Flight Tales

Ryan Owens

Ryan Owens, Owner and flight instructor at Owens Flight training interviews other pilots, co-workers, students, air traffic controllers, and talks about everything aviation in these fun and sometimes informative episodes of Flight Tales.

  1. 23 hr ago

    Aviation Attorney Discusses FAA Violations, NASA Reports & Pilot Rights

    What should you do if ATC tells you to "call this number" after landing? Do you have to call? What does a NASA ASRS report actually protect you from? Can the FAA really suspend or revoke your pilot certificate over a simple mistake?In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with veteran aviation attorney Dennis Haber to answer the legal questions every pilot should know before they ever find themselves under FAA scrutiny. Dennis shares decades of experience as both a pilot and aviation lawyer, covering everything from FAA investigations and enforcement actions to aircraft ownership, Cirrus safety, engine TBO myths, and buying your first airplane.Whether you're a student pilot, private pilot, aircraft owner, or professional aviator, this conversation could save you thousands of dollars—and potentially protect your certificate.In This Episode:Dennis Haber's journey from Navy pilot to aviation attorneyWhat to do if ATC gives you a phone number to callDo you actually have to call the FAA?Why talking too much can hurt your caseThe truth about FAA investigations and enforcementNASA ASRS reports: what they do—and don't—protectWhen certificates get suspended or revokedUnderstanding 709 rides and FAA reexaminationsClass B airspace violations and common pilot mistakesPart 91 vs. Part 135 maintenance requirementsThe truth about engine TBO recommendationsBuying an airplane without getting burnedAircraft purchase agreements and pre-buy inspectionsLLCs for aircraft ownership: are they worth it?Cirrus ownership, COPA, and the CAPS parachute systemSafe Return technology and the future of GA automationLessons learned from an actual engine failureWhy glider flying makes better pilotsCritical aeronautical decision-makingWhether you're preparing for a checkride or have thousands of hours in your logbook, this episode is packed with practical legal and operational advice every pilot should hear.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

  2. 30 Jul

    Flying Corporate Jets Internationally: Panama, Crew Resource Management & Challenger 300

    What does it take to go from teaching students in a Cessna to flying a Challenger 300 business jet across the United States and internationally? In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with Brennan Gouaux, a Challenger 300 First Officer, to discuss the realities of corporate aviation, crew resource management, international flying, and what it's really like operating a high-performance business jet. Brennan shares what surprised him most after leaving the flight instructor world, how professional flight crews communicate, why Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) matter, and the lessons every pilot should learn before transitioning into multi-crew operations. They also dive into international flying, including trips to Panama, working with international handlers, customs, language barriers, challenging airspace, and how flying outside the United States is very different from domestic operations. Transitioning from CFI to Challenger 300 pilotCorporate aviation vs airline flyingCrew Resource Management (CRM) explainedHow First Officers support captainsWhy SOPs make flying saferCaptain upgrades and Part 135 requirementsInternational business jet operationsFlying to Panama and international customsFlight planning outside the U.S.Language barriers and ATC communicationWhy handlers are essential overseasLife as a corporate jet pilotThe importance of speaking up in the cockpitLessons every pilot can apply to become saferWhether you're a student pilot, flight instructor, aspiring corporate pilot, or simply fascinated by aviation, this conversation provides an inside look at professional flight operations and the teamwork that keeps every flight safe. In this episode:

  3. 23 Jul

    Air Traffic Controller Explains FAA Transfers, Shortages & His Assumptions About Orlando Tower

    What does it take to become an air traffic controller at one of the busiest airports in the country?In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with Jake Ross, an air traffic controller who is leaving Lafayette Regional Airport for an exciting new assignment at Orlando International Airport (MCO).Jake gives an inside look at the FAA transfer process, what controller training is really like, how facilities are staffed, and the challenges of working increasingly busy airspace. The conversation also explores the nationwide controller shortage, how new technology and AI could impact air traffic control, and what pilots should know about communicating with ATC.Ryan also shares stories from flying a brand-new Cirrus SR22T and discusses the importance of preparation, weather planning, and making smart aeronautical decisions.Whether you're a student pilot, experienced aviator, or curious about becoming an air traffic controller, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of aviation's most important careers.Topics Covered:Jake Ross's transfer from Lafayette Tower to Orlando InternationalHow FAA air traffic controller transfers workATC training, certification, and Oklahoma City AcademyThe nationwide air traffic controller shortageController staffing and facility operationsAI and the future of air traffic controlPilot and controller communicationFlying a brand-new Cirrus SR22TWeather planning and preflight decision makingAdvice for becoming a safer, more knowledgeable, and more confident pilotOwens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

  4. 16 Jul

    How to Buy Your First Airplane with A&P Mechanic Vernon Knowles

    Buying an airplane is one of the biggest investments a pilot can make—but choosing the wrong one can cost you far more than the purchase price. In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with A&P/IA mechanic Vernon Knowles to break down everything pilots should know before buying an aircraft. From defining your mission and setting a realistic budget to finding the right mechanic for a pre-buy inspection, this episode is packed with practical advice that could save you thousands of dollars. Whether you're shopping for your first Cessna 172, dreaming of a Bonanza, considering a Cherokee Six, Cessna 210, TBM, King Air, or even a Pilatus PC-12, you'll learn how experienced aircraft owners and mechanics evaluate an airplane before making the purchase. In this episode: How to determine the right airplane for your mission Hidden ownership costs most buyers overlook Why a pre-buy inspection is NOT an annual inspection How to find an aircraft-specific "guru" Red flags when shopping for used airplanes Engine time vs. calendar time—which matters more? Why cheap airplanes can become expensive mistakes Negotiating after a pre-buy inspection Insurance, ferry flights, and first-time ownership Maintenance costs, corrosion, parts availability, and long-term planning If you're thinking about aircraft ownership—or simply want to become a smarter pilot—this episode is a must-watch.

  5. 9 Jul

    A DPE's Best Flying Stories After 28,000 Hours

    What was flying like before GPS, ForeFlight, glass cockpits, and even transponders? In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with legendary Louisiana pilot, former Designated Pilot Examiner Cliff Rice, whose aviation career spans more than 65 years and over 28,000 flight hours. Cliff shares incredible firsthand stories from aviation's golden era, including: Learning to fly in 1958Flying Louisiana governors for decadesOperating the original Learjet 23, King Airs, Aero Commanders, and helicoptersGiving checkrides as a DPE beginning in 1968Flying before GPS, ADS-B, DME, and modern avionicsHow pilots navigated using only paper charts, wind triangles, and dead reckoningFunny and unforgettable passenger storiesLessons learned from emergency situationsWhy today's pilots have incredible technology—but still need strong fundamentalsWhether you're a student pilot, flight instructor, airline pilot, or aviation enthusiast, this episode offers a fascinating look at how aviation has evolved and the timeless lessons that never change. If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes of Flight Tales, leave them in the comments below or message us at owensflighttrainingyt@gmail.com

  6. 18 Jun

    Practice Approaches with an Air Traffic Controller

    In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with Air Traffic Controller Nick Jeffers to talk about practice approaches and IFR training flights to weather decisions, missed approaches, traffic sequencing, and pilot communication, Nick shares valuable insights that can make every pilot safer and more effective in the air.Whether you're a student pilot, instrument student, CFI, or experienced aviator, this conversation provides a rare look at what controllers are thinking when they're working your flight.In This Episode:How to properly request multiple practice approachesWhen pilots should file IFR instead of staying VFRCommon communication mistakes student pilots makeWhat ATC needs to know before your flightWhy practice approaches sometimes get delayedWeather decision-making from the controller's perspectiveMissed approaches, alternates, and fuel planningHow controllers sequence training aircraft with airline trafficWhy ATC wants you talking to them—even when you don't have toBehind-the-scenes stories from the radar roomNick also explains how controllers balance safety, efficiency, and training operations while managing everything from Cessnas to regional jets and military aircraft.If you've ever wondered what the person on the other side of the radio is thinking, this episode is for you.Flight Tales brings pilots, instructors, examiners, controllers, and aviation professionals together to share real-world lessons from the cockpit and beyond.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

  7. 11 Jun

    DPE Reveals Checkride Mistakes Pilots Make w/ Peyton Enloe

    What is the difference between a Forward Slip to a Landing and a Power-Off 180? When should pilots go around? What are the most common mistakes Designated Pilot Examiners see during checkrides?In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with Peyton Enloe, an experienced Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), to discuss practical flying techniques, checkride expectations, and the safety habits every pilot should develop.Topics include:Forward Slip vs. Power-Off 180When a go-around is the right decisionStable approach concepts and FAA emphasis areasCommon checkride mistakes applicants makeCrosswind landing proficiency and training tipsWhy professional pilots are monitored for unstable approachesHow pilot training standards have evolved over the yearsFlying internationally, including operations in Russia and EuropeThe importance of clearing turns and collision avoidanceHabits that separate safe pilots from unsafe onesWhether you're a student pilot preparing for your first checkride, a flight instructor, or an experienced aviator looking to sharpen your skills, this episode is packed with practical knowledge from the examiner's seat.Flight Tales brings real-world aviation stories, training advice, and conversations with pilots, instructors, examiners, mechanics, and industry professionals.Like, Subscribe, and leave a comment with topics you'd like covered in future episodes.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttrainingYoutube - https://www.youtube.com/@OwensFlightTraining

  8. 5 Mar

    Flying the Challenger to Aspen, the Virgin Islands & Beyond

    From one-way departures in Aspen to island-hopping across the Virgin Islands, this episode of Flight Tales is packed with real-world corporate jet stories, mountain flying challenges, and unforgettable charter trips. We dive into what it’s really like flying a Bombardier Challenger 600 series into high terrain, including the infamous Aspen/Pitkin County Airport approach — 3,000 feet above the runway, terrain warnings blaring, and zero room for error. One-way in, one-way out. We also talk about:✈️ Flying to Saint Thomas, Tortola, Antigua, Nassau, and Saint Lucia✈️ The chaos (and comedy) of arguing airport identifiers at a beach bar✈️ Caribbean ATC without radar✈️ Mountain departures with traffic passing just below you✈️ Flying college football charters (including Michigan’s staff)✈️ Getting “thank you for your service” while wearing a pilot uniform✈️ The light-switch system that helps prevent approach clearance mistakes✈️ When flying jets becomes “just a job”… and how to keep the excitement alive If you're a student pilot, corporate pilot, or just love behind-the-scenes aviation stories, this episode gives you the real, unfiltered look at life in the right seat — and what it takes to level up to Captain.

See All (90)

About

Ryan Owens, Owner and flight instructor at Owens Flight training interviews other pilots, co-workers, students, air traffic controllers, and talks about everything aviation in these fun and sometimes informative episodes of Flight Tales.

Information

  • Creator
    Ryan Owens
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ryan Owens
  • Show Website
    Flight Tales

You Might Also Like