Fate, Freezing Rain, and a Captain’s Decision with Chris Schaich
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.
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19:31
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19:31
Flying for the Joy of It with Serrhel Adams
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.
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27:08
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27:08
Effective Crew Resource Management with Capt. Mario Jimenez
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.
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40:32
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40:32
Colonel Dale “Boots” Hill on Combat, Command, and Calm Under Pressure
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.
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30:05
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30:05
Behind the Cockpit Door: Insights from Joel Turpin
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.
À propos de Air Facts Podcast: The Story Behind the Story
Welcome to the Air Facts Podcast: The Story Behind the Story, where we go beyond the written word to bring you the voices and experiences behind the articles you read at AirFactsJournal.com.
Each episode, we sit down with Air Facts contributors to learn more about them and to hear the story behind their story. What inspired them to write it? What lessons did they take away? And what can we all learn from their experience? Now sit back, relax, and join us for the Air Facts Podcast: The Story Behind the Story.
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