Podcast · Leisure & Travel

Coffee In A Hangar

by Daniel Maccarone · English · Leisure & Travel

Interview with pilots who tell stories about their adventures, lessons learned and laughs had. Mainly Alaska based bush pilots who tell stories of growing up in the wilderness of the last frontier.

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 1 hr 47 min
Latest: 17 Feb 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

17 Feb 2026 · 2 hr 7 min

Air America and Other Risky Flying Exploits - Neil Hansen, Ep 28

Sponsored by: https://sportaircraftseats.com/Neil's Book: https://a.co/d/0aCmcF10Our website: Coffeeinahangar.comIn this episode of the Coffee in a Hangar podcast, I sit down with Neil Hansen (author of Flight: An Air America Pilot Story of Adventure, Descent, and Redemption) for one of the most jaw-dropping conversations we’ve ever had. Neil’s story spans everything from high-risk flying in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, to the hidden world of Air America and the CIA, and the kind of missions that never made the nightly news.We talk about flying the C-123 aircraft on low-level…

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Earlier episodes 27 most recent

S1 · E27 · 18 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 55 min
Bob Breeden, Flying in Alaska and Argentina
Bob Breeden is a recreational backcountry Super Cub pilot that has been flaying for 38 years in Alaska and beyond. In this episode of the Coffee In A Hangar Podcast he shares how he has safely navigated the dangerous sport of off airport mountain flying. From landing on the moving surface of high mountain glaciers in Alaska to ridge lines in Patagonia and waterfalls in Iceland, he has done it all in a "sanitary" and safe way.
4 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 36 min
Ty Christensen - Bush Landings & Risk Management
Sponsor: sportaircraftseats.comjoin our email list: coffeeinahangar.comTy Christensen joins us for one of the most skill-focused episodes we’ve ever recorded. As one of the most talented young Super Cub pilots in Alaska, Ty breaks down how he manages energy, evaluates risk, and teaches new pilots the fundamentals of flying in the backcountry.In this conversation, we dig into what it really takes to fly a Super Cub precisely and safely in off-airport terrain. Ty shares his approach to bush landings, reading terrain, dealing with unexpected variables, and the techniques he drills into students…
S1 · E25 · 7 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
Frank Knapp Secrets of STOL & More!
Sponsor: sportaircraftseats.comjoin our email list: coffeeinahangar.com Frank Knapp: STOL Champion, Innovator, and Alaska Bush PilotIn this episode of Coffee In a Hangar, we sit down with Frank Knapp, one of the most recognized names in the short takeoff and landing (STOL) community. Frank opens up about what it takes to win STOL competitions, the mindset behind his success, and gives us an inside look at the new airplane he’s been building from the ground up.He shares his tuning tricks, setup details, flying techniques, and a few stories that show why Alaska’s backcountry flying is unlike…
S1 · E24 · 9 Oct 2025 · 1 hr 41 min
Kitty Banner | Glacier Pilot in Talkeetna Alaska | Coffee In A Hangar Ep 24
Sponsor: sportaircraftseats.comjoin our email list: coffeeinahangar.comKitty's book: https://www.amazon.com/Wings-Her-Dreams-Alaska-Glacier/dp/1880654512Avalanches, tailwheel failures, and hunters who won’t take no for an answer.** In this episode of *Coffee in a Hangar*, legendary Alaska pilot **Kitty Banner** shares raw, riveting stories from the 1970s and beyond—learning to fly in Talkeetna, hauling climbers to Denali, glacier landings with no go-around, a tailwheel assembly shearing off at rotation, and the unglamorous realities of guiding hunters and rescuing overdue mountaineers. She…
S1 · E23 · 18 Sep 2025 · 1 hr 38 min
Flying Across Alaska With No Engine | Bryan Friedrichs | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 23
Sponsored by: Sportaircraftseats.comCoffeeinahangar.com to sign up for our email listWhat if you could travel hundreds of miles across the mountains of Alaska—with nothing but a 5-pound ball of fabric on your back?My guest today, Bryan Friedrichs, does exactly that. He’s one of only a handful of adventurers in the state combining cross-country paragliding, mountaineering, and packrafting into single, mind-bending wilderness traverses. Imagine launching from a remote alpine ridge, catching thermals to 7,000 feet, crossing glaciers, and then landing on the banks of questionable rivers to float…
S1 · E22 · 29 Aug 2025 · 1 hr 47 min
BushWheel Announcement?!?!? Sean Mclaughlin Exclusive Interview | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 22
Sponsored by: Sportaircraftseats.comCoffeeinahangar.com to sign up for our email listIn this episode of Coffee In A Hangar, Sean Mclaughlin, CEO of Alaska Gear Company, shares his wild journey from buying a struggling Super Cub fuselage shop to building a 130,000 sq. ft. aviation powerhouse with 80+ employees. Along the way, he faced FAA audits, near business collapses, and the challenge of innovating certified aircraft parts in one of the toughest industries on earth.✈️ Topics we cover:How a failing backwoods welding shop turned into a multi-million-dollar aviation brand.The difficulty of…
S1 · E21 · 14 Aug 2025 · 1 hr 34 min
His Dad Was The World's First Bush Pilot | Richard Wien Interview | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 21
Sponsored by: Sportaircraftseats.comCoffeeinahangar.com to sign up for our email listRichard's Book - The Flying Wiens: https://www.amazon.com/Flying-Wiens-Richard-Wien/dp/157833876XJames T. Hutchison Repairing Fairchild 71 Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQn5DRSstq8Olaf Swenson's Book - Northwest Of The WorldIn the 1920s, the first Alaskan aviators flew into a world that was constantly trying to kill them. With no maps, compasses that were inaccurate, unreliable engines, and open cockpit airplanes... These pilots operated over hundreds of miles of hostile un-improving wilderness,…
S1 · E20 · 18 Jul 2025 · 2 hr 3 min
How to Survive Alaska’s Backcountry | Stories & Advice from Legend Pilot and Guide Kirk Ellis | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 20
What happens when the engine mount on your bush plane breaks mid-flight? Or when you run out of gas 43 miles offshore on the Arctic sea ice at -30°F?In this episode you’ll hear:-Why staying calm in harsh flying conditions can save your life.-What happens when you grab a live wounded wolf with your bare hands-The genius (and slightly insane) way to inflate a flat aircraft tire with a campfire 🔥-How a four place Cub is better than a regular one.-What it really takes to live, fly, and survive in Alaska’s backcountryThis episode is packed with jaw-dropping tales of old-school aviation,…
S1 · E19 · 10 Jul 2025 · 1 hr 56 min
Extreme weather | Alaska Peninsula Pilot - Guy Morgan | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 19
Join our email list: https://coffeeinahangar.comSponsor Sport Aircraft Seats: https://sportaircraftseats.comIn this episode of Coffee and a Hangar, we sit down with Guy Morgan — a lifelong bush pilot, fisherman, and mechanic who spent his career navigating the brutal weather, shifting winds, and volcanic terrain of the Alaska Peninsula. 🌋 From dodging volcanic eruptions to flying in hurricane force winds, Guy’s stories are jaw-dropping — and his aviation wisdom is priceless.We discuss:How Guy started flying at 14Narrowly missing a fatal crash due to quick thinkingWhat it takes to land in…
S1 · E18 · 22 Jun 2025 · 1 hr 59 min
Helio Rescue In Devils Canyon And Other Crazy Alaskan Stories | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 18
Join our email list: https://coffeeinahangar.com Sponsor: https://sportaircraftseats.com Grab his book: https://www.amazon.com/No-Sequel-Life-Heart-Pilot/dp/B0CY9N9YYJ Devil's Canyon Rescue Podcast: -Part 1: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5PnrNkWcp7glYggwSFb0PE?si=3Q-vZhT4Q1yusdGQZQamYA&nd=1&dlsi=77417b5616cb42f9 -Part 2: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2AdzZGmi4DvqjZnJ80WbBY?si=rTmbMJR-Sw-LFHEc050e7Q&nd=1&dlsi=ede29b39c07342d1 In this episode of Coffee In a Hangar, meet Jerry Jacques — bush pilot, hunting and rafting guide, lodge owner, and author of No Sequel to Life. Jerry’s adventures…
S1 · E17 · 14 Jun 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
Drunk Boss Steals Airplane and other Crazy Alaskan Stories | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 17
Sponsor: https://sportaircraftseats.comSign Up For Our Newsletter: https://coffeeinahangar.com In this episode of Coffee in a Hangar, our guest Phil Shoemaker shares stories and lessons from his 50+ year long career. Here are a few topics you can expect! 1. How he accidentally became a big game hunting guide after just three days on the job — when his mentor was arrested for murder. 2. The pressure of flying high-paying hunting clients into remote areas, often right to the edge of what’s safe — and the hard calls that come with it. 3. Defending client’s from vicious bear attacks. 4. Close…
S1 · E16 · 7 Jun 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
What Happened To Patagonia Bush Pilot? | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 16
When a downdraft flipped his Super Cub in the middle of the Andes, Que Que Parodi spent 27 hours stranded in a snowstorm—alone, underdressed, and fighting to survive. That’s just one of the wild stories in this episode of Coffee and a Hanger.Que Que describes the moment he stumbled upon a video about bush pilots in Alaska. Watching Paul Claus fly a Super Cub through remote Alaskan wilderness inspired him. This was what he was meant to do.Que Que is the founder of Patagonia Bush Pilots, a rapidly growing backcountry flight school in Argentina. With only six years of flying under his belt,…
S1 · E15 · 27 May 2025 · 2 hr 18 min
Airplane Wrecks and Polar Bears | An Alaska School Teachers Amazing Life - Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 15
Sponsor https://sportaircraftseats.comWelcome to the Coffee in a Hanger podcast.In this episode, we sit down with Gary Heert, a former school teacher from Kotzebue, Alaska, who spent his evenings and weekends flying through the unforgiving backcountry, often bending more than just a few rules (and airplane parts). From homemade runways and makeshift repairs to flying crippled aircraft out of the wilderness—Gary’s stories guarantee to be memorable.Highlights include:-Crashing a plane in the middle of nowhere and rebuilding it on-site with a tripod and an axe-Flying a damaged aircraft 45…
S1 · E14 · 17 May 2025 · 53 min
Float Plane Rescues | Flying The President | The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill - Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 14
Welcome to the Coffee Hangar Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Glenn Curtis — a veteran pilot with over 50 years of flying experience across Alaska’s wildest skies. From daring floatplane rescues in Cook Inlet, flying President Bush, to surviving a terrifying emergency landing in the tundra, Glenn’s incredible stories will captivate anyone fascinated by aviation and adventure.🎙️ What you’ll hear in this episode:-How Glenn went from a novice floatplane pilot to mastering some of Alaska’s most challenging landings-Intense moments flying medevac missions and making split-second…
S1 · E13 · 6 May 2025 · 1 hr 51 min
Terry Holliday Recounts His Early Days Of Aviation | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 13
Alaska’s Legendary Bush Pilot: Terry Holliday In this unforgettable episode of Coffee and a Hanger, we sit down with Terry Holliday—Alaska Aviation Hall of Famer, Wright Brothers Award recipient, Craig Taylor Award recipient, and living legend of the Alaskan skies. His story begins in 1957 when, at just 12 years old, he wandered into a canvas tent in Anchorage and met a man rebuilding an airplane engine. That chance encounter set him on a lifelong path of flight, adventure, and survival.Terry recounts growing up in Anchorage, learning to weld with a coat hanger, rebuilding aircraft engines…
S1 · E12 · 17 Mar 2025 · 2 hr 23 min
Alaska Bush Pilot Interview - Mike Meekin | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 12
Bush Flying Legends & Survival: Mike Meekin's 50-Year flying JourneyWelcome to the Coffee and a Hangar Podcast! Today, we sit down with Mike Meekin, a bush pilot with over 50 years of experience navigating some of the most challenging terrains in aviation. With 11 TBO’d engines on just one plane, Mike is the definition of experience, skill, and survival in the mountains.From parachute failures and near-crashes to mastering the art of short-field landings, this episode is packed with thrilling stories, hard-earned wisdom, and real talk about what it takes to fly in some of the most…
S1 · E11 · 21 Jan 2025 · 1 hr 46 min
How to be a Bush Pilot + Nearly Fatal Crash | Art Warbelow Part 2 | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 11
Sponsor: SportAircraftSeats.com This is part two of our conversation with Art Warbelow. Check out part 1 for his back story and how he learned to fly. Strap in for an unforgettable journey into the world of bush flying with Art Warbelow, a bush pilot who started flying when he was 16. He shares tales of adventure, survival, and lessons from his years in the air. In this second part of our Coffee and a Hanger podcast, Art offers unique insights into off-airport flying, including techniques for STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) operations, lessons learned from near-misses, and stories of bush…
S1 · E10 · 17 Dec 2024 · 1 hr 39 min
The Stories He Couldn’t Tell: Art Warbelow’s Bush Flying Story - Part 1 | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 10
Sponsor: https://sportaircraftseats.com Strap in for an unforgettable ride! On today’s episode of the Coffee and Hanger Podcast, I sit down with bush pilot, Art Warbelow, the founder of Warbelow’s Air Ventures in Fairbanks, Alaska. Art takes us back to his teenage years, sharing harrowing tales of flying, surviving, and the sheer grit it took to salvage his father’s flying service after a devastating tragedy. From illegal landings on snowy Alaskan roads to close encounters in the fog, Art’s stories are a mix of heart-pounding adventure and pure Alaskan ingenuity. Hear how Art and his teenage…
S1 · E9 · 19 Nov 2024 · 2 hr 29 min
Plane Wrecks, Brain Farts, & Bad Weather | What He's Learned in 50 Years | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 9
https://sportaircraftseats.com https://www.godscountryaviation.com In this episode, we sit down with game warden and bush pilot Curt Beddingfield, who shares some thrilling stories from his experiences flying in the Alaskan wilderness. From navigating high winds on the Alaska Peninsula to miraculous escapes on rugged landing strips, Curt opens up about the risks, mistakes, and important lessons that have shaped his career. Hear about flying backwards in high winds, saving a heart attack victim in 50mph gusts, and the terrifying moment Curt realized he was heading straight for a mountain.…
S1 · E8 · 1 Oct 2024 · 2 hr 18 min
Fastest Way To Wreck An Airplane - Adam Grenda's Story | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 8
In this episode of the Coffee and a Hangar Podcast, we're excited to welcome Adam Grenda, a seasoned pilot, big game hunter, and trapper hailing from King Salmon, Alaska. Adam dives deep into his unique journey of learning to fly in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness, all under the mentorship of legendary bush pilot Ron Hayes. Adam reflects on the impact Ron had on his career, offering valuable lessons from the heart of Alaska. We explore everything from Adam’s terrifying near-crash incident to his lifelong passion for hunting, which began at a young age. His stories perfectly capture the…
S1 · E7 · 30 Aug 2024 · 1 hr 48 min
Bush Pilots and Big Game | Larry Rivers Flying and Hunting in Alaska | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 7
Welcome to the Coffee In A Hangar Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Larry Rivers, a true legend in the world of bush flying and backcountry guiding. For over 40 years, Larry operated a successful guiding business in the rugged mountains of Alaska, where he flew his guides, clients, and gear to remote, unimproved landing strips. These strips were barely big enough to land on, and Larry flew at full gross weight, often in some of the worst weather conditions Alaska has to offer. Larry shares the incredible stories and lessons he's learned from decades of pushing the limits in one of…
S1 · E6 · 26 Jul 2024 · 1 hr 48 min
Wisdom from a 95-Year-Old Alaska Bush Pilot | Coffee In A Hangar Podcast - Ep 6
🛫 **Support Our Channel**: Visit [Sport Aircraft Seats]( https://www.sportcraftseats.com ) for custom aircraft seat upholstery kits. Perfect for enhancing your flying experience! Today, we sit down with Ron Hayes, a 95-year-old Alaska bush pilot with nearly 70 years of flying experience. In this episode, Ron shares his incredible stories and invaluable knowledge about bush flying in Alaska. From guiding polar bear hunts in the Arctic to flying through dangerous conditions during the Cold War, Ron's tales are nothing short of legendary. We dive deep into his early years of learning to bush…
28 Jun 2024 · 1 hr 30 min
Interview: Alaska Bush Pilot Will Johnson | Coffee In A Hangar Podcast - Ep 5
Welcome to the Coffee and a Hanger podcast! In this episode, we have the incredible Will Johnson, who left a stable engineering job at Westinghouse Corporation in the 1980s to become a bush pilot in Alaska. Will shares thrilling stories from his time flying over the vast Alaskan wilderness, including a daring rescue mission in the Bering Sea. Will talks about his early days as a green pilot, learning the ropes the hard way, and using his ingenuity to navigate challenging situations. One such story involves rescuing a man with a ruptured hernia from a boat 150 miles out in the Bering Sea.…
E4 · 13 Jun 2024 · 1 hr 51 min
From Plane Crashes To Bear Attacks - Rob Carleson's Story | Coffee In A Hangar Podcast - Ep 4
At the age of six years old Rob Carleson was dropped off at a remote cabin in the foothills of the Alaska Range with his step-grandmother. In this video, he recalls the incredible stories of survival, subsistence, and the unique state of off-airport aviation that persisted during his childhood.
E3 · 13 Jun 2024 · 1 hr 32 min
Crashes & Close Calls: Tales from Kirk Ellis 40 plus years of bush flying | Coffee In A Hangar - Ep 3
Kirk Ellis portrays growing up in the remote wilderness of Nabesna Alaska. He describes what challenges followed that lifestyle, and the benefits that bush aviation allowed his family. He recounts stories of recovering wrecked airplanes, and flying them to civilization. He describes the challenges of flying in the terrain he grew up in. He contrasts what past vs present off-airport aviation, hunting, and guiding looked like.
E2 · 13 Jun 2024 · 1 hr 31 min
Aviation Safety Myths: Bush Pilot Mindset with Matt Keller | Coffee In A Hangar Podcast - Ep 2
In this video Matt Keller with Blue Ice Aviation provides valuable information for how to transition to Mountain flying. He provides unique scenarios, and lessons, which demonstrate how to adapt to the unexpected conditions that bush Alaska will throw your way. Matt also recounts memories of his past, such as flying with his father in law, legendary bush pilot Mike Meekin. Matt also unveils an exciting new project he's been developing, a Glacier hut getaway in the Chugach Mountains.
E1 · 13 Jun 2024 · 57 min
Interview: Alaska Bush Pilot Steve Williams | Coffee In A Hangar Podcast - Ep 1
In this video, Steve Williams with Acme Cub Training teaches the best practices to safely transition to off-airport flying. He delves into the dangers of going around, explains how to properly prepare for an engine failure, and what habits you should train to make your off-airport adventures safe. Steve also shares some incredible stories of his past. Such as herring spotting in remote bush Alaska, the dangerous trade of transporting hunters, and how he flew the longest distance ever in a hang glider.

About Coffee In A Hangar

Interview with pilots who tell stories about their adventures, lessons learned and laughs had. Mainly Alaska based bush pilots who tell stories of growing up in the wilderness of the last frontier.

Coffee In A Hangar is a English leisure & travel podcast from Daniel Maccarone. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Daniel Maccarone
Language: English
Category: Leisure & Travel
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 1 hr 47 min
Latest episode: 17 Feb 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1751988460
Rights: Daniel Maccarone

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