In order to understand our own error patterns, we have to acknowledge our tendencies, and that is the first step to develop safer attitudes and behaviors. 

A big part of safe flying and decision making is understanding the difference between our decisions, based on knowledge stored during ground school and flight training, and the judgment and wisdom to make the right choice from those knowledge options. 

We welcome back Dr. Ken St...

Today we're talking all things cardiac - the heartbeat of the aviator. One of the most frequent topic of calls into the Pilot Information Center's medical team is cardiovascular health because as we all know, it's hard to fly without a heart. 

Gary Crump

Gary is the Director of AOPA’s Pilot Information Center Medical Certification Section and has spent the last 32 years assisting AOPA members. He is also a former ...

Dr. Jonathan Sackier and Gary Crump return with the next episode of the Pilot Protection Services podcast, tackling the topic of ageism in aviation. With humans living and staying healthier for longer, pilots are comfortably taking advantage of the ability to fly under the new BasicMed rules - and that's a great thing for GA.

Gary Crump

Gary is the Director of AOPA’s Pilot Information Center Medical Certification Section and ...

Pilots tend to fear their medicals simply because they value their ability to fly so intensely - and rightfully so.  Much can be done prior to the medical to alleviate this fear and smooth the process for the AME (Aviation Medical Examiner) as well as the pilot. 

Join Gary Crump and Dr. Brent Blue, a Senior FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) out of Wyoming, for this discussion and updates on the question of “the Medical.”

If you h...

This week, we catch up with panel attorney Rick Durden on a topic we often hear about after natural disasters - flying to help others, and - importantly - how to do it legally. 

Show Notes: 

Rick Durden: Mr. Durden has been practicing aviation law for more than 40 years and is a panel attorney for AOPA's Legal Services Plan. He holds an ATP with type ratings in the DC-3 and Cessna Citation. The AOPA Legal Services plan is off...

Dr. Jonathan Sackier and Gary Crump are back for the fourth Fly Well episode of the Pilot Protection Services podcast, this one inspired by a song many of you may remember - but don't worry, there's no singing involved. 

Gary Crump

Gary is the Director of AOPA’s Pilot Information Center Medical Certification Section and has spent the last 32 years assisting AOPA members. He is also a former Operating Room Technician, Prof...

Dr. Jonathan Sackier and Gary Crump are back for the third Fly Well episode of the Pilot Protection Services podcast. Ear, nose, and throat issues can arise in pressured situations – which can be an issue for aviators, and can be difficult from an aeromedical standpoint. Listen to learn more about what can be done when vertigo and other concerns rear their ugly head.

Gary Crump

Gary is the Director of AOPA’s Pilot Information Cen...

This week, we bring you the story of Doug Downey, retired USAF Lt Col and Academy grad who flew as a fighter pilot in the F-16 Viper and the F-117 Nighthawk. Doug survived a near disaster in the F-117 that could have ended in a horrific crash in White Sands National Park. With his engines flamed out, it was time for plan B – but there was no plan B.   The story of Doug’s amazing recovery from this catastrophic event and aviation sa...

It’s one of the most common questions that AOPA Legal Services Plan (LSP) attorneys get from members after a mishap… “what’s the difference between an aircraft accident and an incident? And what, if anything, do I need to report to the FAA and/or NTSB?”

One of the most frequent searches on our website is "Accident vs. Incident" Attorney Edward Hadley, who wrote a 2016 article on this same topic, is with us to discuss in det...

Dr. Jonathan Sackier and Gary Crump are back for the second Fly Well episode of the Pilot Protection Services podcast. We catch up with Jonathan on the road to discuss something very prevalent in our society today: mental illness and suicide. These taboo topics are difficult but necessary to address - especially for pilots.  

Gary Crump

Gary is the Director of AOPA’s Pilot Information Center Medical Certification Section and has ...

The first Fly Well episode of the Pilot Protection Services podcast, hosted by Dr. Jonathan Sackier and featuring AOPA's Director of Medical Certification, Gary Crump, brings to light a few medical issues that can plague pilots, but are rarely talked about. 

Gary Crump

Gary is the Director of AOPA’s Pilot Information Center Medical Certification Section and has spent the last 32 years assisting AOPA members. He is also a former...

The first episode of the Pilot Protection Services podcast, hosted by Chad Mayer, starts off with a recap of some recent UAS regulatory updates, including the new requirement that went into effect on February 23rd to display the FAA registration number on the outside of a drone.

Then Ms. McConoughey will guide us through her recent article from SC Lawyer Magazine which explores possible legal issues in a hypothetical drone shoot do...