Plane + Pilot

Cayla McLeod, Plane & Pilot

Welcome to your new weekly podcast from Plane + Pilot. Join host and Editor in Chief, Cayla McLeod as she shares relatable, engaging, and "fresh off the press" general aviation conversations from her work week and beyond.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Get to know the Aviat A-1C Husky with VP Matt Hofeldt

    In the latest episode of the Plane + Pilot podcast, Cayla sits down with Aviat Aircraft Vice President of Brand, Matt Hofeldt, for a candid conversation recorded during Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo. Together, they discuss all things Aviat, the iconic Husky, and how backcountry flying can open the door to a more adventurous aviation lifestyle.To learn more about Aviat Aircraft and the A-1C Husky, visit aviataircraft.com

    24 min

  2. 4 MAY

    Surviving the Backcountry: Aviation Medicine, Helmets, & The 6 C's with Dr. Jon Miller

    Welcome back to the Plane & Pilot Podcast! In this episode, Cayla sits down with Dr. Jon Miller, an Idaho-based backcountry pilot and emergency medicine physician, to bridge the critical gap between general aviation and survival medicine. Dr. Miller shares his unique journey from ski bum and raft guide to ER doctor and flight doc for the Air National Guard's 190th Fighter Squadron. Recognizing a severe lack of survival training in general aviation, he and his colleagues founded Adventure Medicine Experts, a non-profit dedicated to teaching life-saving skills specifically tailored for backcountry pilots. We dive deep into the sobering statistics of off-airport accidents and discuss the practical, everyday steps you can take to become your own first responder when things go wrong in the wild. In this episode, we cover: The Root Ranch Clinic: An inside look at the immersive backcountry survival course hosted in the remote Idaho wilderness. The 6 C's of Survival: The essential components every pilot must understand: Compression (stopping life-threatening bleeding), Communications, Combustion, Cold (hypothermia prevention), Cutting tools, and Comfort (maintaining a positive mental attitude). Wearable Survival Gear: Why your emergency kit is completely useless if it's thrown in the back of the airplane during a crash. The Helmet Debate: A candid, data-driven discussion on why wearing a helmet might be the single most important decision you make before flying into the backcountry.

    41 min

  3. 23 MAR

    From DC-3s to "American Sky": Meet Aaron Tippin

    In this episode of the Plane + Pilot podcast, host Cayla McLeod sits down with country music star and lifelong aviator Aaron Tippin. While many fans know him for his chart-topping hits, aviation has always been at the core of his story. From his early days as a commercial pilot and flight instructor to his rise in Nashville, Aaron shares how flying shaped his journey—and continues to inspire his music today.

    39 min

  4. 19 MAR

    Navigating the Future of Aviation Media with Firecrown's Ryan Ewing

    In this special episode of the Plane + Pilot podcast, host Cayla McLeod sits down with her boss, Ryan Ewing, who leads the entire aviation division at Firecrown. Ryan shares his lifelong passion for the industry and pulls back the curtain on what it takes to run a large group of legacy aviation publications.

    32 min

  5. 12 MAR

    Meet American Legend Aircraft’s Test Pilot, Danny Goggans

    Welcome back to the Plane + Pilot podcast. This week we’re sitting down with Danny Goggans, the official flight instructor and test pilot for American Legend Aircraft out of Sulphur Springs, Texas. Danny walks us through his 46-year aviation journey—from building and flying model airplanes as a kid to buying a Cessna 150 before he’d even soloed.In this episode, Danny shares the uniquely hands-on experience customers get when building their own Legend Cub—from assembling wings to selecting tires and a tailwheel. Danny also breaks down the Legend lineup, including the Legend AL3, Legend AL11, and Legend AL18, and shines a light on why the Rotax equipped Legend Nomad has become his absolute favorite airplane. For more information on the Legend Nomad, make sure to check out the March issue of Plane + Pilot. https://legend.aero

    30 min

  6. 4 MAR

    Sweat Equity, Mentorship, and the Tango 31 Aero Club with Savannah Hunter

    Join host Cayla McLeod as she sits down with Savanna Hunter—commercial pilot, flight instructor, and Director of Operations for the Tango 31 Aero Clube in McKinney, Texas.In this episode, Savanna shares her unconventional path into aviation and how she earned her private pilot certificate through Tango 31, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit where high school students earn “sweat equity” by restoring and maintaining donated airplanes—giving them the chance to fly for little more than the price of gas.Savanna talks about the importance of mentorship and giving back to the next generation while honoring the legacies of aviation mentors like Kevin Lacey and Ron Alexander. She also shares her vision for giving back to aviation through the lessons she had to learn the hard way.From navigating student loans to the realities of flight school burnout, Savannah also offers insight into one of her side hustles—auditing and digitizing pilot logbooks—and the common mistakes she sees during the process.From breaking into the “good ol’ boys club” to finding her footing in flight training, Savannah shares her honest experience as a first-generation aviator.To learn more about the Tango 31 Aero Clube or support their mission, visit:t31aeroclub.comhttps://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/31-hours-for-tango-thirty-one

    45 min

  7. 25 FEB

    From Orchard to Airpark: Inside Pecan Plantation with Mike Murphy

    In this episode of the Plane and Pilot podcast, host Cayla McLeod flies into one of the country’s most distinctive fly-in communities: The Landings at Pecan Plantation. Joined by Sales Manager Mike Murphy, Cayla tours this expansive 4,200-acre gated airpark situated just southwest of Fort Worth in Granbury, Texas.The conversation traces the community’s evolution from a historic 1940s pecan orchard into a premier aviator's paradise. Mike and Cayla highlight the high-caliber aviation infrastructure that defines the development, specifically the 3,100-foot paved runway (66TE), 100LL self-serve fuel, and custom home sites equipped with private 40x40 hangars.The duo discusses the "hometown USA" atmosphere that sets Pecan Plantation apart. With amenities ranging from Brazos River and Lake Granbury access to four on-site restaurants and a dedicated shopping village, the airpark demonstrates how aviation integrates into a full lifestyle. The episode also features the community’s active EAA chapter and spirited local events, such as the annual polar plunge.For those interested in joining the community, Mike provides details on the final 30 taxiway lots currently available and explains the flexible building process for new residents. Listeners can learn more by visiting the Pecan Plantation team at booth 4060 during Oshkosh or by visiting their website to schedule a private VIP fly-in tour. https://pecanplantationland.com/the-landings/

    13 min

  8. 10 FEB

    Protecting and Preserving the Backcountry: Meet RAF President Bill McGlynn

    On this episode of the Plane & Pilot podcast, Cayla is joined by Bill McGlynn, President of the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF).With over 30 years in the cockpit, Bill shares his deep-rooted passion for the American backcountry and the vital mission to keep it accessible.They discuss the RAF’s history, the complexities of partnering with federal agencies like the BLM and US Forest Service, and how pilots can safely enjoy—and actively protect—our nation’s remote airstrips.

    45 min
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About

Welcome to your new weekly podcast from Plane + Pilot. Join host and Editor in Chief, Cayla McLeod as she shares relatable, engaging, and "fresh off the press" general aviation conversations from her work week and beyond.

Information

  • Creator
    Cayla McLeod, Plane & Pilot
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Copyright
    © Firecrown Media Group 2026

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