Simpleflight Radio

  The picture on the left is of Betty Wall Strohfus, the legend who is at the heart of the work you will hear about in this week's show.  Shortly after our live show on Sunday night, Betty passed away at the age of 96.  An emotional time for all those connected with her.  The following link serves as a tribute to Betty.   http://blogs.mprnews.org/newscut/2016/03/air-legend-betty-strohfus-dies-at-96 You're going to love this week's show as Marc and Al talk to Terry Baker, who heads up the American Aviation Heritage Foundation, which is in the process of restoring a WASP BT-13 (www.facebook.com/Americanaviationheritagefoundation).   This is less about the airplane, and much more about the women who piloted the plane.  You'll hear the emotion in Terry's voice as he talks about the people behind the project, who are emotionally and physically committed to honoring the legacy of the women of the WASP who were pioneers in every sense of the word.

In a bit of a twist, Marc and Al welcomed one of their listeners to the show.  Ken VeArd, maker of the Pilot Partner Electronic Pilot Logbook, joined us to talk all things aviation.  He also was kind enough to offer a life time promo code for those that sign up at pilotpartner.net. Listen to the podcast to find out how you can earn a lifetime benefit with the promo code.  And thanks to listener Tom Wachowski, who gave very sound purchasing advice, by stating that Marc shouldn't talk himself into an aircraft for reasons outside his value circle.  Sage advice indeed!Blue Skies and Tailwinds!

Marc and Al welcomed back Janine Iannarelli of Par Avion Ltd to talk about the goings on in the business jet side of General Aviation.  Janine enlightened us to what's it like to walk with the stars at the Living Legends of Aviation Gala.  It was great to hear that indeed, aviation is the great equalizer, thanks to the passion we all share for flying.     The conversation moved to the very heated discussion of privatization of ATC.  There are two sides to every story, and it appears the airlines are on one side of the table, with GA firmly on the other.   Which of course led to the implications of this year's impending elections.  Current uncertainty is one of the forces driving the current trends.  Once that uncertainty is eliminated, it will be interesting to see where that will take us.   Blue Skies & Tailwinds

Marc and Al were joined by frequent guest, Josh Blain for a night of hangar flying.  The conversation started with Josh's pursuit of an airline job, as Al and Marc surfed the web for salaries, hiring packages, and other relevant info.  It was Marc's turn next as he described a recent experience in which he had a loss of instrumentation, which resulted in a momentary loss of orientation.  Very educational and a reminder for us all.  Other topics include a discussion of ATC privatization, an explanation of the snowflake symbol on approach charts, and other items that usually come up while hangar flying.  So hop aboard and take a seat and let us know what you want to talk about.Blue Skies and Tailwinds

Last week, Karl Fink inspired all of us by showing the way to live the aviation dream by making it part of our every day life.  Tonight Al and Marc welcomed Tim Rylko, who spoke about achieving his aviation dream by making it his every day life.  The difference between the two is slight, but for a young man who has been on a 15 year mission to fly for the airlines, it feels so much more momentous.  Listen in as Tim talks about how it all started and some of the sacrifices he had to make to reach this important goal.  A feel good story that'll put a smile on your face!!!   Blue Skies and Tailwinds!        

General aviation pilots usually think big, but settle for a $100 hamburgers and a lot of hangar flying.  Tonight's guest, Karl Fink, sets the standard by which we should all measure ourselves.  Whether it's for work, family, friends, charity, or for supporting his favorite college team, Karl uses aviation to achieve his life's goals.  Isn't it time we stop dreaming about flying and get off the ground?  We agree!!!Blue Skies and Tailwinds

So much of General Aviation is stuck in the old way of doing things. Tonight, Marc and Al welcomed back long time SimpleFlight friend and aviation entrepreneur, Ian Hoyt.  Ian's passion for connecting aviation to the rest of the world is found in Wilbur (Wilbur.co), his company that helps brands develop creative marketing solutions for the quick changing landscape in which we live.  Not surprising, Ian's success comes from his ability to balance today's technology with foundational concepts that have withstood the test of time.

What are you doing on March 16th through March 19th?  After tonight's show, you'll probably be heading to Conroe Texas to attend Modaero's #NextGen Aviation Festival.  As the face of aviation changes, it's critical today's aviation event focuses on the younger demographic, without losing the existing cross generational foundation.  Co-founders Brian Columbus and Jason Stewart spoke with us about their efforts to make an impact through aviation, entertainment, and education..... Right down to the drone races!  Listen and hear about SimpleFlight's special promo code for the event.  See you there. For 40% off your Modaero Festival tickets use SIMPLE16 as a promo code when checking out. www.modaero.net

Tonight, we were joined by a colleague of Al's, Philippe Polman.  You can't tell it from his name, but Philippe received his aviation training in the US.  Today, he lives in the United Kingdom, which serves as a base for his work with Cirrus across all of Europe.  We've heard so many rumors and stories about what flying is like across the pond, it was refreshing to hear the truth from Philippe.  Everything from training, operations, costs, techniques, and rules.  He even gave us some insight as to which apps were most popular (here's a hint...  It's not ForeFlight).  And as far as costs, can you imagine running over to the control tower to give the controller a credit card for your landing fee, while he is controlling traffic?  It happens!  But most of all, Philippe shares with us the experience of multi-country flying.  Somehow flying to the south of France for a $100 le petit dejeuner sounds a lot more exciting than a burger in Anytown, USA. Let us know if you liked the show and join us next week when we we

What a great way to kick off the year.  Keith Smith, CEO of PilotEdge helped Marc welcome Al back to the show with a detailed description of a complex and challenging IFR flight with the strongest hurricane in the area.  The decision making process he went through is very enlightening.Once you start listening to the podcast, you'll notice a new format, new website, and fresh feel to the show.  We hope you like it.  Either way, let us know.Happy New Year.  Blue Skies & Tailwinds!

Before we say goodbye to 2015, let's say hello to a very important partner for General Aviation pilots, your friendly local air traffic controller.  Marc welcomed Eddie Trujillo from C90 (Chicago Approach) to talk about his career and his current project, appropriately called "Bridge The Gap".  The purpose of the program is to open a direct line of communication between pilots and controllers within Chicago airspace with the goal bridging the gap between them.  This program may be starting in other areas as well.  Regardless, the lessons are the same... open and direct communication will allow both pilot and controller alike to understand the other's perspective, ensure questions are answered, and the airspace is safer.  An excellent exchange, you will surely enjoy. Additionally, many listener questions came in, which Eddie was able to answer.  That in itself was very enlightening and educational.  And just to spice it up a little, Marc played an audio recording of a prior GA emergency, which highlighted the

What a great time of year.  A time of change and a time of giving.  Marc focused on some of those changes, starting with the shift from shorter days to longer days.  For him, a welcome emotional change.  As the new year approaches, Marc also talked about getting back his Avgeek swagger.  Something that has diminished due to less flying in 2015.  With visions of more hours in 2016, he hopes all of you will join him in that goal. A big change is on the horizon with the government seemingly on our side, with the Senate providing the next version of the Pilot Bill of Rights, including 3rd class medical reform.  How cool would it be to know you have already had your last AME exam, and only need to stay healthy and have your personal physician approve you for flight every 4 years, and every two years, for you to take a free on-line course regarding Aeromedical Factors in flight.  Well that's what's about to happen, if the house and the president follow the Senate's path.  Is that good or bad?  We heard what Marc th

Back in August, We discussed the Go / No Go decision, with a focus on a perfectly good airplane, which exhibited some anomalies with its annunciator lights.  The manufacturer and A&P said it was working as intended, but Marc knew differently.  Today, Marc brings up the same Go / No Go decision, but with respect to the pilots capabilities and the environment around him or her.  Does the decision come down to legalities, safety, intelligence, personal minimums, or maybe a more objective criteria concerning having "outs".  The discussion is not as cut and dried as one might think.  Take a listen and let us know what you think.  You can write Marc at me02@aol.com Marc also spent some time going over current events.  Congrats to Honda for its certification of the HondaJet.  Other items that may interest you include a manned drone like aircraft, or the fact that the government is looking for someone that can help them take safe control of someone else's drone and earn a cool $100K for their efforts.  And one wa

When you're flying, do you ever get the "leans".  I know you're thinking about the sensation that a pilot can get when going into IMC conditions.  A sense of leaning one way or another , when you're actually flying straight.  This time, I'm talking about something a bit different.  That being the red knob in your plane.  You know, what some people think of as the on/off knob.  Pushed all the way in, and the plane is able to be turned on.  Pull all the way back, and it turns off.  While true, many people don't understand what it means to be active with the mixture control throughout its travel.  Sit back and listen and learn about what it means to be Lean of Peak... or Rich of Peak.  When to lean and how to lean.  If this is new to you, you'll be glad you took the time, and your wallet will thank you, your airplane will thank you, and so will the environment. If you feel I missed the mark, then by all means, leave your comments at www.simpleflight.net or email me at me02@aol.com Blue Skies and Tailwinds!

Avionics have come a long way over the last 15 years.  Unfortunately, there are many pilots that have bought new avionics, but know little more than how to press the "Direct To" button.  By understanding the nuances or tips and tricks of getting more out of these devices, a pilot will discover how it can lessen the workload, mitigate risk, and create better outcomes.  Luckily our own Marc Epner is an expert at using the technology found in today's technically advanced aircraft.  Listen in as Marc discusses some of the best practices in getting the most out of your audio panel, transponder, and GPS/Nav/Com. Marc also brought us up to speed on the continuing Drone conversation, the FAA's warning to understand what important sounds your noise canceling headset may be preventing you from hearing, and the notable demise of a well known headset manufacturer.  Plus, he took a slight turn to share his view of the items that should be covered in a safety briefing and what items a pinch hitter really needs to know. Tha

After an absolutely amazing fall, Chicago reminded us that Winter can hit at any time.  Coming off a 12" snowfall yesterday, it reminded Marc of the implications for pilots across the northern latitudes.  And its not just about preheating your engine.  Pilot's have the responsibility for considering the effect of cold and snow on the entire airplane, as well as taxiway and runway conditions.  And how about the impending weather, and in the case of an off airport landing, is the plane equipped to keep the pilot safe until help arrives?  Join with Marc as he discussed those very topics.  In the end, your airplane and your family will thank you for your preparedness for Winter Operations. Marc also talked about the retirement of Mike Ragsdale, a 37 year veteran behind the yoke at American Airlines.  A friend, a mentor, and as professional as they come, Mike will miss flying, his passengers, and the MD-80.  But maybe not as much as they will miss him.  Capt. Rags has not been in a GA airplane in 37 years.  It'll

When you are flying, how often do you say (or think), "I love to fly".  Probably a lot... and you are not alone.  But how many times do you experience an aviation moment that is so memorable and so unique that it makes you realize how special flying is, and how sad that so few people ever experience those special moments.  Well it happened to Marc last Sunday, as he flew back from dinner with his son in BMI.  With a crisp nighttime air, unlimited visibilities, smooth as glass ride conditions, and a darkened cockpit, Marc experienced and shared with all of us, a almost life changing moment.  Realizing what was happening, Marc paused and took the time to internalize and appreciate how special it was.  It seems like we let those moments slip from our memories.  They are too precious to let them go.  What about you?  We'd love to hear about your special aviation moments.     Marc also covered some of the aviation holiday gift choices out there, including the new LightSpeed Tango Headset.  ANR and Wireless, it has

Al found time to be in Chicago on Sunday night and finally could enlighten us as to what happened with his engine dilemma that he spoke to us about two months ago.  What a learning experience for him...and now for us.  Airplane ownership is more than just flying the plane.  Listen in and learn the finer points of airplane ownership decision making.Marc and Al also talked about business current events in General Aviation, as well as some of the great and not so great technologies in the cockpit.  And finally, Marc clued us in on possible the best FBO in the nation.  We think you'll agree.Thanks for listening.Blues Skies and Tailwinds

What aircraft is the best trainer, especially for primary training? Glider or Powered, Tricycle or Tail Dragger, High Wing or Low Wing, or even yoke, side stick, or center stick? It seems those are the type of features that are discussed when the question comes up. But according to Marc, it's the wrong questions. First and foremost, one single feature should be the focus to determine which aircraft is the proper primary trainer. What do you think? Please let us know. Marc also found the answer to one of the elusive aviation questions he's ever asked. That being, what constitutes a log-able instrument approach? Both for VMC and IMC? Marc's asked the question many times, and each time gets a different answer. As luck would have, the FAA recently clarified exactly that.... and it wasn't the answer expected. But now we all know and hopefully a sign of things to come as the FAA seeks to clarify many of the gray areas we deal with on a daily basis. Finally, Marc talked about the skill of managing the energy and tem

"They" say it takes two weeks to make a habit, which also means it takes two weeks to stop a habit by replacing with a new one.  That works for us and against us.  In flying, I have known too many people that have found themselves not flying for one reason or another.  As time goes on, it gets easier to stay away from the airport.  Soon the addiction becomes a fond memory, and then ceases to be a memory altogether.  That is bad for aviation, and even bad for you.  Flying is important to all of us.  We're a community of people that finds peace, happiness, and comfort in flying.  Why negatively impact your life by removing such a vital element?  Marc talks about this topic and discusses ways to keep aviation in your life, even if you don't get up in the air.   Marc also talks about some of the positive changes that have happened in aviation over the last month, including new technology and a kinder and gentler FAA.  And what's this about the FAA dumping the area forecast (FA)?  Maybe not such a bad thing.  Chan