Country music star Aaron Tippin has been a pilot since he was 16, just like his dad, and he’s keeping that tradition alive through his two sons, both of whom soloed more than one airplane on their 16th birthday. In this episode, Aaron describes the dynamic of being a father & CFI, as well as the joys and challenges that come with getting your kids ready to solo a Stearman, T-6, and J-3 Cub all on the same day.

Episode 8: Aaron Tippin

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.

Aviation

Games & Hobbies

Leisure

On a night flight to Grand Strand Airport in Myrtle Beach, SC, pilot Greg Duckworth experiences an engine failure in his Rutan Long-EZ. With a sea of city lights below, Greg must resort to quick thinking and help from ATC to find a place to land.

Episode 71: Engine Failure at Night

AOPA Western Pacific Regional Manager Jared Yoshiki recounts the story of purchasing his first airplane - a Cherokee 180. While ferrying it from Indiana to his home airport in California, things went awry.

Episode 70: Ferry Flight

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.

Episode 69: Unexpected Fuel Consumption

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.

Episode 68: Engine Failure in the Pattern

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.

Episode 8: Aaron Tippin

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