Event Details and Registration

Flying safely begins with thinking smartly. In this gripping episode of THE SCHIFF SHOW, renowned aviator Captain Brian Schiff is joined by respected instructor Aaron Dabney for a deep dive into the human side of aviation safety.

Together, they’ll unpack a real-world tragedy: a flight that ended in disaster not because of weather, equipment, or mechanical failure—but because of mindset. You'll learn how an instructor’s poor judgment led to fatal consequences, and how a student pilot's deference became deadly.

This episode will challenge your assumptions and sharpen your decision-making. 

CAPTAIN BRIAN SCHIFF Host 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.

CLICK HERE to learn more on Captain Schiff's Website!

AARON DABNEY Guest Presenter and Instructor

Aaron Dabney earned his Flight Instructor certificate in 2009, and has been an active instructor ever since. He has provided more than 5,000 hours of instruction in more than 30 models of aircraft, mentoring pilots from their first hour through becoming accomplished instructors themselves, and all points in between.

Dabney grew up in an aviation family. His maternal grandfather Joe was a World War II fighter pilot, and much of his childhood was spent in the family J-3 Cub with his grandfather or his uncle Mark. Aaron completed his first solo in that Cub in 1999 and is now its caretaker

Aaron is a 6-time NAFI Master Flight Instructor, owns a small flight school, and has served as an adjunct lecturer for Baylor University's Aviation Sciences program since 2010. He serves on NAFI's Board of Directors and serves in several volunteer roles including coordinating MentorLIVE.

Aaron lives in Waco, Texas with his wife of 20 years Alisa.