Nathan Fielder Just Landed a Blow on the FAA

Nathan Fielder Takes Aim at FAA's 'Dumb' Response to 'The Rehearsal' Aviation Safety Findings

Comedian and now-licensed pilot Nathan Fielder isn't known for mincing words, especially when it comes to topics he's deeply invested in. On Thursday, he didn't hold back while discussing the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) reaction to his HBO show, "The Rehearsal," calling the agency's stance "dumb."

Sporting a "737" hat and a suit, Fielder, accompanied by aviation safety expert John Goglia, appeared on CNN with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown to delve into the controversy surrounding his docu-comedy. (Both CNN and HBO are under the Warner Bros. Discovery umbrella.)

In the second season of "The Rehearsal," Fielder explored a compelling theory: that many plane crashes stem from miscommunication between pilots and co-pilots. The revelation that Fielder dedicated two years to earning his commercial pilot license to fly a Boeing 737 with a plane full of actor-passengers shocked viewers. Some even verified his pilot credentials in the FAA database.

Goglia, a former National Transportation Safety Board member, lent his expertise on "The Rehearsal," collaborating with Fielder to advocate for incorporating role-playing into pilot training. Their core argument is that current training methods don't adequately address the critical issue of pilot communication.

During the CNN segment, Pamela Brown presented the FAA's official statement, asserting that the agency:

• "Requires all airline crewmembers (pilots and flight attendants) and dispatchers to complete Crew Resource Management training."
• Ensures this training is completed "before they begin working in their official positions and complete it on a recurring basis afterward.”
• Is not seeing the data that supports “The Rehearsal”’s "claim that pilot communications is to blame for airline disasters."

Fielder's response was blunt: “That’s dumb. They’re dumb.” He elaborated, stating:

“Here’s the issue: I trained to be a pilot. I’m a 737 pilot. I went through the training. The training is someone shows you a PowerPoint slide saying, ‘If you are a co-pilot and the captain does something wrong, you need to speak up about it.’ That’s all. That’s the training, and they talk about some crashes that happen, but they don’t do anything that makes it stick emotionally.”

An FAA spokesperson reiterated the agency's stance to NBC News, highlighting the use of various data sources, including:

• Airline's Safety Management system
• Aviation Safety Action Program
• Voluntary Disclosure Reporting Program

And added, "If these programs identify elevated risks, appropriate action is taken by both the airline and the FAA to mitigate the risk and ensure safety,"

The agency declined further comment.

Fielder's interview, mirroring the show's impact, rapidly spread online, garnering praise for his unwavering commitment to the bit, even when addressing serious concerns.

Fielder's comedic style, known for its socially awkward and often boundary-pushing humor, is a hallmark of "The Rehearsal." While lauded by some as comedic genius, others critique his tendency to push boundaries.

Reflecting on the show's serious undertones, Fielder told CNN, "The Rehearsal' is still comedy, but also this is a serious thing… I’ve been just interested in commercial airline crashes just for a while, as a hobby, I just read about them.” When asked if he’s concerned about airline safety, Fielder said “well, I don’t want to die. I mean I’m concerned the same as everyone.”

He explained his fascination with aviation safety, noting that while technical issues are often resolved after crashes, "for the human factor — communication — the thing keeps happening where there’s miscommunication between pilots.”

Nathan Fielder's willingness to challenge established norms, even within a serious context like aviation safety, sparks necessary conversations. While his methods may be unconventional, his dedication to exploring complex issues through his unique comedic lens is undeniable. Whether you agree with his approach or not, Fielder's ability to provoke thought and challenge the status quo makes him a compelling and relevant voice in today's media landscape. His willingness to call out what he perceives as inadequacies in crucial systems, like pilot training, is a testament to his commitment to shedding light on often-overlooked issues, even if it means ruffling a few feathers along the way.

Tags: Nathan Fielder, The Rehearsal, FAA, Aviation, HBO, Comedy, Pilot, Boeing 737, Plane Crash, TV Show

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/the-rehearsal-nathan-fielder-cnn-interview-faa-rcna209782