In episode 94 of the Student Pilot Cast, Bill recounts an unplanned start to AirVenture 2026 after the engine in his Jabiru quit over far southeastern Colorado on July 18, forcing an off-airport landing in a cornfield with his son Trey; both were unhurt and the airplane remains repairable with minor gear damage and an unresolved engine issue. Rather than a debrief, Bill focuses on gratitude for the “rings” of people who helped: Trey’s calm, useful cockpit support; his wife Crystal’s steady response, prayer, and communication with worried family; airline crews relaying the mayday on guard; ATC/FAA personnel tracking him down by phone; local deputies and responders; fire chief Everett and his wife Becky transporting and hosting them; friend Kent flying a Mooney rescue to continue to Oshkosh; and the broader aviation community at Oshkosh that shared support, stories, and connections.

This is not the debrief of the emergency...that comes later. This is arguably more important...the human side.

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