<p>Join me, Trent Robinson, an experienced Head of Operations, flight examiner, and charter pilot with over 26 years of experience, as we delve into the fascinating world of aviation. Based in Darwin, Australia, this podcast is designed for aviators of all levels, from beginners to advanced professionals. While our discussions have an Australian focus, the insights and knowledge shared are applicable to aviators worldwide.<br><br></p><p>Expect a variety of content, including insider tips, discussions on flight training and safety, advice for flight tests, in-depth explorations of aviation theory and regulations and engaging conversations with special guests. Whether you're a seasoned pilot or just starting your aviation journey, there's something here for you.<br><br></p><p>Don't miss out on valuable insights and entertaining discussions – subscribe today! Stay connected by reaching out to me via email at <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> or find me on Instagram and Facebook by searching for Trent Robinson Aviation.<br><br>Theme music by Audionautix.com</p>
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Today on the show I’m delighted to be joined by Aaron Kaplan — a seasoned aviation professional with deep experience in the helicopter sector and industry advocacy. Aaron is currently the Deputy HOO with United Aero Helicopters, where he’s built his career around helicopter flight training and operational excellence.
Check out Aaron's LinkedIn profile here
Email: [email protected]
Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
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Phil’s been flying since 1976. He’s competed in aerobatics since the 80s. He co-founded Action Aerobatics and helped produce around 40 state and national champions.
He formed the Skyaces formation aerobatics team, flown everything from Harvards to jets, served as Chief Pilot and CFI at the Royal Newcastle Aero Club, runs Phil Unicomb Aviation, and in 2025 was awarded the Col Pay Award for Lifetime Service to General Aviation at the CASA Wings Awards.
Phil Unicomb Aviation YouTube Channel
Email: [email protected]
Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
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Imagine you’ve just lifted off.
You’re passing 200 feet. Everything feels normal.
Then the engine note changes.
Not silence…
not failure…
just a rough, struggling loss of power.
The aircraft is still climbing — but barely.
Do you keep going?
Turn back?
Land ahead?
In the next few seconds, the wrong decision can be fatal.
Today we’re talking about the emergency we train for the least…
yet one that catches pilots off guard more than almost any other.
ATSB avoidable accidents: Managing partial power loss after takeoff in single engine aircraft
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Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
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You might already hold a night VFR rating, be working towards an instrument rating, or be planning to start one soon. And at some point in your training, someone will tell you that once you’re qualified, you’re “allowed” to fly at night.
But today I want to challenge that idea.
Because being allowed to fly at night, and being genuinely ready to fly at night — especially on instruments — are not the same thing.
Email: [email protected]
Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
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Every flight instructor has faced the same moment.
You see a student starting to unravel. Directional control is slipping, workload is climbing, and things are heading in the wrong direction. Instinct kicks in — you reach for the controls to “help”.
That moment — the decision to assist rather than decisively take over — sits at the centre of a recent Australian court case that ended in a training aircraft crash, the loss of a student’s flying career, and almost $800,000 in damages awarded against a flight training organisation.
This case should make every instructor and operator pause and reflect.
Email: [email protected]
Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
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Social Media Links:
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Podcast Episodes: http://www.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
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I’ve been asking pilots a simple question: how well did your training actually prepare you for real-world flying?
The answers have been confronting. Not because they’re emotional — but because they’re consistent.
This episode isn’t about naming names. It’s about listening to what students are telling us, identifying the patterns, and asking whether we’re truly training pilots… or just getting them through tests.
Email: [email protected]
Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
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Social Media Links:
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Podcast Episodes: http://www.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
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Today we’re going to break down what CFIT and LOC-I actually mean, why they’re still such a stubborn problem, what the leading causes look like across airlines, helicopters, and general aviation, and how we train to mitigate them — including the tricky bit: risk versus reward in training, and where simulators genuinely move the needle.
Email: [email protected]
Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
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Pilot Logbook
Digital Excel spreadsheet logbook for a one off payment. Podcast listeners get 20% Off!!
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Podcast Episodes: http://www.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
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Back in 2023 I spoke with our guests UPRT Australia's Shane Tobin and Jeremy Miller about UPRT training as a whole. Today we are going to talk specifically about stalling and stalling accidents, and the differences from the Day VFR Syllabus and the current Part 61 MOS and instructors understanding.
UPRT Australia Website
Up, Forward, In - Formation book by Jeremy Miller - click here!
Email: [email protected]
Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
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Social Media Links:
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Podcast Episodes: http://www.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
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I recap my Broome trip, Answer your questions plus an Exercise Pitch Black update for 2026 and your chance to win 1 of 10 free digital logbooks!
GELP vs AELP
Which Pathway is best for you?
Email: [email protected]
Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
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Pilot Logbook
Digital Excel spreadsheet logbook for a one off payment. Podcast listeners get 20% Off!!
Pilot Nav Bags - Get $10 off using the code FTAPODCAST
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Facebook: http://www.facebook.com.au/trentrobinsonaviation
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Podcast Episodes: http://www.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
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In this episode we’re talking about something a little closer to home: Tropical Cyclone Fina, which has just passed through Darwin Nov 22nd.
Patreon Black Friday sale - 30% off Patreon subscriptions - Code BLACKFRIDAY
Email: [email protected]
Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
Affiliate Links:
Pilot Logbook
Digital Excel spreadsheet logbook for a one off payment. Podcast listeners get 20% Off!!
Pilot Nav Bags - Get $10 off using the code FTAPODCAST
Social Media Links:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com.au/trentrobinsonaviation
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/trent_robinson_aviation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flighttrainingaustralia
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Podcast Episodes: http://www.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
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Who can certify a logbook?
RPL endorsements
Best tips for CPL hour building
And a few questions about me!
Email: [email protected]
Online Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au
Affiliate Links:
Pilot Logbook
Digital Excel spreadsheet logbook for a one off payment. Podcast listeners get 20% Off!!
Pilot Nav Bags - Get $10 off using the code FTAPODCAST
Social Media Links:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com.au/trentrobinsonaviation
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/trent_robinson_aviation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flighttrainingaustralia
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Podcast Episodes: http://www.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au