John Zimmerman

David Gagliardi has spent many summers flying big airplanes at low altitude, dropping fire retardant on wildfires all over North America. In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes, explaining how pilots maintain situational awareness, what it’s like managing 60-year old airliners, and what the future of the industry looks like. David is also a longtime flight instructor and pilot examiner, so he shares invaluable tips for anyone preparing for a checkride, including how to avoid “failing yourself.” In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear about flying warbirds, the best airport in British Columbia, and decision-making lessons learned in the navy.

A good aviation headset is an essential part of any pilot’s flight bag. While the most advanced models can cost over $1,000 they also do an incredible job of protecting your hearing and enhancing the clarity of airborne communications. With proper care, headsets can also last for 10+ years, so it’s a smart investment.

Designing a clean sheet airplane and introducing it to the world by flying to Oshkosh is a bold plan, but that’s exactly what Steve Wood did this year. He tells us all about the Spirit Engineering SE-1, including why staying quiet was important for the company, why good looks matter in an airplane, and why they designed their own engine. Steve also worked at Cessna many years ago, so he talks about the glory days of GA, including the launch of the Cessna Caravan. In the Ready to Copy segment, Steve discusses common design mistakes, the Skypup ultralight, and the Cessna 303.

Flying a turbine airplane like a Citation Mustang requires a new approach to training and procedures. Longtime jet pilot and safety expert David Miller shares what he’s learned over 50+ years of flying, including how to fly stabilized approaches, preparing for simulator training, and the value of a lead passenger. David also offers advice on the insurance process and when to fly with a second pilot. In the Ready to Copy segment, David talks about the Sabreliner, the Special Olympics Airlift, and detailing clay for cars.

Experienced airplane broker and all-around Cessna expert Mark Pilkington shares invaluable tips for avoiding disaster when buying an airplane, including his advice for first-time buyers, the right way to do a pre-buy inspection, and what to look for when buying a utility airplane like a Cessna 185. He also explains how he became an accidental YouTube star, and what his newest video series is all about (think Airplane Repo). In the Ready to Copy segment, Mark talks about the worst airplane model to buy, handling engine failures, and English pubs.

Learning to fly does not mean learning to travel by light airplane. In this episode, longtime aviation journalist Tom Haines shares tips he’s learned from a lifetime of cross-country flying in piston airplanes, including many he learned while flying with the late Richard Collins. Tom is also deeply involved in efforts to prevent poaching in Africa, so he describes the unique uses of CubCrafters airplanes in Namibia. In the Ready to Copy segment, Tom talks about flying the B-25, when he thinks unleaded avgas will be available, and his advice for new airplane owners.

The job market for pilots has been through some wild swings lately, but aviation career coach (and former airline pilot) James Onieal says it’s neither as good nor as bad as you might think. He offers frank advice about the dangers of social media for aspiring pilots, explains why networking matters now more than ever, and discusses the differences between airline jobs and corporate jobs. In the Ready to Copy segment, James talks about the biggest career mistakes to avoid, what it’s like to flight check instrument approaches, and his favorite joke about cops.

Learning to fly is all about the challenge for YouTube creator Ethan O’Rourke. That meant training in a J-3 Cub with no electrical system and now traveling the country in an Aeronca Chief. Ethan explains the joy of low and slow flights, shares his approach to making memorable aviation films, and describes what it was like to fly over the North Atlantic in a WWII bomber. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll learn tips for hand-propping airplanes, what it was like to fly a MiG-15, and how to land on a frozen lake.

We train mechanics to attack airplanes with tools, but A&P/IA Colleen Sterling says there’s a better way. She shares her advice for using modern tools like engine monitors and borescopes to maintain airplanes based on condition instead of by the calendar. She also talks about her fascinating day job, which involves searching for lost airplanes—including her role in finding the Air France 447 wreckage. In the Ready to Copy segment, Colleen explains why compression checks are overrated, how to be a better air racer, and what it’s like to fly aerobatics in a biplane.

The world's largest airshow starts July 21, 2025, and as usual Sporty's will be there in a big way. Our main tent is located in Outdoor Space #260, just outside of Exhibit Hangar B, and Sporty's Aviation Gifts will be exhibiting inside Hangar B, booth 2111. We'll also be presenting seminars throughout the week.