Air Facts Podcast: The Story Behind the Story

Dec 4

When freezing rain turns a routine regional flight into a life-or-death approach, airline captain Chris Schaich must make a split-second decision: divert into worsening weather or press on toward a runway he can’t yet see. In this gripping conversation, Chris shares what it’s like to face severe icing in the Saab 340, what he learned from the experience, and how fate—and solid airmanship—helped bring everyone home.

Oct 29

In this episode of the Air Facts Podcast , we talk with longtime contributor Dr. Serrhel Adams about his widely discussed article, Mea Culpa: Confessions of a Joyful Pilot . The piece struck a chord with readers for its honest reflection on why flying should sometimes be about joy—not just procedures and precision. Serrhel shares how his Cub flights over Northwest Arkansas help him reconnect with the wonder of flight, why safety and enjoyment don’t have to be opposites, and how his aviation photography captures that same spirit of freedom.

Sep 12

In this episode of the Airfacts Podcast, we delve into the critical role of character and discipline in crew resource management with pilot and human factors expert, Capt. Mario Jimenez, FedEx (ret.). Drawing from his extensive experience as a naval aviator and human factors manager at FedEx, Mario shares insights on how character shapes a pilot's ability to manage resources effectively. He emphasizes the mantra "discipline equals freedom," highlighting the importance of setting goals and maintaining a strong work ethic. Tune in to discover how these principles not only enhance safety but also foster a collaborative and efficient cockpit environment.

Jul 25

In this episode of the Air Facts podcast, we sit down with Colonel Dale “Boots” Hill, a decorated Air Force veteran and longtime Air Facts contributor. From flying 165 missions in the OV-10 Bronco during Vietnam to commanding F-16 squadrons and training the next generation of pilots, Boots brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation. He shares the intense story behind one of his most-read articles, “Sounds You Never Want to Hear,” and reflects on how preparation, training, and teamwork shaped his military flying career. Along the way, he offers valuable lessons for every pilot—military or civilian—about leadership, mindset, and staying sharp in the cockpit.

Jun 24

In this episode our guest is Joel Turpin, a veteran pilot whose flying career spans everything from Piper Cubs and DC-3s to Boeing airliners and the Pilatus PC-12. In this episode, Joel shares stories from more than five decades in aviation and discusses his recent article, The Captain is Lying —one of our most-read pieces of the year. We talk about passenger perceptions, emergency landings, and how technology has changed the pilot-passenger relationship. Whether you’re a student pilot or an experienced airline captain, Joel’s thoughtful, candid reflections offer lessons for anyone who takes flying seriously.

May 23

In this episode of the Air Facts Podcast we welcome Alex Sack, a commercial pilot and longtime contributor to Air Facts. Alex is known for his sharp insights and willingness to question the status quo, and his article “Do Crash Videos Make Us Safer Pilots?” was no exception. With more than 70 comments, it became one of the most discussed pieces on the site — raising important questions about how we process accidents and what role, if any, social media plays in promoting safety. In this episode, we dig into Alex’s perspective and the broader implications for pilots, educators, and content creators alike.

Apr 22

Peterson Conway is one of the defense tech industry’s biggest power brokers, recruiting for some of the buzziest defense and hard tech firms in Silicon Valley. Conway regularly commutes from the Carmel area in California to Silicon Valley in his Cub. On one particular flight, in the early morning darkness, Conway failed to pull out a flashlight when he was checking his fuel gauge and, as a result, misread the gauge which led to landing on a highway into oncoming traffic. Walking away with no injuries (to anyone), Conway recounts the events and the many lessons learned in this episode of the Air Facts Podcast.