The COTACast EP. 64 - Aviation's Pipeline Problem ft. Patrick Griffin
The mechanic pipeline is filling, but not fast enough. The latest industry report shows more students, more certificates — yet the shortage keeps growing. Brian breaks down the numbers behind aviation’s workforce crisis and sits down with newly certified A&P mechanic Patrick Griffin, whose journey brings the data to life. From delays in testing to the weight of a shrinking workforce, this episode asks: is aviation ready for the future, or already falling behind?
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20:58
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20:58
The COTACast EP. 63 - When Silence Kills
Behind every safe flight lies a world the public never sees — the silence in hangars, the shortcuts under pressure, the cracks in culture that can turn deadly. In this episode, host Brian Bermudez takes you deep inside the untold world of aviation maintenance: from hidden fume events to lithium battery fires, missing wheels, and the rising global accident rate. This isn’t just another aviation podcast — it’s a look at the truths that rarely make the headlines.Hosted by Brian BermudezAired: 9/27/25
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37:28
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37:28
The COTACast EP. 62 - Tirana to Kenndy ft. Michael Meminaj
In this episode, we talk with Michael Meminaj, a former professional basketball player from Albania whose journey has taken him from a small town near Tirana to the fast-paced streets of Queens, NY. Now a thriving Uber driver navigating one of the world’s busiest cities, Mike is also pursuing his passion for aviation maintenance—a field where he’s determined to make his mark.We explore his inspiring transition from athlete to aviation enthusiast, his early days studying aircraft systems, and how the grit he learned on the court now fuels his drive to succeed in aviation. Whether you’re an industry veteran or someone just starting to chase their aviation dreams, Mike’s story reminds us that no matter where you start, it’s all about the climb.
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1:00:20
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1:00:20
The COTACast EP. 61 - The Maintenance Myth ft. Cassem Stephenson
From student to standout: Aviation maintenance engineering and beyond. In this episode, we catch up with my former A-student and Vaughn College Aerospace Maintenance Competition team captain, Cassem Stephenson, as he shares his journey from Vaughn College to JetBlue's engineering team. We dive into his unique career path, the versatility of FAA Airframe & Powerplant licenses, and the untapped opportunities beyond line maintenance. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to explore all the possibilities in aviation maintenance.
What really happens behind the hangar doors? The stories shaping aviation rarely make the headlines — until now. From the wrench to the runway, The COTACast takes you inside the untold world of aviation maintenance, where every detail matters and every story reveals the people who keep the skies moving. Hosted by aviation maintenance specialist, Brian Bermudez.
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