Uploaded August 2023 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
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 an 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 at the Flight Safety Detectives website:
• 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
• Public Docket for Four Corners, Californina accident WPR18FA013
• NTSB Safety Study NTSB/AAR-21/03 on Part 91 commercial passenger flight operations
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.
Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8
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 an 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 at the Flight Safety Detectives website:
• 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
• Public Docket for Four Corners, Californina accident WPR18FA013
• NTSB Safety Study NTSB/AAR-21/03 on Part 91 commercial passenger flight operations
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.
Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8
