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Pilot's Discretion brings you authentic conversations with some of aviation's most interesting people. From honest discussions about flight training to fascinating stories from airshow pilots, this podcast is for anyone who loves to fly. Stay tuned for our rapid-fire "ready to copy" segment at the end of every episode, where we go beyond the cliches to find out what each guest really thinks. Brought to you by Sporty's Pilot Shop, training and equipping pilots worldwide since 1961. Have a comment? Email us: podcast@sportys.com
93 Episodes
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Juan Browne has flown everything from Air Force jets to vintage biplanes, but he’s best known for his accident analysis channel on YouTube, blancolirio. In this wide-ranging episode, he describes his unique approach to researching crashes and explains why he thinks all pilots can learn from others’ misfortunes. Juan also talks about his varied flying career, including fighting fires with the US Forest Service, flying C-141s all around the world, and life as an international airline pilot. In the Ready to Copy segment, Juan tells us what he’s changed his mind about since starting his channel, flying the open-cockpit Waco, and the best place to eat in Sydney, Australia.
SHOW LINKS:
Blancolirio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blancolirio
Juan Browne on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/787639
Sporty's Pilot Training+ membership: https://sportys.com/pilottraining
Advanced avionics are changing GA airplanes, but all that technology is useless if you don’t know how to use it. Jessica Koss, Garmin’s chief flight instructor, shares her time-tested tips for avionics mastery in this episode, from understanding integrated panels to managing autopilots. She also talks about the latest Garmin technology, like Emergency Autoland and touchscreen panels in jets. In the Ready to Copy segment, Jessica describes what it’s like to land with auto-throttles, explains how to teach better ground schools, and shares her pick for the best barbecue in Kansas City.
SHOW LINKS:
Garmin Aviation Training: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/aviation/training/
Garmin ESP: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/understanding-garmin-electronic-stability-protection-esp/
Sporty’s 2025 Pilot Training Courses: https://www.sportys.com/learntofly
A critical shortage of A&Ps means airplane owners have no choice but to get involved in maintenance. Mechanic, pilot, and writer Jeff Simon explains how to get started, how to find the right shop, and what the impact could be from proposed FAA rules on remote maintenance. Jeff is also the founder of SocialFlight, so he shares his tips for keeping flying fun and involving family in the adventure—including his “no magenta line” trip. In the Ready to Copy segment, Jeff talks about why you should never jump start a dead battery, why the compass is no longer needed, and his lessons learned from building an airplane in his living room.
Remote maintenance rules: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2024/october/17/faa-puts-disruptive-determination-on-hold
Five rules of engine monitoring: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2022/november/07/aircraft-maintenance-the-five-pillars-of-engine-health-monitoring
SocialFlight on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialFlight
Sporty’s 2025 Pilot Training Courses: https://www.sportys.com/learntofly
The success of BasicMed proves the third class medical is obsolete—that’s according to senior AME Brent Blue. He covers a wide range of medical topics in this episode, including how to fill out the FAA medical application, what the latest rules are on mental health treatment, and whether new drugs like Ozempic are safe for pilots. Dr. Blue is also a leading advocate for pulse oximeters and carbon monoxide detectors, and he shares his rules of thumb for using both in the cockpit. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear why patients need to occasionally say no, a simple habit for healthy living, and what it’s like to fly a Canadian bushplane.
LINKS:
Brent’s AOPA articles: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/articles-by-author/brent-blue
Video on pulse oximeters: https://youtu.be/pOEBoeuyR0U
Sporty’s 2025 Pilot Training Courses: https://www.sportys.com/learntofly
Experimental airplanes make up an increasingly large share of the general aviation market, and Marc Cook knows that world better than anyone. He traces the history of homebuilts, from the radical plans of the 1980s to the refined kits of today, and describes the current state of the industry. He also talks about the causes of Van’s recent bankruptcy ordeal, and shares why he’s very optimistic about the upcoming MOSAIC rule—but also why it won’t lead to $20,000 airplanes. In the Ready to Copy segment, Marc names the biggest mistake homebuilders make, chooses the most underrated experimental airplane, and explains why riding motorcycles and flying airplanes requires the same approach to risk.
LINKS:
Kitplanes magazine: https://www.kitplanes.com/
MOSAIC update video: https://youtu.be/9FfylxAuK3c
Sporty’s 2025 Pilot Training Courses: https://www.sportys.com/learntofly
Home flight simulators can be valuable training tools, and they don’t necessarily teach bad flying habits. Evan Reiter, co-founder of the Flight Simulator Association, shares the data to back up those statements in this sim-centric episode. He also explains why virtual ATC services are so important for simulator pilots, and he offers a preview of the highly anticipated Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. In the Ready to Copy segment, Evan (who is also an airline pilot) talks about his favorite flight sim hardware, how to sound better on the radio, and the surprising way flying helps him on the ski slopes.
LINKS:
Flight Sim Association research: https://flightsimassociation.com/report
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: https://www.flightsimulator.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-2024/
Sporty’s Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
New technology has made flying safer over the last two decades, but it hasn’t done much to prevent loss of control accidents. These are still the number one cause of fatalities in aviation, and according to upset prevention instructor Randy Brooks the only answer is better pilot training. He explains why upset training is different from aerobatics, why your first instinct should be to push, and why simulators aren’t a replacement for pulling Gs. Randy is also a longtime airshow pilot, so in the Ready to Copy segment he talks about flying formation aerobatics, what it’s like to perform an airshow in a glider, and flying the L-39 jet trainer.
APS training courses: https://apstraining.com/
Video of a UPRT flight: https://youtu.be/cVsicldklTY
Sporty’s Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
Is the post-pandemic boom over for the airlines? Industry analyst and former airline pilot Courtney Miller says the answer is both yes and no. He talks about which airlines are winning and losing in 2024, whether pilot salaries have overshot, and what to make of Boeing’s latest struggles. In the Ready to Copy segment, Courtney explains why oil prices don’t affect air fares, why the 737 MAX was not a mistake, and how to lie with statistics.
LINKS:
Visual Approach Analytics: https://visualapproach.io/
Boeing vs. Airbus safety: https://visualapproach.io/does-data-show-boeing-is-unsafe/
Sporty’s Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
Paul Harding bought a seaplane before he was even a pilot, but went on to log 14,000 hours flying on floats all around the Bahamas. In this fun episode, he shares the details of that fascinating career, with tips on flying seaplanes, learning to fly later in life, and exploring the Out Islands. In the Ready to Copy segment, Paul talks about flying with celebrities, how to determine wind direction without a windsock, and the best food to eat in the Bahamas.
LINKS:
Paul’s articles at Air Facts: https://airfactsjournal.com/author/paulharding/
Paul’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Sharks-Runway-Seaplane-Fifty-Year-Bahamian/dp/1911525239
Sporty’s Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/real-pilot-stories/no-go-around
Podcast survey: https://sportys.survey.fm/pilot-s-discretion-survey
A quarter of Cirrus customers are not pilots when they buy their airplane. Todd Simmons explains how the company succeeds with these non-pilots, including their focus on enabling a lifestyle instead of just selling specs, providing a complete ownership solution, and tackling safety head-on. Todd is also a passionate backcountry pilot, so he talks about the risks and rewards of that type of flying, including what he learned from being involved in a serious accident. In the Ready to Copy segment, Todd talks about the power of social media, the most important skill for safe taildragger flying, and which college football team in Georgia is best.
LINKS:
- The Cirrus Life: https://cirrusaircraft.com/cirrus-life/
- Todd’s Real Pilot Story: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/real-pilot-stories/no-go-around
- Recreational Aviation Foundation: https://theraf.org
- Sporty’s Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/real-pilot-stories/no-go-around
Learning to fly is hard, but revolutionary new fly-by-wire technology just might change that. Matt Thurber, an experienced pilot and journalist, describes how Skyryse has modified a Robinson helicopter and why it could be big news for general aviation. Matt is well-placed to evaluate this new aircraft because he recently learned to fly helicopters, and he shares what that was like, including why rotary wing flight requires using all a pilot’s senses. In the Ready to Copy segment, Matt talks about the threat of GPS jamming, why hangar foam fire suppression systems are bad, and what it was like to hunt swordfish from a Super Cub.
LINKS:
Skyryse: https://www.skyryse.com
Matt’s article on helicopter flying: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-05-01/learning-fly-helicopters-guimbal-cabri-g2
Sporty’s Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
Operating a piston engine lean of peak can save fuel and reduce engine temperatures, but the topic is shrouded in mystery and even controversy. Flight instructor and YouTube pilot Martin Pauly breaks it all down in this episode, including what the tradeoffs are, why engine monitors matter, and when to watch CHT. Martin is also an expert on modern autopilots like the Garmin GFC 600, so he shares tips for getting the most out of these impressive avionics. In the Ready to Copy segment, Martin talks about what American pilots take for granted, how to make better aviation videos, and what it was like to fly in a B-29.
LINKS:
Lean of peak video: https://youtu.be/h3bATVXMHQg
Martin’s website: http://www.martin.aero/
Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
Modern avionics like glass cockpits and sophisticated autopilots demand a new approach to pilot training, what airline pilot and author Chris Lutat calls “automation airmanship.” He explains what that means, why the distinction between pilot flying and pilot monitoring matters even for single pilot operations, and why humans have an essential role—especially in the age of AI. Chris’s flying career began in the Coast Guard, so he also shares lessons learned there and how he’s giving back now as a mentor for cadets. In the Ready to Copy segment, Chris talks about the chances of single-pilot airline flights, what CRM really means, and his tips for handling sea sickness.
LINKS:
- Automation Airmanship book: https://www.amazon.com/Automation-Airmanship-Principles-Operating-Aircraft/dp/0071815864
- Chris's article in AIN: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2024-05-01/if-you-believe-hype-we-should-all-be-looking-work
- Sporty's Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
Many pilots are intimidated by Air Traffic Control, but veteran controller Kevin Plante says “we’re just another set of eyes for you.” He explains the details of ATC in this wide-ranging episode, including how he handles IFR and VFR traffic differently, what the spacing requirements are for wake turbulence, and when it’s OK to speak plain English on the radio. Kevin is also a very experienced GA pilot, so he shares his perspective from the other side of the microphone, including how he plans a flight knowing what he does about routes and weather. In the Ready to Copy segment, Kevin talks about Special VFR, the one technology he wishes he had at the radar scope, and his favorite bourbon.
LINKS:
- FAA Order 7110.65: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/atc_html/
- IFR Mastery: https://www.sportys.com/pilot-workshops-ifr-mastery.html
- Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
Scheduling a checkride in 2024 might mean waiting three months. What’s going on, and how can applicants prepare for the big day? Longtime examiner Jason Blair shares a host of helpful tips is this episode, including: why DPEs are overwhelmed, what critical skill pilots need to demonstrate, what CFIs can do to support their client, and what technology can be used on the checkride. Jason also spends a lot of time flying cabin class piston twins, so he offers advice for new owners and explains why middle altitude weather can be a challenge. In the Ready to Copy segment, Jason talks about flight training stats, defensive flying tips, and whether you have to be in a cloud to log actual IFR.
- Jason’s blog: https://jasonblair.net/
- Article on the flight training boom: https://airfactsjournal.com/2024/04/what-a-difference-a-decade-makes-the-ga-boom-in-statistics/
- Sporty’s Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
A new generation of kids is entering the aviation industry right now, and that’s exciting for Amy Laboda. The longtime flight instructor and writer explains why today’s student pilots are different, how writing can make you a better pilot, and what new flight instructors need to succeed. Amy also shares the lessons learned from ditching a Cessna 210 off Key West, including the critical skill to practice and what survival gear matters. In the Ready to Copy segment, Amy describes a good passenger briefing, picks her favorite Van’s airplane, and shares what it’s like to live on an airpark.
Kevin Garrison grew up riding his bike to the local airport, then built time flying freight before enjoying a 30-year career as an airline pilot. In this honest (and hilarious) episode, he shares what he experienced along the way, including: what you learn when you scare yourself in an airplane, how to be a good airline captain, and why habit patterns matter. He also urges pilots to have fun when they fly and explains why many pilots talk too much on the radio. In the Ready to Copy segment, Kevin busts an airline pilot myth, shares his favorite Boeing model, and describes how to be a good airport bum.
SHOW LINKS:
Kevin's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kevin-Garrison/author/B001KI6FCS
Kevin's articles at Avweb: https://www.avweb.com/author/kevin-garrison/
Sporty's Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html
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
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
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
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