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Artwork for Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's

Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's

Sporty's Pilot Shop
General Aviation
Aviation Safety
Flight Training
Pilot Training
Air Traffic Control
Aviation
Air Force
Flight Instruction
Business Aviation
Bush Flying
Instrument Flying
Aviation Industry
Checkrides
Alaska
T-38
Lancair IVP
Air Facts
Instrument Rating
Simulators
Pilot Workshops

Pilot's Discretion brings you authentic conversations with some of aviation's most interesting people. From honest discussions about flight training to fascinating stories from airshow pilots, this podcast is for anyone who loves to fly. Stay tuned for our rapid-fire "ready to copy" segment at the end of every episode, where we go beyond the cliches to find out what each guest really thinks. Broug... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes134Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
AviationLeisure

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's

Latest Episodes

The key to working collaboratively with ATC is to remember that humans are on both sides of the mic, says longtime pilot and air traffic controller John Krug. He offers tips for when to cancel IFR at non-towered airports, how to get that shortcut you... more

Pilots should aspire to a higher standard than just passing the checkride, according to author and instructor Rick Durden. He explains how to be one of these “thinking pilots,” pursuing excellence while still having fun in the air, with tips for new ... more

Master flight instructor Rich Stowell says manual flying skills and decision-making skills are complementary, but they’re often presented as an either/or choice. The spin master explains why that’s wrong and illustrates it with his “power-push-roll” ... more

Public benefit flying might mean transporting a cancer patient or relocating turtles, but regardless of the mission Mark Hanson says it’s rewarding, fun, and great for keeping your pilot skills sharp. He talks about managing the pressure of these fli... more

Key Facts

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Rick Durden
Aviation attorney, safety journalist and author
Avbrief (recent work); safety writing and The Thinking Pilot's Flight Manual series
Episode: How to be a thinking pilot, with Rick Durden
Rich Stowell
Master instructor and spin expert, author and presenter
Learn Do Fly Training; Rich Stowell Enterprises
Episode: Stick and rudder skills for modern pilots, with Rich Stowell
Mark Hanson
President of the Air Care Alliance and prolific volunteer pilot
Air Care Alliance
Episode: Using an Eclipse for charitable flights, with Mark Hanson
Tom Charpentier
Government Relations Director at EAA
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
Episode: Is GA dying or thriving, with Tom Charpentier
Damian DelGaizo
Tailwheel expert, instructor, host of Tailwheel 101
Andover Flight Academy; Tailwheel 101 YouTube series
Episode: The challenges and rewards of taildraggers, with Damian DelGaizo
Douglas Boyd
Aviation Safety Researcher and Pilot
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; FAA/Aerospace Medical Institute collaborator
Episode: Hard truths about aviation safety, with Douglas Boyd
Mark Kolber
Lawyer with 40+ years of aviation experience; flight instructor and pilot
Independent aviation attorney and instructor
Episode: Legal gray areas for pilots, with Mark Kolber
Marcus Miller
Air traffic controller and PropHatCat creator
Air Route Traffic Control Center
Episode: What pilots should know about ATC, with Marcus Miller
Ed Galkin
New Jersey pilot with six decades of aviation experience
Independent pilot, octogenarian ocean crosser
Episode: Crossing the Atlantic at age 89, with Ed Galkin

Host

John Zimmerman
Host of Pilot's Discretion

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 293 ratings
  • Professional and Educational

    I enjoyed the thorough discussion and professional presentation, I have recommended this podcast to other aviators.

    Audible
    5
    ctkell
    United States6 months ago
  • I enjoyed the thorough discussion and professional presentation, I have recommended this podcast to other aviators.

    Audible
    5
    ctkell
    United States6 months ago
  • Great great podcast

    The Pilot’s Discretion Podcast from Sporty’s is an outstanding gem in the world of aviation podcasts. Hosted by a team of passionate and knowledgeable aviation experts, this show is a must-listen for anyone who loves flying or wants to delve deeper into the aviation world.

    From the first episode, it’s clear that this podcast is crafted with care and expertise. The hosts effortlessly blend practical flying tips, insightful industry news, and captivating personal stories, making each episode both... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    King 111112
    Israel2 years ago
  • Very Imfomative

    This Podcast features humble pilots willing to come on the show and tell their experiences so others can learn from their mistakes. It is a valuable service.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mars Explore
    United States2 years ago
  • Best podcast!

    This is my favorite podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    frewdyby
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Well-produced with crystal-clear audio and thoughtful questions.
Content blends practical tips with policy and safety insights, highly engaging.
Guests are diverse and deeply experienced in aviation.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#11
United States/Leisure/Aviation
Apple Podcasts
#168
United States/Leisure
Apple Podcasts
#30
Canada/Leisure/Aviation
Apple Podcasts
#41
United Kingdom/Leisure/Aviation
Apple Podcasts
#11
France/Leisure/Aviation
Apple Podcasts
#19
Italy/Leisure/Aviation

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How to be a thinking pilot, with Rick Durden
Q: What does it mean to be a thinking pilot?
Being in the moment, forming a mental picture of wind and panel, and using fingertip control to detect and respond to engine and airframe feedback so you can anticipate and manage the airplane rather than reacting after a problem arises.
Stick and rudder skills for modern pilots, with Rich Stowell
Q: What is the single most common error flight instructors make when teaching stall recovery?
The most common error is making stall recovery seem a fearful, high-stakes maneuver instead of a calm, understood process, which discourages pilots from practicing the necessary responses.
Is GA dying or thriving, with Tom Charpentier
Q: What change from Mosaic do you think will most affect GA in the next decade?
Lower certification costs and expanded pathways for sport pilot CFIs, enabling more affordable training and a broader, more active training fleet.
Is GA dying or thriving, with Tom Charpentier
Q: What is the bigger threat right now to GA?
Fuel supply, regulatory complexity around fuels and airspace, and the encroachment of landing fees that could tax the cost and feasibility of light GA.
The challenges and rewards of taildraggers, with Damian DelGaizo
Q: How does grass impact learning tailwheel skills?
Grass offers a more forgiving surface for tracking and allows more time to correct issues, reducing the immediate consequences of small deviations while teaching the importance of control harmony and flare timing.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's

What is Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Aviation-focused interview show featuring in-depth conversations with pilots, instructors, engineers, and policy experts. Episodes routinely explore safety, training, regulatory changes, and real-world flying experiences, often pairing technical how-tos with behind-the-scenes stories from the cockpit and industry commentary. A standout is a practical, no-nonsense approach to complex topics, plus a memorable rapid-fire segment that pulls clear takeaways from each guest's perspective. The show tends to attract serious aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals seeking actionable insights, diverse viewpoints, and lessons learned from decades of flying and policy work.

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Which podcasts are similar to Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's:

1. I Learned About Flying From That
2. "There I was..." An Aviation Podcast
3. Hangar Talk - An Aviation News Podcast
4. Aviation News Talk – Pilot Stories, Safety Tips & General Aviation News
5. AOPA Never Again

How many episodes of Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's are there?

Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's launched 5 years ago and published 134 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's?

Recent guests on Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's include:

1. Rick Durden
2. Rich Stowell
3. Mark Hanson
4. Tom Charpentier
5. Damian DelGaizo
6. Douglas Boyd
7. Mark Kolber
8. Marcus Miller

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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