Advertise on podcast: Flight Tales

How much can pilots really trust a weather forecast? And what happens when the weather changes faster than expected?In this episode of Flight Tales, Ryan Owens sits down with Acadiana meteorologist Chris Cozart to talk about how weather forecasts are made, why South Louisiana weather can be so unpredictable, and what every pilot should understand before taking off.We take a look at the science behind weather forecasting, including how meteorologists use computer models, radar, and atmospheric data to predict what might happen. We also discuss why forecasts change, why thunderstorms can be so difficult to predict, and why pilots need to understand more than just what their weather app is showing them.Throughout the conversation, we cover:- How meteorologists create daily weather forecasts- Why weather forecasts change as storms get closer- What makes South Louisiana weather so unpredictable- How thunderstorms develop and why pilots should avoid them- The dangers of wind shear, microbursts, and severe turbulence- Why weather radar doesn't always show the full picture- Aircraft icing and the dangers of flying in freezing conditions- Hurricane forecasting and how Hurricane Hunters collect weather data- Real aviation accidents involving dangerous weather- How pressure to reach a destination can lead to bad decisions- Why pilots should always have a backup plan when weather gets worseWe also discuss real-world aviation accidents and how weather, pilot decisions, and aircraft limitations can all play a role when things go wrong.Whether you're a student pilot learning aviation weather for your Private Pilot checkride, an instrument student preparing to fly in actual weather, or an experienced pilot looking to improve your decision-making, this episode offers a closer look at the weather we fly through and the risks we need to understand.Weather doesn't always do what the forecast says it will. That's why understanding what you're flying into matters just as much as knowing how to fly the airplane.Our mission at Owens Flight Training is to help you become a safe, knowledgeable, and confident pilot.Learn more about flight training at https://owensflighttraining.com Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttrainingTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@owensflighttraining

Does talking to air traffic control make you nervous? You're not alone. Radio communication is one of the biggest challenges student pilots face, but it doesn't have to be.In this episode of Flight Tales, Ryan Owens sits down with Shawn to discuss how pilots can become more comfortable and confident talking to ATC, understanding radio procedures, and using the services available to them.We cover everything from making your first radio call to communicating in busy airspace, including the mistakes student pilots commonly make and how to avoid them.In this episode, we discuss:- Why student pilots get nervous talking to ATC- How to make clear, effective radio calls- What to say when you don't understand an ATC instruction- Why VFR pilots should consider using flight following- Radio communication in Class B, C, and D airspace- Towered vs. non-towered airport communications- Common CTAF mistakes and proper traffic pattern calls- ATC readbacks, frequency changes, and busy frequencies- ATIS, AWOS, ASOS, and clearance delivery- What to do if your radio stops working- How to practice radio communication outside the airplaneWe also talk about why you shouldn't be afraid to ask ATC to repeat an instruction, how controllers can help pilots with traffic and weather, and why understanding what's happening around you is just as important as knowing what to say on the radio.Whether you're preparing for your first solo, working toward your Private Pilot certificate, or simply want to improve your radio communication skills, this episode is full of practical advice you can use on your next flight.At Owens Flight Training, our mission is to help you become a safe, knowledgeable, and confident pilot.Learn more at https://owensflighttraining.comOwens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttrainingTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@owensflighttraining

Checking the weather before a flight is easy. Understanding what that weather actually means for your flight is a different story.In this episode of Flight Tales, Ryan Owens sits down with flight instructor Chris Darnell to talk about aviation weather, how pilots should prepare for changing conditions, and how to make better go/no-go decisions.We start with the basics of weather theory, including high and low pressure systems, cold fronts, warm fronts, stationary fronts, thunderstorms, turbulence, and how different weather patterns affect flying throughout the year.Then we walk through an actual flight planning scenario from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Austin, Texas, using ForeFlight to review a full weather briefing.We break down the information pilots should understand before every flight, including:METARs and TAFsPIREPs and actual weather conditionsAIRMETs, SIGMETs, and Convective SIGMETsSurface analysis charts and weather frontsWinds aloft and their effect on fuel planningNOTAMs, TFRs, and airport closuresThunderstorm avoidance and the limitations of datalink weatherPersonal minimums and go/no-go decisionsWe also discuss why getting a good weather briefing doesn't guarantee good weather for the entire flight.Chris shares a real experience during an instrument cross-country flight when thunderstorms developed near Lafayette, forcing him and his student to make a decision about whether to continue or divert to another airport.Whether you're a student pilot preparing for your Private Pilot checkride, an instrument student learning to interpret aviation weather, or a licensed pilot looking to improve your flight planning, this episode will help you better understand the information available and how to use it.Because being a good pilot isn't just about knowing how to fly the airplane. It's about knowing when you should fly it.Our mission at Owens Flight Training is to help you become a safe, knowledgeable, and confident pilot.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

What are the most common mistakes pilots make during their checkrides, and how can you avoid making them yourself?In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) Peyton Enloe to discuss the mistakes, habits, and misunderstandings that can get pilots into trouble during a checkride.We talk about the difference between memorizing information and actually understanding it, how examiners evaluate applicants, and why being able to perform a maneuver isn't always the same as demonstrating good judgment.We also get into some of the biggest challenges student pilots face, including crosswind takeoffs and landings, knowing when to go around, maintaining control during stall recovery, using checklists correctly, and communicating at towered and non-towered airports.For instrument pilots, we discuss GPS, G1000 avionics, autopilot usage, and the dangers of becoming so focused on programming your equipment that you forget to fly the airplane. We also talk about what happens when automation doesn't do what you expect and why pilots need to be proficient both with and without it.Whether you're preparing for your Private Pilot checkride, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot certificate, or just looking to improve your flying skills, this episode offers practical lessons from an examiner's perspective.Our mission at Owens Flight Training is to help you become a safe, knowledgeable, and confident pilot.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

How well do you actually understand the systems in a Cessna 172?It’s one thing to memorize aircraft systems for your checkride. It’s another thing to recognize what’s happening when something stops working in the airplane.In this episode of Flight Tales, we’re doing things a little differently. Fernando gives Ryan a series of Cessna 172 systems scenarios, and Ryan has to figure out what could be happening, how he would recognize the problem, and what he would do next.We work through problems involving the ignition system, magnetos and spark plugs, rough-running engines, oil pressure and temperature, fuel systems, alternator failures, batteries, circuit breakers, pitot-static instruments, carbon monoxide, cabin heat, and flap failures.We also get into what happens when an alternator fails at night, why the engine can keep running after an electrical failure, what different pitot-static blockages can look like on your instruments, and how understanding your airplane’s systems can help you decide whether you have a problem you can manage—or whether it’s time to get the airplane on the ground.Knowing aircraft systems isn’t just about being able to draw a diagram or answer a DPE’s question. Understanding how the airplane works helps you make better decisions when something doesn’t work.If you’re a student pilot, private pilot, CFI, or preparing for a checkride, use these scenarios to test how well you actually know the airplane you’re flying.Our mission at Owens Flight Training is to help you become a safe, knowledgeable, and confident pilot.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

What does it really mean to stay ahead of the airplane?In this episode of Flight Tales, we sit down with Jeff Brevelle, whose aviation career began right here in Lafayette in 1970 and has taken him through an incredible range of flying, instructing, maintenance, airline operations, and aircraft.Jeff has flown everything from floatplanes, helicopters, King Airs and Citations to Saab 340s, 727s, 737s, MD-11s and DC-3s. Along the way, he’s spent decades teaching, training, checking, and learning what separates simply being able to fly an airplane from actually managing it.We talk about why pilots get behind the airplane, energy management, planning descents and approaches, situational awareness, automation dependency, instrument flying, understanding aircraft systems, and why simply following the magenta line isn't enough. Jeff explains how experienced pilots are thinking miles ahead of where the airplane currently is—and why that skill matters whether you're flying a Cessna 172 or a transport-category jet.We also get into the importance of understanding why the airplane does what it does. Jeff shares why students should understand the systems underneath the cowling instead of simply memorizing what a control does, and why instructors need to adapt their teaching to the individual student.Later in the episode, we dig into advanced pilot topics including energy management, stabilized approaches, workload management, automation, situational awareness, and knowing when it's time to stop trying to salvage an approach and go around.Jeff's biggest lesson after more than five decades in aviation comes back to planning and knowledge: know what you're going to do, know where you need to be, and have another plan ready when things don't happen the way you expected.Whether you're a student pilot, instrument student, CFI, commercial pilot, or experienced aviator, there's something to take away from this conversation.Our mission at Owens Flight Training is to help you become a safe, knowledgeable, and confident pilot.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

What do you actually do with an approach plate once you’re flying the approach? In this episode of Flight Tales, we’re breaking down how to actually use an approach plate while flying IFR. Using the VOR/DME RWY 11 approach into Lafayette, Louisiana (KLFT), we walk through the approach from beginning to end and talk about what should be going through your head at each step. We cover how to make sure you have the correct approach, verify that you and the airplane can actually fly it, check equipment and NOTAMs, determine how you’re getting onto the approach, understand when you’re authorized to descend, and stay ahead of the airplane throughout the procedure. We also get into IAFs and FAFs, procedure turns and NoPT, DME arcs, the plan and profile views, loading versus activating an approach in your GPS, selecting the correct transition, MDA versus DA, what you need to see at minimums, and what to do if you have to go missed. Most importantly, we talk about staying ahead of the airplane. Your approach briefing, frequencies, navigation setup, aircraft configuration, minimums, and missed approach should be figured out before you need them. If you’re trying to figure everything out while you’re already descending on the approach, things can snowball quickly. The goal isn’t to memorize an approach plate for your instrument checkride. It’s to understand what the chart is telling you, know what’s coming next, and use that information to safely fly the approach. If you’re working on your instrument rating, preparing for an IFR checkride, or trying to become a more proficient instrument pilot, this episode is for you. Our mission at Owens Flight Training is to help you become a safe, knowledgeable, and confident pilot.

What’s the difference between FAR Part 61 and Part 91—and which FAA regulations should you actually know before you fly?In this episode of Flight Tales, Ryan Owens sits down with flight instructor Fernando to break down two of the most important sections of the FARs for general aviation pilots: Part 61 and Part 91.Instead of simply memorizing regulations for a checkride, Ryan and Fernando look at how these rules affect the decisions pilots make in the real world. They discuss student pilot endorsements, private pilot privileges and limitations, acting vs. logging PIC, passenger currency, flight reviews, instrument currency, medical certificates, PIC authority, VFR weather minimums, required aircraft equipment, inoperative equipment, and more.They also put the regulations into practical scenarios: Can you legally fly after four months away from the airplane? What if your flight review expired yesterday? Can you take passengers if you haven’t made three landings in the last 90 days? What happens when equipment is broken? What should you do when an ATC instruction could compromise safety?Knowing the regulations isn’t just about passing an FAA knowledge test or checkride. It’s about understanding your privileges, limitations, responsibilities, and authority as pilot in command so you can make better decisions when you’re actually flying.If you’re a student pilot, private pilot, instrument student, CFI, or just need a FAR/AIM refresher, this episode is for you.Topics include:Part 61 vs. Part 91, pilot certificates and endorsements, currency vs. proficiency, private pilot privileges and limitations, PIC logging, passenger currency, flight reviews, instrument currency, medical certificates, PIC authority, careless or reckless operation, alcohol regulations, IMSAFE, VFR weather minimums, Special VFR, required equipment, inoperative equipment, aircraft inspections, and ATC clearances.Flight Tales is presented by Owens Flight Training with one mission: helping pilots become safe, knowledgeable, and confident pilots.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

Think you don’t have enough time to learn to fly? Dr. Bose Cheeran became a private pilot while working full-time as an interventional cardiologist, taking call, raising a family, traveling internationally, and dealing with all the normal challenges that come with flight training.In this episode of Flight Tales, Ryan Owens sits down with Bose to talk about his journey from a Discovery Flight at Owens Flight Training to earning his Private Pilot Certificate in a Cirrus. What started as a birthday gift from his wife—who hoped one flight might get aviation out of his system—ended up doing exactly the opposite.Bose talks about fitting flight lessons around a demanding medical career, flying after work and on weekends, dealing with motion sickness, staying proficient during breaks in training, preparing for his checkride, and the confidence that came from his first solo.They also dig into what medicine and aviation have in common: checklists, risk management, staying calm during emergencies, knowing your memory items, and fighting complacency. As Bose explains, whether you're dealing with a complication during a medical procedure or an engine failure in an airplane, you can't freeze and start searching for the answer—you need to know how to respond.Plus, Ryan and Bose talk Cirrus training, avionics, CAPS, the new SR20 G7+, Safe Return Autoland, checkride mistakes, get-there-itis, flight planning, and why even the best technology can't protect a pilot from bad decisions.If you've been telling yourself “I don't have time to become a pilot,” Bo's story might change your mind. His advice to other busy professionals is simple: if you want to learn badly enough, you can find the time—even if it takes a little longer.In this episode:Learning to fly while working a demanding full-time careerDiscovery Flights and getting hooked on aviationTraining in a CirrusOvercoming motion sickness during flight trainingFinding time to fly consistentlyFirst solo and building confidencePreparing for the Private Pilot checkrideMistakes and go-arounds during a checkrideCirrus avionics and avoiding automation dependencySR20 G7+ and Safe Return AutolandSimilarities between physicians and pilotsChecklists, emergency procedures and memory itemsComplacency and get-there-itisWhy good preflight planning mattersEvery pilot has a story, and every story has a lesson. Flight Tales with Ryan Owens is about helping you become a safe, knowledgeable, and confident pilot.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

Think you know your airspace? Ryan Owens puts Owens Flight Training instructor Fernando Sequera through a mock-checkride-style breakdown of sectional charts and the airspace knowledge every student pilot should have before the real thing.In this episode of Flight Tales, Ryan and Fernando work their way across the sectional and cover Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace, VFR weather minimums, Special VFR, equipment and communication requirements, TRSAs, restricted and prohibited areas, MOAs, TFRs, VFR corridors, terminal area charts, airport symbols, VORs, Victor Airways, maximum elevation figures, magnetic variation, and more.They also get into the practical stuff that matters when you're actually flying: when you need to talk to ATC, how to determine whether special-use airspace is active, why flight following is worth using, what all those symbols on the sectional actually mean, and where to look when you don't know the answer. The episode even works through real-world flight planning scenarios, including navigating complex airspace and considering glide distance over large bodies of water.If you're preparing for your Private Pilot checkride, studying for your written exam, or you're already certificated and could use an airspace refresher, follow along and see how many questions you can answer before Fernando does.Topics include:Class B, C, D, E, G and A airspaceVFR weather minimums and cloud clearancesAirspace entry and equipment requirementsSpecial VFRMOAs, restricted areas, prohibited areas and TFRsSectional chart symbols and airport informationTRSAs and VFR corridorsVORs, Victor Airways and Flight ServiceMaximum Elevation Figures and obstaclesMagnetic variationFlight following and ATC communicationPractical VFR flight planningEvery pilot has a story, and every story has a lesson. Flight Tales with Ryan Owens is about helping you become a safe, knowledgeable, and confident pilot.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

What is a DPE actually thinking during your checkride?In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with Designated Pilot Examiner Peyton Enloe to talk about what examiners notice, the mistakes that cause pilots to fail checkrides, and what separates a pilot who can simply perform a maneuver from one who actually understands what they're doing.Peyton explains why your checkride starts before you ever get in the airplane—from having your documents and FAA reference materials ready to knowing how to access IACRA without relying on your instructor.Ryan and Peyton also dig into some of the most common weaknesses Peyton sees in flight training, including instructors teaching students how to perform maneuvers without explaining why they're performed that way.In this episode:What DPEs notice when you first walk into a checkrideHow to show up prepared for your practical testCommon mistakes CFIs make when preparing studentsWhy pilots need to understand the "why" behind maneuversFlap usage and when full flaps may not be the best choicePower-on stalls, turning stalls, skids, and spin scenariosWhat pilots misunderstand about steep turnsWhy the ACS should be part of your training—not just checkride prepScenario-based training vs. memorizing proceduresForward slips and why the scenario mattersWhen going around is the right decision on a checkrideHow many go-arounds can become too manyWhat happens after an unsatisfactory maneuverContinuing a checkride after a failed maneuverA real-world example of a pilot landing and taking off downwind during a checkrideWhy stabilized approaches matterHow professional flight operations monitor unstable approachesFuel management mistakes that can become dangerousWhy good decision-making may be the most important skill a pilot developsPersonal minimums for new instrument-rated pilotsWhy instrument students should experience actual IMC during trainingWhat DPEs expect you to know about your autopilotAutomation mistakes that can lead to altitude deviationsWhy you should always fly the airplane firstWhether you're preparing for your Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating, or CFI checkride, this conversation gives you a look at practical tests from the examiner's side of the table.The biggest lesson? Don't just memorize what your instructor tells you to do. Understand why you're doing it, know where to find the answer when you don't know it, and learn how to make good decisions when the situation doesn't go exactly as planned.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

What should you do if ATC tells you to "call this number" after landing? Do you have to call? What does a NASA ASRS report actually protect you from? Can the FAA really suspend or revoke your pilot certificate over a simple mistake?In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with veteran aviation attorney Dennis Haber to answer the legal questions every pilot should know before they ever find themselves under FAA scrutiny. Dennis shares decades of experience as both a pilot and aviation lawyer, covering everything from FAA investigations and enforcement actions to aircraft ownership, Cirrus safety, engine TBO myths, and buying your first airplane.Whether you're a student pilot, private pilot, aircraft owner, or professional aviator, this conversation could save you thousands of dollars—and potentially protect your certificate.In This Episode:Dennis Haber's journey from Navy pilot to aviation attorneyWhat to do if ATC gives you a phone number to callDo you actually have to call the FAA?Why talking too much can hurt your caseThe truth about FAA investigations and enforcementNASA ASRS reports: what they do—and don't—protectWhen certificates get suspended or revokedUnderstanding 709 rides and FAA reexaminationsClass B airspace violations and common pilot mistakesPart 91 vs. Part 135 maintenance requirementsThe truth about engine TBO recommendationsBuying an airplane without getting burnedAircraft purchase agreements and pre-buy inspectionsLLCs for aircraft ownership: are they worth it?Cirrus ownership, COPA, and the CAPS parachute systemSafe Return technology and the future of GA automationLessons learned from an actual engine failureWhy glider flying makes better pilotsCritical aeronautical decision-makingWhether you're preparing for a checkride or have thousands of hours in your logbook, this episode is packed with practical legal and operational advice every pilot should hear.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

What does it take to go from teaching students in a Cessna to flying a Challenger 300 business jet across the United States and internationally? In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with Brennan Gouaux, a Challenger 300 First Officer, to discuss the realities of corporate aviation, crew resource management, international flying, and what it's really like operating a high-performance business jet. Brennan shares what surprised him most after leaving the flight instructor world, how professional flight crews communicate, why Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) matter, and the lessons every pilot should learn before transitioning into multi-crew operations. They also dive into international flying, including trips to Panama, working with international handlers, customs, language barriers, challenging airspace, and how flying outside the United States is very different from domestic operations. Transitioning from CFI to Challenger 300 pilotCorporate aviation vs airline flyingCrew Resource Management (CRM) explainedHow First Officers support captainsWhy SOPs make flying saferCaptain upgrades and Part 135 requirementsInternational business jet operationsFlying to Panama and international customsFlight planning outside the U.S.Language barriers and ATC communicationWhy handlers are essential overseasLife as a corporate jet pilotThe importance of speaking up in the cockpitLessons every pilot can apply to become saferWhether you're a student pilot, flight instructor, aspiring corporate pilot, or simply fascinated by aviation, this conversation provides an inside look at professional flight operations and the teamwork that keeps every flight safe. In this episode:

What does it take to become an air traffic controller at one of the busiest airports in the country?In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with Jake Ross, an air traffic controller who is leaving Lafayette Regional Airport for an exciting new assignment at Orlando International Airport (MCO).Jake gives an inside look at the FAA transfer process, what controller training is really like, how facilities are staffed, and the challenges of working increasingly busy airspace. The conversation also explores the nationwide controller shortage, how new technology and AI could impact air traffic control, and what pilots should know about communicating with ATC.Ryan also shares stories from flying a brand-new Cirrus SR22T and discusses the importance of preparation, weather planning, and making smart aeronautical decisions.Whether you're a student pilot, experienced aviator, or curious about becoming an air traffic controller, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of aviation's most important careers.Topics Covered:Jake Ross's transfer from Lafayette Tower to Orlando InternationalHow FAA air traffic controller transfers workATC training, certification, and Oklahoma City AcademyThe nationwide air traffic controller shortageController staffing and facility operationsAI and the future of air traffic controlPilot and controller communicationFlying a brand-new Cirrus SR22TWeather planning and preflight decision makingAdvice for becoming a safer, more knowledgeable, and more confident pilotOwens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining

Buying an airplane is one of the biggest investments a pilot can make—but choosing the wrong one can cost you far more than the purchase price. In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with A&P/IA mechanic Vernon Knowles to break down everything pilots should know before buying an aircraft. From defining your mission and setting a realistic budget to finding the right mechanic for a pre-buy inspection, this episode is packed with practical advice that could save you thousands of dollars. Whether you're shopping for your first Cessna 172, dreaming of a Bonanza, considering a Cherokee Six, Cessna 210, TBM, King Air, or even a Pilatus PC-12, you'll learn how experienced aircraft owners and mechanics evaluate an airplane before making the purchase. In this episode: How to determine the right airplane for your mission Hidden ownership costs most buyers overlook Why a pre-buy inspection is NOT an annual inspection How to find an aircraft-specific "guru" Red flags when shopping for used airplanes Engine time vs. calendar time—which matters more? Why cheap airplanes can become expensive mistakes Negotiating after a pre-buy inspection Insurance, ferry flights, and first-time ownership Maintenance costs, corrosion, parts availability, and long-term planning If you're thinking about aircraft ownership—or simply want to become a smarter pilot—this episode is a must-watch.