67. Year in review, with John Zimmerman and Rob Reider

67. Year in review, with John Zimmerman and Rob Reider

Author: Sporty's Pilot Shop December 19, 2023 Duration: 46:23
In this special year-end episode, host John Zimmerman sits down with producer Rob Reider for a behind-the-scenes look at Pilot’s Discretion. They talk about what traits make for a good guest, the two rules for podcast hosts, and tips for getting better audio. You’ll also learn the most popular Pilot’s Discretion episodes of 2023, what John and Rob’s favorite episodes are, and what lessons they have learned about flying after 66 interviews. In the back-and-forth Ready to Copy segment, they share the most famous pilots they’ve flown with, their nominee for most underrated airplane, and their favorite airports. SHOW LINKS: - Pilot’s Discretion archives: https://www.sportys.com/podcast - I Learned About Flying From That podcast: https://www.flyingmag.com/ilafft-podcast/ - AeroWear apparel for pilots: https://aerowear.co

There’s a particular kind of conversation that happens in the cockpit or after a flight, where the real stories and honest opinions come out. Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's captures that feeling, sitting down for genuine talks with some of the most compelling people in aviation. You’ll hear from flight instructors breaking down the real challenges of training, alongside airshow performers sharing the moments that truly tested their skill. Each episode goes deeper than the usual hangar talk, aiming to connect with anyone who feels that pull to the sky. Wrapping up every conversation is a favorite segment, “ready to copy,” a rapid-fire round that cuts past the cliches to reveal what each guest truly believes. This podcast, presented by Sporty's Pilot Shop, is built for those who live and breathe flying, offering a mix of grounded advice and unforgettable stories from the people who know aviation best. It’s about the shared language and passion that defines the flying life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's
Podcast Episodes
56. Fuel management and flying the U-2, with Tim Decker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:31
Tim Decker’s flying career includes almost every segment of aviation, including military, fractional, airline, and even airshows. He applies safety habits from each of these jobs to his flying in his Cirrus SR22, and sha…
55. Why airplane accidents are not just stories, with Steve Green [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:12
Pilots think about accidents all wrong, according to author and retired airline captain Steve Green. In this thought-provoking episode, he explains why you can't predict every accident, why protecting margins is the key…
51. Failed checkrides and flying the B-1 bomber, with Tom Curran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:01
From flight instructor to airport planner to B-1 pilot, Tom Curran has seen a lot in his aviation career. In this special Learn to Fly Month episode, he explains what he learned along the way and shares some advice for n…
50. Overcoming tragedy and flying in Africa, with Pete Muntean [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:31
Pete Muntean grew up in an aviation family but suffered a terrible tragedy when his mother died in an airshow crash. In this inspiring episode he describes how he persevered in his aviation journey, including flying comp…
49. Safety habits and aviation lobbying, with Jeb Burnside [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:30
“A well trained pilot flying a well maintained airplane with an instrument rating and with fuel in the tanks is the least possible risk in private aviation,” according to Aviation Safety magazine editor Jeb Burnside. Tha…
48. Learning from every flight, with Steve Thorne of Flight Chops [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:06
Steve Thorne (aka Flight Chops) is one of YouTube's original aviation stars, and he's learned a lot over the last decade—about flying and about himself. In this episode, he explains why a post-flight debrief matters, how…