70. How musicians and pilots are similar, with Randy Waldman

01/30/24 • 32 min

When you go on tour with Frank Sinatra at age 21, it’s hard to be intimidated—so it’s no surprise Randy Waldman jumped into the exciting world of helicopters with both feet. In this episode he shares his unique aviation journey, from model airplanes to owning a Mooney to setting a speed record in a Bell OH-58. As one of LA’s most experienced studio musicians and an active helicopter CFI, Randy talks about the similarities between music and flying, including how pilots can develop feel, whether having a career plan B makes sense, and how to use all your senses. In the Ready to Copy segment, Randy shares the most challenging part of flying in LA, his favorite turbine helicopter, and the most underrated jazz musician.

SHOW LINKS:

Randy’s website: https://www.jazzpilot.com

Randy playing live: https://youtu.be/CrQStTecDk4

Sporty’s Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html

SHOW LINKS:

Randy’s website: https://www.jazzpilot.com

Randy playing live: https://youtu.be/CrQStTecDk4

Sporty’s Pilot Training+ membership: https://www.sportys.com/sportys-pilot-training-plus.html

Previous Episode

69. Engine failure lessons and flight simulator tips, with Josh Harnagel

On his way to Sun ’n Fun 2023, the engine on Josh Harnagel’s Bonanza quit, leading to a forced landing in a cow pasture. While no one was hurt, Josh learned a lot from this harrowing experience. He shares those lessons in this episode, including why partial engine failures are hard to diagnose, why hope can kill you in an emergency, and what he has changed about his habits since the incident. Josh works at Redbird, so he also offers plenty of practical tips for using flight simulators to maintain proficiency, whether at the airport or at home. In the Ready to Copy Segment, you’ll hear the biggest marketing mistake flight schools make, the best Bonanza model, and Josh’s favorite Texas barbecue.

SHOW LINKS:

Video of Josh's landing: https://www.redbirdflight.com/landing/its-the-hope-that-kills-you
Redbird flight simulators: https://www.sportys.com/flight-simulator/redbird.html
AeroWear: http://aerowear.co

Next Episode

71. IFR proficiency and remote flight instruction, with Ryan Koch

Earning an instrument rating can unlock new flying adventures, but only if you keep your skills sharp. In this episode, CFII Ryan Koch offers some tips for doing that, including: staying mentally engaged when you can’t fly, using scenarios instead of maneuvers, and simple techniques for improving your instrument scan. Ryan also talks about delivering remote flight instruction with flight simulators, including for avionics training and high school classes. In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear how Ryan uses checklists during IFR flight, what he likes best about the Stearman, and his favorite guitarist.

SHOW LINKS:

IFR Procedures Manual: https://www.sportys.com/pilot-workshops-ifr-procedures-manual-digital-copy.html

PilotWorkshops IFR Mastery Membership: https://pilotworkshop.com/products/ifr-mastery/?disc=36