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

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

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

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

Scheduling a checkride in 2024 might mean waiting three months. What’s going on, and how can applicants prepare for the big day? Longtime examiner Jason Blair shares a host of helpful tips is this episode, including: why DPEs are overwhelmed, what critical skill pilots need to demonstrate, what CFIs can do to support their client, and what technology can be used on the checkride. Jason also spends a lot of time flying cabin class piston twins, so he offers advice for new owners and explains why middle altitude weather can be a challenge. In the Ready to Copy segment, Jason talks about flight training stats, defensive flying tips, and whether you have to be in a cloud to log actual IFR.



- Jason’s blog: https://jasonblair.net/

- Article on the flight training boom: https://airfactsjournal.com/2024/04/what-a-difference-a-decade-makes-the-ga-boom-in-statistics/

- Sporty’s Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html

A new generation of kids is entering the aviation industry right now, and that’s exciting for Amy Laboda. The longtime flight instructor and writer explains why today’s student pilots are different, how writing can make you a better pilot, and what new flight instructors need to succeed. Amy also shares the lessons learned from ditching a Cessna 210 off Key West, including the critical skill to practice and what survival gear matters. In the Ready to Copy segment, Amy describes a good passenger briefing, picks her favorite Van’s airplane, and shares what it’s like to live on an airpark.

Kevin Garrison grew up riding his bike to the local airport, then built time flying freight before enjoying a 30-year career as an airline pilot. In this honest (and hilarious) episode, he shares what he experienced along the way, including: what you learn when you scare yourself in an airplane, how to be a good airline captain, and why habit patterns matter. He also urges pilots to have fun when they fly and explains why many pilots talk too much on the radio. In the Ready to Copy segment, Kevin busts an airline pilot myth, shares his favorite Boeing model, and describes how to be a good airport bum.

SHOW LINKS:


Kevin's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kevin-Garrison/author/B001KI6FCS
Kevin's articles at Avweb: https://www.avweb.com/author/kevin-garrison/
Sporty's Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html