#14 Hallett Griffin

The Pyjama Pilots are back! Jimbo, Pedro and Hoodie are tackling the big questions in aviation, business and technology — with varying levels of expertise and absolutely no shortage of questionable decision-making.This episode, Jimbo tries to convince the boys that his $40,000-plus collection of old car parts is actually a brilliant business opportunity, while Pedro and Hoodie do their best to talk him out of digging an even deeper financial hole. We get into the future of agricultural aviation, million-dollar spray drones, AI-powered weed killing, and whether pilots are about to become obsolete.Then things take a turn down memory lane, with tales of airborne magnetic surveys, sleeping operators, dodgy navigation, terrifying thunderstorms, and some memorable adventures flying around Africa — including questionable approaches, mysterious airport fees, and a few situations where just getting back on the ground was an achievement in itself.Three pilots, plenty of opinions, questionable business plans, and stories that probably shouldn't be repeated in front of the CAA.Get comfortable, put your flying helmets on, and join the boys for another episode of the Pyjama Pilots.

After accidentally turning up to record with absolutely no plan, Jimbo somehow manages to drag Episode 22 into existence with Hoodie and Pedro joining the chaos shortly after. What follows is a proper hangar-style yarn covering everything from firebombing in Perth, topdressing careers, Coast to Coast training, and sky-high fuel prices, through to chemical ratings, old aviation stories, and whether drones will eventually kill ag flying. Along the way, Jimbo reveals his latest business venture — buying a mountain of dead-stock auto parts and storing them in the shed — despite Hoodie repeatedly calling it a terrible idea. There’s plenty of laughs, questionable financial decisions, aviation nostalgia, and the usual sideways tangents that somehow keep the whole thing airborne. Buckle up your seatbelts, folks — this one feels less like a podcast and more like sitting in the hangar after knock-off with a beer in hand.

A loose, unfiltered catch-up with the boys covering everything from flying over Christmas with medevac runs and life in the cockpit. What starts as casual chat quickly turns into a string of “whoopsie daisy” moments—ground loops, rough strips, turbulence hits, and the kind of decisions that seem like a good idea… until they aren’t.There’s talk of taildraggers vs nose-draggers, operating into sketchy strips, and how quickly things can unravel when conditions, experience, and instinct don’t quite line up. It’s equal parts storytelling, lessons learned the hard way, and classic pilot banter.If you’ve spent time around aircraft—or just enjoy hearing how things go wrong and right again—this one hits home.

In this episode, Jimbo, Hoodie and Pedro dive into the debate around modern spreading tech — variable rate systems, cockpit mapping, and whether it’s actually improving outcomes or just adding cost and complexity for farmers. Is the technology genuinely helping pilots and cockies get better results, or is it a half-finished system that’s shifting risk and responsibility onto the people flying the job?The conversation drifts (as it always does) through real stories from the cockpit — dodgy fert density, spread tests, long days in Gizzy, and the reality of life as an ag pilot when the weather, the boss, and the cockies all have different expectations.Along the way the lads also get into:Why constant-rate spreading actually is an improvementWhen automation helps… and when it becomes a distractionThe pressure pilots face when new systems don’t work as advertisedEarly mornings, endless seasons, and the micro-climates every ag pilot learns to readElectric aircraft experiments, drones, and where ag aviation might be heading nextIt’s part industry discussion, part hangar-talk, and part therapy session for anyone who’s ever worked in agricultural aviation.Expect strong opinions, plenty of laughs, and the usual sideways detours into aircraft, war stories, and the realities of flying for a living.

In this episode the lads cover everything from the serious to the downright ridiculous. Pedro debriefs the Ag Aviation Conference — mental-health panels, medical reforms, and why pilots still fear losing their medicals — before the crew dives into training pathways, turbines vs pistons, and the future of the industry.Then the gold starts flowing: wild strip operations, tailwinds that make no sense, hybrid-electric ag-planes, and farmers doing farmers things.And topping it all off: the Mesopotamia Station story — two blokes accidentally sprinting 80 km/h down a strip hanging onto a moving aircraft .A mix of industry insight, pure chaos, and some of the funniest rural aviation yarns you’ll hear.**Special shout out to those who know Pedro and/or Hoodie and are asking what I'm up to! ;-D

The boys are back on the mics and straight into it. Jimbo’s been ping-ponging between NZ and Aussie, Hoodie’s barely alive after Pearl Jam, and Pedro is halfway between a half-marathon and a meltdown.This episode somehow manages to cover:• the “10 accidents in 10 weeks” saga• why pilots aren’t always the problem (management... hello)• flap checks, hopper pops, and learning the hard way• fake IDs, tequila disasters, and legendary hangovers• new composite firebombers that look like something out of Planes• ATPLs no one wants to pay for• floats, survey flying, and CFG headaches• plus the usual roasting, reminiscing, and barely-appropriate storiesIt’s chaotic, honest, aviation-nerdy, and very on-brand.Grab a drink (but not raro-tequila), settle in, and enjoy the ride.

I sat down with Richmond “Ditch” Harding, one of the most respected ag pilots around, to talk about his decades in the seat - from the early Tiger Moth days right through to the modern era of agricultural aviation.Ditch has a wealth of stories, sharp insights, and that trademark mix of honesty and humour you only get from a bloke who’s seen it all. We got into how he started out, the aircraft he’s flown, the changes he’s watched unfold, and what’s stayed the same through it all - the people, the passion, and the sheer love of flying.

We're back for another season with the Pyjama Pilots, and it's bloody great to be back! Sharing random babbles from a few good mates who love flying, but love taking the mickey out of each other more. The following description was made by AI. Take from that what you will, and let us know how accurate it was! In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of their lives, including personal challenges, work experiences in aviation, and the importance of community support. They delve into the complexities of flying regulations, share stories from their careers, and reflect on the impact of divorce on professional life. The discussion also touches on the significance of safety management in aviation and the joys of plane spotting as a community activity. In this conversation, the speakers delve into various themes surrounding aviation, personal experiences, and the importance of communication in relationships. They discuss managing distractions while flying, the significance of resolving conflicts before work, and the impact of personal growth and reflection on their lives. The conversation also touches on the challenges of long-distance relationships, individual approaches to stress, and the effects of divorce. Additionally, they explore aviation equipment preferences, innovations in training, and experiences with wildlife during flights. The discussion concludes with reflections on past experiences and the future of aviation technology and services.

Join us on a remarkable journey through the skies with Royce Hooker, a distinguished 91-year-old (recorded 2023) aviation pioneer whose career spans the golden era of flight. From his early days as an aircraft mechanic in the RNZAF to his adventures topdressing Cessnas to the iconic FU-24 Fletcher, Royce has witnessed and shaped pivotal moments in aviation history. In this podcast, he shares stories from the industry's infancy, offering a rare glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of those who paved the runway for future generations. Tune in to hear the untold tales of dedication, skill, and passion from a true veteran of the skies. Once again big ups to Chris Hoffman for sponsoring this Episode- You're a legend!

I'm flying solo again as we welcome Hallett Griffin, a luminary in the agricultural aviation industry with over six decades of experience. Starting his career in 1963, Hallett founded Griffin Ag-Air Ltd in 1981 with his wife Gloria, growing it into a respected family-run business. Join us as we yarn about Hallett and his amazing career as an Ag pilot. Another thanks to the Chris Hoffman, who helped fund this trip. What a legend.