Flight simulators boomed in 2020 and have barely slowed down since, but many pilots don’t use all the available tools for flight training. Kevin from PilotEdge has watched it all unfold over the last decade and he explains what flight sims are good for (and what they aren't). He talks about how Microsoft changed the game, whether you can log simulator time, and how virtual ATC plug-ins can make training more realistic. Kevin also created SimVenture, and he describes how pilots can prepare to fly to the world’s busiest airport by talking to real AirVenture controllers during this live online event. In the Ready to Copy segment, he tells us his favorite flight sim airplane, what upgrade he wants to see from sim developers, and whether AI will ever replace human controllers.


SHOW LINKS:

 SimVenture
 PilotEdge video intro
  Sporty’s flight sim gear


54. ATC for flight simulators and SimVenture, with Kevin from PilotEdge

Pilot's Discretion brings you authentic conversations with some of aviation's most interesting people. From honest discussions about flight training to fascinating stories from airshow pilots, this podcast is for anyone who loves to fly. Stay tuned for our rapid-fire "ready to copy" segment at the end of every episode, where we go beyond the cliches to find out what each guest really thinks. Brought to you by Sporty's Pilot Shop, training and equipping pilots worldwide since 1961. Have a comment? Email us: podcast@sportys.com

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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


79. Checkride pressure and flying piston twins, with Jason Blair

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.



 

 

  



78. Young pilots and ditching tips, with Amy Laboda

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


77. Airport kids and CRM lessons, with Kevin Garrison

Are the latest headlines about slowing airline pilot hiring just a temporary pause or the start of a downward trend? In this episode, aviation career mentors Mike Martin and Sean Richey explain what the real state of the industry is. They also talk about the right approach to flight training, how to build time, and whether airline interviews still matter. Mike and Sean have lots of experience as corporate pilots, so they share tips from the world of private jets, including the different skills required for that type of job. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear about tough checkrides, how to be a good copilot, and the best airports in America.
SHOW LINKS:

 Pro-Pilot Playbook: https://www.propilotplaybook.com
 Boeing Pilot Outlook: https://www.boeing.com/commercial/market/pilot-technician-outlook
  Pilot Training+ Membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html



76. Pilot hiring trends and corporate jets, with Mike Martin and Sean Richey

Having flown everything from aerobatic airplanes to airliners to seaplanes, Patrick Carter loves to apply the lessons from one part of aviation to another. In this episode, he takes us inside the world of Alaskan bush pilots to explain the skills they need to stay safe, how to evaluate off-airport landing sites, and how to manage changing weather. Patrick also talks about handling emergencies far from airports, as he learned first hand on a recent flight in a Super Cub. Patrick is an advocate for flying with video cameras, so he shares practical advice for mounting cameras externally and capturing audio. In the Ready to Copy segment, Patrick shares a helpful airline travel tip, his favorite aerobatic maneuver, and what he looks for on test flights after maintenance.
LINKS:

 Patrick’s article on Air Facts: https://airfactsjournal.com/2024/04/quick-land-to-quicksand/
 NFlight camera gear: https://www.nflightcam.com
  Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html


54. ATC for flight simulators and SimVenture, with Kevin from PilotEdge

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