Pre-Departure Activity and Ground Operations Before the Oskosh Flight

The flight begins on the ground with active traffic and ongoing radio calls. Ground control requests direction of flight on initial contact. VFR departures receive additional instructions due to traffic flow. The environment is busy, with multiple aircraft taxiing and departing. Short approaches and close spacing increase the need for attention during ground movement.

IFR Clearance and Takeoff

An IFR clearance is issued with an initial altitude of 2,000 feet and an expected climb to 7,000 feet. Departure frequency and squawk code follow. Takeoff occurs from runway 18 with a runway heading assignment. Shortly after departure, the aircraft is instructed to climb to 4,000 feet. Early vectors move the aircraft away from its intended course.

Early Vectors and Weather Conditions

ATC issues heading changes to manage traffic and airspace. The flight encounters light turbulence during the climb. Cloud layers appear uneven, prompting a climb to smoother air. The Oshkosh flight includes multiple frequency changes as the aircraft transitions between controllers. The routing reflects active traffic management rather than direct navigation.

En Route Progress and Tailwind

The aircraft levels at higher altitude and benefits from a strong tailwind. Ground speed increases significantly. Weather remains variable, with periods of flying in and out of clouds. Traffic advisories continue en route. Controllers issue altitude and heading adjustments to maintain separation.

Arrival Setup and Visual Approach During the Oshkosh Flight

Approach control provides vectors toward Savannah for an intermediate stop. The airport becomes visible while still several miles out. The crew identifies nearby airfields to maintain situational awareness. ATC clears the aircraft for a visual approach to runway 28. Tower frequency is assigned, and landing planning begins from the flight deck.

Landing and Taxi

The aircraft lands on runway 28 and rolls out to a planned taxi exit. Taxi instructions route the aircraft toward the ramp. The crew conserves braking due to the long flying day ahead. This leg concludes successfully, setting up the continuation of the Oshkosh flight.

Operational Context of the Oshkosh Flight

This Oshkosh flight shows how routing, weather, and traffic affect real-world flying. Controllers issue vectors to manage congestion and restricted areas. Pilots must stay flexible and prepared for change. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publishes official guidance on flight planning, airspace, and special events. Current information is available on their website. 

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From Private Pilot Training to Advanced Avionics Mastery

Their mission extends well beyond simulation for entertainment; it’s about pilot proficiency and safety. Their newly approved Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) lineup includes models like the Vision Jet, SR20/22 Turbo G7, and even fully-fidelity Diamond DA40 simulators. Each setup allows instructors and students to practice real-world scenarios with system failures, realistic avionics responses, and true-to-life circuit breaker functionality. Whether you’re working toward your private pilot certificate or refining instrument procedures, RealSimGear’s platforms make training more immersive and efficient. 

Why RealSimGear Brings Real-World Flying to Virtual Training

Every member of the RealSimGear team is a pilot, and that authenticity shows. Their hands-on knowledge ensures every knob, switch, and display operates just as it would in the actual flight deck. Rod emphasizes that RealSimGear supports pilots at every stage, from basic six-pack trainers to advanced glass flight deck systems. The company’s goal is to make realistic training accessible, helping pilots build confidence, skill, and safety awareness in a controlled environment before transitioning to real aircraft.

Ready to Take Your Flight Training to the Next Level?

MzeroA Online Ground School offers complete courses for Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Instructor Ratings. Our students train using the proven Aviation Mastery Method, consistently scoring 6 points higher than the national average on their FAA written exams. Start learning the smart way today. Visit www.mzeroa.com/store for more information! 

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Common Mistake in Alternate Planning

Many pilots plan alternates only beyond their final destination, such as Marco Island or Key West, assuming they will reach the destination before needing a diversion. Jason highlights that weather and other flight hazards can occur anywhere along the route, making distant alternates less useful.

Strategically Planning Alternates Along the Route

Jason recommends selecting alternates along the route, typically at the halfway point or further, to provide flexibility. For example, when flying from Ocala (OCF) to Naples (APF), Lakeland (home of Sun ‘n Fun) serves as an ideal alternate. Pilots can assess conditions at the alternate, decide whether to continue, or divert safely if weather or fatigue becomes a factor.

Real-World Example: Venice Diversion

Jason shares a previous flight where weather forced a diversion from Ocala to Venice, demonstrating how planning alternates along the route allows for safer, informed decision-making. Alternates should serve as checkpoints rather than just emergency options beyond the destination.

Key Takeaways for Pilots

• Plan multiple alternates along the route, not just at the endpoint.
• Use alternates as decision points for safety, rest, or unforeseen conditions.
• Factor in weather, fatigue, and aircraft performance when considering diversion points.
• Strategic planning improves situational awareness and overall flight safety.

By carefully selecting alternates along the route and treating them as checkpoints rather than distant backups, pilots can make smarter decisions, avoid unnecessary risks, and ensure a safer flight experience. Jason encourages pilots to continually learn, apply these strategies, and incorporate them into cross-country flight planning.

Get the MzeroA Checkride Book Series

Ready to ace your checkride? Take preparation to the next level with the MzeroA Checkride Book Series. Packed with in-depth knowledge, real-world scenarios, and insight, these books are designed to help you walk into your checkride with confidence. Whether you’re a student or a seasoned pilot looking to brush up on your knowledge, check out the Private, Instrument, and Commercial books today! Copies are available in paperback, audio, and e-book. Check it out by visiting www.mzeroa.com/store.

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Building Community Over the Years

Celebrating their 11th Oshkosh, Jason notes how relationships with attendees have grown over time, from handshakes to hugs, and how families have become part of the MzeroA community. Many children of attendees are now involved in aviation, reflecting the long-term impact of these connections.

Engaging Experiences and Opportunities

The event provided opportunities to showcase new offerings, such as the brand-new CFI course. Jason encourages attendees to visit Hanger B to meet instructors like Ray, Matt, Magda, and other team members, highlighting the personal, family-like atmosphere of MzeroA.

Inspiration for Future Participation

For those who couldn’t attend, Jason hopes the highlights inspire them to plan for future Oshkosh events, reinforcing the value of community, networking, and continued learning in aviation.

Lasting Impact of Oshkosh 2023

Oshkosh 2023 exemplifies the blend of education, community, and inspiration that MzeroA fosters. Jason reminds viewers that aviation is a journey of ongoing learning and encourages everyone to remain engaged with the MzeroA family.

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Detailed Route Planning and Adjustments

Jason shares the route from Nashville to a private 1,500-foot grass strip, emphasizing preflight checks, fuel management, and aircraft weight considerations before landing. The plan continues from RGA to Stanton (I50) for fuel, then toward Chicago Midway, with strategic stopovers based on distance and the “three-hour rule”, a personal minimum that limits any leg to under three hours of flight time.

 Managing Risk and Performance

Jason highlights how exceeding time or fuel limits can compromise safety. By using navigation tools like ForeFlight to calculate distances and times, pilots can prevent stretching fuel reserves too thin. He also explains how personal minimums help reduce fatigue, stress, and unnecessary risk, encouraging pilots to land early rather than push limits.

Strategic Stops and Airport Selection

The video discusses the selection of alternate airports like Kokomo, chosen for accessibility and convenience. Jason explains why MzeroA is flying into Chicago Midway this year—to demonstrate operations in busy Class C airspace for future training content. Normally, he would prefer simpler airports such as Gary, Indiana, for easier logistics.

Preparing for Arrival and Community Connection

After Midway, the plan continues to Appleton (KATW), where the team will stage before flying into Oshkosh. Jason encourages followers to track the journey via Instagram and FlightAware, showcasing live updates and preflight briefings. He also promotes his new book, Paper to Pixel, a resource on digital flight planning and flight deck technology.

Get the MzeroA Checkride Book Series

Ready to ace your checkride? Take preparation to the next level with the MzeroA Checkride Book Series. Packed with in-depth knowledge, real-world scenarios, and insight, these books are designed to help you walk into your checkride with confidence. Whether you’re a student or a seasoned pilot looking to brush up on your knowledge, check out the Private, Instrument, and Commercial books today! Copies are available in paperback, audio, and e-book. Visit www.mzeroa.com/store to buy yours today!

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Emphasizing Safety and Efficiency

Effective flight planning blends technology with good airmanship. Using digital tools like ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot allows pilots to visualize routes, monitor weather, and calculate performance data with precision. Yet, technology complements—not replaces—sound decision-making. MzeroA’s approach reinforces that safety and efficiency begin with careful preparation on the ground.

The Three-Hour Rule in Practice

A key takeaway from this flight is the “three-hour rule,” a simple yet powerful principle: limit each leg to around three hours from engine start to shutdown. This provides a practical fuel and fatigue buffer, ensuring that pilots always land with generous reserves and remain alert throughout the journey. For this route, a midpoint stop at Butler Municipal Airport (6A1) in Georgia offers an ideal refueling and rest opportunity.

Route Highlights and Considerations

The Ocala-to-Nashville route spans roughly 473 nautical miles and passes near busy airspace, including Atlanta’s Class B. Whether flying VFR or IFR, situational awareness and communication with ATC remain critical. Pilots are reminded to review NOTAMs, confirm fuel availability, and check FBO hours before departure to ensure a smooth flight experience.

The Oshkosh Experience

The first leg of the Oshkosh journey demonstrates the importance of deliberate, informed flight planning. By integrating modern tools with disciplined preparation, pilots strengthen their confidence and decision-making from the very start of the trip.

Don’t Miss the Private Pilot Blueprint

Just getting started on your flight training journey or haven’t taken the leap just yet? Don’t miss The Private Pilot Blueprint – your definitive roadmap to saving both time and money on your private pilot certificate. This essential guide is packed with tips, strategies, and step-by-step advice to help you. Because…a good pilot is always learning! Visit www.mzeroa.com/store to get your copy today! 

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But float flying has unique challenges. On rivers, pilots must watch for debris, changing currents, and constantly shifting water levels. In Papua New Guinea, where Samaritan Aviation operates, conditions can change drastically within hours, forcing pilots to carefully consider docking, obstacles, and even how they’ll take off again. 

Operating in Remote Environments

For Samaritan Aviation pilots, flying isn’t just about technical skill, it’s about survival and service. Villages along Papua New Guinea’s rivers often have no docks, no infrastructure, and little familiarity with airplanes. Pilots must safely maneuver in unpredictable environments where rivers rise and fall by up to 12 feet in a single day, bringing whirlpools, floating trees, canoes, and fishing nets into the mix.

Once a floatplane touches the water, it effectively becomes a boat, requiring water rudders for steering and careful planning for docking. These conditions demand adaptability far beyond what most wheelplane pilots encounter.

The Aircraft That Makes It Possible

Samaritan Aviation operates Cessna 206 floatplanes, chosen specifically for their cargo doors, which allow easy loading of stretchers during medevac missions. With three identical aircraft, their team runs seven days a week, averaging 45-minute flights that can mean the difference between life and death. 

Samaritan Aviation’s Life-Saving Mission

Samaritan Aviation is a Christian nonprofit serving an area of Papua New Guinea home to 700,000 people, but only one hospital. For 500,000 of those people living along remote rivers, reaching that hospital can take 1 to 3 days by canoe. With a floatplane, Samaritan turns that into a 1-hour flight, providing hope where there was none. 

The missions often involve:

• Emergency medevacs for snakebites, pregnancy complications, malaria, and tuberculosis. 
• Delivering medical supplies to stop sickness outbreaks.
• Transporting medical personnel to remote communities. 
• Offering compassion and spiritual support to families in crisis. 

Imagine a child bitten by a poisonous snake, with only hours to live, and the nearest hospital is days away. This is the reality Samaritan Aviation addresses daily, transforming despair into hope through aviation. 

Flying with Purpose

What makes Samaritan Aviation’s work so inspiring isn’t just the technical challenge of float flying, but the purpose behind every mission. Beyond transporting patients, the team provides food, clothing, prayer, and encouragement, bringing both physical and spiritual healing to some of the most remote communities in the world.

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The Story Behind Flying Eyes Aviation Eyewear

During EAA AirVenture 2025, Ray Delahoussaye met with Robert Greene at the Flying Eyes sunglasses booth to discuss how the company is reshaping aviation eyewear for pilots. Flying Eyes was born from a common flight deck frustration, traditional sunglasses that pinch under aviation headsets. Dean Siracusa, the founder of Flying Eyes, both a pilot and innovator, decided to solve the problem. His wife suggested he focus on sunglasses and after extensive research into the eyewear industry, he developed the first Flying Eyes model, the Hawk Covertibles. 

What started with an elastic strap system has evolved into glasses made from a lightweight aerospace polymer, virtually unbreakable, ultra-flexible, and thinner than traditional frames. With a patented design created specifically for headset-friendly sunglasses, Flying Eyes has become a go-to brand for professional and recreational pilots worldwide.

Comfort and Safety in the Flight Deck

Flying Eyes are widely recognized as the best sunglasses for pilots thanks to their unique headset compatibility. Unlike traditional eyewear that causes discomfort after long flights, Flying Eyes frames are engineered to slide under ear cups without disturbing the headset seal or creating painful pressure points.

Robert Greene, now part of the company, first discovered Flying Eyes as a flight instructor. Spending six to eight hours a day in the flight deck made traditional sunglasses almost unbearable. But once he tried Flying Eyes, the difference was clear: lightweight, no pinching and comfortable enough for long-haul flights.

New releases like the Peregrine Titanium frames weigh just seven grams, making them some of the lightest aviation sunglasses available. Their lightweight design directly enhances safety because pilots are more likely to wear them consistently. This matters since UV exposure increases dramatically with altitude, putting pilots at risk for conditions like cataracts, eye cancer, and macular degeneration. With 100% UV protection built into every pair, Flying Eyes keeps vision safe while ensuring flight deck comfort. 

Lens Technology and Options for Every Pilot

One reason Flying Eyes is considered among the top pilot sunglasses is its range of customizable lens options:

• Non-Polarized Lenses for Aviation: Essential for flying, they prevent interference with flight deck glass displays.
• Polarized Lenses for Outdoor Use: Popular with pilots who enjoy fishing, boating, or outdoor sports. 
• Gradient Tint Lenses: Darker at the top and lighter at the bottom, ideal for protecting against glare while still allowing clear instrument visibility.
• Prescription Options: Flying Eyes frames can be fitted with custom prescription lenses, with or without tint, making them versatile for both daily wear and flying. 

In addition to function, Flying Eyes now offers aviator-style sunglasses and titanium designs for pilots who want both performance and style.

A Commitment to Pilots and Customer Support

Flying Eyes has earned a strong reputation not just for its aviation eyewear, but for its customer-first approach. During airshows and aviation events, the team often swaps scratched lenses or even provides entirely new frames, ensuring pilots never go without protection.

This dedication has created loyal customers who frequently recommend Flying Eyes to fellow aviators. From lightweight frames to excellent support, Flying Eyes demonstrates why it’s a trusted name in the flight deck.

Get the MzeroA Checkride Book Series

Ready to ace your checkride? Take preparation to the next level with the MzeroA Checkride Book Series. Packed with in-depth knowledge, real-world scenarios, and insight, these books are designed to help you walk into your checkride with confidence. Whether you’re a student pilot or a seasoned aviator looking to brush up on your knowledge, check out the Private, Instrument, and Commercial checkride prep books today! Copies are available in paperback, audio, and e-book. Visit www.mzeroa.com/store to see more!

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Advocating for Aviation Medical Reform

Kat from MzeroA sat down with representatives from the Pilot Mental Health Campaign (PMHC) to discuss their work in addressing stigma around mental health in aviation. PMHC is a nonprofit advocacy group focused on reforming medical certification for pilots and air traffic controllers diagnosed with mental health conditions, or even those seeking therapy.

The organization recently worked with an advocacy group to promote the Mental Health and Aviation Act, which is currently in Congress with bipartisan support. This act seeks to change the FAA medical certification process, reduce stigma, and create a safer culture where pilots and controllers can seek mental health support without fear of losing their medical or career. 

Expanding Services and Opportunities to Get Involved

PMHC offers resources for pilots, controllers, and dispatchers who are navigating FAA medical challenges. They help individuals who are currently in medical deferral or have faced denials through partnerships, peer support, and advocacy. Many volunteers within PMHC have personally experienced these struggles, making the community especially empathetic and supportive.

The nonprofit also encourages involvement through committees, including medical, LGBTQ+, veteran, and social media boards. Volunteers can join via pmhc.org/join, where they can select committees and engage in advocacy efforts.

Supporting Pilots, Controllers, and Aviation Community

In addition to supporting pilots, PMHC also works with air traffic controllers, who face similar barriers when seeking therapy or receiving a diagnosis. Although recent FAA changes have allowed Aviation Medical Examiners (AME) to issue clearance for some conditions, PMHC continues to advocate for broader reforms that remove unnecessary barriers to care. 

By offering community support, legislative advocacy, and education, PMHC is helping ensure that pilots, controllers, and aviation professionals can prioritize their mental health while keeping the skies safer for everyone.

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Launch of the New MzeroA Checkride Books

One highlight of this year’s event was the official launch of the new MzeroA Checkride books. Many attendees were among the first to get their hands on these valuable resources, designed to help student pilots prepare for oral exams with confidence and clarity. The release of this series during EAA Airventure Oshkosh allowed the MzeroA team to introduce the material directly to the aviation community, answer questions, and offer guidance on how best to use the books throughout different phases of training.

Community Highlights and Continued Engagement

From stories about first solo flights to tales of challenging checkrides, the MzeroA team continues to be inspired by the shared experiences of the aviation community. Attendees who flew into Oshkosh, especially those who completed the iconic Fisk arrival, are encouraged to share their photos, videos, and memories. The team reads every comment on YouTube and Facebook and looks forward to continuing the conversation. Whether attending next year’s Oshkosh or connecting through online forums, MzeroA remains dedicated to supporting and celebrating pilot progress.

Promotion 

Ready to ace your checkride? Take preparation to the next level with the MzeroA Checkride Book Series. Packed with in-depth knowledge, real-world scenarios, and insight, these books are designed to help you walk into your checkride with confidence. Whether you’re a student or a seasoned pilot looking to brush up on your knowledge, check out the Private, Instrument and Commercial books today! Copies are available in paperback, audio and e-book.

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