11 The Heart of the Matter

Being human means making mistakes - even for pilots. Let’s see how real experts try to figure out when errors will happen and see how predictions of the future will further help us become safer pilots.

In order to understand our own error patterns, we have to acknowledge our tendencies, and that is the first step to develop safer attitudes and behaviors.  We welcome back Dr. Ken Stahl to continue our discussion on how understanding our brains in and out of the cockpit can help each of us become better pilots.

Today we're talking all things cardiac - the heartbeat of the aviator. One of the most frequent topic of calls into the Pilot Information Center's medical team is cardiovascular health because as we all know, it's hard to fly without a heart.

Dr. Jonathan Sackier and Gary Crump return with the next episode of the Pilot Protection Services podcast, tackling the topic of ageism in aviation. With humans living and staying healthier for longer, pilots are comfortably taking advantage of the ability to fly under the new BasicMed rules - and that's a great thing for GA.

Pilots tend to fear their medicals simply because they value their ability to fly so intensely - and rightfully so.  Much can be done prior to the medical to alleviate this fear and smooth the process for the AME (Aviation Medical Examiner) as well as the pilot.

This week, we catch up with panel attorney Rick Durden on a topic we often hear about after natural disasters - flying to help others, and - importantly - how to do it legally.

Dr. Jonathan Sackier and Gary Crump are back for the fourth Fly Well episode of the Pilot Protection Services podcast, this one inspired by a song many of you may remember - but don't worry, there's no singing involved.

Dr. Jonathan Sackier and Gary Crump are back for the third Fly Well episode of the Pilot Protection Services podcast. Ear, nose, and throat issues can arise in pressured situations – which can be an issue for aviators, and can be difficult from an aeromedical standpoint. Listen to learn more about what can be done when vertigo and other concerns rear their ugly head.

This week, we bring you the story of Doug Downey, retired USAF Lt Col and Academy grad who flew as a fighter pilot in the F-16 Viper and the F-117 Nighthawk. Doug survived a near disaster in the F-117 that could have ended in a horrific crash in White Sands National Park. With his engines flamed out, it was time for plan B – but there was no plan B.

It’s one of the most common questions that AOPA Legal Services Plan (LSP) attorneys get from members after a mishap… “what’s the difference between an aircraft accident and an incident? And what, if anything, do I need to report to the FAA and/or NTSB?” For this podcast, panel attorney Edward Hadley joins us to explain why the difference between an accident and incident is important for pilots to know, including what the NTSB defines as substantial damage and when filing a NASA report is appr