Episode 249: CFI of the Year Tiziano Bernard

Savannah Aviation's Tiziano Bernard is recognized for the second year in a row as the AOPA Flight Instructor of the Year as judged by students and peers. Plus, Alicia and Jay discuss the latest GA news stories.

Elixir Aircraft’s Cyril Champenois talks about the two-seat, low-wing aircraft using Carbon Oneshot technology derived from competition sailing that helps simplify structures to produce safer, more economical, and more versatile aircraft. Plus, stick around for the latest general aviation news discussion on see-and-avoid technology that may affect pilots, GAO recommendations for the drone industry, and more.

ZeroAvia founder Val Miftakhov and the SuperStack Flex modular fuel cell power generation system, plus Alicia and David discuss the news and how you can help prevent ADS-misuse, FAA reorganization efforts, ‘systemic failures’ leading to the DCA midair, and the Greg Biffle Citation crash preliminary report.

Pilot and NFL cornerback Jonathan Jones talks about aviation. Plus, co-hosts David Tulis and Alicia Herron break down the most talked about general aviation stories including how ForeFlight's staff trimming measures might affect you, the return of aircraft valuations, an unleaded fuel plan, grading your DPE, and top CFIs and flight schools.

Jamail Larkins plans an AI-driven career and scholarship site to boost aviation pathways; plus 2026 GA predictions from AOPA Hangar Talk co-hosts David Tulis and Alicia Herron, as well as news discussion on the King Air Garmin Autoland save, a MOSAIC award for the FAA, and ATC radar updates.

Hangar Talk aviation podcast hosts David, Alicia, and Jay break down the Top 5 general aviation news stories of 2025 including: long-awaited new MOSAIC rules for increased access to grass roots aviation, ATC modernization, pushback against misuse of ADS-B data, the DCA midair leading to changes for helicopter routes and certain military operations, and a Piper AD affecting some of GA's most iconic models.

Hear from aviation author Tom Young; plus David and Alicia discuss declassified Amelia Earhart records, proposals to restrict misuse of ADS-B data, a Cirrus trade-in program, the selection of Peraton to integrate ATC updates, and bipartisan mental health and medication bills backed by AOPA.

Textron says goodbye to the Bonanza and Baron lines, the FAA seeks new ATC systems data, Archer buys California's Hawthorne Airport, DJI drones face an imminent ban, and we hear from general aviation intercom and audio panel guru Mark Scheuer of PS Engineering.

Alicia and David share what they are most thankful for during Thanksgiving and we hear from ⁠pilot-philanthropist Chuck Fazio⁠. Plus, discussion about a ⁠CubCrafters record⁠, a documentary about ⁠St. Pete's Albert Whitted Airport⁠, NASA's X-59 supersonic jet, and a budget talk plan for ⁠airspace throttling⁠. And Jay Wiles answers the question: ‘Can Sport Pilot eligible certified aircraft maintenance be performed by light sport repairmen?’

Otto Aerospace CEO Paul Touw talks about the teardrop shape, laminar flow technology, and lack of windows in the Phantom 3500 business jet. Plus a MOSAIC Minute update, an urgent safety issue for LearJets, uAvionix's new APRT tower systems, the ROTOR bill, and how the funding squabble affects ATC's academy, upgrades, and controllers.