todd and John explore what this means for the broader industry and why now might be the perfect time to enter the field. If you’re curious about aviation careers and the future of air travel, this episode offers a compelling look at where the industry is headed and how you can be part of it. Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website. Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to [email protected]. Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Feith, John Goglia and Todd Curtis take you inside the critical first day of a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation. Using the recent runway collision at LaGuardia Airport as a case study, they break down the unique challenges investigators face from the moment an accident occurs. You’ll hear how the NTSB “Go Team” mobilizes—often from different corners of the country—and what happens when key personnel are delayed. Greg shares insights from his experience as an Investigator in Charge (IIC), including supporting leadership on scene and preparing officials for high-stakes press briefings where every word matters. Get insider insight that only Greg and John can provide: ⚠️Why public communication must be precise, fact-based, and carefully controlled  ⚠️How early decisions determine which parties join the investigation  ⚠️When and why an accident investigation can shift into a criminal case  ⚠️The evolving roles of agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Hear the behind-the-scenes information from TWA Flight 800 crash and the ValuJet Flight 592 crash that shows how complex, resource-intensive investigations uncover critical truths that aren’t always visible on day one. Whether you’re an aviation professional, safety enthusiast, or just curious about how major investigations unfold, this episode offers a rare, insider perspective. 👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth discussions on aviation safety and investigations. Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website. Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to [email protected]. Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This recording of a Flight Safety Detectives livestream was recorded soon after the fatal collision between an Air Canada plane and a fire truck at New York's LaGuardia Airport on March 22.  Greg Feith, Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss the early facts related to the crash and compare the event to incidents they have investigated in their past roles with the NTSB and accident investigation.  The comparisons to the deadly crash near Reagan National Airport are striking. They look at recent developments that are politicizing the NTSB and how that may be impacting aviation safety. Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website. Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to [email protected]. Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The very system designed to save lives in the air becomes a hidden danger on the ground. Todd and John break down a January 2026 NTSB safety alert warning first responders about the risks posed by Ballistic Recovery Systems (BRS) after an aircraft accident.  While BRS have saved countless lives by deploying parachutes in emergencies, the explosive activation system can be dangerous after a crash. Hear about three real-world incidents where first responders were put at risk—either because they didn’t know a BRS was installed or didn’t fully understand the danger.  As these systems become more common across a wider range of small aircraft, the risk is growing and awareness isn’t keeping up. In one chilling case, a crashed aircraft caught fire and the BRS deployed while first responders were standing nearby. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the close call underscores a critical lesson. This discussion is a must-watch for first responders, pilots, and even Good Samaritans who may rush in to help after a plane crash. 👉 Key topics covered: How BRS works and why it remains dangerous after impact  Real incidents that prompted the NTSB safety alert  Why warning placards and awareness are often lacking  The risks to first responders and bystanders  What to look for before approaching a downed aircraft  Stay informed. Stay aware. It could save your life. Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website. Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to [email protected]. Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Developing: a routine training flight in March turned into a fight for survival. When a student pilot and instructor flying a Cessna 172 lost engine power over New York’s Hudson River, they were forced to make a split-second decision: attempt to get to Stewart International Airport near the United States Military Academy at West Point or put the aircraft down somewhere else. About five miles short of the airport, the crew realized they wouldn’t make it back. They decided to ditch onto a patch of ice in the river at night. Miraculously, both the student and instructor survived the crash and were able to swim to shore. The incident raises several important questions about training flights, decision-making, and risk management. In this episode, the Flight Safety Detectives break down the developing story and examine key issues the National Transportation Safety Board will likely investigate, including: ✈️ What kind of preflight planning was done before the flight? ✈️ What caused the engine power loss? ✈️ Why was this route along the Hudson chosen for a night training flight? ✈️ Was this route part of the flight school’s curriculum? ✈️ When — or if — control transferred from the student to the instructor? Even though no one was seriously injured, this close call highlights a critical aviation lesson: decisions made before and during a flight can determine the outcome when something goes wrong. The Flight Safety Detectives analyze the situation, explore the risks of night training over challenging terrain, and discuss what pilots and instructors everywhere can learn from this incident. Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website. Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to [email protected]. Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What really happens in the hours and days after a major aviation accident and who controls the story? Todd Curtis and John Goglia discuss the issues and suffering creating when people speculate after a plane crash. To illustrate the point, they focus on a 2003 Charlotte, North Carolina Beech 1900 plane crash that drew intense national media attention.  John led the NTSB field investigation, navigating not only a complex accident scene but also a storm of media speculation and aviation “experts” offering opinions long before the facts were known. John shares the inside story of several controversial decisions he made during the investigation. The airline was allowed to put out their own information. Also, raw flight recorder data was released to counter widespread misinformation. The accident itself involved a troubling chain of events: An aircraft that had just come out of maintenance with improperly repaired flight controls A flight that was overloaded and out of balance A crew that found themselves unable to prevent a stall shortly after takeoff Todd and John explore the human impact on maintenance personnel whose work may have played a role. They discuss how the aviation industry has evolved to provide psychological support and employee assistance. Gaps still exist, especially when maintenance work is outsourced to third-party providers around the world. If you're interested in aviation safety, accident investigations, and the human side of aviation, this episode offers a rare insider perspective. Don’t miss what’s to come from the Flight Safety Detectives - subscribe to the Flight Safety Detectives YouTube channel, listen at your favorite podcast service and visit the Flight Safety Detectives website. Want to go deeper with the Flight Safety Detectives? Join our YouTube Membership program for exclusive perks like members-only live streams and Q&As and early access to episodes. Your membership support directly helps John, Greg and Todd to deliver expert insights into aviation safety.Interested in partnering with us? Sponsorship opportunities are available—brand mentions, episode integrations, and dedicated segments are just a few of the options. Flight Safety Detectives offers a direct connection with an engaged audience passionate about aviation and safety. Reach out to [email protected]. Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.