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General Aviation news, pilot tips for beginners & experts, interviews, listener questions answered, technical details on G1000 & Perspective glass cockpits & flying GPS approaches. 40 yrs experience flying general aviation aircraft. As an active flight instructor, I bring my daily experiences in the air to this show to help teach pilots and future pilots to fly safely. I'm a Platinum Cirrus CSIP instructor and work with people who are thinking about buying a new or used SR20 or SR22. Go to AviationNewsTalk.com for my contact information, or to click on Listener Questions, which lets you speak into your phone to leave a question you’d like answered on the show.
General Aviation news, pilot tips for beginners & experts, interviews, listener questions answered, technical details on G1000 & Perspective glass cockpits & flying GPS approaches. 40 yrs experience flying general aviation aircraft. As an active flight instructor, I bring my daily experiences in the air to this show to help teach pilots and future pilots to fly safely. I'm a Platinum Cirrus CSIP instructor and work with people who are thinking about buying a new or used SR20 or SR22. Go to AviationNewsTalk.com for my contact information, or to click on Listener Questions, which lets you speak into your phone to leave a question you’d like answered on the show.
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Here's a quick summary of the last 5 episodes on Aviation News Talk podcast.
Hosts
Max Trescott
Previous Guests
Max Trescott
Max Trescott is a highly experienced flight instructor and aviation expert with over 40 years of experience in general aviation. He is a Platinum Cirrus CSIP instructor and specializes in teaching pilots about the intricacies of flying, particularly with Garmin avionics systems. Max is also an author and has created online courses focused on G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and flying WAAS & GPS approaches. He is known for his practical tips and insights that enhance flight safety and efficiency for pilots.
Max Trescott is a highly experienced flight instructor and aviation expert with over 40 years of experience in general aviation. He is a Platinum Cirrus CSIP instructor and specializes in teaching pilots about the intricacies of flying, particularly with Garmin avionics systems. Max is also an author and has created online courses focused on G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and flying WAAS & GPS approaches. He is known for his practical tips and insights that enhance flight safety and efficiency for pilots.
Dr. Victor Vogel
Dr. Victor Vogel is a former oncologist who transitioned to become a flight instructor. He founded the nonprofit organization Susquehanna STEM to the Skies, aimed at enhancing STEM education in rural Pennsylvania. His initiative addresses the decline in science and math scores among students, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. By integrating aviation concepts with practical learning experiences, he has developed a program that teaches science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in engaging ways. Dr. Vogel has been instrumental in creating opportunities for students to explore various aviation careers, including aircraft maintenance and aerospace engineering, and has documented his journey in his book 'Pains and Planes'.
Dr. Victor Vogel is a former oncologist who transitioned to become a flight instructor. He founded the nonprofit organization Susquehanna STEM to the Skies, aimed at enhancing STEM education in rural Pennsylvania. His initiative addresses the decline in science and math scores among students, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. By integrating aviation concepts with practical learning experiences, he has developed a program that teaches science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in engaging ways. Dr. Vogel has been instrumental in creating opportunities for students to explore various aviation careers, including aircraft maintenance and aerospace engineering, and has documented his journey in his book 'Pains and Planes'.
Dr. Tony Kerns
Dr. Tony Kerns is a prominent figure in the field of aviation safety and human factors. He hosts the Only Human podcast, where he discusses various aspects of aviation safety, leadership, and the human elements that influence performance in high-risk environments. With a background in aviation and safety culture, Dr. Kerns advocates for improved safety practices and communication within the aviation industry. His insights are informed by extensive experience and a commitment to fostering a culture of safety and professionalism among pilots and aviation professionals.
Dr. Tony Kerns is a prominent figure in the field of aviation safety and human factors. He hosts the Only Human podcast, where he discusses various aspects of aviation safety, leadership, and the human elements that influence performance in high-risk environments. With a background in aviation and safety culture, Dr. Kerns advocates for improved safety practices and communication within the aviation industry. His insights are informed by extensive experience and a commitment to fostering a culture of safety and professionalism among pilots and aviation professionals.
Sarah Rovner
Sarah Rovner is a ferry pilot and the founder of Full Throttle Aviation. She began her career in ferry flying by helping to deliver a plane and quickly expanded her experience to flying a variety of aircraft, including gliders and agricultural planes, across Central America and the Atlantic. Sarah is known for her expertise in navigating the complex international paperwork required for cross-border flights. She has faced numerous challenges in her flying career, including flying over the Arctic in winter, dealing with mechanical failures, and managing customs and regulatory issues in countries like Mexico and Canada. In addition to her flying work, Sarah trains and mentors pilots, emphasizing the importance of good judgment in aviation. Her company also provides services related to aircraft imports and check rides.
Sarah Rovner is a ferry pilot and the founder of Full Throttle Aviation. She began her career in ferry flying by helping to deliver a plane and quickly expanded her experience to flying a variety of aircraft, including gliders and agricultural planes, across Central America and the Atlantic. Sarah is known for her expertise in navigating the complex international paperwork required for cross-border flights. She has faced numerous challenges in her flying career, including flying over the Arctic in winter, dealing with mechanical failures, and managing customs and regulatory issues in countries like Mexico and Canada. In addition to her flying work, Sarah trains and mentors pilots, emphasizing the importance of good judgment in aviation. Her company also provides services related to aircraft imports and check rides.
Topics Discussed
RNAV
glide path
autopilot
GPS
Cirrus SR22T
LPV approach
step-down altitudes
FAF
ILS approaches
automation behavior
Garmin G1000
G3000
G5000
Cirrus Perspective
safety settings
pilot efficiency
situational awareness
Traffic Page
Pilot Profiles
Track Up
North Up
Auto Zoom
Wind Vector
Fuel Range Rings
Altitude Arc
Obstacle Awareness
Runway Extensions
STEM education
aviation
rural students
flight instructor
nonprofit
hands-on learning
Redbird FMX
aviation careers
educators
career fairs
summer STEM camps
Pains and Planes
aviation safety
judgment
human performance
safety culture
leadership
helicopter crash
safety communication
profit-driven decisions
organizational structures
accident risk
safety assessments
technological innovations
ferry pilot
Sarah Rovner
Full Throttle Aviation
flying planes
international paperwork
foreign-registered aircraft
customs
regulatory hurdles
Cessna 210
oxygen failures
ferry tank malfunctions
ice bridging
aircraft imports
pilot training
judgment in flying
The Aviation New Talk podcast consistently ranks among the top couple of Aviation podcasts, out of the more than 200 Aviation podcasts in Apple Podcasts! We're a no-nonsense, to-the-point show focused on General Aviation. Not only do we deliver news, but I also give a perspective that comes from over forty years as a pilot. We also talk on each show about a pilot skill or safety issue. And I spend a lot of time researching information, so you can rely on what I tell you. Listeners us they like how the show as gets to the point without a lot of fluff and doesn't waste their time. You can also get the Aviation News Talk in podcast form in the Apple Podcasts app, or with our dedicated iOS or Android app. Just search on your smartphone in your App Store for Aviation News Talk.
Please Support Aviation News Talk by donating via either:
Patreon ➜ http://aviationnewstalk.com/Patreon
PayPal ➜ http://aviationnewstalk.com/PayPal
Max tackles a common frustration among pilots: why RNAV (GPS) glide paths sometimes fail to couple with the autopilot. A recent Facebook post from a pilot flying a Cirrus SR22T triggered the discussion, as the poster encountered exactly this problem during an LPV approach, mistakenly attributing it to an expired database. Max explains that the real culprit was a fundamental misunderstanding of RNAV approach procedures.
Unlike an ILS glide slope, which is a physical radio beam transmitted from ground equipment, an RNAV glide path is a computed construct generated by the aircrafts GPS navigator. It only becomes real for the autopilot to couple to when flown properly, following all step-down altitudes as published. A key indicator is the glide path diamond: it remains hollow and white until the aircraft crosses the fix before the Final Approach Fix (FAF), at which point it turns solid magenta, signaling that the autopilot can engage.
Max emphasizes that this behavior contrasts with ILS approaches, where pilots sometimes get away with intercepting the glide slope from above. Doing so on RNAV approaches, however, wont work because the computed glide path isnt extended infinitely; its activated only within a defined segment of the approach.
To verify this, Max conducted simulator flights on multiple RNAV approaches. He discovered a consistent pattern: the glide path diamond always turned magenta while crossing the fix immediately before the FAFnot at a set distance before or after a particular waypoint. This nuance is crucial for ensuring autopilot capture and a stabilized approach.
Drawing a parallel to AIM 5-4-5b, Max reinforces that both ILS and RNAV approaches are designed to be intercepted at specific altitudes. Deviating from these procedures risks automation surprises, or worse, capturing false glide slopes in the case of ILS. He recalls the Air India Express Flight 812 crash as a tragic example of why proper interception altitudes matter.
The key takeaway is a simple formula for reliably flying RNAV approaches: descend to each step-down fix altitude, and ensure youre at the target altitude when crossing the fix before the FAF. When done correctly, the glide path diamond will turn magenta, allowing the autopilot to capture it and guide the descent.
Maxs detailed breakdown underscores why relying on social media for technical advice can be misleading. Instead, pilots should seek information from authoritative sources and understand the underlying principles behind automation behavior. By following published procedures and recognizing cues like the hollow versus solid glide path diamond, pilots can avoid surprises and maintain safe, stable approaches.
If you're getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.
"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 tackles a common frustration among pilots: why RNAV (GPS) glide paths sometimes fail to couple with the autopilot. A recent Facebook post from a pilot flying a Cirrus SR22T triggered the discussion, as the poster encountered exactly this problem during an LPV approach, mistakenly attributing it to an expired database. Max explains that the real culprit was a fundamental misunderstanding of RNAV approach procedures.
Unlike an ILS glide slope, which is a physical radio beam transmitted from ground equipment, an RNAV glide path is a computed construct generated by the aircrafts GPS navigator. It only becomes real for the autopilot to couple to when flown properly, following all step-down altitudes as published. A key indicator is the glide path diamond: it remains hollow and white until the aircraft crosses the fix before the Final Approach Fix (FAF), at which point it turns solid magenta, signaling that the autopilot can engage.
Max emphasizes that this behavior contrasts with ILS approaches, where pilots sometimes get away with intercepting the glide slope from above. Doing so on RNAV approaches, however, wont work because the computed glide path isnt extended infinitely; its activated only within a defined segment of the approach.
To verify this, Max conducted simulator flights on multiple RNAV approaches. He discovered a consistent pattern: the glide path diamond always turned magenta while crossing the fix immediately before the FAFnot at a set distance before or after a particular waypoint. This nuance is crucial for ensuring autopilot capture and a stabilized approach.
Drawing a parallel to AIM 5-4-5b, Max reinforces that both ILS and RNAV approaches are designed to be intercepted at specific altitudes. Deviating from these procedures risks automation surprises, or worse, capturing false glide slopes in the case of ILS. He recalls the Air India Express Flight 812 crash as a tragic example of why proper interception altitudes matter.
The key takeaway is a simple formula for reliably flying RNAV approaches: descend to each step-down fix altitude, and ensure youre at the target altitude when crossing the fix before the FAF. When done correctly, the glide path diamond will turn magenta, allowing the autopilot to capture it and guide the descent.
Maxs detailed breakdown underscores why relying on social media for technical advice can be misleading. Instead, pilots should seek information from authoritative sources and understand the underlying principles behind automation behavior. By following published procedures and recognizing cues like the hollow versus solid glide path diamond, pilots can avoid surprises and maintain safe, stable approaches.
If you're getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.
Max Trescott shares his top recommended settings for Garmin avionics systems, specifically the G1000, G1000 NXi, G3000, G5000, and the Cirrus Perspective and Perspective+ systems. These configuration tips enhance situational awareness, flight safety, and pilot efficiency—and many also apply to Garmin standalone navigators like the GTN 650 and 750.
The episode begins with a critical safety upgrade: switching the Traffic Page vectors from Absolute to Relative. Unlike absolute vectors (which only show heading), relative vectors display a target aircraft’s flight path in relation to your own—allowing you to detect potential collision courses earlier and take evasive action sooner.
Max also explains Pilot Profiles, which store individual settings for different pilots or flight types. These profiles auto-save any inflight changes, even if made by other users, which can unintentionally overwrite your setup. He offers a clever workaround: naming your profile something like “Maintenance Only” to discourage accidental use.
For Cirrus Perspective, Perspective+, and other G1000-based systems, Max outlines his strong preference for Track Up or Heading Up map orientations and why North Up is ergonomically flawed. North Up can disorient pilots in high-workload situations and may even contribute to midair conflicts, as it forces mental rotation of traffic and terrain. Airline pilots overwhelmingly avoid it—and you should too.
Other key settings include:
Auto Zoom: Turn off to avoid erratic map scaling.
Track Vector: Set to 60 seconds to better judge turns and approach timing.
Wind Vector: Display wind components (headwind/tailwind and crosswind) clearly for better landing decisions.
Fuel Range Rings: Display fuel reserves and total endurance graphically to enhance fuel planning.
Obstacle & Terrain Awareness: Enable obstacle data and use Relative Terrain (especially at night) to avoid controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
For Cirrus Perspective pilots, Max also emphasizes enabling Runway Extensions to help identify the extended centerline in complex or night conditions, and TFR overlays to stay compliant with airspace restrictions.
Soft key setup tips include:
Enabling Traffic every flight.
Using the Inset Map (Vertical Situation Display) to monitor terrain clearance, especially during nighttime descents or cruise-level wind shifts.
Declutter Levels: Adjust map detail to balance visibility and clarity; Max prefers the “Detail –3” setting to retain Class B/C airspace while reducing screen clutter.
Disabling Pathways and flashing cursors, which can cause visual overload.
Through these curated settings, Max demonstrates how pilots flying with Garmin or Cirrus Perspective avionics can custom-tailor their displays for clarity, efficiency, and most importantly—safety.
"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 Trescott shares his top recommended settings for Garmin avionics systems, specifically the G1000, G1000 NXi, G3000, G5000, and the Cirrus Perspective and Perspective+ systems. These configuration tips enhance situational awareness, flight safety, and pilot efficiency—and many also apply to Garmin standalone navigators like the GTN 650 and 750.
The episode begins with a critical safety upgrade: switching the Traffic Page vectors from Absolute to Relative. Unlike absolute vectors (which only show heading), relative vectors display a target aircraft’s flight path in relation to your own—allowing you to detect potential collision courses earlier and take evasive action sooner.
Max also explains Pilot Profiles, which store individual settings for different pilots or flight types. These profiles auto-save any inflight changes, even if made by other users, which can unintentionally overwrite your setup. He offers a clever workaround: naming your profile something like “Maintenance Only” to discourage accidental use.
For Cirrus Perspective, Perspective+, and other G1000-based systems, Max outlines his strong preference for Track Up or Heading Up map orientations and why North Up is ergonomically flawed. North Up can disorient pilots in high-workload situations and may even contribute to midair conflicts, as it forces mental rotation of traffic and terrain. Airline pilots overwhelmingly avoid it—and you should too.
Other key settings include:
Auto Zoom: Turn off to avoid erratic map scaling.
Track Vector: Set to 60 seconds to better judge turns and approach timing.
Wind Vector: Display wind components (headwind/tailwind and crosswind) clearly for better landing decisions.
Fuel Range Rings: Display fuel reserves and total endurance graphically to enhance fuel planning.
Obstacle & Terrain Awareness: Enable obstacle data and use Relative Terrain (especially at night) to avoid controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
For Cirrus Perspective pilots, Max also emphasizes enabling Runway Extensions to help identify the extended centerline in complex or night conditions, and TFR overlays to stay compliant with airspace restrictions.
Soft key setup tips include:
Enabling Traffic every flight.
Using the Inset Map (Vertical Situation Display) to monitor terrain clearance, especially during nighttime descents or cruise-level wind shifts.
Declutter Levels: Adjust map detail to balance visibility and clarity; Max prefers the “Detail –3” setting to retain Class B/C airspace while reducing screen clutter.
Disabling Pathways and flashing cursors, which can cause visual overload.
Through these curated settings, Max demonstrates how pilots flying with Garmin or Cirrus Perspective avionics can custom-tailor their displays for clarity, efficiency, and most importantly—safety.
Dr. Victor Vogel, a former oncologist turned flight instructor, founded the nonprofit Susquehanna STEM to the Skies to improve STEM education in rural Pennsylvania. The aviation-based STEM program was launched to address declining science and math scores among students, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. By combining aviation concepts with hands-on learning, the program offers a powerful way to teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in real-world contexts.
Victor discovered that aviation offers rich, practical applications for STEM—such as flight navigation, time-speed-distance calculations, weight and balance, and engineering challenges. At the heart of the program is a Redbird FMX full-motion flight simulator, which draws students to the airport and anchors immersive educational experiences. Victor quickly learned that involving educators—not just pilots—was critical. Today, the board includes school superintendents, career technical center (CTC) leaders, and drone experts.
Students experience aviation careers beyond piloting, including aircraft maintenance, drone operation, medical helicopter crews, and aerospace engineering. Field trips, Girl Scout and Boy Scout aviation badge events, career fairs, and summer STEM camps all expose kids to high-demand aviation-related fields. Programs often include time in the simulator, tours of LifeFlight helicopters, and visits to maintenance hangars and paint shops.
Partnering with Sun Technical Institute, the program offers career-track students opportunities to fabricate metal airplanes and build Mars rover kits. A Redbird J desktop simulator expands access for physically challenged students. Another initiative included building a pedal-powered Piper Cub with students, demonstrating how aviation and vocational trades can intersect creatively.
Several success stories highlight the program’s impact. One former flight attendant is now a multi-rated certified flight instructor after a single inspiring simulator session. Others have moved on to flight schools, the Air Force Academy, or regional airline careers. The program’s ripple effect is also reaching educators. One high school band director attended the AOPA High School STEM Symposium, launched an aviation club, and introduced aviation curriculum into his school.
The organization was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in late 2020—just as the COVID-19 pandemic was surging. Despite the initial slow progress, Victor journaled his efforts during the pandemic, later publishing them in his book Pains and Planes, which captures both the struggle of cancer patients during COVID and his dream of launching a STEM nonprofit.
Looking forward, Victor emphasizes the importance of finding volunteers—especially retired pilots, mechanics, teachers, and educators. He believes many people are simply waiting to be asked to contribute. He encourages others to replicate this aviation nonprofit model in their own communities by starting with educators, partnering with local airports, forming a nonprofit, and reaching out to media for visibility.
For those inspired to launch a similar STEM and aviation program, Victor recommends building partnerships with school districts and intermediate units, seeking grants and donations, and always putting student engagement first. His program shows that aviation-based STEM education can uplift rural students and guide them toward rewarding careers.
"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.
Dr. Victor Vogel, a former oncologist turned flight instructor, founded the nonprofit Susquehanna STEM to the Skies to improve STEM education in rural Pennsylvania. The aviation-based STEM program was launched to address declining science and math scores among students, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. By combining aviation concepts with hands-on learning, the program offers a powerful way to teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in real-world contexts.
Victor discovered that aviation offers rich, practical applications for STEM—such as flight navigation, time-speed-distance calculations, weight and balance, and engineering challenges. At the heart of the program is a Redbird FMX full-motion flight simulator, which draws students to the airport and anchors immersive educational experiences. Victor quickly learned that involving educators—not just pilots—was critical. Today, the board includes school superintendents, career technical center (CTC) leaders, and drone experts.
Students experience aviation careers beyond piloting, including aircraft maintenance, drone operation, medical helicopter crews, and aerospace engineering. Field trips, Girl Scout and Boy Scout aviation badge events, career fairs, and summer STEM camps all expose kids to high-demand aviation-related fields. Programs often include time in the simulator, tours of LifeFlight helicopters, and visits to maintenance hangars and paint shops.
Partnering with Sun Technical Institute, the program offers career-track students opportunities to fabricate metal airplanes and build Mars rover kits. A Redbird J desktop simulator expands access for physically challenged students. Another initiative included building a pedal-powered Piper Cub with students, demonstrating how aviation and vocational trades can intersect creatively.
Several success stories highlight the program’s impact. One former flight attendant is now a multi-rated certified flight instructor after a single inspiring simulator session. Others have moved on to flight schools, the Air Force Academy, or regional airline careers. The program’s ripple effect is also reaching educators. One high school band director attended the AOPA High School STEM Symposium, launched an aviation club, and introduced aviation curriculum into his school.
The organization was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in late 2020—just as the COVID-19 pandemic was surging. Despite the initial slow progress, Victor journaled his efforts during the pandemic, later publishing them in his book Pains and Planes, which captures both the struggle of cancer patients during COVID and his dream of launching a STEM nonprofit.
Looking forward, Victor emphasizes the importance of finding volunteers—especially retired pilots, mechanics, teachers, and educators. He believes many people are simply waiting to be asked to contribute. He encourages others to replicate this aviation nonprofit model in their own communities by starting with educators, partnering with local airports, forming a nonprofit, and reaching out to media for visibility.
For those inspired to launch a similar STEM and aviation program, Victor recommends building partnerships with school districts and intermediate units, seeking grants and donations, and always putting student engagement first. His program shows that aviation-based STEM education can uplift rural students and guide them toward rewarding careers.
In this special crossover episode, Max Trescott, host of the Aviation News Talk podcast, appears as a guest on Dr. Tony Kern’s Only Human podcast. The two aviation safety advocates engage in a candid, insightful conversation that bridges their shared backgrounds in aviation, safety culture, and leadership.
The episode begins with a segment called “This Week in Safety Land,” spotlighting a tragic helicopter crash involving tourists over the Hudson River. The Director of Operations (DO) at the company involved chose to cease operations pending investigation, only to be overruled and fired by the CEO—prompting FAA intervention. Max and Tony reflect on this as a textbook example of the ongoing conflict between operational production and safety protection, a dynamic familiar in aviation, military, and corporate environments alike. They explore how profit-driven decisions often undermine safety, and how organizations with high-risk operations must prioritize a culture that empowers safety-conscious leadership.
Tony shares a story of elephants at the San Diego Zoo sensing an earthquake before it was perceptible to humans—forming a protective circle around the young. Max likens this to the importance of organizational structures that support bottom-up safety communication. Drawing on his early career at Hewlett-Packard, he praises HP’s open-door policy that encouraged employees to escalate safety issues when necessary. He stresses that open communication channels are essential, especially in high-risk domains.
Max then shares his personal journey from a successful 25-year career at HP to full-time aviation after a layoff. What began as a side hobby teaching flying eventually evolved into a full-time vocation, spurred in part by a deeply personal tragedy: the death of a close friend and five others in a preventable aircraft accident. Max, who arrived on the crash scene within 45 minutes and attended multiple funerals that week, found a new purpose—preventing similar accidents by educating pilots.
That experience drove Max to start Aviation News Talk, where he strives to deliver rich, actionable content on general aviation safety. His mission: to save lives by making safety knowledge accessible, engaging, and relevant to every pilot—from student to professional. He explains that his podcast is designed to offer “at least one nugget of value per episode” that listeners can apply immediately.
Tony and Max discuss the unglamorous public perception of safety roles—often viewed as dull or punitive. Tony notes that safety officers are often assigned the job after incidents or during grounding periods. Max offers a reframing: don’t lead with safety—lead with professionalism. If pilots strive to be excellent in their craft, safety naturally follows. “Do your job well, be curious, be disciplined,” Max says—traits that elevate both personal performance and safety outcomes.
They turn to current trends, asking whether aviation is getting less safe. While total accident numbers may be down, Max points out that media coverage is up, and many general aviation (GA) accidents—especially runway excursions involving business jets—suggest continued risks. What matters more than raw numbers, he explains, is the accident rate per 100,000 hours flown, data that lags by over a year. For GA pilots, the accident risk remains significant, especially among newer or less experienced pilots.
Looking forward, Max and Tony explore the safety challenges of tomorrow. Max debunks the idea of achieving a static “safe state” and explains that aviation is inherently dynamic—subject to changes in personnel, technology, weather, and processes. He highlights the importance of conducting safety assessments prior to changes in operations, procedures, or equipment. Quoting safety expert Todd Conklin, Max describes accidents as “the unexpected combination of normal aviation variability,” reinforcing the need for ongoing vigilance.
Tony adds that while technological innovations—like AI, automation, and real-time training—offer efficiency, they don’t guarantee increased safety. Often, humans simply push the margins when given better tools. He uses anti-lock brakes as an analogy: rather than driving more safely, people just drive faster. Similarly, faster, cheaper training methods could reduce experience levels without solving core human performance issues.
The conversation closes with Max outlining the timeless characteristics of a great aviator:
Judgment – the most critical trait, separating the skilled from the safe.
Curiosity – a desire to learn, explore, and seek out knowledge.
Discipline and consistency – following procedures and making flights “boring” in the best way.
Situational awareness – understanding not just your own position, but what everyone else in the airspace is trying to do.
Humility – recognizing that overconfidence kills and that learning never stops.
Max emphasizes that aviation teaches life skills: staying humble, seeking excellence, and always being ready to learn. He ends by inviting listeners to consider flight training—not just for fun, but as a profound growth experience. Learning to fly, he says, can change how you see the world and yourself.
Tony echoes the sentiment, encouraging listeners to take a discovery flight and explore the possibility. As the episode wraps, both hosts agree: while aviation may be unforgiving, it offers unmatched rewards for those who approach it with professionalism and passion.
If you're getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.
"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.
In this special crossover episode, Max Trescott, host of the Aviation News Talk podcast, appears as a guest on Dr. Tony Kern’s Only Human podcast. The two aviation safety advocates engage in a candid, insightful conversation that bridges their shared backgrounds in aviation, safety culture, and leadership.
The episode begins with a segment called “This Week in Safety Land,” spotlighting a tragic helicopter crash involving tourists over the Hudson River. The Director of Operations (DO) at the company involved chose to cease operations pending investigation, only to be overruled and fired by the CEO—prompting FAA intervention. Max and Tony reflect on this as a textbook example of the ongoing conflict between operational production and safety protection, a dynamic familiar in aviation, military, and corporate environments alike. They explore how profit-driven decisions often undermine safety, and how organizations with high-risk operations must prioritize a culture that empowers safety-conscious leadership.
Tony shares a story of elephants at the San Diego Zoo sensing an earthquake before it was perceptible to humans—forming a protective circle around the young. Max likens this to the importance of organizational structures that support bottom-up safety communication. Drawing on his early career at Hewlett-Packard, he praises HP’s open-door policy that encouraged employees to escalate safety issues when necessary. He stresses that open communication channels are essential, especially in high-risk domains.
Max then shares his personal journey from a successful 25-year career at HP to full-time aviation after a layoff. What began as a side hobby teaching flying eventually evolved into a full-time vocation, spurred in part by a deeply personal tragedy: the death of a close friend and five others in a preventable aircraft accident. Max, who arrived on the crash scene within 45 minutes and attended multiple funerals that week, found a new purpose—preventing similar accidents by educating pilots.
That experience drove Max to start Aviation News Talk, where he strives to deliver rich, actionable content on general aviation safety. His mission: to save lives by making safety knowledge accessible, engaging, and relevant to every pilot—from student to professional. He explains that his podcast is designed to offer “at least one nugget of value per episode” that listeners can apply immediately.
Tony and Max discuss the unglamorous public perception of safety roles—often viewed as dull or punitive. Tony notes that safety officers are often assigned the job after incidents or during grounding periods. Max offers a reframing: don’t lead with safety—lead with professionalism. If pilots strive to be excellent in their craft, safety naturally follows. “Do your job well, be curious, be disciplined,” Max says—traits that elevate both personal performance and safety outcomes.
They turn to current trends, asking whether aviation is getting less safe. While total accident numbers may be down, Max points out that media coverage is up, and many general aviation (GA) accidents—especially runway excursions involving business jets—suggest continued risks. What matters more than raw numbers, he explains, is the accident rate per 100,000 hours flown, data that lags by over a year. For GA pilots, the accident risk remains significant, especially among newer or less experienced pilots.
Looking forward, Max and Tony explore the safety challenges of tomorrow. Max debunks the idea of achieving a static “safe state” and explains that aviation is inherently dynamic—subject to changes in personnel, technology, weather, and processes. He highlights the importance of conducting safety assessments prior to changes in operations, procedures, or equipment. Quoting safety expert Todd Conklin, Max describes accidents as “the unexpected combination of normal aviation variability,” reinforcing the need for ongoing vigilance.
Tony adds that while technological innovations—like AI, automation, and real-time training—offer efficiency, they don’t guarantee increased safety. Often, humans simply push the margins when given better tools. He uses anti-lock brakes as an analogy: rather than driving more safely, people just drive faster. Similarly, faster, cheaper training methods could reduce experience levels without solving core human performance issues.
The conversation closes with Max outlining the timeless characteristics of a great aviator:
Judgment – the most critical trait, separating the skilled from the safe.
Curiosity – a desire to learn, explore, and seek out knowledge.
Discipline and consistency – following procedures and making flights “boring” in the best way.
Situational awareness – understanding not just your own position, but what everyone else in the airspace is trying to do.
Humility – recognizing that overconfidence kills and that learning never stops.
Max emphasizes that aviation teaches life skills: staying humble, seeking excellence, and always being ready to learn. He ends by inviting listeners to consider flight training—not just for fun, but as a profound growth experience. Learning to fly, he says, can change how you see the world and yourself.
Tony echoes the sentiment, encouraging listeners to take a discovery flight and explore the possibility. As the episode wraps, both hosts agree: while aviation may be unforgiving, it offers unmatched rewards for those who approach it with professionalism and passion.
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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.
0:001:09:00
379 Ferry Pilot Flying, Everything Explained with Sarah Rovner + GA News
Hosts
Hosts of this podcast episode
Max Trescott
Guests
Guests of this podcast episode
Sarah Rovner
Keywords
Keywords of this podcast episode
ferry pilotSarah RovnerFull Throttle Aviationflying planesinternational paperworkforeign-registered aircraftcustomsregulatory hurdlesCessna 210oxygen failuresferry tank malfunctionsice bridgingaircraft importspilot trainingjudgment in flying
Max talks with ferry pilot Sarah Rovner, founder of Full Throttle Aviation, about her adventures and challenges flying planes across continents. Sarah stumbled into ferry flying when she helped deliver a plane and quickly found herself flying everything from gliders to agricultural aircraft across Central America and even the Atlantic. Her unique edge wasn’t just piloting—it was handling the complex international paperwork required for cross-border flights.
Sarah explains the nuances of flying foreign-registered aircraft, using handlers, and dealing with customs and regulatory hurdles in countries like Mexico and Canada. She shares hair-raising tales like flying over the Arctic in winter in a Cessna 210, discovering a failed axle, and performing repairs in subzero temps. She’s faced oxygen failures, ferry tank malfunctions, and the infamous “ice bridging” during Atlantic crossings.
Despite the flat-rate pay and frequent mechanical delays, Sarah loves the freedom, camaraderie, and adventure. She also trains and mentors pilots, including retirees and aspiring time-builders, emphasizing the importance of judgment over just stick-and-rudder skills. Her company now provides aircraft imports, paperwork, and check rides, and she encourages others interested in ferry work to learn multiple aircraft types and fly smart.
If you're getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.
"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 ferry pilot Sarah Rovner, founder of Full Throttle Aviation, about her adventures and challenges flying planes across continents. Sarah stumbled into ferry flying when she helped deliver a plane and quickly found herself flying everything from gliders to agricultural aircraft across Central America and even the Atlantic. Her unique edge wasn’t just piloting—it was handling the complex international paperwork required for cross-border flights.
Sarah explains the nuances of flying foreign-registered aircraft, using handlers, and dealing with customs and regulatory hurdles in countries like Mexico and Canada. She shares hair-raising tales like flying over the Arctic in winter in a Cessna 210, discovering a failed axle, and performing repairs in subzero temps. She’s faced oxygen failures, ferry tank malfunctions, and the infamous “ice bridging” during Atlantic crossings.
Despite the flat-rate pay and frequent mechanical delays, Sarah loves the freedom, camaraderie, and adventure. She also trains and mentors pilots, including retirees and aspiring time-builders, emphasizing the importance of judgment over just stick-and-rudder skills. Her company now provides aircraft imports, paperwork, and check rides, and she encourages others interested in ferry work to learn multiple aircraft types and fly smart.
If you're getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.
