Show Notes
From the Space Shuttle to F-15 fighter jets to his homebuilt VariEze, Charlie Precourt approaches every flight with the same discipline. In this episode he shares some of the lessons learned from his one-of-a-kind career, including the power of visualization, realistic personal minimums, and flight training that goes beyond checking the box. Charlie also shares some fascinating stories from his days at NASA, including landing the Space Shuttle and docking with the Mir space station. In the Ready to Copy segment, Charlie talks about underrated airplanes, flying with a test pilot’s mindset, and lessons learned from Russian pilots. SHOW LINKS: * The biggest myth in aviation: https://flighttrainingcentral.com/2025/08/the-biggest-myth-in-aviation-that-great-pilots-are-defined-by-great-flying-skills/ * Space Shuttle landing video: https://youtu.be/q5qyOWv0fHk * Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip
More from Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's
What happens when you take a former high school chemistry teacher, turn her into a CFI, and send her back into the high school classroom to run a full-semester private pilot ground school? In this episode, high school educator, medical professional, and flight instructor Kailee Calder explains how she is reshaping youth aviation outreach through CTE partnerships in Utah. She also shares lessons she’s learned as a teacher that work for flight instructors and takes on misconceptions about today’s youth. In the Ready to Copy segment, Kailee shares her favorite flight simulator scenario for kids, why social media isn’t always the best marketing channel for flight schools, and the weather tips she learned from sailing. SHOW LINKS: * Kailee’s website: https://www.kaileecalder.com * Aviation class at Davis Catalyst: https://catalyst.davis.k12.ut.us/o/cace/page/pilot-aviation * PilotWorkshops Premier: https://pilotworkshop.com/products/premier/
Former NASA Flight Director and experimental aircraft expert Paul Dye explains how high-stakes spaceflight principles can translate to the world of single-pilot GA flying. He reflects on decision-making at Mission Control, the art of evaluating risk versus uncertainty, and why pilots must always be willing to question their own choices. He also breaks down the reality of building kitplanes, offering honest advice on what it takes to finish a project, how to approach flight testing safely, and how MOSAIC could shape general aviation’s future. In the Ready to Copy lightning round, Paul talks about NASA in the movies, flying the Fisk Arrival into Oshkosh, and why a simple J-3 Cub on a grass strip remains hard to beat. SHOW LINKS: * Ironflight website: https://ironflight.com/ * Paul’s articles at AvBrief: https://avbrief.com/author/ironflight/ * PJ2 GPS Radio: https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html
As one of the few people to ever fly an airshow at Oshkosh, a competition aerobatic routine, and a Red Bull Air Race, Michael Goulian has a unique perspective on flying at the edge of the envelope. In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes to share how he prepares both physically and mentally for a performance, what’s unique about modern aerobatic airplanes, and what his favorite maneuver is. Michael is also a longtime flight instructor and flight school owner, so he connects the intense focus of the airshow world to the job of a primary flight instructor, with tips for improving stick and rudder skills in the age of glass cockpits. In the Ready to Copy segment, he talks about his favorite fly-in destination in New England, his pre-show playlist, and golf. SHOW LINKS: * Mike Goulian Aviation: https://mikegoulianaviation.com/ * Goulian Aerosports: https://mikegoulian.com/ * PJ2 GPS Radio: https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html
Professional pilot and podcast host Justin Siems says aviation is “a welcoming community that feels like it's not.” He explains why, based on his experience interviewing nearly 400 pilots. Justin also talks about making the transition from fractional flying to the major airlines, why he launched a print magazine in a world dominated by short-form video, and how his background as a Big Ten college football player translated directly to the flight deck. In the Ready to Copy segment, he shares the best advice he’s received from a guest, his humbling experience landing the Boeing 737, and his routine for early morning trips. SHOW LINKS: * Pilot to Pilot podcast and magazine: https://www.pilottopilothq.com/ * Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilottopilot/ * PJ2 GPS Radio: https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html
As a former airline pilot and industry analyst for more than four decades, Kit Darby has seen a lot of job market cycles. In this episode he shares his wisdom, with plenty of practical advice for aspiring professional pilots, including an honest assessment of the job market right now, what airline pilots actually make over a 30-year career, and what COVID changed about the airline business. Kit also talks about some lessons learned from his airline and military career, including mastering full motion airline simulators and flying the unique OV-1 Mohawk in the Army. and In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear about preparing for job interviews, under-appreciated airlines, and helicopters vs. airplanes. SHOW LINKS: * Kit’s website: https://kitdarby.com/ * Airline hiring resources: https://www.fapa.aero/job-hunting-pilots * PilotWorkshops Mastery: https://sportys.com/mastery