Coffee In A Hangar

Sponsored by: https://sportaircraftseats.com/Neil's Book: https://a.co/d/0aCmcF10Our website: Coffeeinahangar.comIn this episode of the Coffee in a Hangar podcast, I sit down with Neil Hansen (author of Flight: An Air America Pilot Story of Adventure, Descent, and Redemption) for one of the most jaw-dropping conversations we’ve ever had. Neil’s story spans everything from high-risk flying in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, to the hidden world of Air America and the CIA, and the kind of missions that never made the nightly news.We talk about flying the C-123 aircraft on low-level airdrop runs, what “hard rice” really meant, why Neil changed the way he approached airdrops to survive, and what happens when you’re hit, lose control, and have to make decisions that most pilots will (thankfully) never face.Neil also shares how his life took a dark turn after returning home—leading into Drug Smuggling, the money, the danger, the consequences, and the redemption that followed.If you’re into aviation history, Southeast Asia-era stories, or the mindset of pilots who operated on the edge of the envelope—this one is for you.Subscribe for more long-form pilot stories, hard-earned lessons, and conversations you won’t hear anywhere else.

Bob Breeden is a recreational backcountry Super Cub pilot that has been flaying for 38 years in Alaska and beyond. In this episode of the Coffee In A Hangar Podcast he shares how he has safely navigated the dangerous sport of off airport mountain flying. From landing on the moving surface of high mountain glaciers in Alaska to ridge lines in Patagonia and waterfalls in Iceland, he has done it all in a "sanitary" and safe way.

Sponsor: sportaircraftseats.comjoin our email list: coffeeinahangar.comTy Christensen joins us for one of the most skill-focused episodes we’ve ever recorded. As one of the most talented young Super Cub pilots in Alaska, Ty breaks down how he manages energy, evaluates risk, and teaches new pilots the fundamentals of flying in the backcountry.In this conversation, we dig into what it really takes to fly a Super Cub precisely and safely in off-airport terrain. Ty shares his approach to bush landings, reading terrain, dealing with unexpected variables, and the techniques he drills into students who want to fly the Alaska wilderness with confidence.In this episode:How Ty became one of Alaska’s most capable young bush pilotsManaging energy in a Super CubRisk assessment and how to stay ahead of the airplaneWhat Ty teaches new pilots about backcountry flyingBush landings: approaching different terrain and conditionsReal stories and lessons from training and off-airport operations🎙 More episodes of Coffee In a Hangar: https://www.youtube.com/@AirplanesInTheWild🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/65F0iLDmQCpiyzdoaVUypvSafety note:This podcast contains personal accounts from professional pilots in unique environments. These stories are not training guidance. Always follow current regulations, and get qualified instructionComment your favorite moment, a lesson you’re taking into your own flying, or who we should interview next.Hashtags:#AlaskaAviation #BushFlying #SuperCub #BackcountryFlying #PilotTraining #AviationPodcast #CoffeeInAHangar #TyChristiansen

Sponsor: sportaircraftseats.comjoin our email list: coffeeinahangar.com Frank Knapp: STOL Champion, Innovator, and Alaska Bush PilotIn this episode of Coffee In a Hangar, we sit down with Frank Knapp, one of the most recognized names in the short takeoff and landing (STOL) community. Frank opens up about what it takes to win STOL competitions, the mindset behind his success, and gives us an inside look at the new airplane he’s been building from the ground up.He shares his tuning tricks, setup details, flying techniques, and a few stories that show why Alaska’s backcountry flying is unlike anywhere else in the world.In this episode:Frank’s journey into STOL flyingThe flight techniques that separate winners from the packInside Frank’s new airplane build — design, challenges, and goalsHow the Alaska flying environment shaped his approach✈️ Watch more Coffee In a Hangar episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@AirplanesInTheWild🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/65F0iLDmQCpiyzdoaVUypvTimestamps:0:00 – Intro0:45 – Secrets of winning STOL competitions15:00 – Inside his new airplane build39:30 – Sport aircraft seats44:30– History of Franks Flying59:00 – Sharing StoriesSafety note:This podcast contains personal accounts from professional pilots in unique environments. These stories are not training guidance. Always follow current regulations, and get qualified instructionComment your favorite moment, a lesson you’re taking into your own flying, or who we should interview next.#STOL #AlaskaAviation #BushFlying #FrankKnapp #PilotInterview #BackcountryFlying #AircraftBuild

Sponsor: sportaircraftseats.comjoin our email list: coffeeinahangar.comKitty's book: https://www.amazon.com/Wings-Her-Dreams-Alaska-Glacier/dp/1880654512Avalanches, tailwheel failures, and hunters who won’t take no for an answer.** In this episode of *Coffee in a Hangar*, legendary Alaska pilot **Kitty Banner** shares raw, riveting stories from the 1970s and beyond—learning to fly in Talkeetna, hauling climbers to Denali, glacier landings with no go-around, a tailwheel assembly shearing off at rotation, and the unglamorous realities of guiding hunters and rescuing overdue mountaineers. She also talks mentorship, flying with John Denver for his seaplane rating, and what it really takes to thrive in the mountains.Guest: Kitty Banner — glacier & backcountry pilot; co-founder of **K2 Aviation**; lifelong mentor to new pilots.What you’ll hear* The avalanche on Mount Huntington that swallowed the valley in snow fog* “If in doubt, don’t” — the decision-making mantra that saved lives* Tailwheel failure at rotation and nursing the airplane home* Early Talkeetna days: scalping climbers, radio tents on the glacier, and night landings in orange light* Seaplane instruction for **John Denver** (and how procedural discipline matters)* Hunters, heavy loads, and how to say “no” when safety is on the line* Mentorship from WWII WASP pilot **Carolyn Cullen** and the importance of women in aviation00:00 Welcome & cold open02:10 Kitty’s path to Alaska & early mishaps08:55 Glacier ops: slots, crevasses, and “no go-around” realities18:40 The Mount Huntington avalanche25:30 Tail issues after takeoff — diagnosis in the gorge33:20 Hunters, loads, and safety boundaries41:05 Mentors: WASP pilot Carolyn Cullen & Amelia Earhart connections49:10 Flying with John Denver (seaplane rating story)57:30 “If in doubt, don’t” — lessons for today’s pilots1:05:00 Family, backcountry flying, and raising the next generationSupport the show:* Join the email list for updates & behind-the-scenes: **coffeeinhangar.com*** Read Kitty’s book ***Wings of Her Dreams*** (link in description)* **Sport Aircraft Seats** — My company making quick-install seat upholstery kits for GA aircraft. Design your kit and learn why inspection-friendly upholstery matters: **sportaircraftseats.com**Safety note:This podcast contains personal accounts from professional pilots in unique environments. These stories are not training guidance. Always follow current regulations, POH/AFM procedures, and get qualified instructionComment your favorite moment, a lesson you’re taking into your own flying, or who we should interview next.