The founder and CEO of Savvy Aviation explains the need for on-condition maintenance for GA, the proper roles of aircraft owners and mechanics, his Inspection Authorization training course, and his new Aviation Masters podcast. In the news, American Airlines is under fire from pilots and flight attendants, AA’s financial performance, the departure of AOPA’s CEO, a United Airlines lawsuit, and the Inspector General audit of air traffic controller training. Also, an Airplane Geeks host announces his new aviation podcast.

Guest

Mike Busch is the founder and CEO of Savvy Aviation, which provides aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance professionals with expert guidance grounded in data-driven, reliability-centered maintenance principles. Through maintenance management, education, and advocacy, Savvy helps the General Aviation community improve safety, reliability, and cost control.

Head shot of Savvy Aviation founder and CEO Mike Busch. — Mike Busch, Savvy Aviation founder and CEO.

Mike argues that general aviation aircraft are often over-maintained, wasting both owners’ time and money while straining already limited mechanic capacity. He believes the industry should shift its focus toward on-condition, or reliability-centered, maintenance. Mechanics, he says, need to be trained to think critically—not just follow the manufacturer’s book. By applying reliability-centered maintenance and working on-condition, our existing mechanics could be more efficient. Mike also outlines what a healthy, collaborative relationship between owners and mechanics should look like.

SavvyAviation has introduced the free, FAA-accepted SavvyCertified training course designed for mechanics studying for Inspection Authorization renewal. Mike reports that many aircraft owners signed up for the course and find it valuable. He also has a new podcast called Aviation Masters.

Mike is a well-known aviation writer, teacher, aviation type club tech rep, aircraft-owner advocate, and entrepreneur. He assists aircraft owners with their maintenance problems through his lectures, articles, and books. Mike is a National Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year and has previously appeared in Episode 446 (April 5, 2017) and in Episode 667 (August 25, 2021).

Aviation News

Allied Pilots Association Delivers Scathing Ultimatum to American Management

In a letter to the American Airlines Group Board of Directors, the Allied Pilots Association (APA) Board of Directors says, “Our airline is on an underperforming path and has failed to define an identity or a strategy to correct course” and “…it is the result of persistent patterns of operational, cultural, and strategic shortcomings.”

“For more than a year, APA has voiced concerns regarding management’s ability to turn the corner. Management has been given repeated opportunities to articulate a credible strategy and demonstrate measurable improvement. Those opportunities have passed without meaningful change. Despite repeated assurances, the operation continues to struggle under predictable stressors, exposing systemic weaknesses in preparation, execution, and decision making. These consequences are shouldered by our customers and employees every day. “

“These failures have negatively impacted the financial performance of our company and frustrated all stakeholders, to include shareholders, for far too long.”

“American is no longer best in class financially, operationally, or in customer service. The pilots of American want our company to win and dominate the competition, not just survive and compete. Our careers are intrinsically tied to the fate and performance of this once-great airline.”

The Allied Pilots Association (APA) is the collective bargaining agent for American Airlines (AA) pilots. Founded in 1963 and representing more than 16,000 pilots, the APA says it is the world’s largest independent pilots’ union.

“Shame On You”: American Airlines Flight Attendants Call for Shareholder Coup to Oust CEO

Unlike the APA, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) is calling for American Airlines’ chief executive, Robert Isom, to step down. In an internal memo addressed to Isom, APFA Chicago O’Hare base president Justin Patterson says, “I would like to say, sleeping on floors is NOT normal. Shame on you for trying to normalize this inhumane treatment. Doing the same thing on repeat and expecting different results [is] the definition of insanity.”

Patterson asks, “Do you intend on running this airline with piss poor planning and posting minuscule profits again in 2026?” And “This company failed more than just the Flight Attendants… they failed everyone who works here. American Airlines failed our shareholders. They were derelict in their duties to our shareholders.”

APFA is the official crew union that represents more than 28,000 AA flight attendants.

Passengers Left Stunned By Miniature Tray Tables on American Airlines New Long-Haul A321XLR

American Airlines flight attendant Heather Poole has posted on X photos of the new Economy cabin tray tables. Table depth is half what you’d normally expect from a tray table. A standard laptop will overhang the smaller tables, and the standard AA long-haul meal tray will as well. The table does not fold out or extend.

Pressure mounts on American Airlines CEO as carrier lags rivals

In 2025, Delta Air Lines posted $5 billion in net income with a 7.9% profit margin. United Airlines posted $3.3 billion in net income with a 5.7% margin. American Airlines made $111 million last year with a 0.2% margin.

AOPA’s Hiring a Crisis Communications Firm

AOPA’s board has reportedly hired a crisis‑management firm on a $250,000 retainer to handle intense backlash over the abrupt departure of CEO Darren Pleasance on February 4, 2026.

Off-Duty FAA Inspector Claims He Got Lifetime Ban from United After He Pointed Out Alleged Safety Concerns

Paul Asmus said that after a May 2022 flight where he pointed out his safety concerns, United removed him from the flight and gave him a lifetime travel ban. Asmus is suing United for $12.75 million in damages. The civil suit claims loss of wages, emotional distress, and punitiv...