Simpleflight Radio

With apologies to the movie, Field of Dreams and the city of Dyersville, Iowa, there is a field in the NE corner of Georgia, which some would make the argument, is the real field of dreams.  It's not a baseball field by the way.  It's an airfield, which goes by the name of Heavens Landing (www.heavenslanding.com).  The man behind the dream is Michael Ciochetti, Jr., who may be best known as an American stock car racing driver. Mike is a former competitor in the ARCA Racing Series, and planned to compete in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series before suffering a career-ending injury.  And that began his career as an aviation and real estate entrepreneur.  Heaven’s Landing is a 635 acre gated community surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest.  The aviation centerpiece of Heaven’s Landing is a 5,069 foot paved concrete runway with pilot controlled lighting and a GPS approach. If you've ever wondered about living in an airport community, here's your chance to find out first hand what airpark living is like

In this day and age, we can certainly use a bit of humor.  As a matter of fact, anything that makes us smile is a good thing.  For example, AVIATION.  So what could be better than Aviation humor.  Maybe nothing, as Rhonda and Marc found out spending the evening with Dave Lombardo.  We know you'll agree that Dave is proof positive that flying and fun go together. As one of the founding members of the aviation-themed social media brand, "ATC Memes" (atcmemes.com), David combines his experience and skill in both aviation and audio to create a unique brand of aviation satire and humor.   The acceptance is noted by the popularity of the brand with both aviation professionals and enthusiasts alike. Speaking of brand, Dave and his co-founders have built quite the following with their aviation swag and apparel.  Check it out at radarcontact.com.  Listen in and have a bit of fun yourself.  ​​​                                   =============== ​We hope you enjoy listening as much as we love talking to others who share

It's time to do some hangar flying.  Listen in and catch Rhonda, Marc, and Joby talk about the importance of debriefing each flight, checking experience, age, and ego at the door.  The Blue Angles, set the standard by which all debriefs should be measured.  Maybe we don't have to be as in depth, but philosophically, there should be no difference.  Check out this link to see it in action.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFGL04LiMgc  The debrief Is only the first step.  Incorporating what was learned into follow on flights completes the value.  And flying with people who bring different perspectives to the cockpit, completes the picture.  Marc talked about his flight with ATC, who not only critiqued his radio work, but also commented on how hard it was to see traffic.  Good learning for all. And no hangar flying sessions would be complete without a little window shopping.  Rhonda continues to move forward in her aircraft purchase process, coming a bit closer to the goal.  What do you think she'll buy?  Soun

Most of the guests on SimpleFlight radio have demonstrated a commitment to general aviation via their experience and love for fixed or rotary wing aircraft.  This week's guest, Alan Zielinski, has done that, but also adds a very special aspect by spending a lot of time in lighter than air "free" balloons.  And he's taken it even further by bringing other pilots to the lighter than air world by being both a CFI and Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) for the unique world of flying hot air balloons. With 35 years and over 10,000 hours of accident free flying, Alan serves as a mentor for many and an example for all on how to get the  most out of aviation.  Click and listen to get a peek into his world and understand what the world looks like from "the basket".  Up, Up, And Away, in my beautiful balloon!!! ​​​                                   =============== ​We hope you enjoy listening as much as we love talking to others who share our passion for aviation.  Please subscribe to the Podcast via iTunes or your favori

Will your Sunday the 4th be SUPER?  It will if you find a way to listen to the SimpleFlight crew as they talk with Aviation Safety Guru, Jim Krieger.  Jim retired as the O'Hare Tower Chief a couple years ago, but he continues to focus on airport safety.  It's not just about keeping airplanes from running into each other, but also there looms very dangerous moments with line crews, maintenance personnel, baggage handlers, and even flight crews leaving the airport to head home and driving across taxiways at the busiest airport in the world.   You'll cringe, laugh, and be amazed at all the things that happen under the radar, while outwardly, we live in a system that is the safest in the world.  And it's people like Jim that make it better every day.  AMAZING!!!   ​​​                                   =============== ​ We hope you enjoy listening as much as we love talking to others who share our passion for aviation.  Please subscribe to the Podcast via iTunes or your favorite broadcast source, and rate, review,

How many pilots do you know that have been flying for 61 years and never flown for the airlines?  As a matter of fact, how many pilots do you know that have been an active pilot for 61 years?  Well, today is your chance to meet Lou Wipotnik.  Lou is perhaps best known as a flight instructor, teacher and seminar speaker. He has actively taught since 1968 and holds instructor ratings for airplane single-engine land and sea, single and multi-engine, helicopter, glider and instrument. Lou also has served as an FAA Accident Prevention Counselor and FAASTeam Representative. One of the most active volunteers in the Chicago area, Lou shares his passion for aviation, teaching safety seminars, instructing at Wings Weekend and participating in EAA Young Eagles events. Lou has received a number of awards for his service as an FAA Aviation Safety Counselor and aviation speaker.  But what he has experienced is a story yet untold. Join Rhonda and Marc to meet Lou up close and personal as they take a trip down memory lane to

As we head into next weekend's #2018ChicagoAviationExpo, Marc and Rhonda have the extreme pleasure to welcome Madeleine Monaco and Eddie Trujillo (@radarcornflakes) to the Hangar 5 studio to talk about the show and it's value for pilots across the Midwest.  And the surprise benefit for all our listeners is a chance to "meet" these aviation superstars live.   Madeleine is the face of the 99's in the Chicagoland area, as well as president of the Chicago Executive Pilot's Association.  We all know of her, but tonight we had a chance to get to know her.  Eddie, a Chicago Approach controller and speaker at the Expo, has been a guest of the show on multiple occasions, and a fan favorite.  In addition to talking about the Expo, he also discussed the impact of the government shutdown on all aviation.  It's not a pretty picture.   ​​​                                   =============== ​ We hope you enjoy listening as much as we love talking to others who share our passion for aviation.  Please subscribe to the Podcast

What's wrong with commercial aviation today?  Some may say nothing, while others complain about delays, cramped seating, security lines, and the huge time investment, hoping that some time will be saved. Dave Koch, with over 50 years of aviation-industry experience, including 22 years with a major air carrier, sees an opportunity to replace those negative views with a positive experience, focused on providing more than just a destination.  Dave's company, AirChicago Jet Card (flyairchicago.com) promises a private jet travel experience at commercial first class fares.  How does he accomplish that?  We have the same question as Dave joins us on the eve before AirChicago Jet Card's inaugural flight.   Listen to the SimpleFlight crew as they talk with Dave to learn about how he came to this point and how he is contributing to the changing face of commercial aviation.   ​​​                                   =============== ​We hope you enjoy listening as much as we love talking to others who share our passion for

Chris Williamson has always been fascinated with the story of Amelia Earhart.  What started as a focus on the mystery surrounding her disappearance and how she died, has evolved into a passion to learn how she lived.  He wrote his very first report in 3rd grade on Amelia and now has started a project with the hopes of bringing even more attention to the worldwide fascination with Amelia. Chris hopes that his website (www.chasingearhart.com) will serve as an ongoing case study that will inspire more and more people to research and form their own fascinations and opinions with one of the most iconic figures of our time. Join the SimpleFlight crew as they talk with Chris to learn more about his mission, goals, and the back story behind his lifelong commitment to finding the truth. ​​​                            =============== ​We hope you enjoy listening as much as we love talking to others who share our passion for aviation.  Please subscribe to the Podcast via iTunes or your favorite broadcast source, and

Welcome to the end of 2017!!!   What a wonderful year for SimpleFlight Radio.  A year of great guests and most important..... great listeners!  Our sincere thanks for your loyalty and providing the spark that keeps us going.  On this eve of starting 2018, we decided against canceling this episode in favor of a prerecorded show (so Rhonda & Marc can enjoy the New Years Eve festivities).  The stars appear to have aligned, as Marc's son. Jeff, happened to be in town.  Jeff recently started a podcast on two of his passions.... Games and Craft Brews.  So what's the connection to aviation?  Turns out that craft brews are very regional in nature, so as Marc travels around to different cities, Jeff suggests different breweries to visit.  I can't think of a city I've visited that didn't come with a recommendation from him.  It's an interesting world these beer aficionados live in.  Listen in and find out for yourself.  And stay with us in 2018, as we deliver an impressive lineup of guests and some cool technology

Rhonda and Marc couldn't feel any luckier.  One of the toughest interviews to get is from the Jolly man himself, especially on December 24th.  Turns out Nick is a big SimpleFlight fan and made sure to stop by Hangar 5 as he started on his way to deliver presents to all good children around the world.  Tune in to hear straight from the source as to what this day is like and how it pulls it off year after year.  It's a conversation that's sure to please.  Besides, everyone that listens to SimpleFlight Aviation Radio, is bound to end up on the "Nice" list.  So what do you have to lose?  Happy Holidays from the entire SimpleFlight Crew!!!                         =============== ​We hope you enjoy listening as much as we love talking to others who share our passion for aviation.  Please subscribe to the Podcast via iTunes or your favorite broadcast source, and rate, review, and let us know what you think! ​ ​​​​BLUE SKIES and TAILWINDS!!!

Tonight, the SimpleFlight crew is joined by a local law enforcement professional, who also happens to be a 4,000 hour CFI. And when he's not busy with his career, he happens to own a business and takes Ukulele lessons each week.  The big news is he has been selected for employment at a regional airline on their conditional acceptance program.  Sam Elvis has loved flying for years and finds himself on the brink of making his dream to fly a jet a reality.  Listen in as Marc and Rhonda find out the story behind this diverse career, and also explore the often seen connection between law enforcement and aviation and the catalyst that is driving him to the airlines after a 20 year career. Listen in and enjoy! ​​​                                 =============== ​We hope you enjoy listening as much as we love talking to others who share our passion for aviation.  Please subscribe to the Podcast via iTunes or your favorite broadcast source, and rate, review, and let us know what you think! ​ ​​​​BLUE SKIES and TAILWI

Marc and Rhonda are pleased to welcome back Tim Rylko, a young man that established a goal of flying for the airlines, while he was going to MBA school. Over the next decade, he earned his ratings and was hired two years ago to a regional airline. Tim joins the SimpleFlight crew to talk about the differences between air carrier and GA flying, what are his near term goals, and why he still loves flying in a piston single with his hands on the controls and his will controls the time and destination.  Tim also comments on the Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS), which is an airline rehab program that has a greater than 80% success rate.  Listen in and find out why the success rate is so high compared to other programs.                           =============== ​We hope you enjoy listening as much as we love talking to others who share our passion for aviation.  Please subscribe to the Podcast via iTunes or your favorite broadcast source, and rate, review, and let us know what you think! ​ ​​​​BLUE SKIES

Many of our listeners have realized some of their aviation dreams and are well on their way to achieving those that remain.  But do you remember what it was like at the beginning, before you had the thrill of taking the controls and experiencing flight for the first time?  Or how about actually starting flying lessons with so many experiences ahead of you, and so few behind you.  Listen in to this week's episode as Rhonda and Marc meet Joby Benoit, an aspiring pilot that brings the same energy and passion for aviation shared by us all.  As he lives vicariously through those of us that have already traveled the path, you will take a trip down memory lane listening to Joby talk about the opportunities and challenges he faces at this early stage of achieving his aviation dream. It's a great trip for all of us. ​​​                            =============== ​We hope you enjoy listening as much as we love talking to others who share our passion for aviation.  Please subscribe to the Podcast via iTunes or your fav

Just as Rhonda and Marc were preparing for the show on November 12th, a Cessna 210 was approaching it's destination at KPWK after an uneventful trip from South Dakota.  ATC descended the plane to 2500 feet, a regular procedure for the RNAV/GPS 16 approach.  And then it happened.  A loud bang, a bunch of smoke and a stopped prop.  All of this in IMC and long past sunset. ​Listen in and hear from the pilot himself, John Korinke, about how he put his training to the test, establishing best glide, notifying ATC, and getting vectors to a closer airport (C81).  In the end, he touched down short of the airport, but skidded towards the runway, coming to the stop on the numbers.  That tops all of us when we talk about landing on the numbers.  John walked away uninjured and feeling good about the result.  But also learned many lessons.  All of us as pilots, think about the unthinkable and wonder what it's like.  Will we keep our emotions in check?  How will it impact our decision making?   ​Here's your chance to hear i

They're Back!!!  The Boldmethod, team of Colin Cutler, Aleks Udris, and Swayne Martin were pretty much regulars on SimpleFlight radio in the "early days"  Focused on helping students become pilots and pilots to become better pilots, the guys have grown the company significantly.  And with growth comes workload.  So the visits to SimpleFlight lessened, but the relationship remained strong.  ​Now it's over 3 years later and much to catch up on.  Listen in as Rhonda and Marc get an update on the organization from Colin, about where it's been, where it's at, and most important, where the guys are taking it.  And as a special bonus, Colin used his time on SimpleFlight to introduce a new training course.  It includes an introductory offer for this week only, so you're definitely going to want to check it out (Boldmethod.com).  In the end, you'll love the hangar flying that transpired during the show.  Just like old times. ​​​                                =============== ​We hope you enjoy listening as much as we

Katie McEntire Wiatt was a 4th grade teacher that had an "aha" moment when she heard one of her student's say that she was one of those girls that wasn't very good at math.  Katie had heard the same thing when she was in elementary school.  That statement served as a catalyst for her to do something about the gap in confidence young female students felt compared to their male counterparts in the classroom, especially in relation to STEM subjects.    ​About that same time, Katie saw Patty Wagstaff and other female aerobatic pilots perform.  It had a profound effect on her, and it was at that moment, she decided that aviation, with its diverse opportunities in everything from engineering to aerobatics, would be an excellent vehicle to tell the story.  Now a few years later, she finds herself closing in on making her feature-length directorial debut with the documentary, "Fly Like a Girl."  www.flylikeagirl.film ​Listen in as Rhonda and Marc find out the the story behind the story, and understand why Katie is so

With Rhonda fulfilling her dream, by taking United's last International 747 flight, Marc was going to go solo tonight, but then Private Pilot, Bojan Belovic stopped by and sat in for Rhonda.  Bojan recently returned from his native Serbia, where he checked off a bucket list item of flying in his home country.  It was interesting to hear about the experience, and we know you will agree. The conversation turned towards Air Traffic Control which ultimately led to a discussion about how ATC can change the course of a flight gone wrong to one that ends up right.  Marc played multiple ATC clips of some pretty hairy situations.  It'll give you the shivers. ​ ​                                =============== ​We hope you enjoy listening as much as we love talking to others who share our passion for aviation.  Let us know what you think!

The Boeing 747 was launched in 1968, and United made its first commercial 747 flight in July 1970 with a trip from San Francisco to Honolulu. It was called the Friend Ship.  On November 7, United Airlines will retire the "Queen of the Skies" on a farewell flight on the same route as her beginning.  Other airlines are also retiring this iconic aircraft. Replaced by more efficient airplanes, it is doubtful that any aircraft flying today will replace the emotion and connected feeling that the 747 earned from pilot and passenger alike. The 747 in the 1970s was known not just for technological achievements but also for its glamour. With a lounge, cocktail service and sometimes even a piano, it held the promise of an elegant, relaxing travel experience.  She didn't disappoint.  This week's episode brings back a SimpleFlight Radio favorite, Karlene Petitt  to chat with Marc and Rhonda about her experience as a pilot, trainer, and engineer in the 747.  Join us and listen as Karlene helps us take a trip down memory

If you're like most pilots, you subscribe to Pilot's Tip of the Week, brought to you by PilotWorkshops.com.  Founded by Mark Robidoux some 12 years ago, the organization has grown to over 185,000 like minded subscribers.  ​The subscriber base has fueled some excellent training products, including the highly regarded IFR Mastery Series.  It goes beyond delivering simple answers to simple questions.  Rather, it delivers scenario-based training that makes the pilot think, and compares the student's answer to the different perspectives of a panel of experienced CFI's.  ​Tonight's conversation with Mark was awesome, as we learned about why he started the company, the ongoing mission, and what the future holds.  It's an exciting story that you don't want to miss!!! ​ ​                                         =============== ​We hope you enjoy listening as much as we love talking to others who share our passion for aviation.  Let us know what you think! ​ ​​​BLUE SKIES and TAILWINDS!!!