70 episodes

There I was…, presented by the AOPA Air Safety Institute, invites you into the cockpit with pilots across the aviation community. We fly with them as they encounter unpredictable scenarios and we learn from the knowledge and skills they utilize to fly safely out of them. This podcast honors the tradition and heritage in aviation to leverage “hangar flying” as an avenue to pass along knowledge and experience.

"There I was..." An Aviation Podcast AOPA Air Safety Institute

    • Leisure
    • 4.8 • 252 Ratings

There I was…, presented by the AOPA Air Safety Institute, invites you into the cockpit with pilots across the aviation community. We fly with them as they encounter unpredictable scenarios and we learn from the knowledge and skills they utilize to fly safely out of them. This podcast honors the tradition and heritage in aviation to leverage “hangar flying” as an avenue to pass along knowledge and experience.

    Unexpected Fuel Consumption

    Unexpected Fuel Consumption

    CFI Bill Tomkovic takes a Cessna 172 flight for the purpose of breaking in a new engine. In an effort to complete the break-in faster, Bill opts to fly longer than he originally intended. Unfortunately, the airplane’s fuel consumption is higher than he expects.

    • 34 min
    Engine Failure in the Pattern

    Engine Failure in the Pattern

    Student pilot Bradley Riedle was performing touch and goes with his instructor when they experienced an engine failure in their Cherokee 140. Bradley discusses the aftermath of the event, including a hard landing that resulted in aircraft damage and a back injury, as well as some unexpected anxiety during his first flight after the accident.

    • 31 min
    Stabilator Malfunction

    Stabilator Malfunction

    Retired airline captain and designated pilot examiner John Blum tells the story of giving a multiengine checkride in a Piper Seneca, when a loud bang from the tail section of the aircraft derailed the flight.

    • 59 min
    Trouble at Mile Hi - Part 2

    Trouble at Mile Hi - Part 2

    In part 2 of this 2-part episode, we hear the continuation of a story from a backcountry pilot who was involved in an aircraft accident at Mile Hi airstrip in Idaho. The pilot explains the aftermath of the accident in dealing with the NTSB, the FAA, and his insurance company.

    • 33 min
    Trouble at Mile Hi - Part 1

    Trouble at Mile Hi - Part 1

    In part 1 of this 2-part episode, we hear from a backcountry pilot who flew his Carbon Cub into Mile Hi airstrip in Idaho, and upon touchdown realized he was not decelerating as planned.

    • 46 min
    A Tribute to Richard McSpadden

    A Tribute to Richard McSpadden

    A message to our listeners regarding the tragic loss of our host, Richard McSpadden, and an update on the future of the "There I was..." podcast.

    • 4 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
252 Ratings

252 Ratings

DEFEAT FAKE NEWS ,

Episode 51 - Deerstrike

Great episode - simple usable advice and decision process discussion around wildlife a common problem nationwide.

One question - how delicious was that deer !

cshbell ,

Highly informative and potentially life saving

I enjoyed “There I was…” before I even became a pilot, and as a student pilot, I find something in almost every episode to discuss with my CFI. Whether you’re a student or an ATP, there’s no substitute for hearing from peers who have flown into demanding situations and come out wiser on the other side. This is one of AOPA’s finest efforts!

Servohead ,

Favorite Aviation Podcast!

I’m a long time airplane geek who hasn’t yet pursued a pilots license, but this is just a fantastic platform to learn from and be exhilarated by learning experiences in aviation. These stories, while they do pertain to aviation I feel teach us a lot about life and wisdom in general, perhaps that’s why in my book it’s so fantastic. Keep up the good work!

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