Episode 229: Tornado damages Mentor fleet, Denver ATC, SmartCharts, AirCar, AOPA scholarships; and DFR guest Matt Sloane

David and Alicia comment on a new hybrid-electric motorcycle engine inspired powerplant, pilot mental health legislation, NASA safety report input, AOPA President Pleasance’s congressional appearance, and Air Race Classic winners. Plus, hear from “Hollywood Bomber” aircraft restoration project leader Bill Goebel, with plans to display the historic Jackie Cochran Beech-18S during AirVenture. ⁠@dtulis⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@loubelle⁠⁠

David and Alicia comment on Beta’s first passengers, FAA departures, uAvionix's certified HSI, GAMI G100UL California ruling, and strong GAMA first quarter aircraft delivery numbers. Plus, hear from Miss Pennsylvania and student pilot Page Weinstein. ⁠@dtulis⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@loubelle⁠

A Kentucky tornado damages the Beech T-34 community, ATC woes continue in Denver, the Klein AirCar logs flights, $2.2 million AOPA scholarships are awarded, and Garmin releases SmartCharts. Plus, hear how drone first responder Matt Sloane is helping keep police safe. ⁠@dtulis⁠ ⁠@loubelle⁠

Cirrus Aircraft’s SR20-series executive director Ivy McIver, who is also a formation pilot and Citabria owner, explains the G7 line’s new Autoland feature—a first for the piston fleet. Plus, Alicia and David explain air traffic control reform, how Piper Aircraft faced off against tariffs, why Newark’s meltdown might affect your flying, and a couple of personal eVTOL aircraft from Europe making their debuts. @dtulis @loubelle

CFII and AOPA West Coast editor Alicia Herron joins the Hangar Talk podcast as a co-host for the news and information show that highlights pilots, policy makers, and the people who make flying great. The award-winning podcast that surpassed 1 million downloads in 2021 will soon enter its tenth season with co-host and private pilot David Tulis.

Ian signs off after co-hosting 'AOPA Hangar Talk' podcast for ten years, and we hear from ⁠'Rooster,'⁠ a TopGun graduate and spin training expert. Plus stay tuned for the latest general aviation news including the ⁠Jeppesen/ForeFlight⁠ sale, a ⁠Dynon-Trig⁠ avionics partnership, ATC modernization details, and the latest on airshow great Rob Holland.

Motorcycle giant Kawasaki is developing two piston aircraft engines, New York Helicopter Inc. is grounded after the fatal crash, the FAA's shut down of remote communication networks affects Flight Service Stations too, and your input is needed for unleaded fueling ops. Plus hear from Big South Fork Airpark pilot Bill Armstrong.

The California avgas fuel ban is overturned, the new DOT chief pledges swift ATC modernization, Notam modernization is coming this fall, aircraft owner data-hiding is available, and AOPA organizes a national aviation safety standdown. Plus hear from CFI and social media standout Leah Froehlich about tips and tricks she uses to teach flight students.

It's springtime and almost everything is new again. Robinson unveils a 10-passenger helicopter, Pilatus announces the PC-12 Pro single, GE certifies its turbine Catalyst engine for the Denali, and aircraft manufacturer Diamond gobbles up struggling eVTOL manufacturer Volocopter. Plus, meet UK social media influencer and helicopter/fixed-wing pilot Katherine Moloney.

FAA medical denials are delayed indefinitely, GAMA and Piper add to G100UL fuel woes, a government report cites aging ATC ops, GAMA releases 'strong' state of the industry aircraft delivery report, and the ice runway logs a stellar year. Plus, Ian learns about the benefits of using virtual reality for helicopter training.