Aviation Thrill Seekers Beware – Episode 179

Todd Curtis, Greg Feith, and John Goglia discuss the risks of aviation thrill-seeking. They look at aviation disasters from the NTSB database that involve experiences outside of standard FAA regulations.

The FAA allows certain commercial operators to offer voluntary high-risk experiences to the general public. “Top Gun” aerobatic rides, balloon flights, and sight-seeing flights are some examples. Existing rules allow for a wide range of leeway in FAA approval for these types of flights. Oversight may be minimal.

They evaluate a plane crash where a thrill ride resulted in the loss of the aircraft and crew. The high-impact collision occurred in Four Corners, California.

Anyone considering one of these experiences needs to consider the aviation safety risks involved. Thrill seeking can be a deadly experience.

John and Greg also share insights from AirVenture 2023, including new safety products from various manufacturers and concerns about the insurance needs of older pilots.

Related documents:

• NTSB Analysis of accident cockpit video
• FAA Commercial Astronaut requirements change from 2021
• NTSB Accident Report on 2019 B-17 crash
• NTSB Accident Report on the Four Corners, California accident WPR18FA013
• Public Docket for Four Corners, California accident WPR18FA013
• NTSB Safety Study NTSB/AAR-21/03 on Part 91 commercial passenger flight operations