Hangar Talk

AOPA pushes back on ADS-B misuse, Cirrus says 'no' to G100UL, the rag-wing Piper AD is finalized, and government layoffs affect the FAA. Plus, we talk with Sentimental Journey award winning Vagabond owner Nathan Hauser.

Aviation expert Tom Haines shares his perspective on flying into and out of of Washington's DCA airport, the SFRA and FRZ, certain VFR routes, remaining on assigned altitudes or headings, limitations of ADS-B and TCAS systems, circle-to-land approaches, and what changes the midair crash of American Eagle Flight 5342 might bring. And stay tuned for Ian and David's comments on the latest aviation news.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Denver-based FlyteCo Brewery owner and flight instructor Eric Serani leads a flight across the Rockies in search of the freshest hops; plus Ian and David help explain what the recent Lycoming con-rod AD means for you, discuss the latest unleaded fuel update, a Gamebird firefighter, a deadly helicopter crash, and sales rumors for Boeing's Jeppesen/ForeFlight division.

Airplane owners and CFI candidates Anita Ammon and Ava Trate struck up a friendship while mentoring each other to complete their flight instructor credentials. Plus, Ian and David put AOPA ePilot's 25th anniversary in perspective, explain the A&P Moss interpretation, a reduction in fees at Signature FBOs, new FAA regs for eVTOL pilots, GAMI G100 in California, and cattle waste that might one day power aircraft (and that's no b.s.).

Alaska flight school owner Jon Kotwicki houses students in retired Douglas DC-6 and DC-9 aircraft for an immersive Last Frontier training experience. Plus, Ian and David discuss what the removal of CFI expirations means for you, a passenger lands a King Air, ATC Archie Award heroics, threats to Cleveland's Burke Lakefront Airport, and a Bahamas travel advisory.

Elizabeth City, NC, airport manager and Fly Baby owner Scott Hinton lost a wing in-flight and lived to tell about it. Plus, commentary on a new proposed Piper PA-28/32 wing AD, A&P maintenance changes, AOPA's new boss, Swift 100R fuel, and NOAA retiring hurricane hunters' Kermit and Miss Piggy.

Sheltair FBO leaders explain the value of hurricane relief and how giving back to employees strengthens the local community. Then Ian and David dive into the latest aircraft delivery numbers, AOPA's pushback on ADS-B landing fees, new discounts for members, and salute a Hangar Talk guest on his spacewalk.

Seaplane and Aero Adventures owner Aaron Singer's job is envious. Learn what it's like to fly over the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and other Bay Area standouts. Plus, Ian and David comment on AOPA's pushback against ADS-B landing fees in Florida, a coalition to protect avgas in California, a Virginia flight school's abrupt closure, and an aviation insurance reality check.

CubCrafters' Mark Keneston explains the NX Cub on floats and how he transitioned from automobile showrooms to aviation where initiative and opportunity converged. Plus we'll talk about power lever problems among the Cirrus piston fleet, aircraft insurance options for seniors, the new King Air Crimson Edition, and drone delivery cutbacks from one of the largest retailers.

Ian and David open Season Nine with an AirVenture wrap up, a scary Arrow landing, insight on the AOPA dual-fuel Baron and LyondellBasel's PAFI alternative, and a CFI accused of manslaughter. Stay tuned for guest Lee Finch and his Cessna O-1 Bird Dog.

Ian and David share the latest AirVenture news with an on-the-scene report and several surprise guests make AOPA Hangar Talk appearances from show center at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Wright B Flyer chief pilot Rich Stepler explains the engineering, design, and flight characteristics of the Wright brothers lookalike aircraft based in Dayton Ohio. Ian and David remember longtime congressional GA advocate Jim Inhofe, discuss David's uAvionix skySensor installation for older aircraft, and preview EAA AirVenture 2024, including special AOPA 85th anniversary events.

Aeroprakt manufacturer Yuriy Yakovlev speaks with Ben Moses about aircraft manufacturing continuing during the country's war with Russia. Plus Ian and David break down recent unleaded aircraft fuel developments, warn pilots about avionics thefts, welcome new ASI leader Mike Ginter, and chat about personal aircraft maintenance.

Virginia-based PT-19 warbird pilot Michael Kuhnert teaches tailwheel pilots in the stout, Golden Age trainer that introduced thousands to military aviation. Plus Ian and David discuss how simulator training can save money and time, the FAA's stance on uncomplicated mental health issues, and defending low-altitude runway inspection passes.

Big Bend pilot Brent Pickette brings a pilot's paradise to life with The Summit, a travel escape to dark sky country where visitors stay inside caves. Plus commentary on the Roswell air races, new AirVenture arrival procedures, GAMA aircraft delivery numbers, and triple ace Bud Anderson.