The PIREP

Jon Kulikowski

Conversations with pilots. thepirep.substack.com

  1. May 20

    Aerospace Engineer to Airman: Michael Lapp - Ep. 26

    Michael Lapp retired from Boeing as an aerospace engineer to pursue his dream of flying. He holds ATP MEL, commercial SEL, and private SES privileges. He has flown Part 135 in Bethel, Part 121 for Horizon, and Part 91 as a Cirrus test pilot. We discuss his experience in Alaska, his career change, and the FAA's failure to allow innovation in general aviation.

    1h 21m

  2. May 13

    The Dirty Fly Pilot: Ellen Falterman - Ep. 25

    Ellen Falterman is a commercial airplane MEL and SEL pilot as well as a CFI. She recently retired from being a “Dirty Fly Pilot” to pursue a career in the US. We discuss the ins and outs of flying the new world screw worm fly in Central America, her life as an instructor, and her passion for long-distance rowing. For more information on the Sterile Insect Technique, check out this video by the wonderful creator Kurzgesagt.

    1h 8m

  3. Apr 22

    The Other Side of the Radio: Larry "Anytime" Muñoz - Ep. 24

    Famous among seasoned Alaska pilots for his friendliness and approachability, Larry is a air traffic controller for Anchorage Center (ZAN). We discuss the hiring process for controllers, personalities that excel in ATC, and the darker sides of a career in air traffic control.

    1h 13m

  4. Mar 25

    The Navajo Guy: Theo Chesley - Ep. 23

    Theo Chesley holds an ATP MEL and commercial SEL with a tailwheel endorsement. He owns Precision Air and is the go-to guy for questions about flying Piper Navajos and is one of the most experienced pilots flying the Aleut Peninsula.

    1h 39m

  5. Mar 11

    An Uncommon Path: David Crain - Ep. 22

    David Crain is an ATP MEL pilot, as well as a Commercial MES, SEL, & SES. He also holds CFI, CFII, and MEI instructor ratings. We discuss his unique path into Part 135 flying in Alaska and the lessons he’s learned from over 5000 hours flying the bush.

    1h 59m

  6. Mar 4

    From CFI to King Air Captain: Evan Rothenbuhler - EP. 21

    Evan Rothenbuhler is a Commercial Airplane SEL and MEL pilot. In this episode we discuss life as an instructor, Evan’s rise from instructor to single-pilot King Air captain, and the challenges of flying big planes onto short, gravel airstrips.

    1h 22m

  7. 10/09/2025

    Luck, Reputation, & Skill: Kevin Hawkins - Ep. 20

    Kevin Hawkins is an ATP MEL pilot with commercial SEL, and private SES and rotorcraft privileges. We discuss his journey from jets, to bush planes, and back to jets and the valuable lessons he learned along the way.

    1h 12m

  8. 04/10/2025

    Ned Fowler - Ep. 019

    Ned Fowler is a commercial airplane SEL, SES, and MEL and tailwheel pilot who lives in Port Alsworth. We discuss his experience learning to fly in an Alaskan village, working his way up through the most diverse Part 135 fleet in the US, the vastly different challenges of flying single-engine floats and multi-engine turbines, and more!

    1h 5m
See All (31)

About

Conversations with pilots. thepirep.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Jon Kulikowski
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jon Kulikowski
  • Show Website
    The PIREP

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