Published by JB
"There I was..." The best beginning to every aviation story. These stories occur "off-airport"...
Listen on Apple PodcastsCC Pocock has spent over two decades flying in some of the most remote, unimproved terrain in the world, and now runs a one-man flight school in the Nevada desert that's trained more than 950 pilots. He's the author of Bush and Mountain Flying , now in its third edition, and just launched his own podcast and YouTube channel, Bush Air. We get into the real distinction between "bush flying" and "backcountry flying" — a line most pilots blur — and where CC thinks formal flight training falls short when it comes to building genuine off-airport skill. We also cover the accident patterns he sees repeat in the backcountry (most never get reported), the case for a heavily modified legacy airplane over a brand-new build, and what's coming next on Bush Air as he ramps up guest interviews. If you're building real off-airport skill — not just landing on grass — this one's worth the listen. Follow Bush Air on YouTube Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
Darin Hart runs American Legend Aircraft in Sulphur Springs, Texas — the shop keeping the Piper Cub lineage alive, from a stripped-down J3 to the Rotax 916-powered Nomad. We get into how the Nomad came to be (including the Trent Palmer connection that helped put it on the map), the story behind the name, and a full breakdown of the build-assist model versus buying a kit. We also dig into MOSAIC — what the new certification standard actually means for manufacturers, the scale of investment it takes to get an aircraft through compliance, and why Darin thinks it's going to reshape the light-sport industry faster than most builders expect. Along the way: Nomad vs. MOAC performance trade-offs, why even Cub purists end up wanting a G3X and autopilot, and what it's like building airplanes from raw material up, in-house, at the factory. If you've ever wondered what goes into the modern adventure-Cub category — or what MOSAIC is actually going to change — this one's for you. Follow Legend Aero on Instagram and YouTube Build your own Legend HERE Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
Erin and Paul flew their Bearhawk 5 named "Tina" to Peach State Aerodrome to drop in and record an episode! It was epic, and unfortunately I had to edit out the multiple fly-bys that interrupted the recording...haha. But in this episode we talk about getting into flying, building an airplane from scratch (proudly with Bearhawk's builder assist program), and flying it to all 50 states. This one was a lot of laughs and is a fun listen. Follow them on Instagram HERE Follow them on YouTube HERE Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
Most people know Justin Meaders for the incredible story of returning to flight after the motorcycle accident that left him paraplegic. That story has been told well—including on Pilot to Pilot —so we took a different approach. In this episode, we focus on Justin the competitor: his years in Formula One air racing, his transition into the backcountry community and National STOL, the airplanes he's built and flown, and the mindset behind competing at a high level. If you've ever wondered what separates great performance pilots from the rest, this conversation is for you. Follow Justin on Instagram Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
Season 4 kicks off with a bit of a role reversal...in response to your comments I decided to do a "meet the host" episode" and instead of me just talking to myself, I invited Ryan Dembroski back to the podcast (only 3-time voice on the pod). Ryan takes a turn at the mic and asks me his toughest questions and we dive into my aviation story and what is coming next for the podcast. This was fun to record and I hope you enjoy listening to it! Welcome to season 4! JB on Instagram Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
This episode follows up on Dave's recent YouTube video where he chronicles his crash in Hells Canyon last summer. I recommend starting with Dave's video, then returning here for the background story. We also talk about Spring plans into SUN'n FUN! If you haven't yet listened to Dave's previous episode I also recommend listening to the first go-around. Watch Part 1 of Dave's video HERE Thanks for listening to the podcast! This episode wraps up Season 3! More to come as I already have episodes booked for Season 4...coming in May. Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
Jackie Burch has been a longtime supporter of the podcast and connected me with a lot of the guests I've interviewed. I finally convinced her to come on the podcast and talk about her aviation story and how she got started. This is a fun listen that explores new pilot fears and how she handled piloting a Taylorcraft to Alaska as a new tailwheel pilot. We also talk about her time with CubCrafters as their Programs and Events Manager and she talks about her love of the Cessna 150 she takes everywhere! Follow Jackie on Instagram Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
This episode is with the voices of National STOL Cam and Ryan. We talk about what they've been up to since the last episode, the 2026 National STOL calendar, and then dive DEEP into eSTOL. You'll love this episode because the energy this group brings and the fun along the way. Get the light-up chart we discuss HERE Follow Ryan on Instagram and YouTube Follow Cam on Instagram Learn more about the National STOL Series HERE Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
This episode is a really fun look at what the Carbon Cub platform is capable of in extreme cases with a professional aerobatics champion at the controls. Do NOT try this at home...professional pilot at work. Luke talks about the models he's flown and about the Red Bull projects he's been a part of since joining Red Bull. He also talks about getting started in aviation and what it takes to complete these stunts...spoiler alert, a LOT of hard work, research and development. Follow along here or on the podcast platforms to listen along. Follow Luke on Instagram Watch the Helipad Video Watch Mike Patey's Recap Video Watch the F1 Track Video Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
Tanmoy, or Tan, is one of the RAF's state liaisons for Michigan. He's known as the guy who feeds the crowds of volunteers who show up and work at airstrip work parties. Many a volunteer has asked if he's bringing the kabobs! Tan's infectious energy brings you quickly into his story and even though his airplane has wheel pants, he gets to those backcountry strips you wouldn't think would be possible. He takes an analytical approach to flying and does his homework before taking his RV off-airport. He has quickly jumped into the backcountry as a new pilot and is an active advocate for off airport operations and what Michigan has to offer. Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
Dave Wyckoff from Kansas started a YouTube channel to meet backcountry pilots in Kansas and beyond! That endeavor has created a local community that builds local strips, host events, and exports beyond the state. His proximity to opportunities in Missouri and Arkansas has enabled his community to grow and explore. This is a fun listen at what it means to build a group around aviation and proves that you don't need extreme backcountry or high-end equipment to be backcountry pilots. Follow Dave on YouTube Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
This episode is with with Matt Dearden, a UK-based pilot who was featured in the UK TV program titled "Worst Place to be a Pilot" that followed the adventures of UK pilots building flight time with Susie Air in Indonesia. Matt later wrote a book titled "Flying from Shangri-La" that is an amazing read and recap of his time there. It follows his beginning days in a Cessna Caravan and later in the Pilatus Porter. We talk a lot about those experiences and some not mentioned in the book. I wanted to know how Matt's experiences relate to every pilot in the backcountry, regardless of where in the world the airstrip happens to be located. Get Matt's book on Amazon Follow Matt on Instagram Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
This episode is pure Arkansas from one of the pilots who knows the network and builds events to highlight the state's backcountry beauty. Rusty Coonfield is an Arkansas pilot that helped build the ArkanSTOL event at Byrd's Adventure Center. He has unique insight into how the event began and the aspects that went into creating a unique and challenging competition course for the best backcountry pilots. He also shares some of his favorite Fly Oz destinations and helps me pick a few to hit in a progression. This is a fun look at Arkansas flying that you won't want to miss prior to visiting. Follow Rusty on Instagram Follow his SeaBee on Instagram A great map from Fly Oz for context HERE Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
This episode is with Tres Clinton from Burnet, Texas and C3 Air. Tres teaches a wide range of aviation students but loves to teach backcountry flying in tailwheel aircraft and float planes. He has some amazing stories and insight in flying in central Texas and provides some insight into getting prepared for off-airpot operations from training and equipment. You'll enjoy hearing how Tres runs things in his operation and will certainly be looking him up when passing through central Texas! C3 Air LINK Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
Kicking off Season 3 is my conversation with Anitra Goddard from the Sun'n Fun Team. She's affectionately known in the community as the STOL Queen. She's pioneered the Bushwheel Basecamp and has everything to do with STOL events far and wide! This is a very fun talk with her about how she got into all this and she shares some PRO TIPS for attending Sun'n Fun this year in Lakeland, Florida! Bushwheel Basecamp LINK Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
This episode is with Cayla McLeod, the editor-in-chief of Plane & Pilot magazine. We talk about her aviation start with what is now called the Ron Alexander Youth Aviation Program, where kids earn flight hours working on vintage aircraft. We also explore her travels in Idaho and also how she's rebranding a legacy aviation publication. This is a really fun listen and great opportunity to hear from one of the young voices in aviation! Learn more about the Ron Alexander Youth Aviation Program HERE and donate! Subscribe to Plane & Pilot HERE Follow Cayla on Instagram Watch Cayla's Tribute to Ron Alexander HERE Get Galen Hanselman's Book HERE Fly Idaho! A Guide to Adventure in the Idaho Backcountry Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
This week I talk to Al Clayton, the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) State Liaison for the State of Alaska, who spearheaded the efforts to create the airstrip at Childs Glacier. This is an amazing story of how the RAF coordinates efforts from multiple state and federal agencies to create a one-of-a-kind experience for backcountry pilots. His efforts also aided those same agencies to enhance their missions in the Copper River Basin. You certainly need to start off by going to google maps and searching for this location before you listen. It will set the stage for this discussion. Huge thanks to the RAF for making this airstrip a reality and definitely add it to your bucket list! Support the RAF HERE Read more about Childs Glacier Airstrip HERE and HERE Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
In this crazy episode I talk to the voices of the National STOL series, Ryan and Cam. They bring their announcer energy to the podcast world and talk about the events, their favorite aircraft (J-3 or Champ?) and how they got into the announcer gig for the biggest backcountry event series in the country. I know you'll love hearing about their backgrounds and more from the personalties that make the events entertaining, educational, and of course, memorable. Follow Ryan on Instagram and YouTube Follow Cam on Instagram Learn more about the National STOL Series HERE Watch the Mo-Air Interview with Ryan HERE Watch Ryan interview Cam on SuperAero Live HERE Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
This episode is with the Director of Fly Oz, Philip Sneed. We talk everything that makes up the Fly Oz community from airstrips, social gatherings, and airplane services. Before you head to Arkansas you'll want to listen to this discussion about all the strips the area has to offer and how to make the most of your time in the Natural State. Visit Bentonville and make it your home base for tackling the 70+ strips the area has to offer. Learn more at Fly Oz Download the Fly Oz content pack for ForeFlight here Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
This week Matt Williams joins the podcast to talk about his bear encounter in Alaska. After watching his YouTube recap of the bear attack on his Super Cub I knew he'd be a great guest and I wanted to hear more about it. This is a great story about preparedness in the backcountry and I know you'll enjoy all the details! Follow Matt on YouTube and Instagram to keep up with his adventures! Matt on Instagram Chaos Cub Matt on YouTube We talked about the Alaska Survival website in this episode. It's linked here Sign-up for our newsletter, The Scout Report: HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Shop HERE to get the gear.
Keep the useful structure, then change the audience, point of view, and voice until the idea is unmistakably yours.
Open a creative brief