FTSC News

What is the first thought that goes through your mind when you read about a flight test accident? 

That's probably the kind of question we all feel comfortable asking, but do we ever consider what goes through our hearts when we read the same headline? As humans we have an emotional response, and in this month's edition I discuss both questions.  The second thing that should go through our minds is the probability that this kind of thing would happen, and I explain what I mean subjectively about the topic.  

You'll also find information about Flight Test Safety Workshop registration, and this month we also share two previously published web-based resources that help both our hearts and our minds when we do hear about an aircraft crash.  

Send your ideas and opinions, responses and replies, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Sincerely,

Mark Jones Jr.
Editor

This month we will take a stroll to the lake while we discuss the value of rehearsing flight test missions in a simulator linked to a control room. Great Idea- sure, Common Lesson Learned- absolutely, written into policy or mandated in requirements...well... #flighttestsafety #FTSCchannel

Listen and share your thoughts with us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Listen Now! http://flighttestsafety.org/ftsc-news/flight-test-safety-podcast-channel

Sea Dart Flight Footage

Sea Hunt Episode 1

Backyard Bear Encounter

 
Available on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, Google Play, and Amazon Music: FTSCChannel

This month we talk with Mat McMenemy and Don Grove from Bell about Lessons Learned on the Bell V-280 program and in our look back in history we talk about Neil's Cross Country Flight.

Matt McMenemy is the Verification Manager for Bell on the V-280 / Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. 

Don Grove is the Military Chief Pilot for Bell and lead test pilot on the V-280 Valor program.

Bell V-280 Links 
V-280 Valor website: https://www.bellflight.com/products/bell-v-280

Following Historic Development and Flight Test Program Bell V-280 Valor Focuses on FLRAA Competition 

Listen Now! http://flighttestsafety.org/ftsc-news/flight-test-safety-podcast-channel

 Available on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, Google Play, and Amazon Music: FTSCChannel

This month we head back to Trader Sam's and finish our chat with Mike "Sting" Wallace as he reflects on flight testing, lessons learned and his time as President of SETP.

Listen Now! http://flighttestsafety.org/ftsc-news/flight-test-safety-podcast-channel
Available on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, Google Play, and Amazon Music: FTSCChannel

December is finally here, and we are bringing you an early present, the final issue of Flight Test Safety Fact for 2021.

This issue has headlines from the past year, recommendations for podcasts, and even an award winning symposium paper.  It also has a lot of conversation starters, as you will see inside.  We’ll bring one of those conversations next month too, to start the new year right.

Turbo reflects on his attendance at the SETP symposium, and if you still don’t know how to subscribe to our podcast, read the last page, because you won’t want to miss Turbo’s interview with Sting.

Send your comments – we think you’ll have some; and send suggestions for the future.

Sincerely,

Mark Jones Jr.
Editor

For added convenience and security, you can download the newsletter here.

This month we catch up on location in Southern California with Mike "Sting" Wallace as he reflects on flight testing, lessons learned and his time as President of SETP.

Listen Now! http://flighttestsafety.org/ftsc-news/flight-test-safety-podcast-channel
Available on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, Google Play, and Amazon Music: FTSCChannel

This month we are trying something new.  An episode built almost exclusively from listener feedback on our topic of High Visibility Events and the unique risks that go along with them. #flighttestsafety #FTSCchannel

Super Bowl 30 Halftime Show Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHohGSKfgQ0

NASA Shuttle Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aC5WlFtkig

NASA Paper:  https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19800012832/downloads/19800012832.pdf

Listen Now! http://flighttestsafety.org/ftsc-news/flight-test-safety-podcast-channel
Available on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, and Google Play: FTSCChannel

This month we continue our interview with Rich Lee as he talks about some of the unique challenges and surprises flying a helicopter into a football stadium for the Super Bowl 30 Halftime Show. #flighttestsafety #FTSCchannel

Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHohGSKfgQ0

Rich Lee's Bio: (Direct Download Link)

Listen Now! http://flighttestsafety.org/ftsc-news/flight-test-safety-podcast-channel
Available on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, and Google Play: FTSCChannel

Ever wonder what life is like as a hang glider test pilot? (I’m not sure I had that particular thought, but I’ve often imagined what it would be like to fly a hang glider.)  This month’s feature article is written by a hang glider test pilot, one who has presented at SETP symposia before.  His topic this month hearkens back to a paper he presented (one you can download from the SETP website), but it incorporates his application of an idea found in a previous edition of this newsletter.

One company test safety manager also responded with an example of how he was using the same topic from a past newsletter in his bi-weekly safety meeting discussion.  

So to summarize: that’s reader feedback and participation in this medium that links to flight test safety resources in our other media and discussion inside yet another company.  *This* is exactly the kind of synergy that we intend to cultivate in our community.  So I’m delighted, and the topic also scratches my technical itch.

I hope you find the same utility in this month’s Flight Test Safety Fact, and if you have a question or idea, I hope you too send us your response or article.

Sincerely,

Mark Jones Jr.
Editor

For added convenience and security, you can download the newsletter here.

This month we take a look at the risk involved in high visibility events.  And what better high visibility event than a Super Bowl halftime show watched my millions of people.  Join my guest Rich Lee and I as we discuss his experience landing a helicopter during the Super Bowl 30 halftime show...

Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHohGSKfgQ0

Rich Lee's Bio: (Direct Download Link)

Listen Now! http://flighttestsafety.org/ftsc-news/flight-test-safety-podcast-channel
Available on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, and Google Play: FTSCChannel

Flight Test Safety Committee Podcast Channel – New Episode - Talk With CAPT Jim Wetherbee, USN (Ret), Author and Commander for 5 Space Shuttle Missions

This month we finish our interview with CAPT Jim Wetherbee, USN (Ret) and NASA Astronaut talking about trigger steps, questions he pondered with his space shuttle crew like "How do we prevent all errors?" and discuss using lessons learned.  Also, This Week in Aviation look-back, upcoming events, and more so find us on your favorite podcast site.

You can find CAPT Wetherbee's bio and link to his website below.

Jim Wetherbee Bio & Website

Listen Now! http://flighttestsafety.org/ftsc-news/flight-test-safety-podcast-channel
Available on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, and Google Play: FTSCChannel

The US is about to celebrate our Independence Day, which is an event that is part of our culture but also a sign that its peak growing season for corn and soybean and every other crop that drones are sensing all over the world (if you believe the headlines).  Both of those things appear prominently throughout this issue in conversations about culture. 

If you are keeping track of fashion trends, you’ll find one parenthetical about Turbo’s provocative clothing, but more importantly, there is also a trip down memory lane for Turbo… twenty years since Mission X.  Curious: look inside this edition for Turbo Talk.

You’ll also find some notes from our most recent podcast and a link to videos from the Flight Test Safety Workshop. 

Hopefully, the extra time off should give you time to digest everything in this issue, on the website, and maybe even to send us a email.

Sincerely,

Mark Jones Jr.
Editor

For added convenience and security, you can download the newsletter here.

Flight Test Safety Committee Podcast Channel – New Episode - Talk With CAPT Jim Wetherbee, USN (Ret), Author and Commander for 5 Space Shuttle Missions

This month, in addition to our regular this week in aviation lookback and a quick update on the Monarch migration, we talk with CAPT Jim Wetherbee, USN (Ret), NASA Astronaut and Director and author of the book "Controlling Risk in a Dangerous World". You can find CAPT Wetherbee's bio and link to his website below.

Jim Wetherbee Bio & Website

Listen Now! http://flighttestsafety.org/ftsc-news/flight-test-safety-podcast-channel
Available on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, and Google Play: FTSCChannel

Click the link below to view the recordings from the 27 May 2021 Virtual Flight Test Safety Workshop

http://flighttestsafety.org/2021-virtual-workshop

Flight Test Safety Committee Podcast Channel – New Episode - Interview with Justin Paines - Thoughts on Commercial Electric Aircraft

This month Turbo talks to an old friend and current Chief Test Pilot for Joby Aviation, Justin Paines, who shares some of his insights and thoughts on their electric VTOL aircraft.

You can find out more about Joby on their website https://www.jobyaviation.com/ and also check out their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnXilf0WzKWoIA1Y87KgqDw

Listen Now! http://flighttestsafety.org/ftsc-news/flight-test-safety-podcast-channel
Available on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, and Google Play: FTSCChannel

I once heard someone say that when you get your pilot certificate (or wings), you get issued two metaphorical buckets: A bucket full of luck and an empty bucket labeled "experience." The object is to fill the latter one up before the first is empty.

This month, we ask you to consider "Lucky, or Good?" That question will take you to a presentation given during the April Virtual Symposium hosted by SETP, and there is at least one other talk that we recommend in this issue.

While you are online, go ahead and register for the Flight Test Safety Workshop. You will find the theme and a link to the registration inside.

As always, we would love to hear from you. Send us a note. Thank you for continuing to tell people about the newsletter, and keep sharing.

Sincerely,

Mark Jones Jr.
Editor

For added convenience and security, you can download the newsletter here.