Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's

Plenty of pilots read accident reports, but airline pilot and author JJ Madison says NASA reports are even better—because you’re hearing directly from the pilot. He shares common themes and memorable stories from these reports, and reminds pilots how to submit one. JJ also talks about his career as an airline pilot, including the appeal of regional airlines and the importance of scheduling. In the Ready to Copy segment, JJ talks about flying turboprops, why staying in shape is critical for pilots, and how to be a Hollywood writer.

SHOW LINKS:

* JJ’s book Yikes!: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYZ1R9BS

* Victor Kilo Fund: https://www.victorkilofund.org/

* NASA reports database: https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/

* Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip

Pro pilot doesn’t have to mean airline pilot. Longtime corporate pilot and safety advocate Mark McIntyre explains the appeal of business aviation, why safety has to be the focus for a flight department, the unique challenges of international flying, and how to use new debriefing tools to fly safer. Mark began his career as a seaplane pilot, so he also shares lessons learned in this demanding environment. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear about the best seaplane, managing fatigue, and fun places to fly in the Pacific Northwest.

SHOW LINKS:

* NBAA international operations: https://nbaa.org/aircraft-operations/international/

* Kenmore Air: https://kenmoreair.com/

* Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip

Legendary instructor Doug Stewart has a lot of strong opinions about flight training, from inadvertent IMC maneuvers to instrument procedures to engine failures. In this episode, Doug offers a sweeping view of the flight instructor’s role, with practical advice for pilots and instructors alike. Doug is also an active pilot examiner, so he shares checkride tips and tricks based on his decades of experience. In the Ready to Copy segment, Doug talks about flight simulators, bad communication habits, jazz musicians, and lessons from cycling.

SHOW LINKS:

* Doug Stewart Flight Instruction: https://www.dsflight.com/

* Improving on the 180-degree turn: https://www.dsflight.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/VMC-INTO-IMC-Mindstar.pdf

* Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip

Whether he’s circling the globe in his Bonanza or crossing the Pacific in a Gulfstream, Adrian Eichhorn says he monitors four key risks on every flight. In this episode, he explains why they matter and how preflight preparation is the key to preventing mistakes. An expert on multiple topics, Adrian also shares night flying tips, lessons learned from a decade of borescope use, and some wild stories from his long distance flights. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear about the strangest airport Adrian ever landed at, why he loves the Bonanza, and what he learned as strategic nuclear advisor to the President.

SHOW LINKS:

* Night flying tips: https://safepilots.org/library/contributed/Safety_GoodNIGHT_12-31-15.pdf

* Adrian’s long flights: https://flybluehorizons.com/

* Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip

As an astronaut for Virgin Galactic, Mike Masucci flies one of the most unique aircraft ever built, but at the end of the day he says his job is to be a great glider pilot. In this fascinating episode, he takes us inside the spaceship to describe what it’s like to see Earth from above, what it sounds like in space, and how he guides the aircraft back to a safe landing. Mike also spent many years flying the U-2 in the Air Force and the Citation X for a fractional provider, and he shares lessons learned from both jobs. In the Ready to Copy segment, Mike talks about test pilot school, staying awake on long flights, and tips for flight instructors.

SHOW LINKS:

* Virgin Galactic: https://www.virgingalactic.com/

* Tim Decker episode: https://www.sportys.com/blog/episode-56-fuel-management-and-flying-the-u-2-with-tim-decker/

* Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip

Making good decisions is a critical skill for safe flying, but it’s something most pilots rarely think about. Not Ken Stahl. He explains how to think smarter, especially under pressure, with valuable insights from his experience in cardiac surgery and the cockpit. Dr. Stahl also talks about the value of a “dopamine holiday,” how to monitor your flying performance as you age, and crew resource management. In the Ready to Copy segment, he talks about whether doctors are good pilots, how to live a healthier life, and his favorite question from patients.

SHOW LINKS:

* Dr. Stahl’s articles: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/articles-by-author/kenneth-stahl

* Dopamine holiday: https://psychcentral.com/blog/dopamine-fasting-probably-doesnt-work-try-this-instead

* Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip-of-the-week/

Should drones have the right of way over airplanes? The FAA has proposed just that (under certain conditions) in its recent Part 108 rule, but Christian Ramsey says it doesn’t have to be bad news for GA pilots. The UAS expert and private pilot explains how drones and GA aircraft can share airspace below 400 feet, including the potential use of new electronic conspicuity devices. Christian also worked on the ADS-B network roll-out, so he shares his thoughts on datalink traffic and why it’s essential for safety. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll learn about unique drone applications, ADS-B tips, and whether angle of attack indicators matter.

* Part 108 summary: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/fact_sheets/Fact_Sheet_BVLOS.pdf

* Christian’s article on ADS-B traffic: https://uavionix.com/blog/a-rant-about-ads-bs-role-in-preventing-mid-air-collisions/

* Lightspeed Zulu 4: https://www.sportys.com/lightspeed-zulu-4-aviation-headset.html

David Gagliardi has spent many summers flying big airplanes at low altitude, dropping fire retardant on wildfires all over North America. In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes, explaining how pilots maintain situational awareness, what it’s like managing 60-year old airliners, and what the future of the industry looks like. David is also a longtime flight instructor and pilot examiner, so he shares invaluable tips for anyone preparing for a checkride, including how to avoid “failing yourself.” In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear about flying warbirds, the best airport in British Columbia, and decision-making lessons learned in the navy.

SHOW LINKS:

* Video of Electra working a fire: https://youtu.be/idwUaJadn_M

* David’s article on engine failures: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/publications/aviation-safety-letter/issue-1-2025/are-instructors-preparing-their-students-actual-engine-failures-just-preparing-them-pass-flight-test

* PilotWorkshops Mastery: https://pilotworkshop.com/

Designing a clean sheet airplane and introducing it to the world by flying to Oshkosh is a bold plan, but that’s exactly what Steve Wood did this year. He tells us all about the Spirit Engineering SE-1, including why staying quiet was important for the company, why good looks matter in an airplane, and why they designed their own engine. Steve also worked at Cessna many years ago, so he talks about the glory days of GA, including the launch of the Cessna Caravan. In the Ready to Copy segment, Steve discusses common design mistakes, the Skypup ultralight, and the Cessna T303.

SHOW LINKS:

* Spirit Engineering: https://spiriteng.com/se-1-aircraft/

* SE-1 video: https://youtu.be/9BMg5ECULm0

* PilotWorkshops Mastery: https://pilotworkshop.com/

Flying a turbine airplane like a Citation Mustang requires a new approach to training and procedures. Longtime jet pilot and safety expert David Miller shares what he’s learned over 50+ years of flying, including how to fly stabilized approaches, preparing for simulator training, and the value of a lead passenger. David also offers advice on the insurance process and when to fly with a second pilot. In the Ready to Copy segment, David talks about the Sabreliner, the Special Olympics Airlift, and detailing clay for cars.

SHOW LINKS:

* CJP safety videos: https://www.citationjetpilots.com/safety/videos

* David’s Baron project: https://www.twinandturbine.com/remake-of-a-classic/

* Lightspeed Zulu 4: https://www.sportys.com/zulu4