Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's

Sporty's Pilot Shop
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Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's Podcast

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

  1. 87. Preventing loss of control accidents, with Randy Brooks

    11 HR. AGO

    87. Preventing loss of control accidents, with Randy Brooks

    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

    42 min
  2. 86. Airline industry predictions, with Courtney Miller

    SEP 10

    86. Airline industry predictions, with Courtney Miller

    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

    44 min
  3. 85. Flying seaplanes in the Bahamas, with Paul Harding

    AUG 27

    85. Flying seaplanes in the Bahamas, with Paul Harding

    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

    34 min
  4. 84. Living the Cirrus Life, with Todd Simmons

    AUG 13

    84. Living the Cirrus Life, with Todd Simmons

    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

    48 min
  5. 83. New flight control technology and helicopters, with Matt Thurber

    JUL 30

    83. New flight control technology and helicopters, with Matt Thurber

    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

    37 min
  6. 82. Modern engine management, with Martin Pauly

    JUL 16

    82. Modern engine management, with Martin Pauly

    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

    39 min
  7. 81. Automation airmanship and Coast Guard flying, with Chris Lutat

    JUL 2

    81. Automation airmanship and Coast Guard flying, with Chris Lutat

    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

    35 min
  8. 80. ATC from both sides of the mic, with Kevin Plante

    JUN 18

    80. ATC from both sides of the mic, with Kevin Plante

    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

    33 min
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4.9
out of 5
121 Ratings

About

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

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