Stuck Mic AvCast - An Aviation Podcast About Learning to Fly, Living to Fly, and Loving to Fly!
The Stuck Mic AvCast is an aviation podcast brought to you by Carl Valeri about learning to fly, living to fly, and loving to fly. With your co-hosts Victoria Neuville, Rick Felty, Eric Crump, Tom Frick, Russ Roslewski, and Larry Overstreet!
SMAC342 A Unique View Of National Safety Month

June the National Safety Month and we are going to talk about keeping our passengers and ourselves safe in our home and workplace which is the airport. – This is the National Safety Council's annual observance to help keep each other safe from the workplace to anyplace Preflight: Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC - you can find them at https://www.strumorlaw.com/ The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC, handles various aviation matters, including FAA safety investigations and pilot medical certifications. You can find them on the web at https://ww...
SMAC341 FAA Compliance Program

The FAA Compliance Program Explained This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC - you can find them at https://www.strumorlaw.com/ The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC, handles various aviation matters, including FAA safety investigations and pilot medical certifications. You can find them on the web at https://www.strumorlaw.com/ Cruise Flight: Talking Points: Also referred to as the or “Compliance Program.” (Previously ““Compliance Philosophy”) • Works on the premise that errors should be corrected not punished • Voluntary Participation • Work with FAA inspector, do not ignore FAA investigations • Compliance Action may be as simple as co...
SMAC340 Interviews From Sun N Fun 2025

SMAC340 Interviews From Sun N Fun 2025 Welcome our interviews from Sun N Fun 2025. Preflight: Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC - you can find them at https://www.strumorlaw.com/ The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC, handles various aviation matters, including FAA safety investigations and pilot medical certifications. You can find them on the web at https://www.strumorlaw.com/ Cruise Flight: Interviews: Tom Frick: Carolyn - https://www.fly-inn.com Adriana the Luscombe Lady. Tailwheel training. Learning in a tailwheel or transitioning. Philip Gunn Recreational Aviation Foundation. The mission...
SMAC339 Sun N Fun Live 2025

Welcome to our annual Live Event From Sun N Fun 2025. Today joining us are your hosts Bill English, James Spearman, and Tom Frick. Preflight: This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC - you can find them at https://www.strumorlaw.com/ The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC, handles various aviation matters, including FAA safety investigations and pilot medical certifications. You can find them on the web at https://www.strumorlaw.com/ Cruise Flight: Guests And Talking Points: Bill English - Flying Into Sun N Fun and The Tailwheel Experience. Carl Valeri...
SMAC338 Go Around

Runway Incursions, unstable approaches, and simple misjudgment during landing are the main reasons we need to go around, but are you ready to execute a go-around maneuver properly? In my over 25 years of instructing recreational, business, and airline pilots, I have noticed a consistent trend: we don’t perform discontinued approaches very well. In this episode, we discuss how and why you should go around. Additionally, we will give you tips and tricks to execute the go-around maneuver safely and properly. Accident Analysis: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=65858 Preflight: Sponsor Shout out. Cruise Flight: Talking Points: Why should you di...
SMAC337 Think Like A Pilot with Bobby Dutton

As pilots, we learn many skills and thought processes to accomplish our unique mission of exploring the world in an amazing environment passing through the air. The thought process of being a pilot can play a key role in the cockpit but also benefits us in our personal and business lives. Bobby Dutton is a passionate aviator who has enabled many through his keynotes to translate the skills and passion we as pilots use to guide us towards an amazing airborne journey to an amazing life here on the ground. Preflight: Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial - Where Dreams Take...
SMAC336 Fuel Management

SMAC336 Fuel Management Fuel Management Tips, Tricks, And Common Errors. Accident referenced in my opening: Jet A instead of 100L leads to a crash. https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=100366 Loss of control. Contributing was the pilot's inadequate supervision of the fuel servicing. Preflight: Sponsor Shout Out: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com Cruise Flight: Talking Points: Fuel begins on the ground. AvGas Auto Fuel (Mo Gas) Jet Fuel Strategies to avoid misfuelling What to do with spent fuel? Know your Fuel System. Do you know your system? 182 new vs old story from Carl. Gravity fed Fuel boost pumps Aux fuel pumps...
SMAC335 Aircraft Ownership The Good, The Bad, and The Unusual

AOPA awards https://www.aopa.org/-/media/Files/AOPA/Home/Training-and-Safety/2025-Flight-Training-Experience-Award-Winners.pdf Leslie: I Hart aFlying Foundation “Fuel From the Hart” scholarship. Will be used toward Commercial Multi-engine add-on training. Talking Points: Reasons to Buy or Not Buy (Not just about money): Cost/Utilization 24-hour availability Type of aircraft Exactly meet your mission No unicorns. Solo Ownership v Partnership Costs Control Availability Ability to Sell Plane Common Mistakes made when purchasing an aircraft: Not having a written purchase agreement Using a poorly written purchase agreement Not having an attorney review the agreement Other costs - taxes/insurance/tiedown or h...
SMAC334 James Spearman DFC

The Distinguished Flying Cross medal is awarded to any officer or enlisted person of the armed forces of the United States for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. We are proud to announce that our Co-Host James Spearman has been Awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross and he is here to tell us about his experience leading to the award and how you can learn from his experience and apply it to your flying. Talking Points: What Is the Distinguished Flying Cross? The DFC is the fourth-highest award for heroism and the highest award for extraordinary aerial achievement...
SMAC333 Paramotor Flying

Want to truly feel like a bird and fly with the wind rushing by your face? You should try powered paragliding today! Our guest Noah will explain that it is easier and less expensive than you might think. Noah runs the All American Paramotor in Harrah Ok. Welcome to the show Noah Talking Points: What is Paramotoring (Powered Paragliding)? Why is Noah passionate about Paramotors? Noah’s aviation background. Do I need a pilot certificate? How about a medical certificate? How much does it cost? Paramotor scholarships. (I only know of ones in the UK.) How long does it take to...
SMAC332 Stepping Up To Twins

SMAC332 Stepping Up To Twins Considerations for Flying, Training, and Maintaining Proficiency. Why fly multi-engine aircraft? When a twin is safer than a single. When is a twin more dangerous than a single? Considerations of multi-engine aircraft ownership. Cost of maintenance. Cost of training. What twin should I buy? Depends on budget and mission. What can you do to make flying a twin safer? Where to train? Accelerated programs and type-specific programs. Sponsor: Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial - Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training and they understand your needs because they are pilots! You...
SMAC331 Holiday Gift Guide

Are You trying to decide what to get your favorite aviators for the holidays? This episode is for you. The team at Stuck Mic AvCast has thought long and hard to come up with gifts you can buy your favorite aviators this season! And that includes you! Let’s get started! Preflight Checklist: Sponsor: Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial - Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training and they understand your needs because they are pilots! You can find more at https://stratus.finance/ As a sponsor of this podcast, Stratus Financial is giving away scholarship gu...
SMAC330 Successful Flight Review

The flight review is a requirement but is also an opportunity to enhance your skills and increase your and your passenger’s safety. In this episode, we take you beyond the basic FAA requirements and promote what we call a “Successful Flight Review”. Preflight Checklist: Sponsor: Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial - Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training and they understand your needs because they are pilots! You can find more at https://stratus.finance/ As a sponsor of this podcast, Stratus Financial is giving away scholarship guides and you can get yours for free using...
SMAC329 FIA Denise Dull

SMAC329 How To Run A Successful Airshow with Denise Dull President Of Florida International Airshow If you like exciting action-packed airshows that give back to the local community you will love the Florida International Airshow in Punta Gorda Florida. Today I am speaking with Denise Dull, President of the airshow who has led a team to help grow into one of the best air shows in the United States. We will discuss the challenges and keys to success in creating, growing, and continuing the legacy of an airshow. Preflight Checklist: Sponsor: Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial - Where Dreams Take...
SMAC328 Hurricane Milton’s Impact On General Aviation In Florida

SMAC328 The Hurricane Milton’s Impact On General Aviation In Florida Welcome to a special edition of the Stuck Mic AvCast. Preflight Checklist: Sponsor: Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial - Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training and they understand your needs because they are pilots! You can find more at https://stratus.finance/ As a sponsor of this podcast, Stratus Financial is giving away scholarship guides and you can get yours for free using the coupon code “Stratus” when you visit https://www.stuckmicavcast.com/free/ Whether financing your dream of flying or simplifying the proces...
SMAC327 Collision Avoidance Tips and Tricks

March 7 2023 a low-wing piper and a high-wing piper on floats collided killing a flight instructor and student pilot in both planes. This accident was especially tragic for me since the instructor of the low-wing Piper, Faith, was one of the members of the flight team I coached. In today’s episode, we will discuss collision avoidance tips and tricks to prevent such a tragic accident from happening again. I am also recording this because I promised Faith’s Mom I would do everything I could to help promote good collision avoidance practices. So here are our collision avoidance tips and tric...
SMAC326 What I Wish I Learned As A Student Pilot

Obtaining a pilot certificate is a license to learn but there are a few things we wish we knew before we passed our checkride. In this episode, we discuss what we wish we were taught during our flight training to fly safer and operate more efficiently. Preflight Checklist: Sponsor: Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial - Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training and they understand your needs because they are pilots! You can find more at https://stratus.finance/ As a sponsor of this podcast, Stratus Financial is giving away scholarship guides and you can get...
SMAC325 Introduction To NonTowered Airport Operations

It was after midnight and the lights of New York City could be seen from miles away as we flew over Republic Field on Long Island New York on our way to White Plains. I could make out the airport many miles away and the winds were calm. I caught myself saying “What could go wrong on this perfect night”. I wish I didn’t say that. In the flare to touchdown, I noticed things getting dark out of the corner of my eye. That is when I realized the time set for the lights had finished and I clicked the mi...
SMAC324 Tropic Angel Author Nate Van Coops

Are you looking for a thrilling aviation adventure without leaving your living room? An amazing aviation wordsmith and pilot Nathan Van Coops is joining us today. He was last on episode 244 and his passion for aviation shines both in his writing and his life as a pilot and mechanic. Preflight Checklist: Sponsor: Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial - Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training and they understand your needs because they are pilots! you can find more at https://stratus.finance/ As a sponsor of this podcast, Stratus Financial is giving away scholarship guides and...
SMAC323 How To Talk To Your Mechanic For Better Outcomes

In today’s episode, we discuss how to talk to your mechanic to help improve your maintenance outcomes. We are going to try to look at how we can better describe problems and ask questions to increase the quality of our maintenance experience while reducing the stress of having a broken plane. Preflight Checklist: Sponsor: Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial - Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training and they understand your needs because they are pilots! you can find more at https://stratus.finance/ Whether financing your dream of flying or simplifying the process by ta...
SMAC322 Too Much Airplane

SMAC322 Too Much Airplane? What is too much Airplane? Are you considering upgrading the aircraft you rent or pondering purchasing a new plane to carry all of your friends and family? Well with a more complex and larger airplane come some considerations especially if the airplane you are considering is too much pane for you. As with all of our hobbies, we tend to want the biggest and “best” but sometimes smaller and adequate fulfill our needs and are more in line with our skill level. Today we will discuss how you can tell if you are considering or have “Too Mu...
SMAC321 DC Flyover with Bill English

For the first time since 2001 aircraft representing virtually every chapter of general aviation’s history flew over the National Mall in Washington, D.C for the National Celebration of Aviation. Part of this flyover was our very own Bill English who is here today to discuss this historic event. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by STEM Flights, a national nonprofit organization that connects Middle and High School students with volunteer Pilot Mentors to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). They inspire America’s youth to pursue STEM and aviation careers with a unique flight experience. To find out more...
SMAC320 FlightSimExpo 2024

Home flight simulation is not only a fun hobby but will help you with real-world flight training; now we have the statistics to prove it. Joining us today is Evan Reiter to discuss how you can benefit from home flight simulation and the upcoming Flight Simulation Expo 2024. Sponsor: Those who give through the Pay It Forward Program and those who like and subscribe to our videos. All proceeds go towards giving away free scholarship guides using the coupon code “PayItForward”. https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/ To Find out more about the Pay It Forward Program and you can receive or give...
SMAC319 Women's Air Race Dillon For Audio FINAL

Woman’s Air Racing has been a tradition since 1929 which has evolved to the Woman’s Air Race Classic to be run June 18 through 24 of 2024. To tell us more about the storied history of the air race classic is Emmy Dillon, a competitor in this year's race Cruise Flight: A brief history of The Air Race Classic What inspired Emmy To Compete Emmy’s aviation journey. Cost of racing/sponsorships Handicap process/What types of aircraft can compete? How are the times collected? 2024 ARC stops How can someone volunteer at the stops? Can men volunteer? How to follow the racers online...
SMAC318 Plane Crazy Down Under

Australians are passionate about aviation and one of the most passionate aviation geeks is Grant McHerron. Grant along with Steve Visscher host Australia’s longest-running aviation show. Speaking of Australia did you know we have Australian Scholarships in our Scholarship guide and you can get one for free? Cruise Flight: The impact aviation has had on Australia. User Fees RAL light sport aircraft Why Australians are passionate about aviation. Grant’s Aviation Journey. What is Plane Crazy Down Under Podcast and why you should listen? Top places for aviation enthusiasts to visit when in Australia. Overall difference flying down under comp...
SMAC317 Lessons from a Fighter Pilot

Every aviator has struggles in training whether you are a fighter pilot or a student pilot. Many times our struggles are with confidence in ourselves. Today I have someone who will help you realize success in your aviation journey. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC - you can find them at https://www.strumorlaw.com/ They are giving away 100 scholarship guides. You can get yours for free using the coupon code “StrumorLaw” The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC handles various aviation matters, including, FAA safety investigations and pilot medical certification. You...
SMAC316 Sun N Fun 2024

C17 Loadmaster Noah Cummings Stallion 51 T6 Training https://www.stallion51.com/ Lin Caywood 99’s https://www.ninety-nines.org/ Bryan Turner Just Plane Silly YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@JustPlaneSilly Russ Still Gold Seal Ground School https://groundschool.com/ Bob Santom CGS Hawk Ultralights https://www.cgsaviation.com/ C17 Aircraft Commander Sammy Bledsoe Links: https://flysnf.org Meet The Stuck Mic AvCast Team at Upcoming Events and Air Shows: https://www.floridaairshow.com/news/2023/9/25/meet-the-redline-airshows
SMAC315 TJ Flying Adventures

Wondering what to do with your pilot certificate? Look no further, Today we have the host of TJ Flying Adventures who inspires us to get out and explore. TJ’s videos are inspirational and informative. I think we should all follow his lead and make our own aviation bucket list. Preflight: This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC - you can find them at https://www.strumorlaw.com/ They are giving away 100 scholarship guides. You can get yours for free using the coupon code “StrumorLaw” The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC handles variou...
SMAC314 Electroair James Spearman FINAL Audio Version

Joining us today is the owner of "James Spearman Aircraft", an airplane maintenance shop in Sevierville, Tennessee at the KGKT airport. Before we begin a quick reminder the new 2024 version of the scholarship guide has been published and is available by clicking on the scholarships guide on the right side of the screen at https://stuckmicavcast.com/ Cruise Flight: How did you get into aviation maintenance? Answer: I have always been tinkering with small engines, dirtbikes, and cars, but then I got my 1st opportunity as an airforce mechanic as a crew chief on a KC-135 airplane. The benefits of...
SMAC313 Leslie Caubble and her collaborative effort to increase knowledge in the flight instructor community

Whether you want to become a better flight instructor or are new to the world of aviation instruction, there is someone who has started a grassroots, collaborative venue for you. Leslie Caubble is one of my favorite flight instructors and aviation mentors because she cares about the advancement of others in the pursuit of excellence in aviation. I am excited to have her also join us as a new co-host on the Stuck Mic AvCast. We will explore her aviation journey and her new aviation home. Before we begin a quick reminder the new 2024 version of the scholarship guide has...
SMAC312 Managing Traffic Stops as a Pilot

As a pilot who loves to fly, we try to protect our hobby through prudent planning, budgeting, and training. I often get asked questions about what to do when pulled over by the police to protect our pilot certificate. Should I take the sobriety test or not? To help me answer this question is Chris Pezalla from the Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC. Chris is an airline pilot and aviation attorney who has been a frequent guest on this and our sister podcast Aviation Careers Podcast. Before we begin a quick reminder that the new 2024 version of the...
SMAC311 Expect Turbulence Author Keith Young Discusses Overcoming Challenges when Learning To Fly

Many of you have challenges when learning to fly or adding a rating. I encourage you to keep pursuing your wings and aviation goals. Today I have someone who has an inspirational message for you and knows how to overcome numerous challenges during the learning process. Keith Young is the author of “Expect Turbulence” an inspirational read. I think everyone will be able to relate to at least one of the challenges he overcame during his journey to his pilot certificate. Joining me today are Bill English, and Leslie Caubble. Before we begin a quick reminder the new 2024 version of the...
SMAC310 Florida International Airshow 2023 Day 2

This is day 2 of the airshow whose primary mission is to offer opportunities for attendees to learn more about aviation, space, and military services. Joining me today is Tom Frick and I am sure you will enjoy the diverse interviews of exhibitors, vendors, and performers prompting aviation, space, and military service. FIAS provides multiple benefits to the community through direct charitable donations and fundraising opportunities for nonprofit and civic groups during the show. FIAS events provide beneficial exposure to the Punta Gorda Airport as a significant local economic asset. Since its conception, the Air Show has distributed over $3 million to...
SMAC309 Florida International Airshow 2023 Day 1

This is day 1 of a two-day airshow whose primary mission is to offer opportunities for attendees to learn more about aviation, space, and military services. Joining me today is Tom Frick and I am sure you will enjoy the diverse interviews of exhibitors, vendors, and performers prompting aviation, space, and military service. FIAS provides multiple benefits to the community through direct charitable donations and fundraising opportunities for nonprofit and civic groups during the show. FIAS events provide beneficial exposure to the Punta Gorda Airport as a significant local economic asset. Since its conception, the Air Show has distributed over $3 million...
SMAC308 Florida International Airshow with Denise Dull

SMAC308 Florida International Airshow with Denise Dull Welcome to Episode 308 Today I am speaking with the first female President of the Florida International Airshow and an all-around great person. Denise Dull. If you like exciting action-packed airshows that give back to the local community you will love the Florida International Airshow in Punta Gorda Florida. We are excited to be part of the Florida International Airshow this year and will be in a tent at the show so please stop by and say hi. Preflight Checklist: This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC...
SMAC307 Triple Tree Aerodrome with Robb Williams

In past episodes, we mentioned we would be participating in the Triple Tree Fly-In but didn’t explain the purpose and details of the event. Today we have Robb Williams, the Executive Director of the Triple Tree Aerodrome, to give us some background and explain why this might become one of your favorite aviation events. Welcome to the show Robb. Preflight Checklist: Pay It Forward. Our next event is the Tripple Tree Fly-In https://tta.aero/ttfi/ Bill English is planning to attend so please say hello. Cruise Flight: Welcome Robb Williams What is Triple Tree Fly-In Fun, Fellowship, and Ho...
SMAC306 The Successful Flying Club

SMAC306 The Successful Flying Club Welcome to episode 306. Today Brianna Dittman will discuss how to successfully run a flying club. Brianna is involved with the administration of the Jacksonville Naval Flying Club, an administrator for a company ferrying airliners worldwide, and an adjunct aviation professor. Preflight Checklist: Pay It Forward. http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/ Our next event is the Tripple Tree Fly-In https://tta.aero/ttfi/ Bill English is planning to attend so please say hello. Cruise Flight: Why a flying Club? Resources to create a flying club. How to operate a successful flying club. Brianna’s experience and he...
SMAC305 Airventure 2023

SMAC305 Airventure 2023 Welcome to episode 305. Today we recap our best experiences from AirVenture 2023. Joining me today is Bill English. Preflight Checklist: This episode is sponsored https://www.aviatorsclinic.com Flight Medicine for pilots by pilots. Use the Coupon Code AviatorsClinic to get a free scholarship guide. Cruise Flight: The Airventure experience is both online and in person. The Safari - Flying into OSH - preparation, what you need, the NOTAM, where to stay, etc. - This year's attendance - "What do you do here?" - All the different aircraft areas Workshops - I did a fabric workshop Forums - Training...
SMAC304 Become A Better Pilot With Online Training

SMAC304 Become A Better Pilot With Online Training Join us in the online studio at https://sqdc.st/studio/8KD1 ========================================== Welcome to episode 304. Can online training help you become a better pilot? To discuss this with me today is Gavin Leake of https://www.pilotproficient.com . Gavin has many years Preflight Checklist: This episode is sponsored https://www.aviatorsclinic.com Flight Medicine for pilots by pilots. Use the Coupon Code AviatorsClinic to get a free scholarship guide. Cruise Flight: What is online training? How online training has evolved over the year. How online training has impacted learners from a financial...
SMAC303 Flying A Warbird Into Sun N Fun 2023

Welcome to episode 303.. Today is our annual Sun N Fun edition which is slightly different from years past. We are only including an interview with Bill English where he flew with one of his co-workers to Sun N Fun in a Cessna 337. Preflight Checklist: This episode is sponsored https://www.aviatorsclinic.com Flight Medicine for pilots by pilots. Use the Coupon Code AviatorsClinic to get a free scholarship guide. Cruise Flight: Flying a warbird into Sun N Fun. What is a Cessna 337? Advice for flying into Sun N Fun. After Landing Checklist: Pick Of The Week: Interview no pick of...