Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's
By Sporty's Pilot Shop
Pilot's Discretion from Sporty'sJun 15, 2021
76. Pilot hiring trends and corporate jets, with Mike Martin and Sean Richey
Are the latest headlines about slowing airline pilot hiring just a temporary pause or the start of a downward trend? In this episode, aviation career mentors Mike Martin and Sean Richey explain what the real state of the industry is. They also talk about the right approach to flight training, how to build time, and whether airline interviews still matter. Mike and Sean have lots of experience as corporate pilots, so they share tips from the world of private jets, including the different skills required for that type of job. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear about tough checkrides, how to be a good copilot, and the best airports in America.
SHOW LINKS:
- Pro-Pilot Playbook: https://www.propilotplaybook.com
- Boeing Pilot Outlook: https://www.boeing.com/commercial/market/pilot-technician-outlook
- Pilot Training+ Membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
75. Bush flying in Alaska, with Patrick Carter
Having flown everything from aerobatic airplanes to airliners to seaplanes, Patrick Carter loves to apply the lessons from one part of aviation to another. In this episode, he takes us inside the world of Alaskan bush pilots to explain the skills they need to stay safe, how to evaluate off-airport landing sites, and how to manage changing weather. Patrick also talks about handling emergencies far from airports, as he learned first hand on a recent flight in a Super Cub. Patrick is an advocate for flying with video cameras, so he shares practical advice for mounting cameras externally and capturing audio. In the Ready to Copy segment, Patrick shares a helpful airline travel tip, his favorite aerobatic maneuver, and what he looks for on test flights after maintenance.
LINKS:
- Patrick’s article on Air Facts: https://airfactsjournal.com/2024/04/quick-land-to-quicksand/
- NFlight camera gear: https://www.nflightcam.com
- Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
74. Electric airplanes, drone delivery, and personal jets, with Ben Marcus
New aerospace businesses seem to be launching every month, including electric ultralights, eVTOL air taxis, drone delivery services, and private space flight. As a longtime pilot and venture capitalist, Ben Marcus is the perfect person to sort through the hype. He explains which business models will work first, why Walmart is finding success with drone delivery, and what benefits GA pilots might see as a result of this investment boom. Ben also founded JetAviva, a popular airplane broker, so he talks about the light jet boom of the last 25 years and what it takes to transition from a piston airplane to a single pilot turbine. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear about common charging standards for eVTOLs, the best light jet on the market, and Ben’s favorite backcountry strip in Arkansas.
SHOW LINKS:
- The Moving World Report: https://up.partners/movingworld/
- The GameBird: https://youtu.be/pnFFyjkvDEg
- Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
73. Flying a vintage airplane across the country, with David Tulis
A spur-of-the-moment airplane purchase presented David Tulis with the adventure of a lifetime: flying a 1953 Tri-Pacer across the country. He tells the story of this fun and challenging trip in this episode, including what it was like to cross the Rockies with a 135-horsepower engine, the value of mentors, and the appeal of vintage airplanes. David is also a highly accomplished photographer, so he explains why photos still matter in a world of videos and offers some practical tips for taking better in-flight photos. In the Ready to Copy segment, David tells us his favorite photo of all time, his best best tip for podcasters, and his opinion about famous Atlanta drinks.
SHOW LINKS:
72. Why most airports are poorly managed, with Mike Jones
Airports are missing out on $35 billion in economic impact because they're not well run - that's according to pilot and airport management expert Michael Jones. He explains the cause of this underperformance and why the structure of an airport management team is so important. Mike is also a longtime Cessna 210 owner, so he shares stories about this do-everything piston single, including the time he took one to 27,000 feet. In the Ready to Copy segment you'll hear tips for successful Young Eagles flights, what skills Mike learned as an air traffic controller in Vietnam, and the best golf course in the Carolinas.
SHOW LINKS:
- Mike's article at Air Facts: https://airfactsjournal.com/2023/12/g-a-airports-suffer-from-costly-mismanagement/
- PilotWorkshops at Sporty's: https://sportys.com/pilotworkshops
71. IFR proficiency and remote flight instruction, with Ryan Koch
Earning an instrument rating can unlock new flying adventures, but only if you keep your skills sharp. In this episode, CFII Ryan Koch offers some tips for doing that, including: staying mentally engaged when you can’t fly, using scenarios instead of maneuvers, and simple techniques for improving your instrument scan. Ryan also talks about delivering remote flight instruction with flight simulators, including for avionics training and high school classes. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear how Ryan uses checklists during IFR flight, what he likes best about the Stearman, and his favorite guitarist.
SHOW LINKS:
- IFR Procedures Manual: https://www.sportys.com/pilot-workshops-ifr-procedures-manual-digital-copy.html
- PilotWorkshops IFR Mastery Membership: https://pilotworkshop.com/products/ifr-mastery/?disc=36
70. How musicians and pilots are similar, with Randy Waldman
When you go on tour with Frank Sinatra at age 21, it’s hard to be intimidated—so it’s no surprise Randy Waldman jumped into the exciting world of helicopters with both feet. In this episode he shares his unique aviation journey, from model airplanes to owning a Mooney to setting a speed record in a Bell OH-58. As one of LA’s most experienced studio musicians and an active helicopter CFI, Randy talks about the similarities between music and flying, including how pilots can develop feel, whether having a career plan B makes sense, and how to use all your senses. In the Ready to Copy segment, Randy shares the most challenging part of flying in LA, his favorite turbine helicopter, and the most underrated jazz musician.
SHOW LINKS:
- Randy’s website: https://www.jazzpilot.com
- Randy playing live: https://youtu.be/CrQStTecDk4
- Sporty’s Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
69. Engine failure lessons and flight simulator tips, with Josh Harnagel
On his way to Sun ’n Fun 2023, the engine on Josh Harnagel’s Bonanza quit, leading to a forced landing in a cow pasture. While no one was hurt, Josh learned a lot from this harrowing experience. He shares those lessons in this episode, including why partial engine failures are hard to diagnose, why hope can kill you in an emergency, and what he has changed about his habits since the incident. Josh works at Redbird, so he also offers plenty of practical tips for using flight simulators to maintain proficiency, whether at the airport or at home. In the Ready to Copy Segment, you’ll hear the biggest marketing mistake flight schools make, the best Bonanza model, and Josh’s favorite Texas barbecue.
SHOW LINKS:
- Video of Josh's landing: https://www.redbirdflight.com/landing/its-the-hope-that-kills-you
- Redbird flight simulators: https://www.sportys.com/flight-simulator/redbird.html
- AeroWear: http://aerowear.co
68. Business aviation trends and new technology, with Brian Foley
SHOW LINKS:
- Brian Foley Associates: www.brifo.com
- Brian on private aviation trends: www.brifo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Private-Aviation-Popularity-Falls-Back-To-Earth.pdf
- AeroWear: aerowear.co
67. Year in review, with John Zimmerman and Rob Reider
SHOW LINKS:
- Pilot’s Discretion archives: www.sportys.com/podcast
- I Learned About Flying From That podcast: www.flyingmag.com/ilafft-podcast/
- AeroWear apparel for pilots: aerowear.co
66. Flying like a pro in a Boeing and a Bonanza, with Don Wykoff
From F-16 to 737 to Citation to Bonanza, Don Wykoff has flown a lot of different airplanes in his 50-year flying career. In this episode he explains how he stayed safe by approaching every flight with professionalism, using checklists the right way, and building training into simple trips. He also talks about losing the engine in his F-16, why pilot rest rules matter, and how to transition back to GA after a career flying jets. In the Ready to Copy segment, Don explains why he doesn’t like the GUMPS checklist, why he liked to hand-fly Cat III approaches in the 737, and what flight instructors can learn from airline pilots.
SHOW LINKS:
- Pilot rest rules: http://www3.alpa.org/portals/alpa/committees/ftdt/Guide-to-FTDT-Limits-6-A-ed-June-04.pdf
- LaGuardia visual approach: https://youtu.be/wxRFIneSTT4
- Sporty's Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
65. Why learning to fly can be lonely, with Patrick Chovanec
After a lifetime of riding on airplanes, economist Patrick Chovanec decided to learn how to fly them. In this episode, he explains how a combination of Covid-19 and Microsoft Flight Simulator started him on a path to earning his Private Pilot certificate, and what he learned along the way. He explains how flight training can be lonely, why modern flight simulators are much more than a game now, and why airplanes are so expensive. In the Ready to Copy segment, Patrick shares the biggest myth in flight training, his preferred flight sim equipment, underrated countries to visit, and his favorite economics joke.
SHOW LINKS:
- Patrick’s new book: https://www.sportys.com/cleared-for-the-option-a-year-learning-to-fly-book.html
- Patrick’s website: https://www.patrickchovanec.com
- Sporty’s Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
64. Safety lessons learned at the NTSB, with Robert Sumwalt
The point of an accident investigation is “to find out what happened, so that we can prevent it from happening again,” says longtime airline pilot and former NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt. He shares what he's learned after decades of working this process, including: how pilots should read an NTSB report, why flight path monitoring matters, what professionalism means for GA pilots, and how flight data monitoring can improve safety. In the Ready to Copy segment, Robert talks about landmark accidents, why NOTAMs are often useless, and his favorite food from South Carolina.
SHOW LINKS:
- Robert's article at Aviation Week: https://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/safety-ops-regulation/time-refocus-get-back-basics
- Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety: https://erau.edu/research/industry-collaboration/center-for-aviation-and-aerospace-safety
- Sporty's Pilot Training+ Membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
63. Epic Cub videos and entitled airline pilots, with Joe Costanza
Mist swirls as a yellow Cub touches down on a grass runway—Joe Costanza (better known as @Bananasssssssss on Instagram) is the man behind those viral videos, and in this episode he takes us behind the scenes. He explains why stick and rudder flying is a nice break from his day job flying an Airbus, how to have fun flying with kids (he has four), and the good parts of social media. He also shares his slightly controversial advice for new airline pilots and how training is changing to adapt to a new generation. In the Ready to Copy segment, he describes what it’s like to land on a grass strip, what the Cub teaches him about flying the Airbus, and how to take better aviation photos.
SHOW LINKS:
- Bananasssssssss on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bananasssssssss/ - Joe's advice for new airline pilots: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw7g2awuBZy/ - Buy a model of Joe’s Cub: https://www.wright-bros.com/2024-limited-edition-piper-j-3-cub-die-cast-model.html
62. Why angle of attack is overrated, with Ed Wischmeyer
Loss of control accidents are a problem, but longtime pilot and engineer Ed Wischmeyer says there simply isn’t a miracle cure. He explains why angle of attack indicators, stabilized approaches, and energy management are all overrated—and the concept he teaches pilots instead. As he says, “You want pilots to have a large comfort zone, so that when they’re flying in normal operations they’re not anywhere near the boundaries of their comfort zone.” In the Ready to Copy segment, Ed talks about the most absurd FAA regulation, how to prevent runway incursions, why slow flight is underrated, and flying the AirCam.
https://airfactsjournal.com/author/edwischmeyer/
- Expanded Envelope Exercises video: https://youtu.be/7C2xfFNb1sQ
- Sporty's Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
61. Safety theory and restoring a Cessna 172, with Sidney Dekker
As a professor, Sidney Dekker has spent his career studying safety processes in industries like healthcare and mining. As a pilot, both for an airline and in his Carbon Cub, he has put those theories into practice. In this thought-provoking episode, you'll hear what he's learned, including: how much risk pilots can actually quantify, why we should study what went right and not just what went wrong, and what it means to drift into failure. You'll also learn about the beat up Cessna 172 he restored, whether autopilots are a positive or negative for safety, whether pilots should read accident reports, and what an "automation surprise" is.
LINKS:
- Sidney's website: https://sidneydekker.com/
- Drift into Failure: https://www.amazon.com/Drift-into-Failure-Sidney-Dekker/dp/1409422216
- Sporty's Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
60. Surviving a plane crash on a frozen lake, with Tom Comet
When the airplane engine quits over a remote part of Canada, your options are limited. For Tom Comet and his friend, this was just the start of an incredible adventure—one packed with lessons for all pilots. In this riveting episode, he shares how they reacted to their emergency, where they chose to land, and what survival gear made a difference during a long, cold night on a lake. As a UAS pilot and former circus performer, Tom also talks about flying $150,000 drones for TV and creating huge pyrotechnic displays, including the lessons learned about risk management. In the Ready to Copy segment, you'll hear why the Cessna Skymaster is an underrated airplane, tips for learning to ride a unicycle, and why Tom found himself juggling chainsaws.
SHOW LINKS:
- Tom's article at Air Facts: https://airfactsjournal.com/2023/08/my-lake-rescue-in-northern-ontario/
- TomAir YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tomairtv
- Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
59. A reality check on eVTOL aircraft, with Elan Head
The headlines about eVTOL aircraft are optimistic right now, but veteran aviation reporter Elan Head says there’s a lot of work to be done: "the customers don't really exist." In this episode, she dives deep into the world of advanced air mobility, including the current state of the market, what military applications might look like, and what the drone industry can teach eVTOL companies about FAA certification. Elan is also an experienced helicopter instructor, so she talks about what the industry should learn from the Kobe Bryant crash and why Safety Management Systems are overrated. In the Ready to Copy segment, she tells us her prediction for when eVTOLs will really be flying, the strangest helicopter she’s ever flown, and the best place to visit in Belize.
SHOW LINKS:
- Elan's articles at The Air Current: https://theaircurrent.com/author/elan1073068/
- K-Max helicopter video: https://youtu.be/sev6v6d9bKk
- Sporty's radios: https://sportys.com/radios
58. What MOSAIC means for pilot training and airplane designs, with Dan Johnson
More privileges for Sport pilots and more affordable light airplanes—that’s the promise of MOSAIC, a sweeping new proposal from the FAA this summer. Industry expert Dan Johnson has been tracking this reform for years, and he gives us a behind-the-scenes tour in this episode, including which legacy airplanes will now be available for Sport pilots and what new airplane designs might emerge. Dan also talks about timing for the final rule, the LSA safety record, and why ultralights are overlooked. In the Ready to Copy segment, he shares his favorite airplanes from AirVenture 2023, why he loves the AirCam, what he’d change about the FAA.
SHOW LINKS:
Dan’s website: https://bydanjohnson.com/
MOSAIC proposal: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/07/24/2023-14425/modernization-of-special-airworthiness-certification
Sporty’s radios: https://www.sportys.com/avionics-and-radios/aviation-radios.html
57. FAA medicals and flying as a Top Gun adversary pilot, with Dr. Keith Roxo
The FAA medical is just another check ride and pilots should prepare for it the same way. That's according to Dr. Keith Roxo, an aviation medical examiner and former Top Gun adversary pilot. He shares plenty of practical tips in this episode, including: what to do if you’re unsure of an answer on the application, why some pilots are stuck in medical limbo for over a year, what SODA and CACI mean, and how the FAA is handling mental health issues these days. Keith also talks about flying the F/A-18 and F-16, and how Top Gun taught him the difference between a standard and a technique. In the Ready to Copy segment, you'll hear why color-blindness isn’t a disqualifying condition, whether BasicMed has been successful, and what Keith's favorite aviation movie is.
SHOW LINKS:
- MedXPress simulator: https://wingmanmed.com/medxpress-simulator/
- Avoiding adverse drug interactions: https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-01/Avoiding_Adverse_Drug_Interactions.pdf
- Sporty’s Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
56. Fuel management and flying the U-2, with Tim Decker
Tim Decker’s flying career includes almost every segment of aviation, including military, fractional, airline, and even airshows. He applies safety habits from each of these jobs to his flying in his Cirrus SR22, and shares some of those in this episode. He explains the difference between minimum fuel and emergency fuel, when it’s smart to declare an emergency, and why instructors must embrace scenario-based training. He also talks about the concept of factored landing distances and shares how to calculate them in ForeFlight. In the Ready to Copy Segment, Tim tells us what it’s like to land a U-2 in a crosswind, two key lessons he learned from flying airshows, and the key differences between a career as an airline pilot and fractional pilot.
SHOW LINKS:
- FAA guidance on minimum fuel: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/media/atb2012-1.pdf
- U-2 landing video: https://youtu.be/txVHB8k0rTI
- Sporty's Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
55. Why airplane accidents are not just stories, with Steve Green
Pilots think about accidents all wrong, according to author and retired airline captain Steve Green. In this thought-provoking episode, he explains why you can't predict every accident, why protecting margins is the key to safe flying, and why pilots must have an overarching strategy beyond just following the checklist. He also argues for more detailed systems knowledge and for maintaining two situational awarenesses (one for the pilot and one for the automation). In the Ready to Copy segment, Steve talks about surviving an airplane crash, whether ice bridging is a myth, and what to carry in your survival kit.
LINKS:
54. ATC for flight simulators and SimVenture, with Kevin from PilotEdge
Flight simulators boomed in 2020 and have barely slowed down since, but many pilots don’t use all the available tools for flight training. Kevin from PilotEdge has watched it all unfold over the last decade and he explains what flight sims are good for (and what they aren't). He talks about how Microsoft changed the game, whether you can log simulator time, and how virtual ATC plug-ins can make training more realistic. Kevin also created SimVenture, and he describes how pilots can prepare to fly to the world’s busiest airport by talking to real AirVenture controllers during this live online event. In the Ready to Copy segment, he tells us his favorite flight sim airplane, what upgrade he wants to see from sim developers, and whether AI will ever replace human controllers.
SHOW LINKS:
53. Airline myths and leadership lessons, with retired airline CEO Bill Ayer
You have to be both realistic and optimistic to run an airline - that's according to retired Alaska Airlines CEO Bill Ayer, an industry veteran and experienced GA pilot. He offers wisdom from his four decades in the airline business, including why safety must be a data-driven activity, where the real pilot shortage is, and how to manage the tradeoffs between efficiency and safety. He also shares leadership lessons, explaining why "hope is not a strategy" when you're running a business and what young people can do to build a career in aviation. In the Ready to Copy segment, Bill tells us his favorite airplane to ride on as a passenger, whether you should drink coffee on an airliner, his opinion of supersonic airliners, and why aviation culture is so welcoming.
SHOW LINKS:
- Alaska Airlines history: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/about-us/history
- Sporty's Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
52. Flight training trends and wing walking, with NAFI's Karen Kalishek
Designated pilot examiner, kitplane owner, scuba diver, wing walker, world traveler, black belt in taekwondo - NAFI Chair Karen Kalishek has done it all, and she shares the lessons learned along the way in this wide-ranging episode. She explains the worrying trend she is seeing as a DPE, with a rising failure rate and a lack of systems knowledge among applicants. She also talks about the importance of the pilot in command mindset, how to find a good flight instructor, and learning to fly while raising kids. Karen has plenty of stories from her many adventures, including a wing walking class she did to honor a distant relative who first performed in 1918. In the Ready to Copy segment, she talks about circus training on the trapeze, the best places to dive, lessons from Japanese weaponry training, and eating deep fried ants in the Amazon. SHOW LINKS: National Association of Flight Instructors: https://www.nafinet.org/ Sporty's Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
51. Failed checkrides and flying the B-1 bomber, with Tom Curran
From flight instructor to airport planner to B-1 pilot, Tom Curran has seen a lot in his aviation career. In this special Learn to Fly Month episode, he explains what he learned along the way and shares some advice for new pilots. As he says, “It’s worth it, but expect it to have some challenges.” Tom talks about failing checkrides (he's done it), flying both the F-15 and the B-1 in the Air Force (he's done that too), and managing engine failures (yup, he's also done that). In the Ready to Copy segment, Tom gives his nominee for the worst maneuver in the ACS, talks about planning an airport on the side of a cliff in Telluride, and compares fly fishing to being a pilot.
SHOW LINKS:
- Tom's articles on Air Facts: https://airfactsjournal.com/author/tomcurran/
- Sporty's Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
50. Overcoming tragedy and flying in Africa, with Pete Muntean
Pete Muntean grew up in an aviation family but suffered a terrible tragedy when his mother died in an airshow crash. In this inspiring episode he describes how he persevered in his aviation journey, including flying competition aerobatics and training pilots in Kenya with Patty Wagstaff. As a regular contributor for CNN, Pete spends a lot of time on TV reporting on aviation topics, so he also discusses recent airline runway incursions, his method for explaining complicated topics to the general public, and how to give better interviews. In the "Ready to Copy" segment, Pete talks about flying with the US Air Force Thunderbirds, the craziest aviation story he's ever reported on, and whether aerobatics is more like ballet or auto racing.
SHOW LINKS:
- Pete on CNN: https://www.cnn.com/profiles/pete-muntean
- Why Pete flies (video): https://youtu.be/BPoh1hH__2Q
- Sporty's Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
49. Safety habits and aviation lobbying, with Jeb Burnside
“A well trained pilot flying a well maintained airplane with an instrument rating and with fuel in the tanks is the least possible risk in private aviation,” according to Aviation Safety magazine editor Jeb Burnside. That doesn't mean other types of flying are unsafe, though, and in this episode he explains what risks pilots should worry about, including weather, fuel exhaustion, and engine failures. Jeb also talks about his days on Capitol Hill, lobbying for general aviation interests, and the lessons he learned there. In the "Ready to Copy" segment, he tells us whether pilots read too many accident reports, what his most controversial aviation opinion is, and where he comes down on the Coke vs. Pepsi debate.
SHOW LINKS:
- Aviation Safety Magazine: https://www.aviationsafetymagazine.com/
- Uncontrolled Airspace podcast: http://www.uncontrolledairspace.com/
- Sporty's PJ2+ Radio: https://www.sportys.com/pj2-plus-com-radio.html
48. Learning from every flight, with Steve Thorne of Flight Chops
SHOW LINKS:
Flight Chops YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@flightchops
Steve's website: flightchops.com/
Sporty's Pilot Training+ membership: www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
47. Covering airline close calls and building flight sim products, with Jon Ostrower
Two airliners narrowly missed each other on a foggy runway in February, the federal NOTAM system crashed in January, and Southwest Airlines suffered an operational meltdown in December. Are all these stories related, warning signs for an industry about to break, or are they just random stories that are misunderstood by the non-aviation media? Veteran aviation reporter Jon Ostrower shares his opinion about recent safety lapses and explains why changes in the media business resulted in a loss of aerospace expertise. Jon also talks about his new project to build a mobile flight sim controller and makes his predictions about many hot topics in aviation, including: electric airplanes, autonomous airliners, the 1500-hour rule, single pilot airline flights, and much more.
SHOW LINKS:
The Air Current: https://theaircurrent.com
Yawman Arrow: https://yawmanflight.com
Sporty's Pilot Training+ Membership: https://sportys.com/pilottraining
46. Instrument flight training and taildragger lessons, with Elaine Kauh
We're closing out IFR Month with an episode that's packed with practical flying tips. Experienced instructor and IFR Magazine contributing editor Elaine Kauh shares her advice on a variety of topics: when to cancel your IFR flight plan, why takeoff briefings are so important, how to manage glass cockpits, and when to introduce the autopilot during training. She also talks about her experience as a tailwheel instructor and corporate pilot, and the unique challenges both roles bring. In the Ready to Copy segment, Elaine explains whether it's ever safe to do a zero/zero takeoff, which vintage taildragger she likes best, and what artist best captures the spirit of flight.
SHOW LINKS:
IFR Magazine: https://www.ifr-magazine.com
Sporty's Instrument Rating Course: https://www.sportys.com/sporty-s-instrument-rating-course-online-app-and-tv.html
45. IFR flying tips and gear-up landing stats, with Tom Turner
Is instrument flying easier or harder than it used to be? Hall of fame flight instructor Tom Turner says it's easier, but only if you know how to use all the tools properly. As part of Sporty's IFR Month, he talks about plenty of instrument topics, including training tips, how to stay IFR current, and when to use the autopilot. He also shares data from his decades of research on engine failures and gear-up landings, some of which may surprise you. In the "Ready to Copy" segment, Tom talks about the airplane renter's code of conduct, the worst advice new pilots get, and whether it's ever OK to get out of an airplane with the engine running.
SHOW LINKS:
Tom's weekly email: https://mastery-flight-training.com
Aircraft Renter's Code of Conduct: http://www.thomaspturner.net/Aircraft%20Renters%20Code%20of%20Conduct.htm
Sporty's Instrument Rating Course: https://www.sportys.com/instrument
44. Flying and writing about the 1919 transcontinental air race, with John Lancaster
How do you write a book about a transcontinental air race from 100 years ago? First you buy an airplane and fly the route yourself. That's exactly what John Lancaster did for his new book, The Great Air Race. He explains what this outrageously ambitious event was all about, where you can find signs of the race today, and what it was like to retrace the steps in his LSA. He also talks about the rewards of taking long trips in light airplanes, the prospects for modern air races, and life as a foreign correspondent. In the "Ready to Copy" segment, John talks about get-there-itis, his favorite anecdote from the book, and where to get the best food in the Middle East.
SHOW LINKS:
John Lancaster's website: https://www.johnlancasterauthor.com
The Great Air Race book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1631496379/
Sporty's Pilot Training courses: http://sportys.com/discover
43. Weather flying tips and debating Boeing vs. Airbus, with Captain Doug Morris
As a former meteorologist and a 25,000-hour airline captain, Doug Morris loves to talk about weather—but he's worried most other pilots don't share his love. He talks about the most misunderstood weather concept, whether forecasts are getting better, and why pilots might actually have too many weather tools. He also shares stories from his days flying in Atlantic Canada's famously bad weather, and weighs in on the Boeing vs. Airbus debate (he has logged a lot of time in both). In the "Ready to Copy" segment, Doug talks about the most underrated weather tool, the most interesting airport in Canada, and what it's like to see the Northern Lights from an airplane.
SHOW LINKS:
Doug's weather book: https://www.pilotweatherbook.com/product-page/pilot-weather
This Is Your Captain Speaking: https://www.amazon.com/This-Your-Captain-Speaking-Stories/dp/1770415858
Sporty's Pilot Training app: http://sportys.com/discover
42. Why GA is experiencing a renaissance, with Flying magazine's Craig Fuller
GA is booming, and new Flying magazine owner Craig Fuller says this isn't just a passing fad. He explains why he believes the industry is experiencing a renaissance right now, with a new generation of pilots attracted by YouTube and a new generation of aviation businesses funded by venture capital. He also shares why he's such a believer in print magazines, what the new business model is for media companies, and how a fly-in community is part of his strategy. In the Ready to Copy segment, Craig talks about Top Gun, a potential eVTOL bust, and the lessons aviation can learn from the trucker shortage.
Show Links
Flying magazine: https://www.flyingmag.com
The Fields fly-in community: https://www.flythefields.com
Sporty's Pilot Training app: http://sportys.com/discover
41. What's killing pilots and how to stay safe, with the NTSB's Bruce Landsberg
There are four major causes of general aviation accidents, according to NTSB Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg. He reviews the latest safety trends, from VFR-into-IMC accidents to engine failures, and offers his tips for staying safe. He also shares some surprising statistics about the possible role of ADS-B traffic in reducing midair collisions, and explains why flight data monitoring should be adopted by far more GA pilots. In the Ready to Copy segment, Bruce talks about angle of attack indicators, whole airplane parachute systems, flight simulators, and even his time as a missile launch officer in the US Air Force.
Show links:
NTSB safety alerts: https://www.ntsb.gov/advocacy/safety-alerts/Pages/safetyalerts.aspx
NTSB on flight data monitoring: https://www.ntsb.gov/Advocacy/mwl/Pages/mwl-21-22/mwl-as-02.aspx
Sporty's Pilot Training app: https://sportys.com/discover
40. From YouTube astronomer to Cirrus pilot, with Scott Manley
Scott Manley has been described as a scientist, a gamer, an astrophysicist, a software engineer, a DJ, and a YouTube star. He brings all of those unique skills to his latest adventure: learning to fly. He explains what drew him to aviation, why the written test was easy for a physicist, and what it's like to train in an SR20. He also offers some tips for using flight simulators during flight training and shares which programs are his favorite. In the Ready to Copy segment, Scott talks about riding the zero-G "vomit comet," what he thinks about Navy videos of possible UFOs, and whether you can see a laser pointer from the International Space Station.
Scott's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxzC4EngIsMrPmbm6Nxvb-A
Riding the vomit comet: https://youtu.be/M67YP-f-LyI
Sporty's PJ2+ COM Radio: https://www.sportys.com/pj2-plus-com-radio.html
39. Exploring the world in a Boeing 787, with author Mark Vanhoenacker
As a London-based airline pilot, Mark Vanhoenacker has traveled the world—and along the way he became a bestselling author. He explains how he stays curious as he travels, what "airplane mode" means for your brain, and why long-haul flying can be a lonely experience. He also describes the unique personalities of the Boeing 747 and 787, including what it's like to sit two stories above the runway and why he loves flying with a HUD. In the Ready to Copy segment, Mark shares the best overnight destination for an airline pilot, why "wilco" is useful in everyday life, and what he thinks of Moby Dick.
Imagine a City: https://www.amazon.com/Imagine-City-Pilots-Journey-Across/dp/0525657509/
Skyfaring: https://www.amazon.com/Skyfaring-Journey-Pilot-Mark-Vanhoenacker/dp/038535181X/
Mark's website: http://markvanhoenacker.com
Sporty's Pilot Training app: https://www.sportys.com/sporty-s-pilot-training-app.html
38. Flying helicopters and climbing mountains, with Jessica Meiris
What do helicopter flying and mountain climbing have in common? Jessica Meiris is both a professional helicopter pilot and a record-setting rock climber—she says it's all about thinking ahead and working as a team. She shares the incredible story of how she got into aviation, the latest trends in helicopter safety, and tips for overcoming challenges with the FAA medical. She also explains what "energy management" means for pilots and the lessons she's learned about mountain weather. In the Ready to Copy segment, Jessica picks her favorite helicopter, tells airplane pilots how to avoid rotor wash from nearby helicopters, and explains what her favorite place to climb is.
US Helicopter Safety Team: https://ushst.org
Jessica's award: https://rotormedia.com/jessica_meiris_hai_michelle_north_scholarship_for-safety/
Sporty's Pilot Training Courses: http://sportys.com/discover
37. Why eVTOLs are for real and flying the A-10 Warthog, with Beta's Chris Caputo
Chris Caputo spent over 30 years in the Air Force flying A-10s and F-16s, so he might not be the first person you think of when you hear "electric vertical takeoff and landing advocate." But he's a believer, and in this episode he explains why. He also talks about what it's like to fly the Beta Technologies Alia aircraft, why the company is different from other electric aircraft startups, and why cargo may be a better business model than passenger flights. Chris also talks about his Air Force days, including the differences between the A-10 and the F-16, why military training is so valuable for an airline career, and what sound the A-10 gun really makes. In the Ready to Copy segment, he answers whether the last fighter pilot has been born, whether the Boeing 757 or 767 is more fun to fly, and when he thinks you'll be able to book at eVTOL flight.
BETA Technologies: https://www.beta.team
Watch the Alia fly: https://youtu.be/yraISXJgW8k
Sporty's Pilot Training Courses: https://www.sportys.com/learn-to-fly/sporty-s-courses.html
36. Learning to fly while YouTube watches, with Kim and Kristoffer from Baron Pilot
Learning to fly is fun and rewarding, but it can also be frustrating and even scary at times—and that's exactly what Kim and Kristoffer from the Baron Pilot YouTube channel wanted to show in their new video series. They talk about the ups and downs of flight training, how much work goes into every YouTube episode, and why they were surprised by viewers' reactions. Kristoffer also explains how he uses his Baron to commute to work and what it's like to fly jets when the weather isn't great. In the Ready to Copy segment, you'll learn the difference between a Mooney and a Beechcraft, the biggest mistake pilots make during flight training, and what their final flights would be.
Baron Pilot on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BaronPilot/featured
Kim's Flight Training videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-PiaX0xemXt4NxA1H7HX4CiyfmB5JWbg
Sporty's Pilot Training Courses: https://www.sportys.com/learn-to-fly/sporty-s-courses.html
35. Understanding aerodynamics and checkride tips, with Catherine Cavagnaro
Catherine Cavagnaro learned aerobatics from legendary instructor Bill Kershner and is a math professor on the side, which gives her a unique perspective on key topics in flight training. She explains what "the back side of the power curve" really means, why takeoffs are an overlooked risk for most pilots, and when you should use flaps on a power-off 180. She also shares her tips as a pilot examiner, including how to handle nerves and whether it's OK to admit "I don't know" on a checkride. In the Ready to Copy segment, Catherine explains the right way to use a sick sack, whether spins should be required for the Private Pilot test, and what geometric topology is.
Ace Aerobatic school: https://www.aceaerobaticschool.com
Catherine's articles for AOPA: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/articles-by-author/catherine-cavagnaro
Sporty's Pilot Training app: https://www.sportys.com/sporty-s-pilot-training-app.html
34. Top Gun training and test pilot stories, with Chuck Coleman
Test pilot. Airshow pilot. Instructor for Top Gun: Maverick actors. Chuck Coleman might have one of the most interesting resumes in aviation, and he has plenty of stories to back up this experience. He talks about training actors to pull Gs for Tom Cruise's blockbuster movie, working with Burt Rutan on the SpaceShip One project, and what it's like to fly the Proteus high altitude jet. In the Ready to Copy segment, Chuck answers whether the Icon A5 is a safe airplane, shares the hardest airplane to fly that he's ever logged time in, and describes the most important character trait for a homebuilder.
Fly with Chuck: https://ctcoleman.com
Actor training for Top Gun: https://youtu.be/yM389FbhlRQ
Sporty's Pilot Training app: http://sportys.com/discover
33. Aviation trends, both hype and reality, with Richard Aboulafia
Are you excited about supersonic business jets or electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft? Richard Aboulafia is going to disappoint you: "I'm here with my bucket of cold water.” The always-entertaining aviation analyst explains why these buzzy projects probably won't happen, what technology will become a reality, and why business jets are hot right now. He also analyzes the airlines' summer of misery and shares the right lessons to learn from the 737 MAX disaster. In the "Ready to Copy" segment, Richard tells us about the Concorde, the Collier Trophy, and China's airliner ambitions.
Richard's website: https://richardaboulafia.com
Richard's articles at Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/richardaboulafia/
Sporty's Pilot Training app: http://sportys.com/discover
32. Air traffic control tips and tricks, with RJ Ratliff
Do controllers like to get PIREPs? Do you need to read back a Class B clearance? What is a Brasher warning? Experienced air traffic controller (and active GA pilot) RJ Ratliff answers these questions and many more in this wide-ranging episode that's packed with practical advice. In addition to answering common pilot questions, he also explains how technology like ADS-B and datalink communications is changing the job of ATC, and whether remote towers are here to stay. In the Ready to Copy segment, RJ shares what "on the landline" means, what pilot mistake is guaranteed to upset a controller, and what the best college basketball rivalry is.
ATC hiring: https://www.faa.gov/be-atc
Shop aviation headsets: https://www.sportys.com/aviation-headsets.html
31. New product successes and failures, with Sporty's Doug Ranly
What are the most revolutionary aviation products of the last 25 years? If you immediately thought of a glass panel or a new airplane, Doug Ranly wants you to think again. As the director of new products at Sporty's Pilot Shop, he's seen a lot of technology come and go, and he believes portable products have the biggest impact because they affect the most pilots. In this gear-focused episode, he names his top four products, shares some less successful inventions, and describes his process for evaluating a new gadget. Doug also talks about his first experience with active noise reduction headsets (in Iraq, not in an airplane), what products he'd like to see invented, and what product he wishes companies would stop inventing. In the Ready to Copy segment, you'll hear why Doug loves the RV-12, his pet peeve about flashlights, and what he learned as a carny.
Sporty's new products: https://www.sportys.com/new-products
Product PIREP videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBHmEXretS0q8UrerauNHAdwFk_ccci6l
Sentry Plus ADS-B receiver: https://www.sportys.com/sentry-plus-ads-b-receiver.html
30. Flight sim's early days and modern cross-country flying, with Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams had a front row seat to some exciting developments in flight simulators, working at Microsoft as their program grew from a simple DOS program to a visually stunning virtual world. He offers some practical tips for using a sim for home training (have a plan, don't stress about the controls) and weighs in on the "game vs. simulator" debate. Bruce is also a longtime flight instructor, so he shares his tips for flying long cross-country flights, how to master glass cockpits, and learning aerobatics. In the ready to copy segment, Bruce tells us his favorite preflight weather tools, why pilots should use the autopilot more, and his favorite author.
Bruce's website: http://www.bruceair.com
Bruce's book: https://www.amazon.com/Scenario-Based-Training-X-Plane-Microsoft-Simulator/dp/1118105028/
Flight simulator gear: https://www.sportys.com/flight-simulator.html
29. Oshkosh tips and the experimental aircraft boom, with EAA's Jack Pelton
People come to Oshkosh for the airplanes, but they stay for the people. That's according to EAA Chairman Jack Pelton, who explains why the culture at AirVenture is so unique, why America needs more of this spirit in everyday life, and his favorite place to visit at the big show. He also shares the organization's big plans for the 30th year of the Young Eagles program, why experimental airplanes are so popular right now, and what his top priorities are for the FAA. In the Ready to Copy segment, Jack explains why you can't build a new Cessna 172 for $100,000, shares his favorite vintage airplane, and identifies some underrated aviation museums.
AirVenture Oshkosh: https://www.eaa.org/airventure
EAA Young Eagles: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/free-ye-flights
Sporty's Pilot Training courses: https://www.sportys.com/learn-to-fly-course-private-pilot-test-prep-online-app-and-tv.html
28. iPad apps and datalink weather, with ForeFlight's Tyson Weihs
ForeFlight is one of aviation's biggest success stories, growing from a hobby to an industry-leading business in less than a decade. Tyson Weihs was there at the beginning, and in this episode he shares some early memories and some lessons learned about aviation and business. He also explains how he uses ForeFlight both for pre-flight planning and for in-flight navigation, plus tips for using datalink weather to stay safe. In the Ready to Copy segment, he opines on everything from his favorite app feature to what emerging technology he's watching to the best tennis player.
ForeFlight Mobile: https://foreflight.com/
What's new in ForeFlight: https://www.foreflight.com/releases/
Sentry Plus ADS-B receiver: https://www.sportys.com/sentry
27. Filming Top Gun's incredible flying scenes, with Kevin LaRosa II
As one of Hollywood's top aerial coordinators, Kevin LaRosa has been around plenty of big budget movies—but Top Gun: Maverick was a completely different experience. He takes us behind the scenes to explain how they got all those incredible shots, including fighter jets flying at 600 knots through narrow valleys. The equipment, including the unique CineJet platform, makes some of these scenes possible, but the key to staying safe is planning and practice. Kevin also describes how the actors all took flight training to prepare for the movie, what he's learned from flying a huge variety of aircraft, and how he landed a helicopter on a moving train.
Top Gun: Maverick behind the scenes: https://youtu.be/Nz9lnIDdkMo
Kevin's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/k2_larosa/
Sporty's aerobatics course: https://www.sportys.com/basic-aerobatics-with-patty-wagstaffa.html