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Pilot-Mechanic Checks and Balances: When Maintenance Errors and Missed Preflights Lead to Disaster

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The Schiff Show logoMore from The Schiff Show · Episode 10

Proudly sponsored by Avemco Insurance Company

Captain Brian Schiff and Jeff Simon of SocialFlight discuss a real accident in which a mechanic's mistake created a hidden hazard. The pilot missed it during preflight and then failed to follow emergency procedures. They explore how maintenance errors cascade into in-flight emergencies, and the pilot's role as the final safety checkpoint.

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Chapters & program details from theschiffshow.tv

Chapters 15
  1. 0:00 Avemco intro and welcome
  2. 2:40 WINGS credit and meeting guest Jeff Simon
  3. 9:00 Accident review: a gear that wouldn't retract
  4. 12:00 Ground spoilers, switches and the maintenance error
  5. 16:00 The NTSB report and probable cause
  6. 18:40 Procedures: required inspections and conformity
  7. 24:40 When maintenance drops the ball and the preflight misses it
  8. 29:20 Crew checklists that overlooked the problem
  9. 35:00 Maintenance checklists and signing off work
  10. 40:40 FAASTeam resources: test changed controls
  11. 48:00 "The rudder felt different": trusting your gut
  12. 52:40 Tech tips: tools that prevent left-behind items
  13. 59:40 Trivia: spark plugs, engines and grass
  14. 1:04:00 Trivia: compass swings and airspeed
  15. 1:08:40 Final thoughts and thanks

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About This Course

THE SCHIFF SHOW Episode 10 – "Pilot-Mechanic Checks And Balances - When Maintenance Errors and Missed Preflights Lead to Disaster".

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

* * * * * * * * *

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: you must be watching live to participate in the game show portion.)

The Schiff Show promises to be an hour well spent, which will fly by while you have fun and learn to be a safer pilot.

Course Resources 11

COURSE RESOURCES for "Pilot-Mechanic Checks and Balances - When Maintenance Errors and Missed Preflights Lead to Disaster"

Presenters

Captain Brian Schiff

Presenter and Instructor

Brian Schiff is a captain for a major US airline and is type-rated on the Airbus A320, Boeing 727, 757, 767, DC-9 (MD-80), CL-65, LR-JET, and G-V. Schiff’s roots are deeply planted in general aviation where he has flown a wide variety of aircraft. His total flying time is over 21,000 hours.

He is a Gold Seal flight instructor and FAASTeam Representative and holds several flight instructor ratings. He is recognized for his enthusiasm and ability to teach in a way that simplifies complex procedures and concepts. He has been actively instructing since earning his flight and ground instructor certificates in 1985. Schiff also has been an FAA-designated examiner.

He attended San Jose State University, and earned his B.S. degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and his M.S. Degree in Aviation Safety from the University of Central Missouri. He regularly teaches and conducts seminars about aviation safety and techniques to student and professional pilots.

Jeff Simon

Guest Presenter

Jeff Simon is an AP mechanic, IA, pilot, and aircraft owner. He has spent the last 23 years promoting owner-assisted aircraft maintenance and created the first inspection tool for geared alternator couplings available at ApproachAviation.com. Jeff is also the creator of SocialFlight, the free mobile app and website that maps more than 20,000 aviation events, hundred-dollar hamburger destinations, and offers educational aviation videos. Free apps are available for iOS and Android devices, and users can also visit www.SocialFlight.com.

WINGS Credit Details
Earn WINGS Credit FAASafety.gov course ID: 1457

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CLICK HERE to go to the WINGS Quiz

Step 1 - Login to your FAASafety WINGS account

Step 2- Take Quiz - Receive Immediate WINGS Credit

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About Avemco

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Not all aircraft insurance policies and premiums are the same. As the only direct writer in the market, Avemco never uses third-party insurance agents and instead, connects you directly with an aviation underwriter in their Frederick, Maryland office ready to solve problems and approve coverage based on what you fly and how you fly it. Avemco provides lightning-fast quotes, competitive rates, and personalized policies that are easy to read and tailored to you. Call 800-276-5199 for your free quote or visit avemco.com/theschiffshow. Don’t forget to tell them you’re a Schiff Show subscriber and save 5%!

Avemco Insurance Company never works with third-party insurance agents or brokers and believes you’re better off going right to the source instead of through a middleman. We connect you with an aviation underwriter ready to answer your questions and personalize coverage based on what you fly and how you fly it. So, unless you reach out to them yourself, you’ll never experience the Avemco advantage of going direct. Listeners of The Schiff Show save 5% and are eligible for even more savings through the Avemco Safety Rewards Program. Call 800-276-5199 for a free quote or visit avemco.com/schiffshow today.

For decades, Avemco Insurance Company has been an advocate for pilot safety by promoting and sponsoring continuous pilot training and learning. One of their initiatives has been to reward pilots who actively participate in being more proficient with savings on their insurance premium through the Avemco Safety Rewards Program. Safe pilots save by earning new ratings, getting recurrent training, participating in the FAASTeam WINGS Program, and listening to safety podcasts like ours and other Avemco-recognized courses and training. Call 800-276-5199 for a free quote or visit avemco.com/schiffshow today. Don’t forget to tell them The Schiff Show sent you for an automatic 5% off!

The Schiff Show Archives

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Content above is from the original episode page: https://www.theschiffshow.tv/10/

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