The Future in Flight Podcast

Visit a Slice of Aviation Heaven in the Cornfields!

In this episode of the Future in Flight podcast, we explore the challenges of financing flight training, the unique experience at Curanda Airport, and significant milestones in aviation history.
 
We'll hear how Stratus Financial offers innovative solutions to help aspiring pilots overcome the high costs of training, while Curanda Airport serves as a community hub for aviation enthusiasts.
 
This episode also highlights key moments in the month of March that have shaped the aviation industry, inspiring future generations of pilots.
 
Key Take-Aways:
The cost of flight training can be as high as $120,000.
Stratus Financial offers innovative financing solutions for aspiring pilots.
Young pilots can potentially earn six figures within three years of training.
Curanda Airport is a unique aviation sanctuary in Illinois.
The spirit of aviation thrives in small, community-focused airports.
Milestones in aviation history inspire future generations of pilots.
The Wright Brothers' patent laid the foundation for modern aviation.
Captain Barry's parachute jump proved pilots could escape emergencies.
The Concorde revolutionized passenger travel with supersonic speeds.

Detailing Aviation Entrepreneurship w/Claire Maher

Featured Guest: Claire MaherPilot, Founder of Fly Girl Aircraft Detailing, Director of Administration at FlyBright Pilot Academy
Episode SummaryClaire Maher shares her journey from reluctant teen to aviation entrepreneur with Fly Girl Aircraft Detailing, alongside insights into electric aircraft advancements and a review of the Bob Hoover documentary, Flying the Feathered Edge.
Segment 1: Claire Maher - Aviation Entrepreneur
First flight at 14 via Young Eagles; soloed at 16 during COVID.
Moved to Florida at 18 for better weather, now pursuing instrument rating.
Founded Fly Girl Aircraft Detailing, employing student pilots to fund training.
Advice: Network, join groups, and persist—“1% better is better than nothing.”
Segment 2: Electric Aircraft - The Future Takes Flight
Key Players: Joby Aviation ($700M, Toyota-backed), Archer (United Airlines partner), Beta Technologies (46 charging sites by 2024).
Challenges: Infrastructure gaps, limited range for short hops, financial risks (e.g., Lilium setbacks).
Progress: NASA’s NEAT tests systems for 180-passenger planes; airlines invest big.
Segment 3: At the Movies - Flying the Feathered Edge
2014 film on Bob Hoover, WWII pilot, test flyer (F-86, F-100), and air show icon.
Highlights: Escaped POW in stolen plane, mastered energy management demos.
Legacy: Advanced safety, inspired pilots; a must-see for aviation fans.
Key Takeaways
Persistence trumps speed in aviation success (Claire, Hoover).
Electric flight innovates despite hurdles, promising cleaner skies.
Community and mentorship fuel aviation’s future.
 

A Legendary Conversation w/Josh Cook of Legendary Aviation Coffee Co.

Future in Flight Podcast: Episode Notes
Featured Guest: Josh Cook
Flight Test Director, Founder/Owner Legendary Aviation Coffee Company
Episode Summary
This episode features Josh Cook, a flight test engineer who combined his aviation passion with specialty coffee to create Legendary Aviation Coffee Company, plus segments on aviation careers and pilot jargon.
Segment 1: Josh Cook - Flight Test Engineer & Coffee Entrepreneur
Aviation Career
Former Flight Test Director for Northrop Grumman
Managed UAV programs including Global Hawk and Triton
Role involves testing aircraft systems and ensuring flight safety
Coffee Business
Founded Legendary Aviation Coffee Company in 2019
Uses air roasting technique (used by top 5% of roasters)
Coffee blends feature historic aircraft:
B-52 bomber (heavy, full-bodied coffee)
P-51 Mustang and V-Tail Bonanza
Philanthropy
Official coffee provider for Sun & Fun Aerospace Expo
Donates portions of sales to Sun & Fun's youth aviation initiatives
Supports six aviation and veteran-focused nonprofits
Segment 2: Aviation Careers Outside the Cockpit
Wildlife Management - "Bird men" who prevent bird-aircraft collisions
Wingwalkers - Performers who do stunts on biplane wings
Aircraft Rescue Firefighters - Specialists trained for aviation emergencies
UAS Pilots - Drone operators for commercial and research applications
Aviation Environmental Engineers - Develop sustainable aviation solutions
Aircraft Interior Designers - Create efficient, functional cabin spaces
Flight Simulator Developers - Build virtual training environments
Segment 3: Decoding Pilot Jargon
Operations: "George is flying" (autopilot), "Bingo fuel" (low fuel), "Souls on board" (total people count)
Location Terms: "Feet wet" (over water), "Feet dry" (over land)
Time Reference: "Zulu time" (GMT/UTC)
Communication: "Roger" (understood), "Mayday" (distress), "Pan Pan" (urgency)

From The South Side to The Skies

Summary
The journey from aviation outsider to industry pioneer takes center stage as Vanzell Jenkins shares his story of breaking barriers in the world of flight. From his beginnings on Chicago's South Side with no aviation connections to becoming an educator, experimental aircraft builder, and aspiring airshow pilot, Jenkins exemplifies how determination and consistency can open doors in aviation. The episode also explores the science of aircraft cleanliness and delves into the fascinating world of supersonic and hypersonic flight technology, highlighting the continued evolution of air travel.
Produced in partnership with AviNation, The Future in Flight Podcast aims to educate, empower and inspire the next generation of aviation enthusiasts.
 
Takeaways
Vanzell Jenkins pioneered aviation from his community, having no prior connections to the industry before college.
Despite starting with limited knowledge compared to peers, Jenkins persevered through challenges with his mother's unwavering support.
After completing his training, Jenkins chose to become an aviation educator rather than an airline pilot to inspire minority youth.
Jenkins has created a "lineage" of instructors who were once his students, extending his impact across generations.
Building an experimental aircraft offers financial advantages through the kit-building process, allowing purchases to be spread out over time.
The aviation industry offers diverse career opportunities beyond piloting, with thousands of people making each flight possible.
Free online resources make aviation knowledge accessible to anyone curious enough to follow their interests.
Consistency and commitment are essential to achieving aviation dreams: "Without commitment, you'll never start, but without consistency, you'll never finish."
Airlines employ various cleaning procedures, from quick turnaround cleaning to deep cleaning, with practices enhanced post-COVID.
Supersonic flight occurs beyond Mach 1 (767 mph), while hypersonic flight exceeds Mach 5, presenting unique engineering challenges including extreme heat and complex shock waves.

How Purdue Global is Revolutionizing Aviation Education

Summary
 
The intersection of tradition and innovation in aviation takes center stage as this episode explores Purdue University's online aviation programs and the timeless utility of the windsock. The narrative culminates with the compelling story of Bessie Coleman, whose pursuit of a pilot's license in segregation-era America exemplifies the ongoing journey toward making aviation more accessible to all.
Produced in partnership with AviNation, The Future in Flight Podcast aims to educate, empower and inspire the next generation of aviation enthusiasts.
 
Takeaways
 
Purdue University has a long aviation history, being the oldest collegiate aviation program in the U.S.
The transition to online aviation programs has made education more accessible to aspiring pilots nationwide.
Purdue Global partners with flight schools to provide rigorous training while saving students money.
Students can earn their FAA certificates and ratings in an accelerated timeframe.
The windsock has evolved from military use to a critical safety tool in aviation.
Modern windsocks are engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions and provide real-time data.
Bessie Coleman became the first African American woman to earn an international pilot's license in 1921.
Coleman used her fame to advocate for equality in aviation and inspire future generations.
Her legacy continues to inspire young aviators today, especially in the Black community.

Platform to Platform: Life as an Offshore Pilot

***We’re growing!***
Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to our first two shows, we’re making them a little longer moving forward! 
Summary
In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker interviews pilot and creator Nick Henderson, whose extraordinary aviation journey spans from childhood in Indonesia to military service and a thriving career as an offshore helicopter pilot for the oil industry. Nick shares insights on his unique path, the realities of the profession, and the future of automation in aviation.
The episode also features an in-depth look at Wisk Aero's autonomous air taxi and its potential to revolutionize urban air travel.
Plus, the Vintage Aircraft segment highlights the iconic Beechcraft Model 18, a staple in aviation history.
Key Takeaways
 
Nick Henderson’s early aviation passion – Growing up in Indonesia and traveling globally fueled his love for flight.
Military service influence – Nick’s time in the Army post-9/11 instilled a lifelong commitment to service.
Life on an oil platform – A structured, high-tempo work environment requiring precision and endurance.
Challenges of a pilot’s lifestyle – Long time away from home despite flexible work schedules.
Misconceptions about helicopters – They glide effectively in emergencies, contrary to common belief.
Automation’s growing role in aviation – Advanced tech, like Airbus H-160’s TCAS-2, is revolutionizing flight safety.
Advice for aspiring pilots – Define clear goals and be prepared for a tough but rewarding journey.
Wisk Aero’s air taxi vision – Aiming for autonomous, affordable urban air travel.
Passenger convenience features – Charging ports, Wi-Fi, and wheelchair accessibility enhance the experience.
Affordability goals – Wisk Aero is targeting pricing similar to UberX to make air travel accessible.
Beechcraft Model 18 history – A versatile aircraft that played a key role in both civil and military aviation.
 

BONUS From Lakes to Runways: Exploring Seaplane Adventures w/Steve Guetter

***BONUS EPISODE***
Thank you for the wonderful response to our premier episode! Since you enjoyed that one so much, we thought we'd offer this INCREDIBLE show as a bonus.
It's our small way of saying "thank you" for listening and supporting! 
 
Summary 
In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Starker takes us on an exhilarating journey into the world of seaplane aviation with special guest Steve Guetter, General Manager of Advanced Flight Training and Leasing. Steve shares his lifelong passion for aviation, from childhood dreams of flight to becoming a seaplane pilot and instructor. We explore the unique challenges and thrills of landing on water, the vital role of seaplanes in fire suppression and emergency response, and the crucial environmental efforts led by the Seaplane Pilots Association.
But that’s not all—this episode also delves into the future of sustainable aviation, discussing game-changing innovations such as hydrogen propulsion and electric aircraft. With organizations like NASA and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) leading the charge, we uncover how aviation is evolving to reduce its environmental footprint. Buckle up as we soar through these exciting topics!
 
Takeaways
 
Steve Guetter's childhood fascination with aviation led him to become a seaplane pilot.
Seaplane aviation offers unique experiences and challenges compared to traditional flying.
Seaplane pilots often serve as environmental stewards, protecting waterways.
The skills learned in one type of flying can be applied to others.
Seaplanes connect remote areas, demonstrating the versatility of amphibious aviation.
Seaplanes are used for various purposes, including air ambulances and firefighting.
Sustainable aviation is a growing focus within the industry, with initiatives like NASA's AACES 2050.
Electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft are becoming a reality for the future of flight.
Airports are also adopting sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact.
The future of aviation is not just about speed, but also about sustainability and community.

The Journey from Mechanics to Mastery

Summary
In our PREMIER episode of the Future in Flight podcast, we explore the inspiring journey of Mike Salmon, who transitioned from military service to a successful career in aviation maintenance and entrepreneurship. His story highlights the importance of finding purpose and embracing unexpected opportunities. We also delve into the Tennessee Tree Toppers, a community dedicated to paragliding and hang gliding in the beautiful Sequatchie Valley, showcasing the thrill of flight and camaraderie among aviation enthusiasts.
 
Takeaways
 
Mike Salmon's journey began with a chance decision at a military recruitment office.
His military experience taught him the importance of purpose in aviation maintenance.
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging but rewarding.
Mike found purpose again as an air ambulance mechanic, saving lives.
He emphasizes the critical role of homegrown mechanics in aviation safety.
Mike's entrepreneurial spirit led him to help found Aviation Design and Supply.
Helping transitioning veterans find their place in civilian life is fulfilling for Mike.
Young people should be open to opportunities in aviation; timing is key.
The Tennessee Tree Toppers offer a welcoming community for aspiring pilots.
The Sequatchie Valley is a stunning location for paragliding and hang gliding.

Get Ready for The Future in Flight Podcast! 🚀

The Future in Flight Podcast connects young aviators (14-25) to the exciting world of flight! 🚀
in-depth reporting on youth aviation trends
honest product reviews
compelling interviews with industry leaders, students, and creators
Your gateway to aviation's possibilities launches Spring 2025 on all major podcast platforms.
 

The Future in Flight Podcast Coming SOON!!

Get ready for takeoff!
The Future in Flight Podcast is coming soon in early 2025. Join us as we explore the exciting world of aviation, from soaring through the clouds to engineering the future of flight. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and entertained. Subscribe now and be the first to know when we launch!
 
Coming March 2025!!