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
Learning to fly seaplanes is a ton of fun, but Steve McCaughey from the Seaplane Pilots Association says it also improves your stick and rudder skills dramatically. He explains what you learn as a seaplane pilot, why amphibs have changed the industry, and his personal rules for safety gear. Steve also talks about the work of the SPA and how pilots can get involved in their local communities. In the Ready to Copy segment, Steve talks about flying antique seaplanes, the differences between flying boats and floatplanes, and his tips for making great aviation videos. SHOW LINKS: * Seaplane Pilots Association: https://seaplanepilotsassociation.org/ * Seaplane Photo Contest: https://www.sportys.com/seaplane * Sporty’s Seaplane Rating Course: https://www.sportys.com/seaplane-rating-course-with-patty-wagstaff.html
The key to working collaboratively with ATC is to remember that humans are on both sides of the mic, says longtime pilot and air traffic controller John Krug. He offers tips for when to cancel IFR at non-towered airports, how to get that shortcut you want, and what his biggest pet peeve was as a controller. John also talks about how to practice decision-making once you’ve learned basic flying skills and why the checkride isn’t enough. In the Ready to Copy segment, John shares his opinion on when to declare an emergency, landing at St. Barth’s, and building an RV-9A. SHOW LINKS: * What you should never say to ATC: https://pilotworkshop.com/tips/3-things-never-say-atc/ * John’s RV-9A build story: https://www.vansaircraft.com/first-flights/john-krugs-rv-9a/ * IFR Mastery from PilotWorkshops: https://sportys.com/mastery
Pilots should aspire to a higher standard than just passing the checkride, according to author and instructor Rick Durden. He explains how to be one of these “thinking pilots,” pursuing excellence while still having fun in the air, with tips for new pilots and pro pilots alike. Rick is unafraid to tackle any subject, so he also weighs in on why shock cooling is a myth and why talking about “real pilots” is foolish. In the Ready to Copy segment, Rick shares tips for landing on taxiways, his least favorite FAR, and the best handling airplane he’s ever flown. SHOW LINKS: * The Thinking Pilot’s Manual: http://www.rickdurden.com/book.html * Screw the Aviation Caste System: https://avbrief.com/the-pilots-lounge-157-screw-the-aviation-caste-system/ * IFR Mastery from PilotWorkshops: https://sportys.com/mastery
Master flight instructor Rich Stowell says manual flying skills and decision-making skills are complementary, but they’re often presented as an either/or choice. The spin master explains why that’s wrong and illustrates it with his “power-push-roll” recovery for spiral dives, an overlooked threat in aviation. He also shares a new way to train pilots, which he calls “learn-do-fly,” emphasizing the importance of teaching at the correlation level. In the Ready to Copy segment, Rich talks about the biggest mistake CFIs make during stall training, tips for hand-propping vintage airplanes, and what martial arts taught him about flying. SHOW LINKS: * Learn-Do-Fly Training Standard: https://www.communityaviation.com/standard * Standardizing Roll Recovery: https://www.richstowell.com/standardizing-roll-recovery-in-general-aviation/ * Learn to Turn: https://www.richstowell.com/learn-to-turn/ * IFR Mastery from PilotWorkshops: https://sportys.com/mastery
Public benefit flying might mean transporting a cancer patient or relocating turtles, but regardless of the mission Mark Hanson says it’s rewarding, fun, and great for keeping your pilot skills sharp. He talks about managing the pressure of these flights, how to get started with a volunteer pilot organization, and why his Eclipse is the perfect airplane. In the Ready to Copy segment, Mark talks about his most memorable passenger, tips for flying into busy airports, and a new aviation weather tool he likes. SHOW LINKS: * Become a volunteer pilot: https://vpoids.aircarealliance.org/join * Air Care Alliance webinars: https://www.youtube.com/@aircarealliance6167 * IFR Mastery from PilotWorkshops: https://sportys.com/mastery
More new pilots, more flying hours, and fewer accidents—that’s the positive picture EAA’s Tom Charpentier sees when he looks at the latest FAA numbers. He shares how to be an optimist about aviation, why the 1970s are not a fair comparison, and what issues could disrupt the current growth cycle. Tom is deeply involved in EAA’s regulatory work, and he explains the importance of FAA orders and what to expect from MOSAIC. In the Ready to Copy segment, Tom talks about his favorite part of AirVenture, flying the Cessna 170, and wilderness canoeing. SHOW LINKS: * EAA Green Dot podcast: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/news-and-publications/eaa-news-and-aviation-news/eaa-the-green-dot-podcast * Article: “How Safe Is It?” https://inspire.eaa.org/2017/05/11/how-safe-is-it/ * PJ2 GPS Radio: https://sportys.com/PJ2GPS
Tailwheel airplanes demand excellent situational awareness and sharp manual flying skills, two things that modern pilots often lack according to taildragger expert Damian DelGaizo. The longtime flight school owner, who learned from an aviation legend, talks about the finer points of three-point landings, wheel landings, and Piper Cubs. He also explains why a touch pass is important for evaluating grass runways and why you might have to carry a garbage bag full of rocks when flying skiplanes. In the Ready to Copy segment, Damian talks about dancing on the rudder pedals, how to fly with heel brakes, and teaching Harrison Ford to fly taildraggers. SHOW LINKS: * Tailwheel 101 videos: https://youtu.be/4mPmculCxkA * Andover Flight Academy: https://www.andoverflight.com/ * PJ2 GPS Radio: https://sportys.com/PJ2GPS
The GA accident rate is getting better, but aviation safety researcher Douglas Boyd says there’s still plenty of work to do. He shares a fascinating array of statistics in this episode, pulled from the 300+ papers he has authored, including how many hours is enough to stay proficient, what really causes landing accidents, and the truth about older pilots’ safety record. In the Ready to Copy segment, Dr. Boyd talks about flying out of CG, whether engine TBO really matters, and the best places to visit in Scotland. SHOW LINKS: * Airline vs. GA pilot safety: https://commons.erau.edu/publication/1494/ * Aging pilots study: https://commons.erau.edu/publication/2419/ * PJ2 GPS Radio: https://sportys.com/PJ2GPS
Too many pilots miss out on fun and rewarding flying experiences because they’re afraid of legal gray areas, according to aviation lawyer and flight instructor Mark Kolber. He shares the facts about cost sharing, ramp checks, and medical applications, with practical advice for staying out of trouble with the FAA. Mark is also a longtime CFI, so he also offers tips for learning to fly later in life and transitioning to new airplanes. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear about flying in Colorado, Carolina barbecue, and lawyer jokes. SHOW LINKS: * Mark’s legal webinar: https://youtu.be/sWZ5INyRhfE * Mark’s article on IFR departures: https://ifr-magazine.com/avionics/ifr-departures/ * PJ2 GPS Radio: https://sportys.com/PJ2GPS
Air traffic controllers and pilots are on the same team, they just have different perspectives. Marcus Miller, a center controller and the creator of the PropHatCat TikTok channel, explains those differences and much more in this fast-paced episode, including: when to fly a piston airplane into an airline airport, how to ask for help as a student pilot, and what he thinks of all the jokes on guard frequency. He also talks about pursuing ATC as a career, including the role of simulators and the benefits of musical theater training. In the Ready to Copy segment, Marcus shares the number one misconception about ATC, his favorite Broadway show, and tips for pulling off magic tricks. SHOW LINKS: * PropHatCat on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@prophatcat * PropHatCat t-shirts: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4449530402/prophatcat-shirt * Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip
Ed Galkin has flown his Cessna 210 around the world in both directions, and last year he flew a circle around the Atlantic Ocean at age 89. In his uniquely energetic way, he explains how much planning goes into each trip, how he stays focused in flight, and the best places he’s visited along the way. Ed also shares some tips for staying sharp as a pilot, even well into your 80s, including the value of an instrument rating. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll learn about managing your bladder on 14-hour flights, landing at Easter Island, and what Ed learned as an oral surgeon that helped in the cockpit. SHOW LINKS: * Flight to End Polio: https://www.flighttoendpolio.com/ * Fly for the Cure: https://flyforthecure.org/ * Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip
From the Space Shuttle to F-15 fighter jets to his homebuilt VariEze, Charlie Precourt approaches every flight with the same discipline. In this episode he shares some of the lessons learned from his one-of-a-kind career, including the power of visualization, realistic personal minimums, and flight training that goes beyond checking the box. Charlie also shares some fascinating stories from his days at NASA, including landing the Space Shuttle and docking with the Mir space station. In the Ready to Copy segment, Charlie talks about underrated airplanes, flying with a test pilot’s mindset, and lessons learned from Russian pilots. SHOW LINKS: * The biggest myth in aviation: https://flighttrainingcentral.com/2025/08/the-biggest-myth-in-aviation-that-great-pilots-are-defined-by-great-flying-skills/ * Space Shuttle landing video: https://youtu.be/q5qyOWv0fHk * Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip
Pilots with 50-350 hours are involved in more fatal accidents than anyone else, according to research from flight instructor Paul Craig. In this safety-focused episode, he explains the numbers behind this “killing zone,” how to avoid its traps, and whether any accident trends have changed in the 25 years he’s been studying them. Paul also talks about scenario-based training (which he helped write the book on) and new flight instructors (who he teaches every day). In the Ready to Copy segment, Paul talks about VFR-into-IMC accidents, whether pilots are normal, and signing autographs in court. SHOW LINKS: * The Killing Zone, third edition: https://www.sportys.com/the-killing-zone.html * FAA-Industry Training Standards: https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/training/fits * Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip
Bruce Gordon learned to fly in Aspen over 40 years ago and has been flying in the Rockies ever since. He uses that experience to share tips for flying piston airplanes out West, name some of his favorite airports, and explain why the Cessna T210 is the perfect airplane for his missions. Bruce also talks about EcoFlight, the organization he founded that uses light airplanes to promote conservation, and how short flights can change people’s perspectives about the world. In the Ready to Copy segment, Bruce talks about flying with John Denver, lessons learned from mountain climbing, and the best soccer player of all time. SHOW LINKS: * EcoFlight: https://ecoflight.org/ * Aspen Hall of Fame: https://aspenhalloffame.org/inductee/bruce-gordon/ * Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip
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/
