Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's

Advanced avionics are changing GA airplanes, but all that technology is useless if you don’t know how to use it. Jessica Koss, Garmin’s chief flight instructor, shares her time-tested tips for avionics mastery in this episode, from understanding integrated panels to managing autopilots. She also talks about the latest Garmin technology, like Emergency Autoland and touchscreen panels in jets. In the Ready to Copy segment, Jessica describes what it’s like to land with auto-throttles, explains how to teach better ground schools, and shares her pick for the best barbecue in Kansas City. SHOW LINKS: Garmin Aviation Training: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/aviation/training/ Garmin ESP: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/understanding-garmin-electronic-stability-protection-esp/ Sporty’s 2025 Pilot Training Courses: https://www.sportys.com/learntofly

A critical shortage of A&Ps means airplane owners have no choice but to get involved in maintenance. Mechanic, pilot, and writer Jeff Simon explains how to get started, how to find the right shop, and what the impact could be from proposed FAA rules on remote maintenance. Jeff is also the founder of SocialFlight, so he shares his tips for keeping flying fun and involving family in the adventure—including his “no magenta line” trip. In the Ready to Copy segment, Jeff talks about why you should never jump start a dead battery, why the compass is no longer needed, and his lessons learned from building an airplane in his living room. Remote maintenance rules: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2024/october/17/faa-puts-disruptive-determination-on-hold Five rules of engine monitoring: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2022/november/07/aircraft-maintenance-the-five-pillars-of-engine-health-monitoring SocialFlight on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialFlight Sporty’s 2025 Pilot Training Courses: https://www.sportys.com/learntofly

The success of BasicMed proves the third class medical is obsolete—that’s according to senior AME Brent Blue. He covers a wide range of medical topics in this episode, including how to fill out the FAA medical application, what the latest rules are on mental health treatment, and whether new drugs like Ozempic are safe for pilots. Dr. Blue is also a leading advocate for pulse oximeters and carbon monoxide detectors, and he shares his rules of thumb for using both in the cockpit. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear why patients need to occasionally say no, a simple habit for healthy living, and what it’s like to fly a Canadian bushplane. LINKS: Brent’s AOPA articles: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/articles-by-author/brent-blue Video on pulse oximeters: https://youtu.be/pOEBoeuyR0U Sporty’s 2025 Pilot Training Courses: https://www.sportys.com/learntofly

Experimental airplanes make up an increasingly large share of the general aviation market, and Marc Cook knows that world better than anyone. He traces the history of homebuilts, from the radical plans of the 1980s to the refined kits of today, and describes the current state of the industry. He also talks about the causes of Van’s recent bankruptcy ordeal, and shares why he’s very optimistic about the upcoming MOSAIC rule—but also why it won’t lead to $20,000 airplanes. In the Ready to Copy segment, Marc names the biggest mistake homebuilders make, chooses the most underrated experimental airplane, and explains why riding motorcycles and flying airplanes requires the same approach to risk.  LINKS: Kitplanes magazine: https://www.kitplanes.com/ MOSAIC update video: https://youtu.be/9FfylxAuK3c Sporty’s 2025 Pilot Training Courses: https://www.sportys.com/learntofly