Advertise on podcast: Destination Aviation

What if flying didn’t have to feel complicated? In this episode of Destination Aviation, host Jeff Miller sits down with Nate Thuli, President of Airhart Aeronautics, to talk about the future of personal flight. Nate brings a rare mix of experience to the conversation, from his time in the U.S. Air Force to startup leadership and consumer technology innovation. Together, they unpack how cockpit complexity has held aviation back, why avionics—not airframes—are the real key to unlocking personal flight, and how modular, pilot-centric systems could lower the barrier to entry for new pilots. The conversation explores what “human-first design” actually means in the cockpit, how disciplined systems engineering can coexist with startup speed, and why safety and simplicity don’t have to be tradeoffs. Nate also shares how Airhart is approaching next-generation avionics, MOSAIC and Light Sport integration, and the road toward making personal aviation more accessible. It’s a grounded, honest, and occasionally humorous look at where aviation is headed—and what it will take to make flying feel less intimidating and a lot more natural. And yes—Jeff does eventually learn this is not a Jetsons-style flying car. Please join us for a listen. Connect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok:  Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok YouTube: Destination Aviation - YouTube Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane tales Websites: Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation Support the show

In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with George Sakas of Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK) to talk about a career path that’s anything but ordinary. George shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Army—where he drove tanks—to finding his way into aviation and ultimately becoming the Director of Economic Development & Administrative Services at one of the nation’s busiest general aviation airports. We discuss how his military experience shaped his leadership style, the skills that translated from armored vehicles to airport management, and what it takes to drive growth and development at Chicago Executive Airport. From economic strategy and airport operations to workforce development and the future of general aviation, George offers insight into the behind-the-scenes work that keeps an airport moving. This conversation is a great listen for anyone interested in aviation careers, airport leadership, military-to-civilian transitions, and the people who make aviation happen beyond the cockpit. Connect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok:  Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok YouTube: Destination Aviation - YouTube Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane tales Websites: Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation Support the show

As 2025 comes to a close, this episode of Destination Aviation takes a step back — not just to reflect on the year, but to remember the airports that no longer appear on today’s charts. After a few opening updates and some behind-the-scenes channel news, the conversation shifts into a journey through the ghosts of aviation — airfields that once launched legends, trained generations of pilots, and shaped the cities that grew around them… only to quietly disappear. These are places where runways have been replaced by parks, neighborhoods, shopping centers, and roads — yet if you listen closely, you can still hear the echoes of radial engines, early jets, and student pilots on their first solo.  This end-of-year episode isn’t just about what aviation has gained — it’s about what we’ve lost, and why those lost runways still matter. Connect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok:  Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok YouTube: Destination Aviation - YouTube Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane tales Websites: Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation Support the show

In this episode of Destination Aviation, Jeff sits down with Sean White, Executive Vice President of FBO Development at Jet Access, whose career traces an extraordinary arc from the halls of Washington to the heart of general aviation. Before taking on leadership roles in FBO development, Sean spent nearly a decade in federal politics and government service—including positions at the White House, the Small Business Administration, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. From staffing senior officials to coordinating national and international travel logistics, Sean developed a strategic skillset rooted in policy, communication, and high-stakes coordination. That foundation launched him into a second career in aviation. Sean went on to lead the Central Indiana Transit Task Force, oversee public outreach and government relations for Indy Connect, and support major initiatives for the Indianapolis Airport Authority. He also played a key role with AOPA, managing infrastructure and logistics for national fly-in events. Sean then transitioned into hands-on airport leadership—serving nearly seven years as General Manager and VP at First Wing Jet Center, overseeing FBO operations across multiple airports and building teams, systems, and service cultures that helped elevate each facility. Today, he leads FBO development at Jet Access, bringing together his rare mix of political insight, operational experience, and strategic communication to help shape one of the nation’s fastest-growing aviation companies. In this episode, Jeff and Sean dive into: How a career in federal politics unexpectedly prepared him for aviationWhat it takes to manage multi-airport FBO operationsThe behind-the-scenes logistics of national aviation eventsThe future of general aviation, community engagement, and airport developmentWhy the skills that succeed in the West Wing also succeed on the rampThis episode is also special because it’s the first one we recorded on video, and it’s available on YouTube for those who prefer to watch as well as listen. It’s an insightful, wide-ranging conversation with a leader who has lived two full careers—and is still ascending. Connect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok:  Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok YouTube: Destination Aviation - YouTube Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane tales Websites: Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation Support the show

In this episode, Look for the Arrow—Fuel Here, Think Safety Everywhere, Jeff sits down with Patrick Moylan, Chief Safety and Quality Officer at West Star Aviation. Patrick brings more than 25 years of aviation safety and operational leadership experience, but his connection to “safety indicators” began long before his aviation career even took off—his uncle invented the little arrow on your car’s dashboard that tells you which side to fuel from. From that clever icon to today’s industry-leading Safety Management Systems (SMS), Patrick shares how seemingly small signals can guide major safety decisions in both day-to-day operations and high-stakes environments. Together they dive into West Star’s safety culture, the evolution of SMS in MROs, and what it truly takes to drive risk reduction across a nationwide aviation organization. Whether you’re a pilot, a mechanic, a safety professional, or simply someone who “always checks the arrow,” this episode offers insight, leadership wisdom, and a unique look at how safety is built, taught, and lived. Join us for Episode 60 as we look for the arrow—and learn why safety starts with paying attention to the small things. Connect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok:  Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok YouTube: Destination Aviation - YouTube Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane tales Websites: Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation Support the show

In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Kyle Lewis, Regional Manager with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). When flight disruptions grounded our original plans, we didn’t let that stop us — we fired up the mics from the Midway Airport parking garage instead. Kyle shares sharp insights on today’s aviation landscape, from pilot advocacy to industry trends, along with a few laughs and personal stories that every aviator can relate to. So join us as we keep the parking attendants company, rack up a few parking fees, and talk all things aviation — like “Comedians in Cars,” but with pilots, planes, and plenty of prop talk. AOPA Buckeye Air Fair: https://www.aopa.org/community/buckeye-air-fair Connect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok:  Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok YouTube: Destination Aviation - YouTube Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane tales Websites: Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation Support the show

In this episode of Destination Aviation, host Jeff Miller sits down with Maria Romanick, A.A.E., Operations and Maintenance Manager at Minot International Airport — and a pilot with a serious sense of adventure. Maria shares stories from her time keeping things running smoothly on the airfield, offers smart advice for those looking to break into airport operations, and reflects on her aviation roots at the University of North Dakota. Between the professional insights, plenty of laughs, and a few van-life dreams (yes, she’s thinking of fixing up a Ford and hitting the road someday), this conversation captures the heart of what makes aviation people so unique — passionate, practical, and always planning the next adventure. Whether you’re an aspiring airport professional, a fellow pilot, or just someone who loves a good story from the tarmac, this episode will leave you inspired to keep your own dreams rolling. Connect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok:  Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok YouTube: Destination Aviation - YouTube Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane tales Websites: Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation Support the show

In this special on-location episode, host Jeff Miller takes listeners from the buzz of the NBAA-BACE convention floor in Las Vegas to the quiet grass fields where American aviation first took flight. The debate has lingered for more than a century: Which airport can truly claim to be the oldest in the United States? From the Wright Brothers’ 1909 training grounds at College Park, Maryland, to Pearson Field in Washington and other early contenders, Jeff unpacks the history, the rival claims, and the fine print behind the phrase “continuously operating.” Whether you’re an aviation historian or just love a good origin story, you’ll find there’s more to this question than meets the eye—and maybe the Wright answer isn’t so clear after all. Connect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok:  Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok YouTube: Destination Aviation - YouTube Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane tales Websites: Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation Support the show

What happens when a pilot who’s flown everything from C-17s to United Airlines jets decides to reinvent how flight instructors teach? In this episode of Destination Aviation, Jeff Miller sits down with Nate Ehlers — founder of Backseat Pilot, United Airlines pilot, CFI, and Air Force Reserve instructor — to talk about his journey through every corner of aviation training: civilian, regional, military, and airline. With over 8,000 flight hours and experience mentoring countless new pilots, Nate shares how he turned his hard-won lesson plans into a scalable platform now trusted by over 30,000 instructors worldwide. Discover how Backseat Pilot is saving instructors months of prep time, raising training standards, and helping the next generation of aviators reach the airlines faster. Backseat Pilot Website: Backseat Pilot - The Best CFI Lesson Plans Connect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok:  Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok YouTube: Destination Aviation - YouTube Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane tales Websites: Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation Support the show

In this episode of Destination Aviation, we head to Alaska — the Last Frontier — to explore its deep connection with aviation. From stories on the road to the daring history of bush pilots, we scratch the surface of how flying became Alaska’s lifeline. Join us as we share adventures, insights, and a glimpse into the skies where airplanes aren’t just transportation — they’re survival.  Connect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok:  Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok YouTube: Destination Aviation - YouTube Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane tales Websites: Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation Support the show

Join us for a moving and insightful conversation with Anthony Dyer, retired USAF Tech Sergeant and author of Moon Child: The Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator. In this episode, Anthony shares: His journey from the Appalachian Mountains to flying elite combat missions in some of the world's most volatile zones.The emotional realities of military life—including the personal struggles and unseen wounds many veterans carry.How writing Moon Child became his mission to heal others and offer a voice for resilience.The symbolism behind “roots and wings”—honoring where we come from while striving toward a purpose beyond war.Listeners will be inspired by Anthony’s candor, bravery, and the universal message that healing and hope can take flight. Where to Learn More & Support the Author: Buy Moon Child on Amazon to dive into Anthony’s gripping memoir: Moon Child: The Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator delivers a raw, unfiltered account of life in combat—the triumphs, the burdens, and the unseen scars that follow Warriors home. Amazon.com: Moon Child: The Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator: 9798348582760: Dyer, Anthony, McKay, Hollie, Grayson, Robbie: BooksConnect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok:  Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok YouTube: Destination Aviation - YouTube Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane tales Websites: Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation Support the show

Episode 53 of Destination Aviation brings aviation engineer Kevin Spitz of Mead & Hunt on the mic. Kevin and I have a long-running, joking back-and-forth, so if you’re expecting a dry engineering lecture… think again. We dig into his role as an aviation engineer, the challenges and creativity that go into airport projects, and of course share a few laughs along the way. Whether you’re in the industry or just aviation-curious, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and the kind of banter only Kevin and I can get away with. Connect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok:  Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok YouTube: Destination Aviation - YouTube Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane tales Websites: Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation Support the show

On this episode of Destination Aviation, former Scottsdale Airport Aviation Director Gary P. Mascaro shares his journey into aviation, leadership insights, and perspectives on the industry. And if the photo for this episode is any indication, we definitely shared some laughs along the way. Connect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok:  Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok YouTube: Destination Aviation - YouTube Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane tales Websites: Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation Support the show

On this episode of Destination Aviation, we dive into the unbelievable history of the B-52 Stratofortress – a bomber built to win the Cold War but somehow still flying today. From nuclear standoffs and near-disasters to ghost stories and modern mishaps, the BUFF has earned its reputation as the aircraft that just won’t quit. Stick around until the end as I open up some viewer mail and share your thoughts on past episodes.  Connect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok:  Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok YouTube: Destination Aviation - YouTube Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane tales Websites: Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation Support the show

On this milestone episode of Destination Aviation, I sit down with Nate Hahn, Executive Director of Evansville Regional Airport—and a true aviation movie aficionado. We dive into the skies of cinema, trading favorite aviation films, underrated gems, and scenes that make every pilot’s heart race (or roll their eyes). While Nate brings a deep appreciation for storytelling and cinematic nuance, I come in strong with a love for popcorn classics, candy aisle commentary, and the occasional guilty pleasure. (Yes, there may be a Snow Caps reference.) Whether you're a film buff, an airport junkie, or just looking for your next in-flight watchlist, this episode is a fun, lighthearted celebration of aviation on the big screen. Connect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok:  Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok YouTube: Destination Aviation - YouTube Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane tales Websites: Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation Support the show