From Mission Control to Homebuilt Airplanes, with Paul Dye

By John Zimmerman
Oct 6, 2026
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Pilot's Discretion Podcast, episode 140

Former NASA Flight Director and experimental aircraft expert Paul Dye explains how high-stakes spaceflight principles can translate to the world of single-pilot GA flying. He reflects on decision-making at Mission Control, the art of evaluating risk versus uncertainty, and why pilots must always be willing to question their own choices. He also breaks down the reality of building kitplanes, offering honest advice on what it takes to finish a project, how to approach flight testing safely, and how MOSAIC could shape general aviation’s future. In the Ready to Copy lightning round, Paul talks about NASA in the movies, flying the Fisk Arrival into Oshkosh, and why a simple J-3 Cub on a grass strip remains hard to beat.

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Quotes:

The most important lesson from NASA: “you do not have to fly today. No matter how many people are anticipating it, you have the final decision.”
Being self-aware as a pilot: “when I fly, I'm always questioning myself, the decision-making.”
Taking time to appreciate the beauty of space: “there was always wonder and amazement looking back at the Earth.”
Encouraging kids in aviation: “if you want to nudge them towards an air and airplane lifestyle, make sure that they get some access to the airport and the airplanes”
The joys of airplane ownership: “it's magical, it's mystical, and the dividends are spectacular.”
Why old airplanes shouldn’t be overlooked: “you can see the sunset just as well from a raggedy old Cessna 150 as you can from a Cirrus.”
Should I build or buy a homebuilt? “If you have to ask that question, you should buy a finished one. Because in order to build an airplane, you have to have a deep, unexplainable desire to build an airplane.”
What MOSAIC might do for engines: “I can't tell you that there's anything… out there on the horizon that's gonna revolutionize propulsion. I think we kinda have what we have for now.”
First flights of experimentals: “if you have not done much flying in the past five years because you've been building the airplane, maybe you're not the right guy to go do the first flight.”
Finding the right airplane: “the best airplane is the one you're flying today that does the job that you need it to do.”
Flying into AirVenture: “there are times when the Fisk approach works fine. I think there are times when the Fisk approach has more risk to it than I'm willing to accept.”