Buying aircraft insurance can often feel like an opaque, frustrating process of filling out paperwork and bracing for rate hikes. In this episode Doug Tibbs, managing director at 5X5 Aviation Insurance and a former business jet pilot, pulls back the curtain on how aircraft policies are actually quoted. He explains the critical difference between brokers and underwriters, how real-time flight data is shaking up the industry, and the exact steps aircraft owners can take to lower premiums. Doug also shares colorful stories from his years in corporate aviation, including candid thoughts on crew resource management, single-pilot safety, and memorable passengers. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear how many hours is too few for insurance, why claims happen outside of accidents, and what his dream airplane is.

SHOW LINKS:

* 5X5 Aviation Insurance: https://www.5x5insurance.com/

* DuPage Airport: https://dupageairport.gov/

* PilotWorkshops Premier: https://pilotworkshop.com/products/premier/

What happens when you take a former high school chemistry teacher, turn her into a CFI, and send her back into the high school classroom to run a full-semester private pilot ground school? In this episode, high school educator, medical professional, and flight instructor Kailee Calder explains how she is reshaping youth aviation outreach through CTE partnerships in Utah. She also shares lessons she’s learned as a teacher that work for flight instructors and takes on misconceptions about today’s youth. In the Ready to Copy segment, Kailee shares her favorite flight simulator scenario for kids, why social media isn’t always the best marketing channel for flight schools, and the weather tips she learned from sailing.

SHOW LINKS:

* Kailee’s website: https://www.kaileecalder.com

* Aviation class at Davis Catalyst: https://catalyst.davis.k12.ut.us/o/cace/page/pilot-aviation

* PilotWorkshops Premier: https://pilotworkshop.com/products/premier/

Former NASA Flight Director and experimental aircraft expert Paul Dye explains how high-stakes spaceflight principles can translate to the world of single-pilot GA flying. He reflects on decision-making at Mission Control, the art of evaluating risk versus uncertainty, and why pilots must always be willing to question their own choices. He also breaks down the reality of building kitplanes, offering honest advice on what it takes to finish a project, how to approach flight testing safely, and how MOSAIC could shape general aviation’s future. In the Ready to Copy lightning round, Paul talks about NASA in the movies, flying the Fisk Arrival into Oshkosh, and why a simple J-3 Cub on a grass strip remains hard to beat.

SHOW LINKS:

* Ironflight website: https://ironflight.com/

* Paul’s articles at AvBrief: https://avbrief.com/author/ironflight/

* PJ2 GPS Radio: https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html