What do helicopter flying and mountain climbing have in common? Jessica Meiris is both a professional helicopter pilot and a record-setting rock climber—she says it's all about thinking ahead and working as a team. She shares the incredible story of how she got into aviation, the latest trends in helicopter safety, and tips for overcoming challenges with the FAA medical. She also explains what "energy management" means for pilots and the lessons she's learned about mountain weather. In the Ready to Copy segment, Jessica picks her favorite helicopter, tells airplane pilots how to avoid rotor wash from nearby helicopters, and explains what her favorite place to climb is.

Chris Caputo spent over 30 years in the Air Force flying A-10s and F-16s, so he might not be the first person you think of when you hear "electric vertical takeoff and landing advocate." But he's a believer, and in this episode he explains why. He also talks about what it's like to fly the Beta Technologies Alia aircraft, why the company is different from other electric aircraft startups, and why cargo may be a better business model than passenger flights. Chris also talks about his Air Force days, including the differences between the A-10 and the F-16, why military training is so valuable for an airline career, and what sound the A-10 gun really makes. In the Ready to Copy segment, he answers whether the last fighter pilot has been born, whether the Boeing 757 or 767 is more fun to fly, and what Air Force airplane he'd most like to fly.

Learning to fly is fun and rewarding, but it can also be frustrating and even scary at times—and that's exactly what Kim and Kristoffer from the Baron Pilot YouTube channel wanted to show in their new video series. They talk about the ups and downs of flight training, how much work goes into every YouTube episode, and why they were surprised by viewers' reactions. Kristoffer also explains how he uses his Baron to commute to work and what it's like to fly jets when the weather isn't great. In the Ready to Copy segment, you'll learn the difference between a Mooney and a Beechcraft, the biggest mistake pilots make during flight training, and what their final flights would be.

Catherine Cavagnaro learned aerobatics from legendary instructor Bill Kershner and is a math professor on the side, which gives her a unique perspective on key topics in flight training. She explains what "the back side of the power curve" really means, why takeoffs are an overlooked risk for most pilots, and when you should use flaps on a power-off 180. She also shares her tips as a pilot examiner, including how to handle nerves and whether it's OK to admit "I don't know" on a checkride. In the Ready to Copy segment, Catherine explains the right way to use a sick sack, whether spins should be required for the Private Pilot test, and what geometric topology is.

Test pilot. Airshow pilot. Instructor for Top Gun: Maverick actors. Chuck Coleman might have one of the most interesting resumes in aviation, and he has plenty of stories to back up this experience. He talks about training actors to pull Gs for Tom Cruise's blockbuster movie, working with Burt Rutan on the SpaceShip One project, and what it's like to fly the Proteus high altitude jet. In the Ready to Copy segment, Chuck answers whether the Icon A5 is a safe airplane, shares the hardest airplane to fly that he's ever logged time in, and describes the most important character trait for a homebuilder.

Are you excited about supersonic business jets or electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft? Richard Aboulafia is going to disappoint you: "I'm here with my bucket of cold water.” The always-entertaining aviation analyst explains why these buzzy projects probably won't happen, what technology will become a reality, and why business jets are hot right now. He also analyzes the airlines' summer of misery and shares the right lessons to learn from the 737 MAX disaster. In the "Ready to Copy" segment, Richard tells us about the Concorde, the Collier Trophy, and China's airliner ambitions.

Do controllers like to get PIREPs? Do you need to read back a Class B clearance? What is a Brasher warning? Experienced air traffic controller (and active GA pilot) RJ Ratliff answers these questions and many more in this wide-ranging episode that's packed with practical advice. In addition to answering common pilot questions, he also explains how technology like ADS-B and datalink communications is changing the job of ATC, and whether remote towers are here to stay. In the Ready to Copy segment, RJ shares what "on the landline" means, what pilot mistake is guaranteed to upset a controller, and what the best college basketball rivalry is.  

What are the most revolutionary aviation products of the last 25 years? If you immediately thought of a glass panel or a new airplane, Doug Ranly wants you to think again. As the director of new products at Sporty's Pilot Shop, he's seen a lot of technology come and go, and he believes portable products have the biggest impact because they affect the most pilots. In this gear-focused episode, he names his top four products, shares some less successful inventions, and describes his process for evaluating a new gadget. Doug also talks about his first experience with active noise reduction headsets (in Iraq, not in an airplane), what products he'd like to see invented, and what product he wishes companies would stop inventing. In the Ready to Copy segment, you'll hear why Doug loves the RV-12, his pet peeve about flashlights, and what he learned as a carny.

Bruce Williams had a front row seat to some exciting developments in flight simulators, working at Microsoft as their program grew from a simple DOS program to a visually stunning virtual world. He offers some practical tips for using a sim for home training (have a plan, don't stress about the controls) and weighs in on the "game vs. simulator" debate. Bruce is also a longtime flight instructor, so he shares his tips for flying long cross-country flights, how to master glass cockpits, and learning aerobatics. In the ready to copy segment, Bruce tells us his favorite preflight weather tools, why pilots should use the autopilot more, and his favorite author.

People come to Oshkosh for the airplanes, but they stay for the people. That's according to EAA Chairman Jack Pelton, who explains why the culture at AirVenture is so unique, why America needs more of this spirit in everyday life, and his favorite place to visit at the big show. He also shares the organization's big plans for the 30th year of the Young Eagles program, why experimental airplanes are so popular right now, and what his top priorities are for the FAA. In the Ready to Copy segment, Jack explains why you can't build a new Cessna 172 for $100,000, shares his favorite vintage airplane, and identifies some underrated aviation museums.