The Future in Flight Podcast

Live from AeroSummit 2026: Highlights

🎧 Episode Summary
What happens when you gather some of aviation’s brightest minds, innovators, educators, and entrepreneurs under one roof?
In this special episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker takes listeners inside AeroSummit 2026 at the JW Marriott Turnberry in Aventura, Florida. Rather than focusing on a single guest, this episode serves as a preview of the upcoming Live from AeroSummit miniseries, featuring insights from ten remarkable aviation leaders who are helping shape the future of flight.
From former military pilots teaching mental performance and resilience, to innovators reducing flight training costs, to organizations opening new pathways into aviation careers, this episode explores the people and ideas working to make aviation more accessible, effective, and inspiring for the next generation.
Along the way, you'll hear powerful lessons about self-awareness, learning under pressure, improving flight training, financing aviation dreams, finding scholarships, building aviation communities, and remembering why we fell in love with flying in the first place.
This episode is a celebration of aviation's future—and the people making it possible.
✨ Key Points
Building Better Pilots from the Inside Out
Former fighter pilot Tammy Barlett explains how mental performance directly impacts aviation success.
Self-awareness is a pilot's "superpower."
Emotions serve as valuable data, not weaknesses.
Managing pressure, recovering from mistakes, and building confidence are trainable skills.
The Power of Debriefing
Former F-15 instructor Brandon Williams discusses why most pilots never learn how to properly debrief.
Understanding why mistakes happen is more important than simply recognizing them.
His "Hack the Clock" technique helps pilots manage stress and make better decisions under pressure.
Fixing Flight Training
Flight test engineer Adriana Barragan reveals that many student pilots overspend by $5,000–$10,000 during training.
Her company, FlyORKA, focuses on eliminating inefficiencies and improving learning continuity.
Flight test principles emphasize moving from "not knowing" to "knowing" rather than simply proving performance.
Making Aviation More Accessible
Jacob Fenton discusses how Tecnam is reducing operating costs for flight schools through innovative aircraft designs.
New aircraft and MOSAIC-ready models aim to make training more affordable and efficient.
Accelerating Airline Pathways
Bridge Air's structured time-building program allows pilots to log up to 240 flight hours per month.
Their model creates a direct pathway toward airline careers through high-utilization training aircraft.
Financing the Aviation Dream
Stratus Financial founders Anthony Geraci and Brandon Martini share how a simple idea evolved into a nationwide aviation financing company.
Their mission is helping aspiring pilots overcome one of aviation's biggest barriers: funding.
Scholarships Are Waiting
FAA Youth Aviation Ambassador Jamail Larkins highlights the power of Aviation Start.
The platform matches students with eligible scholarships from over 1,700 organizations.
Many aviation scholarships go unawarded simply because too few students apply.
Staying Current in Aviation
CFI RJ discusses the importance of aviation events, podcasts, and networking.
South Florida's complex airspace creates a unique training environment that develops strong communication and situational awareness skills.
Growing the Aviation Community
Tim Jedrek of Right Rudder Marketing explains that aviation's real competition isn't other flight schools—it's every other activity competing for a person's time, attention, and career aspirations.
Flight schools succeed by welcoming newcomers and sharing the passion of aviation.
Why We Fly
Aviation Mentors Podcast co-host Carson Vasquez shares stories that remind us aviation is ultimately about connection, adventure, and inspiration.
Sometimes all it takes is a Young Eagles flight—or a Rice Krispies Treat over the Pacific Ocean—to change a life forever.
🕒 Chapter Timestamps
0:00 – 3:52 | Introduction to AeroSummit 2026 and the upcoming Live from AeroSummit series
3:53 – 12:57 | Tammy Barlett: Mental performance, self-awareness, and managing pressure
12:58 – 17:24 | Brandon Williams: Debriefing, learning from mistakes, and "Hack the Clock"
17:25 – 23:45 | Adriana Barragan and Fly Orca: Fixing inefficiencies in flight training
23:46 – 30:45 | Tecnam Aircraft, Bridge Air, and improving aviation accessibility
30:46 – 38:05 | Stratus Financial and solving aviation's funding challenges
38:06 – 45:32 | Jamail Larkins, Aviation Start, and scholarship opportunities
45:33 – 54:08 | RJ, Right Rudder Marketing, and building aviation communities
54:09 – 1:02:15 | Carson Vasquez, Aviation Mentors, and remembering why we fly
1:02:16 – End | Final reflections and preview of the Live from AeroSummit miniseries
🔗 Links
Featured Organizations & Guests
Aviation Start: https://www.aviationstart.org/
FlyORKA: https://www.flyorka.com/
Tecnam Aircraft: https://www.tecnam.com/
Bridge Air: https://www.bridge-air.net/
Stratus Financial: https://stratus.finance/
Cross Check Mental Performance: https://www.crosscheckmentalperformance.com/
Brandon Williams: https://www.brandonwilliamsspeaker.com/
Right Rudder Marketing: https://rightruddermarketing.com/
Aviation Mentors Podcast: https://aviationmentors.com/
AeroSummit: https://stratusaerosummit.com/aerosummit/
AviNationUSA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
Connect with The Future in Flight Podcast
The Future in Flight Podcast: https://www.futureinflightpodcast.com/
Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/
✈️ Coming Soon: Live from AeroSummit — a special three-part miniseries featuring the full interviews from all ten guests highlighted in this episode. Subscribe now so you don't miss a single conversation.
 

Inside NASA’s Super Guppy & the Flying to the Legendary Shuttle Landing Facility

Episode Summary
In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker takes listeners on an unforgettable journey through aviation history, spaceflight logistics, and even the surprising origins of one of aviation’s favorite cockpit snacks.
First, field reporter Brolin McKay goes inside the world of NASA’s legendary Super Guppy at SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo. One of the strangest aircraft ever built, the Super Guppy is the last flying example of its kind — a massive cargo aircraft stitched together from components spanning multiple generations of aviation history. NASA crew member Greg explains how the aircraft supports missions like Artemis, transports oversized aerospace hardware, and continues flying decades after its original design.
The episode then shifts eastward for a flight to the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center. Flying aboard a Vans RV-9A with Ricardo Leon of Level Aviation, Shawn explores the legendary 15,000-foot runway originally built for returning space shuttles. Along the way, listeners get a pilot’s-eye view of Florida’s Space Coast, stories from shuttle history, and practical guidance for GA pilots hoping to visit KTTS themselves.
Finally, the episode closes with a surprisingly fascinating deep dive into the history of the granola bar — from 19th-century health spas to modern flight bags — and why it became one of aviation’s most enduring cockpit snacks.
Key Points
The NASA Super Guppy is the last flying example of only four aircraft ever built.
The aircraft combines components from multiple airplanes, including a Boeing KC-97, Boeing 777 nose gear, E-3 Sentry engines, and C-130 propellers.
The Super Guppy played a major role in transporting hardware for NASA’s Artemis program.
Pilots flying the Guppy manually control the aircraft with cable-driven flight controls and no hydraulic assist.
The Shuttle Landing Facility runway measures 15,000 feet long and was purpose-built for Space Shuttle landings.
General aviation pilots can sometimes receive clearance for low approaches over the Shuttle Landing Facility.
Florida’s Space Coast offers one of the most unique aviation destinations in the country.
The granola bar originated from 19th-century health reform movements and evolved into a staple aviation snack because of its portability and shelf life.
Timestamps
00:04 — Introduction to NASA’s legendary Super Guppy
01:13 — Why the Super Guppy is unlike any aircraft on Earth
02:21 — The “Frankenstein aircraft” maintenance challenge
03:13 — Carrying Artemis hardware and moon mission components
05:34 — What it’s really like to land the Super Guppy
08:45 — Flight to the Shuttle Landing Facility at KTTS
11:30 — The history and engineering of the Shuttle Landing Facility runway
15:58 — Why KTTS remains one of aviation’s greatest destinations
17:00 — The surprising history of the granola bar
21:24 — Why granola bars became essential pilot fuel
Links
NASA Super Guppy Overview
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo
AviNation USA
NASA Artemis Program

The Long Way Around: Josh Blair on Wrenching, Flying, and Coming Home to GA

🗒️ Summary
What does it look like to build a life in aviation from the ground up — literally? In this episode, Shawn sits down with Josh Blair, founder of BlairCraft and a multi-rated A&P/IA with one of the most diverse resumes in general aviation. From soloing at 16 out of a small Southern Ohio FBO to hanging engines on Boeing 767s, running turbine R&D programs at the University of Notre Dame, and now restoring tube-and-fabric classics in Northern Indiana — Josh has done it all, and he's just getting started.
Josh talks about the attention to detail he developed restoring his first car at 14, how that mindset carried directly into aviation maintenance, and why he took a $30,000 pay cut to get back to the airport he loves. He shares his passion for backcountry and STOL flying, his growing YouTube channel BlairCraft, and the big projects on the horizon — including a PA-16 Clipper hot rod and a ground-up restoration of a 1967 Mooney M20E. Oh, and there's a runway being carved out of the Indiana countryside. With an excavator. That he bought himself.
If you've ever wondered whether the unconventional path can still lead somewhere great in aviation, Josh Blair is your answer.
🔑 Key Points
Attention to detail starts early. Josh restored his first car — a 1989 Firebird — at 14 years old, clear-coating under the hood and finishing it by his 16th birthday. That same mindset became the foundation of his approach to aircraft maintenance.
A local airport changes everything. Josh's first W-2 job was at PMH (Portsmouth Municipal, Southern Ohio), just seven minutes from his house. He soloed at 16 and had his private certificate ready by his 17th birthday.
The unconventional path is still a valid path. Josh spent time in food production maintenance at General Mills before a friend's text message pulled him into heavy airline MRO work on 767s — where he'd never used his A&P certificate until that point.
GE Aviation and turbine R&D. After heavy maintenance, Josh landed a position at GE Aviation working on CF6 engines (50,000 lbs. thrust), then spent seven and a half years at the University of Notre Dame Turbine Machinery Lab as a build lead across five research programs — with sponsors including GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, and Doosan Heavy Industries.
GA called him back — and he answered. Josh left the University of Notre Dame position and took roughly a $30,000 pay cut to return to general aviation maintenance full time, eventually earning his IA and launching BlairCraft.
The Spirit Engineering SE-1 is turning heads. Josh breaks down why this aircraft is generating serious buzz: approximately $69,500 new, 100 mph cruise on two gallons per hour, and a production approach unlike anything seen since the 1940s.
STOL community = family. Josh attended the High Sierra Fly-In solo (drove 29 hours each way), and describes the STOL and backcountry community as his "family reunion" — with Oshkosh as the annual centerpiece.
The runway build is real. Josh is actively clearing and grading a 2,600-foot private airstrip on family property in Northern Indiana using an excavator he purchased himself.
What's next for GA? Josh sees the biggest near-term shifts coming in engine options and fuel availability — noting the DeltaHawk diesel and the ongoing transition away from 100LL as areas to watch.
⏲️ Timestamps
[00:00] — Welcome & Introduction: Shawn introduces Josh Blair, founder of BlairCraft, and sets up the conversation around Josh's wide range of aviation experience.
[00:52] — How It Started: Josh's first W-2 job at PMH airport in Southern Ohio at age 16 — just seven minutes from home — and soloing within the year.
[01:26] — The Car Connection: Restoring a 1989 Firebird at 14 and a half, and how that early obsession with detail directly shaped his approach to aircraft maintenance.
[05:59] — From General Mills to 767s: How a text message from a high school friend pulled Josh from food production maintenance into heavy MRO work on Boeing 767s — his first real use of the A&P certificate he'd earned years earlier.
[07:12] — GE Aviation & Notre Dame: Josh's path from CF6 engine teardowns at GE Aviation to leading five turbine R&D programs at the University of Notre Dame, with sponsors including GE, Pratt & Whitney, and Doosan Heavy Industries.
[09:29] — The $30,000 Pay Cut: Why Josh walked away from a great university position to return to GA — and how he built BlairCraft and his IA out of that decision.
[14:25] — Spirit Engineering SE-1 Deep Dive: What makes this aircraft stand out in today's market — price, efficiency, and a production approach unlike anything in decades.
[17:27] — Building a Private Runway: Josh describes the ongoing project to grade a 2,600-foot private airstrip on family land in Northern Indiana using an excavator he sourced himself.
[21:12] — What's Next: The PA-16 Clipper hot rod nearing completion, the 1967 Mooney M20E ground-up restoration, Oshkosh Creator Hub, and Josh's five-year outlook on GA engine and fuel changes.
🔗 Links
BlairCraft on YouTube: youtube.com/@BlairCraft
High Sierra Fly-In: https://www.highsierraflyin.com/
Rise and Roll Doughnuts (Shipshewana, Indiana): https://risenroll.com/
Future in Flight Podcast: https://www.futureinflight.com/
Subscribe & Review: https://www.avinationusa.com/
FLYTE: https://www.flyte.aero/

Find Your Flightline: Josh Blair, AeroSummit 2026, and Warbirds at SUN 'n FUN

📝 Summary
What does it take to build a life in aviation when the path refuses to stay straight? This episode answers that question three different ways.
We open with Josh Blair — founder of Blaircraft, A&P/IA mechanic, YouTube creator, and restorer of classic tube-and-fabric aircraft. Josh grew up in the Ohio River Valley, seven minutes from a small-town airport, and spent decades collecting skills across factory floors, heavy maintenance bays, GE Aviation, and a university turbine research lab before walking away from serious money — twice — to get back to the airplanes he loves. His story is about attention to detail, the long way around, and what a $30,000 pay cut looks like when it's actually a values decision.
Then we head to Miami, because Aero Summit 2026 is coming — and if you're a student pilot, an aspiring aviator, or someone still figuring out how to fund the dream, this is the event the show is telling you not to miss. Powered by Stratus Financial, Aero Summit brings together flight school owners, CFIs, airline recruiters, FAA insiders, and students under one roof, with a dedicated student and CFI track built specifically for the next generation.
We close on the Warbirds Ramp at SUN ‘n FUN 2026, where our friend Vanzell Jenkins — VanzAir — went on assignment and sat down with active military aviators from three branches of the armed forces: an A-10 pilot from the Air Force, a Blackhawk crew chief from the Army's 101st Airborne, and two pilots from the Air Force's First Reconnaissance Squadron — including a U-2 Dragon Lady pilot. Their origin stories are different. Their advice is remarkably consistent: start early, stay with the process, and debrief everything.
🔑 Key Points
Josh Blair — Blaircraft
Grew up in Clarktown, Ohio — seven minutes from a small-town FBO; soloed at 16, earned his A&P, then spent years in food manufacturing and heavy maintenance (767s, GE CF6 engines, Notre Dame turbine research lab) before returning to GA
Took a $30,000 pay cut to leave research and get back to the airport — a values decision, not a sacrifice
Now specializes in tube-and-fabric aircraft restoration; YouTube channel Blaircraft covers restorations, backcountry flying, and events
Building a 2,600-foot private grass strip on his northern Indiana property — cleared 1,000 feet of trees with a $2,500 used excavator
Current project: Piper PA-16 Clipper restoration (bush gear, slats, carbon fiber prop, ~160+ hp). Next: 1967 Mooney M20E ground-up with a goal of Oshkosh 2029–2030
Dream aircraft: J-3 Cub and Howard DGA. Dream passenger: Bob Hoover
Aero Summit 2026
Powered by Stratus Financial | May 20–22, 2026 | J.W. Marriott Turnberry, Aventura, FL | 300+ attendees, 30+ speakers, 25+ exhibitors
Dedicated Student and CFI Track featuring: $20M+ in scholarship resources (Jamail Larkin), AI career paths (Tom Lelyo), airline job market outlook (Kit Darby), and mental performance (Tammy Barlett, retired A-10/MQ-9 pilot)
Main stage themes: MOSAIC regulatory changes and AI in flight training
FIFP is a community sponsor; Shawn is the emcee; dedicated podcast area on site; AviNation on the floor
Registration: stratusaerosummit.com
Warbirds Ramp — Sun 'n Fun 2026 with Vanzell Jenkins (Vans Air)
Lt. Col. "Strobe" — A-10 Warthog, USAF: Flying since age 9; Air Force Academy → A-10 via competitive pipeline; primary mission is Close Air Support for ground troops. "Find what you really want to do, then chase after that."
Cpl. Logan Wellingson — UH-60 Blackhawk, Army 101st Airborne: Age 23, crew chief, recently deployed over the Red Sea in Egypt/Sinai. Highlighted the Army Street to Seat Program as a direct high-school-to-cockpit path. "I wish I would have been out here right out of high school."
"Huggy" & "Nova" — U-2 Dragon Lady / T-38, USAF 1st Recon Squadron, Beale AFB: Oldest flying squadron in the US military; U-2 operates above 70,000 ft; ~16 pilots selected per year Air Force-wide. Huggy's standout advice: "Focus on the debrief. You will learn so much if you can break down why you made the mistake."
⏱️ Timestamps
Time
Segment
00:04
Josh Blair — Introduction; growing up seven minutes from a small-town airport
02:06
Josh Blair — Soloing at 16; A&P; food manufacturing; 767s; GE; Notre Dame research
04:06
Josh Blair — The $30,000 pay cut; returning to GA; tube and fabric restoration; Blaircraft
07:24
Josh Blair — Building the 2,600-ft private runway; PA-16 Clipper and Mooney M20E projects
~10:00
Aero Summit 2026 — What it is; Stratus Financial; dates, venue, Student and CFI Track
~14:30
Aero Summit — MOSAIC; AI in flight training; FIFP sponsorship; Shawn as emcee
~18:30
Warbirds Ramp — Vanzell Jenkins / Vans Air; Sun 'n Fun 2026 field interviews
19:36
Lt. Col. "Strobe" — A-10 Warthog; USAF; Close Air Support; advice to young aviators
23:50
Cpl. Logan Wellingson — UH-60 Blackhawk; 101st Airborne; Army Street to Seat Program
27:53
Huggy & Nova — U-2 Dragon Lady; 1st Recon Squadron; "Focus on the debrief."
31:18
Vanzell — Sign-off: "Evolve the life you're in."
🔗 Links
Blaircraft (YouTube):  https://www.youtube.com/@Blaircraft.Engines
Aero Summit 2026 Registration: https://stratusaerosummit.com/aerosummit/
Stratus Financial: https://stratus.finance/
Kit Darby Aviation: https://kitdarby.com/wp/
Tecnam Aircraft: https://tecnam.com/
Vanzell Jenkins / VanzAir: https://www.youtube.com/@vanzair99
AviNation: https://www.avinationusa.com/
Future in Flight Podcast: https://futureinflight.com/

Avionics Without Borders + SUN 'n FUN Field Interviews

🎧 Episode Summary
Get ready for takeoff! This episode takes you from a 10-year-old's dream at a Florida air show to a global aviation career that spans continents. Host Shawn Staerker sits down with Kirk Fryer, President of Sarasota Avionics, who transforms aircraft around the world—from Bangladesh flight academies to Greek military helicopters. Plus, we meet inspiring young creators like Be Snappy from Australia, who's building his aviation YouTube empire one interview at a time.
From the Sun and Fun Aerospace Expo, we explore what it really means to build a career in aviation that doesn't stop at your home airport. Whether you're dreaming of installing cutting-edge avionics in far-off countries, creating content that connects the global aviation community, or just wondering how to turn your passion into a paycheck, this episode proves that the runway to your future extends way beyond what you can see from the tower.
 
✨ Key Points
🌍 Aviation careers can literally take you anywhere—Kirk Fryer has installed avionics in Bangladesh, Greece, Brazil, and beyond
📱 Young creators like Be Snappy prove you don't need fancy equipment to start—just curiosity and a camera
✈️ Modern avionics technology is making flying safer worldwide, from Florida flight schools to Cyprus Air Force helicopters
🚀 The MOSAIC rule is creating exciting opportunities for accessible, affordable aviation
🤝 Aviation is one of the most genuinely global communities on the planet—and there's room for everyone
 
🕒 Chapter Timestamps
0:07 — 1:48 | Kirk Fryer's Origin Story: From Air Show Kid to Global Avionics Expert
1:48 — 4:52 | Going Global: Bangladesh Installs and International Aviation Work
4:52 — 7:57 | Technology That Saves Lives: Modern Avionics Around the World
7:57 — 12:33 | Meet Be Snappy: Young Australian Creator Taking on Aviation YouTube
12:33 — 18:05 | International Visitors: FLYTE Aero Sunglasses from Australia
18:05 — 24:08 | Andy Litak and the Montaer MC-01: Affordable Aviation for Everyone
 
🔗 Links & Resources
Sarasota Avionics: https://sarasotaavionics.com/
FLYTE Sunglasses and Hats: https://www.flyte.aero/
Montaer Aircraft: https://www.montaeraircraft.com/
Be Snappy's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BeSnappy
SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo: https://flysnf.org/
AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
 
 

"Community of Competitiveness" — The CAU Flight Team's Rise Through the Rankings

SUMMARY
What does it take to fly a 1965 Cessna 150 across the country to compete against the best collegiate aviators in the nation — and do it with a smile on your face? Ask the California Aeronautical University Flight Team.
In this episode, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Melissa Johnston, CAU's Director of Aviation Operations and flight team coach, along with team members Jackson Kaspar (Safety Officer and newly minted CFI) and Sebastian Bernal (Alumni & Community Outreach). Together, they trace the team's journey from a scrappy, student-motivated startup to a nationally recognized program earning sportsmanship awards four years running and eyeing a top-10 finish at NIFA Nationals.
They cover what it's like to practice before class, study weather charts for cross-country VFR legs in a 150, build real friendships in a competition van, and why the Lightspeed Zulu 3 makes 26 hours of flying in three days a whole lot more survivable. Plus — dream aircraft, dream destinations, and the great in-flight snack debate.
This one is for every young aviator who has ever wondered whether joining the team is worth the extra effort. Spoiler: it is.
KEY POINTS
The Flight Team's Origin Story The CAU flight team was built from the ground up by students and one determined staff member. The university was initially uncertain — "What do you mean there's a flight team that competes against other universities?" — but early competition success and the program's networking value quickly made believers out of everyone.
What NIFA Is and Why It Matters NIFA — the National Intercollegiate Flying Association — is the NCAA of collegiate aviation. With roughly 80 member teams across nine or ten regions nationwide, it's the proving ground where the airlines come to find their next generation of pilots. CAU competes in Region 2 alongside San Jose State University, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (Prescott), and Mount San Antonio College.
The Arc of Growth CAU's trajectory on the national stage tells the story clearly: 20th place at their first NIFA Nationals in 2022, up to 15th in 2023, a first-place landing competition finish, and four consecutive regional Sportsmanship Awards. Most recently, the team claimed its first-ever regional safety award — a milestone that reflects how deliberately this program has been built.
The Day-to-Day Commitment Flight team membership means early morning flight practices, late-night ground event sessions, and fitting schoolwork into whatever gaps remain. Sebastian's approach: a detailed agenda, followed to the letter. Jackson's: jump in with both feet in week three and don't look back.
Little Red — The Team's 1965 Cessna 150 "Little Red" is a 1965 straight-tail Cessna 150, Juliet model, and one of only two aircraft in the team's fleet. She's flown across the country to Oshkosh and back, competed at regionals (Jackson took second in the Power Off 180 in her), and serves as the team's unofficial mascot and biggest marketing asset. The Johnson Bar flaps are a feature, not a bug.
The Lightspeed Partnership The relationship with Lightspeed Aviation started at Oshkosh AirVenture, when team captain Matt Anderson and co-captain James Lopez struck up a conversation with Lightspeed's president — with Little Red as the conversation starter. The partnership grew from there into a full sponsorship, with the Zulu 3 headset now a cornerstone of the team's cross-country capability. Key benefit: active noise reduction (ANR) in a cramped, loud, 60-year-old Cessna is not a luxury — it's a game changer.
The Recording Capability Melissa and Jackson both highlighted the Lightspeed Zulu 3's flight recording capability as an untapped training tool — particularly valuable in complex airspaces like San Diego and Phoenix, where students can review ATC communications after the fact and identify exactly where things got confusing.
Fundraising The team raises funds through an annual fly-in (held at L62 Buttonwillow Airport), door-to-door outreach, cross-country flyer drops at FBOs, raffle prizes, and a beloved campus tradition: Pie Your CFI. A nonprofit, the Aero Foundation, serves as the team's primary vehicle for donations. Additionally, proceeds from Plum Crazy pilot Vicki Benzing's merchandise go directly to the team.
The Future of Aviation — and This Team All three guests agree: a pilot boom is coming. Aircraft are on order, airlines are building their fleets, and the industry will need trained, degree-holding aviators to fill the seats. Melissa's vision for the team: top 10 at Nationals. Jackson's: a national championship — maybe not in three years, but it's coming.
Safety Culture Jackson serves as the team's Safety Officer and makes clear that the team's safety culture is a group effort, not a title. Sebastian describes the heightened awareness flight team members bring to every preflight and every uncontrolled field. Melissa draws the line clearly on competition days: the hotel is for fun; the ramp is for focus.
TIMESTAMPS
Time
Chapter
0:00
Cold Open — Quote Mash-Up Teaser
~0:20
Opening — Host Shawn Staerker
~1:45
Interview Begins — How the CAU Flight Team Got Started (Melissa Johnston)
~3:00
Why Sebastian Joined — Finding His People at Nationals
~4:30
Why Jackson Joined — Decided Before He Even Enrolled
~5:30
The Coach's Perspective — Daily Life on the Flight Team (Melissa)
~7:30
The Student's Perspective — Practice, Commitment, and Early Mornings (Sebastian)
~8:40
Building Team Bonds — Competition as a Community (Jackson)
~10:45
The Operations Challenge — Managing a Flight Team Alongside Full University Duties (Melissa)
~13:00
What Is NIFA? — Breaking Down the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (Jackson)
~14:50
Traveling with the Team — Van Rides, Plane Rides, and Roswell Nachos
~17:45
The Red Baron Sportsmanship Award — What It Takes to Win It Repeatedly (Melissa)
~20:10
Flying Little Red — The 1965 Cessna 150 Experience (Jackson & Sebastian)
~23:00
The Lightspeed Aviation Partnership — How It Started at Oshkosh (Melissa)
~24:55
The Zulu 3 in Action — ANR, Comfort, and 26 Hours Across the Country (Jackson & Sebastian)
~27:30
The Recording Capability — A New Training Tool for Student Pilots (Melissa & Jackson)
~29:25
Fundraising — Fly-Ins, Poker Runs, Pie Your CFI, and Plum Crazy (All)
~34:40
Academics Meets Competition — How Classroom Skills Transfer to the Flight Line
~37:40
The Future of Aviation — Pilot Boom, Degree Value, and Pathway Programs
~40:15
The Flight Team in Three to Five Years — Top 10 and Beyond
~42:25
Safety vs. Competitiveness — Building a Culture That Does Both
~46:25
The Fun Stuff — In-Flight Snacks, Dream Aircraft, and Dream Destinations
~55:00
Closing — Host Shawn Staerker / Lightspeed Aviation Thank-You / CTA
LINKS
California Aeronautical University Website: caleroaviation.edu (confirm current URL before publishing)
CAU Flight Team — https://www.instagram.com/cauflightteam/
NIFA — National Intercollegiate Flying Association Website: nifa.aero
Lightspeed Aviation — Presenting Sponsor Website: lightspeedaviation.com
Plum Crazy / Vicki Benzing Website: https://www.vickybenzing.com
ArtCraft Paint—Website: https://artcraftpaint.com/
AviNaition USA—Website: https://www.avinationusa.com/

Where the Road Ends and the Flying Begins — Bush Pilot Nate Herbert & Black Moose Outposts

Episode Summary
Shawn sits down with Nate Herbert, bush pilot and founder of Black Moose Outposts, a fly-in wilderness fishing and hunting operation based out of Red Lake, Ontario — the furthest northwest you can drive in the province. What started as a napkin sketch during COVID has grown into twelve camps and a fleet of nine aircraft, including de Havilland Beavers, Blackhawk Caravans, and a Pilatus PC-6 Porter on floats.
Nate takes us inside what real bush flying looks like — from navigating months of wildfire smoke to landing on unmarked lakes with dark water and no weather radar. He shares how his dad lit the aviation fire in him (even though he spent most of his childhood getting airsick), what it takes to hire and train bush pilots, and why he believes bush flying is one of the most future-proof careers in aviation. Along the way, we get a look at Black Moose's fire suppression missions supporting Northern communities, the differences between flying a Beaver, a Caravan, and a PC-6 in the backcountry, and what it's like to hand the controls of a floatplane over to a 70-year-old guest living out a lifelong dream.
Key Points
Nate's Path into Aviation Nate grew up in Red Lake, Ontario — a town with deep bush flying roots going back to the gold rush era of the 1930s when its airport was the second busiest in the world behind Chicago. His dad was a pilot, and flying was simply transportation. Nate actually hated flying as a kid — chronic airsickness kept him miserable on every flight. The turning point came at age 15 when he overheard his parents say the family airplane would go to his cousin if he didn't get his license. He got it at 18 and never looked back.
Red Lake and the Bush Red Lake sits at the end of the road in northwest Ontario — people in Toronto can drive to Florida faster than they can drive there. Everything north of Red Lake is accessible only by winter ice roads or aircraft. It's a place where aviation isn't a hobby — it's how you get to town, get to school, and get home.
Black Moose Outposts Born out of a COVID-era conversation between friends about dream jobs, Black Moose was supposed to be two camps and one airplane. It's now twelve camps and nine aircraft. The operation runs May through October, with 90% of business being fly-in fishing trips. Offerings range from fully self-guided wilderness drop-offs with zero contact for a week, all the way up to high-end guided packages with private chefs and 24/7 hosts. Newer camps feature full indoor plumbing, individual room climate control, and family-friendly accommodations.
The Fleet
Two Cessna 185s (one commercial with boat STC, one private)
Two de Havilland Beavers (piston, original radials — one with STOL kit, one military surplus)
One Blackhawk Caravan on Wipline 8750 floats
One Cessna Caravan EX with Yukon prop on Wipline 8750 floats
One Pilatus PC-6 Porter on Wipline 6100 floats
Bush Flying Realities No live weather, no radar, no controlled airspace beyond a five-mile zone around Red Lake. Pilots have to read weather visually and navigate by instinct and experience. Smoke from wildfires was the worst veteran pilots had ever seen last season — not days, but months of reduced visibility. Nate's safety philosophy: smoke can be pushed carefully, but cloud and fog will kill you.
Fire Suppression Flying Black Moose supports wildfire response across Northern Ontario — evacuations, gear supply runs, initial attack crew transport, and fire mapping at 50–100 feet above the trees. Last season, Nate's team flew the initial firefighting crews into a Northern community that had no water bomber support — the fire burned right to the edge of the sprinkler line his crews helped set up.
Advice for Aspiring Bush Pilots Nate values work ethic over flight hours. Backgrounds in bush firefighting, welding, farming, or any demanding hands-on work carry more weight than a logbook full of hours. Float time helps get through the door, but Nate says he can teach the flying — he can't teach someone to work hard.
The Future of Bush Flying Nate sees bush flying as one of the most secure aviation careers. Northern communities will always need air access, adventure tourism continues to grow, and the hands-on, unpredictable nature of the work makes it resistant to automation.
Fun Questions — Quick Hits
In-flight snack: Small cans of tuna, Costco applesauce, Icon elk and bison jerky, and a Red Bull
Dream aircraft: F-16 or a Corsair (he's already flying his dream bush plane — the PC-6)
Flying companion: His dad — the one who lit the fire
Dream trip: Flying a Cub or PC-6 through Iceland
Links
Black Moose Outposts website: blackmooseoutposts.com
Nate Herbert on Instagram: @nateherbert
Wipaire (Wipline Floats): wipaire.com
AviNation: https://www.avinationusa.com/

SUN 'n FUN and Global Aviation w/Kirk Fryar of Sarasota Avionics

🎧 Episode Summary
Get ready for takeoff with Kirk Fryar, head of Sarasota Avionics and Maintenance, as he takes us behind the scenes of one of aviation's biggest events - SUN ‘n FUN! In this high-energy episode, Kirk shares what it's like to bring 30 team members to Florida's premier aviation showcase, complete with golf cart convoys and epic booth setups. From sponsoring aerobatic legends like Patty Wagstaff and Skip Stewart to showcasing cutting-edge avionics in a beautifully restored 1965 Piper with a full G3X system, Sarasota Avionics goes all-out to make SUN ‘n FUN unforgettable.
This conversation takes an incredible turn as Kirk opens up about his global aviation adventures - from installing avionics in Bangladesh to working with the Cyprus Air Force in Greece, and building relationships across Brazil's massive aviation community. Whether you're curious about the future of aviation under new MOSAIC rules, want to know what survival gear every pilot should carry, or just love hearing about aviation culture around the world, this episode delivers non-stop excitement. Plus, get the inside scoop on where to find Kirk's team at SUN ‘n FUN, including a special autograph session with aerobatic pilot Melissa Burns!
 
✨ Key Points
🛩️ Sarasota Avionics brings 30+ team members to SUN ‘n FUN with elaborate booth setups in Hangar C
🌟 They sponsor top aerobatic performers including Patty Wagstaff, Skip Stewart, and Ghost Rider airshows
🌍 Kirk's team travels globally for installations - from Bangladesh flight academies to Greek helicopter services
🔧 New Mosaic rules could revolutionize older aircraft upgrades with modern G3X systems and autopilots
🍺 Don't miss the new "Swamp" food court in Hangar E - plus Melissa Burns autograph session Thursday!
 
🕒 Chapter Timestamps
0:00 — 2:30 | SUN ‘n FUN Prep - 30 People, One Mission
2:30 — 8:00 | Patty Wagstaff Stories and Aerobatic Sponsorships
8:00 — 15:00 | Mosaic Rules and Aircraft Upgrade Opportunities
15:00 — 22:00 | The Evolution of Avionics Technology
22:00 — 28:00 | Going Global - International Aviation Adventures
28:00 — 35:00 | Bangladesh to Greece - Working Worldwide
35:00 — 42:00 | Brazil's Amazing Aviation Culture
42:00 — 47:00 | Survival Gear and Backcountry Flying Tips
47:00 — 49:00 | Where to Find Sarasota Avionics at SUN ‘n FUN
 
🔗 Links & Resources
Sarasota Avionics: www.sarasotaavionics.com
Sarasota Avionics IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarasotaavionics/
AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
SUN ‘n FUN: https://flysnf.org/
SUN ‘n FUN STOL Basecamp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STOLBasecamp
Patty Wagstaff Aviation School: https://pattywagstaff.com/school/
Melissa Burns autograph session: Thursday at Hangar C (time TBD)
New Swamp Food Court: Hangar E at SUN ‘n FUN

Northern Canada Bush Flying — Nate Herbert & Black Moose Outpost

🎧 Episode Summary
Ever heard the sound of a de Havilland Beaver buzzing over water at dawn? For most of us, that's pure adventure movie material. But for Nate Herbert, growing up in Red Lake, Ontario—once the world's second-busiest airport during the 1930s gold rush—that was just another Tuesday morning. In this incredible episode, we dive into the wild world of bush flying with one of Canada's most authentic aviation voices, exploring how a kid who used to hate flying (seriously, he'd puke off the floats) became the pilot behind Black Moose Outpost's fleet of nine aircraft serving 12 remote wilderness camps.
 
From emergency wildfire response to luxury fly-out fishing adventures, Nate's story proves that the most authentic paths in aviation often start with the most unexpected motivations. His advice for aspiring bush pilots? Forget the romance—focus on character, hard work, and the reality that in bush flying, no two landings are ever the same.
Plus, we explore the legendary de Havilland Beaver in our Vintage Aircraft Spotlight and preview our upcoming SUN 'n FUN coverage that's going to be absolutely epic.
 
✨ Key Points
🛩️ Bush flying isn't about romance—it's about problem-solving, character, and landing on lakes that change every single day
🔥 Wildfire season transforms luxury outfitters into emergency responders, flying into smoke with half-mile visibility
✈️ The Pilatus PC6 Porter is Nate's pick for most capable bush plane—able to land in 150-200 foot gaps between obstacles
🎯 Getting hired as a bush pilot? Flight hours help, but employers want to see hard work experience like welding, farming, or firefighting
🤖 AI can't automate adventure—bush flying careers are among the most future-proof in aviation
 
🕒 Chapter Timestamps
0:00 — 1:18 | The Sound of Adventure: Growing Up in Red Lake
1:18 — 2:12 | From Hating Flying to Protecting Family Legacy
2:12 — 3:26 | When Aviation Becomes Your Social Life
3:26 — 4:40 | Pandemic Dreams to 12 Camps and 9 Aircraft
4:40 — 6:45 | The Reality of Float Plane Operations
6:45 — 8:08 | Fire Season: When Adventure Gets Serious
8:08 — 9:03 | What It Takes to Fly in the Bush
9:03 — 16:35 | Vintage Aircraft Spotlight: The de Havilland Beaver
16:35 — 19:47 | SUN 'n FUN Preview: Field Coverage and Live Broadcasting
 
 🔗 Links & Resources
Black Moose Outpost: https://blackmooseoutposts.com/
Nate Herbert on Instagram: @nateherbert
Wipaire: https://wipaire.com/
SUN ‘n FUN: https://flysnf.org/
Sun 'n Fun Radio: LiveATC.net and AM 1510
Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/
Full Throttle Airshows: https://fullthrottleairshows.com/
AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
Hilo Social Media: https://www.hilosocialmedia.com/
 
 

Sport Pilot 2.0 & How to Get Into Aviation Industry Sales

🎧 Episode Summary
What happens when a single rule change unlocks an entirely new generation of aircraft—and new opportunities for people who dream of flying?
In this episode, host Shawn Staerker explores one of the most important developments in modern general aviation: MOSAIC, often called Sport Pilot 2.0. You’ll learn how this long-awaited FAA modernization could allow aircraft to fly faster, carry more passengers, and cost less to operate—while opening the door for more people to enter aviation without a traditional medical certificate.
But the conversation doesn’t stop on the flight line. Shawn also introduces listeners to aviation entrepreneur Tom Lelyo, who took an unexpected path from youth ministry to selling private jets—and built a thriving career in aviation sales along the way. His story reveals a powerful truth: you don’t have to be a pilot or mechanic to succeed in aviation.
And in our monthly history segment, we travel through the remarkable milestones of March—from the first successful parachute jump from an airplane to the invention of liquid-fueled rockets, the birth of Top Gun, and the daring solo flight around the world by Steve Fossett.
This episode is about innovation, opportunity, and the many different doors into aviation—some technical, some entrepreneurial, and some still waiting to be discovered.
Thank you to our long-time show supporters—TL Sport Aircraft, builders of modern, efficient aircraft designed to expand access to flight training and recreational aviation. Explore their lineup and see the future of light aviation up close at the upcoming SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo 2026.
✨ Key Points
Understanding MOSAIC (Sport Pilot 2.0)
Introduced to modernize the Light Sport Aircraft category first created in 2004.
Removes the long-standing 1,320-pound weight limit for many aircraft.
Shifts focus from weight limits to stall speed as the key safety metric.
Allows up to four seats in qualifying aircraft.
Opens the door to turbine engines, retractable gear, and more advanced avionics.
Designed to make aircraft more capable while maintaining strong safety standards.
How MOSAIC Could Change Flight Training
Modern aircraft can carry more payload, including students and examiners.
Lower fuel burn and maintenance costs may reduce the cost of flight training.
New aircraft technology increases student interest and engagement.
Flight schools may gain access to more efficient and capable training aircraft.
Expands pathways into aviation for younger and cost-conscious students.
Spotlight: Modern Light Aircraft Innovation
Composite construction and glass cockpits are becoming standard in training aircraft.
New engines offer higher performance with improved fuel efficiency.
Aircraft design is shifting toward capability, safety, and operational flexibility.
Manufacturers are preparing new aircraft models ahead of finalized regulations.
Aviation Careers Beyond the Cockpit
Aviation sales is a growing career path within the industry.
Private jets can be accessible to business owners and professionals—not just billionaires.
Success in aviation sales depends on persistence, communication, and relationship-building.
Creating educational content can help build trust and professional credibility.
Mentorship and community play a critical role in career growth.
This Month in Aviation History (March)
1912: First successful parachute jump from a powered aircraft in the United States.
1926: Robert Goddard launches the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket.
1949: First nonstop flight around the world by the B-50 Lucky Lady II.
1969: First flight of the Concorde supersonic passenger jet.
1969: Establishment of the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School—Top Gun.
2001: The Russian space station Mir completes its final descent.
2005: Steve Fossett becomes the first person to fly solo nonstop around the world.
🕒 Chapter Timestamps
0:00 – 1:54 | Introduction: The future of aviation and the promise of MOSAIC1:55 – 3:43 | The origins of Light Sport Aircraft and early limitations3:44 – 5:35 | What changes under Sport Pilot 2.05:36 – 8:59 | How MOSAIC could reshape flight training and aircraft design9:00 – 10:44 | Why this rule change matters for the future of aviation10:45 – 12:07 | Career Spotlight: From youth pastor to jet sales professional12:08 – 15:54 | Building a career in aviation sales and entrepreneurship15:55 – 18:59 | This Month in Aviation History: Rockets, Concorde, and Top Gun19:00 – 22:25 | Space stations, unique airlines, and record-setting flights22:26 – End | Closing reflections: The sky still has room for dreamers
Links
TL Sport Aircraft:https://tlsportaircraft.com/
AVSales Talent:https://avsalestalent.com/
AviNation USA:https://www.avinationusa.com/
Creative Relay Media:https://creativerelaymedia.com/
SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo:https://flysnf.org/