Flight Tales

In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Cole Ruckstuhl—pilot, instructor, and lifelong aviation enthusiast. From growing up in New Mexico to navigating the skies over Louisiana, Cole shares how early experiences with Microsoft Flight Simulator, mail-in questionnaires to real airline pilots, and unforgettable cockpit visits shaped his dream.But Cole’s story isn’t all smooth flying. After a mentor’s tragic crash, he nearly walked away from aviation for good. What brought him back? How did he turn fear into focus—and eventually become a certified flight instructor?We talk flight school struggles, the power of accelerated training, why tailwheel flying changed everything, and what it really takes to stay motivated through setbacks.Whether you're just starting out or already building hours, Cole’s story will remind you why we fall in love with flying in the first place.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 episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Brian Hayes, a fish spotter pilot who racks up over 700 hours in just six months flying low along the Gulf Coast. Brian shares the gritty details of what it’s like to fly for the commercial fishing industry—circling schools of fish, communicating with boats via secure radios, and making high-stakes calls that affect million-dollar hauls. From near-misses with weather to late-night landings and unforgettable sights on the water, this episode is packed with stories from one of aviation’s most unique careers. If you’ve never heard of fish spotting, buckle up—this one’s a ride!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 was supposed to be a routine Cirrus SR22 G7 flight turned into a 24-hour weather-fueled adventure! 🌩️✈️ Join us as we recount the unexpected detours, last-minute route changes, and the struggle to outmaneuver an uncooperative storm system.

🚀 Key Highlights:
✅ Transition training in a brand-new Cirrus G7
🌪️ Navigating surprise weather changes
🛫 Unexpected stops & overnight delays
😅 Lessons learned from real-world flying

This episode is packed with real pilot experiences, decision-making challenges, and a whole lot of "Well, that wasn’t the plan!" moments. Buckle up for a wild ride!

Ever wondered what it really takes to run an airport? In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Giles Menard, an airport operations specialist and manager, to dive into the world of airport operations, safety, and management. From daily inspections to runway maintenance and even wildlife control, airport ops is more than just flashing lights on a pickup truck!🛫 Topics Covered:✅ What goes on behind the scenes at an airport✅ How airport operations impact pilots and travelers✅ The unexpected challenges of managing an airport✅ Why aviation management is a unique career pathIf you're a pilot, aviation enthusiast, or just curious about how airports function, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!🔹 Subscribe for more aviation insights from Flight Tales!🔹 Follow Owen’s Flight Training for flight education and real-world pilot tips.✈️ Start your aviation journey today: OwensFlightTraining.comOwens 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 episode of Flight Tales, we dive deep into the world of flight training, air traffic control, IFR procedures, and aviation instruction. 🚀✈️🔹 Key Topics Covered:✔️ The evolution of instrument approaches and why some methods are fading.✔️ Flight instruction insights—from check rides to student struggles.✔️ Air Traffic Control (ATC) training—what it takes to master the skies.✔️ The importance of real-world flying scenarios for new pilots.✔️ How autopilot changes IFR training (and why you should use it!).✔️ Why database updates and GPS accuracy matter more than ever.🎧 If you're an aspiring pilot, flight instructor, or aviation enthusiast, this episode is packed with insider knowledge and practical advice.🔥 Subscribe for more aviation stories and training insights!#Aviation #FlightTraining #PilotLife #ATC #FlightTalesOwens 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 episode of Flight Tales, we’re back with another round of aviation talk! We catch up on aircraft maintenance updates, including Zero Nine Echo’s new engine and some unexpected flap issues. Plus, we celebrate Chris Sullivan’s recent instrument check ride and dive into multi-engine training—covering everything from VMC demos to handling engine failures in flight.Stick around for aviation history, a few cockpit laughs, and updates on our next ATC meetup! Whether you're a student pilot, CFI, or just love all things aviation, you won’t want to miss this one.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

Join us as we explore real-world scenarios and insights from instrument checkrides with Designated Pilot Examiner, Peyton Enlo. This episode dives into common pitfalls, from improper frequency setup to missed approach errors, and offers valuable lessons on avoiding these mistakes. Gain a deeper understanding of critical elements such as decision altitude, approach light visibility, alternate planning, and more. Whether you're an aspiring pilot or an experienced instructor, these stories and tips will help sharpen your IFR skills and awareness for safer, more confident flying.

In this laugh-filled episode of Flight Tales, Ryan and Brennan dive into the chaos of stuck brakes that weren’t, a flat nose wheel, and baby powder mysteries. They tackle tips for mastering crosswind landings, share thoughts on windy-day training, and drop a mix of aviation history and comedy. Whether you're a student pilot or a seasoned aviator, there's something for everyone!

In this episode of Flight Tales, Ryan and Brennan share updates on breaking in a newly overhauled engine, tips for staying ahead of the plane, and funny off-duty adventures.

In this inspiring episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Chris Sullivan, a quadriplegic private pilot with an extraordinary story. From his service as a combat engineer in the Army to overcoming life-altering injuries, Chris shares his incredible path to becoming a licensed pilot.We discuss his rehabilitation journey, the challenges of earning his medical certification, and his determination to push boundaries in aviation. With humor, wisdom, and motivation, Chris reflects on the role of mindset in overcoming adversity, the therapeutic power of flying, and his plans to achieve an instrument rating and beyond.This episode is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and breaking barriers in aviation.