19. Writing America's story from a Cirrus, with James Fallows

Flying a small airplane is “like being in a skyscraper that moves,” according to award-winning author James Fallows. He used that view to research his latest book, Our Towns, flying his Cirrus SR22 to more than 50 American cities that lie beyond the airline routes and highways. He explains how small airports can be a point of connection for these communities and why safety is so important for general aviation's image. Jim also talks about why Cirrus has survived while other airplane companies have failed, and how being a pilot has changed his behavior, from everyday conversations to his assessment of risk. In the "Ready to copy" segment, Jim shares his pick for best aviation book, his favorite airport craft brewery, and why leaf blowers are so bad.

Our Towns book: https://www.amazon.com/Our-Towns-000-Mile-Journey-America/dp/1101871849

Our Towns on HBO: https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/our-towns

Jim's Substack newsletter: https://fallows.substack.com/

Sporty's Pilot Training app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sportys-pilot-training/id1272775528