I first saw Christine Negroni during her time as a reporter on Chicago’s WGN in the 1980s. I actually wrote a letter (in the pre-email days) and she responded. Fast forward about 35 years, Negroni had cemented herself as a successful aviation and travel reporter. Once again, I reached out to Negroni (this time via email) for an interview and once again, she responded.

While a correspondent for CNN, Negroni covered the crash of a 747, which led to her writing Deadly Departure and sparked her interest in aviation safety. She later wrote The Crash Detectives, exploring air disasters and how crash detectives lead to safer air travel. Having written a lot about air accidents, Negroni admitted people might think she’s a “disaster queen,” but she is quick to point out she loves so much about aviation that has nothing to do with crashes. Negroni states her goal “is to share with others the things I love: aviation and travel.”

There’s a video on Negroni’s website which perfectly and poignantly shows the passion she has for aviation safety, as well as travel. The safer air travel is, the happier travel will be. I just love the emotion she shows in that video and I asked her to explain it a bit in our interview.

Negroni discussed how her career impacts the way she views aviation and travel. After more than three decades and dozens of countries visited, Negroni has only gained more interest in both. Then Negroni turned around my question of her travel bucket list, opting for me to name areas for her response. With neither of us having been to Alaska, we agreed to eventually get there and compare notes.

Discussing aviation with someone as knowledgeable as Negroni was a big learning experience. It’s not often I get to speak with an expert in any field. Negroni’s years of research have earned her that title.