Princeton Airport Podcast

In this episode of the Princeton Airport Podcast, our hosts discuss the May 2026 Princeton Airport monthly newsletter, opening with a new history video that highlights the Nierenberg family's ownership of the airport dating back to 1985. The episode celebrates community milestones, including recent solos by Joel Johnson and Charles Lao, Lorenzo Cagliero earning his private pilot certificate, and Parth Nayi locking in his certified flight instructor rating. The hosts also highlight upcoming events, including the Pilot Connect trivia event on May 30th. This unique trivia event pairs new student pilots with veteran owners to transfer knowledge and build community. For pilots navigating the return of the Bedminster Presidential Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) this spring, the newsletter highlights a new video guide by certified flight instrument instructor Steve Hansel. He demystifies the process, explaining that flying through a TFR simply requires an active flight plan, a specific ATC-assigned transponder code, and maintaining two-way radio communication. The episode also mentions the airport's fully certified Garmin Flight Simulator, which allows students to log up to two and a half hours toward a private pilot certificate and up to 10 hours for an instrument rating on unpredictable, gusty spring days. The newsletter encourages avionics upgrades, noting that switching from analog gauges to modern digital glass panels synthesizes data and reduces a pilot's cognitive load, allowing them to better focus on outside traffic and ATC communications. Jack and Ken are standing by to assist with these avionics upgrades, as well as aircraft sales. Additional updates remind pilots that Dr. Nosko's FAA medical exam dates are filling up incredibly fast for May, and the airport is currently accepting entries for the Photo of the Month contest, with submissions going to [email protected]. For more details, listeners are directed to the May 2026 Princeton Airport Newsletter.

The episode reviews the April 2026 Princeton Airport monthly newsletter, opening with how retired NASA astronaut and former space shuttle Atlantis commander Ken "Hawk" Kam practiced touch-and-goes at Princeton Airport in 1982. It notes March's notoriously windy conditions and the return of longer daylight for evening flights, while emphasizing spring maintenance and rigorous pre-flight checks to prevent bird nests in engine cowlings and intakes that can cause airflow blockage or even in-flight fire. The newsletter encourages avionics upgrades, highlighting modern glass panels like the Garmin G3X Touch and GFC 500 autopilot, with Jack and Ken Berg available locally to help with panels or aircraft purchases. It warns about recurring Bedminster VIP TFRs and potential military intercepts and FAA enforcement, and promotes a mandatory Air Force webinar on April 9 at 10:00 AM. Additional updates include a certified Garmin flight simulator for loggable training hours, April medical exam dates with Dr. Michael Nosco and new FAA-approved color vision testing, and community congratulations and photo-of-the-month details. 00:00 Astronaut Roots at Princeton 00:24 April Newsletter Overview 00:41 Spring Flying and Bird Nests 01:30 Glass Panel Avionics Upgrades 02:25 VIP TFRs and Webinar 03:05 Simulator and Medical Dates 03:56 Student Milestones and Photos 04:19 From Runway to the Stars

February 2026 Princeton Airport Newsletter Highlights In this episode of the Princeton Airport Podcast, our hosts discuss the February 2026 newsletter, highlighting winter operations and the efforts of the snow and maintenance teams. Important updates include detailed cold starting advice for Cessna 172s, recommended practices for frost management, and new FAA-approved color vision testing available on-site with Dr. Michael Nosco. Additionally, the episode celebrates recent pilot achievements, previews the Flying Tigers dinner event, and suggests winter as an ideal time for avionics upgrades. For more details, listeners are directed to the online newsletter. 00:00 Welcome and Winter Weather Update 00:22 February Newsletter Highlights 00:37 Winter Operations and Maintenance 01:31 Cold Starting Tips for Cessna 172s 02:13 Flight Simulator and Student Achievements 02:48 Medical Updates and Color Vision Testing 03:19 Social Events and Avionics Upgrades 03:51 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

In the latest episode of the Princeton Airport Podcast, the hosts discuss the highlights from the January 2026 newsletter, emphasizing the vibrant community and operational updates at the airport. They celebrate significant achievements like new pilot milestones, including Sara Seidel obtaining her private pilot's license and the first solo flights of Andrew Bosworth, Chris Perez, and Adam Elcharfa. Congratulations! The podcast also highlights community contributions through the 'Fly it Forward' toy and food drive and provides essential winter operational tips for pilots and hangar owners. Additionally, the episode addresses a 3% rate increase due to rising expenses, updates from Dr. Michael Nosco on new FAA medical tests, and the availability of a Garmin flight simulator for training. The podcast concludes with news on avionics upgrades and invites listeners to participate in a General Aviation Quiz by Pete Rafle. All details can be found in the full January 2026 Princeton Airport Newsletter.

In this episode of the Princeton Airport Podcast, we dive into the December 2025 newsletter, uncovering key insights and updates. We celebrate the accomplishments of student pilots Santiago Medrano, Lorenzo Calero, and Alexander Mary who achieved their first solo flights, and Maya Nyak, who earned her private pilot certificate.  The episode also highlights the Garmin flight simulator's role in training, the upcoming aircraft ownership meetup hosted by Jack and Ken Nurenberg, and the community's effort in the 'Fly It Forward' toy and food drive. Practical advice on cold weather operations, upgrades for avionics, and new FAA-approved color vision tests are discussed, emphasizing the airport's commitment to training, safety, and community engagement. 00:00 Welcome and Overview of December 2025 Newsletter 00:38 Celebrating Student Achievements 01:43 Community Engagement and Events 02:39 Cold Weather Operations 03:31 Avionics Upgrades and Enhancements 04:11 Medical Resources and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we review the November 2025 newsletter from Princeton Airport 39N, focusing on key updates and essential information for pilots and the aviation community. Highlights include preparation for cold weather with specific maintenance advice for different aircraft, night flying readiness, and adherence to cold weather procedures. The airport addresses presidential TFRs with practical resources, celebrates recent achievements in the flight school, and emphasizes the importance of safety with historical crash lessons on VFR into IMC dangers. Additionally, announcements about hangar availability, advanced equipment upgrades, and upcoming FAA medical examiner visits are all covered, underscoring the theme of preparation and compliance for the colder months. 00:00 Introduction to the November 2025 Newsletter 00:25 Preparing for Winter Flying 00:42 Cold Weather Procedures  01:19 Navigating Presidential TFRs 01:47 Flight School Achievements 02:07 Modern Upgrades and Maintenance 02:56 Safety Lessons from Historical Crashes 03:36 Community Updates and Practical Tips 04:06 Final Thoughts on Preparation and Compliance  

The deep dive into Princeton Airport for October 2025 covers key updates and achievements. The newsletter highlights the beauty of flying before the daylight savings time change and the significant accomplishments of new private pilots and instrument-rated pilots. The Garmin simulator's benefits for training, updates on presidential TFR preparedness, and the importance of fuel management for safety are discussed. Additionally, upgrades at the aviation shop are showcased. Key upcoming dates include FAA medical appointments and a PAFT meeting. Mahan Erdogan won the photo contest, and participants are encouraged to submit their own photos. More details are available on princetonairport.com.

In this episode of the Princeton Airport Podcast, we bring you all the latest updates from 39N as we head into fall. September marked the busiest flying month of the year, with long summer days fueling lessons, solos, and check rides. Now, as the season shifts, we're looking at the crisp, clear skies and colorful landscapes that make autumn one of the most rewarding times to fly. Here's what you'll hear in this episode: Celebrating Student Achievements We recognize our newest pilots and students who reached major milestones this past month, including private pilot certificates, instrument and commercial ratings, and memorable first solos. Their dedication and hard work reflect the spirit of the Princeton Flying School community. Autumn Flying Tips & Highlights Cooler air means better aircraft performance, but shorter days call for careful planning. We'll talk about the benefits of fall flying and why this season is a favorite for both student pilots and seasoned aviators. Join the Team: Flight Coordinator Position Princeton Airport is hiring! Learn about the Flight Coordinator role — a hands-on position perfect for aviation enthusiasts looking to gain experience while supporting daily operations, fueling, scheduling, and events. Thank You to Our Summer Team We share our appreciation for Eric, Kroosh, Dimitri, and Lucas, whose hard work as summer flight coordinators kept things running smoothly all season. As they return to college, we wish them the very best and thank them for being part of the 39N family. Whether you're a student pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or part of our vibrant airport community, this episode is packed with updates, inspiration, and opportunities.

In this episode, we dive into the August 2025 newsletter from Princeton Airport. We celebrate significant student accomplishments, including first solo flights and new certifications. We highlight the upcoming end-of-summer barbecue, the role of the community in fostering aviation passions, and the airport's investment in modern training resources with new aircraft. We also cover essential operational info, special interest groups like the Princeton Flying Tigers, and opportunities for engagement with the airport through events, job openings, and photo contests. This episode encapsulates the vibrant, supportive, and evolving aviation community at Princeton Airport. 00:00 Introduction to Princeton Airport Community 00:24 Celebrating Student Achievements 01:25 Community Events and Barbecue 02:26 New Aircraft and Training Tools 04:17 Avionics and Flight Simulators 05:21 Operational Info and Tours 07:08 Engaging Columns and Flying Club 08:37 Photo Contest and Opportunities 09:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome to The Princeton Airport Podcast. In this episode, we dive into the July 2025 Newsletter from Princeton Airport. It's a vibrant snapshot of summer flying, community events, and cutting-edge upgrades. From the buzz of a well-attended BBQ and the thrill of student pilot achievements to the rollout of brand-new Skyhawks and high-tech avionics upgrades, this newsletter tells the story of a thriving general aviation hub. We'll also explore essential reminders about staying safe during summer flights, navigating TFRs, and using simulators to build your skills even on rainy days. Whether you're a private pilot, a student, or simply passionate about aviation, there's something here to inform, inspire, and connect you to the heart of Princeton Airport.

Welcome to the Princeton Flying School Podcast with Pete Rafle, Princeton Flying School Instructor Emeritus. In this follow-up episode Pete continued his conversation with Colin Unsworth, ex US Air Force Colonel, and retired FedEx Captain. Pete and Colin discussed a wide range of aviation topics and shared stories regarding flight training, weather conditions, military operations, flying passengers, flying cargo, flight emergencies, and even a UFO sighting. So without any further introduction, let's join the conversation with Pete Rafle and Colin Unsworth.

Welcome to the Princeton Flying School Podcast with Pete Rafle, Princeton Flying School Instructor Emeritus.   In this episode Pete sat down with Bill Ducharme, born in 1930 and now quite possibly New Jersey's oldest certified active private pilot.    Pete and Bill discussed a wide range of aviation topics and shared stories regarding Bill's early flight training, his experiences here at Princeton Airport, his love of Cessna airplanes, particularly the 152s, and his continued love of aviation all the way into his 90s.    This episode is an enjoyable trip down memory lane, so without any further introduction let's join Pete Rafle and Bill Ducharme.

Welcome to the Princeton Flying School Podcast with Pete Rafle, Princeton Flying School Instructor Emeritus. In this episode Pete sat down with Colin Unsworth, ex US Air Force Colonel, and retired FedEx Captain. Pete and Colin discussed a wide range of aviation topics and shared stories regarding flight training, weather conditions, military operations, flying passengers, flying cargo, flight emergencies, and even a UFO sighting. So without any further introduction, let's join the conversation with Pete Rafle and Colin Unsworth.

Welcome to the Princeton Flying School Podcast with Pete Rafle, Princeton Flying School Instructor Emeritus. In this episode Pete sat down with 1st Lt Robert McClellan, Commander of the Twin Pine Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.   Pete and Rob discussed many of the benefits of being a Civil Air Patrol volunteer - whether a CAP Cadet or a senior member… whether a pilot or a parent… interested in aviation or aerospace, military customs and courtesies, even cyber.    So without any further introduction, let's join the conversation about the Civil Air Patrol with Pete Rafle and Robert McClellan.  

Welcome to the Princeton Flying School Podcast with Pete Rafle, Princeton Flying School Instructor Emeritus. In this episode Pete invited Col. John 'Skip' Rawson, aviator, businessman, and one of the colorful characters here at the Princeton Airport for a Part Two Interview.    Pete and Skip covered a lot of ground in their last interview, but Skip still had plenty of stories to share about the  planes he has flown including the J-3 Cub, T-28 A, Cessna 337, the T-6 trainer, Lockheed Hudson bomber, Cessna 170, Stearman Biplane, the B-17, and even the Japanese replica "Zero" which were reworked T6's.

In Episode 6 of the Princeton Flying School Podcast Pete Rafle sat down with Jeff Slutsky, Chief Pilot of the Princeton Flying School. Pete and Jeff talked about the current state of flight training, as well as some of the experiences that they have encountered as flight instructors here at the Princeton Flying School.   We trust this podcast episode will be helpful and informative, and may at times even be entertaining for Princeton Flying School students and alumni here at the Princeton Airport. 

Welcome to the Princeton Flying School Podcast with Pete Rafle, Princeton Flying School Instructor Emeritus. In this episode Pete sat down with Col. John 'Skip' Rawson, aviator, businessman, and one of the colorful characters here at the Princeton Airport. As we will learn, Skip began flying in Cubs at the age of 14.  He later flew B 47's and Constellations in the Air Force.  Skip has also flown many types of airplanes as a charter pilot.  He is a member of the Tora! Tora! Confederate Air Force flight demonstration team flying Japanese Zero replicas. So without any further introduction, let's join the conversation with Pete Rafle and Skip Rawson.

Welcome to the Princeton Flying School Podcast with Pete Rafle, Princeton Flying School Instructor Emeritus. In this episode Pete sat down with Naomi Nierenberg, co-owner of Princeton Airport. They talked about the history of the airport, the early days of the Princeton Flying School, and some of the colorful characters who played a part in the history of the airport.

Welcome to the Princeton Flying School Podcast with Pete Rafle, Princeton Flying School Instructor Emeritus. In this episode Pete sat down with Jon Nierenberg to talk about his life in the Alaskan wilderness, as co-owner and operator with his wife Karin, of Earthsong Lodge, as well as Denali Dog Sled Expeditions. And of course they talked about the challenges and opportunities of Alaskan aviation.

Welcome to "From The Right Seat" with Pete Rafle, Princeton Flying School Instructor Emeritus. In this episode Pete shares a few flying stories and teaching tips gained from his 55 years in the air… including his years with Pan Am and TWA. "From The Right Seat" with Pete Rafle is sponsored by the Princeton Flying School at the Princeton Airport and is produced by HG Media. If you enjoyed our podcast please share it with your friends. "I've been flying airplanes since 1963. I joined the Navy and learned how to fly. In the Navy, I was assigned to a P3 squadron. I flew anti-submarine warfare. I was in Vietnam, '66, '67, then went to work for Pan-American World Airways, and then I went to TWA. I worked for two large airlines. We moved down to New Jersey, lived in Hopewell, and my wife happened to buy me a gift certificate of an hour's flight time at the Princeton Airport. I came over and Naomi Nierenberg, who was the head of the school, said, "What do you want to do?" I said, "I just want you to give me a safe for solo so I can rent an airplane." She said, " You're an air transport pilot. I need a commercial pilot to give rides and lessons." So I added on a single engine rating on to my air transport rating, that followed by a flight instructor rating, followed by an instrument flight instructor rating, and I started teaching here at Princeton Airport. That was 20 years ago. I have well over 4,000 hours in Princeton Flying School airplanes." – Pete Rafle

Welcome to "From The Right Seat" with Pete Rafle, Princeton Flying School Instructor Emeritus. In this episode Pete shares a few flying stories and teaching tips gained from his 55 years in the air… including Scattering Ashes the Right Way per Dick Nierenberg's instructions… and The Sounds of Great Landings as personally demonstrated by Pete. "From The Right Seat" with Pete Rafle is sponsored by the Princeton Flying School at the Princeton Airport and is produced by HG Media. If you enjoyed our podcast please share it with your friends. "I've been flying airplanes since 1963. I joined the Navy and learned how to fly. In the Navy, I was assigned to a P3 squadron. I flew anti-submarine warfare. I was in Vietnam, '66, '67, then went to work for Pan-American World Airways, and then I went to TWA. I worked for two large airlines. "We moved down to New Jersey, lived in Hopewell, and my wife happened to buy me a gift certificate of an hour's flight time at the Princeton Airport. I came over and Naomi Nierenberg, who was the head of the school, said, "What do you want to do?" I said, "I just want you to give me a safe for solo so I can rent an airplane." She said, " You're an air transport pilot. I need a commercial pilot to give rides and lessons." So I added on a single engine rating on to my air transport rating, that followed by a flight instructor rating, followed by an instrument flight instructor rating, and I started teaching here at Princeton Airport. That was 20 years ago. I have well over 4,000 hours in Princeton Flying School airplanes." – Pete Rafle