Episodes

🎧 Summary In this episode of the Future in Flight podcast, we explore the critical decision facing aspiring pilots: corporate aviation versus airline piloting. We compare the structured world of airline pilots flying scheduled routes with the unpredictable, customer-focused environment of corporate pilots. The episode details a typical day for each type of pilot, highlighting

🎧 SUMMARY In this episode of the Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker explores the powerful intersection of aviation legacy, cutting-edge engineering, and the vital importance of clear communication. The episode features an in-depth look at a high-speed mission to save a youth aviation program, the evolution of propeller technology for the light-sport market,

🎧 Episode Summary In this high-energy interview, Michelle Leon, Operations Manager at Levil Aviation, discusses the common thread that links her diverse career background: people. From her early days in hospitality and dentistry to leading operations in aviation and manufacturing, Michelle explains how the philosophy of servant leadership has guided her success. We explore how

🎧 Episode Summary What does it take to fly head-first into danger so that others may live?In this powerful episode, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Anthony Dyer—retired Special Missions Aviator, Jolly Green rescue team member, AC-130 gunship aerial gunner, and author of the upcoming book Moonchild. Anthony shares the reality behind the job once

🎧 Episode Summary What happens when leadership meets grit, curiosity, and a genuine love for people? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker spotlights Michelle Leon, Operations Manager at Levil Aviation, and one of aviation and manufacturing’s most powerful emerging voices. Michelle’s journey spans hospitality, dental leadership, Lockheed Martin, and

🎧 Episode Summary What happens when a special needs father working in business aviation decides the status quo isn’t good enough? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Antonio Ferrara, founder of Aviators for Autism, to explore how one man’s personal journey is transforming the intersection of aviation and the autism community. Antonio

🎧 Episode Summary What happens when a kid born into aviation paradise grows up surrounded by warbirds, bush planes, and breakfast fly-outs—and decides to make short-field flying his life’s calling? In this backcountry flying focused episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker takes you deep into the world of STOL (Short Takeoff

🎧 Episode Summary What happens when a 12-year-old gamer with a dream and a copy of Microsoft Flight Simulator decides to make it real? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Jamail Larkins, one of aviation’s most inspiring trailblazers, whose journey from virtual skies to real-world leadership is nothing short of remarkable. From

🎧 Episode Summary What happens when aviation becomes a force for good, an engine for opportunity, and a gateway to the skies for everyone? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker takes you on a three-part journey that showcases aviation’s true heart—from compassion to innovation to accessibility. First, Shawn dives into the incredible story of the