SocialFlight Live & Cockpit2Cowl

Mike Busch is arguably the best-known Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic in general aviation. He founded Savvy Aviation in 2008 to provide aircraft maintenance-management and consulting services to thousands of aircraft owners, including prebuy management, innovative engine monitor analysis and 24/7 breakdown assistance that is essentially AAA for GA. In addition to Savvy, Mike has authored hundreds of articles and four books on aircraft ownership and maintenance.

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these challenging times. Register at SocialFlightLive.com to join the live broadcast every Tuesday evening at 8pm ET (be sure to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadcasts).

SocialFlight Partners:

Avemco Insurance www.avemco.com/socialflight

Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com

Avidyne www.avidyne.com

Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero

EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com

Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero

Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/

Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com

Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/

Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/

Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com

Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com

uAvionix www.uavionix.com

Wipaire www.wipaire.com

Heidi Porch is a retired Delta Air Lines pilot whose 35-year career took her from the flight deck of DC-9s, through the Airbus family of jets and even commanding the iconic Boeing 747-400. However, her pursuit of the flight levels began the scrappy way, ferrying single-engine Cessnas from the factory in Wichita to California, and then across the Pacific Ocean to Australia and New Zealand. While ferrying a Cessna 182 across the pacific, her engine failed while still 540 miles east of Hawaii, forcing her to ditch in the vast Pacific Ocean. Her story is a lesson of skill, determination and survival, documented in detail in her book, "Ditching the Sky". https://a.co/d/3Jed78h

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these challenging times. Register at SocialFlightLive.com to join the live broadcast every Tuesday evening at 8pm ET (be sure to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadcasts).

SocialFlight Partners:

Avemco Insurance www.avemco.com/socialflight

Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com

Avidyne www.avidyne.com

Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero

EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com

Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero

Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/

Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com

Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/

Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/

Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com

Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com

uAvionix www.uavionix.com

Wipaire www.wipaire.com

In Episode 18 of Cockpit2Cowl, Jeff and Brian talk about what to do when the worst happens and you're forced down: HOW TO CRASH AN AIRPLANE! It's everything YOU NEED TO KNOW about how to make the most of a bad situation. It's another fascinating Cockpit 2 Cowl show!

“Cockpit 2 Cowl” with Brian Schiff and Jeff Simon is a program that explores General Aviation safety topics from the combined perspective of Flight Instructors, Pilots and Mechanics, exploring both man & machine to make aviation safer and more enjoyable. Brian Schiff (flight instructor & professional pilot) and Jeff Simon (pilot, mechanic & FAA authorized aircraft inspector) are highly regarded educators that take a thoughtful, entertaining, and often humorous approach to exploring topics relevant to anyone interested in aviation.

Register at Cockpit2Cowl.com to join the live broadcast (be sure to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadcasts).

More events like this on SocialFlight.com and TheProficientPilot.com

SocialFlight Partners:

Avemco Insurance www.avemco.com/socialflight

Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com

Avidyne www.avidyne.com

Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero

EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com

Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero

Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/

Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com

Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/

Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/

Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com

Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com

uAvionix www.uavionix.com

Wipaire www.wipaire.com

General Aviation Safety in a world where drones are getting more and more common isn’t a convenience…it’s a matter of survival. Learn about new Electronic Conspicuity technology to protect general aviation aircraft from drone collisions. Shane Woodson is Vice President of General Aviation Sales at uAvionix, where he helps bring some of the most innovative safety and avionics technology to pilots around the world. With more than 35 years in sales leadership and a lifetime passion for aviation, Shane has built his career around one mission—making flying safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these challenging times. Register at SocialFlightLive.com to join the live broadcast every Tuesday evening at 8pm ET (be sure to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadcasts).

SocialFlight Partners:

Avemco Insurance www.avemco.com/socialflight

Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com

Avidyne www.avidyne.com

Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero

EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com

Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero

Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/

Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com

Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/

Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/

Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com

Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com

uAvionix www.uavionix.com

Wipaire www.wipaire.com

On February 4th 2026, AOPA announced their decision to replace Darren Pleasance as the organization’s CEO & President after only one year in the position. This decision shocked the membership and the industry, because in a relatively short time, Darren had made a significant impact connecting with pilots everywhere and becoming a strong advocate for the general aviation community.

This is Darren's first interview since leaving AOPA. We talk with Darren about the state of general aviation when he began his short tenure at AOPA, what he learned & accomplished over the past year, and his thoughts on the future of general aviation and the organizations that support it.

Save up to 5% on Your AVEMCO Aircraft Insurance when you mention "SocialFlight"!

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these challenging times.

Register at SocialFlightLive.com to join the live broadcast every Tuesday evening at 8pm ET (be sure to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadcasts).

Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com

Avemco Insurance www.avemco.com/socialflight

Avidyne www.avidyne.com

Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero

EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com

Hartzell Engine Technologies https://hartzell.aero

Hartzell Propeller www.hartzellprop.com

Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com

Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/

Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/

Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com

Titan Aircraft www.titanaircraft.com

Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com

uAvionix www.uavionix.com

Wipaire www.wipaire.com

In Episode 17 of Cockpit2Cowl, Jeff and Brian talk about what YOU NEED TO KNOW about how to handle the aftermath of an aircraft accident. When do you you need to report it? What are your RESPONSIBILITIES & what are your RIGHTS? It's another fascinating Cockpit 2 Cowl show!

“Cockpit 2 Cowl” with Brian Schiff and Jeff Simon is a program that explores General Aviation safety topics from the combined perspective of Flight Instructors, Pilots and Mechanics, exploring both man & machine to make aviation safer and more enjoyable. Brian Schiff (flight instructor & professional pilot) and Jeff Simon (pilot, mechanic & FAA authorized aircraft inspector) are highly regarded educators that take a thoughtful, entertaining, and often humorous approach to exploring topics relevant to anyone interested in aviation.

Register at Cockpit2Cowl.com to join the live broadcast (be sure to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadcasts).

More events like this on SocialFlight.com and TheProficientPilot.com

SocialFlight Partners:

Avemco Insurance www.avemco.com/socialflight

Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com

Avidyne www.avidyne.com

Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero

EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com

Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero

Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/

Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com

Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/

Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/

Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com

Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com

uAvionix www.uavionix.com

Wipaire www.wipaire.com

Robert Lee "Hoot" Gibson is a former American naval officer and aviator, test pilot, and aeronautical engineer. He was selected as an Astronaut by NASA in 1978 and flew five missions, including the ground-breaking docking mission with the Russian MIR space station. All that said, his crowning achievement may very well be serving as NASA’s Chief of the Astronaut Office from 1992 to 1994, one of only four individuals in history to have held the position at the time.

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these challenging times. Register at SocialFlightLive.com to join the live broadcast every Tuesday evening at 8pm ET (be sure to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadcasts).

SocialFlight Partners:

Avemco Insurance www.avemco.com/socialflight

Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com

Avidyne www.avidyne.com

Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero

EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com

Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero

Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/

Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com

Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/

Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/

Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com

Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com

uAvionix www.uavionix.com

Wipaire www.wipaire.com

In Episode 16 of Cockpit2Cowl, Jeff and Brian go straight to YOUR QUESTIONS (with both informative and fun answers along the way)...Let the fun begin!

“Cockpit 2 Cowl” with Brian Schiff and Jeff Simon is a program that explores General Aviation safety topics from the combined perspective of Flight Instructors, Pilots and Mechanics, exploring both man & machine to make aviation safer and more enjoyable. Brian Schiff (flight instructor & professional pilot) and Jeff Simon (pilot, mechanic & FAA authorized aircraft inspector) are highly regarded educators that take a thoughtful, entertaining, and often humorous approach to exploring topics relevant to anyone interested in aviation.

Register at Cockpit2Cowl.com to join the live broadcast (be sure to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadcasts).

More events like this on SocialFlight.com and TheProficientPilot.com

SocialFlight Partners:

Avemco Insurance www.avemco.com/socialflight

Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com

Avidyne www.avidyne.com

Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero

EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com

Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero

Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/

Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com

Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/

Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/

Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com

Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com

uAvionix www.uavionix.com

Wipaire www.wipaire.com

Col Justin “Astro” Elliott is the Division Chief for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) executing NORAD’s mission of defending the homelands. Col Elliott and his team track, report, and mitigate all air, missile, and maritime activity approaching North America, create a global threat picture, and posture national leadership from both the US and Canada to respond swiftly to challenges from abroad. Col. Elliott entered the Air Force in 2005 with an ROTC commission from Yale University and began his career flying the F-15E and F-35 as an instructor pilot and evaluator. After attending the USAF Weapons School, which is the Air Force’s version of TOP GUN, he served as Weapons Instructor and Operational Test Pilot in the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, at Nellis AFB, in Nevada. His test pilot credits include all 6 Air Force fighters, including the F-35, F-22, F-15EX, F-15E, F-16, and A-10. As if that weren’t enough, Col Elliott subsequently served as Commander of the USAF Thunderbirds.

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these challenging times. Register at SocialFlightLive.com to join the live broadcast every Tuesday evening at 8pm ET (be sure to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadcasts).

SocialFlight Partners:

Avemco Insurance www.avemco.com/socialflight

Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com

Avidyne www.avidyne.com

Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero

EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com

Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero

Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/

Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com

Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/

Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/

Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com

Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com

uAvionix www.uavionix.com

Wipaire www.wipaire.com

In Episode 15 of Cockpit2Cowl, Jeff and Brian talk all about when it's appropriate to break rules, guidelines and customs in the =name of SAFETY...Let the fun begin!

“Cockpit 2 Cowl” with Brian Schiff and Jeff Simon is a program that explores General Aviation safety topics from the combined perspective of Flight Instructors, Pilots and Mechanics, exploring both man & machine to make aviation safer and more enjoyable. Brian Schiff (flight instructor & professional pilot) and Jeff Simon (pilot, mechanic & FAA authorized aircraft inspector) are highly regarded educators that take a thoughtful, entertaining, and often humorous approach to exploring topics relevant to anyone interested in aviation.

Register at Cockpit2Cowl.com to join the live broadcast (be sure to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadcasts).

More events like this on SocialFlight.com and TheProficientPilot.com

SocialFlight Partners:

Avemco Insurance www.avemco.com/socialflight

Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com

Avidyne www.avidyne.com

Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero

EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com

Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero

Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/

Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com

Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/

Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/

Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com

Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com

uAvionix www.uavionix.com

Wipaire www.wipaire.com