OV-10 Bronco pilot Matt Nightingale tells us what it's like to fly the twin turbo light attack and observation aircraft known for STOL performance and favored by CalFire and other governments for its versatility and performance. Plus, Ian and David dive into aerial firefighting ops, the latest unleaded fuel salvos, G-airmets going visual, new presidential flying restrictions, and how SpaceX Starship’s “rapid unscheduled disassembly” could affect your aviation plans.
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Episode 218: Meet AOPA President Darren Pleasance
Learn how new AOPA President Darren Pleasance is combining his business and aviation backgrounds as he guides the 85-year-old association into the future. And join Ian and David as they break down why the FAA recommends AOA for all aircraft; a new color vision test; additional changes to aviation leadership; and an eVTOL company with high hopes that hit significant headwinds. Plus, aviation predictions for 2025!
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Episode 217: Top 5 general aviation stories of 2024
Hangar Talk aviation podcast hosts Ian and David break down the Top 5 general aviation stories of 2024: Unleaded fuel, mass ADs, low-altitude runway passes, pilot medical updates, and FAA reauthorization with provisions for GA.
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Episode 216: Mark Baker's greatest hits
Mark Baker retires from AOPA after highlights that include thousands of pilots flying under BasicMed; almost 100,000 students learning about aviation careers; and a vow to earn his instructor certificate. Plus Ian and David discuss ownership of a seized Wright Model B, an Alaska turkey drop, the "Citizen of the World's" final flight, GAMA numbers, and the Texas warbird collision.
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Episode 215: Thankful for aviation; Univair's Jim Dyer
Hear vintage aviation parts and supply champion Jim Dyer of Univair talk about keeping the classics flying. Plus, Ian and David share why they are thankful for aviation and then discuss BasicMed expansion, the latest McSpadden ASI report showing safety improvements; more DPEs to the rescue; a tenth anniversary for the AOPA High School Aviation STEM Symposium; and how new DJI drones may hit a roadblock.