126. Slipping on the Slope of Safety
From I Learned About Flying From That by Flying Magazine
April 8, 2026 · 23 min
About this episode
Richard Sheffield shares a harrowing incident from his early flying days, emphasizing the importance of safety in aviation.
In this episode of I Learned About Flying From That, host Carl Valeri sits down with veteran pilot Richard Sheffield to recount a harrowing incident from his early flying days in Texas. What started as a routine solo flight in an Aeronca Champ turned into a desperate struggle for control on a gravel ramp. Richard shares the terrifying moment his engine surged during a solo hand-prop start, sending the aircraft into a clockwise pivot toward a parked Beechcraft Bonanza. Whether you're a taildragger enthusiast or a student pilot, Richard’s story is a powerful reminder that safety often comes down to the simplest tools and the humblest preparations.
People in this episode
Host: Carl Valeri
Guest: Richard Sheffield
Topics covered
- aviation safety
- pilot experiences
- solo flight
- engine failure
- taildragger flying
Keywords
- aviation
- safety
- solo flight
- engine surge
- pilot story
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Flying Magazine
Products: Aeronca Champ, Beechcraft Bonanza
Places: Texas
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