Chris Kunkle | The High-Stakes Risks of Bush Flying

In this episode of the Flight Club Podcast, host Jason Middleton sits down with Chris Kunkle, a passionate bush pilot and aviation entrepreneur. Chris discusses his unique experiences as a bush pilot in California, an area not traditionally known for such activities, and the tight-knit aviation community in San Ynez. He touches on his family's deep-rooted aviation legacy, including his grandfather, a World War II fighter pilot, and his father, an aviation entrepreneur. Chris also delves into the importance of assessing landing spots, the technique of water skiing with airplanes, and the vital rescue missions carried out by local aviators during natural disasters. This episode is packed with fascinating stories of aviation, family legacy, and the thriving aviation business in California.

Learn more about the Flight Club Podcast 

• https://www.flightclubpodcast.com/ 
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/flightclubpod/ 

Connect with our guest Chris Kunkle

• https://www.instagram.com/chris_kunk/
• https://www.instagram.com/centralcoastjetcenter/ 
• https://www.centralcoastjetcenter.com/ 

This is a Kilo Bravo Media production produced by Rainbow Creative with Kate Middleton, Jason Middleton, and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, Jeremiah Schutlz as Video and Audio Editor, Evan Weidenkeller as Director of Photography, Christian Ojala - FPV drone footage (Instagram @christian.ojala), Ethan O’Rourke - B Roll (Instagram: @pdzzy) Malcolm Perry as Social Media Manager, and Adam Chabiniak as Marketing Director.

00:00 Emergency Landing Over a Lake

00:18 Introduction to the Flight Club Podcast

00:21 Meet Chris Kunkle: A Legacy in Aviation

01:22 The Life of a Bush Pilot in California

01:59 Challenges and Secrets of Bush Flying

03:24 Community and Camaraderie Among Pilots

05:23 Assessing Landing Spots and Risk Management

11:29 Adventures and Preparedness in Bush Flying

17:28 Learning from Aviation Experiences

19:55 The Impact of Social Media on Aviation

24:38 Balancing Business and Creativity in Aviation

27:51 Aviation Beyond Airlines

28:34 Family Legacy in Aviation

29:18 Grandfather's War Stories

32:54 Father's Contributions to Aviation

38:00 Taking Over the Family Business

39:31 Future Plans and Community Impact

43:56 Aviation Community Support

47:25 Sky Angels: A Story of Resilience

48:57 Conclusion and Farewell