Episode 257: Textron Pipistrel-based flight school director De Wuan Roberson

Arizona flight school director De Wuan Roberson shares insight on how a fleet of two-person, Textron Pipistrel Alpha Trainers can lower training costs for students and flight schools. Plus, David and Jay remind pilots that checking notams can avoid TFR interceptions, how a key phrase may help alleviate GPS jamming in critical stages of flight, and new AI-driven air traffic management systems in our future. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join

JAARS CEO Steve Russell describes the jungle-specific instruction aviators need to rescue, relocate, and transport indigenous people to medical facilities worldwide. Plus, Alicia and Jay catch you up to the latest aviation news including landing fees in Phoenix, the fight for Burke Lakefront, a seized Stinson returned to its owner, and more. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join

Catch up with AOPA scholarship winner, aerobatic glider and fixed wing pilot Mia Anderson who just entered the Southwest “Destination 225-degrees” pilot training pipeline. Plus David and Alicia discuss ATC staffing concerns, additional ADS-B billing pushback, fuel system practices, AirVenture preparation, and eVTOLs. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join Apply for a scholarship at aopa.org/training-and-safety/students/aopa-flight-training-scholarships

Pilot Eric Boles realized he needed a better way to track fuel in his Piper Cherokee so he developed the SkyTimer app to handle fuel tank capacity, burn, and switching. Plus, a lively discussion on the AOPA member meeting, remembrance for Sporty's founder Hal Shevers, aftermarket Cessna tailskids, the new NTSB accident dashboard, and continued awareness for pilot mental health month. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join

Global ferry pilot Sam Rutherford is intercepted by fighter jets patrolling the Middle East while delivering a new Piper PA-28 from the Florida factory to India. Plus, news discussion on the surprise shutdown of Waco Aircraft, ForeFlight's emergency glide function, the elimination of ADS-B landing charges in Florida, and the latest from Aero Friedrichshafen and Sun'nFun. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join

AOPA Pilot Town Hall Hall with senior leadership at Sun'nFun previews proposed changes to the association's governance and addresses questions from members. Plus, Alicia and David explain the FAA's new notam system, improvements to NOAA aviation weather forecasting, updated BasicMed guidance, and the latest on pilot mental health reforms. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join

Gyrocopter pilot and NYT best selling author Caroline Paul explains her passion for flying in "WHY FLY: Seeking Awe, Healing and Our True Selves in the Sky." Plus, David and Jay discuss Burke Lakefront's latest challenges, an update on the ALERT bill, Swift fuel, the abrupt shuttering of Sonex aircraft, and more. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join

VoltAero CEO Jean Botti explains the HPU 210 electric-hybrid power unit that combines an electric motor with a high-performance thermal engine. Plus, stick around for the latest general aviation news discussion including a turbocharger clamp fix, an ADS-B billing ban in Florida, and a legendary Greenland airport's closure.

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.