SocialFlight Live & Cockpit2Cowl

Mike Busch, arguably the best-known Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic in general aviation, is on the CUTTING EDGE of aircraft maintenance, applying AI in ways we never dreamed possible to improve safety and reduce operating costs. Mike founded Savvy Aviation in 2008 to provide aircraft maintenance-management and consulting services to thousands of aircraft owners, including prebuy management, innovative engine monitor analysis and 24/7 breakdown assistance that is essentially AAA for GA. In addition to Savvy, Mike has authored hundreds of articles and four books on aircraft ownership and maintenance.

Save up to 5% on Your AVEMCO Aircraft Insurance when you mention "SocialFlight"!<...

In Episode 26 of Cockpit2Cowl, Jeff and Brian talk about their Favorite Pilot Gear for SAFETY, CONVENIENCE, and MAINTENANCE. It's another fascinating Cockpit 2 Cowl show!

Save up to 5% on Your AVEMCO Aircraft Insurance when you mention "SocialFlight"!

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these challenging times. Register at SocialFlightLive.com to join the live broadcast every Tuesday evening at 8pm ET (be sure to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadcasts).

SocialFlight Partners:

Avemco Insurance https://www.avemco.com/soci...

With nearly everything in aviation skyrocketing in cost, it can sometimes seem that even homebuilt, experimental aircraft have become financially out reach for the average pilot. That said, Sonex Aircraft was always the one company steadfastly fighting that trend with some of the coolest, most efficient and economical aircraft on the market.

And so it was devastating news when Sonex announced in March of this year that they were closing their doors due financial insolvency. The company was founded in the 1990’s by John Monnett and had been owned & run by Mark Schaible since 2022.

Fortunately, So...

Jack Pelton is CEO and Chairman-of-the-Board of EAA, the Experimental Aviation Association. His leadership has transformed EAA’s impact on all of aviation, including experimental aircraft & the new MOSAIC category of aircraft that represent the fastest growing segment of aviation, to Young Eagles, the largest aviation youth outreach program in the world. Tonight, we’re going to talk about the AMAZING AirVenture 2026 that’s now in the books, all of the other happenings at EAA and beyond.

Save up to 5% on Your AVEMCO Aircraft Insurance when you mention "SocialFlight"!

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated...

Jimmy Graham is a legend in the NFL, beginning with the New Orleans Saints in 2010, his career included playing for the Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears before returning to the Saints in 2023. During his career, he made five trips to the pro bowl and became one of the most prolific Tight-ends that the game has even known. What you may NOT know, is that, off the field, Jimmy is an extremely accomplished fixed and rotor-wing pilot who’s approach to aviation is as disciplined as his approach to football.

His flying takes him across th...

In Episode 25 of Cockpit2Cowl, Jeff and Brian talk about Stupid Pilot Tricks and how YOU can AVOID BECOMING A STATISTIC. It's another fascinating Cockpit 2 Cowl show!

SPECIAL PROMOTION: Get a 5% discount on Avemco Insurance by mentioning "SocialFlight" when you call! (contact Avemco for terms and conditions) “Cockpit 2 Cowl” with Brian Schiff and Jeff Simon is a program that explores General Aviation safety topics from the combined perspective of Flight Instructors, Pilots and Mechanics, exploring both man & machine to make aviation safer and more enjoyable.

Brian Schiff (flight instructor & professional pilot) and Jeff Simon (pilot, mech...

In Episode 24 of Cockpit2Cowl, Jeff and Brian talk about summer travel, flying to Oshkosh, and how to deal with weather along the way. It's another fascinating Cockpit 2 Cowl show!

SPECIAL PROMOTION: Get a 5% discount on Avemco Insurance by mentioning "SocialFlight" when you call! (contact Avemco for terms and conditions)

“Cockpit 2 Cowl” with Brian Schiff and Jeff Simon is a program that explores General Aviation safety topics from the combined perspective of Flight Instructors, Pilots and Mechanics, exploring both man & machine to make aviation safer and more enjoyable.

Brian Schiff (flight instructor & professional pilo...

Tom Haines is an award-winning aviation journalist and a household name in general aviation. He spent nearly 30 years as the Editor-in-Chief and Senior Vice President of Media at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the world’s largest aviation organization. Tom is a true pilot’s pilot. He holds a commercial pilot certificate with multiengine, instrument, and seaplane ratings, and type ratings in the Eclipse 500 and Cessna CJ business jets and has a second-in-command type rating in the North American B-25 Mitchell. When it comes to his daily flying, he owns and flies a Beechcraft A36 Bonanza. Although he has...

General Chuck Yeager is one of the greatest aviators that ever lived. His commitment to service, duty, and love of his country are evident in all that he did during his active duty and well beyond. His legacy continues to expand, and to serve as an inspiration to many, in large part due to the tireless work of his wife, Victoria Yeager, telling many of the stories of this great man that few have heard before. She and General Yeager were together for almost 21 years, and her books: CHUCK YEAGER: WHAT A RIDE!: My Amazing Life with The Original...

Chris Baur’s resume reads like the hero character from a fictional novel. From humble and challenging roots, he set off on a career flying for the US Army, the US Coast Guard and the United States Air Force. His flight experience includes both rotor wing and fixed wing, commanding aircraft from the HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter to the C-130. Chris is the pilot from the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing who executed an unprecedented 15-hour helicopter mission in an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter to save the survivors of the Salvador Allende cargo ship that sank in...

With four Space Shuttle missions totaling 231 days in space, United States Air Force Colonel Carl Walz has stories from space that will keep you on the edge of your seat! During his terrestrial down-time, he was ALSO the lead singer for Max Q, the legendary rock-and-roll band composed of astronauts, whose founders included one of our other recent show guests, Astronaut Hoot Gibson! It's another great SocialFlight Live show!

Save up to 5% on Your AVEMCO Aircraft Insurance when you mention "SocialFlight"!

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and...

With the help of AVEMCO, I talk with Mike Ginter from AOPA's Air Safety Institute about the accident and incident data that the NTSB Doesn’t SEE, and how knowing about it can help you be a safer pilot. Source: Avemco Insurance Company claims data, 2012-2022. Mike Ginter leads a team of 7 aviation safety experts at AOPA, working tirelessly to reduce the general aviation accident rate by providing free educational resources and supporting initiatives that improve flight safety and grow the pilot population. And they have been successful. AOPA’s Air Safety Institute content is viewed over 10 million times per...

Captain E. Royce Williams is a veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, and he has the historic distinction of fighting the longest known dogfight in American history in the skies over the Sea of Japan on November 18, 1952 where he won an air battle against 7 Soviet Mig 15’s. This story of courage, survival and amazing skill remained classified and then largely unpublished until only recently. His achievement and valor were finally acknowledged and celebrated in 2026 with the Medal of Honor.

Save up to 5% on Your AVEMCO Aircraft Insurance when you mention "SocialFlight"! .

“SocialFlight Live!” is a l...

Col. Glendon Fraser came to the United States from Jamaica at only 8yrs old, but he quickly set is sights on the sky and never looked back. A graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, he rose through the aviation ranks from commercial pilot, ATP and flight instructor, to the airlines flying the Boeing 727, 737, 757, 767 and 777. Captain Fraser is currently a Line Check Captain for United Airlines. The military played an equally important role in his aviation career, where he flew the Cessna T-37, the Northrop T-38 and Lockheed C5A Galaxy, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel with the New...

In Episode 23 of Cockpit2Cowl, Jeff and Brian dive into the tips & tricks of how to save money in your flying. It's another fascinating Cockpit 2 Cowl show! SPECIAL PROMOTION: Get a 5% discount on Avemco Insurance by mentioning "SocialFlight" when you call! (contact Avemco for terms and conditions)

“Cockpit 2 Cowl” with Brian Schiff and Jeff Simon is a program that explores General Aviation safety topics from the combined perspective of Flight Instructors, Pilots and Mechanics, exploring both man & machine to make aviation safer and more enjoyable.

Brian Schiff (flight instructor & professional pilot) and Jeff Simon (pilot, mech...

Capt Kent Ewing’s military aviation career is legendary, including everything from being a naval fighter pilot, all the way to being the Commanding Officer of the USS America Aircraft Carrier during Desert Storm. In addition to the America, Capt Ewing’s resume includes having commanded the USS Sylvania, Carrier Air Wing Seventeen, and Attack Squadron Sixty Six. He has flown over 18,500 hours in over 100 different military and commercial aircraft, and has made over 1150 carrier landings. He is also a graduate of the US Naval Test Pilot School Class 65. Back in the general aviation world, Kent is a leading flig...

Col John “JV” Venable USAF (ret) is a highly experienced defense expert, former combat fighter pilot and was also a commander of the US Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team! More recently, his work with the Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies gives him a unique perspective on the current conflict in Iran and the challenges to America's Air Power. During his 25-year career in the Air Force, Col Venable served in three combat operations, flying more than 300 hours of combat time over Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He served as Staff Officer for Nuclear Policy for Headquarters Air Northwest and as an O...

Captain Christopher Behnam’s story is one of survival, perseverance, and proof that dreams CAN come true for anyone bold enough to dream and work for them. As a child, Capt. Behnam’s family suffered greatly under the Iranian regimes of the Shah and Islamic Republic. Yet, he managed to hold on to the dream of flight and eventually make his way to the United States. Through an arduous aviation journey of ups and downs, he eventually reached the cockpit of the Boeing 777. And yet, is greatest test was yet to come when the United 777 he was commanding over the...

In Episode 22 of Cockpit2Cowl, Jeff and Brian talk about all things avionics...how to use them, how to select them, tips for maintenance & MORE. It's another fascinating Cockpit 2 Cowl show! SPECIAL PROMOTION: Get a 5% discount on Avemco Insurance by mentioning "SocialFlight" when you call! (contact Avemco for terms and conditions)

“Cockpit 2 Cowl” with Brian Schiff and Jeff Simon is a program that explores General Aviation safety topics from the combined perspective of Flight Instructors, Pilots and Mechanics, exploring both man & machine to make aviation safer and more enjoyable.

Brian Schiff (flight instructor & professional pilot) and...

Curt LoPresti grew up in a legendary aviation family. His father, Roy LoPresti, worked on the Apollo Lunar Lander, and was the man behind making some of the most iconic general aviation aircraft go faster than many thought possible. He turned the Grumman AA-5 Traveler into the sleeker and faster Cheetah and Traveler, and made Mooneys go faster than even Al Mooney himself. His son Curt followed in his dad’s footsteps, working together with Roy and his brothers Jim, Bud and David at LoPresti/Piper, developing the incredible LoPresti Fury, and eventually going on to found LoPresti Speed Me...

In Episode 20 of Cockpit2Cowl, Jeff and Brian talk about the myth of general aviation safety and why so many accidents continue to happen. We will review recent accidents and techniques you can use to protect yourself from becoming a statistic! It's another fascinating Cockpit 2 Cowl show! SPECIAL PROMOTION: Get a 5% discount on Avemco Insurance by mentioning "SocialFlight" when you call! (contact Avemco for terms and conditions)

“Cockpit 2 Cowl” with Brian Schiff and Jeff Simon is a program that explores General Aviation safety topics from the combined perspective of Flight Instructors, Pilots and Mechanics, exploring both man & mach...

Kevin LaRosa Sr. is one of the most respected motion picture pilots in the film industry. Over the course of his career, he has worked on more than 370 major motion pictures, television productions, commercials and documentaries. An accomplished warbird pilot, Kevin has owned and flown historic aircraft including the T-6 Texan, T-28 Trojan, P-47 Thunderbolt, P-51 Mustang and B-25 Mitchell Bomber.

Save up to 5% on Your AVEMCO Aircraft Insurance when you mention "SocialFlight"!

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these challenging times. Register at Soci...

Astronaut Col. Eileen Collins, the First Female Shuttle Commander talks about Breaking Barriers & her new movie "SPACEWOMAN"! In 1990, Col. Collins was selected to be a pilot astronaut with NASA Astronaut Group 13, eventually becoming the first woman to command a US spacecraft. Her NASA missions included a space rendezvous between Space Shuttle Discovery and the Russian space station Mir, deploying the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, and most notably commanding NASA's "return to flight" mission after the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. During this mission she became the first astronaut to fly the Space Shuttle orbiter through a complete 360-degree pitch maneuver so...

In Episode 21 of Cockpit2Cowl, Jeff and Brian talk about aircraft modifications! Which ones give you the best bank for the buck, what to watch out for and more. It's another fascinating Cockpit 2 Cowl show! SPECIAL PROMOTION: Get a 5% discount on Avemco Insurance by mentioning "SocialFlight" when you call! (contact Avemco for terms and conditions)

“Cockpit 2 Cowl” with Brian Schiff and Jeff Simon is a program that explores General Aviation safety topics from the combined perspective of Flight Instructors, Pilots and Mechanics, exploring both man & machine to make aviation safer and more enjoyable.

Brian Schiff (flig...

On February 4th 2026, AOPA announced their decision to replace Darren Pleasance as the organization’s CEO & President after only one year in the position. This decision shocked the membership and the industry, because in a relatively short time, Darren had made a significant impact connecting with pilots everywhere and becoming a strong advocate for the general aviation community. This is Darren's first interview since leaving AOPA. We talk with Darren about the state of general aviation when he began his short tenure at AOPA, what he learned & accomplished over the past year, and his thoughts on the future of ge...

Xyla Foxlin is a mechatronics engineer, a pilot, and creator who developed a high-power rocketry kit designed for Level 1 & 2 certification flights, has her own signature line of Estes rocket kits coming out, builds everything from campers to boats, and the most important project, of course, is the Pietenpol she is building from raw lumber based on the original 1929 blueprints. While that aircraft is under construction, she keeps airborne in her 1946 Cessna 140. Foxlin has also emerged as a national voice for pilot mental health. After losing her FAA medical for seeking therapy, she led a campaign challenging regulations that deter...

Capt. Jenny Beatty is a 3rd generation pilot with over 35 years and 20,000 hours of flight time. She is known for her advocacy work, as well as her work as a researcher and author on aviation history of marginalized aviators including women and people of color. Her AMAZING stories include the first known example of pilots joining the "Mile High Club"! It's another amazing episode of SocialFlight Live!

Save up to 5% on Your AVEMCO Aircraft Insurance when you mention "SocialFlight"!

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these chal...

Håvard Grip was the chief pilot of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Mars helicopter, Ingenuity, and led the development of its aerodynamics and flight control system. He successfully flew Ingenuity's first flight on Mars, on April 19, 2021, which made history as the first extraterrestrial helicopter flight. He is currently manager & chief engineer of future NASA & JPL Mars helicopter programs. So buckle up for launch, as we take aviation beyond earth’s orbit to the red planet!

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these challenging times. Register at SocialFlightLive.com to join...

J.W. "Corkey" Fornof has captivated audiences at air shows and on the big screen for over 50 years. He has logged over 17,000 hours in over 300 different types of aircraft and flown over 3,000 low level aerial performances in nine different types of aircraft, including the T-6 Texan, P51 Mustang, F8F Bearcat, Pitts Special, Bellanca Super Viking, Christen Eagle, and the world's most famous micro jet, BD-5J. Which he piloted in the iconic James Bond 007 movies.

Save up to 5% on Your AVEMCO Aircraft Insurance when you mention "SocialFlight"!

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to s...

With over 28,000 hours logged in more than 355 types of aircraft, a best-selling author with a brand-new book, and more awards than we have time to list, Barry Schiff is an aviation legend. With every article, quiz and lesson he continues to impart to us mere mortals in the aviation world, Barry continues to set a new standard in how we can all be better, safer & more educated pilots. I’m thrilled to call him a close friend and can’t wait to jump into some hangar flying, a lookback on this past year and some thoughts on 2026!

“Social...

Marc Cook has been a household name in the world of aviation media and experimental aircraft for as long as I can remember. Marc took the helm of Kitplanes magazine in the early 2000s, eventually doing two separate stints as Editor in Chief before joining Van’s Aircraft in the spring of 2025. He has built two aircraft (and has his name on a third), and has flown more than 200 types over four decades. He is truly someone with an informed and unique perspective on the fascinating world of general aviation.

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to sup...

Greg Feith is a former Senior Air Safety Investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board. Among his many accomplishments, he is known for leading the investigation team that climbed Bolivia’s Mt. Illimani to an elevation of over 21,000 feet to conduct the Crash Investigation of the Eastern Air Lines Flight 980, a Boeing 727.

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these challenging times. Register at SocialFlightLive.com to join the live broadcast every Tuesday evening at 8pm ET (be sure to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadc...

Robert Lee "Hoot" Gibson is a former American naval officer and aviator, test pilot, and aeronautical engineer. He was selected as an Astronaut by NASA in 1978 and flew five missions, including the ground-breaking docking mission with the Russian MIR space station. He was also NASA’s Chief of the Astronaut Office from 1992 to 1994, one of only four individuals in history to have held the position at the time. That said, Hoot’s story extends well beyond space…as a professional pilot, a Reno Air Racer and aircraft experimenter, Hoot began pushing limits and setting aviation world-records nearly 40 years ago. He als...

Mike Busch is arguably the best-known Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic in general aviation. He founded Savvy Aviation in 2008 to provide aircraft maintenance-management and consulting services to thousands of aircraft owners, including prebuy management, innovative engine monitor analysis and 24/7 breakdown assistance that is essentially AAA for GA. In addition to Savvy, Mike has authored hundreds of articles and four books on aircraft ownership and maintenance.

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these challenging times. Register at SocialFlightLive.com to join the live broadcast every Tuesday evening at 8pm ET (be sure...

Heidi Porch is a retired Delta Air Lines pilot whose 35-year career took her from the flight deck of DC-9s, through the Airbus family of jets and even commanding the iconic Boeing 747-400. However, her pursuit of the flight levels began the scrappy way, ferrying single-engine Cessnas from the factory in Wichita to California, and then across the Pacific Ocean to Australia and New Zealand. While ferrying a Cessna 182 across the pacific, her engine failed while still 540 miles east of Hawaii, forcing her to ditch in the vast Pacific Ocean. Her story is a lesson of skill, determination...

In Episode 18 of Cockpit2Cowl, Jeff and Brian talk about what to do when the worst happens and you're forced down: HOW TO CRASH AN AIRPLANE! It's everything YOU NEED TO KNOW about how to make the most of a bad situation. It's another fascinating Cockpit 2 Cowl show!

“Cockpit 2 Cowl” with Brian Schiff and Jeff Simon is a program that explores General Aviation safety topics from the combined perspective of Flight Instructors, Pilots and Mechanics, exploring both man & machine to make aviation safer and more enjoyable. Brian Schiff (flight instructor & professional pilot) and Jeff Simon (pilot, mechanic & FAA...

General Aviation Safety in a world where drones are getting more and more common isn’t a convenience…it’s a matter of survival. Learn about new Electronic Conspicuity technology to protect general aviation aircraft from drone collisions. Shane Woodson is Vice President of General Aviation Sales at uAvionix, where he helps bring some of the most innovative safety and avionics technology to pilots around the world. With more than 35 years in sales leadership and a lifetime passion for aviation, Shane has built his career around one mission—making flying safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

“SocialFlight Live!” is...

On February 4th 2026, AOPA announced their decision to replace Darren Pleasance as the organization’s CEO & President after only one year in the position. This decision shocked the membership and the industry, because in a relatively short time, Darren had made a significant impact connecting with pilots everywhere and becoming a strong advocate for the general aviation community.

This is Darren's first interview since leaving AOPA. We talk with Darren about the state of general aviation when he began his short tenure at AOPA, what he learned & accomplished over the past year, and his thoughts on the fu...

In Episode 17 of Cockpit2Cowl, Jeff and Brian talk about what YOU NEED TO KNOW about how to handle the aftermath of an aircraft accident. When do you you need to report it? What are your RESPONSIBILITIES & what are your RIGHTS? It's another fascinating Cockpit 2 Cowl show!

“Cockpit 2 Cowl” with Brian Schiff and Jeff Simon is a program that explores General Aviation safety topics from the combined perspective of Flight Instructors, Pilots and Mechanics, exploring both man & machine to make aviation safer and more enjoyable. Brian Schiff (flight instructor & professional pilot) and Jeff Simon (pilot, mechanic & FAA auth...

Robert Lee "Hoot" Gibson is a former American naval officer and aviator, test pilot, and aeronautical engineer. He was selected as an Astronaut by NASA in 1978 and flew five missions, including the ground-breaking docking mission with the Russian MIR space station. All that said, his crowning achievement may very well be serving as NASA’s Chief of the Astronaut Office from 1992 to 1994, one of only four individuals in history to have held the position at the time.

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these challenging times. Register at Social...