Episode 208: Don Hartmann

Episode 208: Don Hartmann

Author: Mark Pollard & Jeff Petrocelli February 27, 2026 Duration: 1:28:26
Welcome back! This week we have on an aerobatic veteran, Don Hartman. Don is an Advanced Team member, flying the Extra 300S. We talk about how he received the nickname “Oil Can Don” as well as how he got his start in the aerobatic world. We talk about the team, mentoring, coaching, world competition, and so much more. We hope you enjoy this one! Thank you to LIFT Aviation! Head to www.liftaviationusa.com and use the promo code FLYCOOLSHIT at checkout for 25% off most items.

Mark Pollard and Jeff Petrocelli are the hosts of Fly Cool Shit-An Aviation Podcast About Flying Cool Shit, and their enthusiasm is completely contagious. This isn't a dry technical manual or a history lecture, though you'll certainly pick up plenty of knowledge along the way. Instead, it feels like hanging out in a hangar after a great flight, swapping stories with friends who live for the thrill of it. The conversation revolves around the machines and the people who push them to their limits. You'll hear detailed, passionate discussions about aerobatics, the rumble of vintage warbirds, and the innovative world of experimental homebuilt aircraft. Some episodes feature insightful interviews with the pilots who operate these incredible machines, while others are more freewheeling solo rambles from the hosts, diving deep into whatever aviation topic has captured their imagination that week. The entire podcast is built on a shared love for anything that makes you look up and wonder, celebrating the skill, the engineering, and the pure joy found in the cockpit of something extraordinary. It's for anyone who has ever felt that pull skyward, whether you're a seasoned aviator or just someone who appreciates when humans make machines do amazing things.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Fly Cool Shit - An Aviation Podcast About Flying Cool Shit
Podcast Episodes
Episode 172: IAC Nationals Recap and Randoms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:31
Welcome back! Sorry for the long break! Jeff is back from Nationals and the topic of the day is (spoiler alert) airplanes again. This time we get into issues with manufacturing, or issues that arise due to how hard these…
Episode 171: Shad Coulson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:27
Welcome back! This week we have the Contest Director of IAC Nationals back on, Shad Coulson. We chat about Nats and all kinds of stuff related to the IAC and Nationals. Shad gives us lots of insight into the planning pro…
Episode 170: Sparkling Water and You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:06
Welcome back! This week we are about halfway through World Aerobatic Championships in Poland. Rob Holland is hunting down the French team and doing a great job. We talk about random stuff aside from WAC as well. Hope you…
Episode 169: Stop WACing Off [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:10
Welcome back! This week we talk about WAC. Lots of talk and buzz surrounding the US Unlimited team this year but now that things are starting to settle, we can get to the flying! We talk about why the US team only fielde…
Episode 168: Model 12 Things I Hate About You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:54
Welcome back! This week we talk about the Pitts Model 12 and other homebuilt biplanes, as well as a bunch of other stuff as we head into World Aerobatic Championships and IAC Nationals after. Hope you like it! Thank you…
Episode 167: Paulo Iscold/Acrowrx [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:11
Welcome back! This week we have on the very talented, Paulo Iscold of Acrowrx to talk about his telemetry software. This basically allows precise tracking of aerobatic figures. Paulo gives us his background in Brazil bui…
Episode 166: Rob Holland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:03:02
Welcome back! This week Rob wanted to come on to talk about IAC elections and some rule change proposals on the docket. Who are we to refuse when the GOAT wants to come back on!? This was a great podcast and we also touc…
Episode 165: Stephen Fiegel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44:20
Welcome back! This week we have the unsung hero of the aerobatic and airshow community, Stephen Fiegel! Stephen ferries aerobatic airplanes for multiple airshow legends, as well as delivers aerobatic airplanes all across…
Episode 164: Off the Rails [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:08
Welcome back! This week we talk canopies breaking, voltage regulators failing, helmets and so much more! Hopefully, you enjoyed this discussion! You have a few more days to take advantage of the best discount you are goi…