SocialFlight Live & Cockpit2Cowl

SocialFlight Live & Cockpit2Cowl

by Jeff Simon
HistoryAviationTechnology
Season 1
AOPA Former CEO Darren Pleasance SPEAKS OUT to support GA's Future!
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 general aviation and the organizations that support it. 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). Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com Avemco Insurance www.avemco.com/socialflight Avidyne www.avidyne.com Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com Hartzell Engine Technologies https://hartzell.aero Hartzell Propeller www.hartzellprop.com Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/ Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/ Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com Titan Aircraft www.titanaircraft.com Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com uAvionix www.uavionix.com Wipaire www.wipaire.com
S1 · E260
Feb 18, 2026
1:02:53
XYLA FOXLIN TACKLES THE FAA! Fighting for Pilot's Medical Rights
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 aviators from seeking medical care. Following the release of her video "The FAA is in Crisis”, over 3,300 messages to 442 legislators were delivered. The Mental Health in Aviation Act was introduced in the House in April, with expected Senate introduction soon 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 www.avemco.com/socialflight Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com Avidyne www.avidyne.com Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/ Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/ Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/ Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com uAvionix www.uavionix.com Wipaire www.wipaire.com
S1 · E259
Apr 29, 2026
1:03:39
THE ORIGIN OF THE “MILE HIGH CLUB”...Captain Jenny Beatty Tells All!
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 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 www.avemco.com/socialflight Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com Avidyne www.avidyne.com Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/ Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/ Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/ Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com uAvionix www.uavionix.com Wipaire www.wipaire.com
S1 · E258
Apr 22, 2026
1:07:58
THE GREATEST STUNT PILOT ALIVE! Lessons in Flight from Corkey Fornof
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 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 www.avemco.com/socialflight Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com Avidyne www.avidyne.com Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/ Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/ Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/ Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com uAvionix www.uavionix.com Wipaire www.wipaire.com
S1 · E257
Apr 8, 2026
1:13:42
FLYING INTO 2026 with BARRY SCHIFF! Hangar Flying with the Legendary Pilot, Author & Educator
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! “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 www.avemco.com/socialflight Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com Avidyne www.avidyne.com Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/ Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/ Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/ Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com uAvionix www.uavionix.com Wipaire www.wipaire.com
S1 · E256
Apr 1, 2026
1:04:13
WHAT'S NEXT FOR VAN'S AIRCRAFT & MOSAIC? RV-15 Updates & More from Marc Cook
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 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 www.avemco.com/socialflight Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com Avidyne www.avidyne.com Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/ Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/ Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/ Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com uAvionix www.uavionix.com Wipaire www.wipaire.com
S1 · E255
Mar 25, 2026
1:02:47
IS FLYING GETTING MORE DANGEROUS? Fmr NSTB Investigator Greg Feith Has the Answer
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 broadcasts). SocialFlight Partners: Avemco Insurance www.avemco.com/socialflight Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com Avidyne www.avidyne.com Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/ Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/ Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/ Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com uAvionix www.uavionix.com Wipaire www.wipaire.com
S1 · E254
Mar 18, 2026
1:06:55
PUSHING LIMITS & SETTING AVIATION WORLD RECORDS : Astronaut & Racer, Hoot Gibson
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 also worked alongside his good friend, the late, great Bruce Bohannon in setting some of these records in the famous Pushy Galore aircraft. “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 www.avemco.com/socialflight Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com Avidyne www.avidyne.com Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/ Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/ Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/ Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com uAvionix www.uavionix.com Wipaire www.wipaire.com
S1 · E253
Mar 11, 2026
1:10:56
AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY MAINTENANCE! Mike Busch on How to Protect Yourself
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 to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadcasts). SocialFlight Partners: Avemco Insurance www.avemco.com/socialflight Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com Avidyne www.avidyne.com Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/ Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/ Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/ Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com uAvionix www.uavionix.com Wipaire www.wipaire.com
S1 · E252
Mar 4, 2026
1:11:43
AIRCRAFT DITCHING IN THE PACIFIC! Heidi Porch’s Story of Survival in a Cessna 182
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 and survival, documented in detail in her book, "Ditching the Sky". https://a.co/d/3Jed78h “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 www.avemco.com/socialflight Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com Avidyne www.avidyne.com Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/ Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/ Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/ Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com uAvionix www.uavionix.com Wipaire www.wipaire.com
S1 · E251
Feb 25, 2026
59:42
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