THE SCHIFF SHOW PODCAST

"PILOT-MECHANIC CHECKS AND BALANCES" - When Maintenance Errors and Missed Preflights Lead to Disaster


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Hosted by renowned pilot and aviation expert CAPTAIN BRIAN SCHIFF

With special guest presenter JEFF SIMON

On this episode of THE SCHIFF SHOW, Brian welcomes Jeff Simon from SocialFlight (www.SocialFlight.com) for an engaging discussion about a real-world accident where a mechanic’s mistake created a hidden hazard that the pilot failed to detect during preflight inspection, followed by a failure to follow emergency procedures, and how that combination led do tragic results.

They’ll explore how small errors in rigging, installation, or maintenance oversight can cascade into major in-flight emergencies, and the critical role pilots play as the final safety checkpoint. 

Through accident analysis, and a review of procedures, techniques and technology, we’ll highlight some warning signs often overlooked by pilots, common maintenance pitfalls, and best practices for preflight discipline that can help you catch errors before takeoff. 

Designed for pilots, mechanics, and instructors, this episode will help you to strengthen pilot-mechanic communication and sharpen your eye for details that will prevent equipment-related accidents.

Training goals:

  • Identify common types of maintenance errors that can lead to hidden in-flight hazards, using real accident case studies as examples
  • Strengthen preflight inspection skills to better detect subtle signs of mechanical mistakes or overlooked maintenance issues before flight
  • Understand the importance of effective pilot-mechanic communication and specific questions pilots should ask after maintenance is performed
  • Apply best practices for verifying airworthiness and implementing safety habits (SOPs) that prevent maintenance-related accidents
  • The importance of following established procedures to serve as a safety barrier

This podcast is the audio part of the original live video broadcast available at https://www.theschiffshow.tv/10 If you wish, please visit that website to view the archived version of the live event - including audience comments and polling.

This podcast qualifies for FAA WINGS credit.  After listening, go HERE to test your knowledge and earn immediate FAA WINGS credit upon successful completion of the quiz.  You must be registered on the FAA Safety Team website to access this quiz and credits.  If you have not yet registered, you may do so HERE.


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The Schiff Show is a monthly aviation education variety show hosted by Brian Schiff and sponsored by AVEMCO. It is offered for FAA WINGS credit. Brian will discuss a specific theme across five program segments on the second Thursday of each month. The themes will be chosen from a hit list of common accident causes. Each episode will be one hour long and focus on a particular causal accident factor, and will include the following segments:

  • Accident Review
  • Regulatory Review
  • Training Topic
  • Technology Tips and Tricks
  • Knowledge and Trivia Questions

Registration is not required. Go to TheSchiffShow.tv at 7:00 PM Central Time on the second Thursday of the month and join the show. All episodes are archived on TheSchiffShow.tv and available to watch (for WINGS credit) anytime after the original air time. (NOTE

THE SCHIFF SHOW is proudly sponsored by AVEMCO. Learn more about Avemco Insurance Company HERE or give them a call 800-276-5199. Tell them THE SCHIFF SHOW sent you and earn a 5% discount on your aircraft insurance.

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THE SCHIFF SHOW PODCASTBy Featuring Captain Brian Schiff