Episodes

6d ago

This week I talk to Al Clayton, the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) State Liaison for the State of Alaska, who spearheaded the efforts to create the airstrip at Childs Glacier. This is an amazing story of how the RAF coordinates efforts from multiple state and federal agencies to create a one-of-a-kind experience for backcountry pilots. His efforts also aided those same agencies to enhance their missions in the Copper River Basin. You certainly need to start off by going to google maps and searching for this location before you listen. It will set the stage for this discussion. Huge thanks to the RAF for making this airstrip a reality and definitely add it to your bucket list! Support the RAF HERE Read more about Childs Glacier Airstrip HERE and HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Dec 10

In this crazy episode I talk to the voices of the National STOL series, Ryan and Cam. They bring their announcer energy to the podcast world and talk about the events, their favorite aircraft (J-3 or Champ?) and how they got into the announcer gig for the biggest backcountry event series in the country. I know you'll love hearing about their backgrounds and more from the personalties that make the events entertaining, educational, and of course, memorable. Follow Ryan on Instagram and YouTube Follow Cam on Instagram Learn more about the National STOL Series HERE Watch the Mo-Air Interview with Ryan HERE Watch Ryan interview Cam on SuperAero Live HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Dec 3

This episode is with the Director of Fly Oz, Philip Sneed. We talk everything that makes up the Fly Oz community from airstrips, social gatherings, and airplane services. Before you head to Arkansas you'll want to listen to this discussion about all the strips the area has to offer and how to make the most of your time in the Natural State. Visit Bentonville and make it your home base for tackling the 70+ strips the area has to offer. Learn more at Fly Oz Download the Fly Oz content pack for ForeFlight here Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Nov 26

This week Matt Williams joins the podcast to talk about his bear encounter in Alaska. After watching his YouTube recap of the bear attack on his Super Cub I knew he'd be a great guest and I wanted to hear more about it. This is a great story about preparedness in the backcountry and I know you'll enjoy all the details! Follow Matt on YouTube and Instagram to keep up with his adventures! Matt on Instagram Chaos Cub Matt on YouTube We talked about the Alaska Survival website in this episode. It's linked here Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Nov 20

In this episode I talk to Anthony Longobardo…a backcountry pilot and pioneer making backcountry strips possible with dedication, grit, and hard work. Did you know that Southern California has some hidden gems for backcountry aviation? Dive into this episode where Anthony shares insider info on private airstrips tucked away in the beautiful Southern Sierras. Follow Anthony on Instagram Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Nov 12

This week I talk to Cathy Page, an airline pilot, backcountry pilot, and STOL competitor on the STOL and STOL Drag circuits. She's a regular at STOL events and flies an orange CubCrafters Carbon Cub FX2 numbered "85". She's got a great story and passion for aviation! This is a great listen as we talk about her getting started in aviation and how she's acquired airplanes over the years. We also talk about flying the backcountry in Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada. Follow Cathy on Instagram Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Nov 5

This week I talk to Bill McGlynn, president of the Recreational Aviation Foundation. Our first episode was a great introduction to Bill and his path into backcountry flying. In this second episode we focus on the RAF exclusively and you'll learn all about the organization and its impact on backcountry strips around the country. Bill has such a passion for this mission and after listening to what's going on you'll surely be clicking the link below to see how you can help preserve and expand the network of airstrips! More about The RAF here Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Oct 29

This episode covers flying the river bars in Georgia with one of the state's biggest advocates. Brian Screws, and his YouTube channel OneAV8, highlights all the joys of flying in the backcountry with a Southeast flair. Here we talk about his getting started in aviation, transition to backcountry style, aircraft changes, flying to Arkansas and Byrd's, and long haul flying tips. You'll certainly be hearing from Brian again as we fly together in the near future in very similar airframes! Brian on YouTube OneAV8 Brian on Instagram OneAV8 on the web (Georgia Pilot T-shirt) Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Oct 22

This episode is a candid discussion with Don Wade from Patriot Aircraft about his role as pilot during a crash. He was piloting the Super Patriot Mark II during a demonstration flight for a perspective customer in August 2025 when the engine quit shortly after takeoff. This interview occurred almost 2 months after the incident and the final report from the NTSB is still pending. Don discusses several factors that led to the crash and details events shortly after the crash. It's a great listen for pilots and first responders as he talks about choices he had to make and also what first responders had to deal with in locating the crash site. Some key links we mention in the podcast: Flight Chops video recap Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) at NASA.gov Back to the Cockpit Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Oct 15

This is the best way to start off a second season of Backcountry Aviation Radio...with a big YEE HAWW! I had a great time getting to meet Levi and hearing all about his getting started in aviation and what he's done since then. You definitely need to follow him on Instagram and YouTube to see what's going on in the Backcountry and STOL communities...because he's there...wherever it happens to be. Follow Levi on Instagram and YouTube Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Sep 3

This week I talk to Bill McGlynn, president of the Recreational Aviation Foundation. Due to some technical difficulties we didn't get to the really good work being done by The RAF so we're going to do a second episode in the near future. THIS episode was a fun talk about Bill, how he got started in aviation, and how he came to know and love the mission of The RAF. We had a great time and I look forward to the second part! More about The RAF here Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Aug 27

In this episode I talk to Jon "Jughead" Counsell. There is so much to talk about with Jughead I had to prioritize backcountry topics. I plan to do a future episode to talk about more of Jughead's fantastic flying adventures! In this episode we talk about flying in Washington State, his Cessna 170B, and flying the CubCrafters FX3 for the last month. This is a fun listen and a taste of what's to come in a follow-on with Jughead! Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Aug 21

In this episode I talk to Don Wade, from Patriot Aircraft. He, along with his brother Ron, have been very involved in the Cub business for many years…starting from engines and fabric, to J-3 restorations, and now the super cub variant they call Super Patriot. We talk about getting started and how the Super Patriot came to be. Along the way we talk about the airplane's finer details and what they all mean to the company. Through this look behind the curtain at Patriot Aircraft we get a glimpse at what they're up to and what's coming down the line. This is a great listen to hear about how the planes are made and the level of detail required to make them successful. Here's a link to the Patriot Aircraft website Follow them on Instagram Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Aug 13

In this episode I talk to Dave Rowe from "Texas Outdoor Ventures" on YouTube. Dave started flying in 2014 and jumped off-airport in 2021 in Central Texas. He flies a Highlander and now the social media-famous "Freedom Fox", a Kitfox upgraded and flown by Trent Palmer previously. This conversation covers how Dave got started flying, how he found the Freedom Fox, and his latest escapades with a group of friends in an attempt to see Alaska. There is lots to talk about and plenty of twists to this story! Dave on YouTube Texas Outdoor Ventures Dave on Instagram Freedom Fox Adventures Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Aug 6

This is part 2 of my conversation with Brett Baker. Be sure to check the previous episode for the first half of the conversation. In this episode we talk more about Alaska flying, gear to keep you safe, and more about his fleet of backcountry airplanes. And just a reminder, Brett is donating money to support The Recreational Aviation Foundation for new subscribers on his YouTube channel "Cleared to Adventure" and through sales on his website (both linked below). He's doing this through the end of August 2025. Follow Brett on YouTube and Instagram Here are survival gear requirements in Alaska Visit the Cleared to Adventure website Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Jul 30

In this episode I talk to Brett Baker, a former Air Traffic Control and current pilot who lives in Alaska. Brett's channel is gaining a rapid following because of his phenomenal storytelling, amazing video quality, and top-notch editing. Brett has a passion for aviation and endeavors to promote general and backcountry aviation so that it remains a vital resource for pilots of the next generation. Brett's family fleet includes a Cessna 180, Cessna 170, Beechcraft Bonanza and Piper Pacer. His videos mostly focus on Alaska but he often finds his way down to the lower 48 so his backcountry experiences are extensive. He also is donating money to support the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) through his YouTube channel for a limited time. This is a great listen to hear more about flying in Alaska and beyond… tune in next week for part 2 of this great conversation with Brett. Watch This Flight Explains Everything Follow Brett on YouTube and Instagram Here are survival gear requirements in Alaska Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Jul 23

In this episode I talk to Steve Cox who built his own airplane, a RANS-21, and then flew it to Alaska and back. Steve is a retired Air Force F-15C pilot and we talk about translating military flying into backcountry flying. He talks about his crash in his Bonanza and gives an update from a story he recounted on the Pilot to Pilot Podcast. We talk about his adventures since retiring and he experience building a plane for the first time and completing the FAA Advisory Circular 90-89C…a process he documented on his YouTube Channel. Follow Steve on Instagram and Youtube Link to FAA Advisory Circular 90-89C Steve's episode on the Pilot to Pilot Podcast Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Jul 17

In this episode I talk to Trevor Aldridge, known as "Dozen" in the military and on his Instagram and YouTube channels. Dozen is a former Thunderbird pilot that has turned his attention to the backcountry after the Air Force. He is the demo pilot for Patriot Aircraft and flies The Super Patriot MkII all around the country, but mostly around the Ozarks. This is a great look at what the backcountry has to offer in Arkansas and the Ozarks. Dozen also describes the details Patriot Aircraft put into the aircraft and how it performs off-airport. Dozen on Instagram Dozen Duzit on YouTube Patriot Aircraft Fly Oz Dozen's Interview on the Pilot to Pilot Podcast Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE

Jul 12

In this episode I talk to Mike Daniel from Truckee, CA who you might know from his airplane, a CubCrafters FX3 Carbon Cub with a Cheshire Cat logo on the side. Mike and I talk about flying around Lake Tahoe, learning to fly the CarbonCub and what this means for families and influencing future generations about aviation. Mike also has a YouTube channel with a unique interview format…his "Backseat Stories" puts people in the backseat and he interviews them while flying over notable or unique locations related to the guest. It's a fascinating format that it worth the watch! Watch the Cheshire Cat Concept Video HERE You can find Mike's YouTube Channel HERE Want to support Backcountry Aviation Radio? Join the discussion on Patreon for exclusive access and discussions. Join HERE