The COTACast

The mechanic pipeline is filling, but not fast enough. The latest industry report shows more students, more certificates — yet the shortage keeps growing. Brian breaks down the numbers behind aviation’s workforce crisis and sits down with newly certified A&P mechanic Patrick Griffin, whose journey brings the data to life. From delays in testing to the weight of a shrinking workforce, this episode asks: is aviation ready for the future, or already falling behind?

Behind every safe flight lies a world the public never sees — the silence in hangars, the shortcuts under pressure, the cracks in culture that can turn deadly. In this episode, host Brian Bermudez takes you deep inside the untold world of aviation maintenance: from hidden fume events to lithium battery fires, missing wheels, and the rising global accident rate. This isn’t just another aviation podcast — it’s a look at the truths that rarely make the headlines.Hosted by Brian BermudezAired: 9/27/25

In this episode, we talk with Michael Meminaj, a former professional basketball player from Albania whose journey has taken him from a small town near Tirana to the fast-paced streets of Queens, NY. Now a thriving Uber driver navigating one of the world’s busiest cities, Mike is also pursuing his passion for aviation maintenance—a field where he’s determined to make his mark.We explore his inspiring transition from athlete to aviation enthusiast, his early days studying aircraft systems, and how the grit he learned on the court now fuels his drive to succeed in aviation. Whether you’re an industry veteran or someone just starting to chase their aviation dreams, Mike’s story reminds us that no matter where you start, it’s all about the climb.

From student to standout: Aviation maintenance engineering and beyond. In this episode, we catch up with my former A-student and Vaughn College Aerospace Maintenance Competition team captain, Cassem Stephenson, as he shares his journey from Vaughn College to JetBlue's engineering team. We dive into his unique career path, the versatility of FAA Airframe & Powerplant licenses, and the untapped opportunities beyond line maintenance. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to explore all the possibilities in aviation maintenance.

In Ep 60: Behind the Gate – An Aircraft Mechanic's Story of Grit and Growth, Professor Brian Bermudez welcomes his former student and close friend, Jhoan Mata, to the CotaCast. Jhoan shares an unfiltered look into the daily life of an aircraft mechanic—what it takes to thrive in a demanding, high-stakes profession. From navigating the challenges of college and rigorous studying to transitioning from life in the Dominican Republic, Jhoan offers powerful insights into the grit, focus, and adaptability required to succeed in aviation maintenance.This episode goes beyond the technical to explore the personal realities of the job, the rewarding moments, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you're considering a career in aviation or simply curious about the stories behind the mechanics who keep us flying, this conversation delivers inspiration and perspective straight from the hangar floor.Hosted by Brian BermudezAired: 1/7/25Sponsored by; ©CraftoftheAir - Aviation Maintenance | Consulting | Training | & Media www.craftoftheair.comListen on Spotify;https://open.spotify.com/show/3UFKe15efOBjzCKFWGvfoC?si=b31b9be7a47741e3© The COTACast Homepage; https://www.craftoftheair.com/the-cotacast

This Thanksgiving, host Brian Bermudez uncovers the untold sacrifices of line mechanics who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep holiday travel safe. From freezing tarmacs to critical last-minute repairs, discover the challenges, resilience, and pride of these unsung heroes. Tune in and see holiday travel through their eyes.

Join us as we unpack the recent Boeing strike and its powerful implications for workers, wages, and the aerospace industry. After seven weeks on strike, machinists secured a substantial pay raise but faced a setback on retirement benefits. What does this “partial victory” mean for future negotiations, and how does it shape Boeing's responsibility to balance profit with employee welfare? We’ll explore these pressing questions, revealing the deeper tensions between corporate priorities and worker rights in today’s shifting labor landscape

In this hard-hitting episode, Host Brian Bermudez delves into the growing frustrations among aviation mechanics, spotlighting strikes at Boeing and Textron as workers battle for fair wages, benefits, and job security in an industry that seems to be overlooking its most crucial workforce. We also discuss the devastating Delta tragedy, adding another layer to the conversation on the risks mechanics take daily while being underpaid and underappreciated. As living costs soar and responsibilities grow, it’s clear: the mechanics are fed up, and they’re waking up. Tune in as we unpack these pivotal stories and their impact on the future of aviation!

Is the sky falling? Join Brian Bermudez in EP. 56 as we dissect the crisis looming over aviation. WestJet's AME strike, Boeing's workforce woes, and Delta's IT meltdown - it's a perfect storm. Don't miss this eye-opening episode.Hosted by Brian BermudezAired: 7/28/24Explore CraftoftheAir for aviation maintenance learning and consulting tailored for you by visiting - www.craftoftheair.comListen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3UFKe15...Listen on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Are Boeing's woes and United's incidents just the tip of the iceberg? Aircraft maintenance expert Brian Bermudez investigates a hidden culture where profit trumps safety. Join us as we expose the human factors, industry pressures, and the FAA's role. This is a conversation about more than one airline - it's about the future of safe skies. Don't miss it!Hosted by Brian BermudezAired: 3/28/24