
JOURNAL
Where I ramble about airplanes and coffee

Podcast: Talking All Things Tailwheel with MPP
I was recently invited to be a guest on the Midlife Pilot Podcast, a pod where they delve into the fascinating stories of individuals who have taken flight in the second chapter of their lives.

What I Learned from My First National STOL Competition
This past year the National STOL series hosted its first competition in Tennessee — nowhere other than my home airport! So, with some feelings of trepidation I signed up!

Flying Feature: When a New Airplane Taps Into Old Dreams
A few years ago I met a similar enthusiast…at the time it seemed like a moonshot for both of us but we were enjoying the journey as much as the destination.

Learning to Fly a Cessna 140
A few months ago I stumbled on videos from a guy rebuilding a Cessna 140 in a barn and I couldn’t stop watching his struggles and progress. I felt like I was part of the story!

10 Common Tailwheel Mistakes
When I started my tailwheel adventure I knew I was making mistakes, but the real problem was I didn’t know what the mistakes were.

Carbon Negative
To celebrate Earth Day 2022 I’m purchasing carbon offsets for all my flying hours. That means when you fly with me you’re flying carbon neutral! In fact you’re flying carbon negative.


Aviation Gifts That Don’t Suck
My every day recommendations for how to make your aviation gift unique, memorable special!

The Turn Formerly Known as Impossible
Imagine your engine quits on takeoff and you make a safe and uneventful turn and landing back at the departure airport. Twice!
Flying tailwheel
I’m convinced flying planes with the little wheel in the back is the best kind of flying.
So you want to be a pilot
What does it take to become a pilot? Are there different kinds of pilots? What does it cost? How long does it take? You’re here because you have questions.

What’s in my flight bag
If your friend’s flight bag and its contents are a bit curious maybe they’re a motivated and thoughtful pilot.

High to low, I’m going to blow
Nothing else might get me more tripped up, frustrated and ready to blow a gasket than trying to make sense of altimeter errors!

How to find a really great Flight Instructor (CFI)
New year. New you. Maybe it’s time for a new Flight Instructor (CFI)? Here’s some tips on finding a great one!

A very wishful pilot gift guide
Here’s my very ho-ho-ho wishful wish list for every aviator and dreamer, full of my personal recommendations of extravagant to thoughtful gifts and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will make this season bright and memorable for your special aviator.
Take a Discovery Flight
As a kid I dreamed of soaring over the countryside, the sun setting, wind in my face while gently riding the thermals wherever they took me. Who hasn’t dreamed of flying like a bird?

The meaning of leaning
Leaning your aircraft engine is quit possibly the number one most misunderstood aviation topic.

I love preflighting
Preflighting an airplane is not fun, for most. But I love it! I can spend an hour peering in every hole, checking this, looking at that…trying to satisfy my wonder.

Select a Better Flight School
A million articles have been written about how to evaluate flight instructors, schools and find the right fit for you. I want to focus on one portion of this that I believe is not appropriately emphasized - safety.
Tricky Check Ride Questions
It’s ok not to know all the answers, but you absolutely should take the learning opportunity to review and understand and never miss the same question twice.