Greg Brown: Cockpit Adventures from the Flying Carpet-logo

Greg Brown: Cockpit Adventures from the Flying Carpet

Sports & Recreation Podcasts

Ride along with renowned aviator, writer, and photographer Greg Brown in his light airplane, the "Flying Carpet," as he searches behind clouds for the real America, experiencing countless aerial adventures along the way. A former National Flight Instructor of the Year, Greg is author of five books, a former Barnes & Noble Arizona Author of the Month, and recently completed twenty years as aviation adventure columnist for AOPA Flight Training magazine. Some reviewers have compared his book, "Flying Carpet: The Soul of an Airplane," to sixties road-trip classics like "On the Road," and "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance." Says aviation author and humorist Rod Machado: “Greg thinks with the mind of a pilot, questions with the curiosity of a philosopher, and sees with the eyes of a poet.” Observes Nina Bell Allen, former “Readers Digest” Asst. Managing Editor, "You don't have to be a pilot, or even a frequent flyer, to soar with Greg Brown in [his] Flying Carpet." So buckle in and join Greg for the ride!

Location:

United States

Description:

Ride along with renowned aviator, writer, and photographer Greg Brown in his light airplane, the "Flying Carpet," as he searches behind clouds for the real America, experiencing countless aerial adventures along the way. A former National Flight Instructor of the Year, Greg is author of five books, a former Barnes & Noble Arizona Author of the Month, and recently completed twenty years as aviation adventure columnist for AOPA Flight Training magazine. Some reviewers have compared his book, "Flying Carpet: The Soul of an Airplane," to sixties road-trip classics like "On the Road," and "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance." Says aviation author and humorist Rod Machado: “Greg thinks with the mind of a pilot, questions with the curiosity of a philosopher, and sees with the eyes of a poet.” Observes Nina Bell Allen, former “Readers Digest” Asst. Managing Editor, "You don't have to be a pilot, or even a frequent flyer, to soar with Greg Brown in [his] Flying Carpet." So buckle in and join Greg for the ride!

Language:

English

Contact:

928-525-9446


Episodes

iPads, Icing, & Restricted Airspace!

12/16/2023
One thing I’ve learned over many years of piloting is that rarely can we plan a flight, take off, and then not need to worry about anything until we reach our destination. More often than not, circumstances arise before takeoff and en route that require planning, strategy, and tactics to get us safely where we’re going . A big part of this, too, is being prepared to land at any point… To turn around. To land at an inconvenient airport that might even be unattended. But if we’re not willing and able to make smart decisions “on the fly,” we cannot safely fly around in potentially marginal weather. This episode’s flight was great piloting adventure because we did not know over the entire three-hour flight whether we would make our destination. But when I discussed this flight with pilot friends afterwards, including some very experienced ones, I discovered that in the course of it I’d unwittingly done something innovative—an integration of new technology with what we’ve always done. Whether pilots or not, I think you’ll find it interesting. Okay, everyone, grab your logbooks, hop aboard my Flying Carpet, snug up your seatbelts, and prepare for takeoff on today’s adventure, “iPads & Icing!” **Follow the flight route at my website.** Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:28:17

Cowpunchers Reunion: Rough Flight Home

10/15/2023
You may remember meeting my cowboy buddy "Baldy" way back in Flying Carpet Podcast Flight #2, “Cowboy Pilot,” in which Jean and I were first invited to the annual "Arizona Cowpuncher’s Reunion." If you don’t remember that episode, or haven’t heard it, you might want to get to know Baldy via that episode before starting this one. Regardless, I predict you’ll get a kick joining our flying adventure to attend a unique “working cowboys” rodeo, and experiencing our piloting travails flying there and returning. Okay, everyone, hop aboard my Flying Carpet, snug up your seatbelts, and prepare for takeoff on today’s adventure, “Cowpunchers Reunion: Rough Flight Home.” Greg Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:16:58

Bad Omen

7/9/2023
There are many dimensions to piloting adventure: some are scary, most are educational, but all are memorable! Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:15:41

Lobe Plays Sedona; Skies Filled with Music

3/18/2023
“Lobe Plays Sedona; Skies filled with music.” Along with cockpit thrills and challenges, plenty of piloting adventure arises from where flying can deliver us, both physically and spiritually. That’s what today’s episode is about. Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:15:52

Vertigo!

12/10/2022
Some Lessons a Pilot Never Forgets "So this must be vertigo." I thought. Nausea circled my gut like the snowflakes orbiting my propeller. I peered out the windshield for landmarks, but snow obscured all but a tiny spot of ground beneath me, even at an altitude of only a thousand feet. To make matters worse, my navigational radio had obviously failed. How could I possibly have drifted so far off course as it suggested, on a flight of only 40 miles? It was almost Christmas, and I was a young University of Illinois student transporting precious parts for my motorcycle, home to Champaign... Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:15:46

Red Sports Car for a Day

11/18/2022
Ride along on Greg's youthful adventures in airplanes and automobiles! Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:15:07

Fifty Years Aloft

10/5/2022
I was recently awarded the FAA’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, for 50 years of safe piloting. It’s mind-boggling to consider how short the history of aviation is, that I should have personally flown for over 40% of the entire history of powered flight! In this episode I reflect on how general aviation flying has changed since I took to the skies in 1972. What’s more, today’s story kicks off a whole series of future episodes sharing many more cockpit adventures from those five decades. Something to look forward to! Okay, everyone, hop aboard my Flying Carpet, snug up your seatbelts, and prepare for takeoff on today’s adventure, “Fifty Years Aloft!” Greg PS: If you enjoy this podcast, please share with friends, and rate and review it on your favorite podcast directory! Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:22:36

Talking Spirits

8/16/2022
Piloting is a sophisticated activity that requires a good deal of training, hand-eye coordination, planning, and application of judgment. But today’s episode focuses more on spiritual aspects of flying--that is, why we do it, rather than how we do it, and it's topped off by a crazy destination. This story is one of my personal favorites, and I hope you’ll enjoy it. Okay, everyone, hop aboard my Flying Carpet, snug up your seatbelts, and prepare for takeoff on today’s adventure, “Talking Spirits!” Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:16:09

Captain Midnight

4/16/2022
As you’ve likely heard, the final Learjet was recently delivered following almost 60 years of production. I was a kid when the Lear 23 was first introduced in 1964. Although a few other corporate jets were flying by then, most companies still motored around in relatively slow, unpressurized piston airplanes, many of them repurposed WWII-era bombers and freighters. The Lear was so sleek, sexy, and fast in comparison that it seemingly arrived from the future, revolutionizing air travel as evidenced by some 3,000 aircraft delivered over so many years. Today’s episode is a tribute to the Learjet via "Captain Midnight," one of the model’s early captains and the most dashing pilot I've ever met, who along the way inspired me and other enthusiastic kids to earn their wings in his footsteps. Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:15:41

Backstory: Flight Instructor Hall of Fame

4/4/2022
Every aviator develops mutually rewarding relationships with the flight instructors delivering his or her wings. Well, here’s the backstory of one of those relationships, that over 22 years led to the Flight Instructor Hall of Fame. It’s a story every pilot will appreciate. Read my 1999 NAFI Mentor column referenced in the Podcast. Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:15:17

Share Your Gift of Flight!

10/31/2021
Tips and tricks for introducing family and friends to general aviation flying, including some hysterical stories about how NOT to do it! Learn how to treat family and friends to their critical first airplane rides, to ensure that they enjoy themselves and want to fly with you again. Heads up that this is a live recording of a talk given several years ago, meaning audio quality is somewhat variable. But if you’ll stick with me I promise some great tips, along with some fun stories pilots at every experience level will appreciate. Okay, everyone, hop aboard my Flying Carpet, snug up your seatbelts, and prepare for takeoff on today’s adventure, “Share your Gift of Flight!” Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:46:30

Pilgrimage to Oshkosh!

7/27/2021
Everyone knows this is Oshkosh AirVenture Fly-in week, right? Well, grab your logbook, 'cause it's time for "Pilgrimage to Oshkosh," Greg Brown's Flying Carpet Podcast #18. Whether you're at AirVenture now or just wish you were, I promise you cross-country time, some laughs, and a fresh perspective! So hop in the Flying Carpet with me, and we’ll go check it out! Greg PS: If you enjoy this podcast, please share with friends! Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:23:41

"Parlez-vous Anglais?"

6/20/2021
Ever wonder what it would be like, flying yourself into a foreign country where pilot communications are transmitted in an unknown-to-you language? Well, here's your opportunity to find out! This episode marks fifty years of a treasured friendship, arising under unusual circumstances from a long-ago foreign adventure, and continued over the years through Flying Carpet adventures like this one! Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:20:17

World War I in the Air!

5/18/2021
Ever wonder what it was like to fly primitive airplanes into battle in World War I? Well, here’s your opportunity to find out! “The engine is the heart of an airplane, but the pilot is its soul,” ⸺Sir Walter Raleigh, The War in the Air, 1922 (Music by Hannis Brown) Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:32:23

Birthday Flowers

3/13/2021
When celebrating birthdays with zeros in them, flowers alone won’t do it. So when Jean marked a new decade I sought somewhere special we could fly to celebrate. “But it seems weird celebrating a big birthday in Death Valley,” she said... Check out the photos at GregBrownFlyingCarpet.com ! (Music by Hannis Brown) Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:15:58

Realm of the Ancients

2/6/2021
Experience archaeology by Flying Carpet: Earning your wings is more than piloting an airplane; it's about where flying can take you! Don't miss this episode's photos at GregBrownFlyingCarpet.com ! (Music by Hannis Brown) Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:16:19

Mayhem Beneath Our Wings

1/7/2021
“Look!” said my wife with horror. “There’s been a terrible crash!” Glancing downward, there was just time for me to glimpse carnage on Highway 202, the Red Mountain Freeway east of Phoenix. A few hundred feet beneath us, flames and blackened vehicles littered the roadway as we crossed low on final approach to land at Falcon Field. See photos at episode website. (Music by Hannis Brown) Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:12:46

Ghost of Christmas Flights Past

12/24/2020
Here's an audio holiday card to you and your family, direct from the cockpit of the Flying Carpet! It's been a mighty tough year, between pandemic, politics, and world problems, so from our family to yours, we hope this little audio card will brighten your holiday season, whatever your heritage or faith. May the coming year mark happier times for all of us! Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:07:57

Inches of Runway

12/19/2020
Grab your logbook, ‘cause it’s time for Flying Carpet Podcast Flight #12, “Inches of Runway!” Because wind is invisible, it rarely seems as threatening as other weather when you’re flight planning, especially under clear skies. But as every pilot learns, wind is real; like other weather features it can be helpful or hazardous. Consider, for example, a 65-knot (75mph) headwind…! See photos at the episode website. Music by Hannis Brown Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:17:48

Vulture's Prey

11/29/2020
The saga of the Lobe Band Bus, rescued by Flying Carpet. "You could always circle it on the way back, like a vulture!" See photos at the episode website! Music by Hannis Brown. Support the showhttps://gregbrownflyingcarpet.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/GregBrownFlyingCarpet/ https://www.instagram.com/gregbrownflyingcarpet/

Duration:00:17:47