The sound of wind rushing over the canopy in a glider.

Flying a Glider

If you've ever topped off a 737's tires (bet you haven't), or if you're a fan of NASCAR, you know that they fill up their wheels with Nitrogen.  But why? And should light GA aircraft do the same?  We take a look at the science behind dry nitrogen - and whether the payoffs are worth the cost for your plane.

And, have you ever wondered where your squawk code comes from?  We take a look at how a Parrot evolved into your transponder - and how the ATC system divvies up squawk codes for VFR and IFR flights.

This show is sponsored by... our training courses!  Out of everything we build, they're our favorite products.  They'll make you a better pilot - whether you're a student or a veteran.  Check them out at http://boldmethod.com/products/

Title Music: Broke For Free (http://brokeforfree.bandcamp.com)
Credits Music: Birocratic (http://birocratic.bandcamp.com)

Squawk Your Parrot

There's been a lot of talk about the danger of drones, and how they're endangering the lives of pilots. But is that really the case? What's being done to keep us at a safe distance from drones, and are they more dangerous than birds?

We talked to three industry experts to get their opinion: Jon Resnick, Policy Lead for DJI, the world's largest drone manufacturer, Ben Marcus, co-founder of AirMap.io and founder of NoFlyZone.org, as well as Al Palmer, Director of the University of North Dakota's UAS Research Center. Listen in and see what they have to say about the future of drones, and if they're a real threat to aviation.

Drone Strikes

Most pilots, like us, are used to having an engine on the front of their plane. But there's a whole world of non-powered flight, and we wanted to learn more about it. So we headed out to the Boulder glider field to talk to the local gliding experts. We learned about how they keep themselves airborne for hours a time, and the different types of lift that keep them aloft.

Intro Music: Broke For Free (http://brokeforfree.bandcamp.com)
Closing Music: Birocratic (http://birocratic.bandcamp.com)

Lift Factories

Most pilots, like us, were taught that Va protects your plane from structural failure in flight. But in reality, that's not always the case. An example of this is American Airlines Flight 587, an Airbus A300 that broke apart in flight, while flying below Va the entire time.

So what does Va protect, and what doesn't it? Listen in and find out.

Title Music: Broke For Free (brokeforfree.bandcamp.com)
Credits Music: Birocratic (birocratic.bandcamp.com)

What You Didn't Know About Maneuvering Speed

You pull up to the FBO, hop out of your plane, head in to use the internet, and call flight service from the FBO phone. How does all of that get paid for? We headed to one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world to find out.
 
Intro music by Broke For Free (http://brokeforfree.bandcamp.com)
 
Closing music by Birocratic (http://birocratic.bandcamp.com)

Running One of the Busiest Airports in the World

You prime your engine, crank it, and nothing happens. You prime again, crank, and still nothing. How many times can you do this before you risk an engine fire? And if you have an engine fire, what should you do?

Intro Music: Broke For Free (http://brokeforfree.bandcamp.com)
Closing Music: Birocratic (http://birocratic.bandcamp.com)

Engine Fires

How did you get your start in aviation?  From models to barnstorming, this episode explores how pilots got their start, and their most memorable flights.

Intro music by Broke for Free (http://brokeforfree.bandcamp.com)
Closing music by Birocratic (http://birocratic.bandcamp.com)

Stories from the Field: Your Start in Aviation

Aviation is known for a lot of things. Record flights across the globe, connecting people in incredibly short periods of time, and, unfortunately, this term. Find out where "death spirals" originated, and how it remains a problem in aviation, even today.

Intro music by Broke for Free (http://brokeforfree.bandcamp.com)
Closing music by Birocratic (http://birocratic.bandcamp.com)

Death Spirals

IFR Clearance from Atlanta Clearance Delivery

Pushback Clearance From Atlanta Ramp Control

Taxi Instructions From Atlanta Ramp Control

Gear Bay Overheat Warning

ASOS Weather Observation - KBDU

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