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The FAA provides boundless career opportunities within the aviation sector for people of all backgrounds. In this episode, Migdalia Gonzalez, the Hispanic Employment Program Manager in the FAA’s Office of Civil Rights provides insight on the importance of representation and outreach to attract talent from underrepresented communities. Tune in to hear how the FAA's educational outreach initiatives empower students to pursue aviation careers. Plus, be inspired by Migdalia's personal journey and discover how she helps Hispanic students find their own path within the dynamic aerospace industry, including guiding them through the complex federal job application process. Learn how the FAA’s Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program provides opportunities to eligible students from groups that have been underrepresented in Aviation, Aeronautics, and other STEM related industries. A diverse aerospace workforce contributes to the industry's growth and innovation. Share this impactful episode with your network to join us in advocating for equal opportunities for all and amplifying the message that 'todo es posible' (everything is possible)!  Meet Our Guest:   Migdalia Gonzalez is the Hispanic Employment Program Manager at the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) Office of Civil Rights. She works to develop relationships with external and internal partners and serves as the program advisor and consultant to management on outreach initiatives with a focus on the Hispanic community. Prior to joining the FAA, she was the Supervisory Training Officer at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Housing. She is a master trainer and motivational speaker and has delivered training to both public and private sector organizations. Migdalia is committed to the development of others to create a more diverse and inclusive community for all.  Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.   

Do you have a need for speed? Then this is the episode for you! Tune in and discover the innovative science behind the Drone Racing League, a high-speed competition that is using first person view flight to create a new era in sports. Chief Operating Officer Ashley Ellefson joins us to share insights about the intricate technology and engineering that propels the drone racing competitions into a futuristic league of their own.  Get to know why millions of people gather worldwide to witness the Drone Racing League’s fast paced events and find out how you can get involved and even become a drone racing pilot yourself. Plus, Ashley gives us a sneak peek at how artificial intelligence applied to drones could add even more of a rush to the future of this sport. Learn how the FAA is collaborating with drone industry partners like the Drone Racing League to safely integrate complex drone events into the National Airspace System.  Make haste and share this episode with colleagues, friends, family and anyone intrigued by this high-tempo and high-tech sport that has paved the way in the world of aerospace sports.  Meet Our Guest:   Ashley Ellefson is the Chief Operating Officer at the Drone Racing League, the world’s premier, professional drone racing property, where she oversees the event production, technology and media teams. Honored as a Leaders 40 Under 40 member, Cynopsis Sports Top Women in Sports and Connect Sports Game Changer, she’s helped DRL create a new era of sport through cutting edge technology, world-class media, and event production, bringing high-speed drone racing across real-life and virtual courses. Prior to DRL, she served as the Vice President of New Event Development at Tough Mudder, where she developed and codified all of their event operation standards including health and safety, vendor management, and live event on-site operations.  Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.   

In the world of aviation, a diverse crew doesn't just enhance the view; it transforms the entire horizon. Join us on a flight to explore the dynamic world of aviation through the lens of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In this episode, we connect with two guests from Hampton University, the first HBCU that is an FAA approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative School. Dylan Halsey, a Hampton University alumnus, shares his journey to becoming an air traffic controller and tips for people on a similar path. Timothy Johnson, an Assistant Professor for Hampton’s Air Traffic Control program, discusses the pivotal role of diversity in aviation and imparts valuable advice for those contemplating a career in aviation. Share this episode with colleagues, friends, or anyone that might be intrigued by the intersection of education, diversity, and careers in aerospace. Learn more about the FAA’s HBCU Initiative Program, opportunities in recruitment, internships, grants, and collegiate programs.  Meet Our Guests:  Dylan Halsey is a Hampton University alum with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management/Air Traffic Control, who graduated with his Collegiate Training Initiative certification. Dylan works as a Remote Pilot Operator at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC).  Timothy Johnson is an Assistant Professor, Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative Program Manager for Hampton University’s aviation program.  Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.  

Did you know that airplanes have two black boxes and they are actually orange? Or that airplanes have closets? Or that one of the tools used to fix an airplane’s auxiliary power unit is referred to as a fishing rod?  In this episode we’re talking with Max, aka Airplane Facts With Max, an aircraft mechanic who hosts social media videos that cleverly blend airplane fact with fantasy fiction. Tune in as Max shares his favorite airplane facts and takes us behind the scenes of his career as an aircraft mechanic, where safety is at the forefront with little margin for error.  You will find out what it takes to be an aircraft mechanic, a trade skill career that offers unique hands-on experiences, excellent compensation, and plenty of job prospects. Plus, hear the story behind the inception of Airplane Facts With Max. Whether you're an AvGeek, a fantasy geek, or just curious about the world of aviation, join us to celebrate one of the behind the scenes heroes of aviation – aircraft mechanics! As a wise grey wizard once said, “you shall not pass” up listening to this episode. Share with your friends, family, colleagues, hobbits, elves, rangers and other friendly folk of Middle-earth.  Learn more about what it takes to become an FAA-certificated aviation mechanic.  Meet Our Guest:  Max is a certified Aviation Mechanic with Airframe and Powerplant ratings who creates social media content as Airplane Facts With Max.  Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.  

In a world where diversity is taking flight, representation becomes the compass guiding many toward the unexplored skies of possibility. As a young person, there’s power in seeing someone from your own roots engaged in aerospace. It ignites fresh curiosities and can be the gateway to opportunities in the industry. In this podcast episode, we connected with Clarence Garden, Vice President of Fly For The Culture, a nonprofit on a mission to bring more diversity to aviation. Clarence shares his personal story of how he soared into the world of aviation as part of an underrepresented community and is now influencing the lives of young people in similar communities through impactful experiences like discovery flights. Tune in to hear how Fly For The Culture is breaking barriers by showcasing diverse careers in aviation and getting young people involved in the world of flight with thrilling first-time experiences, and even charting the course for some to earn their wings before their driver's license! Diversity is the jet fuel that propels the aerospace community forward. Share this episode with your family, colleagues, and friends to help create awareness about the limitless possibilities in aerospace. There’s a career waiting for someone who has no idea it exists. Learn more about the FAA’s internship programs and summer Aviation Career Education Academies! Meet Our Guest:  Clarence Garden is from Atlanta, Georgia. He holds a BA in Political Science and an MA in International Relations. With a diverse background, including active duty as an Air Force Officer and various roles in aviation, Clarence is currently a Beechjet 400 First Officer for Wheels Up Private Jets. Beyond his aviation career, he serves his community through roles in Civil Air Patrol, academia, and as Vice President of Fly For The Culture, aiming to introduce diverse careers in aviation. Most importantly, Clarence is a dedicated family man, married with two children. Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.  

You've heard “crawl before you walk,” but how about “fly before you drive”? Join us in redefining the journey to new heights in our latest podcast episode, “Gliding the Skies Before She Could Drive”. Get to know Ishitha who, at the age of 16, earned her private pilot certificate with a glider rating before she earned her license to drive. Hear her inspiring story, from her start in aviation upon moving to the United States to how she created innovative youth aviation clubs and outreach programs to inspire other young minds in aerospace. Tune in as Ishitha reveals the intricacies of glider flight training, how she felt on her first solo flight, and her passion to ultimately become an astronaut and venture into space. Can you guess where her top destination is? Listen to find out!  We hope this episode inspires young aviation enthusiasts everywhere to let their dreams fly high. Share with your family, colleagues, and friends. Happy listening and keep reaching for the skies! Curious about gliding? Learn all about it in the FAA’s Glider Flying Handbook! Check out the FAA’s Airport Design Challenge (ADC). Meet Our Guest:  Ishitha is a high school student participating in pilot training in Washington state. She serves as an ambassador for the Experimental Aircraft Association, is a Red-Tailed Hawks cadet, and continues to advocate for aviation with her peers through clubs she founded in middle school, high school, and her local community like the Sky Riders. Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.  

It’s true that not all superheroes wear capes. In fact, there are some that take flight in the thrilling realm of drones. In our latest podcast episode, we teleport to Neurodiversity Works, a non-profit organization that equips neurodiverse students for a career in the drone industry. Tune in as we embark on a fascinating mission with the co-founder, Jason San Souci.   In the episode, Jason introduces us to a community of superheroes with an incredible superpower – neurodiversity! Neurodiversity refers to the diversity of all people, but it is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder and other neurological or developmental conditions like ADHD. Jason strikes down misconceptions and reveals that you don’t need x-ray vision to see that people with this superpower are extraordinary assets in the drone industry and our aerospace community. We also explored the FAA’s role in drone safety with Part 107 rules. Prepare to shapeshift your knowledge of neurodiversity – a movement built on support, understanding, and empowerment. Discover the lucrative career opportunities for neurodiverse individuals in the drone industry spanning from artificial intelligence and software development to operations and safety. Superman, who? With superhuman speed, we encourage you to share this episode with your family, friends, and colleagues.  Learn more about Part 107 and how the FAA collaborates with industry and communities to advance drone operations and integrate them safely into the national airspace. Meet Our Guest: Jason San Souci is a seasoned remote sensing and GIS expert with 20 years of experience, holding certifications as a UAS Mapping Scientist, GIS Professional, and Level 3 Thermographer. A proud graduate of the US Air Force Academy and the University of Colorado, he holds a Master's in Space Operations. At Neurodiversity Works, he plays a pivotal role in formulating the workforce development strategy for underrepresented neurodiverse students. Jason holds key positions as Chief Architect at Juniper Unmanned, Drone Doctor at Blue Nose Aerial Imaging, and Instructor at Pilot Byte. Among his wide range of activities, he hosts the "Do You Know Drones?" Podcast and serves as an FAA Safety Team DronePro. Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, DOT, or FAA. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.  

Three, two, one, lift off! Season 6 is go for launch! Imagine one day you’re a typical 18-year-old, then you wake up the next day as the youngest woman to venture into the cosmos. That is the reality for Anastatia Mayers, whose curiosity for aerospace led her to an opportunity that was literally out of this world.  So, how did Ana find herself aboard Virgin Galactic's “Galactic 02” commercial spaceflight? We floated this question and more to Ana, and she left no asteroid unturned. If you wonder what weightlessness feels like, how Earth appears from space, or whether Ana managed to perform any backflips, tune in to our first podcast episode of Season 6, “Cosmic Legend: Youngest Woman in Space”.  In this episode, Ana shares the exciting details of her intergalactic adventure, and we discuss the role FAA played in providing a safe space in the National Airspace System for her mission. Share this episode with your family, colleagues, and friends. The gravity of this story shows the next generation that the sky is truly not the limit. Now excuse us – we're going to see if we can get a seat on an upcoming commercial spaceflight! Learn more about the FAA’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Aviation and Space Education Program (STEM AVSED). Meet Our Guest: Anastatia Mayers is the youngest woman, the second-youngest passenger, and the first Caribbean to travel to space on Virgin Galactic’s “Galactic 02” commercial space flight that took place on August 10, 2023. Mayers made the journey to space alongside her mother, Keisha Schahaff, and Olympian Jon Goodwin. Mayers is a philosophy and physics student studying at Aberdeen University in the United Kingdom. Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, DOT, or FAA. As an agency of the U.S. government, FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.  

Flying can be an exciting adventure, but for many, it comes with an unwelcome companion – stress. Whether it's a fear of flying or the anxiety of navigating busy airports, managing stress is a very real part of air travel. In our latest podcast episode, "Zen Traveler: Tips for Mastering Air Travel Stress," we spoke with Tampa International Airport’s CJ Johnson, who shares helpful tips for navigating stress at the airport. For example, did you know that many airports offer guided tours in advance of a flight to help familiarize travelers with the airport environment to ease stress on the day of travel? Plus, we talked with Kendra Blackett-Dibinga, a world traveler and owner of Bikram Yoga Works yoga and wellness studios who shared practical stretching and breathing exercises that you can even do while seated on an airplane, and how mindfulness can help us all be more conscientious travelers. Tune in for their expert advice on soaring above stress and anxiety during air travel.  With some preparation and yoga-inspired techniques, you too can elevate your travel experience. Inhale, exhale, and meditate on this final episode of Season 5 of "The Air Up There." Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends, family, and colleagues to give them new tools for reducing stress on their next flight.  

Watts all this talk about lithium batteries and why are they such a hot topic when it comes to flying? You might be shocked to learn that everyday items you pack in your travel bags contain lithium batteries that can cause cabin fires. Your cell phone, laptop, tablet, and smart watch all have lithium batteries and can be potential fire hazards. On the positive side, you have the power to reduce these risks. Now that we’ve sparked your interest, listen to our latest podcast episode, “Fly Safe With Lithium Batteries” to learn more about these hazards and the steps you can take to protect yourself, fellow passengers, and the aircraft.  Robert Ochs, Manager of the Fire Safety Branch at the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center, offers insight into what causes lithium batteries to overheat and danger signs to look for when flying with your lithium devices. Then Jay Sorah, FAA Transportation Specialist, provides tips for safely packing lithium battery powered devices and the importance of packing them in your carry-on versus your checked bag when you fly. We charge you to think about safety when it comes to traveling with lithium battery powered devices. Pack safe, know the signs of a battery failure, and take the proper precautions to reduce risks. Be the conduit to sharing this important safety information with your traveling friends, family, and colleagues and visit www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe.  

Your alarm clock just went off and you’re rushing out the door to catch your flight. You check the weather and the flying conditions are perfect where you are – it’s about to be a great day. Yet, you check your airline reservation and… your flight is delayed? Why? Tune into our latest podcast episode, “It’s Sunny. Why is My Flight Delayed?” to discover why your flight might be delayed at your departure airport even when the weather seems fine. Plus, learn what rights you have as an airline consumer when weather is the cause of your flight delay or cancellation.  USA Today's weather expert, Doyle Rice, provides tips for what you can do when booking your flight to avoid weather-related flight delays. And Blane Workie, Assistant General Counsel from the Department of Transportation's Office of Consumer Protection, has information about your consumer rights, airline guarantees, when to file a consumer complaint, and how the department uses that information to improve your flying experience. While you can’t control Mother Nature, you can take steps to minimize her potential impact on your travel plans. Remember, stay informed, plan ahead, and know your rights as a consumer. Share this episode with friends, family, and colleagues so they, too, can know what to do when bad weather strikes.   Resources Fly.faa.gov – Flight information from the Air Traffic Control System Command Center.FAQ on Weather DelaysNational Airspace System Status – View closures, ground stops, and delays.How to File a DOT Consumer ComplaintDOT Airline Customer Service Dashboard

Hello. Bonjour. Hola. Ciao. Nǐ hǎo. Now that you’ve learned how to say hello in multiple languages, you’re ready for international travel! Wait – maybe not just yet. Do you have a passport? How long does it take to get a passport? What are the security and entry requirements for international travel? Do you know about the programs that can make your journey through the airport and into other countries seamless? If you’re up in the air about any of these questions, tune in to this podcast episode! Tune in to hear from experienced world traveler Kristin Stadum, an FAA employee who just returned from South Africa, Andres Rodriguez, the U.S. Department of State, and Caroline Tanner with The Points Guy. They talk PPP – planning, paperwork and packing for international travel. They share their tips about travel programs, what to do in the case of emergencies, and more. After this episode, you’ll be prepared to travel just about anywhere. Be sure to share with your friends, family, and colleagues. So, Bon Voyage, Gute Reise, Arrivederci, and Safe Travels!