Best Paper Airplanes Podcasts (2026)

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“Looks Fine Outside” Is a Trap: How Smart Pilots Plan Weather & Make Better Decisions 43:28

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7h ago43:28

43:28

On this episode of Flight Tales, we get real about weather planning and aeronautical decision-making (ADM)—from using AviationWeather.gov and understanding winds aloft, to why TAFs can flip fast, and how personal minimums keep new pilots out of trouble. We talk about the stuff that actually matters when you stop flying local training blocks and sta…

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Why Every Student Pilot MUST Learn Paper Nav Logs (Before Trusting ForeFlight!) 24:12

26d ago24:12

24:12

In this episode of Flight Tales, we dive deep into one of the most overlooked skills in private pilot training—mastering the paper navigation log. New pilots often jump straight into ForeFlight and other advanced EFBs, but without understanding how those numbers are calculated, you’re setting yourself up for trouble on cross-countries, diversions, …

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From a $20 Rice Festival Helicopter Ride to CFI 22:48

2M ago22:48

22:48

On this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with newly-minted CFI Alex Foreman to talk about his unconventional path into aviation. Alex grew up in Crowley, Louisiana, took his very first helicopter ride at the Rice Festival, and still never imagined flying could be a real career. That changed years later after a simple conversation about discover…

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Leave Grandma Behind: The Truth About Density Altitude 19:24

2M ago19:24

19:24

In this episode of Flight Tales, we break down one of the most misunderstood topics in aviation: density altitude what it is, why it matters, and how it can turn your “plenty of runway” into “we might not make it over that mountain.”We talk through real-world examples from Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and even hot Louisiana days where the air gets thi…

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Flight Following: Why ATC Wants You On Radar (Real Stories from Lafayette Tower) 51:44

2M ago51:44

51:44

Ever flown “under the shelf” to avoid talking to ATC? In this Flight Tales episode, we sit down with a Lafayette controller to unpack why flight following is your best friend from faster SAR response and easier handoffs to smoother sequencing around weather. We also nerd out on ADS-B coverage, VFR flight plans vs. flight following, digital/remote t…

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Flying the G5: Corporate Pilot on Bonaire Runs, Customs Curveballs & Talking to ATC 32:31

2M ago32:31

32:31

Corporate aviation isn’t all champagne and leather seats—sometimes it’s customs phone calls, international ATC accents, and learning to love uncertainty. In this episode of Flight Tales, Trey (back on a Gulfstream V/G5) breaks down real life in corporate flying: why owners move, how that can flip a pilot’s world, what it’s like hopping to Bonaire a…

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Challenger Jet Training, ATP Checkride, Sim ‘Gotchas’ & First Month as a Charter Pilot 53:11

3M ago53:11

53:11

Brennan walked in straight from a charter - uniform, socks and all - and breaks down what it’s really like to earn a Challenger type rating at CAE and jump right into line flying. We cover the grind of 12-hour ground school days, touchscreen IPT flows, full-motion sim surprises (engine relights, control jams, high-altitude descents), the ATP oral, …

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FAA Inspector Laennec Ratard on Storms, Cargo Runs & Part 141 Secrets 58:03

3M ago58:03

58:03

FAA Aviation Safety Inspector Laennec Ratard joins Flight Tales to unpack a decades-long journey—from childhood island hops in BN-2 Islanders to night freight in C210s and Barons, Caravan UPS feeder routes, F-27 operations in South America, corporate flying, and ultimately the FAA. He breaks down what really happens during ramp checks, enroute cock…

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Flight Following Explained: The #1 Safety Tool Pilots Shouldn't Skip 21:39

3M ago21:39

21:39

Ever wondered what flight following actually does — and why every pilot should be using it? In this episode of Flight Tales, the crew dives into the ins and outs of VFR flight following: what it is, how to request it, and why it’s one of the smartest (and safest) habits you can build as a pilot. We break down: ✈️ How flight following keeps you visi…

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From Flight Attendant to U.S. Pilot: Mohamed Zuhairi’s Immigrant Journey 44:54

3M ago44:54

44:54

Mohamed Zahairi was born in Saudi Arabia to Egyptian parents, learned three languages, worked across 20+ countries, became a flight attendant—and is now chasing the dream of becoming a professional pilot in America. In this episode of Flight Tales, we talk about language barriers in training, TSA/AFSP hurdles for foreign students, picking the right…

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Mr. Rockin’ on the Runway: Warbirds, Grass Strips & the Wild Life of Shannon Elliott 1:02:21

4M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

Step onto the grass strip and into the cockpit with Shannon Elliott—better known as “Mr. Rockin’ on the Runway!” In this episode of Flight Tales, we dive deep into Shannon’s lifelong passion for aviation, from his first flight lessons to building a legendary fleet of vintage warbirds, hosting epic airshows, and creating one of the most unique priva…

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Life at 1900 Hours: King Air Sim, Charter Pilot. & Brennan’s Aviation Upgrade 28:37

4M ago28:37

28:37

What’s life really like for a pilot at 1,900 hours? In this episode of Flight Tales, Brennan spills the unfiltered truth about climbing the aviation ladder, surviving King Air sim emergencies, and making the leap to charter and corporate flying.You’ll hear:The 1,900-Hour Reality: Why hitting the magic number isn’t always a straight shot to your dre…

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From Barnstorming to Airshows: Bryan Regan’s Journey with the Titan Aerobatic Team 1:26:20

4M ago1:26:20

1:26:20

What does it take to go from chasing rides at a rural airport to performing jaw-dropping formation aerobatics with the Titan Aerobatic Team? Meet Bryan Regan—right wing #2, longtime Stearman pilot, and veteran of some of the wildest, most demanding airshow circuits in America. In this episode of Flight Tales, Bryan sits down with us to share his in…

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From Boats to Airplanes: Greg Trahan’s Journey to Pilot 34:44

4M ago34:44

34:44

In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Greg Trahan—riverboat captain, military veteran, scuba instructor, and now a proud private pilot—to talk about chasing dreams, overcoming setbacks, and flying for the love of it.Greg shares:Growing up in small-town Louisiana and seeing his first flying ad in the 80sWhy his pilot dreams had to wait u…

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Flying 10 Feet Off the Ground: Inside the World of Ag Pilot 46:52

5M ago46:52

46:52

Meet Austin Fontenot—a small-town Louisiana kid who went from racing dirt bikes down gravel roads to flying turbine-powered crop dusters across America. In this episode of Flight Tales, Austin shares the unfiltered truth about becoming an ag pilot: the training, the tight tree runs, the bird strikes, the fertilizer loads, and the weird-shaped field…

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What It's REALLY Like to Do ATP CTP Training (Full Motion Sims, Crashes & Crew Drama) 35:37

5M ago35:37

35:37

Thinking about taking your ATP CTP course? Wondering what it's actually like to sit in the big boy sims and stare down crash reports from real airline disasters? In this Flight Tales episode, we talk about what really goes down during ATP CTP training at ATP Jets in Dallas. From high-altitude stalls and full motion simulators to CRM lessons and tha…

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Flight Checkride Secrets: Acronyms, Stable Approaches & Mistakes You Can't Afford 47:43

5M ago47:43

47:43

From ROADS to RUAC to "Fast COCOA," we're diving deep into the world of acronyms and this episode of Flight Tales, Ryan and our resident DPE, Peyton break down: Acronyms for FOI and the checkride What makes (or breaks) a stabilized approach Real stories of checklist failures, long landings, and go-around decisions Why scenario-based training actual…

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Aliens, Lasers, and Runway Confusion: Inside Air Traffic Control 53:41

6M ago53:41

53:41

What do air traffic controllers really think about lasers, weather avoidance, and student pilots doing steep turns five miles off the departure end? In this wild ride of an episode, the team from Owens Flight Training sits down with local controller, and frequent guest, Jake, to talk about everything from outdated tower equipment to the eternal mys…

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Controller Miscommunication, Mic Mistakes, and Funny Flight Moments 48:04

6M ago48:04

48:04

Ever wonder what air traffic controllers really think when a student pilot keys up and nervously says, "Uhh, I think I wanna... land?" In this episode of Flight Tales, Alexandra Ross—a controller and local NATCA president—joins us for a hilarious, honest, and super insightful look into pilot-controller miscommunication, radio anxiety, and why the p…

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Fastest (and Smartest) Way to Become a Pilot in 2025 28:18

6M ago28:18

28:18

Want to become a pilot FAST? In this episode of Flight Tales, we break down how Owens Flight Training helps students go from zero to CFI in as little as 8 months—on your schedule, with support, flexibility, and thousands in savings. We cover: How our timeline compares to ATP and Lift Academy Why we don’t want your money up front What makes our trai…

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Everything You Need to Know About Special VFR 44:42

6M ago44:42

44:42

Ever taxied out only to hear “the field is IFR—state your intentions”? Welcome to the world of special VFR! In this episode of Flight Tales, we’re joined by air traffic controller Nick Jeffers, who shares everything he thinks you should know about special VFR—from the rules and risks to the realities controllers face on the other side of the mic. L…

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He Just Wanted ANY Aviation Job and Ended Up as Airport Manager with Mitchell Walsh 36:41

6M ago36:41

36:41

Meet Mitchell Walsh—a political science grad who traded campaign trails for taxiways! In this candid and humorous episode, Mitchell shares how a spontaneous discovery flight sparked his passion for aviation and launched a winding career journey from front-desk weekends to airport management at Saint Landry Parish Airport.From polishing vintage plan…

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Surviving Checkride Nerves: Chris' Private, Instrument, and Commercial Stories 37:49

7M ago37:49

37:49

In this lively episode of Flight Tales, we chat with Chris, a newly minted Certified Flight Instructor who recently swapped accounting textbooks for aviation manuals. Chris takes us through his early fascination with the Blue Angels, his rocky start in accounting, and the pivotal moment he chose flying as his future. Listen in for entertaining stor…

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Soloed with the Door Open before I could Drive!: Chaun Kraus' Flight Journey 48:00

7M ago48:00

48:00

What starts as a birthday gift for his dad turns into a lifelong passion for Chaun Kraus. In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Chaun to trace his path from mouse-and-keyboard flight sim sessions to becoming a certified flight instructor. He opens up about nerding out over Ace Combat, soloing before getting a driver’s license, overcomin…

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From Draft Notice to the Captain’s Seat: Peyton Enloe’s Flying Legacy 1:21:43

8M ago1:21:43

1:21:43

Before he was a DPE, Peyton Enloe was herding cattle with helicopters, dodging rotor blades with Santa, navigating Soviet airspace, and logging thousands of hours in Chinooks, Gulfstreams, and more. In this unforgettable Flight Tales episode, Peyton joins Ryan and Brennan to share his wild aviation journey—from being drafted during Vietnam to flyin…

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Life At 1500 Hours: What Pilot Hiring Actually Looks Like 26:53

8M ago26:53

26:53

Ryan and Brennan dive into the realities of job hunting after hitting 1500 hours — from regional airlines and 135 ops to NetJets dreams and staying put in Lafayette. They share honest thoughts on timing, applications, family life, and why the industry feels slower (but might just be normal again). If you’re wondering what the aviation world looks l…

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VFR on Top: The Clearance Nobody Uses (But Every IFR Pilot Should Know) 49:29

9M ago49:29

49:29

Most pilots file IFR or fly VFR—few take advantage of the hybrid clearance known as VFR-on-top. In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with air traffic controllers and instructors to unpack how this underrated clearance works, when to request it, and why it can be a game-changer for training flights and maneuver practice. We break down miscon…

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Inside the Tower: What Air Traffic Controllers Want Pilots to Know 51:13

9M ago51:13

51:13

In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with local air traffic controllers to hear what it’s really like behind the mic. From training new pilots and managing busy traffic flows to dealing with laser strikes and missed approaches, these controllers give us a look into their world—and offer some straight talk for pilots in training. We dive int…

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From Trying to Wash Planes to Flight Instructor 32:56

9M ago32:56

32:56

From showing up asking to wash planes… to becoming a certified flight instructor—Fernando Sequera's aviation journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Fernando to hear how he went from chemistry major to CFI, working Subway and Best Buy jobs to fund each flight lesson. He shares how he navigated student lif…

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Weather, Manifolds, and Multi-Engine Mayhem 23:30

9M ago23:30

23:30

The hosts are back in the hangar and catching up on everything from high winds to 141 school progress! This episode covers wild weather woes, multi-engine myths, and the mystery of manifold pressure. Plus, a few laughs about landing gear fails, a salute to Lindbergh, and some good ol’ cockpit comedy. Stick around for Tower Talk, Today in Aviation H…

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From Flight Sim Kid to CFI: Cole Ruckstuhl’s Unexpected Aviation Journey 1:08:26

10M ago1:08:26

1:08:26

In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Cole Ruckstuhl—pilot, instructor, and lifelong aviation enthusiast. From growing up in New Mexico to navigating the skies over Louisiana, Cole shares how early experiences with Microsoft Flight Simulator, mail-in questionnaires to real airline pilots, and unforgettable cockpit visits shaped his drea…

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5 hours of Insurance Flight Time Turned Into 24 Hours, But We Got It! 33:00

10M ago33:00

33:00

What was supposed to be a routine Cirrus SR22 G7 flight turned into a 24-hour weather-fueled adventure! 🌩️✈️ Join us as we recount the unexpected detours, last-minute route changes, and the struggle to outmaneuver an uncooperative storm system. 🚀 Key Highlights: ✅ Transition training in a brand-new Cirrus G7 🌪️ Navigating surprise weather changes 🛫…

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How Airports Really Work: Inside Airport Operations with Giles Menard 58:34

10M ago58:34

58:34

Ever wondered what it really takes to run an airport? In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Giles Menard, an airport operations specialist and manager, to dive into the world of airport operations, safety, and management. From daily inspections to runway maintenance and even wildlife control, airport ops is more than just flashing light…

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Flight Training, ATC, and IFR Challenges with ATC Jake Ross 58:30

10M ago58:30

58:30

In this episode of Flight Tales, we dive deep into the world of flight training, air traffic control, IFR procedures, and aviation instruction. 🚀✈️🔹 Key Topics Covered:✔️ The evolution of instrument approaches and why some methods are fading.✔️ Flight instruction insights—from check rides to student struggles.✔️ Air Traffic Control (ATC) training—w…

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Flying Challenges, Check Ride Wins, and Multi-Engine Training 20:19

11M ago20:19

20:19

In this episode of Flight Tales, we’re back with another round of aviation talk! We catch up on aircraft maintenance updates, including Zero Nine Echo’s new engine and some unexpected flap issues. Plus, we celebrate Chris Sullivan’s recent instrument check ride and dive into multi-engine training—covering everything from VMC demos to handling engin…

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Navigating Instrument Checkride Challenges: More Tips from a DPE 52:41

1y ago52:41

52:41

Join us as we explore real-world scenarios and insights from instrument checkrides with Designated Pilot Examiner, Peyton Enlo. This episode dives into common pitfalls, from improper frequency setup to missed approach errors, and offers valuable lessons on avoiding these mistakes. Gain a deeper understanding of critical elements such as decision al…

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Brakes, Crosswinds, and Baby Powder 40:44

1y ago40:44

40:44

In this laugh-filled episode of Flight Tales, Ryan and Brennan dive into the chaos of stuck brakes that weren’t, a flat nose wheel, and baby powder mysteries. They tackle tips for mastering crosswind landings, share thoughts on windy-day training, and drop a mix of aviation history and comedy. Whether you're a student pilot or a seasoned aviator, t…

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Stay Ahead of the Plane 27:10

1y ago27:10

27:10

In this episode of Flight Tales, Ryan and Brennan share updates on breaking in a newly overhauled engine, tips for staying ahead of the plane, and funny off-duty adventures.

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Chris Sullivan: A Quadriplegic Pilot's Journey 55:53

1y ago55:53

55:53

In this inspiring episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Chris Sullivan, a quadriplegic private pilot with an extraordinary story. From his service as a combat engineer in the Army to overcoming life-altering injuries, Chris shares his incredible path to becoming a licensed pilot.We discuss his rehabilitation journey, the challenges of earning h…

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Effective Flight Instruction, Spins, and Fun Facts 36:00

1y ago36:00

36:00

In this episode of Flight Tales, the hosts focus on flight instructors—how to be effective, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure students develop independence in the cockpit. They dive into the importance of spin recovery training for safety and sprinkled throughout are fun facts about aviation history, insights into hot air ballooning origins, and a …

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Energy Management and Aviation Laughs 21:36

1y ago21:36

21:36

In this special episode of Flight Tales, the hosts dive into the essentials of energy management, share insights on safe landings, and throw in a good dose of cockpit comedy. Alongside aviation updates, they cover the challenges of flying in unpredictable weather, the quirks of cross-country flights, and even touch on the conspiracy theories behind…

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Instrument Checkrides, ASR Approaches, and Pilots in Costumes 23:05

1y ago23:05

23:05

Join our hosts for another engaging episode of Flight Tales, where they discuss ASR approaches, instrument checkride tips, and the quirks of navigating disorientation in the clouds. Dressed up for Halloween, they dive into real stories about holding patterns, instrument landings, and unexpected maintenance issues.…

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Holding Patterns, Headings, Aviation Mishaps 23:08

1y ago23:08

23:08

In this episode of Flight Tales, our hosts tackle critical pre-solo advice, how to nail holding pattern entries, and discuss real-life flight mishaps. They cover what every pilot needs to know about handling unexpected turns, mid-air navigation challenges, and some humorous aviation history. Tune in for practical insights, checkride tips, and a tou…

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Cirrus Aircraft Innovations and Safety 46:34

1y ago46:34

46:34

In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Kevin Lacasse from Cirrus Aircraft to explore the latest innovations in safety and technology. From real-life parachute saves to the rigorous training for the Cirrus Vision Jet, Kevin shares fascinating insights into what makes Cirrus aircraft the most popular in general aviation. If you're passiona…

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Runway Incursions, Stable Approaches, and Go-Arounds: Key Insights from DPE Peyton Enloe 44:35

1y ago44:35

44:35

In this episode of Flight Tales, we're joined by DPE Peyton Enloe to dive into critical topics for pilots, including avoiding runway incursions, mastering stable approaches, and knowing when to execute a go-around. We also discuss the importance of airport diagrams, decision-making during checkrides, and some humorous moments from real checkride ex…

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Altitude, Airspeed, and Aviation Antics 28:46

1+ y ago28:46

28:46

In this episode, Ryan, Brennan, and Dustin dive into the nuances of density altitude, landing distances, and the often-overlooked importance of airspeed indicators. Along the way, they share some cockpit comedy, ATC tales, and a bit of aviation history about the Wright brothers and Chuck Yeager. Plus, hear updates on the Owens Flight Training fleet…

1
Navigating Airspace and Special VFR 29:06

1+ y ago29:06

29:06

In this episode of Flight Tales, it's just the host flying solo, diving deep into controlled and uncontrolled airspace. From dad jokes to runway reports, we cover the basics of airspace classifications, visibility minimums, and the often misunderstood Special VFR clearance. You'll hear updates on our instructor's check ride, airplane maintenance, a…

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Check Ride Success & Flap Fundamentals! 36:02

1+ y ago36:02

36:02

Join hosts Ryan, Brennan, and Dustin for another exciting episode of Flight Tales! In this episode, we dive into the latest updates from our flight school, including the arrival of new engine cylinders and a thrilling check ride story from our student, Alex, who just became a Private Pilot!We break down the fundamentals of flaps—what they are, when…

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Weather Woes, ATC Adventures, and Communication: Just The Hosts 45:08

1+ y ago45:08

45:08

Join hosts Ryan, Brennan, and Dustin in this episode of "Flight Tales" as they dive into the latest runway reports, tackle the challenges of flying in variable weather, and share invaluable pre-solo advice. Discover the intricacies of ATC communications with real-life stories of close calls and traffic management, all while enjoying some lightheart…

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Slip Landings and Aviation Progress: Just The Hosts 29:41

1+ y ago29:41

29:41

In this episode of Flight Tales, we’re talking about slip landings, the Wright brothers’ iconic 1903 flight and how we went from barely clearing the ground to soaring through the skies in jets. We dig into the fast evolution of aviation, crack some (questionably funny) airplane jokes, and chat about plans for an ATC meetup. Plus, stick around for a…