Taking Flight with Michael "Rocket" Blackstone
30 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago -With over 30 years and 30,000 hours in aviation, Michael "Rocket" Blackstone has worked his way to the top of the aviation world currently a captain for a major airline and the owner of 2 successful aviation businesses. Michael shares his passion for the flying business as he encourages you to dive in today, to begin learning to fly, to start an aviation business, to join the military, to get hired by the airlines and to start making your dreams of flying come true!
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Episode 17: Christmas Star Flight in the Cirrus SR22
December 22, 2020 05:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBIn this episode, Michael takes you up in the Cirrus SR22 for a night flight to practice instrument approaches with the G-1000 and to witness the Christmas Star over the Pacific Ocean! Michael attempts to explain in layman's terms what this incredibly rare event is for those of you who have any interest in the science of astronomy. This event is called a "Great Conjunction" and is not only beautiful but it helps you feel the power of what scientific knowledge can do and how its helping us un...
Episode 16: My First Flight In The Cirrus SR22
December 12, 2020 03:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this episode, Michael takes his first flight in an SR22! Experience the most successful most modern, most capable single engine piston aircraft on the planet as Michael takes his first lesson in the SR22. The incredibly designed 'Cirrus Perspective' Avionics package using the Garmin G1000 navigation is revolutionary and represents the direction of the future of all aviation. Michael's excitement on his first experience in this amazing aircraft shows how perfect of an aircraft Cirrus has ...
Episode 16: My First Flight In The Cirrus SR22
December 12, 2020 03:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this episode, Michael takes his first flight in an SR22! Experience the most successful most modern, most capable single engine piston aircraft on the planet as Michael takes his first lesson in the SR22. The incredibly designed 'Cirrus Perspective' Avionics package using the Garmin G1000 navigation is revolutionary and represents the direction of the future of all aviation. Michael's excitement on his first experience in this amazing aircraft shows how perfect of an aircraft Cirrus has ...
Episode 15: Flying The Pitts S-2A Cross Country
December 11, 2020 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBMichael talks with his friend Art Koral about his recent purchase and delivery of his 1981 Pitts S-2A. Michael recalls taking his first flight in his dad's 1981 Pitts S-2A at age 8, which triggered him to buy his own 1998 Pitts S-2C when he was 26. These amazing aerobatic biplanes are legendary in the aerobatic world but both have significant challenges when taking the on cross country flights. Listen to these two biplane nuts talk about the things that can make the trip way more challengi...
Episode 15: Flying The Pitts S-2A & Pitts S-2C Across The USA
December 11, 2020 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBMichael talks with his friend Art Koral about his recent purchase and delivery of his 1981 Pitts S-2A. Michael recalls learning to fly in his dad's 1981 at age 8, which triggered him to buy his own 1998 Pitts S-2C when he was 26. These amazing biplanes are incredible for aerobatics but have significant challenges when taking them across the country. Listen to these two biplane nuts talk about the things that can make the trip way more challenging (and a bit scary at times) than either had ...
Episode 14: My First Airliner - The Saab 340
December 09, 2020 15:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBIn this episode, Michael takes you flying in the Saab 340 from his Business Express days between February 26, 1998 - January 1999. During his time at 'Biz Ex', Michael flew as a co-pilot on the Saab 340A/B accumulating over 700 hours of turbine time. He was based out of Portland, Maine, and then Boston Massachusetts. Michael loved flying this amazing aircraft because of what it was capable of and how it made him into a highly skilled airline pilot. The Saab 340 is an aircraft with the capa...
Episode 13: My First "Solos" at American Airlines
December 02, 2020 08:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MBIn this episode, Michael takes you back to his first solo flights at American Airlines as a new hire in 1999. Michael started his career at age 25 as a Flight Engineer on the Boeing 727, then transitioned to the Boeing 757/767 fleet where he became a First Officer and flew his first 'solo' with his father as the Captain of his first trip on the line. Then Michael became a Captain of the Boeing 737-800 and flew his first 'solo' flight as a Captain on December 16, 2015.
Episode 12: My First Solo in the Marchetti SF-260
December 01, 2020 06:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MBIn this episode, Michael takes you back to 1990, when his father soloed him at at the Chino Airport on April 15, at age 17, in the Marchetti SF-260C. On this spring day, Michael and his dad shared an experience that very few lucky pilots get to share together. This historic moment marks when Michael's father passes the torch of flying from one generation to the next. Michael soloed in 1990, but he has been airborne ever since. It has now been over 30 years since that beautiful day in Chino...
Episode 11: The Making of Air Combat USA
November 29, 2020 04:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MBIn this episode, Michael takes you back to 1986, the year of TopGun and shares how Air Combat USA was created. From the time Michael was a child, he and his father loved fighter aircraft. Michael's passion for Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM) comes out, as he shares what it was like to teach aerial combat for over 4,000 hours in the Marchetti SF-260! 3-2-1 Fights On!
Episode 10: The Art of Flying Fighters
November 28, 2020 03:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBIn this episode, Michael introduces you to the art of flying fighters. If you have always wondered what flying a WWII fighter is like and how to get the most performance from your flying machine, this episode is for you. Michael walks you through what Angle-of-Attack (AOA) is and how it works, the difference between Rate vs. Radius and what the Lift Vector is used for while flying the Marchetti SF260 "right to the edge of the envelope" in a Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM) 1 vs 1 Dogfight! 3-...
Episode 9: Epic 1000 Mile Journey In My Cockpit Waco Biplane
November 26, 2020 09:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MBIn this episode, Michael takes you on an epic 1,090 mile journey from Orange County, CA to Sherman, Texas in his open cockpit Waco biplane. Michael and his friends son, Danny, who is learning to fly, gets the experience of a lifetime flying with Michael in his beautiful open cockpit Waco biplane for 12.5 hours of stick and rudder time. Experience what it was like to fly a 1935 designed aircraft, when even a gentle 10 knot crosswind made for a formidable challenge. You will find out wha...
Episode 8: Top 5 Reasons Aviation Rocks
November 25, 2020 11:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBIn this episode, Michael talks about what the most exciting areas in aviation are. From the time Michael experienced flight for the first time, aerobatics has been the most influential on his decision to make flying his life. Formation flying, and aerial combat in his father's company Air Combat USA in the Marchetti SF-260s sealed the deal. If you are looking for a reason to learn to fly, here are 5 reasons to start today, for a life of incredible adventures, trips to far away places, on y...
Episode 7: What Are The Best (And Worst) Traits of Pilots?
November 24, 2020 12:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MBIn this episode, Michael highlights the optimal traits and personality characteristics of the best pilots he has had the pleasure of flying with over the last 30 years. There are many similarities between all pilots when it comes to following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), following the checklist, attention to detail, discipline, and honing our flying skills. There are so many ways we pilots get extraordinaryly good at managing our careers and our personal lives. Michael then digs a ...
Episode 6: The 9 Things My Dad Taught Me About Flying
November 23, 2020 08:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBIn this episode, Michael reflects back on thousands of flights he took with his father. From the very beginning, starting in his dad's Pitts, Michael learned from one of the best aviators in the business how to safely handle emergencies inflight, on the ground and before they happen. These are 9 of the most useful tips Michael's father taught him over the last 2 decades that have helped keep him and his tens of thousands of passengers safe for 30,000 hours of accident free flying in the 9 a...
Episode 6: The 9 Most Important Things My Dad Taught Me About Flying
November 23, 2020 08:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBIn this episode, Michael reflects back on thousands of flights he took with his father. From the very beginning, starting in his dad's Pitts, Michael learned from one of the best aviators in the business how to safely handle emergencies inflight, on the ground and before they happen. These are 9 of the most useful tips Michael's father taught him over the last 2 decades that have helped keep him and his tens of thousands of passengers safe for 30,000 hours of accident free flying in the 9 a...
Episode 6: The 9 Things My Dad Taught Me About Flying
November 23, 2020 08:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBIn this episode, Michael reflects back on thousands of flights he took with his father. From the very beginning, starting in his dad's Pitts, Michael learned from one of the best aviators in the business how to safely handle emergencies inflight, on the ground and before they happen. These are 9 of the most useful tips Michael's father taught him over the last 2 decades that have helped keep him and his tens of thousands of passengers safe for 30,000 hours of accident free flying in the 9 a...
Episode 5: Final Transcon In My Beech 18 - So Long Blackstone Airways
November 20, 2020 09:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBIn this episode, Michael takes you along as he flies his 'Twin Beech' for the last time on a 1,911 nm transcon from the West Coast to the East Coast on his final flight as the Captain of his own 1957 Beech E18S - 9600, one of the first true airliners of the 1940s-50s. This flight represents the end of an era for Michael, as he hands the keys to his vintage pride and joy to the new owners of his award winning 1957 Beech 18, N90TT. The transcon journey took only 14 hours and 18 minutes over ...
Episode 5: Final Transcon In My Beech 18 - So Long Blackstone Airways
November 20, 2020 09:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBIn this episode, Michael takes you along as he flies his 'Twin Beech' for the last time on a 1,911 nm transcon from the West Coast to the East Coast on his final flight as the Captain of his own 1957 Beech E18S - 9600, one of the first true airliners of the 1940s-50s. This flight represents the end of an era for Michael, as he hands the keys to his vintage pride and joy to the new owners of his award winning 1957 Beech 18, N90TT. The transcon journey took only 14 hours and 18 minutes over ...
Episode 5: Final Transcon In Our Beech 18 - So Long Blackstone Airways
November 20, 2020 09:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBIn this episode, Michael takes you along as he flies his 'Twin Beech' for the last time on a 1,911 nm transcon from the West Coast to the East Coast on his final flight as the Captain of his own 1957 Beech E18S - 9600, one of the first true airliners of the 1940s-50s. This flight represents the end of an era for Michael, as he hands the keys to his vintage pride and joy to the new owners of his award winning 1957 Beech 18, N90TT. The transcon journey took only 14 hours and 18 minutes over ...
Episode 4: Flight Training - Your First Steps Towards Earning Your Private Pilot License
November 19, 2020 23:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBIn this episode, Michael shares with you what his first steps were to getting his Private Pilot License, and how much fun it was to achieve this at age 17, when it was more difficult than it is today to locate and learn the required information. Michael then lays out for you what steps you should take right now to start your adventure of earning your Private Pilot Certificate. Michael believes that flying is far more accessible, and mare attainable today than ever before due to the massive...
Episode 4: Flight Training - Your First Steps Towards Earning Your Private Pilot License
November 19, 2020 23:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBIn this episode, Michael shares with you what his first steps were to getting his Private Pilot License, and how much fun it was to achieve this at age 17, when it was more difficult than it is today to locate and learn the required information. Michael then lays out for you what steps you should take right now to start your adventure of earning your Private Pilot Certificate. Michael believes that flying is far more accessible, and mare attainable today than ever before due to the massive...
Episode 3: Mastering The Pitts S-2C
November 18, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 47.9 MBIn this episode, Michael walks you through the intricate details of operating his Pitts S-2C. You will learn the major differences between the Pitts models and why Michael chose the Pitts S-2C as his first aircraft to share his love of aviation with the world in. Get ready learn how to fly aerobatics in a Pitts S-2C. Learn how Michael became 'one with the aircraft' by feeling what its telling you by how it feels in your hand. Curtis Pitts designed his aircraft to fly aerobatics better...
Episode 3: Owning, Caring for & Mastering the Pitts S-2C
November 18, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 47.9 MBIn this episode, Michael takes you through the details of owning and operating the Pitts S-2C! You will learn the main differences between several of the Pitts models, and why Michael chose the Pitts S-2C as his first aircraft to buy, master, and share aviation with! Get ready to feel what its like to fly aerobatics and pull Gs in a Pitts. Learn about those intricate details of getting the most out of this incredible aircraft by becoming 'one with it' and feeling what the plane is telling ...
Episode 3: Owning, Caring For & Mastering The Pitts S-2C
November 18, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 47.9 MBIn this episode, Michael takes you through the details of owning and operating the Pitts S-2C! You will learn the main differences between several of the Pitts models, and why Michael chose the Pitts S-2C as his first aircraft to buy, master, and share aviation with! Get ready to feel what its like to fly aerobatics and pull Gs in a Pitts. Learn about those intricate details of getting the most out of this incredible aircraft by becoming 'one with it' and feeling what the plane is telling ...
Episode 3: Mastering The Pitts S-2C
November 18, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 47.9 MBIn this episode, Michael walks you through the intricate details of operating his Pitts S-2C. You will learn the major differences between the Pitts models and why Michael chose the Pitts S-2C as his first aircraft to share his love of aviation with the world in. Get ready learn how to fly aerobatics in a Pitts S-2C. Learn how Michael became 'one with the aircraft' by feeling what its telling you by how it feels in your hand. Curtis Pitts designed his aircraft to fly aerobatics better...
Episode 2: The Making of SkyThrills!
November 17, 2020 15:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBIn this episode, you will hear how Michael "Rocket" Blackstone bought his first aircraft, the 1998 Pitts S-2C, and created SkyThrills! from scratch with almost no money saved and no one helping him financially. "Rocket" was a 26 year old professional aerobatic pilot flying 10 days per month for the airlines, with around 3,500 hours total time and about 200 hours in his dad's Pitts S-2A! Michael loves proving that anyone can make their flying dreams happen with enough hard work, a small li...
Episode 2: The Making of SkyThrills!
November 17, 2020 15:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBIn this episode, you will hear how Michael "Rocket" Blackstone bought his first aircraft, the 1998 Pitts S-2C, and created SkyThrills! from scratch with almost no money saved and no one helping him financially. "Rocket" was a 26 year old professional aerobatic pilot flying 10 days per month for the airlines, with around 3,500 hours total time and about 200 hours in his dad's Pitts S-2A! Michael loves proving that anyone can make their flying dreams happen with enough hard work, a small li...
Episode 1: JOURNEY TO THE TOP
November 16, 2020 06:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MBThis episode introduces you to Michael "Rocket" Blackstone and a brief look back over the last 30 years at his colorful history in the aviation world! Michael began flying with his father, Michael "Maverick" Blackstone, at 8 years old, flying aerobatics in his dad's stunt biplane. Since then, "Rocket" has become a skilled aviator, flying fighter planes and teaching air combat maneuvers like you saw in the Tom Cruise blockbuster TOPGUN for his father's aviation company Air Combat USA. Mic...
Episode 1: Journey to the Top of the Aviation World
November 16, 2020 06:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MBThis episode introduces you to Michael "Rocket" Blackstone and a brief look back over the last 30 years at his colorful history in the aviation world! Michael began flying with his father, Michael "Maverick" Blackstone, at just 8 years old, learning to fly aerobatics with his dad's aerobatic Pitts S-2A biplane. Since then, "Rocket" has become a skilled aviator flying Marchetti SF-260 fighter planes and teaching air combat maneuvers like you saw in the Tom Cruise blockbuster TOPGUN for hi...
Episode 1: Journey to the Top of the Aviation World
November 16, 2020 06:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MBThis episode introduces you to Michael "Rocket" Blackstone and a brief look back over the last 30 years at his colorful history in the aviation world! Michael began flying with his father, Michael "Maverick" Blackstone, at just 8 years old, learning to fly aerobatics with his dad's aerobatic Pitts S-2A biplane. Since then, "Rocket" has become a skilled aviator flying Marchetti SF-260 fighter planes and teaching air combat maneuvers like you saw in the Tom Cruise blockbuster TOPGUN for hi...