Title:
ASCEND 2026 - Using NASA Reports to Improve Flight Instruction
Topic:
The Power of NASA Reports to Improve Flight Instruction
Brief Description:
JJ Madison blends personal anecdotes, humor, and professional insights to promote aviation safety and diversity. This presentation demonstrates the value of easily found and searchable NASA reports as a valuable tool for improved training and accident prevention. Using real-life pilot incidents from NASA’s Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS), participants learn that even smart pilots make mistakes and that resilience is built by learning from them. JJ emphasizes the dangers of distraction, overthinking, and hesitation, and promotes a “presence of mind” approach to flying. Mentorship is also highlighted as a personal contribution to a more inclusive and resilient aviation community. This safety-focused, human-centered talk blends storytelling, technical insight, and advocacy to inspire better decision-making and inclusivity in aviation.
Select Number:
EA13146346
Location of Seminar:
Crowne Plaza Dallas Market Center
7050 N Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75247
Directions to Venue:
Follow the signs to the ASCEND Flight Training Summit meeting rooms
View Map
Seating:
Check Additional event Information below for possible registration requirements.
Sponsoring Division:
FAASTeam
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):
Jeffrey “JJ” Madison is a Harvard-educated flight instructor, mentor pilot, author, and airline pilot. A pilot since 1995, he has over 1,500 hours dual-given and flown into more than 250 GA airports throughout most of the Lower 48. He’s also a helicopter pilot. JJ examined thousands of NASA reports for his column, “Human Factors”, and is the only aviation safety expert who analyzes NASA reports for the benefit of the pilot community. His book, YIKES! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did Yet Lived to Tell About ‘Em is a collection of the best of those columns. He wrote the book so all proceeds from its sales will help fund aerospace scholarships for Civil Air Patrol squadrons, under-resourced flight schools, and STEM organizations through the Victor Kilo Fund, a non-profit aerospace foundation he co-founded with his wife.
This presentation is offered during the 2026 ASCEND Flight Training Summit.
No fee for the presentations, but there is an admission charge for ASCEND. Visit Ascend Flight Training Summit - Pilot Education & Careers for information and conference registration information.
FAA WINGS preregistration is not required for activities offered during ASCEND.
ASCEND Flight Training Summit is co-hosted by the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) and AeroSummit.
Equal Access Information:
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the “Contact Information” area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.
Credit Applicability:
1 Credit for Master Knowledge Topic 1
FAASTeam Project Information:
National Project:
Safety Promotion Outreach for Pilots
Additional Event Documents: