Flying a small airplane is “like being in a skyscraper that moves,” according to award-winning author James Fallows. He used that view to research his latest book, Our Towns, flying his Cirrus SR22 to more than 50 American cities that lie beyond the airline routes and highways. He explains how small airports can be a point of connection for these communities and why safety is so important for general aviation's image. Jim also talks about why Cirrus has survived while other airplane companies have failed, and how being a pilot has changed his behavior, from everyday conversations to his assessment of risk. In the "Ready to copy" segment, Jim shares his pick for best aviation book, his favorite airport craft brewery, and why leaf blowers are so bad. 
Our Towns book: https://www.amazon.com/Our-Towns-000-Mile-Journey-America/dp/1101871849  
Our Towns on HBO: https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/our-towns  
Jim's Substack newsletter: https://fallows.substack.com/  
Sporty's Pilot Training app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sportys-pilot-training/id1272775528

19. Writing America's story from a Cirrus, with James Fallows

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

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A new generation of kids is entering the aviation industry right now, and that’s exciting for Amy Laboda. The longtime flight instructor and writer explains why today’s student pilots are different, how writing can make you a better pilot, and what new flight instructors need to succeed. Amy also shares the lessons learned from ditching a Cessna 210 off Key West, including the critical skill to practice and what survival gear matters. In the Ready to Copy segment, Amy describes a good passenger briefing, picks her favorite Van’s airplane, and shares what it’s like to live on an airpark.



 

 

  



78. Young pilots and ditching tips, with Amy Laboda

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


19. Writing America's story from a Cirrus, with James Fallows

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