PILOTS FOR PATIENTS:
HOW TO BUILD A VPO (AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE) FROM THE GROUND UP
Every day across America, thousands of GA pilots provide at no charge their airplanes, fuel and time to volunteer pilot organizations (VPOs). These compassion flights provide free transportation for patients needing specialized care not available in their local area. VPOs were invaluable during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, bringing in precious supplies and reuniting families separated and scattered across the country. One of the newest such organizations, Pilots for Patients, based in Louisiana, is remarkable because the idea for the group was conceived only late last year and now the group is already a functioning organization — complete with a board of directors, web site, and corporate and tax-exempt status. AVweb's Mike Blakeney recently sat down with board members Phillip Thomas and Larry Lehmann to get a blueprint on what it takes to create a brand-new VPO from the ground up.

Click here to listen. (9.8 MB, 10:53)

XO JET'S NICK SOLINGER DISCUSSES BUSINESS IN THE ERA OF PRIVATE JET TRANSPORT
With the frustration of delays and flight cancellations in the airline industry hitting new heights, the various styles of private aircraft service providers are enjoying record business. One of the fastest growing is XO Jet, and the company's chief strategy officer Nick Solinger says it's all part of a natural market evolution. He explained his company's success to AVwebBiz editor Russ Niles.

Click here to listen. (7.1 MB, 7:44)

MAKE ROOM IN THE AERODIESEL MARKET, THIELERT:
TCM TELLS AVIATION CONSUMER ABOUT SOME BIG ENGINE PLANS
With Diamond and Cessna onboard, the German-based Thielert Group dominates the aerodiesel market. But Teledyne-Continental would like to change this and has announced its intention to aggressively develop its own heavy fuel or Jet A engine for certification, possibly as early as 2009. In this detailed podcast, TCM's Rhett Ross tells Aviation Consumer editor Paul Bertorelli that the company will ground-demonstrate a diesel later this year or early next.

Click here to listen. (21.9 MB, 23:55)

A LITTLE PRE-PLANNING GOES A LONG WAY WHEN FLYING TO NYC:
IFR MAGAZINE TELLS YOU HOW TO DO IT
Just flying around New York City is stressful enough, so you shouldn't have to worry about what to do after you land. IFR editor Jeff Van West talks with New York airspace veteran and flight instructor Bob Miller about how to plan your trip to the Big Apple, where to land, and how to get in and out of the city.

Click here to listen. (9.7 MB, 10:37)