Episode 261: VAI CEO Francois Lassale

AVStar Fuel Systems' Ron Weaver talks about fuel injection, carburetors, and how to keep you airplane's fuel system happy and trouble free. Plus, David and Alicia break down a Georgia flight school under RICO investigation, record-breaking flights in a Risen, the latest on ATC modernization, and changes to sport pilot checkride standards. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join

YouTube aviation accident analyst Juan Browne describes how the Blancolirio channel began and gives insight on how he hopes it will make aviation safer. Plus, David and Alicia comment on sunsetting Aspen's legacy displays, a 3D -printed parts AD, Cirrus aircraft backlog, and the importance of an aviation maintenance advisory group to deepen the ranks of A&Ps. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join

Vertical Aviation International CEO Francois Lassale discusses helicopters, eVTOLs, and other forms of vertical lift. Plus, David and Alicia break down AOPA governance change proposals, Purdue's study for ADS-B acceptance, and ATC communications reform. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join

General aviation pilot and USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach talks about flying his Lancair, an F-22 Raptor, his duties overseeing more than 660,000 service personnel, and how to engage others in aviation. Plus, David and Alicia discuss new two-seat trainers, changes in FAA administration, digital clearance delivery, ForeFlight's new additions, and more. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join

David and Alicia share the latest ⁠⁠2026 AirVenture news⁠⁠ with an ⁠on-the-scene report⁠ from Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, including the AOPA ⁠Sweeps Husky giveaway, a wearable HUD, the SkyFly eVTOL, a larger Zenith 750, wildfire smoke that kept some folks away, and the next AOPA Sweeps which has begun. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join

The EAA's Jack Pelton describes what it's like preparing for AirVenture 2026 with a behind the scenes look at how airshow performers are chosen, the more than 1,000 learning seminars that are vetted, and the thousands of volunteers who park airplanes, direct traffic, and keep portable restrooms ready for visitors. Plus, David and Alicia on Dynon's new IFR capability, the demise of RCOs, a CubCrafters turbine, and a Cirrus TRAC10 trainer. Join the world's largest aviation community at aopa.org/join

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