Plane + Pilot

Cayla McLeod, Plane & Pilot

Welcome to your new weekly podcast from Plane + Pilot. Join host and Editor in Chief, Cayla McLeod as she shares relatable, engaging, and "fresh off the press" general aviation conversations from her work week and beyond.

Last refreshed: February 27th, 2026 at 2:34 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

From Orchard to Airpark: Inside Pecan Plantation with Mike Murphy

In this episode of the Plane and Pilot podcast, host Cayla McLeod flies into one of the country’s most distinctive fly-in communities: The Landings at Pecan Plantation. Joined by Sales Manager Mike Murphy, Cayla tours this expansive 4,200-acre gated airpark situated just southwest of Fort Worth in Granbury, Texas. The conversation traces the community’s evolution from a historic 1940s pecan orchard into a premier aviator's paradise. Mike and Cayla highlight the high-caliber aviation infrastructu...

Feb 25, 2026•13 min

Protecting and Preserving the Backcountry: Meet RAF President Bill McGlynn

On this episode of the Plane & Pilot podcast, Cayla is joined by Bill McGlynn, President of the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF). With over 30 years in the cockpit, Bill shares his deep-rooted passion for the American backcountry and the vital mission to keep it accessible. They discuss the RAF’s history, the complexities of partnering with federal agencies like the BLM and US Forest Service, and how pilots can safely enjoy—and actively protect—our nation’s remote airstrips....

Feb 10, 2026•45 min

Flying, Policy, and Public Service with Shelly deZevallos

In this episode of the Plane and Pilot Podcast, we sit down with Shelly deZevallos , a fifth-generation Texan and third-generation pilot with a deep-rooted passion for aviation and public service. Based at the family-owned West Houston Airport , Shelly shares her unique journey from learning to fly at 14 to her extensive career in aviation policy and her current run for Congress.

Feb 09, 2026•32 min

From Breakaway to Boomerang: Mike Sasser on Aircraft Brokerage, the CubCrafters lineup, and Transitioning to Helicopters

In this episode of the Plane + Pilot podcast, host Cayla McLeod sits down with aviation entrepreneur Mike Sasser at the Hank Sasser Breakaway Airport outside of Austin, Texas. Fresh off a diverse morning of flying, Mike shares his journey from a wide-eyed thirteen-year-old on an introductory flight to becoming a dealer for CubCrafters and the founder of Boomerang Air . Mike dives deep into the philosophy of his business, explains the nuances of the CubCrafters lineup, and discusses his passion f...

Feb 04, 2026•43 min

STOL Drag Racing with Levi Noguess

In this episode of the Plane + Pilot podcast, host Cayla McLeod sits down with Levi Noguess to recap his debut at the High Sierra Fly-In. Levi shares the story of his journey to the Dead Cow Lakebed in a borrowed Legend Aircraft Nomad, including a cross-country trek through New Mexico and Nevada that featured a unique Onewheel commute from the tarmac to his motel room. The conversation dives into the high-stakes world of STOL Drag racing, where Levi details the technical challenges of competing ...

Jan 12, 2026•45 min

Backbone of the Backcountry with Heart X Outfitters

Host Cayla McLeod speaks with Gus and Courtney Thoreson of Heart X Outfitters, revealing their daily lives running an outfitting business in the remote Idaho wilderness. They discuss the critical function of their Cessna 206 for supplies, the history of their operation, and offer crucial advice for pilots tackling backcountry airstrips, including managing winds and respecting local etiquette. The episode also touches on the importance of protecting backcountry aviation and the Thoresons' family legacy.

Jan 09, 2026•40 min

The High Stakes and High Rewards of Backcountry Aviation

Join editor Cayla McLeod and backcountry instructor Aaron Foster as they explore the nuances of flying in Montana and Idaho's challenging environments. They discuss the critical importance of mastering front country skills before venturing into the backcountry, emphasizing the value of tailwheel training and respecting wilderness solitude. Foster shares invaluable insights on aircraft preparedness, mentorship, and key safety techniques like mastering slips, alongside a compelling personal anecdote about a near-miss.

Jan 07, 2026•43 min

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