Stuck Mic AvCast - An Aviation Podcast About Learning to Fly, Living to Fly, and Loving to Fly!

The Stuck Mic AvCast is an aviation podcast brought to you by Carl Valeri about learning to fly, living to fly, and loving to fly. With your co-hosts Victoria Neuville, Rick Felty, Eric Crump, Tom Frick, Russ Roslewski, and Larry Overstreet!

SMAC356 Porsche and Planes 08/15/2026

SMAC355 Navigator's Letter 08/01/2026

SMAC355 Navigator's Letter Today we have a special guest Jan Cress Dondi author of The Navigator’s Letter The Navigator's Letter, a USA Today bestseller and WWII narrative nonfiction, follows the Ploesti campaign through the experiences of two B-24 navigators, John B. and Bob—Jan’s uncle and father—friends from the same small Illinois town whose lives unfolded in strikingly parallel ways. Preflight: Sponsor: https://pilotcounsel.com/ Cruise Flight: Talking Points: The discovery of 500-600 wartime letters • Why Ploesti matters • Operation Tidal Wave—audacious as planned; obstacles in execution • The two navigators' parallel journeys, their voices throughout the book • Research and personal connection • Operation Reunion—overlooked humanitarian mission, forgotten history Carl’s favorite picture in the book: John B. Using the E6B Question suggestions: • Discovery of a footlocker containing 500–600 wartime letters from John B. andBob—What was it like reading them for the first time, and when did you realize there was a book hidden inside • Why was the Ploesti campaign so important to the outcome of World War II? • The strategic importance of Operation Tidal Wave; what went wrong? • While the letters kick-started the project, you often say your whole life prepared you to write this story. What do you mean by that, and how did your father influence that journey? • How did your 30-year career as a litigation paralegal help you uncover and reconstruct events that happened more than 80 years ago? • During your research, was there a discovery that changed your understanding of your father, your uncle, or the war itself? • Operation Reunion is considered the largest air evacuation in history. Why is this extraordinary mission so little known today? • Were there moments when the emotional weight of the story forced you to step away from the project? • How researching and writing The Navigator’s Letter gave her new insights into duty, loyalty, sacrifice, courage, and love. • If your father and uncle could read The Navigator's Letter today, what do you think they would say? After Landing Checklist: Pick Of The Week: No pick of the week if an interview. Links The Navigator's Letter: The True Story of Two WWII Airmen, a Doomed Mission, and the Woman Who Bound Them Together Find The Book On Amazon: https://amzn.to/4pNOHvi https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/ Coaching, Courses, and Scholarships. Upcoming Events and Air Shows: FlySnf.org 2027 – April 6-11 Website: https://jancressdondi.com/ IG: @b24navigators FB: The Navigator’s Letter LinkedIn: Jan Cress Dondi /episode/index/show/stuckmicavcast/id/42284580

SMAC354 Speedbrake Armed 07/14/2026

SMAC353 Matt Ryan AvWeb 06/30/2026

SMAC352 International Red Cross Navigates The Worlds Most Dangerous Skies 06/15/2026

SMAC351 Alpha Kilo Warrior 06/01/2026

SMAC350 Jungle Aviation and Relay Service 05/14/2026

SMAC349 Sun NFun 2026 Part 3 05/01/2026

SMAC348 SunNFun 2026 Part 2 04/24/2026

SMAC347 SunNFun 2026 04/18/2026

SMAC346 Fly With Jeremy Part 2 04/09/2026

SMAC346 Fly With Jeremy Part 1 04/08/2026

SMAC345 Planes Trains and Automobiles 2026 03/02/2026

SMAC344 Affordable Flying Expo Day 3 November 8 2025 11/10/2025

SMAC343 Affordable Flying Expo Nov 7 2025 11/08/2025

SMAC342 A Unique View Of National Safety Month 06/30/2025

SMAC342 A Unique View Of National Safety Month June the National Safety Month and we are going to talk about keeping our passengers and ourselves safe in our home and workplace which is the airport. – This is the National Safety Council's annual observance to help keep each other safe from the workplace to anyplace Preflight: Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC - you can find them at https://www.strumorlaw.com/ The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC, handles various aviation matters, including FAA safety investigations and pilot medical certifications. You can find them on the web at https://www.strumorlaw.com/ Cruise Flight: Talking Points: Safety is more than just flying. We operate in a unique environment both on the ground and in flight. Hangar Safety. What tools do you have in your hangar? Fire extinguisher (Chris had an induction fire once) Eye cleaning supplies (fuel drips from wing tanks and sumps) Chocks - never trust the parking brake Tie down in open t hanger…carl Accident prevention (falls, hangar door safety) Evacuation Plan (Carl discusses exit plans as he was reminded in the earthquake a few days ago in DR) Adequate lighting in your hangar. Fall prevention. Pest control. Matt suggested fire ant powder Airport operation safety Walking at the airport *Leslie has a recent story about this. Driving at the airport. Slow down! Stop and pick up or report FOD. Hangar & Airport Security Everyone is the eyes and ears. https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/online-courses/general-aviation-security (this is Leslie’s POTW…should I find something different?) After Landing Checklist: Pick Of The Week: Carl - https://www.redcross.org learn first aid, cpr, and more. Tom - Russ - Remote pick of the week. Leslie - AOPA General Aviation TSA Security Awareness Training https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/online-courses/general-aviation-security Chris - https://www.avemco.com/ Links: https://www.nsc.org https://www.avemco.com/ https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes https://nbaa.org/aircraft-operations/safety/hangar-ground-safety/ Upcoming Events and Air Shows: Florida International Airshow November 1-2, 2025 https://www.floridaairshow.com /episode/index/show/stuckmicavcast/id/37229720

SMAC341 FAA Compliance Program 06/15/2025

SMAC341 FAA Compliance Program The FAA Compliance Program Explained This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC - you can find them at https://www.strumorlaw.com/ The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC, handles various aviation matters, including FAA safety investigations and pilot medical certifications. You can find them on the web at https://www.strumorlaw.com/ Cruise Flight: Talking Points: Also referred to as the or “Compliance Program.” (Previously ““Compliance Philosophy”) • Works on the premise that errors should be corrected not punished • Voluntary Participation • Work with FAA inspector, do not ignore FAA investigations • Compliance Action may be as simple as coaching over the phone, or may have additional steps like a flight with aa CFI • Generally does not result in legal action • Generally not placed in the Pilot Records Database (PRD) • Compliance Actions are much less hassle than legal actions Filing an Aviation Safety Report (ASR, aka NASA Form) not required but a good idea. Save the confirmation number, and save a copy of the report. From FAA website: “The Compliance Program represents a focus on using — where appropriate — non-enforcement methods, or "Compliance Actions." A Compliance Action can be described as FAA's non-enforcement methods for correcting unintentional deviations or noncompliance that arise from factors such as flawed systems and procedures, simple mistakes, lack of understanding, or diminished skills. A Compliance Action is not a legal adjudication, nor does it constitute a finding of violation.” • Information provided can be used in future investigations and legal proceedings by the FAA, but compliance is almost always the best option After Landing Checklist: Pick Of The Week: https://amzn.to/446pp13 He’s a former Blackhawk pilot just trying to put his past behind him—but when a plane goes missing, Luke Angel is the only one who can untangle the truth. If you love flying fiction that actually gets the aviation right, check out TROPIC ANGEL by Nate Van Coops. It’s the first in a series of fast-paced aviation thrillers featuring seaplanes, shady airports, and a pilot who just wants a quiet life—but always gets pulled back into the action. The books are narrated by Scott Brick, one of the best in the business, and book three hits audio soon. So if you like your mysteries airborne and expertly voiced, start now with TROPIC ANGEL on Audible. Links: Upcoming Events and Air Shows: Florida International Airshow November 1-2, 2025 https://www.floridaairshow.com /episode/index/show/stuckmicavcast/id/37018485

SMAC340 Interviews From Sun N Fun 2025 04/06/2025

SMAC339 Sun N Fun Live 2025 04/04/2025

SMAC338 Go Around 03/14/2025

SMAC338 Go Around Runway Incursions, unstable approaches, and simple misjudgment during landing are the main reasons we need to go around, but are you ready to execute a go-around maneuver properly? In my over 25 years of instructing recreational, business, and airline pilots, I have noticed a consistent trend: we don’t perform discontinued approaches very well. In this episode, we discuss how and why you should go around. Additionally, we will give you tips and tricks to execute the go-around maneuver safely and properly. Accident Analysis: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=65858 Preflight: Sponsor Shout out. Cruise Flight: Talking Points: Why should you discontinue an approach? Make the decision! Like Yoda says, “Do, or do not.” https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/103492/pdf Tools to better see and avoid objects on the ground and in the air during landing. The difference between a go-around and a discontinued approach. Configuration challenges. Go Around is a normal procedure to be practiced. Power, Pitch, Configure. Programming the electronics comes last. Brief the go around on every approach. After Takeoff Checklist. After Landing Checklist: Pick Of The Week: James - https://epicaircraft.com/ Carl - https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/air-safety-institute Bill - https://www.youtube.com/@Airplanefactswithmax Tom - Eufy Doorbell Camera https://www.eufy.com/products/t8224111?variant=44298879205562&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_content=alwayson&utm_campaign=us_security_edge_m3_google-pmax_alwayson_allpn_purchase_ost_retargeting_internal_highroas&utm_term=19873407993__&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm7q-BhDRARIsACD6-fWoZRXeKtnxviOPWua4ZysnUGV88FI5v1pVtaadFcFRYHDTTM8OpwcaAv-mEALw_wcB Sponsor: Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial - Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training, and they understand your needs because they are pilots! You can find more at https://stratus.finance/ Whether financing your dream of flying or simplifying the process by taking care of your student loans, their efficient, hassle-free funding can connect you to the life of your dreams of becoming a professional pilot sooner than you ever thought possible! To find out more, click here: https://stratus.finance As a sponsor of this podcast, Stratus Financial is giving away scholarship guides, and you can get yours for free using the coupon code “Stratus” when you visit https://www.stuckmicavcast.com/free/ Links: Upcoming Events and Air Shows: Sun N Fun April 1-6, 2025 https://flysnf.org/ Booth A-41 Live from Sun N Fun Radio: April 5, 6pm at Sun N Fun /episode/index/show/stuckmicavcast/id/35700950

SMAC337 Think Like A Pilot with Bobby Dutton 02/27/2025

SMAC336 Fuel Management 02/14/2025

SMAC335 Aircraft Ownership The Good, The Bad, and The Unusual 01/31/2025

SMAC334 James Spearman DFC 01/16/2025

SMAC333 Paramotor Flying 12/31/2024

SMAC332 Stepping Up To Twins 12/24/2024

SMAC332 Stepping Up To Twins SMAC332 Stepping Up To Twins Considerations for Flying, Training, and Maintaining Proficiency. Why fly multi-engine aircraft? When a twin is safer than a single. When is a twin more dangerous than a single? Considerations of multi-engine aircraft ownership. Cost of maintenance. Cost of training. What twin should I buy? Depends on budget and mission. What can you do to make flying a twin safer? Where to train? Accelerated programs and type-specific programs. Sponsor: Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial - Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training and they understand your needs because they are pilots! You can find more at https://stratus.finance/ As a sponsor of this podcast, Stratus Financial is giving away scholarship guides and you can get yours for free using the coupon code “Stratus” when you visit https://www.stuckmicavcast.com/free/ Whether financing your dream of flying or simplifying the process by taking care of your student loans, their efficient, hassle-free funding can connect you to the life of your dreams of becoming a professional pilot sooner than you ever thought possible! To find out more https://stratus.finance After Landing Checklist: Picks Of The Week: Carl - The Complete Multi-Engine Pilot - https://amzn.to/4iurBpF Bill - Doug Rozendaal, multi-engine ground school. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oD3YPdOH5Xo Leslie - FAA WINGS Course ALC-30 “Multi-Engine Safety Review” https://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/course_content.aspx?cID=30&sID=122&searchresults=true&preview=true Tom - Multi-Engine Pilot Flight Maneuvers http://www.pilotflightmaneuvers.com/MultiEnginePilotFlightManeuvers.html James: https://www.dfcsociety.org Russ: Night Intruder: A Personal Account of the Radar War Between the RAF and Luftwaffe Night-Fighter Forces by Jeremy Howard-Williams https://www.amazon.com/Night-Intruder-Personal-Luftwaffe-Night-Fighter-ebook/dp/B0C6MGBX72 Upcoming Events and Air Shows: Redbird Migration, Denver, Co. March 4-5, 2025 https://migration.redbirdflight.com/ Sun N Fun April 1-6, 2025 https://flysnf.org/ Booth A-41 /episode/index/show/stuckmicavcast/id/34600745

SMAC331 Holiday Gift Guide 11/30/2024

SMAC331 Holiday Gift Guide Are You trying to decide what to get your favorite aviators for the holidays? This episode is for you. The team at Stuck Mic AvCast has thought long and hard to come up with gifts you can buy your favorite aviators this season! And that includes you! Let’s get started! Preflight Checklist: Sponsor: Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial - Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training and they understand your needs because they are pilots! You can find more at https://stratus.finance/ As a sponsor of this podcast, Stratus Financial is giving away scholarship guides and you can get yours for free using the coupon code “Stratus” when you visit https://www.stuckmicavcast.com/free/ Whether financing your dream of flying or simplifying the process by taking care of your student loans, their efficient, hassle-free funding can connect you to the life of your dreams of becoming a professional pilot sooner than you ever thought possible! To find out more https://stratus.finance Cruise Flight: Stuck Mic AvCast Holiday Gift Guide Experiences: Carl - https://pattywagstaff.com/school/ Bill - https://www.tacaero.com/ Chris - Seaplane & Land Flights | Tours & Charters | Kenmore Ai Leslie - The Pilot’s Quarters, Backcountry Pilot Experience at Buffalo Outdoor Center https://www.buffaloriver.com/plan/vacations/backcountry-pilots-fly-in-stays/ Fun Gifts: Carl - https://metarmaps.com/ Bill - https://www.amazon.com/How-Airplane-Idea-Book-Club/dp/0062320629 Chris - Paper Airplane Kit: Publications International Ltd.: 9781680225396: Amazon.com: Books Leslie - Melissa & Doug Interactive Jet Pilot Dashboard (ages 3+) Gifts To Make Us Better Pilots: Carl - https://kingschools.com/cleared-for-multi-engines Bill - https://www.cloudahoy.com/ Chris - Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (2024): FAA-H-8083-25C by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Department of Transportation, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® Leslie - ACR ReQLink 400 Personal Locator Beacon After Landing Checklist: Picks Of The Week: This episode is one big pick of the week! Links: Upcoming Events and Air Shows: Sun N Fun April 1-6, 2025 https://flysnf.org/ Booth A-41 /episode/index/show/stuckmicavcast/id/34210560

SMAC330 Successful Flight Review 11/14/2024

SMAC330 Successful Flight Review The flight review is a requirement but is also an opportunity to enhance your skills and increase your and your passenger’s safety. In this episode, we take you beyond the basic FAA requirements and promote what we call a “Successful Flight Review”. Preflight Checklist: Sponsor: Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial - Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training and they understand your needs because they are pilots! You can find more at https://stratus.finance/ As a sponsor of this podcast, Stratus Financial is giving away scholarship guides and you can get yours for free using the coupon code “Stratus” when you visit https://www.stuckmicavcast.com/free/ Whether financing your dream of flying or simplifying the process by taking care of your student loans, their efficient, hassle-free funding can connect you to the life of your dreams of becoming a professional pilot sooner than you ever thought possible! To find out more https://stratus.finance Cruise Flight: The Flight Review What Is A “Successful” Flight Review - Carl Beyond (14 CFR) 61.56 https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/61.56 A review of the current general operating and flight rules of part 91 of this chapter; and A review of those maneuvers and procedures that, at the discretion of the person giving the review, are necessary for the pilot to demonstrate the safe exercise of the privileges of the pilot certificate. What Is Your Experience And What Do You Want To Learn - Carl. How To Analyze the Learner from an Instructor's Perspective. - Leslie Using scenarios to guide the ground portion - Wings Program - Tom ALC-25: Flight Review Prep Guide (I suggest this to all flight review clients - LC) Foster An Environment and Attitude Of Continual Learning. - James What do you do if no satisfactory flight review that day? After Landing Checklist: Picks Of The Week: Tom - ALC-25: Flight Review Prep Guide https://www.faasafety.gov/files/helpcontent/Courses/ALC-25/content/index.html#/ Carl - The Practical Guide To Winter Flying will not only teach you how to manage encounters with ground and in-flight icing but also provide you the tools to make smarter decisions so you fly confidently during the coming cold, winter months. .https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/the-practical-guide-to-winter-flying Leslie - AOPA’s Focused Flight Review profiles https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/active-pilots/focused-flight-review James - AC 61-98D https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_61-98D.pdf Links: https://stuckmicavcast.com/podcast/smac119-getting-the-most-out-of-your-flight-review/ https://expertaviator.com/2011/07/11/never-do-a-flight-review-again/ Upcoming Events and Air Shows: Sun N Fun April 1-6, 2025 https://flysnf.org/ Booth A-41 /episode/index/show/stuckmicavcast/id/33934657

SMAC329 FIA Denise Dull 10/31/2024

SMAC329 FIA Denise Dull SMAC329 How To Run A Successful Airshow with Denise Dull President Of Florida International Airshow If you like exciting action-packed airshows that give back to the local community you will love the Florida International Airshow in Punta Gorda Florida. Today I am speaking with Denise Dull, President of the airshow who has led a team to help grow into one of the best air shows in the United States. We will discuss the challenges and keys to success in creating, growing, and continuing the legacy of an airshow. Preflight Checklist: Sponsor: Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial - Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training and they understand your needs because they are pilots! You can find more at https://stratus.finance/ As a sponsor of this podcast, Stratus Financial is giving away scholarship guides and you can get yours for free using the coupon code “Stratus” when you visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/ Whether financing your dream of flying or simplifying the process by taking care of your student loans, their efficient, hassle-free funding can connect you to the life of your dreams of becoming a professional pilot sooner than you ever thought possible! To find out more https://stratus.finance Cruise Flight: What is The Florida International Airshow and What can we expect? How it's important to build the right show on the ground & in the air (this year's non-jet team show revenue will be needed to help fund the costs of next year's show but ticket purchasers are saying they will wait for the Blues...that actually hurts us) Building strategic community partnerships. Our new Charlotte Community Foundation partnership is funding the expansion of our Earn Your Wings reading program into Middle Schools and our new Innovators STEM Pavilion & Family Aviation Experience area What is the Presidents Club? Trying to work harder - reviewing costs of a growing show while losing funding....huge hurdle and building additional/nontraditional revenue streams Losing the majority of our Board experience in one year and trying to develop new depth and sustainability while preparing for major shows and juggling airport expansion & airline challenges Top 10 USA Today Reader’s Choice & Signature Events of the Southeast 2024 https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-air-show-2024/ After Landing Checklist: Links: https://www.floridaairshow.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisefdull/ https://www.facebook.com/denise.c.dull /episode/index/show/stuckmicavcast/id/33711252

SMAC328 Hurricane Milton’s Impact On General Aviation In Florida 10/15/2024

Stuck Mic AvCast - An Aviation Podcast About Learning to Fly, Living to Fly, and Loving to Fly!

TOPICS