The Flight Test Safety Database is once again available to everyone at http://ftsdb.grc.nasa.gov/.
Please pass this info on to your colleagues and friends within the flight test community.
Thank you all for your patience and support for the Flight Test Safety Database.
Flight Test Safety Committee Podcast Channel - EP 32 - 3Q
In this episode I go out on location for a flight test safety discussion about predicting the future, assessing safety culture and more. Join Mark Jones Jr., Vanessa Rebello, and myself at the 3rd Planet Mothership for part 1 of this interview. (I even get to be one of the interviewees for a little bit)
Here is a direct download link to the Sep 2019 FTSF that has Mark’s article about 3Q: https://flighttestsafety.org/images/Flight_Test_Safety_Fact_19-09.pdf
Available on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, Google Play, and Amazon Music: FTSCChannel
The other day I ran into my stats professor, and I said, "what are the chances?" Almost unbelievably,I happened upon my geography teacher from elementary, and she said, "small world."**
I joke, but understanding the limitations of the 2d risk matrix and exploring alternatives are not a joke. This month, a member of our profession who doubles as a cyber-acquisition professional shares what he learned about risk from that particular domain and encourages us to think about it. While this particular article was under review, someone suggested adding an illustration. I think that's a helpful suggestion, but I also believe that taking the time to draw your own is equally helpful.
When do we stop what we are doing long enough to draw a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system? I ask this, because research shows that "getting your hands dirty" with the data or idea is more fruitful than dashboards and automated systems.
There's also a recap of the Workshop, a link to the videos, and two months worth of podcasts on which to catch up.
While you are at it, print a copy of the newsletter and put it in the breakroom, because we are still trying to Reach Everyone.
**Twitter is a great place to find viral threads with hilarious puns, and someone should probably be dropping some flight test humor.
Send questions and jokes to the editor, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sincerely,
Mark Jones Jr.
Editor
For added convenience and security, you can download the newsletter here.
Flight Test Safety Committee Podcast Channel - EP30 - My Five Safety Lessons from Top Gun
This month we will look at how pop culture (well one fairly popular movie from the 80s anyway) can provide lessons in safety. And in our look back in aviation history we will talk about the Dornier DO 31 VTOL Jet Transport
Link to Drury Wood bio
Major Drury W. Wood | National Air and Space Museum (si.edu)
Available on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, Google Play, and Amazon Music: FTSCChannel
Flight Test Safety Committee Podcast Channel - EP 31 - How Do You Do Safety?
This month I spoke with Steve Bush and Stan Swan from the Columbia Aviation Association (CAA) and talked about one of the approaches they have to improving flight safety. You can learn more about the CAA in the link below.
Home - Columbia Aviation Association (caapilots.com)
Available on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, Google Play, and Amazon Music: FTSCChannel
This month we expand our look back in aviation history on the anniversary of the last flight of the XB-70 Valkyrie. We will talk about this amazing aircraft and hear from the pilot who flew the first flight.
Available on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, Google Play, and Amazon Music: FTSCChannel
Words have the power of life and death. With a single word, we can command the abort of a dangerous flight test maneuver, but the power of our words extends beyond the cockpit and the control room to the cubicle and conference room. We must engage in the kind of discussions that some would characterize as conflict, because it makes our arguments stronger, and it helps us fight for unity.
As we begin a fourth year of the Flight Test Safety Fact, we issue the same challenge issued in the first edition: Your words matter. We need them.
We want your opinions and your responses. We want to hear how you are implementing lessons learned at your workplace. After you read Rod Huete's op-ed, your thoughts on subjective probability and 2D risk matrix are important. Whether you send us an email or hold a discussion during a lunch-and-learn, we want to know.
There's a good chance that the subtle humor in this email won't mean the same thing to everyone, but to the average reader, we think you'll find something to talk about inside this month's newsletter.
Sincerely,
Mark Jones Jr.
Editor
For added convenience and security, you can download the newsletter here.
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
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.