UltraFlight Radio - General Interest Archives

Of Interest to Everyone

The UltraFlight Radio Show offers topics in areas of interest to everyone that flies. You can learn about navigation, operations at airports, radio usage, airspace and more.

This section features interviews and topics of general interest.

Walter Tom Grimm, Trike Pilot and Position Light Builder
Tom Grimm joins us to talk about LED position lighting. Tom is producing LED position lighting and is working on a landing light made out of LEDs. He talks to us about the technology involved. E-mail Tom (10/10/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
With Jim Sweeney talks about the responsibilities of the Pilot in Command of an aircraft. Just what is the pilot in command and what does that mean to the FAA? Jim talks about that and more. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (10/10/06)

Stuart Gort, Powerfin
It has been a long time since we've chatted with Stuart Gort from Powerfin. Since we last visited he has moved the Powerfin factory across the state of Washington to Spokane. We talk about the move, the propellers, and some of the interesting things going on at Powerfin. Powerfin (10/3/06)

Norman Burr, World Directory Of Leisure Aviation
The 2006-2007 edition of the world's most authoritative guide to leisure flying is now available and it's the biggest ever published. Norman Burr, the publisher of the English language version of the directory, joins us to talk about what all is included and how such an extensive book is created. World Internet Directory Of Leisure Aviation (9/19/06)

Larry Clymer, FAA Light Sport Aviation Branch
Larry Clymer talks about the single place check ride. This is a check ride that can be done by a sport pilot designated pilot examiner (SP-DPE) by ground observation. This type of check ride is normally used when pilots want to do a check ride in their single place light sport aircraft and have no desire to fly passengers. Larry talks about how the check rides are done, who can do them, and how to find a willing DPE. Light Sport Aviation Branch (9/12/06)

Sharon Wilcox, Light Sport & Ultralight Flying Magazine
The publishers of Ultralight Flying Magazine are changing its name to reflect their coverage of sport pilot and light sport aircraft. The magazine is now known as the Light Sport and Ultralight Flying Magazine. Sharon Wilcox joins us to talk about the magazine, its history, and its new future. Light Sport and Ultralight Flying Magazine (9/12/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
It makes sense that a pilot should be both current and proficient in the aircraft they fly. But what does 'current' mean? The FAA has specific definitions of currency and Jim Sweeney tells us all about it. He talks about the regulations pertaining to currency and flight reviews and how to meet their requirements. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (9/5/06)

Paul Hamilton, Adventure Productions
Paul Hamilton joins us to talk about the 2007 editions of the Knowledge Test Prep books by ASA. We talk about the new edition of the FAA knowledge tests for trike and powered parachute certified flight instructors (CFIs). Those tests seem to have become more appropriate to their respective categories. We have a discussion about some ways to improve the tests even more. Adventure Productions (8/22/06)

Brian & Carol Carpenter, Rainbow Aviation Services
We missed out on the Carpenters' report on some good news last week so we try again this week. They just submitted the weight shift module for the Light Sport Aircraft Repairman Course to the FAA for acceptance. On top of that, they're in the process of putting the finishing touches on the module for powered parachutes. Both modules are scheduled to be offered at the end of October. Brian and Carol talk about these very unique courses and what's included in them. Rainbow Aviation (8/22/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney tells us how to log training time towards a sport pilot rating. Basic Flight Instructors (BFIs) and Ultralight Flight Instructors (UFIs) can train pilots for Sport Pilot ratings. We have gotten some questions from both students and trainers on how to log that training time properly. You can get here what you can't get in FAA literature. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (8/22/06)

Mark Aldridge, Federal Aviation Administration
Change 1 to the Practical Test Standards for Sport Pilots was just introduced a few weeks ago. We talk with the FAA's author of a lot of those changes about how a PTS fits into the big scheme of things. We learn about what a PTS is required for and what the standards are and are not designed to do. You can download free copies of all of the PTS's by visiting the link: FAA Pilot Practical Test Standards (8/15/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney talks to us about the requirements to report aviation accidents and incidents. He talks about the reporting differences between ultralights and light sport aircraft. Jim also talks about how to determine what kinds of accidents and incidents are reportable and how to make the report. The reference for this discussion is NTSB 830. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (Part 1) (8/15/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Do you know what this striping means when painted on the asphalt at the local airport?

If you don't, you should listen to this week's segment with Jim Sweeney. Even if you already know what it means, you'll probably still learn something from new from Jim. I always seem to. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (8/1/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Now that we are realistically able to look at the opportunities to fly Light Sport Aircraft over congested areas, we talk with Jim Sweeney about the rules regarding flying over town. Federal Aviation Rule (FAR) 91.119 is the pertinent rule and Jim talks about how it applies to sport pilots flying light sport aircraft. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (7/18/06)

Van Stumpner, Federal Aviation Administration
There is a lot of confusion about Experimental Light Sport Aircraft certificates. Van Stumpner joins us from the Light Sport Aviation Branch to talk about the three options in FAR §21.191 under which someone can get an E-LSA certificate for their aircraft and how those options compare with each other. We also get an update on the latest DAR graduating class. Light Sport Aviation Branch (Part 1) (6/27/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney talks about getting a telephone weather briefing from flight service. He talks about what information you should be ready to give the briefer and what kind of information you can ask for and get from the weather briefer. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (6/13/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney joins us to talk about the weather. There are tools on the internet that allow pilots access to the same tools that local and internet weather forecasters have. Jim talks about how fronts effect your weather and how to read the 12 Hour Combined Surface Prognosis Chart. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (Part 1) (6/6/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney talks about a seasonal hazard, thunderstorms. We talk about why they are dangerous, what kind of conditions cause them, and how to avoid them. For a graphic showing the life-cycle of a thunderstorm, click here. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (5/30/06)

Dan Johnson, ByDanJohnson.com
Recently the light aviation world lost a well known personality. For two decades Scott Wilcox was editor of Ultralight Flying Magazine. Dan Johnson joins us to talk about Scott and talk a little about his relationship with the man. Scott and Dan flew together on hundreds of photo missions over the central Florida pasture lands each year for one intensive week of gathering information for flight reviews. We will talk about what Scott did for the aviation community while he was with us. Click here to learn how you can help Scott's family. (5/23/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney has had the best record for getting people prepared to take the Sport Pilot Knowledge Test through his 3 day ground schools. He talks about the breaking news that those knowledge tests are changing and what that will mean to both the training world and to those preparing to take the test. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (5/16/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Keeping with the traveling theme, Jim Sweeney goes over the things to do if you get lost while flying. He covers courses of action, how to get oriented, identifying landmarks, navigation systems and (yes ladies) even how to ask for directions. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (5/9/06)

Jeff Gilkey, Weight Shift Control (Trike) Pilot
Jeff Gilkey is a weight shift control pilot that has taken the lead in his area to get other pilots squared away as sport pilots and their aircraft certified as light sport aircraft. By bringing in outside instructors to provide the training, testing, and airworthiness inspections he has helped many disciplines of sport pilots in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area while he has helped his own situation. His methods are easy to duplicate for those wanting to get things done in their own regions and Jeff tells how to do it. Jeff's Flight Log. (5/2/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney visits with us about logging time for student pilots. Who can log what for who and when and how long they can do it. This is important information for those getting started out in the sport and (again) for instructors that want to do it right. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (5/2/06)

Vernon Peckham, Airshow Commentator
Last time we had Vernon Peckham on the show, we barely had time to get started talking to him. This time we take a little more time as he gives some tips to those that want to follow in his footsteps and begin commentating at local fly-ins and airshows. It is the type of activity that adds so much to an event, but requires more than a big speaker and microphone (although that helps a lot, too.) airshotalk@cfl.rr.com (4/25/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim talks with us about how to approach non-towered airports. Since sport aviators may fly a little lower than other pilots; answers to questions about how to go around an airport, or enter the pattern, or just fly over the top of an airport are sometimes a little bit different than for other pilots. And of course some of it is the same. Jim sorts it all out for us. To follow along, you may want to visit: Getting Around the Traffic Pattern. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (Part 1) (4/25/06)

Dan Johnson, ByDanJohnson.com
We talk to Dan Johnson from West Palm Beach, Florida where he is recovering from back surgery caused by a (very) hard landing. Dan wants to thank the many folks that have written and otherwise contacted him over the past couple of weeks. We talk about how he's doing, when he'll be up and about again, and more. ByDanJohnson.com (4/18/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
The bulk of the airspace everyone shy of an Air Transport Pilot flies in is class E and class G airspace. Recognizing what is what and where is where is still a mystery for some. Unfortunately, the training chart put out by the FAA is not the clearest. Well, Jim Sweeney helps us take some of the mystery out of reading the sectionals and the US Airspace at a Glance Chart. To follow along, you may want to visit: Reading the US Airspace at a Glance Chart. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (Part 1) (4/18/06)

Mark Becker, Flying the Fish Productions
Mark Becker and Tjeerd Beens' flew microlight trikes from Cape Town, South Africa to the Fish River Canyon in Nambia. The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon system in the world. Mark joins us to talk about the adventure. FlyingTheFish.com (4/11/06)

Vernon Peckham, Airshow Commentator
Vernon Peckham is a familiar voice to anyone that has visited Sun 'n Fun's Paradise City. This was Vernon's last year commentating at the flightline of the event. We talk about Vernon's experiences as one of the best known volunteers at Sun 'n Fun. airshotalk@cfl.rr.com (4/11/06)

Richard Meredith-Hardy, First Vice-President, FAI Microlight Commission
Richard Meredith-Hardy talks to us about the loss of a great aviator, Angelo d'Arrigo of Catania, Italy. Richard shares with us some of his experiences with Angelo and talks about some of the things Angelo accomplished. FlyMicro.com (4/4/06)

Dale Newton, Flight Design USA
Dale Newton is one of the first graduates of the 120 Hour Repairman Course and is probably the very first light-sport aircraft repairman. Dale talks about his three week experience at Rainbow Aviation in California. Flightstar Sportplanes, Inc. / Flight Designs USA (3/28/06)

Paul Hamilton, Adventure Productions
Paul Hamilton talks about the shifting approach to training and testing for Light Sport Pilots. Until recently, sport pilot training has been approached with a unified training program from training materials through the knowledge test. Also, Paul talks about new products and his plans for the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In. Adventure Productions. (3/28/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
There have been some questions about Mode C veils, Light Sport Aircraft and encoding transponders. What do you do as an N-numbered aircraft flying in the Mode C veil? Luckily we have Jim Sweeney available to sort out what you need to do to keep yourself straight. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (Part 1) (3/21/06)

Eldon Corry, LetsFly
One of common complaints about aviation is the cost of buying and operating a new aircraft. With even Light Sport Aircraft becoming expensive, many people are fearing that their dreams of flight are going to be only dreams. Not to fear. Eldon Corry will join us to talk about how "cooperative ownership" is helping people join together to own and fly the airplanes they want. LetsFly (3/7/06)

Paul Hamilton, Adventure Productions
One of the issues that many people are concerned about is the check ride needed in order to become a Sport Pilot. The ever-busy Paul Hamilton has just put the finishing touches on a DVD that takes you through the practical tests for sport pilot airplane, trike, and powered parachute. He talks about when this DVD will be available and what it will do for you. This is another scoop by UltraFlight Radio. Adventure Productions (3/7/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney talks about the speed limits for taxiing at an airport and on your private field. He also talks about why you should be careful with your taxi speeds and some of the challenges from different aircraft configurations. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (3/7/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney takes some of the mystery out of the check ride process. As more people pass their sport pilot knowledge tests, they wonder about the other steps that are needed to complete the transition to becoming sport pilots. Jim clues us in on some of the resources that are out there to help make your check ride a success. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (2/28/06)

Michael Pilon, MapMuse, Inc.
There is a new web site which maps airports across the US called Mapmuse.com. But more than just a mapping program, it also lists information about services and amenities around these airports. The intent of this project is for the recreational flying community to add and correct information on the maps themselves (note there is an ADD and an EDIT feature). The creators believe that through this kind of community effort, it will be possible to achieve the most comprehensive, descriptive, and useful mapping tool for everyone. Michael Pilon joins us to talk about how you can participate in the process, by making any changes you see fit to the maps, and to the lists of features surrounding the airports. MapMuse, Inc. (2/21/06)

Martin Weaver, Fun Air, LLC
This is our first chance to talk with Marty Weaver since he retired from the FAA as the Light Sport Aviation Branch Manager. We talk about how he is keeping busy, which has a lot to do with sport flying. He has been busy with gyroplane and helicopter instructing, preparing a local ultralight instructor for his powered parachute CFI practical test and getting ready to conduct the first Repairman Light Sport Aircraft Inspection Course for Gyroplanes. Fun air, LLC (2/21/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney talks about how to navigate with a compass. He focusses on how to determine your course, both magnetic and your compass course. If you thought those were the same thing, you definitely need to listen in. To make things easy, follow along with the magnetic and compass headings graphic Jim has provided. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (Part 1) (2/21/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney talks about how to use a plotter. This basic navigational planning tool is used to determine both distances and headings on sectionals. Jim explains how it works. To make things easy, follow along with the plotter graphics Jim has provided. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (2/14/06)

Rob Mixon, Mixon Air
Rob Mixon is an adjunct professor at Miami-Dade College where he teaches Psychology of Personal Effectiveness. Rob gives us some insight into why some flying students may not be 'getting' their instruction. This is good information for flight instructors and may even provide insight for students and those considering flight instruction. BetterPilot.com (2/7/06)

Brian & Carol Carpenter, Rainbow Aviation Services
The Carpenters talk about their 120 Hour Repairman Course for Light Sport Aircraft (Airplanes and Trikes). While the course hasn't been accepted yet, the plans to hold the first course are on for March. We talk with them to learn what this course entails, who is attending the course, and what this course authorizes the graduates to do. We also talk to them about their first powered parachute 16 hour course that they are taking on the road to Lincoln, Nebraska. Rainbow Aviation (2/7/06)

Paul Hamilton, Adventure Productions
Paul Hamilton has just updated his Sport Pilot Training Syllabus manual. This new version includes lessons for those wanting to become Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs). It now also includes 'Scenario Based Training', which is the FAA recommended training procedures now. Adventure Productions (1/31/06)

Chuck Slusarczyk, CGS Hawk
We talk with Chuck Slusarczyk who just got back from the Kentucky Ultralight Safety Seminar put on by the BUGs. He talks about his presentation there, which was about preventing structural failure in airframes. CGS Aviation (1/31/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney visits with us about Aeromedical Factors. We talk about things having to do with the body and oxygen while flying. We'll learn about terms like hypoxia, hyperventilation, and carbon monoxide poisoning. This is the kind of stuff that keeps you safe. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (Part 1) (1/31/06)

Dawne Fay, First Flight Insurance Group
Dawn Fay represents one of the precious few companies that will insure ultralight type aircraft. She tells us about the products available for aircraft owners and flight training operations. It is surprising how flexible the definition of "ultralight" can be. First Flight specializes in leisure insurance products. First Flight insures the United States Hang Gliding Association (USHGA), the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), and provides coverage for members of the Professional Air Sports Association (PASA), and the United States Ultralight Association (USUA). First Flight Insurance Group (1/24/06)

Michael Coates, XCOM Avionics
While visiting the Sebring Sport Aviation Expo last weekend, I got the chance to meet Michael Coates from XCOM Avionics. XCOM builds a small and powerful dash mounted aviation radio combined with an intercom. Michael tells us all about the radio's many features. XCOM Avionics (1/17/06)

Patrick Yonkin, UltraFlight Magazine
It has been a year since Patrick Yonkin became the editor of UltraFlight Magazine. We catch up with him between flying events to get his take on the sport, the industry, and the people in it. UltraFlight Magazine (1/17/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim joins us to talk about low level ultralight flying and how to find and avoid obstacles that can ruin a flying day. Many towers and high terrain points can be found on your sectional. Jim shows us how to look for those points of interest. To follow along, you may want to visit a page we have set up with a piece of sectional that we will use to show you how to keep Avoiding Obstacles. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF(1/3/06)

Scott Wick, Wicks Aircraft Supply
It's Christmas time and it's time to help your special someone out by providing a list of things you would like. Scott Wick talks about the aircraft tools and things that you would much rather get than a necktie or a new pair of slippers. Wicks Aircraft Supply (12/6/05)

Ron Lowery, Photographer/Pilot
Traveling low and slow, professional photographer/pilot Ron Lowery and writer/pilot Mary Walker flew above the same great rivers that Lewis and Clark explored to capture incredible vistas from the air and celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Corps of Discovery’s odyssey across the continent. The result is a photography and adventure book and a DVD, Chasing Lewis and Clark Across America: A 21st Century Aviation Adventure. We visit with Ron about the adventure. Chasing Lewis & Clark (12/6/05)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Too many people are intimidated by aviation band radios. Jim Sweeney strips away all of the fluff and tells us what we need to be able to communicate at the uncontrolled fields that many of us fly from. Great stuff for those working on their Sport Pilot rating. The Basics of Radio Use. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (Part 1) (11/29/05)

Paul Johnston, World Talk Radio
Since UltraFlight Radio began, we've gotten requests from listeners that want to take the show on the road with them. Now with the technology of podcasting, that is becoming easy to do. World Talk Radio, the station that produces the UltraFlight Radio Show is now offering podcasting. Paul Johnston, the Program Director and Operations Manager for World Talk Radio, joins us to explain how it all works. World Talk Radio (11/1/05)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
We talk with Jim Sweeney about the challenges of high altitude flight operations. There are things that people from low altitudes need to know before heading to the mountains to fly. We discuss power requirements, power availability, and general mountain operations. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (10/25/05)

John Ballantyne, Trike Instructor and Designated Sport Pilot Examiner
Not only is John Ballantyne a Certified Flight Instructor and a DPE, he is also now an instructor at the Frederick, Maryland Community College. Of course the topic there is a Sport Pilot ground school. Professor Ballantyne joins us to talk about this unique way of getting people involved in sport aviation. E-mail John (10/18/05)

Mark Poliak, Indy Flyers
Mark Poliak is helping organize a fund raiser for Operation Migration. Operation Migration's efforts to help endangered whooping cranes learn migration routes to protected areas is a great showcase of ultralight aircraft for the public. Learn more about the program and how you can help out. Indy Flyers (10/11/05)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney talks about how to find out what the weather is like at your local airport. ATIS, AWOS, and ASOS systems are popping up at a lot of local airports. Learn how you can access information from these systems via aviation band radio, telephone, and even the internet. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (10/11/05)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
This week the flight service stations (you know, our friends at 1-800-WX-BRIEF) are going through a big reorganization. The 'neighborhood' flight briefer is no more. That is, unless you live in one of the three cities where all flight briefing activities have been consolidated to, Ft. Worth, Texas; Leesburg, Virginia; or Prescott, Arizona. Moreover, the FSSs are no longer FAA operations, they have been taken over by Lockheed Martin. Jim Sweeney talks about the impacts. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (10/4/05)

Dick Kuntzleman, Kuntzleman Electronics
With new rules for Light Sport Aircraft, Dick Kuntzleman has been working to make sure that pilots are able to keep flying in that half hour after sunset. The requirements now are for position lights in addition to strobes and Dick has them combined in a product that is new this year. We also learn all about how he is using LED technology and more. www.KEstrobes.com (9/27/05)

John Ballantyne, Trike Instructor and Designated Sport Pilot Examiner
Fall is here and in many parts of the country, that means more fog and low-lying clouds than normal. John Ballantyne talks about why to avoid flying in foggy conditions, how to forecast foggy conditions, and what to do when you end up with a blanket of white below you after you begin your flight. E-mail John (9/20/05)

Mike Loehle, Loehle Aircraft
Almost since Part 103 was written, pilots have wanted to increase the weight limits of the regulation. Mike Loehle was around when the ultralight regulations were written and is able to explain to us how the weights came to be and some of the innovations that the limitation inspired with aircraft designers. Loehle Aircraft Corporation (9/13/05)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney joins us to finish a topic we promised to cover a while ago. That is, how to use an Airport Facility Directory (AFD). In order to follow along, you should click here. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (9/13/05)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
A lot of pilots live close to or even under Military Operation Areas (MOAs). While it is a good idea to avoid flying in an MOA, it is also good to know when the MOA really is active so you can avoid flying during busy training times. Jim Sweeney talks about how you can learn more about MOAs. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (9/6/05)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney talks about fuel management. For those that want to wander from the airport (and particularly those that want to wander with a license), there are certain minimum fuel requirements to keep in mind. Jim talks about what they are and how to calculate them. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (8/30/05)

Gregg Ellsworth, BRS
Dan discusses with Gregg Ellsworth the safety chutes for light sport aircraft and ultralights that BRS has recently redone. brsparachutes.com (8/23/05)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
A listener wrote in with a question about flying rules and etiquette over wetlands, national parks and such. Of course we have Jim Sweeney on call to answer questions just like that. He tells us all about that special airspace, how you can find it (or avoid it), and how you should behave in it. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (8/16/05)

Bever Borne, Air-Tech, Inc.
It wasn't hard to come up with a topic to talk about this week. First thing on Bever Borne's mind is density altitude. With the high temperatures we are seeing across the country, people are noticing that their aircraft just don't fly like they're used to. Bever Borne talks about why that is and some of the precautions you should take when flying on really hot days. Bever can also answer your four stroke and two stroke ultralight aircraft engine questions. Do you have questions? When the show is live, call your questions in at (888) 514-2100 or you can IM them in on AOL or Yahoo Instant Messenger to UFRadio. Air-Tech, Inc (7/26/05)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney tells us about "Biennial" Flight Reviews. Once you have a license to fly, you have to keep current. In the exemption world, BFIs and UFIs are used to having to go to refresher courses (either on line or in person) to maintain their ratings. With Sport Pilot, the process is quicker and can be one-on-one. Flight reviews can take as little as one hour ground training and one hour flight training done by a CFI. Jim gives us all the details about the regulations regarding the reviews. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (Part 1) (7/5/05)

Tim Bruno, RAD Electronics
Tim Burno has been working hard to develop a new generation of headsets for light aviation. Many months of work is now finished and the results are being produced. Tim tells us all about it. RAD Electronics (6/28/05)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Most pilots are used to looking at Special use Airspace (Restricted Areas, Alert Areas, etc.) and Military Operational Areas (MOAs) as airspace that starts at Ground Level and terminates somewhere close to the moon. Actually, the airspaces have specific floors and ceilings that you should know about if you live close to one. Jim Sweeney tells us how to find the altitudes so you can stay safe and worry-free. Special Use Airspace in 3 Dimensions. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (6/21/05)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
We visit with Jim Sweeney about flying in Class D Airspace. We talk about finding the right frequencies, communicating with the tower and more. Follow along with us on our page about Operating in Class D Airspace. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (6/14/05)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Summer seems to have finally arrived... mostly. In any case, it is time to think about how the heat and humidity of summer can reduce the capability of your aircraft. Even though summer flying can be some of the most fun, you can get in trouble if you don't take into account that reduced capability. Jim Sweeney tells us about it. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (Part 1) (5/31/05)

Paul Hamilton, Adventure Productions
Paul Hamilton has recently added a lot of information to the web site www.sport-pilot-training.com. Along with lists of study materials and exclusive study guides for those preparing for their Sport Pilot tests, he's added sections like "endorsements and certificates" to let people know what they need to do to exercise sport pilot privileges. His free study guides show you what information you need to focus on in the existing ASA materials to prepare for Sport Pilot. Adventure Productions (5/24/05)

Bill Lishman, Operation Migration
Bill Lishman joins us to talk about his work in helping endangered birds reistablish migration routes with ultralight aircraft. Starting in 1986 by using his Easy Riser to fly with Canada geese, Bill now flies with endangered species like Sandhill cranes and Whooping cranes. Bill's autobiography, Father Goose, was made into the feature film Fly Away Home. We also talk about the upcoming Tullahoma Festival of Wings where Bill will be appearing. Bill Lishman's web Site (5/17/05)

Kevin Byrne, Sportplane Video Magazine
We visit with Kevin Byrne about his recent travels. Kevin just wrapped up this month's issue of the Video Magazine featuring footage from Sun 'n Fun. We also talk about this year's Splash-In at Lake Parker and some of the places he is scheduled to visit soon. SportplaneVM.com (5/17/05)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Going somewhere? Jim Sweeney tells us how to file a flight plan. He covers who you are going to tell, how you tell them and what you should be telling them. Jim gives us the practical way of doing things. And click on the link if you are looking for details on how to fill out the flight plan form. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (5/10/05)

John Yonkin, UltraFlight Magazine
There have been a lot of changes recently at UltraFlight Magazine. John Yonkin is the new owner and he tells us about the magazine and where he wants to take it. Also announcing new sales staff member Dawn Bonet. UltraFlight Magazine. (3/29/05)

Bill Fortney, Nikon USA
Last year's photo contest at Sun 'n Fun was a success, now learn how you can be part of this year's contest. Competitors get to use high end Nikon cameras for a week of gathering photos at the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In at Lakeland, Florida. More About Bill Fortney (3/29/05)

John Moody, Pioneer Flyer
I guess most everybody that has been in ultralighting for more than a couple of years has heard of John Moody. He is the guy that started it all, working up from hang gliders in the early '70's to finally building the first powered ultralight. We visit with him about the early days of flying ultralights. Pioneer Flyer. (Part 1) (3/22/05)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
The President and Vice-President are getting ready ready for some extensive travel around the country, and that means more Temporary Flight Restrictions or TFRs as they are commonly known. Jim tells us how to stay out of trouble. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (Part 1) (3/15/05)