Episode 260: GA pilot and USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach

Episode 260: GA pilot and USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach

Author: AOPA August 10, 2026 Duration: 46:39
General aviation pilot and USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach talks about flying his Lancair, an F-22 Raptor, his duties overseeing more than 660,000 service personnel, and how to engage others in aviation. Plus, David and Alicia discuss new two-seat trainers, changes in FAA administration, digital clearance delivery, ForeFlight's new additions, and more. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join

There's a particular rhythm to life in aviation, where the pace of news and innovation never really slows down. Keeping up with it all can feel like a full-time job. That's where Hangar Talk-An Aviation News Podcast finds its purpose. Produced by AOPA, this bi-weekly conversation is hosted by pilots David Tulis and Alicia Herron, who do more than just read headlines. They settle into the details of the latest general aviation stories, breaking down complex regulations, emerging technologies, and industry shifts with the clarity that comes from firsthand experience. Their discussions are grounded in a genuine passion for flight, making even niche topics accessible and engaging. Each episode builds toward conversations with the people directly shaping the future of flying-engineers, advocates, instructors, and innovators. Listening to this podcast feels less like a briefing and more like pulling up a chair in the hangar after a long flight, where the talk is informed, the insights are real, and the shared enthusiasm for aviation is the real fuel. It’s a reliable source for pilots and enthusiasts who want to stay informed without getting lost in the technical weeds, all while feeling connected to the broader community that keeps our skies alive.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Hangar Talk - An Aviation News Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 262: Behind the scenes with Blancolirio's Juan Browne [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:25
YouTube aviation accident analyst Juan Browne describes how the Blancolirio channel began and gives insight on how he hopes it will make aviation safer. Plus, David and Alicia comment on sunsetting Aspen's legacy display…
Episode 261: VAI CEO Francois Lassale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:30
Vertical Aviation International CEO Francois Lassale discusses helicopters, eVTOLs, and other forms of vertical lift. Plus, David and Alicia break down AOPA governance change proposals, Purdue's study for ADS-B acceptanc…
Episode 259: 2026 EAA AirVenture news [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:53
David and Alicia share the latest ⁠⁠2026 AirVenture news⁠⁠ with an ⁠on-the-scene report⁠ from Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, including the AOPA ⁠Sweeps Husky giveaway, a wearable HUD, the SkyFly eVTOL, a…
Episode 258: EAA CEO Jack Pelton on AirVenture preparation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:01
The EAA's Jack Pelton describes what it's like preparing for AirVenture 2026 with a behind the scenes look at how airshow performers are chosen, the more than 1,000 learning seminars that are vetted, and the thousands of…
Episode 256: JAARS pilot and CEO Steve Russell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:30
JAARS CEO Steve Russell describes the jungle-specific instruction aviators need to rescue, relocate, and transport indigenous people to medical facilities worldwide. Plus, Alicia and Jay catch you up to the latest aviati…
Episode 255: Aerobatic glider and fixed-wing pilot Mia Anderson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:51
Catch up with AOPA scholarship winner, aerobatic glider and fixed wing pilot Mia Anderson who just entered the Southwest “Destination 225-degrees” pilot training pipeline. Plus David and Alicia discuss ATC staffing conce…
Episode 254: SkyTimer app developer Eric Boles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:39
Pilot Eric Boles realized he needed a better way to track fuel in his Piper Cherokee so he developed the SkyTimer app to handle fuel tank capacity, burn, and switching. Plus, a lively discussion on the AOPA member meetin…
Episode 253: Global ferry pilot intercepted by fighter jets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:10
Global ferry pilot Sam Rutherford is intercepted by fighter jets patrolling the Middle East while delivering a new Piper PA-28 from the Florida factory to India. Plus, news discussion on the surprise shutdown of Waco Air…
Episode 252: AOPA Pilot Town Hall at Sun'nFun previews changes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:53
AOPA Pilot Town Hall Hall with senior leadership at Sun'nFun previews proposed changes to the association's governance and addresses questions from members. Plus, Alicia and David explain the FAA's new notam system, impr…