Flight Tales

Ever taxied out only to hear “the field is IFR—state your intentions”? Welcome to the world of special VFR! In this episode of Flight Tales, we’re joined by air traffic controller Nick Jeffers, who shares everything he thinks you should know about special VFR—from the rules and risks to the realities controllers face on the other side of the mic.

Listen in as Nick explains:
✅ When and how to request special VFR (and why ATC can’t offer it)
✅ One-in, one-out rules and why delays happen
✅ The hidden risks and inefficiencies of special VFR
✅ Why controllers wish pilots would “just land” when weather goes bad
✅ How ATC manages traffic and keeps pilots safe in marginal conditions

Whether you’re a student pilot or seasoned aviator, this episode is your ultimate guide to special VFR—straight from the controller who works it every day.

Meet Mitchell Walsh—a political science grad who traded campaign trails for taxiways! In this candid and humorous episode, Mitchell shares how a spontaneous discovery flight sparked his passion for aviation and launched a winding career journey from front-desk weekends to airport management at Saint Landry Parish Airport.From polishing vintage planes in hangars, hustling odd aviation jobs, to dreaming of seaplane runways in Opelousas, Mitchell talks about the highs, the struggles of earning his pilot certificates, and the colorful characters who shaped his path.Whether you’re an aspiring pilot, an aviation junkie, or just love a good story of chasing your dreams in unexpected places, this episode will leave you inspired—and laughing.Highlights include:Mitchell’s first discovery flight and roller-coaster maneuversWorking random aviation gigs (sometimes by just walking up and asking!)Managing Saint Landry Parish Airport and future plans for expansionAviation vs. sailing communitiesFamily stories—from yacht clubs to California yoga studiosHop in and hear how a phone call changed Mitchell’s life—and why sometimes, “the long way around” leads you right where you’re meant to be.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

In this lively episode of Flight Tales, we chat with Chris, a newly minted Certified Flight Instructor who recently swapped accounting textbooks for aviation manuals. Chris takes us through his early fascination with the Blue Angels, his rocky start in accounting, and the pivotal moment he chose flying as his future. Listen in for entertaining stories from his flight training adventures, checkride nerves, first solo flight experiences, and even some tips about the best FBO snacks! Whether you're a student pilot or seasoned aviator, Chris's story of passion, persistence, and finding his place in the skies will resonate and inspire.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

What starts as a birthday gift for his dad turns into a lifelong passion for Chaun Kraus. In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Chaun to trace his path from mouse-and-keyboard flight sim sessions to becoming a certified flight instructor. He opens up about nerding out over Ace Combat, soloing before getting a driver’s license, overcoming self-doubt, and flying through challenges—including a literal open door on his first solo. This story is full of laughs, real talk, and a powerful reminder of how early passions can grow into purpose.🛫 Dream big, study hard, close that airplane door—and always fly the plane.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

Before he was a DPE, Peyton Enloe was herding cattle with helicopters, dodging rotor blades with Santa, navigating Soviet airspace, and logging thousands of hours in Chinooks, Gulfstreams, and more. In this unforgettable Flight Tales episode, Peyton joins Ryan and Brennan to share his wild aviation journey—from being drafted during Vietnam to flying NetJets customers around the world.He breaks down what it's like to fly in Russia with metric altimeters, de-ice a jet with a pickup-mounted engine, fly across the Atlantic the “hard way,” and the career decisions that led him from offshore helicopters to high-altitude jets. If you’re in aviation—or just love a good story—you don’t want to miss this one.

Ryan and Brennan dive into the realities of job hunting after hitting 1500 hours — from regional airlines and 135 ops to NetJets dreams and staying put in Lafayette. They share honest thoughts on timing, applications, family life, and why the industry feels slower (but might just be normal again). If you’re wondering what the aviation world looks like after instructing, this episode’s for you.

Most pilots file IFR or fly VFR—few take advantage of the hybrid clearance known as VFR-on-top. In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with air traffic controllers and instructors to unpack how this underrated clearance works, when to request it, and why it can be a game-changer for training flights and maneuver practice.

We break down misconceptions, clarify how to file, and share stories of wild fish-spotter departures, Cajun radio calls, and laser strike madness. Whether you're a student, instructor, or just cloud-curious, this one’s packed with laughs and lessons.

In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with local air traffic controllers to hear what it’s really like behind the mic. From training new pilots and managing busy traffic flows to dealing with laser strikes and missed approaches, these controllers give us a look into their world—and offer some straight talk for pilots in training. We dive into how tower and radar work together, why some students confuse clearance delivery with storytelling time, and what happens when the system gets overloaded. There’s even a little detour into aliens, X-Files, and experimental helicopters. Buckle up—it’s an ATC episode you don’t want to miss.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

From showing up asking to wash planes… to becoming a certified flight instructor—Fernando Sequera's aviation journey is anything but ordinary.

In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Fernando to hear how he went from chemistry major to CFI, working Subway and Best Buy jobs to fund each flight lesson. He shares how he navigated student life, budget flying, getting puked on in the cockpit, and what it really takes to grind your way into aviation.

🔥 You’ll hear:

• Why he almost joined the Navy

• How love brought him to Lafayette

• What kept him flying when things got tough

• And the hilarious story of his first student who lost his lunch mid-lesson

This one’s packed with laughs, inspiration, and real talk about the aviation hustle.

✈️ Subscribe for more Flight Tales

The hosts are back in the hangar and catching up on everything from high winds to 141 school progress! This episode covers wild weather woes, multi-engine myths, and the mystery of manifold pressure. Plus, a few laughs about landing gear fails, a salute to Lindbergh, and some good ol’ cockpit comedy. Stick around for Tower Talk, Today in Aviation History, and updates from the Owens Flight Training crew—including multi-engine checkrides and red beans with air traffic control!