Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's

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

Pilots with 50-350 hours are involved in more fatal accidents than anyone else, according to research from flight instructor Paul Craig. In this safety-focused episode, he explains the numbers behind this “killing zone,” how to avoid its traps, and whether any accident trends have changed in the 25 years he’s been studying them. Paul also talks about scenario-based training (which he helped write the book on) and new flight instructors (who he teaches every day). In the Ready to Copy segment, Paul talks about VFR-into-IMC accidents, whether pilots are normal, and signing autographs in court.
SHOW LINKS:
* The Killing Zone, third edition: https://www.sportys.com/the-killing-zone.html
* FAA-Industry Training Standards: https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/training/fits
* Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip

Bruce Gordon learned to fly in Aspen over 40 years ago and has been flying in the Rockies ever since. He uses that experience to share tips for flying piston airplanes out West, name some of his favorite airports, and explain why the Cessna T210 is the perfect airplane for his missions. Bruce also talks about EcoFlight, the organization he founded that uses light airplanes to promote conservation, and how short flights can change people’s perspectives about the world. In the Ready to Copy segment, Bruce talks about flying with John Denver, lessons learned from mountain climbing, and the best soccer player of all time.
SHOW LINKS:
* EcoFlight: https://ecoflight.org/
* Aspen Hall of Fame: https://aspenhalloffame.org/inductee/bruce-gordon/
* Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip

Plenty of pilots read accident reports, but airline pilot and author JJ Madison says NASA reports are even better—because you’re hearing directly from the pilot. He shares common themes and memorable stories from these reports, and reminds pilots how to submit one. JJ also talks about his career as an airline pilot, including the appeal of regional airlines and the importance of scheduling. In the Ready to Copy segment, JJ talks about flying turboprops, why staying in shape is critical for pilots, and how to be a Hollywood writer.
SHOW LINKS:
* JJ’s book Yikes!: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYZ1R9BS
* Victor Kilo Fund: https://www.victorkilofund.org/
* NASA reports database: https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/
* Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip

Pro pilot doesn’t have to mean airline pilot. Longtime corporate pilot and safety advocate Mark McIntyre explains the appeal of business aviation, why safety has to be the focus for a flight department, the unique challenges of international flying, and how to use new debriefing tools to fly safer. Mark began his career as a seaplane pilot, so he also shares lessons learned in this demanding environment. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear about the best seaplane, managing fatigue, and fun places to fly in the Pacific Northwest.
SHOW LINKS:
* NBAA international operations: https://nbaa.org/aircraft-operations/international/
* Kenmore Air: https://kenmoreair.com/
* Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip