We're closing out IFR Month with an episode that's packed with practical flying tips. Experienced instructor and IFR Magazine contributing editor Elaine Kauh shares her advice on a variety of topics: when to cancel your IFR flight plan, why takeoff briefings are so important, how to manage glass cockpits, and when to introduce the autopilot during training. She also talks about her experience as a tailwheel instructor and corporate pilot, and the unique challenges both roles bring. In the Ready to Copy segment, Elaine explains whether it's ever safe to do a zero/zero takeoff, which vintage taildragger she likes best, and what artist best captures the spirit of flight.

SHOW LINKS:

IFR Magazine: https://www.ifr-magazine.com

Sporty's Instrument Rating Course: https://www.sportys.com/sporty-s-instrument-rating-course-online-app-and-tv.html

Is instrument flying easier or harder than it used to be? Hall of fame flight instructor Tom Turner says it's easier, but only if you know how to use all the tools properly. As part of Sporty's IFR Month, he talks about plenty of instrument topics, including training tips, how to stay IFR current, and when to use the autopilot. He also shares data from his decades of research on engine failures and gear-up landings, some of which may surprise you. In the "Ready to Copy" segment, Tom talks about the airplane renter's code of conduct, the worst advice new pilots get, and whether it's ever OK to get out of an airplane with the engine running.

SHOW LINKS:

Tom's weekly email: https://mastery-flight-training.com

Aircraft Renter's Code of Conduct: http://www.thomaspturner.net/Aircraft%20Renters%20Code%20of%20Conduct.htm

Sporty's Instrument Rating Course: https://www.sportys.com/instrument

How do you write a book about a transcontinental air race from 100 years ago? First you buy an airplane and fly the route yourself. That's exactly what John Lancaster did for his new book, The Great Air Race. He explains what this outrageously ambitious event was all about, where you can find signs of the race today, and what it was like to retrace the steps in his LSA. He also talks about the rewards of taking long trips in light airplanes, the prospects for modern air races, and life as a foreign correspondent. In the "Ready to Copy" segment, John talks about get-there-itis, his favorite anecdote from the book, and where to get the best food in the Middle East.

SHOW LINKS:

John Lancaster's website: https://www.johnlancasterauthor.com

The Great Air Race book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1631496379/

Sporty's Pilot Training courses: http://sportys.com/discover

As a former meteorologist and a 25,000-hour airline captain, Doug Morris loves to talk about weather—but he's worried most other pilots don't share his love. He talks about the most misunderstood weather concept, whether forecasts are getting better, and why pilots might actually have too many weather tools. He also shares stories from his days flying in Atlantic Canada's famously bad weather, and weighs in on the Boeing vs. Airbus debate (he has logged a lot of time in both). In the "Ready to Copy" segment, Doug talks about the most underrated weather tool, the most interesting airport in Canada, and what it's like to see the Northern Lights from an airplane.

SHOW LINKS:

Doug's weather book: https://www.pilotweatherbook.com/product-page/pilot-weather

This Is Your Captain Speaking: https://www.amazon.com/This-Your-Captain-Speaking-Stories/dp/1770415858

Sporty's Pilot Training app: http://sportys.com/discover

GA is booming, and new Flying magazine owner Craig Fuller says this isn't just a passing fad. He explains why he believes the industry is experiencing a renaissance right now, with a new generation of pilots attracted by YouTube and a new generation of aviation businesses funded by venture capital. He also shares why he's such a believer in print magazines, what the new business model is for media companies, and how a fly-in community is part of his strategy. In the Ready to Copy segment, Craig talks about Top Gun, a potential eVTOL bust, and the lessons aviation can learn from the trucker shortage.

Show Links

Flying magazine: https://www.flyingmag.com

The Fields fly-in community: https://www.flythefields.com

Sporty's Pilot Training app: http://sportys.com/discover

There are four major causes of general aviation accidents, according to NTSB Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg. He reviews the latest safety trends, from VFR-into-IMC accidents to engine failures, and offers his tips for staying safe. He also shares some surprising statistics about the possible role of ADS-B traffic in reducing midair collisions, and explains why flight data monitoring should be adopted by far more GA pilots. In the Ready to Copy segment, Bruce talks about angle of attack indicators, whole airplane parachute systems, flight simulators, and even his time as a missile launch officer in the US Air Force.

Show links:

NTSB safety alerts: https://www.ntsb.gov/advocacy/safety-alerts/Pages/safetyalerts.aspx

NTSB on flight data monitoring: https://www.ntsb.gov/Advocacy/mwl/Pages/mwl-21-22/mwl-as-02.aspx

Sporty's Pilot Training app: https://sportys.com/discover

Scott Manley has been described as a scientist, a gamer, an astrophysicist, a software engineer, a DJ, and a YouTube star. He brings all of those unique skills to his latest adventure: learning to fly. He explains what drew him to aviation, why the written test was easy for a physicist, and what it's like to train in an SR20. He also offers some tips for using flight simulators during flight training and shares which programs are his favorite. In the Ready to Copy segment, Scott talks about riding the zero-G "vomit comet," what he thinks about Navy videos of possible UFOs, and whether you can see a laser pointer from the International Space Station.

Scott's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxzC4EngIsMrPmbm6Nxvb-A

Riding the vomit comet: https://youtu.be/M67YP-f-LyI

Sporty's PJ2+ COM Radio: https://www.sportys.com/pj2-plus-com-radio.html

As a London-based airline pilot, Mark Vanhoenacker has traveled the world—and along the way he became a bestselling author. He explains how he stays curious as he travels, what "airplane mode" means for your brain, and why long-haul flying can be a lonely experience. He also describes the unique personalities of the Boeing 747 and 787, including what it's like to sit two stories above the runway and why he loves flying with a HUD. In the Ready to Copy segment, Mark shares the best overnight destination for an airline pilot, why "wilco" is useful in everyday life, and what he thinks of Moby Dick.

Imagine a City: https://www.amazon.com/Imagine-City-Pilots-Journey-Across/dp/0525657509/

Skyfaring: https://www.amazon.com/Skyfaring-Journey-Pilot-Mark-Vanhoenacker/dp/038535181X/

Mark's website: http://markvanhoenacker.com

Sporty's Pilot Training app: https://www.sportys.com/sporty-s-pilot-training-app.html

What do helicopter flying and mountain climbing have in common? Jessica Meiris is both a professional helicopter pilot and a record-setting rock climber—she says it's all about thinking ahead and working as a team. She shares the incredible story of how she got into aviation, the latest trends in helicopter safety, and tips for overcoming challenges with the FAA medical. She also explains what "energy management" means for pilots and the lessons she's learned about mountain weather. In the Ready to Copy segment, Jessica picks her favorite helicopter, tells airplane pilots how to avoid rotor wash from nearby helicopters, and explains what her favorite place to climb is.

US Helicopter Safety Team: https://ushst.org

Jessica's award: https://rotormedia.com/jessica_meiris_hai_michelle_north_scholarship_for-safety/

Sporty's Pilot Training Courses: http://sportys.com/discover

Chris Caputo spent over 30 years in the Air Force flying A-10s and F-16s, so he might not be the first person you think of when you hear "electric vertical takeoff and landing advocate." But he's a believer, and in this episode he explains why. He also talks about what it's like to fly the Beta Technologies Alia aircraft, why the company is different from other electric aircraft startups, and why cargo may be a better business model than passenger flights. Chris also talks about his Air Force days, including the differences between the A-10 and the F-16, why military training is so valuable for an airline career, and what sound the A-10 gun really makes. In the Ready to Copy segment, he answers whether the last fighter pilot has been born, whether the Boeing 757 or 767 is more fun to fly, and when he thinks you'll be able to book at eVTOL flight.

BETA Technologies: https://www.beta.team

Watch the Alia fly: https://youtu.be/yraISXJgW8k

Sporty's Pilot Training Courses: https://www.sportys.com/learn-to-fly/sporty-s-courses.html