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Jason Schappert MzeroA.com June 12th, 2016 Jun 13, 2016

Show notes

We all agree with the adage, a good pilot is always learning. The question is where to go for that learning. One such "place" is with Jason Schappert, a CFII, Author, and aviation educator, who has made a name for himself with pilots around the world. Through his web site, mZeroa (m0a.com) provides training to any and all members of the aviation community. Listen in to SimpleFlight radio to get up close and personal with Jason as he makes an "appearance" on tonight's show.

At Your Service, June 5, 2016 Jun 09, 2016

Show notes

A pilot's view of an FBO, differs across pilot types. The single engine private pilot has very different needs, expectations, and payment expectations from the corporate pilot, who is paid to ensure the passengers are happy and on time. The view from the FBO is not so diverse, as regardless of type of pilot, the FBO staff wants to keep passengers comfortable, flight crews organized and airport tenants happy. At least the good FBO's provide the same customer service regardless of type of aircraft, operation, or fuel purchases. Tonight, meet Reyna Vigil, who recently moved to Chicago to manage the customer service staff at Hawthorne Global Aviation Services at KPWK. Reyna discusses her role and it's challenges and rewards for a job well done.

Thanks for listening.

Blue Skies and Tailwinds!

The Art of Search and Rescue May 29th, 2016 May 30, 2016

Show notes

Tonight, Al and Marc were joined by Fred Canavan, a loyal listener from New Jersey, who is a Civil Air Patrol pilot. Fred loves Aviation and he found a way to give back to the public through his work with the Civil Air Patrol (http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com). As a mission pilot for CAP, one of his duties is to lead Search and Rescue missions. As you will soon understand, the process to locate a downed aircraft is as much art, as it is science. The good news is he and his colleagues have that skill. Marc and Al also discussed new developments at Icon Aircraft corporation, as it goes through the growing pains that all aircraft manufacturers experience. The guys talked about the airshows that kick off the summer flying season, including the exciting news that the OSH Notam has been published. Lastly, Marc brought up his experience flying below the Chicago Bravo, only to find a long line of airliners flying their final approach in that same space. Didn't have to have much of a scan to see 777's across his flight path.

Aviation Surprises, May 22, 2016 May 23, 2016

Show notes

Aviation related or not, surprises can feel a little ominous. Tonight's show had plenty of surprise moments. First with a surprise visit from long time friend of the show, Alex Kottoulas. And that was followed by a surprise rendition of Happy Birthday to our own Al Waterloo.

The theme continued as Marc spoke about his first ever ramp check at KOSU, followed by a surprise visit by an uncomfortable bout of turbulence. What he did may surprise you.

The guys then played a game in which they ranked the importance of high end devices that are commonly added to an airplane, and finished the night talking about a mobile pilot shop.

Lots of discussion and a few surprises along the way. We think you'll enjoy it!!!

Thanks for listening. Blue Skies & Tailwinds!

Avionics Pie, May 15th, 2016 May 16, 2016

Show notes

Quick, name an avionics manufacturer. Many pilots would name Garmin, Bendix-King, or maybe Rockwell Collins and Honeywell. After listening to the show, you might add another name to that list. Al and Marc talked to Ryan Paul of Avidyne on tonight's show. While Avidyne no longer OEM's their equipment to Cirrus and Piper, they've found exciting growth in their IFD 440/540/550 Nav/Comm GPS solutions. Focused on reducing pilot workload, Avidyne provides a "lower" cost and highly functional solution to today's general aviation pilot. Also of interest, was Ryan's path to achieving his dream job in aviation. After listening to Ryan, you'll understand how he made it happen. Amazing what a positive attitude and a contagious enthusiasm can do for a person!

Bridging The Training Gap May 1st, 2016 May 02, 2016

Show notes

As Al battled storms flying in from the West, Marc kicked off the show talking about his need for a higher level of training, so he can fly like a professional, with the confidence and proficiency that comes with it. On cue, Al joined the show and relayed his experience flying in tonight. That same confidence and proficiency was obviously in play. The guys talked about how that higher level of training does exist, but not in great supply. Whether the lack of demand is because of the financial implications or for some other reason, is unknown, but served to fuel the conversation. Listen and join in on the discussion. Blue Skies and Tailwinds!

Business Jet Buzz, April 24, 2016 Apr 25, 2016

Show notes

With Al on the road, or should I say in the air, Josh Blain joined Marc as his co-host for the show. The guys talked with Janine Iannarelli of Par Avion Ltd. who joins us quarterly to discuss the state of aviation with regards to the business jet market. Janine always brings a keen insight into the trends that drive the health of the market.

Josh and Marc also talked about a recent experience at a non-towered field, which did not go over well with Josh. And heads up about the Chicago Aviation Symposium on June 25th at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL (KLOT). It's all part of the Bridge The Gap initiative to bring controllers and pilots together in the spirit of safety. If you're in the Midwest, mark it down on your calendar.

Blue Skies & Tailwinds!

Weather at a Glance! April 10th, 2015 Apr 11, 2016

Show notes

If you ask a general aviation pilot, what's the toughest topic to become proficient in, many will respond with Weather. And that goes beyond weather theory. Sometimes it's just collecting all of the data points and trying to pull it all together. Making that even tougher is the lack of consistency in how the data is presented. Maps, text, coded, and decoded are just some of the types we as pilots must pull together to paint a single picture. Enter WX24Pilot, a new IOS app brought to us by Paxton Calvanese. This weather app brings all of your flight planning data, including a pilot's personal minimums to a single place with a single graphical user interface. Using a circular clock type view, a pilot can quickly build a picture of the weather that will be faced on their planned flight. Now why didn't we think of that before? Can't answer that, but we are sure glad Paxton thought of it. Listen in to the podcast and also find a demo of the solution on YouTube. You'll be glad you did!Thanks for listening. Al and Marc love that your are part of the show's family.

Disruptive Innovations, April 3rd, 2016 Apr 04, 2016

Show notes

Change is good. It leads to innovation and in aviation, hopefully a cheaper, safer, faster, and better flying experience. Tonight's show dealt with the changing environment in aviation. Al and Marc talked about scheduled 135 operating companies and other "uber-like entities and how they are changing the industry. The conversation moved to new student pilot rules, which get in the way of an old and wonderful tradition of soloing on a pilot's 16th birthday. And then on to a discussion of how Icon Aircraft is working to set a risk mitigation precedent with a new buyer contract with many interesting caveats.Marc and Al finished strong by checking in with sometimes co-host, Tim Rylko, who is about to complete his three month training with his new employer. In a matter of a couple weeks, Tim will be flying with passengers in an EMB 175. Very exciting!Thanks for listening. Blue Skies and Tailwinds.

Catching Up with Josh and Eddie, March 27, 2016 Mar 28, 2016

Show notes

How appropriate, we recorded this show on Easter Sunday. It's a day when family gets together and catches up on the many changes that occurred over the past several months. Same with the SimpleFlight Aviation family. Josh Blain (of CFI fame) and Eddie Trujillo (Chicago Approach ATC) stopped by the SimpleFlight Studio to share what's been going on in their lives. Congrats to Josh for surpassing 1,000 hours (600 in the last 7 months), and Eddie talked about his ATC life as Chicago continues to change traffic flows and he progresses in his career.

Like all shows, you'll find a refreshing and informal feel to the conversation, which once again proves, that we are all part of the same family!!!

Blues Skies & Tailwinds!

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