PODCAST · leisure
Pyjama Pilots
by Jimbo Burgess
Three Ag Pilots based in New Zealand, talk about their aviation adventures from around the world. Jimbo Burgess, Pete Blake, and Sam Hood
Episodes
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#22 Stick and rudder Bullpaki
After accidentally turning up to record with absolutely no plan, Jimbo somehow manages to drag Episode 22 into existence with Hoodie and Pedro joining the chaos shortly after. What follows is a proper hangar-style yarn covering everything from firebombing in Perth, topdressing careers, Coast to...
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#21 Whoopsie Daisies! Ground Loops, Bird Strikes & Almost Dying in Nepal
A loose, unfiltered catch-up with the boys covering everything from flying over Christmas with medevac runs and life in the cockpit. What starts as casual chat quickly turns into a string of “whoopsie daisy” moments—ground loops, rough strips, turbulence hits, and the kind of decisions that seem...
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#20 Ag Aviation vs Technology: Is Variable Rate Worth It?
In this episode, Jimbo, Hoodie and Pedro dive into the debate around modern spreading tech — variable rate systems, cockpit mapping, and whether it’s actually improving outcomes or just adding cost and complexity for farmers. Is the technology genuinely helping pilots and cockies get better...
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#19 Ag Pilots, Mad Winds & Mesopotamia Mayhem
In this episode the lads cover everything from the serious to the downright ridiculous. Pedro debriefs the Ag Aviation Conference — mental-health panels, medical reforms, and why pilots still fear losing their medicals — before the crew dives into training pathways, turbines vs pistons, and the...
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#18 Flaps, Floats, and Poor Life Choices
The boys are back on the mics and straight into it. Jimbo’s been ping-ponging between NZ and Aussie, Hoodie’s barely alive after Pearl Jam, and Pedro is halfway between a half-marathon and a meltdown. This episode somehow manages to cover: • the “10 accidents in 10 weeks” saga• why pilots aren’t...
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#17 Richmond "Ditch" Harding - A lifetime in the air
I sat down with Richmond “Ditch” Harding, one of the most respected ag pilots around, to talk about his decades in the seat - from the early Tiger Moth days right through to the modern era of agricultural aviation. Ditch has a wealth of stories, sharp insights, and that trademark mix of honesty…
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#16 Aviation Adventures and Life Lessons
We're back for another season with the Pyjama Pilots, and it's bloody great to be back! Sharing random babbles from a few good mates who love flying, but love taking the mickey out of each other more. The following description was made by AI. Take from that what you will, and let us know how...
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#15 Royce Hooker - Ag Pilot
Join us on a remarkable journey through the skies with Royce Hooker, a distinguished 91-year-old (recorded 2023) aviation pioneer whose career spans the golden era of flight. From his early days as an aircraft mechanic in the RNZAF to his adventures topdressing Cessnas to the iconic FU-24…
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#14 Hallett Griffin
I'm flying solo again as we welcome Hallett Griffin, a luminary in the agricultural aviation industry with over six decades of experience. Starting his career in 1963, Hallett founded Griffin Ag-Air Ltd in 1981 with his wife Gloria, growing it into a respected family-run business. Join us as we...
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#13 Neville Worsley - Topdressing in a DC-3
In this episode I'm flying solo, having a sit down with Neville Worsley, a celebrated agricultural pilot whose distinguished career has made a significant mark in the skies of New Zealand. Neville, known for his exceptional skill in flying the DC-3 on single-pilot operations, shares fascinating...
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#12 Engine Failures!
Chris is a legend! Today we tackle the age old debate: Where do we land in an engine failure? That and several other topics we wander off into: Standard Overhead Rejoins, Hawkes Bay Floods, and several others, on our journey of aviation tangents. We hope you enjoy!
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#11 Weather and Wind
Join us in this high-flying episode as our trio of aviators navigate through the swirling intricacies of weather and wind patterns in aerial topdressing. Learn how pilots tackle unexpected weather challenges and harness the power of the wind to ensure successful operations. Buckle up as we soar...
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#10 Pete Blake - Soaring Above the Storm: Mental Health Recovery in the Aviation World
In this powerful episode, we delve into the life-changing story of our very own co-host Pete, who experienced firsthand the impacts of trauma and mental health struggles. After witnessing a horrific incident that deeply affected him, Pete began his own arduous journey towards healing and…
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#09 Fatigue
In this thought-provoking episode of our podcast, we tackle the often underestimated but critical issue of pilot fatigue. Delving deep into the aviation world, we explore how fatigue impacts pilots' performance, decision-making, and overall safety in the skies. Hear from seasoned pilots as they...
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#08 Ag Spraying, aircraft comparisons, QandA
What is better: The PAC750XL or the Cresco? Spraying in Australia, what's it like? We discuss these and a few other Q and A's you kind folk have sent in! Enjoy!
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#07 Airstrips, incidents, and learning the hard way
Welcome aboard our next episode of Pyjama Pilots. Today we discuss airstrips and dive into the things we've learnt, and the experiences we had to endure while learning them. Some fun, some funny, and others getting a little hair raising to say the least!
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#06 Jacob Reed
Our first guest!! This fine gentleman has worked in several countries around the world. From bush flying in the Outback Australia, to the cool temperatures of Canada, and flying up and down Nepal's Himalayan mountain range. Join us as we catch up with his adventures. **WARNING** there's a bit of...
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#05 Pilot Bambles
It's been a couple of weeks since our last catch up, so we spent our time catching up! Talking our usual pilot bambles, with a bit of banter to boot.
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#04 Flying around Africa
All three of the Pyjama Pilots have done survey flying around the world. For us, a good chunk of it was in the continent of Africa. We talk a bit about our time there, amongst other things...
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#03 Getting into Ag flying - Pt.2
The Pyjama Pilots attempt to answer the question: "what does it take to become a successful Ag pilot?". We're still unsure if we answered it...
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#02 Getting into Ag flying- Pt.1
How do you get into Ag flying? What does it take to become an Ag pilot? These were the questions we were supposed to tackle in todays episode... ~The Pyjama Pilots are three Kiwi Ag pilots who yarn about any and everything aviation while telling tales of their flying in New Zealand and all over…
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#01 Pilot Episode
Ahoy there podders, poddians, poddites?! We are the Pyjama Pilots! Pete, Jimbo, and Sam - PJs. Get it?! Three good Kiwi mates keen to talk anything aviation, with a key focus on Ag flying. This episode was intended to introduce ourselves. Debateable whether we actually did... Get in touch if you...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Pyjama Pilots have?
Pyjama Pilots currently has 22 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Pyjama Pilots about?
Three Ag Pilots based in New Zealand, talk about their aviation adventures from around the world. Jimbo Burgess, Pete Blake, and Sam Hood
How often does Pyjama Pilots release new episodes?
Pyjama Pilots has 22 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Pyjama Pilots?
You can listen to Pyjama Pilots on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Pyjama Pilots?
Pyjama Pilots is created and hosted by Jimbo Burgess.
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