Learning from other pilots' mistakes, with JJ Madison

About this episode

JJ Madison discusses learning from pilot mistakes through NASA reports and shares insights from his aviation career.

Plenty of pilots read accident reports, but airline pilot and author JJ Madison says NASA reports are even better—because you’re hearing directly from the pilot. He shares common themes and memorable stories from these reports, and reminds pilots how to submit one. JJ also talks about his career as an airline pilot, including the appeal of regional airlines and the importance of scheduling. In the Ready to Copy segment, JJ talks about flying turboprops, why staying in shape is critical for pilots, and how to be a Hollywood writer. SHOW LINKS: * JJ’s book Yikes!: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYZ1R9BS * Victor Kilo Fund: https://www.victorkilofund.org/ * NASA reports database: https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/ * Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip

People in this episode

Guest: JJ Madison

Topics covered

• pilot safety
• accident reports
• aviation career
• turboprop flying
• health for pilots
• writing for Hollywood

Keywords

• aviation
• pilot mistakes
• NASA reports
• turboprops
• health
• writing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NASA, Victor Kilo Fund, Pilot Workshop

Products: Yikes!

More episodes of Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's

• Using an Eclipse for charitable flights, with Mark Hanson · June 2, 2026 · 44 min
• Is GA dying or thriving, with Tom Charpentier · May 19, 2026 · 41 min
• The challenges and rewards of taildraggers, with Damian DelGaizo · May 5, 2026 · 40 min
• Hard truths about aviation safety, with Douglas Boyd · April 21, 2026 · 44 min
• Legal gray areas for pilots, with Mark Kolber · April 7, 2026 · 41 min
• What pilots should know about ATC, with Marcus Miller · March 24, 2026 · 47 min