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I Learned About Flying From That: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Flying Magazine
Tune in for the rest of the story—with exclusive interviews with pilots who have shared their emergencies, crises, and mistakes over 950-plus installments of Flying's iconic series, "I Learned About Flying From That." Host Carl Valeri relates the tale as told by the author, then catches up with that pilot to ask the questions we know have been on your mind.
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- 1 weeks ago25 min
133. When the Elevator Freezes
In Episode 133 of I Learned About Flying From That, host Carl Valeri welcomes back airline pilot and aviation attorney Chris Pezalla to discuss a harrowing mechanical failure during a tailwheel checkout flight. What started as a routine practice session in a Cessna 140 quickly turned into a critical emergency. During climbout in the traffic pattern, Chris and his instructor discovered that the elevator flight controls were jammed. When forcing the controls freed the elevator with a loud bang, the aircraft pitched nose-down toward traffic on a nearby highway—only for the elevator to jam again.
- 4 weeks ago16 min
132. The Surprise Investigation
Imagine landing your aircraft after a seemingly routine flight, only to find the FAA waiting for you on the ramp. In this special episode of I Learned About Flying From That, host Carl Valeri sits down with commercial pilot Elliot Mintzer to discuss a harrowing experience from early in his PC-12 career. What started as a standard Part 91 contract flight from the Mid-Atlantic to Texas quickly unraveled into a multi-year legal battle that threatened to end Elliot's aviation career before it truly took off.
- Jun 17, 202625 min
131. Wake Turbulence and an Unusual Attitude Over Maui
In Episode 131 of I Learned About Flying From That, host Carl Valeri sits down with Leslie Cobble, a seasoned flight instructor and owner of flight schools in Arkansas and Hawaii. What was supposed to be a routine engine break-in flight over the beautiful shores of Maui quickly turned into a terrifying fight for control.
- Jun 11, 202629 min
130. The Unintended Cessna 152 Camping Trip
In Episode 130 of I Learned About Flying From That, host Carl Valeri sits down with airline pilot and aviation attorney Chris Pezalla to recount a marathon time-building flight that quickly turned into a damp, late-night lesson in aeronautical decision-making. Twenty years ago, a 19-year-old Chris and a friend rented a Cessna 152 to fly from Daytona Beach down to Key West. What started as a straightforward opportunity to build cross-country flight time evolved into a grueling ordeal on the journey home.
- May 20, 202627 min
129. Stuck at Full Power
In episode 129 of I Learned About Flying from That, host Carl Valeri sits down with pilot Christy De La Torre and flight instructor Mac Bradley to unpack a routine instructional flight that quickly escalated into a real-world emergency. During a cross-country check ride preparation flight from Wiley Post to Wichita Falls, Texas, Christy and Mac were practicing pattern work when a critical mechanical failure occurred. After a touch-and-go landing, Christy attempted to pull the throttle back, only to discover the throttle cable had completely severed—leaving their aircraft's engine stuck operating at full power.
- May 6, 202628 min
128. Blinded by Oil
In Episode 128 of I Learned About Flying From That, host Carl Valeri welcomes Bill English, a veteran pilot, flight instructor, and former NTSB accident investigator with over 40 years of aviation experience. Bill recounts a harrowing situation while flying a Cessna 172 that had just undergone a major engine overhaul. Setting out on a cross-country training flight with two CFI trainees, the crew noticed what appeared to be water condensation on the windshield shortly after takeoff. The "rain" quickly worsened, turning into a brown film that completely obscured the front windshield. They soon realized a plug in the engine's hollow crankshaft had blown out, spraying hot oil all over the aircraft's fuselage. Tune in to hear the full breakdown of the emergency, plus vital lessons learned.
- Apr 22, 202623 min
127. The Blue Button Lifesaver
In this episode of I Learned About Flying From That, host Carl Valeri sits down with pilot David Segel to discuss a seemingly routine night flight that quickly turned into a harrowing lesson in survival. While attempting to regain his night currency at Alpine Airpark in Wyoming, David took off expecting a bright, full-moon lit sky to safely illuminate the surrounding 10,000-foot peaks. Instead, moments after leaving the runway, he was met with pitch-black darkness caused by an unexpected lunar eclipse. As severe spatial disorientation set in and his autopilot began blaring "Terrain! Pull Up!" warnings, David had to fight his own senses and rely on a critical piece of technology—the Garmin autopilot's "blue button"—to navigate his way out of danger. Owner: www.avemco.com/8705-ownerNon-Owner: www.avemco.com/8705-nonowner
- Apr 8, 202622 min
126. Slipping on the Slope of Safety
In this episode of I Learned About Flying From That, host Carl Valeri sits down with veteran pilot Richard Sheffield to recount a harrowing incident from his early flying days in Texas. What started as a routine solo flight in an Aeronca Champ turned into a desperate struggle for control on a gravel ramp. Richard shares the terrifying moment his engine surged during a solo hand-prop start, sending the aircraft into a clockwise pivot toward a parked Beechcraft Bonanza. Whether you're a taildragger enthusiast or a student pilot, Richard’s story is a powerful reminder that safety often comes down to the simplest tools and the humblest preparations.
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About I Learned About Flying From That
Tune in for the rest of the story—with exclusive interviews with pilots who have shared their emergencies, crises, and mistakes over 950-plus installments of Flying's iconic series, "I Learned About Flying From That." Host Carl Valeri relates the tale as told by the author, then catches up with that pilot to ask the questions we know have been on your mind.
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