‘I Learned About Flying From That’ Podcast: Why Preflight Planning Is Crucial

FLYING is counting down to its 100th ILAFFT podcast episode. This week we revisit listener favorite No. 7: “Be the Pilot in Command.”

Whatever stage of flying you are in, preflight checks before takeoff are a necessary element of your flight. [FLYING file photo]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • "I Learned About Flying From That" (ILAFFT) is a long-standing column and podcast by FLYING magazine dedicated to sharing real-life aviation incidents and the crucial safety lessons learned from them.
  • The ILAFFT podcast, hosted by Rob Reider, is nearing its 100th episode in February and is celebrating by counting down listeners' favorite episodes.
  • This week, the article highlights the No. 7 listener favorite, "Episode 57: Be the Pilot in Command," which features John Jordan's stories emphasizing the critical importance of preflight planning.
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Nearly nine decades ago, FLYING launched its “I Learned About Flying From That” column— known as ILAFFT—to provide GA pilots firsthand accounts of harrowing aviation experiences. Sharing the lesson learned helps other pilots avoid the same fate and become better, safer pilots in the process.  

In recent years, the ILAFFT journey evolved to include a podcast adding an extra dimension to the experience through exclusive interviews with pilots sharing their stories.

Every other week, host Rob Reider 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. What were the lessons learned? What would they do differently? What are the actions you can apply to your own flying to deal with a similar situation? 

In February, FLYING will air its 100th ILAFFT podcast episode. To celebrate this remarkable milestone, we’re counting down listeners’ favorites. 

This week, we continue the countdown with a look back at the No. 7 listener favorite: “Episode 57: Be the Pilot in Command,” which aired April 5, 2023.

John Jordan shares stories from early in his career flying out of California’s wine country in a Warrior and a 172 that illuminate why preflight planning is crucial.

Can’t get enough of the firsthand experiences? Start planning your podcast binge here, and check out our ILAFFT print archives here. To submit a story or be considered to be featured on a future episode, email us at edit@flying.media.

FLYING Staff

FLYING Magazine is a one-stop resource for everything aviation, including news, training, aircraft, gear, careers, photos, videos, and more.

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