Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's

Buying aircraft insurance can often feel like an opaque, frustrating process of filling out paperwork and bracing for rate hikes. In this episode Doug Tibbs, managing director at 5X5 Aviation Insurance and a former business jet pilot, pulls back the curtain on how aircraft policies are actually quoted. He explains the critical difference between brokers and underwriters, how real-time flight data is shaking up the industry, and the exact steps aircraft owners can take to lower premiums. Doug also shares colorful stories from his years in corporate aviation, including candid thoughts on crew resource management, single-pilot safety, and memorable passengers. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear how many hours is too few for insurance, why claims happen outside of accidents, and what his dream airplane is.
SHOW LINKS:
* 5X5 Aviation Insurance: https://www.5x5insurance.com/
* DuPage Airport: https://dupageairport.gov/
* PilotWorkshops Premier: https://pilotworkshop.com/products/premier/

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