Plane + Pilot

Join host Cayla McLeod for the latest episode of the Plane + Pilot podcast featuring longtime pilot, Master CFI, and FAAST Team representative Ken Wittekiend. From learning to fly in a 65-horsepower J-3 Cub to administering nearly 2,500 check rides across the country, Ken’s aviation journey is defined by humility and an enduring passion for flight.In This Episode, We Cover: Ken's Aviation Journey: Ken shares how a discovery flight from a small grass airport in Texas hooked him on a lifelong career in aviation. Mastering Flight Instruction: Listeners get practical advice on finding the right flight instructor and why it is important to find educators who possess a true desire to teach, rather than those who are just trying to build flight hours for the airlines. The DPE System and FAA Challenges: The conversation takes a candid look at the systemic issues within the FAA's Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) program. Ken opens up about his sudden termination as a DPE in October 2020. He also discusses the ongoing class-action lawsuit advocating for due process for terminated examiners. Disaster Relief Flying: Ken shares his inspiring accounts of using general aviation for disaster relief. He specifically highlights his volunteer flying efforts following the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti. To learn more about Ken please visit https://www.promarkaviation.net/bio

Join host Cayla McLeod for a chilly episode of the Plane + Pilot podcast, recorded right on flight line in Valdez, Alaska! In this episode, Cayla sits down with general aviation enthusiast, accomplished business leader, and author Darren Pleasance. Darren shares his journey from a 13-year-old kid fascinated by model airplanes to a corporate jet pilot, a leader at tech giants like Google and Cisco, and eventually the head of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). He discusses his accidental entry into the business world and how a deep passion for aviation has remained the central theme of his life. In this episode, we cover: Aviation Roots: How Darren traded bike rides and airplane washing for his first flights, eventually flying multi-engine jets by his early twenties. The Importance of AOPA: The critical role the organization plays in advocacy, navigating the transition to unleaded fuel, and protecting the freedom to fly for general aviation pilots. Advice for Aspiring Aviators: Why getting tailwheel experience, showing initiative, and maintaining a positive attitude can open unexpected doors in your flying career. Finding Your "True North": Insights from Darren's book, True North, which serves as a handbook for building an inspired and fulfilling life. Alaskan Adventures: The unmatched thrill of flying over glaciers and the Prince William Sound, and experiencing the magic of the Valdez STOL competition. To order a copy of Darren's book visit: https://www.amazon.com/True-North-Handbook-Inspired-Living/dp/B0CQ74BHNN

Welcome back to the Plane & Pilot Podcast! In this episode, Cayla sits down with Dr. Jon Miller, an Idaho-based backcountry pilot and emergency medicine physician, to bridge the critical gap between general aviation and survival medicine. Dr. Miller shares his unique journey from ski bum and raft guide to ER doctor and flight doc for the Air National Guard's 190th Fighter Squadron. Recognizing a severe lack of survival training in general aviation, he and his colleagues founded Adventure Medicine Experts, a non-profit dedicated to teaching life-saving skills specifically tailored for backcountry pilots. We dive deep into the sobering statistics of off-airport accidents and discuss the practical, everyday steps you can take to become your own first responder when things go wrong in the wild. In this episode, we cover: The Root Ranch Clinic: An inside look at the immersive backcountry survival course hosted in the remote Idaho wilderness. The 6 C's of Survival: The essential components every pilot must understand: Compression (stopping life-threatening bleeding), Communications, Combustion, Cold (hypothermia prevention), Cutting tools, and Comfort (maintaining a positive mental attitude). Wearable Survival Gear: Why your emergency kit is completely useless if it's thrown in the back of the airplane during a crash. The Helmet Debate: A candid, data-driven discussion on why wearing a helmet might be the single most important decision you make before flying into the backcountry.

In this special episode of the Plane + Pilot podcast, host Cayla McLeod sits down with her boss, Ryan Ewing, who leads the entire aviation division at Firecrown. Ryan shares his lifelong passion for the industry and pulls back the curtain on what it takes to run a large group of legacy aviation publications.

Join host Cayla McLeod as she sits down with Savanna Hunter—commercial pilot, flight instructor, and Director of Operations for the Tango 31 Aero Clube in McKinney, Texas.In this episode, Savanna shares her unconventional path into aviation and how she earned her private pilot certificate through Tango 31, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit where high school students earn “sweat equity” by restoring and maintaining donated airplanes—giving them the chance to fly for little more than the price of gas.Savanna talks about the importance of mentorship and giving back to the next generation while honoring the legacies of aviation mentors like Kevin Lacey and Ron Alexander. She also shares her vision for giving back to aviation through the lessons she had to learn the hard way.From navigating student loans to the realities of flight school burnout, Savannah also offers insight into one of her side hustles—auditing and digitizing pilot logbooks—and the common mistakes she sees during the process.From breaking into the “good ol’ boys club” to finding her footing in flight training, Savannah shares her honest experience as a first-generation aviator.To learn more about the Tango 31 Aero Clube or support their mission, visit:t31aeroclub.comhttps://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/31-hours-for-tango-thirty-one

On this episode of the Plane & Pilot podcast, Cayla is joined by Bill McGlynn, President of the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF).With over 30 years in the cockpit, Bill shares his deep-rooted passion for the American backcountry and the vital mission to keep it accessible.They discuss the RAF’s history, the complexities of partnering with federal agencies like the BLM and US Forest Service, and how pilots can safely enjoy—and actively protect—our nation’s remote airstrips.

In this episode of the Plane + Pilot podcast, host Cayla McLeod sits down with aviation entrepreneur Mike Sasser at the Hank Sasser Breakaway Airport outside of Austin, Texas. Fresh off a diverse morning of flying, Mike shares his journey from a wide-eyed thirteen-year-old on an introductory flight to becoming a dealer for CubCrafters and the founder of Boomerang Air. Mike dives deep into the philosophy of his business, explains the nuances of the CubCrafters lineup, and discusses his passion for refurbishing Beechcraft Bonanzas. Whether it’s mastering a new challenge in a Robinson R44 or navigating the evolving world of aircraft brokerage, Mike offers invaluable insights for anyone looking to buy, sell, or simply find their perfect mission-matched aircraft.

Join host and Editor in Chief Cayla McLeod for an in-depth conversation with Gus and Courtney Thoreson, the owners of Heart X Outfitters. In this episode, we explore the vital intersection of general aviation and the rugged outfitting lifestyle throughout the remote Idaho backcountry. Gus and Courtney provide a unique look into their lives in the wilderness, discuss the real-world utility of their Cessna 206, often called the "backbone of the backcountry", and share essential tips for navigating challenging airstrips like Lower Loon Creek (C53). From the logistics of mountain flying to the daily realities of the outfitting business, this episode shines a light on life in the wilderness. You can read more about the Thoresons and flying the Idaho backcountry in the January/February issue of Plane + Pilot magazine. Visit https://heartxoutfitters.com/ to learn more about their operation.