Best National Transportation Safety Board Podcasts (2024)

1
Headscratching Anecdotes Solved for You 18:02

1h ago18:02

18:02

In the process of conducting dozens of flight physicals, there are questions that periodically come up when filling out the medical application form. On this episode, we review some of those head-scratching anecdotes and how to efficiently complete the process.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine

1
Ironman Pilots 13:50

13h ago13:50

13:50

On this episode, we review aeromedical certification requirements for a relatively uncommon disease called hemochromatosis -- a condition that involves elevated iron levels in the blood that can result in liver failure and may affect multiple other organs. Screened and taken care of early, it is completely controllable but left unchecked, can resul…

1
Time for a valve job? 12:01

6h ago12:01

12:01

In this episode, we go single pilot and cover one of the most common valvular heart issues -- mitral valve regurgitation. For stable established cases of mild severity, a pilot might not even need Special Issuance Authorization. CACI qualification is possible, and if appropriate testing is obtained ahead of the time of the flight physical, aeromedi…

1
Drones to Stones 26:41

21d ago26:41

26:41

Drones, love 'em or hate 'em, are here to stay. The FAA announced groundbreaking approvals this week for commercial drone operations of delivery packages involving unmanned aircraft outside the sight line of drone operators -- paving the way for packages to be delivered remotely to your doorstep using drones operated by pilots miles away. With thes…

1
EPISODE 58: NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV CRASH INVESTIGATION

14d ago

—

In a new episode of our Behind the Scene @NTSB podcast, we talk with Ellen Lee, Project Manager and Brian Bragonier, Investigator, both in the Office of Highway Safety, about the January 29, 2022, multi-vehicle collision in North Las Vegas, Nevada. The NTSB final report for the investigation we discussed is available on our website. The recording o…

1
Walking Through AirVenture, the Future of Aviation, and Hepatitis C 16:10

19d ago16:10

16:10

On this episode, we reflect on EAA's AirVenture 2024, Boeing's forecast for the future of personnel needs in the field of aviation, and CACI qualification criteria for chronic Hepatitis C.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine

1
Don't Let High Blood Pressure Bring You Down 11:55

25d ago11:55

11:55

One of the most common medical conditions encountered by pilots is elevated blood pressure. On this episode we discuss what is allowed for maximum blood pressure levels, what medications are approved, and the options available to pilots who find themselves dealing with hypertension.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine

1
Back on Track 14:58

1M ago14:58

14:58

Mitch and Clay return from vacation and step back up to the Clear Approach podcast microphone. On this episode, they discuss updates to the FAA's approach to "uncomplicated" anxiety and depression, review the FAA streamlining efforts for re-certifying pilots with Special Issuance Authorization related to coronary artery disease and more.…

1
Protect Your Beans -- Getting Certified With Chronic Kidney Disease 13:24

3M ago13:24

13:24

Most of us take for granted the bean-shaped organs located along our flanks that are responsible for filtering the blood and maintaining fluid balance in the body. But what happens when things go wrong with the beans? How will this affect aeromedical certification for pilots? This episode covers current requirements for obtaining and maintaining yo…

1
Change is in the Air! Streamlining is Coming to the Certification Process 13:51

3M ago13:51

13:51

Several announcements this week to FAA aviation medical examiners by the agency will significantly decrease the burden on pilots with certain uncomplicated mental health conditions, eliminate the need for exercise stress tests for renewal of Special Issuance Authorization for pilots with coronary artery disease -- and other streamlining efforts are…

1
Is it a Shakedown -- or Just Essential Tremor? 13:21

3M ago13:21

13:21

The presence of a tremor has, in the past, delayed efforts of pilots to become medically certified. Use of CACI criteria now streamlines the process. In this episode, we review what is required and touch base on the new FAA reauthorization bill that was signed into law last week.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine

1
Ouch! The Aches and Pains of Arthritis on the FAA Medical Application 10:46

3M ago10:46

10:46

Pilots often forget to report arthritis or musculoskeletal injuries on their FAA medical application. On this episode, we walk.....er, tiptoe....through the process of reporting these common conditions and what is allowed by the FAA to maintain your flight physical.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine

1
Whisperings at ASMA and Updates on Weight Loss Drugs 13:04

3M ago13:04

13:04

The Aerospace Medical Association (ASMA) is the largest gathering of aviation and aerospace experts in the country with its recent annual meeting concluding in Chicago this week. We discuss some of the highlights and then review recent FAA updates regarding use of certain medications for weight loss.…

1
Wheeze Bad 15:15

4M ago15:15

15:15

Asthma is a common condition in the general population and is often worse during allergy seasons in the spring and fall. Is being diagnosed with asthma a significant barrier to obtaining a medical certificate? We discuss stages of asthma severity and how FAA medical certification may be affected.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine

1
Got rhythm? Atrial Fibrillation and How To Maintain Your Medical Certificate 31:33

4M ago31:33

31:33

Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent treated heart arrhythmia. We meet with a cardiology expert to discuss assessment, treatment, and new trends in taking care of the condition -- and then review your pathway to aeromedical certification.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine

1
Thyroid Disease: Does this "Black Box" Gland "Box" Your Medical? 18:47

4M ago18:47

18:47

The thyroid is often considered the "black box" gland -- not only to patients and pilots, but also to their providers. In this episode, an expert in thyroid disease helps navigate common thyroid conditions, and we discuss the resulting aeromedical implications. Can a pilot still get a medical with thyroid problems, and, if so, what limitations will…

1
The ARC Sails Into New Waters of Mental Health Awareness 12:27

4M ago12:27

12:27

On this episode we review current events -- from three new antidepressant medications announced by the FAA as allowable for aeromedical certification to a recent report released by the Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) regarding advances in mental health disclosure and certification.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine

1
Pour Some Sugar on Me 20:11

4M ago20:11

20:11

Diabetes is a condition that not only can affect your health, but also your FAA aeromedical certification. On this episode we interview an expert in diabetes who is also a pilot to learn more about detection, treatment, and ultimately, how to preserve your medical certificate.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine

1
What's That Sound? Drone on........... 8:45

5M ago8:45

8:45

Operation of remote unmanned aircraft, otherwise known as drone operation, has become the fastest growing segment of aviation in the country. What does it take to become a drone pilot and do you have to have a medical certificate to fly one?By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine

1
Episode 57: Hazardous Materials Branch

5M ago

—

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB we talk with NTSB Office of Railroad, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Investigations’ HazMat Branch about their work to improve transportation safety. To read some of the investigative reports discussed in this episode, visit our webpage. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, o…

1
The Eyes Have It 26:40

5M ago26:40

26:40

One of the most common issues affecting pilots is that of visual acuity. On this episode, a Mayo Clinic optometrist covers the most common eye issues facing pilots. Are those aviator shades worth it? Should pilots be worried about cataracts or glaucoma, and what about monovision correction or LASIK? Listen to find out....…

1
Getting Inside A HIMS Psychiatrist's Head 12:32

5M ago12:32

12:32

Although almost everyone experiences ups and downs of mood and attitude, some pilots encounter mental health conditions that require detailed assessments and testing in order to qualify for their medical certificate. In this episode, we visit with Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Dr. Greg Couser to better understand what goes into these detailed evaluation…

1
The Ups and Downs of Hot Air Ballooning 16:05

6M ago16:05

16:05

On this episode we dust off things in the hangar, get ready for the prime of flying season, and discuss hot air ballooning ups and downs -- from what's required in an annual inspection to the angst of "aeronauts" having to obtain a Class II medical certificate.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine

1
Things That Go Bump in the Night: A Pilot's Primer on Sleep Apnea 21:56

6M ago21:56

21:56

Obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders are some of the most common conditions requiring Special Issuance Authorization clearance from the FAA. On this episode, we hear from a sleep disorders expert followed by discussion on aeromedical implications.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine

1
Eating Your Alphabet Soup 15:45

6M ago15:45

15:45

In between carpet upgrades to the perch of the Aerospace Medicine practice on the 18th floor of the Gonda Building, we take some time to review a number of abbreviations that are used commonly in the aeromedical certification world -- but may not be familiar to pilots.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine

1
When to Say When?: The Age 67 Proposal 10:45

7M ago10:45

10:45

The age for mandatory retirement for commercial airline pilots flying under Part 121 was raised to 65 years in 2007. A recent pitch to increase the age limit to 67 was voted down recently by the Senate Commerce Committee. What implications will this have on the pilot shortage, and what's the answer?By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine

1
Episode 56: San Pedro Bay Marine and Pipeline Investigation

7M ago

—

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we talk with staff from the Office of Marine Safety, the Office of Railroad, Pipeline, and Hazardous Materials Investigations, and the Office of Research and Engineering, about the investigation of the 2021 Anchor Strike of Underwater Pipeline and Eventual Crude Oil Release in San Pedro Bay off the coast o…

1
Be Prepared 10:40

7M ago10:40

10:40

It's second nature to pre-flight with a checklist, but what about "pre-flight checklisting" yourself? On this episode we meet one of our talented nurses dedicated to helping pilots through the process of applying for a medical certificate and passing through this part of the journey unscathed.By Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine

1
When the Wheels Fall Off 11:05

7M ago11:05

11:05

On this episode, we pay tribute to our colleague Dr. Greg Vanichkachorn who was the master of ceremonies for the Clear Approach podcast but departed the "nest" for a better view at Delta Airlines. We launch our new format, and discuss being aware of colleagues and friends with mood issues that could lead to the unthinkable. NOTE: Potential sensitiv…

1
Pay Attention, Its Time for ADHD. 13:04

1y ago13:04

13:04

In this episode, we review a surprisingly troubling condition for many unsuspecting pilots, ADHD.By Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH

1
EAA Airventure Recap and Well Well Wellbutrin! 22:58

1y ago22:58

22:58

Get comfy for my adventure/horror story about EAA Airventure 2023. Then we go over the newest medication approved by the FAA for the treatment of depression.By Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH

1
Tribulation and Jet Lag 19:33

1y ago19:33

19:33

Im back after suffering a loss. After sharing my experience, I give some helpful hints for reducing the pain of Jet Lag. And then, Im off to EAA!

1
EPISODE 55: NTSB VEHICLE RECORDERS DIVISION 50:52

1y ago50:52

50:52

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we talk with staff from our Vehicle Recorders Division, in the Office of Research and Engineering, about the work they do to support transportation safety investigations, and how they contribute to the mission of the NTSB. For more information about NTSB job opportunities, visit our webpage. To learn more …

1
Im Back with Back Pain 13:49

1+ y ago13:49

13:49

Its Podcast Reboot 3.0. And for this episode, we go over pain thats with you but behind you: back pain.

1
Episode 54: Women in Aviation 26:48

1+ y ago26:48

26:48

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB we talk with Senior Air Traffic Control Investigator Betty Koschig and Senior Aviation Accident Analyst Allison Diaz in the Office of Aviation Safety, about their work to improve aviation safety and the NTSB’s participation in the upcoming Women in Aviation International conference. Hear more about opportun…

1
Me, Myself, and COVID 15:38

1+ y ago15:38

15:38

My pain is your pleasure in this week's episode. And I share some amazing new information from the FAA regarding medical certification for pilots on anxiety and depression medications.By Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH

1
Episode 53: Decatur, TN Crash Investigation

1+ y ago

—

In a new episode of our Behind the Scene @NTSB podcast, we talk with Meg Sweeney, Project Manager and Shawn Currie, Motor Carrier Factors Investigator, both in the Office of Highway Safety, about the October 27, 2020, collision between a service truck and school bus in Decatur, Tennessee. The NTSB final report for the investigation we discussed is …

1
Episode 52: Drowsy Driving Prevention Week

2y ago

—

This week is Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. In a new episode of our Behind-the-Scene @NTSB podcast, we talk with Safety Recommendations Division Chief Jeff Marcus, Human Performance Investigator Dennis Collins, and National Resource Specialist Jana Price, Ph.D., about fatigue and NTSB fatigue-related crash investigations. They also discuss NTSB sa…

1
Episode 51: Conception Investigation

2y ago

—

In a new episode of our Behind-the-Scene @NTSB podcast, we talk with Morgan Turrell, Director, Office of Marine Safety about the lessons learned from the 2019 Conception disaster. To learn more about the NTSB Conception investigation, and to access the full investigative report and docket, visit our investigation webpage. For more information about…

1
Frequent Flyer Questions 12:54

2y ago12:54

12:54

Im back from vacation! In this episode I review three frequent questions we get from pilots. And I share a fun time on a Boeing 727.By Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH

1
Episode 50: NTSB Executive Officer Erik Strickland

2y ago

—

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, we celebrate the 50th episode with NTSB Executive Officer Erik Strickland and Safety Advocacy Division Chief Nicholas Worrell to talk about the genesis for the podcast, reflect on the interviews with Board Members and staff since the podcast was launched in 2017, and look to the future as we continue to ta…

1
Skin Cancer and Aviation 16:13

2y ago16:13

16:13

Pilots have a higher risk of skin cancer. I review what you need to know and what happens if you develop skin cancer as a pilot. Also, we review some medical news, including some interesting eye drops that correct near vision.By Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH

1
Episode 49: EAA Air Venture Oshkosh 2022

2y ago

—

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB we talk with Tim LeBaron, Director; Kristi Dunks, Acting Deputy Director for Regional Operations; and Aaron Sauer, Senior Air Safety Investigator, in the Office of Aviation Safety, about their work to improve general aviation safety and the NTSB’s participation in the upcoming EAA AirVenture Oshkosh event. …

1
You Down With CBD? Yeah You Know Me 18:28

2y ago18:28

18:28

There are new updates from the FAA regarding depression and CBD. Yup, you heard me right! Join me to learn what you need to know about cannabidiol and minor depression.By Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH

1
Color Vision: A Word of Caution 13:48

2y ago13:48

13:48

Like a Cessna 150 with its 8th owner, we are back up and running! Updates from Dr. Van on the flying life and we go over all the really important details you need to know about color vision and testing.By Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH

1
Episode 48: James Anderson

2y ago

—

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @ NTSB, we have a conversation with James Anderson, the Audio Visual Communication Specialist in the NTSB Office of Safety Recommendations and Communications and the Producer of the NTSB podcast. James shares how he got interested in audio and video production, his career path to the NTSB, and some notable projec…

1
Episode 47: Mt. Pleasant Township, PA Crash Investigation

2+ y ago

—

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, Highway Factors Investigator, Dan Walsh discusses the 2020 multi-vehicle crash investigation near Mt. Pleasant Township, PA, and we explore the safety issues and safety recommendations issued as a result of our investigation. The NTSB final report for the Multivehicle Crash Near Mt. Pleasant Township, Penn…

1
Episode 46: Chair Jennifer Homendy 57:20

2+ y ago57:20

57:20

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @NTSB, Chair Jennifer Homendy reflects on her NTSB journey so far, her transition from Board Member to Chair, and talks about our Most Wanted List of transportation safety improvements, the Safe System Approach, and what she hopes to see accomplished to improve transportation safety as head of the agency. For mor…

1
Steroids and Masks! 15:36

2+ y ago15:36

15:36

In this first episode for 2022, we go over the danger of steroids for pilots. Then we make sure you are in the know about masks.By Greg Vanichkachorn MD, MPH

1
EPISODE 45: MOST WANTED LIST – VULNERABLE ROAD USERS AND SPEEDING

3y ago

—

In this episode of Behind-the-Scene @ NTSB, we talk with Mike Fox and Steve Prouty, Highway Crash Investigators, Nathan Doble, Transportation Research Analyst and Brittany Rawlinson, Statistician about the 2021-2022 Most Wanted List safety items Implement a Comprehensive Strategy to Eliminate Speeding-Related Crashes and Protect Vulnerable Road Use…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

National Transportation Safety Board Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide