Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's cover art

Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's

Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's

Written by: Sporty's Pilot Shop
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About this listen

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. Brought to you by Sporty's Pilot Shop, training and equipping pilots worldwide since 1961. Have a comment? Email us: podcast@sportys.comSporty's Pilot Shop
Episodes
  • Learning from other pilots' mistakes, with JJ Madison
    Jan 13 2026

    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

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    38 mins
  • The life of a corporate pilot, with Mark McIntyre
    Dec 30 2025

    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

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    37 mins
  • Rethinking flight instruction, with Doug Stewart
    Dec 16 2025

    Legendary instructor Doug Stewart has a lot of strong opinions about flight training, from inadvertent IMC maneuvers to instrument procedures to engine failures. In this episode, Doug offers a sweeping view of the flight instructor’s role, with practical advice for pilots and instructors alike. Doug is also an active pilot examiner, so he shares checkride tips and tricks based on his decades of experience. In the Ready to Copy segment, Doug talks about flight simulators, bad communication habits, jazz musicians, and lessons from cycling.

    SHOW LINKS:

    * Doug Stewart Flight Instruction: https://www.dsflight.com/

    * Improving on the 180-degree turn: https://www.dsflight.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/VMC-INTO-IMC-Mindstar.pdf

    * Pilot’s Tip of the Week: https://pilotworkshop.com/tip

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    37 mins
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