There is nothing like the first time and this week we both reflect on and celebrate the FIRST SOLO.  Probably a day that aviators remember more than most, join us as we reflect on Wally's first solo exactly 39 years later today - December 7, 1981.  Bobby's first solo came in July 2015 and we both reminisce on those days.  We also interview a student who just solo'ed and get to relive that moment all over again,  Finally, we share a number of tips and tricks to make your solo go great!  Check out Bobby's first solo video below!  Enjoy!

Bobby's First Solo Video

Happy Holidays!!  This week Behind the Prop shares their top 10 or so gift ideas for the pilot in your life (whether that is you or someone you shared this podcast with).   We cover a lot of products and gift ideas this week to help you decide on big gifts, little gifts, and maybe a few things to avoid this year as well.  Hopefully, everyone has a wonderful holiday season and we also hope you were not on the naughty list.  Oh yeah, maybe you will get an ADS-B in receiver this year so you can avoid Santa too!  

We have been asked a number of times to put together a show on how to best tackle the economics of flight training.  There are MANY opinions here and hopefully, we share a number of ideas that will help everyone get the proper amount of training while also saving some money!  In a part of this show, we tackle the question about whether you should "knock out your written" before you start training.  Too often we both hear from people that have been told to knock it out, listen in, and hear what we think about that piece of advice.  

Devin Miller has been flying for the past three years and has come a long way.  He literally walked in one Sunday afternoon and wanted to fly.  We took him up and he has been a great friend, partner, and aviator ever since.  Devin and Bobby have literally flown thousands of miles together and share a passion for aviation.  On the show today Devin, Bobby, and Wally challenge listeners on their aviation proficiency.  As the holidays approach, we discuss the woes of flying without proficiency and talk about how we all stay proficient.  Wally calls out a great book that I have read since we recorded the show, please check it out: The Killing Zone, by Paul Craig.  

This week Bobby and Wally discuss a system for the first time and believe it will be the first of many.  Each time we fly we do a magneto check and as Wally says, he hopes we change the name to an ignition check.  There are a lot more things we are checking besides the magneto and hopefully you learn a few things this week.  Let us know what you think and please share the show with a friend.  Thanks!

In the mid-80s it was a decision my parents and the wrestle with, paper vs plastic as they checked out at the grocery store.  Now as pilots many of us have quickly moved from the paper choice to an electronic one.  Bobby and Wally discuss what is legal and some best practice as you too may wrestle with the decision between paper vs. plastic.  No matter what you choose to use, make sure you understand them and know exactly how to use them.  Until next week, fly safe and stay behind the prop!

Pat Brown has a long history in aviation and not only serves the "Texas Triangle" as the AOPA You Can Fly Ambassador, and he is also a Designated Pilot Examiner.  Pat and Wally have a long past and didn't even know they were both pilots when they first started working together.  We cover that and many more topics on this week's show including their general aviation pet peeves!   Fly safe and stay behind the prop!

This week Bobby tells his near-miss story.  While these are more common than they should be some are closer than others!   We won't give it away here, but Bobby comes VERY CLOSE to the big one and shares what he thinks saved him and his passenger from the "BIG ONE".  This near-miss story could happen to each of us and both Bobby and Wally hope the show helps everyone be a little safe.  Fly safe everyone!

Checklist usage sounds simple.  #1 - Use one.  #2 - Follow it.  It continues to be one thing that pilots don't do frequently enough and causes problems, both big and small.  Wally shares some things that he sees on check rides (even applicants reading them upside down), and Bobby shares a lot of what he sees around the flight school.  Please share this episode with other pilots and fly safe!

Bobby started his training to become a pilot in May of 2015.  He really only thought he would get his private pilot's license and fly for fun.  Like most pilots though, he quickly realized to be a better pilot, and to fly further he would need his instrument rating.  On August 24, 2017, Bobby showed up at his flight school - United Flight Systems - www.unitedflight.com to meet his DPE, Wally Mulhearn.  Today's show is a reflection of that day, and just a few tips and tricks to make your instrument check ride go smoothly.