Are helicopters harder to fly than airplanes? What's it like to fly an instrument approach to a parking lot in an EC145 helicopter? And how has the iPad changed the air medical pilot's job? Professional helicopter pilot Matt Johnson takes us inside the fascinating world of rotary wing flight in this episode, from the basics of helicopters to the latest advances in technology. He's also an FAA designated pilot examiner, so he shares his tips for applicants—including why he wants you to pass! In the rapid-fire "Ready to Copy" segment, Matt shares his favorite helicopter, the strangest place he's ever landed, and whether he would ride on an autonomous air taxi one day.
Host: John Zimmerman (@jtzim), Sporty's Pilot Shop
Guest: Matt Johnson, air medical helicopter pilot and designated pilot examiner
Sporty's Helicopter Course: https://www.sportys.com/so-you-want-to-fly-helicopters-course-online-app-and-tv.html

6. Life as an EMS helicopter pilot, with Matt Johnson

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

Aviation

Games & Hobbies

Leisure

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


75. Bush flying in Alaska, with Patrick Carter

New aerospace businesses seem to be launching every month, including electric ultralights, eVTOL air taxis, drone delivery services, and private space flight. As a longtime pilot and venture capitalist, Ben Marcus is the perfect person to sort through the hype. He explains which business models will work first, why Walmart is finding success with drone delivery, and what benefits GA pilots might see as a result of this investment boom. Ben also founded JetAviva, a popular airplane broker, so he talks about the light jet boom of the last 25 years and what it takes to transition from a piston airplane to a single pilot turbine. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear about common charging standards for eVTOLs, the best light jet on the market, and Ben’s favorite backcountry strip in Arkansas.
SHOW LINKS:

 The Moving World Report: https://up.partners/movingworld/
 The GameBird: https://youtu.be/pnFFyjkvDEg
 Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html


74. Electric airplanes, drone delivery, and personal jets, with Ben Marcus

A spur-of-the-moment airplane purchase presented David Tulis with the adventure of a lifetime: flying a 1953 Tri-Pacer across the country. He tells the story of this fun and challenging trip in this episode, including what it was like to cross the Rockies with a 135-horsepower engine, the value of mentors, and the appeal of vintage airplanes. David is also a highly accomplished photographer, so he explains why photos still matter in a world of videos and offers some practical tips for taking better in-flight photos. In the Ready to Copy segment, David tells us his favorite photo of all time, his best best tip for podcasters, and his opinion about famous Atlanta drinks.
SHOW LINKS:

 Tri-Pacer story
 Flying with reluctant passengers
  Pilot Training+ membership


6. Life as an EMS helicopter pilot, with Matt Johnson

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