Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's

Latest Episodes:

Inside the aviation insurance market, with Doug Tibbs Nov 03, 2026

Show notes

Buying aircraft insurance can often feel like an opaque, frustrating process of filling out paperwork and bracing for rate hikes. In this episode Doug Tibbs, managing director at 5X5 Aviation Insurance and a former business jet pilot, pulls back the curtain on how aircraft policies are actually quoted. He explains the critical difference between brokers and underwriters, how real-time flight data is shaking up the industry, and the exact steps aircraft owners can take to lower premiums. Doug also shares colorful stories from his years in corporate aviation, including candid thoughts on crew resource management, single-pilot safety, and memorable passengers. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear how many hours is too few for insurance, why claims happen outside of accidents, and what his dream airplane is.

SHOW LINKS:

* 5X5 Aviation Insurance: https://www.5x5insurance.com/

* DuPage Airport: https://dupageairport.gov/

* PilotWorkshops Premier: https://pilotworkshop.com/products/premier/

Bringing aviation to high school, with Kailee Calder Oct 20, 2026

Show notes

What happens when you take a former high school chemistry teacher, turn her into a CFI, and send her back into the high school classroom to run a full-semester private pilot ground school? In this episode, high school educator, medical professional, and flight instructor Kailee Calder explains how she is reshaping youth aviation outreach through CTE partnerships in Utah. She also shares lessons she’s learned as a teacher that work for flight instructors and takes on misconceptions about today’s youth. In the Ready to Copy segment, Kailee shares her favorite flight simulator scenario for kids, why social media isn’t always the best marketing channel for flight schools, and the weather tips she learned from sailing.

SHOW LINKS:

* Kailee’s website: https://www.kaileecalder.com

* Aviation class at Davis Catalyst: https://catalyst.davis.k12.ut.us/o/cace/page/pilot-aviation

* PilotWorkshops Premier: https://pilotworkshop.com/products/premier/

From Mission Control to Homebuilt Airplanes, with Paul Dye Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

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.

SHOW LINKS:

* Ironflight website: https://ironflight.com/

* Paul’s articles at AvBrief: https://avbrief.com/author/ironflight/

* PJ2 GPS Radio: https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html

The pursuit of perfection, with Michael Goulian Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

As one of the few people to ever fly an airshow at Oshkosh, a competition aerobatic routine, and a Red Bull Air Race, Michael Goulian has a unique perspective on flying at the edge of the envelope. In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes to share how he prepares both physically and mentally for a performance, what’s unique about modern aerobatic airplanes, and what his favorite maneuver is. Michael is also a longtime flight instructor and flight school owner, so he connects the intense focus of the airshow world to the job of a primary flight instructor, with tips for improving stick and rudder skills in the age of glass cockpits. In the Ready to Copy segment, he talks about his favorite fly-in destination in New England, his pre-show playlist, and golf.

SHOW LINKS:

* Mike Goulian Aviation: https://mikegoulianaviation.com/

* Goulian Aerosports: https://mikegoulian.com/

* PJ2 GPS Radio: https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html

The power of the aviation community, with Justin Siems Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

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

What an airline pilot job is worth, with Kit Darby Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

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 GA maintenance crisis, with Paul New Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

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

Seaplane adventures and challenges, with Steve McCaughey Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

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

Understanding the pilot-controller relationship, with John Krug Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

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

How to be a thinking pilot, with Rick Durden Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

Pilots should aspire to a higher standard than just passing the checkride, according to author and instructor Rick Durden. He explains how to be one of these “thinking pilots,” pursuing excellence while still having fun in the air, with tips for new pilots and pro pilots alike. Rick is unafraid to tackle any subject, so he also weighs in on why shock cooling is a myth and why talking about “real pilots” is foolish. In the Ready to Copy segment, Rick shares tips for landing on taxiways, his least favorite FAR, and the best handling airplane he’s ever flown.

SHOW LINKS:

* The Thinking Pilot’s Manual: http://www.rickdurden.com/book.html

* Screw the Aviation Caste System: https://avbrief.com/the-pilots-lounge-157-screw-the-aviation-caste-system/

* IFR Mastery from PilotWorkshops: https://sportys.com/mastery

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Pilot’s Discretion from Sporty’s

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected