Coffee In A Hangar

Sponsored by: https://sportaircraftseats.com/Neil's Book: https://a.co/d/0aCmcF10Our website: Coffeeinahangar.comIn this episode of the Coffee in a Hangar podcast, I sit down with Neil Hansen (author of Flight: An Air America Pilot Story of Adventure, Descent, and Redemption) for one of the most jaw-dropping conversations we’ve ever had. Neil’s story spans everything from high-risk flying in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, to the hidden world of Air America and the CIA, and the kind of missions that never made the nightly news.We talk about flying the C-123 aircraft on low-level airdrop runs, what “hard rice” really meant, why Neil changed the way he approached airdrops to survive, and what happens when you’re hit, lose control, and have to make decisions that most pilots will (thankfully) never face.Neil also shares how his life took a dark turn after returning home—leading into Drug Smuggling, the money, the danger, the consequences, and the redemption that followed.If you’re into aviation history, Southeast Asia-era stories, or the mindset of pilots who operated on the edge of the envelope—this one is for you.Subscribe for more long-form pilot stories, hard-earned lessons, and conversations you won’t hear anywhere else.

Sponsor: sportaircraftseats.comjoin our email list: coffeeinahangar.comTy Christensen joins us for one of the most skill-focused episodes we’ve ever recorded. As one of the most talented young Super Cub pilots in Alaska, Ty breaks down how he manages energy, evaluates risk, and teaches new pilots the fundamentals of flying in the backcountry.In this conversation, we dig into what it really takes to fly a Super Cub precisely and safely in off-airport terrain. Ty shares his approach to bush landings, reading terrain, dealing with unexpected variables, and the techniques he drills into students who want to fly the Alaska wilderness with confidence.In this episode:How Ty became one of Alaska’s most capable young bush pilotsManaging energy in a Super CubRisk assessment and how to stay ahead of the airplaneWhat Ty teaches new pilots about backcountry flyingBush landings: approaching different terrain and conditionsReal stories and lessons from training and off-airport operations🎙 More episodes of Coffee In a Hangar: https://www.youtube.com/@AirplanesInTheWild🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/65F0iLDmQCpiyzdoaVUypvSafety note:This podcast contains personal accounts from professional pilots in unique environments. These stories are not training guidance. Always follow current regulations, and get qualified instructionComment your favorite moment, a lesson you’re taking into your own flying, or who we should interview next.Hashtags:#AlaskaAviation #BushFlying #SuperCub #BackcountryFlying #PilotTraining #AviationPodcast #CoffeeInAHangar #TyChristiansen

Sponsor: sportaircraftseats.comjoin our email list: coffeeinahangar.comKitty's book: https://www.amazon.com/Wings-Her-Dreams-Alaska-Glacier/dp/1880654512Avalanches, tailwheel failures, and hunters who won’t take no for an answer.** In this episode of *Coffee in a Hangar*, legendary Alaska pilot **Kitty Banner** shares raw, riveting stories from the 1970s and beyond—learning to fly in Talkeetna, hauling climbers to Denali, glacier landings with no go-around, a tailwheel assembly shearing off at rotation, and the unglamorous realities of guiding hunters and rescuing overdue mountaineers. She also talks mentorship, flying with John Denver for his seaplane rating, and what it really takes to thrive in the mountains.Guest: Kitty Banner — glacier & backcountry pilot; co-founder of **K2 Aviation**; lifelong mentor to new pilots.What you’ll hear* The avalanche on Mount Huntington that swallowed the valley in snow fog* “If in doubt, don’t” — the decision-making mantra that saved lives* Tailwheel failure at rotation and nursing the airplane home* Early Talkeetna days: scalping climbers, radio tents on the glacier, and night landings in orange light* Seaplane instruction for **John Denver** (and how procedural discipline matters)* Hunters, heavy loads, and how to say “no” when safety is on the line* Mentorship from WWII WASP pilot **Carolyn Cullen** and the importance of women in aviation00:00 Welcome & cold open02:10 Kitty’s path to Alaska & early mishaps08:55 Glacier ops: slots, crevasses, and “no go-around” realities18:40 The Mount Huntington avalanche25:30 Tail issues after takeoff — diagnosis in the gorge33:20 Hunters, loads, and safety boundaries41:05 Mentors: WASP pilot Carolyn Cullen & Amelia Earhart connections49:10 Flying with John Denver (seaplane rating story)57:30 “If in doubt, don’t” — lessons for today’s pilots1:05:00 Family, backcountry flying, and raising the next generationSupport the show:* Join the email list for updates & behind-the-scenes: **coffeeinhangar.com*** Read Kitty’s book ***Wings of Her Dreams*** (link in description)* **Sport Aircraft Seats** — My company making quick-install seat upholstery kits for GA aircraft. Design your kit and learn why inspection-friendly upholstery matters: **sportaircraftseats.com**Safety note:This podcast contains personal accounts from professional pilots in unique environments. These stories are not training guidance. Always follow current regulations, POH/AFM procedures, and get qualified instructionComment your favorite moment, a lesson you’re taking into your own flying, or who we should interview next.

Sponsored by: Sportaircraftseats.comCoffeeinahangar.com to sign up for our email listIn this episode of Coffee In A Hangar, Sean Mclaughlin, CEO of Alaska Gear Company, shares his wild journey from buying a struggling Super Cub fuselage shop to building a 130,000 sq. ft. aviation powerhouse with 80+ employees. Along the way, he faced FAA audits, near business collapses, and the challenge of innovating certified aircraft parts in one of the toughest industries on earth.✈️ Topics we cover:How a failing backwoods welding shop turned into a multi-million-dollar aviation brand.The difficulty of innovating in the certified aircraft parts world.The inside story on Airframes Alaska’s transformation into Alaska Gear Company.Is there really a new Bush wheel model in the works?Why most aviation startups fail — and how Shawn beat the odds.How to grow in “micro-markets”.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to survive — and thrive — in the business of bush flying, this episode pulls back the curtain.

What happens when the engine mount on your bush plane breaks mid-flight? Or when you run out of gas 43 miles offshore on the Arctic sea ice at -30°F?In this episode you’ll hear:-Why staying calm in harsh flying conditions can save your life.-What happens when you grab a live wounded wolf with your bare hands-The genius (and slightly insane) way to inflate a flat aircraft tire with a campfire 🔥-How a four place Cub is better than a regular one.-What it really takes to live, fly, and survive in Alaska’s backcountryThis episode is packed with jaw-dropping tales of old-school aviation, wilderness grit, and survival smarts. At the heart of the episode is the Ellis family, masters of landing on strips, glaciers, and gravel bars so unimproved, most pilots wouldn’t even consider them. Their hard-earned wisdom came not from textbooks, but from bent props, and long walks.Today, we’re joined again by Kirk Ellis, he’s here to share with us more of the incredible stories and lessons he’s learned through a lifetime of operating in these conditions.

Join our email list: https://coffeeinahangar.comSponsor: https://sportaircraftseats.comGrab his book: https://www.amazon.com/No-Sequel-Life-Heart-Pilot/dp/B0CY9N9YYJDevil's Canyon Rescue Podcast: -Part 1: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5PnrNkWcp7glYggwSFb0PE?si=3Q-vZhT4Q1yusdGQZQamYA&nd=1&dlsi=77417b5616cb42f9 -Part 2: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2AdzZGmi4DvqjZnJ80WbBY?si=rTmbMJR-Sw-LFHEc050e7Q&nd=1&dlsi=ede29b39c07342d1In this episode of Coffee In a Hangar, meet Jerry Jacques — bush pilot, hunting and rafting guide, lodge owner, and author of No Sequel to Life. Jerry’s adventures blur the line between Alaskan legend and survival epic.We dive into:Jerry’s runaway trip to Alaska at 16Nearly drowning in a Class V+ rapid named Devil's CanyonFlying illegally for years before getting caught by the FAA — and how that saved his lifeA wild story of a gravel bar landing crash… that was intentionalLiving alone in a trapper’s cabin — starving — before being rescued and adopted by an Alaskan Native familyThe deep cultural and survival significance of salmon in rural AlaskaA death defying rescue in Devil's Canyon with his Helio CourierEnding up on the front lines in UkraineWhether you're into aviation, off-grid survival, whitewater legends, or just jaw-dropping true stories, this one is a must-listen. Jerry Jacques might be the most adventurous man we've had on yet!

When a downdraft flipped his Super Cub in the middle of the Andes, Que Que Parodi spent 27 hours stranded in a snowstorm—alone, underdressed, and fighting to survive. That’s just one of the wild stories in this episode of Coffee and a Hanger.Que Que describes the moment he stumbled upon a video about bush pilots in Alaska. Watching Paul Claus fly a Super Cub through remote Alaskan wilderness inspired him. This was what he was meant to do.Que Que is the founder of Patagonia Bush Pilots, a rapidly growing backcountry flight school in Argentina. With only six years of flying under his belt, he’s built a fully certified operation: a cargo and taxi business, a licensed flight school, and a repair station—all from scratch. But Que Que's story starts way before aviation, as a professional snowboarder filming in active volcanic craters, building custom drones for forest fire surveillance, and hustling his way into aviation by pure grit and innovation.This episode is an incredible ride—raw, inspiring, and packed with bush flying spirit. Don't miss it.

Welcome to the Coffee Hangar Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Glenn Curtis — a veteran pilot with over 50 years of flying experience across Alaska’s wildest skies. From daring floatplane rescues in Cook Inlet, flying President Bush, to surviving a terrifying emergency landing in the tundra, Glenn’s incredible stories will captivate anyone fascinated by aviation and adventure.🎙️ What you’ll hear in this episode:-How Glenn went from a novice floatplane pilot to mastering some of Alaska’s most challenging landings-Intense moments flying medevac missions and making split-second decisions under pressure-How his 8 year old daughter predicted the crash landing that left his plane upside down.-The golden era of floatplane flying at Lake Hood in the 1970s-Lessons learned from Alaska’s aviation pioneers-Behind-the-scenes insight into the Exxon Valdez oil spill response and floatplane operationsWhether you’re a pilot, aviation enthusiast, or just love real-life survival stories, Glenn’s unique perspective and humble storytelling will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Bush Flying Legends & Survival: Mike Meekin's 50-Year flying JourneyWelcome to the Coffee and a Hangar Podcast! Today, we sit down with Mike Meekin, a bush pilot with over 50 years of experience navigating some of the most challenging terrains in aviation. With 11 TBO’d engines on just one plane, Mike is the definition of experience, skill, and survival in the mountains.From parachute failures and near-crashes to mastering the art of short-field landings, this episode is packed with thrilling stories, hard-earned wisdom, and real talk about what it takes to fly in some of the most treacherous weather and terrain Alaska has to offer. With over 25,000 hours of experience flying Cessnas, PA-18 Super Cubs, and many other bush aircraft, Mike Meekin is a well of knowledge.💡 Topics we cover:✅ The myth of "No Old Bold Pilots"✅ Critical go-around decisions & risk assessment✅ The mental game of mountain flying✅ Harrowing stories from the Alaskan backcountry✅ The legendary pioneers of bush flying✅ The importance of good equipment and maintenance ✅ STOL Landing & STOL TakeoffsPlus, get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at our aircraft seat shop, where we craft high-quality seat upholstery for pilots like you!

Sponsor: https://sportaircraftseats.com Strap in for an unforgettable ride! On today’s episode of the Coffee and Hanger Podcast, I sit down with bush pilot, Art Warbelow, the founder of Warbelow’s Air Ventures in Fairbanks, Alaska. Art takes us back to his teenage years, sharing harrowing tales of flying, surviving, and the sheer grit it took to salvage his father’s flying service after a devastating tragedy. From illegal landings on snowy Alaskan roads to close encounters in the fog, Art’s stories are a mix of heart-pounding adventure and pure Alaskan ingenuity. Hear how Art and his teenage brothers kept the family business alive against all odds, dealing with near plane crashes, questionable pilots, and unexpected challenges at every turn in bush Alaska. This is Part 1 of our interview with Art Warbelow! Part 2 drops in a month, so make sure to subscribe and hit the bell 🔔 so you don’t miss it! #flying #airplane #cessna

In this episode of the Coffee and a Hangar Podcast, we're excited to welcome Adam Grenda, a seasoned pilot, big game hunter, and trapper hailing from King Salmon, Alaska. Adam dives deep into his unique journey of learning to fly in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness, all under the mentorship of legendary bush pilot Ron Hayes. Adam reflects on the impact Ron had on his career, offering valuable lessons from the heart of Alaska. We explore everything from Adam’s terrifying near-crash incident to his lifelong passion for hunting, which began at a young age. His stories perfectly capture the blend of adventure, danger, and the rugged beauty that defines life as a bush pilot in Alaska. Adam shares his experiences flying the iconic Super Cub, the lessons he learned through trial and error in the air, and how those early hunting experiences paved the way for his guiding career in Alaska’s tough terrain. Adam also shares in detail his harrowing Super Cub crash at age 20, recounting how, as a young pilot with just 3 hours of tailwheel experience, he made some split-second decisions that resulted in a total wreck. He candidly talks about the mistakes he made during that flight, including ignoring basic safety measures and overconfidence in his abilities. Yet, from that near-fatal accident, Adam emerged with hard-earned wisdom that shaped the rest of his career, teaching him the importance of critical decision-making, especially in the erratic conditions of bush flying. Through the ups and downs of his flying career, Adam reflects on the importance of humility, proficiency, and the constant drive to improve. His story is not just about surviving, but thriving in one of the most challenging environments on Earth. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy these epic tales of bush flying, and true backcountry adventure, straight from the Alaskan frontier.

🛫 **Support Our Channel**: Visit [Sport Aircraft Seats](https://www.sportcraftseats.com) for custom aircraft seat upholstery kits. Perfect for enhancing your flying experience! Today, we sit down with Ron Hayes, a 95-year-old Alaska bush pilot with nearly 70 years of flying experience. In this episode, Ron shares his incredible stories and invaluable knowledge about bush flying in Alaska. From guiding polar bear hunts in the Arctic to flying through dangerous conditions during the Cold War, Ron's tales are nothing short of legendary. We dive deep into his early years of learning to bush fly in the rugged Alaskan terrain, mastering STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) techniques in Cessna and Super Cub planes. Ron recounts hair-raising experiences like landing on steep slopes, performing STOL takeoffs and landings in narrow canyons, wrecking super cubs and float planes, running out of fuel over the Bering Sea at night, and getting caught in bad weather. Ron also talks about his mentor, Lee Holland, and the critical lessons he learned about mountain flying, slow flight, and off-airport operations. Hear about his harrowing encounters with the Russian military during the Cold War, his expertise in polar bear hunting, and how he navigated through low visibility conditions with early navigation technology. If you're passionate about flying, bush planes, Alaska's rich history, or want to learn how to fly a plane and land in extreme places, this episode is for you. Join us as Ron Hayes shares his wisdom, captivating stories, and the realities of being an Alaska bush pilot. 🔑 *Keywords:* airplane, plane, Cessna, Super Cub, flying, STOL, STOL takeoff, STOL landings and takeoffs, bush plane, bush pilot, bush flying, pilot, how to fly a plane, Alaska, Alaska Bush Pilot, Alaska History, Cold War, hunting, polar bear hunting, slow flight, off-airport, airplane crash, flying IFR, Alaska. 📺 *Subscribe* to our channel for more amazing stories and insights from legendary pilots like Ron Hayes. Don't forget to like, comment, and share this video with fellow aviation enthusiasts!

At the age of six years old Rob Carleson was dropped off at a remote cabin in the foothills of the Alaska Range with his step-grandmother. In this video, he recalls the incredible stories of survival, subsistence, and the unique state of off-airport aviation that persisted during his childhood.