Hangar Flying with Smokehouse Pilots Club – Details, episodes & analysis

In this conversation, Gabe Muller interviews James Spearman, an Air Force pilot and owner of a maintenance shop. They discuss James' journey into aviation, his experience in Air Force pilot training, and his current role flying the KC-135. James also shares his entrepreneurial spirit and the challenges and successes of running his own business. The conversation highlights the importance of perseverance and a strong mindset in both aviation and entrepreneurship. In this conversation, James Spearman shares his insights on stress management, customer service, and the importance of a safety mindset in aviation. He emphasizes the need to handle stressful situations with grace and make level-headed decisions. James also discusses the correlation between business and aviation, highlighting the similarities in risk management and training. He specializes in aircraft maintenance for Cirrus and Diamond aircraft and recommends slowing down and following the rules in aviation to ensure safety. James also mentions the benefits of using advanced ignition systems like ElectroAir and Fire Frost.

Takeaways

Aviation and entrepreneurship require perseverance and a strong mindset

Air Force pilot training emphasizes personal accountability and ownership

General aviation saw a spike during the COVID-19 pandemic

Running a business is challenging but rewarding

Having a team and utilizing resources is crucial in aviation and business Stress management is crucial in aviation, and stressful events can increase one's tolerance for stress over time.

Handling stressful situations with grace and making level-headed decisions is a valuable skill in both business and aviation.

Following the rules and regulations in aviation is essential for safety, as they are often written in response to past accidents.

Slowing down and taking the time to do things right is important in aircraft maintenance and can prevent future issues.

Using advanced ignition systems like ElectroAir and Fire Frost can improve aircraft performance and safety.

Sound Bites

"The best way to see it is, being around the airfield with people that just like to hang out and enjoy airplanes and kick out the lawn chairs and watch airplanes take off."

"Having that level of ownership from the very beginning of like, nobody's here to save me, right? Like this is on me. I need to do this."

"We're gonna fly formation within each other and we'll have F-16s or F-15s in formation with lead or number two and we'll refuel them in formation with each other which is really surreal."

"Early on, 500 bucks would really move my needle. I would freak out over it."

"Handling things with grace, slowing down, and making level-headed decisions."

"It's so unique how they can handle a situation where I've seen people freak out and they want to blow up over stuff or whatever and they can just handle it with such grace."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

03:01 James' Journey into Aviation

07:06 The Passion and Community of Aviation

11:38 Lessons from Air Force Pilot Training

18:29 Flying the KC-135 and Formation Refueling

23:05 Running a Business and Building a Team

25:48 The Importance of Perseverance and Mindset

26:57 Stress Management and Tolerance

27:29 Handling Stressful Situations with Grace

31:47 The Correlation Between Business and Aviation

34:31 Slowing Down and Doing Things Right in Aircraft Maintenance

42:46 The Benefits of Advanced Ignition Systems in Aviation

https://www.spearmanaircraft.com/

https://www.smokehousepilots.com/

Michael Leek, founder of Simuvation, shares his journey in aviation and how he got into the simulation training industry. He started as a tech entrepreneur in the aviation industry and then became a pilot, flying for charter companies and instructing at CAE. He eventually transitioned into the tech side of aviation, working on training deliverables and simulator performance data analysis. With his experience in professional simulator training, he saw the need for scenario-based training and competency-based assessment in primary flight training. He predicts that in the future, all pilots will be required to undergo simulator training and pass a sim academy before starting flight training. Michael discusses the challenges and conflicts in flight training and the potential for simulators to improve the training process. He emphasizes the need for better education and consumer awareness to address the inefficiencies in flight training. Michael also highlights the role of insurance companies in promoting simulator training and suggests that simulators should be used as a base of proficiency before flying in an actual aircraft. He shares his vision of requiring simulators in primary flight training and the benefits they can bring to both instructors and students.

Takeaways

Simulation training is an important aspect of professional pilot training and can also benefit primary flight training.

There is a need for scenario-based training and competency-based assessment in primary flight training.

In the future, all pilots may be required to undergo simulator training and pass a sim academy before starting flight training. Flight training often takes longer than the required hours, leading to increased costs for students. Consumer education and awareness can help address this issue.

Simulators can be used to build proficiency and reduce the time required for flight training. They can also create a safer and more efficient learning environment for instructors and students.

Insurance companies can play a role in promoting simulator training by requiring a level of proficiency before flying in an actual aircraft.

The use of simulators in primary flight training can improve the skills and knowledge of flight instructors, leading to better training outcomes for students.

The Simuvation mobile training unit offers a solution for flight schools and instructors to incorporate simulator training into their programs.

Sound Bites

"We can do this from day one. And if we know it makes professional pilots better pilots and it's easier for professional pilots to learn, like if the most experienced pilots, these things are good for, then why aren't these things good for the most inexperienced pilots?"

"If the consumer was better educated, maybe the consumer would say, 'Well, flight school, how do you make it so that I only need to spend 40 hours in an airplane?'"

"Before you put someone in their airplane for their first hour, maybe they need to have five hours in a sim. Maybe they need 10 hours in a sim. And not only is it safer, but you create a better environment for the flight instructor."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:07 Getting into Aviation: Tech Entrepreneur to Pilot

08:25 Flying Banners and Transitioning to Simulator Training

15:45 Flying Charter and the Importance of Scenario-Based Training

19:42 The Role of Simulation in Professional Pilot Training

23:20 The Need for Scenario-Based Training in Primary Flight Training

28:11 The Vision and Mission of Simuvation

28:52 Predictions for the Future of Pilot Training

29:22 Addressing the Challenges in Flight Training

32:10 The Potential of Simulators in Flight Training

34:01 Using Simulators to Build Proficiency

36:00 The Evolution of Simulator Technology

40:09 Introducing the Simuvation Mobile Training Unit

52:55 The Benefits of Aviation as a Career

https://www.simuvation.com/

https://www.smokehousepilots.com/

In this episode of Hanger Flying, Gabe Muller sits down with Lyle Cox from Clarity Aloft, a company that produces aviation headsets. Lyle shares his personal aviation journey, starting from a young age when he became fascinated with airplanes. He talks about his experiences flying cross-country and shares memorable flights, including ferrying an aircraft over water. The conversation also delves into the features and benefits of Clarity Aloft headsets, highlighting their comfort and noise-canceling capabilities. Lyle discusses his passion for talking to pilots and sharing the Clarity Aloft product with them. The episode concludes with a discussion about Lyle's day job and his plans for the future.

Takeaways

Aviation can be a lifelong passion that starts at a young age

Cross-country flights and ferrying aircraft can be memorable experiences

Clarity Aloft headsets offer comfort and excellent noise-canceling capabilities

Engaging with pilots and sharing aviation stories can be rewarding

Having a day job outside of aviation can provide a different perspective and balance

Sound Bites

"50 years ago last year was my first solo"

"Ferried a beach skipper from Fort Collins, Colorado to Martha's Vineyard"

"Flight following is a valuable tool for safety and communication"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:54 Aviation Journey and Memorable Flights

07:27 Ferrying an Aircraft and Overcoming Challenges

10:49 The Importance of Flight Following

13:42 Engaging with Pilots and Sharing Aviation Stories

26:01 Balancing Aviation and a Day Job

Airplanes and Coffee is a Facebook group and nonprofit organization that brings together aviation enthusiasts. The group was started by John Noggle as a fun place to interact with other pilots. It has since grown to over 242,000 followers and organizes monthly fly-ins and events. The organization's mission is to promote aviation and provide opportunities for people to get involved in the industry. They also raise money for scholarships to help aspiring pilots and mechanics achieve their goals. The group is run by a team of moderators who ensure that the community remains friendly and free from politics.

Takeaways

Airplanes and Coffee is a Facebook group and nonprofit organization that brings together aviation enthusiasts.

The group organizes monthly fly-ins and events to promote aviation and provide opportunities for people to get involved in the industry.

They raise money for scholarships to help aspiring pilots and mechanics achieve their goals.

The group is run by a team of moderators who ensure that the community remains friendly and free from politics.

Sound Bites

"Airplanes and Coffee is a Facebook group and nonprofit organization that brings together aviation enthusiasts."

"The Facebook group went from a few hundred people to 30,000 almost overnight."

"Airplanes and Coffee raises money for scholarships to help aspiring pilots and mechanics achieve their goals."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Airplanes and Coffee

05:09 The Rapid Growth of Airplanes and Coffee

25:40 Monthly Fly-Ins and Events

33:29 The Importance of Core Values and Moderation

https://airplanesandcoffee.com/

https://www.smokehousepilots.com/

In this episode, Gabe, Adrienne, and James share their experiences from the third day at SUN 'n FUN, one of the world's largest aviation events. Despite the rain and the cancellation of the airshow, they had the opportunity to connect with fellow aviators from diverse backgrounds, exchange knowledge, and even recruit a new mentor pilot. From engaging with STEM flight enthusiasts to trying out VR flight simulators, Gabe, Adrienne, and James explored the vibrant aviation community, fostered connections and celebrated the passion for flight.

Memorable Quotes:

"That is a perfect example of why we want to do those things so that we can meet people like that and hopefully share your knowledge or the knowledge that they're looking for that could be helpful, right?" - Emphasizing the importance of connecting and sharing knowledge within the aviation community.

Chapters:

1. Introduction: Welcome to Hangar Flying (0:00 - 0:31)

2. Recapping the Day: STEM Flight Presentations and Meeting Fellow Aviators (0:31 - 2:50)

3. Embracing Diverse Connections: Meeting People from Around the World (2:50 - 3:40)

4. Exploring Aviation Experiences: VR Flight Simulators and More (3:40 - 4:20)

5. Gratitude and Looking Ahead: Appreciating the Community and Anticipating Tomorrow (4:20 - 4:50)

Mark Patey of Best Tugs shares his insights on finding good people, the aviation community, and the power of gratitude. He also discusses the origin of Best Tugs and the importance of attention to detail in product development.

Takeaways

The importance of finding good people and surrounding oneself with smart and good individuals.

The unique and filter-like nature of the aviation community, which attracts committed and driven individuals.

The power of gratitude as a cheat code for success and the key to a fulfilling life.

The origin of Best Tugs and the significance of attention to detail in product development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hanger Flying and Aviation Community

02:25 The Power of Good People and Smart Individuals

05:19 The Unique Filter of the Aviation Community

08:55 Gratitude as a Cheat Code for Success

https://www.besttugs.com/

https://www.smokehousepilots.com/

Kelly Murphy of Women in Aviation International joins the podcast to discuss the organization's mission of getting girls and women involved in all career aspects of aviation. They offer scholarships and connect members through local chapters. The conversation also touches on career transitions in aviation, the impact of scholarships, and inspiring stories of women in aviation. Kelly shares her own background in aviation and her involvement with Angel Flight. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of community and opportunities in the aviation industry.

Takeaways

Women in Aviation International is focused on getting girls and women involved in all career aspects of aviation

They offer scholarships and have over 180 chapters worldwide

Aviation is experiencing a time of transition with many people pursuing career changes

The impact of scholarships in helping individuals pursue their dreams in aviation

Inspiring stories of women overcoming challenges to pursue their love of aviation

The importance of community and opportunities in the aviation industry

Sound Bites

"Women in Aviation International is actually the largest nonprofit organization very focused on getting girls and women involved in all career aspects of aviation."

"We offer over 130 scholarships every year, totaling over a million dollars. Since 1995, when we first started the program, we have awarded over $15.2 million."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:01 Women in Aviation International's Mission

03:10 Career Transitions in Aviation

08:50 Inspiring Stories of Women in Aviation

12:55 Building Community in the Aviation Industry

15:10 Conclusion

https://www.wai.org/contacts/kelly-murphy 

https://www.smokehousepilots.com/

Steve Henry, a world champion in STOL drag racing and an aviation enthusiast, shares his journey and passion for flying tailwheel airplanes. He discusses his experience with Tundra Tailwheel and the benefits of their low-maintenance and locking tail wheels. Steve also talks about his love for challenges and constantly improving his aircraft. He shares his background in aviation and how he overcame motion sickness to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. Steve emphasizes the importance of treating people well and inspiring others in the aviation community.

Takeaways

Steve Henry is a world champion in STOL drag racing and a passionate aviation enthusiast.

Tundra Tailwheel provides low-maintenance and locking tail wheels that are highly regarded in the aviation community.

Steve constantly seeks challenges and strives to improve his aircraft.

Despite not having a background in aviation, Steve pursued his dream of becoming a pilot and overcame motion sickness.

Treating people well and inspiring others are important values for Steve in the aviation community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:27 Tundra Tailwheel and its Benefits

05:16 Overcoming Motion Sickness to Pursue a Dream

07:57 Challenges of Off-Airport Landings

09:43 Inspiring Others in Aviation

15:17 Living the Dream and Pursuing Other Interests

https://www.youtube.com/@SteveHenry

https://www.instagram.com/wildweststeve/

In this episode of Hanger Flying, host Randy Taussig interviews Charlie Sample, a retired air traffic controller. They discuss the retirement age for air traffic controllers, the stress and challenges of the job, and the relationship between pilots and controllers. They also talk about the benefits of being part of the aviation community, including the Smokehouse Pilots Club. The conversation ends with a lightning round of fun questions.

Takeaways

Air traffic controllers are required to retire at the age of 56, which can contribute to a shortage of controllers.

The job of an air traffic controller involves chronic fatigue due to shift work and stress.

Pilots and air traffic controllers have a mutual respect and understanding, and their collaboration is crucial for safe and efficient flights.

Being part of the aviation community, such as the Smokehouse Pilots Club, provides opportunities for connection, support, and shared experiences.

The aviation industry is both exciting and dangerous, and it requires constant diligence and preparedness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:02 Retirement Age for Air Traffic Controllers

05:13 Relationship Between Pilots and Controllers

12:42 Benefits of Being Part of the Aviation Community

14:05 Excitement and Danger of Aviation

Mark Korin, the founder of Alpha Systems AOA, shares his journey of creating angle of attack indicators for aviation. He started in the medical field as an engineer and worked on life-saving products. After a near-death experience with COVID-19, he felt a calling to do something good with his skills and focused on angle of attack indicators. Mark emphasizes the importance of angle of attack in flying and how it can help pilots become better and safer. He has installed his systems in various types of aircraft and is dedicated to helping pilots fly better. In this conversation, Mark Korin, the founder of Angle of Attack, shares his near-death experience and how it transformed his perspective on life and his passion for aviation. He discusses the importance of faith, caring for others, and the power of prayer. Mark also explains the concept of angle of attack and its relevance in aviation, using analogies and personal anecdotes to make it relatable. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity and continuous learning in his journey as an entrepreneur and inventor. The conversation concludes with a discussion on Mark's upcoming book and the impact of COVID-19 on people's lives and connections.

Mark Korin is the passionate and driven owner and CEO of Alpha Systems AOA. The Alpha Systems AOA, angle of attack system is a product that Mark has refined over the past 26 years. Mark’s long time love of flying, building and aviation is what led him to design all of the innovative angle of attack systems for general aviation community. He has flown ultralights, a VFR pilot and working on an IFR rating. Aside from his love of flying, and work, he does make time for another one of his favorite hobbies, inventing and making ideas into products. He is also the Chair SD31 and is very active in the local, state and national politics.

Takeaways

Angle of attack indicators are crucial for aviation safety and can help pilots become better and safer.

Mark's journey from the medical field to aviation was driven by a desire to do something good with his skills.

He has installed angle of attack systems in various types of aircraft, from cubs to jets.

Mark's near-death experience with COVID-19 reinforced his belief in the importance of his work and his dedication to saving lives. A near-death experience can profoundly change a person's perspective on life and their priorities.

Faith and prayer can provide comfort and guidance during difficult times.

Caring for others and showing compassion is essential in any profession, including medicine and aviation.

Angle of attack is a crucial concept in aviation, and understanding it can improve flight safety and performance.

Curiosity and continuous learning are key traits for entrepreneurs and inventors.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on people's lives and connections, highlighting the importance of human connection and resilience.

Sound Bites

"If you can do something good with your talents, it's the best thing I could ever do personally"

"Angle of attack is not just about the stall"

"That's something out there I see a lot of times online that's a debate and I don't know why that's a debate. It isn't a debate."

"Your airspeed indicator is that tachometer because it's kind of, as long as you know..."

"This experience has just really made me very humble and very caring about people."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:17 Choosing Alpha Systems AOA

06:59 The Importance of Angle of Attack

09:17 Understanding Angle of Attack

13:08 The Range of Angle of Attack

27:37 The Missing Piece in Flying

29:29 Debunking the Debate: Angle of Attack

35:41 The Power of Caring for Others

39:14 Curiosity and Continuous Learning

43:33 Understanding Angle of Attack in Aviation

45:01 Applying Angle of Attack in Real-Life Situations

54:41 The Impact of COVID-19 on Lives and Connections

https://www.alphasystemsaoa.com/company-info/about-the-owner.html

https://www.smokehousepilots.com/