Hangar Talk - An Aviation News Podcast

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Every other week AOPA brings you up to speed on all things flying. Pilots David Tulis and Alicia Herron explain and discuss the latest general aviation news topics to inform and entertain you before introducing aviation experts shaping the future of flight.
Episodes
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Episodes

Pilot Eric Boles realized he needed a better way to track fuel in his Piper Cherokee so he developed the SkyTimer app to handle fuel tank capacity, burn, and switching. Plus, a lively discussion on the AOPA member meeting, remembrance for Sporty's founder Hal Shevers, aftermarket Cessna tailskids, the new NTSB accident dashboard, and continued awareness for pilot mental health month.

Global ferry pilot Sam Rutherford is intercepted by fighter jets patrolling the Middle East while delivering a new Piper PA-28 from the Florida factory to India. Plus, news discussion on the surprise shutdown of Waco Aircraft, ForeFlight's emergency glide function, the elimination of ADS-B landing charges in Florida, and the latest from Aero Friedrichshafen and Sun'nFun.

AOPA Pilot Town Hall Hall with senior leadership at Sun'nFun previews proposed changes to the association's governance and addresses questions from members. Plus, Alicia and David explain the FAA's new notam system, improvements to NOAA aviation weather forecasting, updated BasicMed guidance, and the latest on pilot mental health reforms.

VoltAero CEO Jean Botti explains the HPU 210 electric-hybrid power unit that combines an electric motor with a high-performance thermal engine. Plus, stick around for the latest general aviation news discussion including a turbocharger clamp fix, an ADS-B billing ban in Florida, and a legendary Greenland airport's closure.

Elixir Aircraft’s Cyril Champenois talks about the two-seat, low-wing aircraft using Carbon Oneshot technology derived from competition sailing that helps simplify structures to produce safer, more economical, and more versatile aircraft. Plus, stick around for the latest general aviation news discussion on see-and-avoid technology that may affect pilots, GAO recommendations for the drone industry, and more.

Pilot and NFL cornerback Jonathan Jones talks about aviation. Plus, co-hosts David Tulis and Alicia Herron break down the most talked about general aviation stories including how ForeFlight's staff trimming measures might affect you, the return of aircraft valuations, an unleaded fuel plan, grading your DPE, and top CFIs and flight schools.

Hangar Talk aviation podcast hosts David, Alicia, and Jay break down the Top 5 general aviation news stories of 2025 including: long-awaited new MOSAIC rules for increased access to grass roots aviation, ATC modernization, pushback against misuse of ADS-B data, the DCA midair leading to changes for helicopter routes and certain military operations, and a Piper AD affecting some of GA's most iconic models.

Alicia and David share what they are most thankful for during Thanksgiving and we hear from ⁠pilot-philanthropist Chuck Fazio⁠. Plus, discussion about a ⁠CubCrafters record⁠, a documentary about ⁠St. Pete's Albert Whitted Airport⁠, NASA's X-59 supersonic jet, and a budget talk plan for ⁠airspace throttling⁠. And Jay Wiles answers the question: ‘Can Sport Pilot eligible certified aircraft maintenance be performed by light sport repairmen?’

This week's ⁠MOSAIC Minute⁠ is a review of sport pilot rule changes implemented October 22, and learn about aviation thriller author, CFI, A&P, and Cessna 172 owner Nate Van Coops. Plus, David and Alicia discuss the ⁠⁠⁠⁠latest aviation news⁠⁠⁠⁠ including drone right-of-way rules, a new notam system, a DJI lawsuit loss, and strong bizjet demand.

This week's MOSAIC Minute explains who can provide instruction for sport pilots, hear from 'Miss Montana' DC-3 pilot Bryan Douglass about flying an historical warbird, and David and Alicia comment on the ⁠⁠⁠latest aviation news⁠⁠⁠ including the ATC Archie Awards, an FAA funding stability act, and a proposed ADS-B bill to protect pilots.

This week's ⁠⁠MOSAIC Minute⁠⁠ explains the frequently asked sport pilot question, "How does MOSAIC benefit pilots with a PPL or higher?" And hear from Spirit single seat SE-1 founder Steve Wood, whose crew flew four of the $69,500 single-seat aircraft to from Colorado to AirVenture; plus David and Alicia comment on the ⁠⁠latest aviation news⁠⁠.

This week's ⁠MOSAIC Minute⁠ explains the frequently asked sport pilot question, "Why will stall speed limits be different for sport pilots and light sport category aircraft?" Guest Grant Hoover describes how Sentinel by Aileronics shows visual traffic and collision avoidance (V-TCAS) for under $1,000; and stick around for David and Alicia to comment on the ⁠latest aviation news⁠.

This week's MOSAIC Minute explains the frequently asked Sport Pilot question, “Can I really use my driver’s license instead of a medical certificate?” Professional Instrument Courses flight instructor Donn Heikkila discusses how CFIs flying to your airport may help pilots tackle their instrument flight rules rating; and stick around for David and Jay to comment on the latest aviation news. @dtulis

ForeFlight's new Dynamic Procedures explained, the Spirit one-place aircraft wows AirVenture attendees, LyondellBasell says 'no Imminent drop-in for 100LL, An ADS-B bill sparks confusion, an appropriations bill could permanently block ATC privatization, and MOSAIC—the new rules for sport pilots and light sport aircraft—arrives.

Purdue announces new expedition to locate Amelia Earhart’s aircraft, Congress passes a $12.5 billion airspace upgrade but there are other ‘costs,’ a done collides with rescue helicopter during Texas flood response, a bill limits ADS-B data access, a court rules an FAA medical denial for antidepressant was ‘arbitrary,’ and Quintin Smith of the ERP.ngo Aviation Wing explains how you could fly in Namibia. ⁠@dtulis⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@loubelle⁠⁠

David and Alicia comment on a new hybrid-electric motorcycle engine inspired powerplant, pilot mental health legislation, NASA safety report input, AOPA President Pleasance’s congressional appearance, and Air Race Classic winners. Plus, hear from “Hollywood Bomber” aircraft restoration project leader Bill Goebel, with plans to display the historic Jackie Cochran Beech-18S during AirVenture. ⁠@dtulis⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@loubelle⁠⁠

Cirrus Aircraft’s SR20-series executive director Ivy McIver, who is also a formation pilot and Citabria owner, explains the G7 line’s new Autoland feature—a first for the piston fleet. Plus, Alicia and David explain air traffic control reform, how Piper Aircraft faced off against tariffs, why Newark’s meltdown might affect your flying, and a couple of personal eVTOL aircraft from Europe making their debuts. @dtulis @loubelle

Motorcycle giant Kawasaki is developing two piston aircraft engines, New York Helicopter Inc. is grounded after the fatal crash, the FAA's shut down of remote communication networks affects Flight Service Stations too, and your input is needed for unleaded fueling ops. Plus hear from Big South Fork Airpark pilot Bill Armstrong.

The California avgas fuel ban is overturned, the new DOT chief pledges swift ATC modernization, Notam modernization is coming this fall, aircraft owner data-hiding is available, and AOPA organizes a national aviation safety standdown. Plus hear from CFI and social media standout Leah Froehlich about tips and tricks she uses to teach flight students.

It's springtime and almost everything is new again. Robinson unveils a 10-passenger helicopter, Pilatus announces the PC-12 Pro single, GE certifies its turbine Catalyst engine for the Denali, and aircraft manufacturer Diamond gobbles up struggling eVTOL manufacturer Volocopter. Plus, meet UK social media influencer and helicopter/fixed-wing pilot Katherine Moloney.

Aviation expert Tom Haines shares his perspective on flying into and out of of Washington's DCA airport, the SFRA and FRZ, certain VFR routes, remaining on assigned altitudes or headings, limitations of ADS-B and TCAS systems, circle-to-land approaches, and what changes the midair crash of American Eagle Flight 5342 might bring. And stay tuned for Ian and David's comments on the latest aviation news.

OV-10 Bronco pilot Matt Nightingale tells us what it's like to fly the twin turbo light attack and observation aircraft known for STOL performance and favored by CalFire and other governments for its versatility and performance. Plus, Ian and David dive into aerial firefighting ops, the latest unleaded fuel salvos, G-airmets going visual, new presidential flying restrictions, and how SpaceX Starship’s “rapid unscheduled disassembly” could affect your aviation plans.

Learn how new AOPA President Darren Pleasance is combining his business and aviation backgrounds as he guides the 85-year-old association into the future. And join Ian and David as they break down why the FAA recommends AOA for all aircraft; a new color vision test; additional changes to aviation leadership; and an eVTOL company with high hopes that hit significant headwinds. Plus, aviation predictions for 2025!

Hear vintage aviation parts and supply champion Jim Dyer of Univair talk about keeping the classics flying. Plus, Ian and David share why they are thankful for aviation and then discuss BasicMed expansion, the latest McSpadden ASI report showing safety improvements; more DPEs to the rescue; a tenth anniversary for the AOPA High School Aviation STEM Symposium; and how new DJI drones may hit a roadblock.

Airplane owners and CFI candidates Anita Ammon and Ava Trate struck up a friendship while mentoring each other to complete their flight instructor credentials. Plus, Ian and David put AOPA ePilot's 25th anniversary in perspective, explain the A&P Moss interpretation, a reduction in fees at Signature FBOs, new FAA regs for eVTOL pilots, GAMI G100 in California, and cattle waste that might one day power aircraft (and that's no b.s.).

Seaplane and Aero Adventures owner Aaron Singer's job is envious. Learn what it's like to fly over the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and other Bay Area standouts. Plus, Ian and David comment on AOPA's pushback against ADS-B landing fees in Florida, a coalition to protect avgas in California, a Virginia flight school's abrupt closure, and an aviation insurance reality check.

Wright B Flyer chief pilot Rich Stepler explains the engineering, design, and flight characteristics of the Wright brothers lookalike aircraft based in Dayton Ohio. Ian and David remember longtime congressional GA advocate Jim Inhofe, discuss David's uAvionix skySensor installation for older aircraft, and preview EAA AirVenture 2024, including special AOPA 85th anniversary events.

Published 2024-05-20

Episode 201: Owning an FBO with Mike Laver

48 min
Open

Mike Laver is one of the good guys. Owner of Aiken Aviation in South Carolina and Glendale Aero Services in Arizona, Laver knows how to treat pilots right. Plus Ian and David highlight the new FAA reauthorization law, IAOPA, and the AOPA D.C. flyover.

Eagles Nest resident Doug Vayda is a central Florida seaplane pilot who enjoys the convenience of airpark living including daily 'breakfast club' flyouts for coffee and camaraderie. Plus Ian and David explain the latest finger-pointing between NATA, GAMI, and the availability of unleaded G100UL fuel; the FAA reauthorization bill; updates from Europe's AERO show; and feature stories including Piper's Fury coming to AOPA Pilot magazine in June. Become a member of the world's largest aviation community at www.aopa.org/join. Listen on a podcast app or AOPA Online.

Learn how Siai Marchetti S.211 owner Mauricio Frizzarin flies his jet and Aerospatiale SA 341 Gazelle helicopter from a hangar-home in West Palm Beach, Florida. Plus, Ian and David discuss feature stories you don't want to miss in the next AOPA Pilot magazine; Icon's bankruptcy; an NTSB safety lookout; Sun'nFun standouts; and the blame game between UND, SwiftFuels, and Lycoming. Become a member of the world's largest aviation community at www.aopa.org/join. Listen on a podcast app or AOPA Online.

Hatz biplane builders Carlo Cilliers and Rick Van Lehn describe their challenges and successes during a collaborative effort to construct side-by-side Hatz biplanes. Plus Ian and David break down remote ID, the National Mall flyover, FAA’s mental health guidelines, and the Van’s Aircraft plan to emerge from bankruptcy. Become a member of the world's largest aviation community at  www.aopa.org/join. Listen on a podcast app or AOPA Online.

VREF's Jason Zilberbrand talks about aircraft pricing formulas, the pre-owned aircraft market, and how much your airplane is worth. Plus, Ian and David comment on the April 8 total solar eclipse, Redbird's state of the training industry, pixels versus paper in the flight deck, and more. Become a member of the world's largest aviation community at  www.aopa.org/join. Listen on a podcast app or AOPA Online.

Cessna 182 pilot and "Flying Boat" filmmaker Dirk Braun shares details about a Grumman Albatross's transformation from a Tucson, Arizona, boneyard to a flying showpiece. Plus, commentary on the next AOPA Sweeps aircraft, Colorado lead studies, the hydrogen-powered Climate Impulse, runway safety, and the latest GAMA delivery numbers. Become a member of the world's largest aviation community at  www.aopa.org/join . Listen on a podcast app or AOPA Online.

NORAD Command officer and GA aircraft owner Lt. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus explains intercept procedures in effect during the Super Bowl and other temporary flight restrictions; plus commentary on parking fees, Amelia Earhart, new Garmin radios, the DeltaHawk diesel engine, and the Piper M700 turboprop. Become a member of the world's largest aviation community at  www.aopa.org/join . Listen on a podcast app or AOPA Online.

Sarah Deener shares a pilot report on the Pipistrel Velis Electro while Ian and David break down the latest in unleaded fuel, Hartzell raises prices, AOPA takes a stand with MOSAIC and BVLOS ops, and the $200K single-seat Helix eVTOL takes flight as an ultralight. Become a member of the world's largest aviation community at www.aopa.org/join. Listen on a podcast app or AOPA Online.

'Top Chef' finalist and private pilot Bryan Voltaggio talks about food, flying, and his next challenge. Plus, find out about the new Cirrus G7, Garmin 430/530 trade-in incentives, and the latest on a hot air balloon case with national airspace implications. Become a member of the world's largest aviation community at www.aopa.org/join. Listen on a podcast app or AOPA Online.

The FAA’s Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) performance-based rules; unleaded fuels including GAMI G100UL, Swift 94UL, and PAFI UL100E; and Van’s Aircraft’s bankruptcy top the general aviation news stories of 2023. Become a member of the world's largest aviation community at www.aopa.org/join. Listen on a podcast app or AOPA Online.

Pilot, actor Edward Norton and Angel Flight West's Josh Olsen on the organization's 100,000th mission in Norton's 1976 Cessna U206F, the 1999 AOPA Sweeps aircraft, which he has owned since the early 2000s. And stick around for commentary on Trevor Jacobs, the Collings Foundation, mental health advocacy, the EcoPulse, and financial challenges for Van’s Aircraft. Become a member of the world's largest aviation community at www.aopa.org/join. Listen on a podcast app or AOPA Online.

David flies with AOPA's Mark Baker in a dual fuel Baron testing GAMI G100UL unleaded aviation gas, Ian explains the Robinson helicopter SFAR, pilot Whitaker is confirmed as new FAA leader, six southwestern venues consider Nat'l Air Races, and Flight Sim Coach Mike Catalfamo tells how simulator tutoring in your own home leads to efficiency in the air.

Become a member of the world's largest aviation community at www.aopa.org/join

To learn more about Flight Sim Coach visit https://flightsimcoach.com


Published 2023-07-17

Episode 179: Ghostwriter Nate Hammond

34 min
Open

Look up in the sky during EAA AirVenture and other airshows and you'll likely see the handiwork of Ghostwriter pilot Nathan Hammond, who travels across the country in a de Havilland Super Chipmunk to skywrite and perform in day and night airshows. Plus, news commentary with the week’s headlines.

Published 2023-05-08

Episode 174: Barnstormer Andrew King

54 min
Open

Barnstormer, ferry pilot, and aviation mechanic Andrew King has logged more than 4,400 hours mostly flying low and slow pre-1950 aircraft to airshows across the US helping to celebrate the Golden Age of aviation. Plus stick around for the latest aviation news.

Ever wondered what it's like to fly on Air Force One? This episode we catch up with Howie Franklin, the manager of the Cape Fear Regional Jetport in North Carolina, and also the former chief steward of Air Force One through five presidents. Plus good news on LODA relief and a look at the aircraft and avionics markets.

Published 2022-11-21

Episode 162: Jumpers Away founder Ed Scott

52 min
Open

Jumpers Away parachute jump pilot school founder, instrument rated commercial pilot, and skydiver Ed Scott tells us what it takes to safely fly skydivers to altitude, quickly descend in the drop zone, and pick up the next load. Plus catch up on the latest general aviation news.

Published 2022-08-29

Episode 156: STOL Competitor Hal Stockman

52 min
Open

Ever wondered what it takes to fly in STOL and STOL Drag competitions? Hal Stockman shares the secrets to the techniques and airplane modifications he makes for each event to his Rans S-7S. Plus, the latest headlines from the world of general aviation.

“Top Gun: Maverick,” lead pilot and aerial coordinator Kevin LaRosa II prepared actors for the realism they bring to the big screen with an aviation curriculum designed by pilot Tom Cruise that included left-seat time in a Cessna 172 and aerobatic flights in an Extra 300. Plus, stick around for the latest aviation news.

Published 2022-02-14

Episode 142: Best CFI Ambyr Peterson

32 min
Open

Career-changer and CFI Ambyr Peterson of Minnesota was named the best flight instructor during the AOPA Flight Training Experience awards and explains why she enjoys encouraging others to fulfill their dreams. Plus, get caught up on the latest aviation news.

NFlightCam founder, engineer, and pilot Patrick Carter offers action camera mount solutions, tips, and tricks; plus get caught up on the latest aviation news. Please take a short survey to tell us how we’re doing and what you’d like to hear on the show. Go to: https://aopa.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cZSqTKSpaOTVjdI?Referral=HT
Published 2020-12-14

Flight Time: Jamie Patterson-Simes

33 min
Open

Running a flight school is hard work. Doing it in Alaska is even harder. Doing it as a woman in Alaska? That’s practically unheard of. But Jamie Patterson-Simes isn’t just running a school in Alaska, she’s crushing it. Patterson-Simes is the owner of SkyTrek Alaska, AOPA’s Best Flight School of 2017. AOPA Hangar Talk co-host David Tulis sat down with Patterson-Simes to discuss what it’s like to run a school, working at Wal-Mart to support herself when she first started instructing, and the challenges of being a woman running a business in a man’s world. This conversation is part of the Flight Time series from Hangar Talk, where we revisit some of the most popular interviews for the Flight Training audience.

Published 2020-11-02

Flight Time: John Zimmerman

37 min
Open
Sporty's Pilot Shop's John Zimmerman is at the forefront of aviation technology and products, and he has his pulse on the market. Hangar Talk sat down with Zimmerman to talk about Sporty’s, the best products on the horizon, and what Zimmerman wishes we had in our cockpits that isn’t yet available.      This conversation is part of the Flight Time series from Hangar Talk, where we revisit some of the most popular interviews for the Flight Training audience.
Published 2020-10-05

Flight Time: Max Trescott

33 min
Open
Max Trescott is a highly accomplished flight instructor and author. As a previous FAA Flight Instructor of the Year, Trescott has shaped countless pilots through his work as a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot in the SR20, SR22, and SF50 Vision Jet. Trescott is also the host of the Aviation News Talk podcast. This conversation is part of the Flight Time series from Hangar Talk, where we revisit some of the most popular interviews for the Flight Training audience.
Published 2020-09-07

Flight Time: Zoan Harclerode

31 min
Open
What makes a great instructor? We ask the winner of AOPA's Best Flight Instructor of the Year, Zoan Harclerode. As a longtime flight instructor at a military flying club Harclerode discusses her love of night flying and the joys of instructing. This is one of a series of shows in the Flight Time series brought to you by Flight Training magazine.
Published 2020-08-10

Flight Time: Jason Miller

20 min
Open
Flight Instructor Jason Miller is a busy guy. Between his normal flight instructing work, Miller also teaches remotely through his company, The Finer Points of Flying. There's a website, instructional material, a podcast, and more. In this episode of Flight Time he sits down with AOPA Technical Editor Jill Tallman to discuss a mountain flying adventure. This is one of a series of shows in the Flight Time series brought to you by Flight Training magazine.
Published 2020-07-06

Flight Time: John and Martha King

27 min
Open
In this episode we revisit a chat with flight training legends John and Martha King about their beginnings, how they fly safely together, and Martha's status as an aviation pioneer. This is a show in the Flight Time series, brought to you by Flight Training magazine, where we revisit popular Hangar Talk interviews.
Published 2020-06-01

Flight Time: Rod Machado

51 min
Open
Do you need to laugh while you learn? Instructor and funny man Rod Machado is your guy. Machado is a successful instructor who has made a career of making difficult concept easy to understand through humor. This is a show in the Flight Time series, brought to you by Flight Training magazine, where we revisit popular Hangar Talk interviews.
Published 2020-05-04

Flight Time: Jeremy King

30 min
Open
Mechanic, air show announcer, and now airline pilot. Jeremy King didn't always want to be a professional pilot, but thanks to some well-timed introductions, the flying bug caught hold and King is now a successful pilot for a major airline. This is a show in the Flight Time series, brought to you by Flight Training magazine, where we revisit popular Hangar Talk interviews.
Published 2020-04-06

Flight Time: Pete Bedell

56 min
Open
It's safe to say Pete Bedell didn't take a traditional route to the airlines. An active GA pilot, Bedell was also an editor with AOPA when he decided to follow a dream and make the jump to the big leagues. This is first show in the Flight Time series, brought to you by Flight Training magazine, where we revisit popular Hangar Talk interviews.
Published 2019-11-20

Episode 83: Best CFI Chris Kreske

50 min
Open

Find out why Greensboro, North Carolina, flight instructor and retired military pilot Chris Kreske was recently recognized as the best flight instructor by his students and and learn how he transitions military pilots into well-rounded civilian pilots.

Published 2019-06-03

Episode 71: WWII D-Day pilot Dave Hamilton

63 min
Open
As the world celebrates the 75th anniversary of D-Day, World War II Pathfinder pilot and retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Dave Hamilton describes his experience dropping paratroopers behind enemy lines from a Douglas C-47 over Normandy, France. Plus, stick around for the week's aviation headlines.
Published 2019-02-25

Episode 64: Savannah Raskey

55 min
Open

They say aviation is only full of old guys. But a new crop of young pilots is using video to spread a message of fun and excitement. This week we meet Savannah Raskey, a Utah Air National Guard member and a pilot with career aspirations. Plus stick around for the headlines.

Published 2019-02-12

Episode 63: Aviation legend Clay Lacy

55 min
Open
Air race champion, entrepreneur, cinematographer, test pilot, aviation mentor, and R.A. 'Bob' Hoover Trophy winner Clay Lacy, who has flown more than 300 aircraft types and logged more than 50,000 flight hours, talks about his aviation career and the importance of inspiring others. Plus, get caught up on the latest aviation news.
Published 2018-09-26

Episode 54: You Can Fly's Pat Brown

47 min
Open

He's a guy who's been there and done that in aviation. Hear about Pat Brown's exciting career doing everything from writing for Rod Machado to towing gliders. Pat is currently AOPA's regional ambassador to Texas as part of the You Can Fly program. Plus, stick around for the week's headlines.

Published 2018-05-03

Episode 45: Boeing's William Ampofo

43 min
Open

Airline hiring is on a big boom, and will only get stronger in the coming years. This week, Boeing's William Ampofo talks about Boeing's pilot forecast and what it's going to take to fill all those cockpits in the coming years. Plus stick around for the week's headlines.

Published 2018-04-18

Episode 44: Ramona SkyChick Cox

66 min
Open

Ramona "SkyChick" Cox is an aviation adventurer who has taken her Cessna 206 to scores of remote airfields. She shares practical and safety tips you can use for a successful off-airport journey, plus catch up on the latest aviation news in this week's Hangar Talk podcast.

Published 2018-04-05

Episode 43: Crista V. Worthy

42 min
Open

You love to fly, which probably means you also need to travel. Join us this week for tips on great places to fly as we chat with Crista V. Worthy. Crista has been traveling around North America by GA for years, and she shares her favorite spots. Plus stick around for the headlines.

Published 2018-02-07

Episode 39: Adventure Above's Kyle Fosso

54 min
Open

Pilot and aviation mechanic Kyle Fosso, with flying partner Samantha Sky Hagan, will soon embark on a 50-state journey across the U.S. in a 1954 Cessna 170B that Fosso restored. Along the way the couple hopes to inspire kids to dream big and imagine what aviation can do for their futures. Plus stick around for the week's headlines.

Published 2018-01-24

Episode 38: Piper CEO Simon Caldecott

46 min
Open

Piper is synonymous with general aviation. The Cub is one of the world's most recognizable aircraft that helped to train a generation of pilots. This week we talk to Piper CEO to Simon Caldecott about what's new at the company, what the future holds, and if we'll ever see another Cub come from Vero Beach.

Outgoing FAA Administrator Michael Huerta guided the agency through the safest period in commercial aviation history, pushed air traffic modernization, saw the explosion of drones, and supported medical certification and aircraft certification reform. This week AOPA President Mark Baker sits down with Huerta to hear about his time at the FAA and what he learned about general aviation during his time at the FAA. Plus stick around for the week's headlines. 

Published 2017-12-15

Episode 36: John Zimmerman

57 min
Open

No one in aviation knows gadgets better than Sporty's Pilot Shop's John Zimmerman. John is an active pilot and tests all of Sporty's new products. Hear his favorites, gift recommendations, and even a few busts the company has had over the years. Plus stick around for the week's headlines.

Published 2017-11-29

Episode 35: Miss Vermont Erin Connor

52 min
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Join us this week as we talk to 2017 Miss Vermont Erin Connor and her push to see more women in science, technology, engineering, and math fields. Connor flew herself to the Miss America pageant earlier this year, and used aviation as a platform to talk about increasing the number of women in technology careers. Plus stick around for the week's headlines.

Published 2017-11-15

Episode 34: Jamie Patterson-Simes

63 min
Open

This week we talk to Jamie Patterson-Simes, owner of SkyTrek Alaska Flight Training, AOPA's flight school of the year. Hear about her incredible journey and dedication to bringing up the next generation of aviators. Plus stick around for the headlines.

Published 2017-11-02

Episode 33: Zoan Harclerode

53 min
Open

The clocks are changing and the days are getting shorter. It's time to think about brushing up on your night flying skills. This week we chat with AOPA's Best Flight Instructor of 2017, Zoan Harcelrode, about her best night flying tips. Plus stick around for the week's headlines.

Pilots are supposed to avoid thunderstorms by 20 miles or more, right? For some brave pilots, not only do they not avoid thunderstorms, they seek them out. This week we talk to NOAA Hurricane Hunter pilot Kevin Doremus about the year's busy season, and what it takes to fly into the eye of the storm. 

Published 2017-10-06

Episode 31: Astronaut Scott Parazynski

47 min
Open

Medical doctor, licensed pilot, astronaut, and mountain climber. Dr. Scott Parazynski has led a life of adventure far beyond what most of us could dream of. This week we catch up with Parazynski to learn about what it's like to be in space, serve as Senator John Glenn's physician, and what he's working on today. Plus stick around for the headlines.

Published 2017-09-25

Episode 30: Reno champ Jay Consalvi

42 min
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This week we chat with Reno unlimited winner Jay Consalvi about his incredible race. Consalvi flew "Strega," just beating out rival "Voodoo." Hear what it's like to go 500 miles per hour just 50 feet from the ground. Plus stick around for the headlines.

Published 2017-08-11

Episode 27: Paul "Rocket" Hornick

54 min
Open

What's it like to fly close formation upside down, mere feet above the ground? This week David talks to Paul "Rocket" Hornick of the Phillips 66 Aerostars team. The team flies four Yak 52TWs in a dynamic routine that excites audiences everywhere they go. Plus stick around for the week's headlines.

Published 2017-07-27

Episode 26: Oshkosh special

48 min
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It's Oshkosh week! Hundreds of thousands of pilots have descended on Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for EAA Airventure this week to celebrate everything that takes to the skies. We cover the best of the show, plus talk to a few show-goers on what makes Oshkosh special to them.
Published 2017-07-13

Episode 25: Privatization

41 min
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Now is the time to fight for the future of general aviation. This episode we dig into the battle over air traffic control with Jim Coon, AOPA's senior vice president of government affairs. Learn what's at stake and what you can do to help. Plus tune in for the week's top headlines.

Published 2017-06-29

Episode 24: Jim Payne

50 min
Open

This week we soar to the edge of space with Jim Payne from the Perlan glider project. Payne is trying to break the altitude record for soaring, currently at more than 50,000 feet. Also tune in for the week's top headlines.

Published 2017-06-16

Episode 23: Rod Machado

75 min
Open

You've read his columns in AOPA magazines for years, and maybe you've seen his talks. On this week's show hear flight instructor and funnyman Rod Machado talk about both his love for aviation and his frustration for its future. Plus tune in for the week's headlines.

Published 2017-06-02

Episode 22: Gary Crump

62 min
Open

BasicMed is here! This week we talk with AOPA's medical certification expert Gary Crump about BasicMed. What is it? What does it mean for aviation? And most importantly, what does it mean for you? Plus tune in for the week's top headlines.

Published 2017-05-19

Episode 21: Adam Kisielewski

71 min
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Learning to fly is difficult. Learning to fly when you're missing an arm and a leg--that's in another league. This week David sits down with Adam Kiselewski, a Marine who lost two limbs in Iraq. Kiselewski hasn't let that slow him down. He's learned to fly, rides a motorcycle, and volunteers for many veteran's organizations. Plus the week's top headlines.

Published 2017-05-05

Episode 20: Pete Bedell

95 min
Open

Have you ever thought about being an airline pilot? Or just wondered what the flying was like? This week we chat with Pete Bedell, a pilot for a major carrier. Bedell is a freelance contributor to AOPA Pilot and Flight Training magazines, and comes from a flying family. Also this week, BasicMed rolls out and we cover the top headlines.

Published 2017-04-24

Episode 19: Balloon adventures

54 min
Open

Do you look up and admire those majestic hot air balloons as they calmly float by? Do the balloons with odd shapes make you wonder how flight is even possible? This episode David talks to Colin Graham, a world renowned hot air balloon pilot who flies shaped balloons everywhere from Albuquerque to Thailand. Plus tune in the headlines of the past two weeks.

Published 2017-04-06

Episode 18: Max Trescott

59 min
Open

What's the difference between an LP and an LPV approach? What's new about the Cirrus G6? And is technology really making lazy pilots? We discuss these questions and more this week with 2008 Flight Instructor of the Year and author Max Trescott. Trescott is an expert in glass cockpit technology, and teaches regularly in various Cirrus models. Hear his perspective on pilot skills and the latest news in this week's episode.

Published 2017-03-24

Episode 17: Exploring the Outer Banks

60 min
Open

North Carolina's airport system is expansive, and some of the best sit on the string of barrier islands known as the Outer Banks. The popular vacation destination is a struggle to reach by car, but a joy to visit by airplane. This week we talk to Thomas Freeman and James Capps of the North Carolina's Division of Aviation about the history and attraction of these unique fields. Plus the week's top news. 

Published 2017-03-13

Episode 16: Flying to Cuba

82 min
Open

Cuba is physically close but culturally a world away. Off limits for decades, today visiting is relatively easy and well worth the trip. Plus, now you can fly yourself there! This week we talk to Cuba Handling's Eric Norber about how to get there, what to do when you're on the island, and why going to Cuba is such a unique experience. Plus tune in for the headlines of the week.

Published 2017-02-23

Episode 15: Seaplane adventure

37 min
Open

Every pilot dreams of getting a seaplane rating. For many who do, it's a great weekend experience and nothing else. For a lucky few, it translates to a life of incredible adventures. This week we talk to Brian Schanche of Adventure Seaplanes about his guided seaplane trips. Editor at Large Dave Hirschman flew along with Brian on a trip to see polar bears in Churchill, Canada. Plus tune in to hear the week's top headlines.

Published 2017-02-10

Episode 14: Jason Miller

47 min
Open

To visit great ski destinations. To see incredible vistas. To travel across the country. Whatever the purpose, flying in the mountains is fun and challenging. This week we talk to The Finer Points podcast's Jason Miller about his weekend mountain flying course. Miller organizes semi-annual fly-outs from his base in the San Francisco Bay area, and last summer Technical Editor Jill Tallman joined him on a fun and educational trip into the Sierra Nevada. Plus tune in for the week's headlines.

Published 2017-01-27

Episode 13: Farming with drones

48 min
Open

Drones are by far the largest growth area in aviation. For many manned pilots, the small remotely piloted aircraft remain an oddity, if not a threat. This week we meet the owner of an aerial application business. He has turned to drones to help a farmer who sees the technology as leading to better, more efficient agricultural practices. Plus tune in for the top headlines of the week.

Published 2017-01-13

Episode 12: Adrian Eichhorn

70 min
Open

Every pilot dreams of flying around the world, but few have succeeded. Even in this age of fast, long-range turboprops, the complexity and cost of such a trip is daunting. When flying something like a Beechcraft Bonanza, safety is also a showstopper for many. Unless you're Adrian Eichhorn. This week AOPA Editor in Chief Tom Haines talks to FAA AMT of the Year Eichhorn about his flight around the world. Eichhorn spent years preparing for the trip. Hear about his adventures, and the week's headlines in the latest episode.

Published 2016-12-19

Episode 11: James Clark

59 min
Open

University presidents appear to lead lives trapped in offices dealing with the numerous challenges of dealing with students, faculty, parents, and state regulators. So when we heard James Clark, the president of South Carolina State University participated in the flyover of one of his school's football games in an RV, we had to learn more. Hear Clark talk discuss his passion for aviation and the week's headlines in the latest episode.

Published 2016-12-01

Episode 10: You Can Fly

63 min
Open

The declining number of pilots is private aviation's biggest threat. With a smaller community comes fewer airports, fewer airplanes, and higher prices. Not to mention less influence in Washington. AOPA's You Can Fly program is aiming to tackle this difficult problem. Hear AOPA's Katie Pribyl explain what she and her team are doing to reverse the decline in the pilot population. Plus this week David and Ian debate the merits of a new type of traffic pattern.

Published 2016-11-17

Episode 9: John and Martha King

50 min
Open

John and Martha King are aviation legends. The husband and wife duo has produced thousands of products through King Schools, and the pair continue to delight audiences with a playful back and forth that anyone who's married can appreciate. But not only do the Kings live and work together, they fly together as well. Tune in to this week's show to hear who is the better pilot and how they keep things fun and safe in the cockpit.

Published 2016-11-03

Episode 8: Steve Taylor

51 min
Open

If flying one Boeing jet is a joy, flying all of them must be the thrill of a lifetime. For one lucky Boeing employee, it's just another day on the job. Steve Taylor is Boeing's chief pilot, and is rated in every commercial aircraft the company makes. When he's not making a delivery flight or flying a program on the latest and greatest, he's enjoying Seattle from a GA aircraft. Hear what it's like to fly all the big iron, and catch up on the latest headlines in this week's episode.

Published 2016-10-20

Episode 7: Flying bucket list

62 min
Open

Have you ever wanted to fly with a Red Bull Air Racer? Or learn to fly a jet? Redbird's Brittney Miculka got to do all this and more as part of the company's recent project "Winging It." The video series took Miculka around the country getting to do things most pilots only dream about. David Tulis caught up with Brittney at EAA Airventure earlier this year.

Published 2016-10-05

Episode 6: Hope has wings

68 min
Open

Few places evoke the romance of flying more than Africa. The vast open spaces and the feeling of being truly on your own make for a flying environment unlike any other. Much of Africa's non-airline flying is relief missions. AOPA's Julie Walker and Chris Rose recently traveled to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to learn more about Air Serv, a group that flies doctors and food to warring areas of the continent.

Published 2016-09-21

Episode 5: $1,000 Cherokee

63 min
Open

Think flying is expensive? It doesn't have to be. Joseph Atkins found the deal of the century, put in some hard work with a friend, and came out with an airworthy airplane for less than the cost of a bag of nice golf clubs. It's proof that if you're resourceful enough, flying can be a reasonably cost-effective hobby. Senior Editor Jill Tallman talks to Atkins in this episode, and we cover the week's headlines.

Published 2016-09-09

Episode 4: Melissa Rudinger

64 min
Open

The entire country mourned. Thousands of lives were lost. 9/11 was a major turning point in the history of the United States, a day of innocence lost. Scattered among the painful stories are thousands of tales of people who banded together to pick up the pieces. Among them, AOPA's Melissa Rudinger, who pushed for weeks to reopen the nation's airspace to general aviation and all its important contributions. Melissa describes what it was like inside the FAA at the time, and the many battles to keep our freedom to fly.

Published 2016-08-24

Episode 2: Michael Goulian

31 min
Open

As if flying inverted at 100 feet above the runway on the airshow circuit weren't enough, pilot Michael Goulian also spends his days flying under bridges and within racetracks as part of the Red Bull Air Race series. Goulian is one of the nicest guys in the airshow business, and he sat down to earlier this year to charm our own Julie Walker.

Published 2016-07-22

Episode 1: Burning Man

39 min
Open

You've heard of Burning Man, the counterculture festival held each year in the Nevada desert. Now experience it from another side, a temporary airport that handles hundreds of flights during the show. AOPA Editor at Large Dave Hirschman and Photographer Chris Rose share their experiences.