Skip to content
Melo Podcasts Home
CategoriesLanguagesFollowing

Season 1, Episode 12 · Pyjama Pilots

#12 Engine Failures!

15 Aug 2023 · 1 hr 26 min

Play episode WhatsApp Download

Episode notes

Chris is a legend! Today we tackle the age old debate: Where do we land in an engine failure? That and several other topics we wander off into: Standard Overhead Rejoins, Hawkes Bay Floods, and several others, on our journey of aviation tangents. We hope you enjoy!

Podcast

Pyjama Pilots

Jimbo Burgess · Leisure & Travel · English

Three Ag Pilots based in New Zealand, talk about their aviation adventures from around the world. Jimbo Burgess, Pete Blake, and Sam Hood

More from Pyjama Pilots All episodes →

  1. S1 · E17 · 29 Oct 2025 · 3 hr 41 min

    #17 Richmond "Ditch" Harding - A lifetime in the air

    I sat down with Richmond “Ditch” Harding, one of the most respected ag pilots around, to talk about his decades in the seat - from the early Tiger Moth days right through to the modern era of agricultural aviation. Ditch has a wealth of stories, sharp insights, and that trademark mix of honesty and humour you only get from a bloke who’s seen it all. We got into how he started out, the aircraft he’s flown, the changes he’s watched unfold, and what’s stayed the same through it all - the people, the passion, and the sheer love of flying.

  2. S2 · E1 · 2 Nov 2024 · 1 hr 38 min

    #16 Aviation Adventures and Life Lessons

    We're back for another season with the Pyjama Pilots, and it's bloody great to be back! Sharing random babbles from a few good mates who love flying, but love taking the mickey out of each other more. The following description was made by AI. Take from that what you will, and let us know how accurate it was! In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of their lives, including personal challenges, work experiences in aviation, and the importance of community support. They delve into the complexities of flying regulations, share stories from their careers, and reflect on…

  3. S2 · E3 · 18 Mar 2024 · 1 hr 58 min

    #15 Royce Hooker - Ag Pilot

    Join us on a remarkable journey through the skies with Royce Hooker, a distinguished 91-year-old (recorded 2023) aviation pioneer whose career spans the golden era of flight. From his early days as an aircraft mechanic in the RNZAF to his adventures topdressing Cessnas to the iconic FU-24 Fletcher, Royce has witnessed and shaped pivotal moments in aviation history. In this podcast, he shares stories from the industry's infancy, offering a rare glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of those who paved the runway for future generations. Tune in to hear the untold tales of dedication, skill,…

  4. S2 · E2 · 1 Feb 2024 · 1 hr 41 min

    #14 Hallett Griffin

    I'm flying solo again as we welcome Hallett Griffin, a luminary in the agricultural aviation industry with over six decades of experience. Starting his career in 1963, Hallett founded Griffin Ag-Air Ltd in 1981 with his wife Gloria, growing it into a respected family-run business. Join us as we yarn about Hallett and his amazing career as an Ag pilot. Another thanks to the Chris Hoffman, who helped fund this trip. What a legend.

  5. S2 · E1 · 5 Jan 2024 · 1 hr 29 min

    #13 Neville Worsley - Topdressing in a DC-3

    In this episode I'm flying solo, having a sit down with Neville Worsley, a celebrated agricultural pilot whose distinguished career has made a significant mark in the skies of New Zealand. Neville, known for his exceptional skill in flying the DC-3 on single-pilot operations, shares fascinating insights and thrilling experiences from his time topdressing throughout New Zealand's beautiful landscape. For those eager to dive deeper into Neville's story, his book "Tiger Moths to Topdressing DC-3s" is a must-read. It's a treasure trove of aviation history, personal anecdotes, and insights into…

  6. S1 · E11 · 3 Jul 2023 · 50 min

    #11 Weather and Wind

    Join us in this high-flying episode as our trio of aviators navigate through the swirling intricacies of weather and wind patterns in aerial topdressing. Learn how pilots tackle unexpected weather challenges and harness the power of the wind to ensure successful operations. Buckle up as we soar through the skies and delve into the atmospheric elements that shape the world of aerial topdressing.

  7. S1 · E10 · 29 May 2023 · 1 hr 23 min

    #10 Pete Blake - Soaring Above the Storm: Mental Health Recovery in the Aviation World

    In this powerful episode, we delve into the life-changing story of our very own co-host Pete, who experienced firsthand the impacts of trauma and mental health struggles. After witnessing a horrific incident that deeply affected him, Pete began his own arduous journey towards healing and recovery. Through his experiences, he has become a passionate advocate for mental health awareness in the aviation sector. Join us as we explore the challenges he faced, the stigma he encountered, and the steps he took to reclaim his life. Pete's story illuminates the critical need for mental health support…

  8. S1 · E9 · 15 May 2023 · 1 hr 5 min

    #09 Fatigue

    In this thought-provoking episode of our podcast, we tackle the often underestimated but critical issue of pilot fatigue. Delving deep into the aviation world, we explore how fatigue impacts pilots' performance, decision-making, and overall safety in the skies. Hear from seasoned pilots as they share real-life experiences and shed light on the causes, effects, and potential solutions to this pervasive problem. Tune in to understand why a well-rested pilot isn't just an option, but a necessity for safer air travel. For our NZ based listeners- here is the link to the TV Show Pedro will be…

  9. S1 · E8 · 23 Apr 2023 · 1 hr 19 min

    #08 Ag Spraying, aircraft comparisons, QandA

    What is better: The PAC750XL or the Cresco? Spraying in Australia, what's it like? We discuss these and a few other Q and A's you kind folk have sent in! Enjoy!

  10. S1 · E7 · 26 Mar 2023 · 1 hr 21 min

    #07 Airstrips, incidents, and learning the hard way

    Welcome aboard our next episode of Pyjama Pilots. Today we discuss airstrips and dive into the things we've learnt, and the experiences we had to endure while learning them. Some fun, some funny, and others getting a little hair raising to say the least!

Take it with you

The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.

Get it on Google Play