Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's

Professional pilot and podcast host Justin Siems says aviation is “a welcoming community that feels like it's not.” He explains why, based on his experience interviewing nearly 400 pilots. Justin also talks about making the transition from fractional flying to the major airlines, why he launched a print magazine in a world dominated by short-form video, and how his background as a Big Ten college football player translated directly to the flight deck. In the Ready to Copy segment, he shares the best advice he’s received from a guest, his humbling experience landing the Boeing 737, and his routine for early morning trips.
SHOW LINKS:
* Pilot to Pilot podcast and magazine: https://www.pilottopilothq.com/
* Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilottopilot/
* PJ2 GPS Radio: https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html

As a former airline pilot and industry analyst for more than four decades, Kit Darby has seen a lot of job market cycles. In this episode he shares his wisdom, with plenty of practical advice for aspiring professional pilots, including an honest assessment of the job market right now, what airline pilots actually make over a 30-year career, and what COVID changed about the airline business. Kit also talks about some lessons learned from his airline and military career, including mastering full motion airline simulators and flying the unique OV-1 Mohawk in the Army. and In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear about preparing for job interviews, under-appreciated airlines, and helicopters vs. airplanes.
SHOW LINKS:
* Kit’s website: https://kitdarby.com/
* Airline hiring resources: https://www.fapa.aero/job-hunting-pilots
* PilotWorkshops Mastery: https://sportys.com/mastery

The pilot shortage gets a lot of headlines, but longtime A&P/IA Paul New says the shortage of mechanics is much more serious. He explains the causes, what owners can do to work productively with their A&P, and how pilots can take advantage of modern engine monitors to save money. Paul is also a very experienced pilot, so he shares lessons he’s learned from countless post-maintenance flights, including what to watch on the takeoff roll. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll learn how to write a good squawk, Paul’s favorite Cessna, and his advice for new mechanics.
SHOW LINKS:
Ask the A&Ps podcast: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/podcasts/podcasts/ask-the-a-and-ps

Paul’s articles: https://www.tennesseeaircraft.net/articles/

Savvy Aviation: https://www.savvyaviation.com/

Airplane Engine Operations course: https://pilotworkshop.com/products/airplane-engine-operations/

PilotWorkshops Mastery: https://sportys.com/mastery

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