In this 300th episode of the Flight Safety Detectives podcast, Greg Feith, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia welcome special guest Sarah MacLeod, executive director of the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA). Maintenance issues get the spotlight, including how maintenance professionals and aircraft operators are challenged to understand how FAA maintenance regulations and standards apply to them.

MacLeod is a vocal advocate for individuals and companies on international aviation safety law, policy, and compliance issues. She and John have each worked to shape FAA regulations and policies, sometimes in conflict but always with the same objectives in mind.

This special episode touches on major changes that have shaped aviation in the 21st century. There are takeaways here for new as well as seasoned aviation professionals.

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.

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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 fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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Greg Feith, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia provide critical insights into an October 1, 2025, ground collision at LaGuardia Airport between two taxiing regional airliners. The collision caused serious damage to both planes operated by Delta Connection.

The NTSB has not yet provided a preliminary report but the detectives gather details that offer initial insights. John has extensive experience as a mechanic at LaGuardia and shares his experience with congestion at this very busy airport. Hear why the pilots may have been distracted while taxiing.

A Flight Safety Detectives channel member shares lessons learned from an incident where the aircraft he was flying had issues during taxi. He stopped the aircraft and consulted with one of his flight school's mechanics, who assured him that the aircraft was airworthy. He decided to take off but had to land the aircraft just after takeoff due to airworthiness issues.

Todd, Greg, and John discuss details of the members story, emphasizing the importance of the pilot's decision-making and the role of the flight school's maintenance organization. Flight schools should use events like this as learning tools. Hear how regular safety standdowns enhance 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 fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

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A pilot who was attempting to satisfy FAA requirements for flying at night was killed in another preventable plane crash. The NTSB report of this 2018 high-energy impact into the ocean leaves several key questions unanswered.

The NTSB lists a probable cause that the Flight Safety Detectives just can’t support. They add this to a list of insufficient NTSB reports published in the last few years.

The pilot in command was flying at night with a passenger. He was required by the FAA to have performed three takeoffs and landings in the previous 90 days. According to the NTSB report, in the previous 90 days, the accident pilot had flown for three hours, including the two-hour accident flight.

The NTSB did not determine if the night currency requirements were met before the accident flight because the pilot's logbooks were unavailable for review. Public Docket documents that shed light on how the company behind the pilot's rented aircraft could have let this happen. The rental form that the pilot signed did not mention anything about requirements for night flights.

A special welcome to new sponsor – Prochock!

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 fsdsponsors@gmail.com.

Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8

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