Recently co-host Rick Felty had a chance to fly with and simultaneously interview Paul Santopietro, a 13,000 hour pilot, ATP, CFII, MEI, Commercial Glider, Commercial Single Engine Sea and 8,000 hour tailwheel pilot. The interview was conducted during cruise flight at about 2000 feet above southeastern Massachusetts while flying in a Cessna L-19 Bird Dog. With an old-school stick and rudder approach to flying and his affable manner, Paul discusses the unique challenges of tailwheel flying, the history of the Bird Dog itself, with a few other fun stories thrown in.

For part of the year, Paul is based on the east coast of Florida, but spends his summers teaching tailwheel flying at 1B2, Katama’s grass field on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Paul can be reached mainly via email at birdogdrivr@aol.com or visit his web site at LearnTailwheel.com (currently being renovated).

Listen to Episode 32a Below

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