Pyjama Pilots
Pyjama Pilots is a podcast featuring three agricultural pilots based in New Zealand—Jimbo Burgess, Pete Blake, and Sam Hood—as they discuss their aviation adventures around the world. The show focuses on their experiences in agricultural aviation, sharing stories from the cockpit and the places their work takes them. It offers a conversational look at the realities and adventures of flying in remote and rural settings.
Episodes
#23 Dodgy Approaches and Dodgier Business Plans
The Pyjama Pilots are back! Jimbo, Pedro and Hoodie are tackling the big questions in aviation, business and technology — with varying levels of expertise and absolutely no shortage of questionable decision-making.This episode, Jimbo tries to convince the boys that his $40,000-plus collection of old car parts is actually a brilliant business opportunity, while Pedro and Hoodie do their best to tal
#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 Coast training, and sky-high fuel prices, through to chemical ratings, old aviation stories, and whether
#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 like a good idea… until they aren’t.There’s talk of taildraggers vs nose-draggers, operating into sketc
#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 results, or is it a half-finished system that’s shifting risk and responsibility onto the people flying the
#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 future of the industry.Then the gold starts flowing: wild strip operations, tailwinds that make no sense
#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 always the problem (management... hello)• flap checks, hopper pops, and learning the hard way• fake IDs,
#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 and humour you only get from a bloke who’s seen it all. We got into how he started out, the aircraft he’s
#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 accurate it was!
In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of their lives, includi
#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 Fletcher, Royce has witnessed and shaped pivotal moments in aviation history. In this podcast, he shares stori
#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 yarn about Hallett and his amazing career as an Ag pilot. Another thanks to the Chris Hoffman, who help
#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 insights and thrilling experiences from his time topdressing throughout New Zealand's beautiful
#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!
#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 through the skies and delve into the atmospheric elements that shape the world of aerial topdressing.
#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 recovery. Through his experiences, he has become a passionate advocate for mental health awareness in the aviat
#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 share real-life experiences and shed light on the causes, effects, and potential solutions to this
#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!
#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!
#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 poo chat in here, if that puts you off you may like to consider listening while not eating.
#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.
#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...
#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...
#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 the world~
#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 have something you want us to talk about!
