The crew dives into the delicate art of vetting your cockpit companions - from evaluating potential co-pilots to dodging those who claim '8000 simulator hours.' Listen in as Ben recounts literally flying with 'a stranger from the internet' (it turned out fine!). Between tales of night landing adventures, atmospheric rivers, and accidental wrong-runway taxi slip ups, the gang shares practical wisdom on building safe flying partnerships while keeping their usual mix of aviation insights and midlife humor. Plus, learn why a 'plane full of pilots' might be more dangerous than you think - and why Ben still won't let Brian fly from the front seat!



Mentioned on the show:

* Josh and Chelsea talking about vetting pilots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SkqxChkYW0

* Brian's new video, "Dialog with the Sky: My Journey to 600 Hours": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHGva4LIn3A

* TTD Troutdale Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/TTD

* LBE Arnold Palmer Regional Airport: https://www.airnav.com/airport/LBE

* EP23: Pilots Flying with Pilots (the good and the bad) https://open.spotify.com/episode/6l31UC5GSLuAjlxs4zRMA0

* Nathan Ballard, how to survive a pilot locked up on the controls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv0NNjQOCkI

* Ted flying with his partner: https://youtube.com/watch?v=DZbYM25PYsc

* CheckMate Aviation checklists: https://www.checkmateaviation.com/

* Blancolirio, Catalina crash with many pilots:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPsnL-S58EU

* Pilot Debrief, father/daughter, both pilots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTSUtpXRMT0