Hangar Flying with Smokehouse Pilots Club

In this episode of Hanger Flying, Gabe Muller speaks with Matt Hutton from Airspace Auctions about the innovative approach to selling aircraft through online auctions. They discuss Matt's journey into aviation, the importance of community in the aviation sector, and the detailed process involved in aircraft auctions. The conversation highlights the unique lifestyle of aviation enthusiasts and the potential for building community spaces at airports. Matt shares insights into the challenges of hiring in the aviation industry and the innovative strategies Airspace Auctions employs to connect buyers and sellers effectively. Takeaways: Airspace Auctions provides a comprehensive aircraft sales process with no upfront costs and a 92% success rate. Their documentation includes 150 photos, walk-around videos, complete logbook scans, FAA documentation, and NTSB reports when applicable. The auction process includes a 30-60 day publication period followed by a 7-day live online auction. All sales are completed through AIC Title with required funding within 7 days and aircraft pickup within 14 days. The company has expanded to include FBO services at 3F2 (Cisco, TX) with fuel services coming in 30-45 days. Sound Bites: Ag Aviation's not just a job - it's a lifestyle." "About 10 to 15% of the people that buy from us actually do a pre-buy inspection. They buy these airplanes sight unseen." "We're transforming the way people transact their aircraft." "We're trying to add a level of transparency that's never happened in aircraft purchasing before." "We sell more airplanes on Facebook marketplace than anywhere else." Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Hanger Flying 01:27 Introduction to Airspace Auctions 02:46 The Journey into Aviation 04:44 Building a Community at the Airport 06:51 The Auction Process Explained 09:56 Innovations in Aircraft Sales Links: https://bids.airspaceauctions.com/ https://www.smokehousepilots.com/

In this impromptu episode recorded at Sun 'n Fun, host Gabe Muller interviews Levi B. Noguess Sr., an experienced STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) pilot and flight instructor. Levi shares insights about flying a replica World War II Fiesler Storch Fi 156 in the STOL demonstration at Paradise City. The conversation covers backcountry flying, safety considerations for off-airport landings, and the historical significance of the Fiesler Storch, including its role in Mussolini's rescue during WWII. Levi also discusses his experience as a tailwheel instructor and his approach to teaching safe backcountry flying techniques. Sound Bites: Valuable Quotes "The best safety device is you... number one is be proficient in the operation of your airplane." "Most pilots that I found find it odd that you land anywhere but a paved runway." "What we do is we take it to the next level and we just try to find places that are fun to fly." "Thinking you can make it there is not a good plan." "Fly it till you tie it." Key Takeaways Safety Protocol for Backcountry Landing: Perform high reconnaissance passes Evaluate approach and escape routes Conduct low passes to assess surface conditions Only commit to landing when all factors are evaluated Wind Assessment Techniques: Use constant bank turns to determine drift Observe water ripples, trees, and smoke Consider uphill/downhill requirements Be willing to abort if conditions aren't favorable Legal Considerations: BLM land often allows landing in western states River sandbars between banks are typically legal landing zones in Texas Private property requires permission Public use areas vary by state and region Aircraft Maintenance and Performance: Regular maintenance is crucial for backcountry operations Know your aircraft's true performance capabilities Book performance numbers are often conservative Aircraft must be properly equipped for intended use Training and Proficiency: Regular landing practice is essential (15-20 landings per hour) Tailwheel proficiency is valuable for backcountry operations Understanding approach and landing limitations Continuous evaluation of pilot and aircraft capabilities Important Links https://www.flywithlevi.com - Levi's website for flight instruction Social Media: "Levi Noguess" on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram https://nationalstol.com/ https://www.smokehousepilots.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hanger Flying Podcast 00:59 Exploring STOL Flying and Its Community 04:22 The History and Mechanics of the Storch Aircraft 07:18 Personal Experiences in Aviation and Tailwheel Flying 10:08 Safety Considerations in Backcountry Flying 14:25 Connecting with the Aviation Community

In this episode of Hangar Flying with Smokehouse Pilots, host Gabe Muller interviews Sam Sessler, creator of the Hangar app. Sam shares his aviation background and the inspiration behind Hangar, a social platform for pilots inspired by the running app Strava. Launched in March 2024, Hangar combines flight tracking, social sharing, and safety features, gaining around 4,500 users. Sam discusses the challenges of developing the app without prior coding experience, emphasizing the importance of user experience and onboarding. He outlines future goals, including widespread adoption among general aviation pilots and continued feature improvements. The app has partnered with Log10 for logbook integration. Sam reflects on his entrepreneurial journey and the app's potential impact on the aviation community, particularly in connecting new pilots. The episode provides insights into the fusion of aviation and technology, showcasing innovative ways for pilots to connect and share experiences. Key Takeaways: The Hangar app combines flight tracking, social sharing, and safety features for pilots. Sam developed the app without prior coding experience, learning as he went. The app has gained approximately 4,500 users since launching in March 2024. Hangar has partnered with Log10 for logbook integration. User experience and onboarding have been crucial challenges in developing the app. Sound Bites: "It's kind of like a Life 360 for pilots or like a Find My iPhone for pilots." - Sam Sessler "I would like to see most GA pilots in the nation on it, at least the ones... I know my grandpa would never use it." - Sam "If I were to show myself the app back when I was working in a totally different industry, doing nothing like I'm doing right now, didn't know how to build an app... I would be blown away." - Sam "The user experience of how people come onto the app... it's almost like a, there's a science to it. And if you don't have it right, people are instantly going to stop using your app." - Sam "I think it's really neat because again, at the end of the day, there's a lot, as you know, of pilot communities and forums and things out there where it's just flooded with stuff that it's kind of hard to cut through the noise." - Gabe Muller Important Information: Website: FlyHanger.com Instagram: @FlyHangerApp Sam's personal Instagram: @SuperCubSam The app is available in app stores Hangar offers a free version and a $5/month pro subscription https://www.smokehousepilots.com/

In this episode of Hanger Flying, host Gabe Muller speaks with Laurie Elliott from Delta Professional Services about the importance of ATP certification for aspiring commercial pilots. They discuss the unique training programs offered by Delta, the role of experienced instructors, and the opportunities available in the aviation industry. Laurie shares her personal journey in aviation, the significance of community in the field, and her involvement in the Sully investigation, providing insights into the challenges and triumphs of a career in aviation. Key Takeaways: The aviation industry is experiencing high demand for pilots, making it an excellent time for career changes. Delta Professional Services offers a comprehensive ATP certification course, essential for commercial pilots. Retired pilots have valuable opportunities to continue their careers as instructors and trainers. Networking and community are crucial in the aviation industry, with connections forming quickly. Real-world experience, like Laurie's involvement in the Sully investigation, provides invaluable insights for pilot training. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hanger Flying Podcast 01:01 Delta Professional Services and ATP Certification 04:44 The Role of Experienced Instructors in Aviation Training 06:32 Laurie's Journey in Aviation 10:15 Building Community in Aviation 11:41 Insights from the Sully Investigation 15:48 Conclusion and Call to Action [email protected] https://www.smokehousepilots.com/

This episode of Hangar Flying, a Smokehouse Pilots podcast, features an interview with Kurt Muller at Sun 'n Fun. Kurt discusses his various aviation roles, including being an aircraft sales representative for American Champion Aircraft and his involvement with Tribute Aviation, a nonprofit organization he founded. Kurt shares his experiences flying different aircraft, from Challengers to Stearmans, and his military background as a Naval Flight Officer. He explains the mission of Tribute Aviation, which aims to provide flight experiences to military veterans, particularly those from the post-9/11 era who may be dealing with readjustment issues. Kurt also touches on his current job as a Challenger pilot for FlexJet and his past experiences in the Navy and Air Force. Sound Bites: "When you're up in a Stearman open cockpit biplane, it's just a very visceral experience and you're looking at it's just a complete change in your look on life." "At the beginning of the day, I don't know where I'm going to end the day. And I'll fly into 5,000 foot strips and stuff in a big jet. And that's just, you know, it's as challenging as a pilot." "It's the wind in the hair, the smell of the oil and the gas and grass because it's open. I mean, you can smell everything and feel it and it's just very visceral." "These guys love it. And it seems like it's almost kind of, you know, because the plane was a veteran and then found a new life in a civilian world. And so I think that really translates." 5 Key Takeaways: 1. Community and networking in aviation can lead to meaningful opportunities and impact. 2. Vintage aircraft experiences can have therapeutic effects on veterans dealing with readjustment issues. 3. Diverse flying experiences, from military aircraft to corporate jets and vintage planes, can enhance a pilot's skills and versatility. 4. Nonprofits like Tribute Aviation play a crucial role in giving back to the veteran community through aviation. 5. The symbolism of repurposed military aircraft resonates with veterans, representing their own transition to civilian life. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Hanger Flying Podcast 00:31 Kurt Muller at Sun and Fun 01:01 Aircraft Sales and Experiences 03:48 Tributive Aviation: Giving Back to Veterans 10:17 Flying Experiences: Challenger vs. Stearman 15:31 Conclusion and Future Events Links: https://tribute-aviation.com/ https://www.smokehousepilots.com/

This episode of Hangar Flying with Smokehouse Pilots features an interview with Kala Bailey, a young aspiring pilot, and includes insights from James, an experienced airline pilot with Southwest Airlines. The conversation takes place at Sun 'n Fun, an aviation event where Kala is volunteering. Kala, who has logged nine flight hours, shares her journey towards becoming a commercial airline pilot. She received a scholarship from AOPA's James C. Ray Foundation, which covers part of her training costs in exchange for volunteer work. Kala is currently training in a Piper Warrior at Flight Training 101 based at Winter Haven Airport. James, a Southwest Airlines pilot, joins the conversation to offer advice and share his own career path. He started his aviation journey in college, gradually accumulating ratings and experience before becoming an airline pilot. James emphasizes the importance of seizing every opportunity to fly and network within the aviation community. Kala expresses her goal to complete her private pilot's license before turning 18 and seeks advice on maintaining her skills between high school and college. The conversation highlights the importance of networking, continuous learning, and passion in pursuing an aviation career. Sound Bites "Every time I fly, I remember that point where I was taking off into my Discovery flight. It's just like, it's a blessing." - Kala Bailey "It's the best job in the world. I love my job. Every day, it's not like going to work. It's what I go to do to have fun." - James, Southwest Airlines pilot "I would find every opportunity you can to fly, whether you're actually flying or you're riding with someone, get in airplanes, meet people, network, and every opportunity you get a chance to log an hour, build your time." - James "When I was in that plane, every other career seemed mediocre. I knew I wanted to be a pilot." - Kala Bailey Takeaways: Scholarships and volunteer work can significantly support aspiring pilots in their training journey. Networking and community involvement are crucial for career advancement in aviation. Continuous learning and seizing every opportunity to fly are essential for skill development and career progression. A discovery flight can be a life-changing experience that ignites a passion for aviation. The path to becoming an airline pilot involves multiple stages, including education, accumulating flight hours, and obtaining various ratings. Important Information and links: AOPA offers scholarships like the James C. Ray Foundation Scholarship, which can help fund flight training. Flight Training 101 at Winter Haven Airport is mentioned as a training facility. Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers a degree in aviation, which can be beneficial for aspiring pilots. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers aviation camps that can introduce young people to flying. AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association): www.aopa.org Smokehouse Pilots: www.smokehousepilots.com

In this episode of Hanger Flying, Gabe Muller interviews Joshua Blair, who shares his aviation journey, the origins of his brand Blaircraft, and insights into his YouTube channel. The conversation covers topics such as aircraft maintenance, personal branding in aviation, and experiences at aviation events like the High Sierra Fly-In. Joshua also discusses his recent acquisition of a J3 Cub and the joys of tailwheel flying. Takeaways Aviation is about community and creating opportunities. Joshua Blair started flying at 16 and has 23 years of experience. The name 'Blaircraft' was suggested by a friend. Joshua's YouTube channel focuses on aircraft maintenance and restoration. He shares experiences from aviation events on his channel. Joshua has attended the High Sierra Fly-In multiple times. He recently got into flying a J3 Cub. The simplicity of flying a J3 Cub is appealing to Joshua. Joshua is considering adding an electric starter to his J3 Cub. Listeners can find Joshua on YouTube under Blaircraft. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hanger Flying Podcast 01:01 Joshua Blair's Aviation Journey 02:53 Blaircraft: Building a Personal Brand 03:49 YouTube Channel Insights and Content 05:58 Experiences at High Sierra Fly-In 06:51 Discussion on J3 Cub and Tailwheel Flying https://www.youtube.com/@Blaircraft.Engines https://www.smokehousepilots.com/

This episode of "Hanger Flying" features an interview with Jimmy Fordham, a seasoned pilot with 55 years of flying experience. Jimmy is part of the Titan T6 aerobatic team, which performs at air shows like Sun 'n Fun and EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. He discusses his background as a retired Delta Airlines pilot and his current role in aerobatic performances. Jimmy shares insights into the preparation and trust required for formation flying, emphasizing the importance of debriefing after each flight. He explains the differences between day and night air shows, highlighting the challenges and beauty of twilight performances. The conversation touches on Jimmy's favorite air show experiences, the joy of inspiring young people in aviation, and the importance of general aviation to the economy. Jimmy also mentions his role as a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and his passion for mentoring new pilots. The interview concludes with a discussion about Aero LEDs, one of their sponsors, and the upcoming GA flyover event in Frederick. Takeaways Night air shows present unique challenges but offer a spectacular visual experience for audiences. Inspiring young people and promoting aviation careers is a crucial part of being an air show performer. General aviation plays a significant role in the U.S. economy and offers diverse career opportunities. Continuous learning, perseverance, and passion are essential for success in aviation careers. Air shows serve as important platforms for connecting with communities and showcasing aviation. The aviation community is welcoming and supportive, offering mentorship and guidance to newcomers. Formation flying requires extensive training, trust, and constant communication among team members. Sound Bites "Every time we fly, we debriefed already three times this morning, just little bitty things. But you don't want the little bitty things to ever get to be big things." "We love talking to the kids. We love talking to the parents and signing autographs and putting kids in the airplane, letting them sit there and move the controls." "It's a fun part of our job is inspiring that next generation to be able to fly." "The aviation community to me is just the best thing I've ever experienced." "I think there's a lot of people that have no clue, you know, how big general aviation, how important it is to the country. It is a very, very, you know, important part of our economy." "I always tell people, chase the dream, work hard, and never quit. The only way you can fail in this is to quit." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hanger Flying Podcast 02:10 Flying Experience and Trust in Aviation 05:53 The Night Show: A Unique Experience 07:38 Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviators 11:42 The Importance of General Aviation

In this conversation, Gabe Muller interviews Jess Ames from Angel Flight East. They discuss the organization's mission and how both pilots and non-pilots can get involved. Jess shares her personal journey with Angel Flight East and her passion for working in the nonprofit sector. They also talk about the challenges of raising awareness for public benefit flying organizations and the importance of volunteers in spreading the word. Jess explains the requirements for becoming a volunteer pilot and the support provided by Angel Flight East. They touch on the pressure pilots may feel to complete missions and how the organization handles cancellations due to weather or other factors. Angel Flight East holds an annual gala as its biggest fundraising event, honoring pilots who have gone above and beyond for the organization and patients. Clay Parkhurst is one of the frequent flyers who has made a significant impact. Patients often find Angel Flight through Google searches or recommendations, and the process for them is simple and free. Many patients have never flown before and may be hesitant, but Angel Flight provides support and reassurance. The organization works in rural communities, where access to healthcare is limited, and flying with Angel Flight provides a convenient and comfortable alternative to commercial flights. Pilots often form long-term relationships with the patients they fly, becoming an extension of their care team. The podcast hosted by Jess Ames and Maddie Beck shares patient and pilot stories to raise awareness about Angel Flight and public benefit flying. Takeaways Angel Flight East is a public benefit flying organization that provides free air transportation for patients in need of medical treatment. Volunteers can contribute to Angel Flight East in various ways, including office admin work, outreach, and serving as advocates in their local communities. To become a volunteer pilot, individuals need to have 300 hours of flight time, an instrument rating, and access to a four-seat airplane. Pilots have the final say on whether to fly a mission, and cancellations due to weather or other factors are supported by the organization. Raising awareness about public benefit flying organizations is a challenge, and partnerships with healthcare facilities and other nonprofits are crucial in reaching those in need. Angel Flight East holds an annual gala to honor pilots who have gone above and beyond for the organization and patients. Patients often find Angel Flight through Google searches or recommendations, and the process for them is simple and free. Flying with Angel Flight provides a convenient and comfortable alternative to commercial flights, especially in rural communities with limited access to healthcare. Pilots often form long-term relationships with the patients they fly, becoming an extension of their care team. The podcast hosted by Jess Ames and Maddie Beck shares patient and pilot stories to raise awareness about Angel Flight and public benefit flying. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Fluid Conversation 02:06 Background and Tenure with Angel Flight East 03:25 Fun and Culture at Angel Flight East 05:17 Passion for Nonprofits and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 06:07 Becoming a Pilot and Checkride Prep 07:41 Flying a Sling and Future Plans 08:47 Overview of Angel Flight Organizations 09:43 Angel Flight East's Coverage Area 11:04 Challenges of Raising Awareness 12:21 Partnerships with Other Organizations 15:18 Getting Involved as a Non-Pilot 16:48 Becoming a Volunteer Pilot 18:36 Handling Mission Completion and Cancellations 21:06 Honoring Pilots at the Annual Gala 23:26 Finding Angel Flight: Google Searches and Recommendations 27:31 Flying with Angel Flight: A Convenient and Comfortable Alternative 35:36 Building Long-Term Relationships with Patients 37:28 Raising Awareness through the Podcast https://angelflighteast.org/ https://www.smokehousepilots.com/

In this conversation, Gabe Muller interviews James Spearman, an Air Force pilot and owner of a maintenance shop. They discuss James' journey into aviation, his experience in Air Force pilot training, and his current role flying the KC-135. James also shares his entrepreneurial spirit and the challenges and successes of running his own business. The conversation highlights the importance of perseverance and a strong mindset in both aviation and entrepreneurship. In this conversation, James Spearman shares his insights on stress management, customer service, and the importance of a safety mindset in aviation. He emphasizes the need to handle stressful situations with grace and make level-headed decisions. James also discusses the correlation between business and aviation, highlighting the similarities in risk management and training. He specializes in aircraft maintenance for Cirrus and Diamond aircraft and recommends slowing down and following the rules in aviation to ensure safety. James also mentions the benefits of using advanced ignition systems like ElectroAir and Fire Frost. Takeaways Aviation and entrepreneurship require perseverance and a strong mindset Air Force pilot training emphasizes personal accountability and ownership General aviation saw a spike during the COVID-19 pandemic Running a business is challenging but rewarding Having a team and utilizing resources is crucial in aviation and business Stress management is crucial in aviation, and stressful events can increase one's tolerance for stress over time. Handling stressful situations with grace and making level-headed decisions is a valuable skill in both business and aviation. Following the rules and regulations in aviation is essential for safety, as they are often written in response to past accidents. Slowing down and taking the time to do things right is important in aircraft maintenance and can prevent future issues. Using advanced ignition systems like ElectroAir and Fire Frost can improve aircraft performance and safety. Sound Bites "The best way to see it is, being around the airfield with people that just like to hang out and enjoy airplanes and kick out the lawn chairs and watch airplanes take off." "Having that level of ownership from the very beginning of like, nobody's here to save me, right? Like this is on me. I need to do this." "We're gonna fly formation within each other and we'll have F-16s or F-15s in formation with lead or number two and we'll refuel them in formation with each other which is really surreal." "Early on, 500 bucks would really move my needle. I would freak out over it." "Handling things with grace, slowing down, and making level-headed decisions." "It's so unique how they can handle a situation where I've seen people freak out and they want to blow up over stuff or whatever and they can just handle it with such grace." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 03:01 James' Journey into Aviation 07:06 The Passion and Community of Aviation 11:38 Lessons from Air Force Pilot Training 18:29 Flying the KC-135 and Formation Refueling 23:05 Running a Business and Building a Team 25:48 The Importance of Perseverance and Mindset 26:57 Stress Management and Tolerance 27:29 Handling Stressful Situations with Grace 31:47 The Correlation Between Business and Aviation 34:31 Slowing Down and Doing Things Right in Aircraft Maintenance 42:46 The Benefits of Advanced Ignition Systems in Aviation https://www.spearmanaircraft.com/ https://www.smokehousepilots.com/