Best AOPA Podcasts (2025)

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Running Out of Options (December 2025) 13:06

Play Pause

22d ago13:06

13:06

In this episode of “Never Again,” a young instrument-rated pilot sets out for a cozy Thanksgiving with family only to find himself racing a fast-moving winter system across the Midwest. But when one airport after another unexpectedly closes in blowing snow, his carefully crafted plans evaporate. With fuel dwindling, visibility collapsing, and the s…

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What the "L" happened...Is getting an L-code risky? 51:58

23h ago51:58

51:58

Send us a text We break down how L code pricing is set, why crosswalk and gap-fill can fail innovators, and how appeals drain time and cash. Two case studies—Point Designs’ digits and Ethnocare’s volume system—expose how “divide by five” logic and invoice anchoring distort value, while 3D printing and hybrid workflows offer a path forward. • crossw…

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Lessons & Landmarks 21:25

5d ago21:25

21:25

Lessons & Landmarks; Cross Country Odyssey During the ATC Strike During the recent longest ever US government shutdown, airline traffic was restricted at 14 major airports around the country. But you may not know that those same airports closed entirely to General Aviation ("GA") traffic, meaning non-airline private, and business aircraft. That abo…

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Adventures in the Canadian Wilderness: Black Moose Outpost with Nate Herbert 1:24:25

23m ago1:24:25

1:24:25

In this episode of Water Flying, host Steven McCaughey speaks with Nate Herbert from Black Moose Outpost about the unique experiences and opportunities available in the Canadian wilderness. They discuss Nate's background in bush flying, the impressive fleet of aircraft at Black Moose Outpost, and the challenges faced in bush flying operations. The …

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Episode 90: Exhaust Valve 45:02

8d ago45:02

45:02

Flight test engineer Joey Brown recounts a New Year’s Eve flight in his Cessna 150 with his wife, when their trip is interrupted by violent engine vibration and power loss.By AOPA Air Safety Institute

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"Just be sure you lube it with something" 44:13

8d ago44:13

44:13

Pre-emptive engine overhauls, upgrading an old electrical system, spark plug anti-seize, and old wood wing concerns are on tap for this episode. Send your questions to [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full episode notes below: Lance inherited some furniture that had live…

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Episode 243: Earhart records, ADS-B data privacy, health bills; and aviation author Tom Young 51:20

3h ago51:20

51:20

Hear from aviation author Tom Young; plus David and Aliia discuss declassified Amelia Earhart records, proposals to restrict misuse of ADS-B data, a Cirrus trade-in program, the selection of Peraton to integrate ATC updates, and bipartisan mental health and medication bills backed by AOPA.By AOPA

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Design Once, Deploy Everywhere: Automation Software at Scale with Fredrik Ericsson 38:20

3h ago38:20

38:20

Send us a text We explore how foaming TPU, belt printers, and clinician-led automation can bring custom foot orthoses in-house, cut costs, and reduce lead times from weeks to hours. Fredrik from CADmed shares what actually works, what doesn’t, and how remote design plus per-pair pricing changes the game. • why automation increases clinician control…

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Episode 14, The Pursuit of Excellence in 2026! 58:09

15d ago58:09

58:09

Send us a text Today we rant about the pursuit of excellence, or lack there of, in to days General Aviation community. https://www.specializedaeroworks.com/ https://vaporglobalaviation.com/ Support the show Support the showBy Vapor Reddan and Cuckoo Kloch

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Ultimate 2025 Christmas Gift Guide for Pilots: Expert Picks with Sporty’s CEO John Zimmerman 1:13:09

19d ago1:13:09

1:13:09

In this episode of WaterFlying, host Steve McCaughey and guest John Zimmerman from Sporty's Pilot Shop discuss the best holiday gifts for pilots in 2025. They explore various innovative aviation products, the importance of safety gear, and the significance of continuous learning for pilots during the winter months. The conversation also delves into…

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"If you go to 76 percent, the wings will fall off" 51:18

23d ago51:18

51:18

A creative modification, lean of peak with turbocharging, electronic ignition, and oil leaks are on tap. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below: Tom has a turbocharged Mooney and he's wondering how to manage it while lean of peak. The hosts say the first…

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Episode 242: Bonanza and Baron lines sunsetted; PS Engineering's Mark Scheuer 44:44

15d ago44:44

44:44

Textron says goodbye to the Bonanza and Baron lines, the FAA seeks new ATC systems data, Archer buys California's Hawthorne Airport, DJI drones face an imminent ban, and we hear from general aviation intercom and audio panel guru Mark Scheuer of PS Engineering.By AOPA

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Episode 13 - Integrity 1:07:25

23d ago1:07:25

1:07:25

Send us a text Today we rant about integrity and give our thoughts what that means in aviation. https://www.specializedaeroworks.com/ https://vaporglobalaviation.com/ Support the showBy Vapor Reddan and Cuckoo Kloch

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Where Do I Start With 3D Printing for O & P with Joris and Brent 1:02:48

20d ago1:02:48

1:02:48

Send us a text We trade trade-show gloss for real-world tactics, then lay out a three-step plan to bring 3D printing into O&P without risking patient care or cash flow. From Bambu-level starters to automated check sockets, we show how to start lean, learn fast, and scale what works. • Formnext’s shift from machines to applications • Materialise Bri…

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What They Didn't Tell You - Aviation Podcast 10:56

23d ago10:56

10:56

In this episode we discuss how to find the local procedures before you arrive at a new airport. Fly Your Best!By Jason Miller CFI ATP

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Full Send: The Hard Road That Led to Helping Others Move Forward with David Slider 59:20

26d ago59:20

59:20

Send us a text We record on the road to the mothership to fit a 3D-printed adjustable suction socket using AirFit casting and compare loaded scans to raw scans. David shares his crash-to-career journey, why adjustability matters for neuromas and daily volume, and what makes the Americus foot feel lighter and livelier than it looks. • AirFit casting…

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The International Seaplane Meeting in Biscarrosse France with Derry Gregoire 1:23:15

1M ago1:23:15

1:23:15

French seaplane owner and pilot Derry Gregoire joins Steve on this episode of the Water Flying podcast to discuss a seaplane event like no other: the Rassemblement Internatinal d'Hydravions de Biscarrosse. Held every other year on an historic freshwater seaplane lake just a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean on France’s southwestern coast, the I…

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Episode 89: Gear-Up Landing 46:57

26d ago46:57

46:57

Tony Williams and Ben Taylor prepare to ferry a Cessna 401 that’s been resurrected after almost 25 years in storage. Despite meticulous planning, high-speed taxi tests, and pattern work, a loud bang on downwind reveals a left-gear failure. With support from ATC, the pilots plan a deliberate gear-up landing on a foamed runway.…

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Episode 241: Giving back for Thanksgiving and pilot-philanthropist Chuck Fazio 47:40

1M ago47:40

47:40

Alicia and David share what they are most thankful for during Thanksgiving and we hear from ⁠pilot-philanthropist Chuck Fazio⁠. Plus, discussion about a ⁠CubCrafters record⁠, a documentary about ⁠St. Pete's Albert Whitted Airport⁠, NASA's X-59 supersonic jet, and a budget talk plan for ⁠airspace throttling⁠. And Jay Wiles answers the question: ‘Can…

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"It's one of the few accidents where you get to choose where it happens" 52:23

1M ago52:23

52:23

Mike, Paul, and Colleen dig deep for some detailed troubleshooting on digital fuel indicators, oil temperature, gear problems, and more this episode. Send your questions to [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below: Will's fuel indicators are giving off infrequent…

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Behind the Lens Where Art Meets Intention: The Practice of Storytelling with Todd Biss 41:35

1M ago41:35

41:35

Send us a text We sit down in the Guatemalan jungle with filmmaker Todd Biss to explore how craft, ethics, and faith shape stories that fund care and protect dignity. From ad-agency polish to nonprofit trust, we trace how small crews, better audio, and sharp editing turn hope into motion. • origins in photography and ad-agency production • defining…

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Episode 240: Otto Aerospace CEO Paul Touw talks teardrop, laminar flow, and Phantom 3500 48:19

2M ago48:19

48:19

Otto Aerospace CEO Paul Touw talks about the teardrop shape, laminar flow technology, and lack of windows in the Phantom 3500 business jet. Plus a MOSAIC Minute update, an urgent safety issue for LearJets, uAvionix's new APRT tower systems, the ROTOR bill, and how the funding squabble affects ATC's academy, upgrades, and controllers.…

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"Being an aircraft owner is the hardest job in aviation" 51:01

2M ago51:01

51:01

From maintaining aircraft records to dealing with bad advice and sub-standard parts, Mike, Paul, and Colleen say being an aircraft owner is one of the hardest jobs in aviation. Email your questions to [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full notes below: Randy wants to know…

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No Such Thing As A Little Ice (November 2025) 10:39

2M ago10:39

10:39

In this episode of “Never Again”, a regional airline captain takes off from Cordova, Alaska, expecting just another routine hop in his Beechcraft 1900. But as the aircraft climbs into the clouds, ice begins to build—and keeps building. With performance fading, visibility gone, and mountains rising below, the crew fights to keep the airplane flying …

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Explore the Exciting World of the Super Petrel XP with Roger Helton 1:26:12

1M ago1:26:12

1:26:12

Super Petrel USA's CEO Roger Helton sits down with Steve McCaughey to explore his history, the development of the Rotax 916 engine and how it has helped make the Super Petrel XP the exciting LSA Flying Boat that it has evolved into. With three decades of development and improvement the Super Petrel XP is an impressively capable two place flying boa…

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Additive Manufacturing Is Now Approved For Prosthetic Coding And Reimbursement 31:10

2M ago31:10

31:10

Send us a text Two sentences from PDAC can potentially change the course of manufacturing history for O & P: additive manufacturing is now explicitly acceptable for coding prosthetic devices that meet existing HCPCS descriptions. We unpack what that clarity means for clinicians, patients, vendors, and payers, and how to adopt 3D printing. • Why PDA…

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How Can I Get Better? - Aviation Podcast 8:43

2M ago8:43

8:43

Many people think that getting a commercial certificate after their instrument rating is the logical next step. Not necessarily. If you are not going to fly professionally there are many other ways to get good. Fly Your Best!By Jason Miller CFII, ATP

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Episode 12 - The Impossible Turn and Other Random Rants 1:04:41

2M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

Send us a text Today we rant about the so called "Impossible turn" (a terrible name) and give our thoughts on that maneuver. We also discuss climbing after takeoff and our thoughts on several issues relating to ground operations and how they can be better. https://www.specializedaeroworks.com/ https://vaporglobalaviation.com/ Support the show…

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From Injury To Innovation: Building A Practical Myoelectric Hand with Ryan Saavedra 35:40

2M ago35:40

35:40

Send us a text We share a personal update and then dive into how injuries, curiosity, and tough feedback shaped a modular myoelectric hand that is lighter, repairable in minutes, and priced for wider access. Ryan Saavedra of Alt-Bionics walks through additive manufacturing choices, PDAC approval, and a roadmap linking prosthetics with humanoid robo…

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Episode 239: A high level review of MOSAIC changes; aviation thriller author Nate Van Coops 1:01:29

2M ago1:01:29

1:01:29

This week's ⁠MOSAIC Minute⁠ is a review of sport pilot rule changes implemented October 22, and learn about aviation thriller author, CFI, A&P, and Cessna 172 owner Nate Van Coops. Plus, David and Alicia discuss the ⁠⁠⁠⁠latest aviation news⁠⁠⁠⁠ including drone right-of-way rules, a new notam system, a DJI lawsuit loss, and strong bizjet demand.…

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"That's an urban legend" 49:45

2M ago49:45

49:45

What's in our oil, how to keep cool (and warm), and lean of peak are on tap for this episode. Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full episode notes below: Mark flies a 182 and he read on a forum that the reason we've had so much spalling of lifters is because they to…

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Episode 88: Bouncing on Empty 32:55

2M ago32:55

32:55

During a mountain flying trip in a Cessna 172, Doug Tilghman and two companions become dangerously close to fuel exhaustion.By AOPA Air Safety Institute

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You Should Know This About Aerodynamics - Aviation Podcast 11:09

2M ago11:09

11:09

In this espisode we discuss how to understand Induced Drag and Ground Effect as well as why Maneuvering Speed changes with weight. These are two aerodynamic concepts that are critical to understand and many pilots get wrong. Fly Your Best!By Jason Miller CFI ATP

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Walking Is More Complicated Than You Think with Dr. Steven Gard 57:32

2M ago57:32

57:32

Send us a text What if everything we think we know about human walking is oversimplified? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Steven Gard a biomedical engineer and leading gait researcher. We unpack the real biomechanics behind prosthetic design. From artificial heart labs to O&P innovation, Dr. Gard shares surprising insights on: Why shock absor…

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Episode 238: Who can instruct sport pilots under MOSAIC? 'Miss Montana' DC-3 pilot Douglass 37:28

2M ago37:28

37:28

By AOPA

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"More time to fly, less time to turn wrenches" 49:15

3M ago49:15

49:15

In this episode, Mike, Paul, and Colleen discuss unnecessary maintenance, lean of peak, and flaming exhausts! Email [email protected] for a chance to get on the show. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Full episode notes below: Mitchell has a Cessna 185 and he's wondering if it's smart to change out the rotocoils on his en…

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Are You Missing Important Inspections In Your Aircraft Maintenance? 1:00:48

3M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

Join Steve's guest Darren Tilman for a deep dive into aircraft exhaust system maintenance, and how dynamic propeller balancing will increase the reliability of your aircraft systems, potentially protect you from inflight failures and reduce your operational costs. Heat cycles, slip joints, vibration and aggressive throttle application and reduction…

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Rushing To Get Airborne (October 2025) 7:38

3M ago7:38

7:38

In this episode of “Never Again,” a Cessna test pilot jumps at the chance to fly the very first production model of a brand-new twin. But in his rush to get airborne, he skips the weather briefing—and soon finds himself facing both a fast-moving line of thunderstorms and a landing gear that refuses to extend.…