We've got the inside scoop for one of Alaska's most iconic events — the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race! The Iditarod race is celebrating 50 years, and FAA's podcast team jumped on the opportunity to join the celebration. The FAA is well connected with Iditarod officials who are passionate about all things aviation, and FAA is full of dog lovers, thus making the 50th Iditarod race the perfect topic for an epic episode of The Air Up There podcast. Are you wondering what the connection is between aviation and Iditarod? Tune in to this episode to find out! We're going behind the scenes with Iditarod Air Force Chief Pilot Ed Kornfield; Musher Richie Diehl, a pilot who has multiple top 10 finishes in the Iditarod; and our very own Mike Holey and Sam McQuillin, members of an FAA Flight Service team who keep flights safe before, during, and after the last team has finished the race in Nome, Alaska. The Iditarod temperatures are cold, but the topics about all things Iditarod in this episode are hot! Want to learn more after listening to this episode? Check out our blog post "Iditarod from the Air … Up There."

Iditarod from the Air

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Takeoff on a unique journey with our latest podcast episode featuring Victoria “V” Ross, a certificated pilot, who went from having zero interest in aviation to embracing a fulfilling career with the best office view in the skies . It all started with a father and daughter bonding experience that was part of a much bigger plan. Call it parent’s intuition, V’s father knew she would love a career as a pilot if he could just give her a glimpse of what it was like. He was right! V joins us to share how his plan unfolded and ultimately lead her to the coveted role of a pilot. In this episode, V discusses the challenges and triumphs that marked her path, aspects of pilot training, and advice for the next generation of pilots. She also reflects on her experience as a Black woman pilot and how she is breaking barriers and fostering diversity in the aviation community by mentoring others.  Share this episode with colleagues, friends, and family. Whether you dream of ascending to new heights as a pilot or are simply fascinated by other people’s journeys, this episode is a must-listen. Check out the FAA’s Pilots Portal where you’ll find information on certification, training, and the safety standards all pilots must know, consider, and meet to be airworthy. Meet Our Guest:  

Victoria "V" Ross is a Certified Flight Instructor and a graduate of the American Airlines Cadet Academy. She is an active member of Sister of the Skies, Women in Aviation International, and The Ninety-Nines.  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.

 

Off Course: One Pilot's Unexpected Journey

Meet Jessica Cox, a sport pilot who was born without arms and mastered the skill of flying an airplane with her feet. What led her to this Guinness World Record-worthy feat was an opportunity to meet life’s challenges and a hunger for independence. She shares details of the day she embarked on a path that would inspire others to venture into aviation. Jessica talks openly about the safety aspects that were addressed when she was getting certificated as a sport pilot and shares her biggest physical challenge when learning how to fly with her feet. She also discusses her groundbreaking initiative to develop a custom airplane designed specifically to be foot-controlled and encourages other people with disabilities to consider aviation. If you enjoy this episode, inspire others by sharing with friends, family and colleagues because aerospace is for everyone. Interested in becoming a pilot? Check out the FAA’s Pilot's Portal where you’ll find information on certification, training, and the safety standards all pilots must know, consider, and meet to be airworthy.  Meet Our Guest

Jessica Cox was born without arms and uses her feet the way most people use their hands. In 2008, she earned her sport pilot certificate, becoming the first woman to fly an airplane with only their feet. Jessica is a Goodwill Ambassador for the Flight School Association of North America and writes a monthly article for Flying Magazine. Jessica plans to build The Impossible Airplane, a 200 mph four-seat RV-10, the first solely foot-controlled airplane in history. 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.

 

Flying Feet First

Becoming an air traffic controller is a rewarding profession that plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of our airspace. If you're curious about the journey to becoming a controller, don't miss this episode featuring the FAA’s Jose Castellanos, a controller at the San Juan tower in Puerto Rico. Jose shares how he discovered his passion for aviation after being accepted into the FAA's Minority Serving Institutions internship program. He discusses his top safety priorities, continuous learning strategies, and valuable advice for aspiring controllers. He also demonstrates "phraseology," the specialized language used by controllers to communicate with pilots. With advanced training opportunities and the chance to make an impact, a career in air traffic control is truly fulfilling. If you think you have what it takes to excel in this specialized and skilled profession, visit www.faa.gov/be-atc to learn more about the application process before our next hiring window. Share this episode with your network – you never know who might find inspiration to explore a fulfilling career path they hadn't considered before. Meet Our Guest:  

Jose Castellanos is a Certified Professional Controller at the San Juan Tower in Puerto Rico and formerly an intern with the Minority Serving Institutions internship 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. 

 

Be ATC: A Fulfilling Career in Air Traffic Control

A good mentor can point you in the right direction and a great mentor can change your life. When Bobbie Kahklen started working for the FAA, she never imagined she would end up working in a tower as an air traffic controller.  Growing up as a member of the Native Alaskan Tlingit tribe, Bobbie persevered through many challenges. Aviation was not something that was talked about in her community and it certainly wasn’t on Bobbie’s radar as a career option. By chance, she stumbled across an administrative job opening at the FAA.  With the encouragement of her FAA managers and coworkers, Bobbie applied for a developmental air traffic control position. That leap of faith completely shifted the trajectory of her career and got her out from behind an office desk and up in a tower where she excelled.  Are you up for the challenge? Find out what it takes to be an air traffic controller, more about the application process, and what you can do to prepare before our next hiring window. Another route to consider is Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative schools which teach basic courses in air traffic control and are designed to provide qualified candidates for developmental positions. Share this podcast episode with friends, family, and colleagues. You never know where it might lead them on their career journey.  Meet Our Guest:  

Bobbie Kahklen is a Support Specialist at Guam Center Radar Approach Control and an outreach representative for the FAA’s STEM education program with over 30 years of service with the FAA. She was a tower controller at Juneau International Airport, San Diego’s Gillespie Field, and San Francisco International Airport. Bobbie is a member of the Native American Alaska Native Coalition (NAAN) and the National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees. Learn more about how Bobbie uses her Alaskan Native heritage to help other indigenous people seek out learning and opportunities. 

 
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. 

 

Be ATC: From Admin to Air Traffic Controller

There is power in mentorship! In this special podcast episode, 13-year-old Isabella from Rising Aviation High School and FAA aerospace engineer Karen Perez engage in an insightful discussion about aspirations, mentorship, diversity, and the limitless possibilities in aerospace. How did we get here? Isabella wrote a letter to us to share what her school does to attract students to various fields in aviation and how she hopes to inspire more women, especially Hispanic and Latina girls, to pursue STEM.  In an engaging two-way interview, Isabella shares the discovery flight that solidified her desire to become a pilot when she took control of the aircraft, and her advice for students with similar interests. Karen takes us on her journey to becoming an aerospace engineer at the FAA, reveals her proudest career achievements, and offers advice for those interested in aerospace. When a young person sees someone who looks like them doing what they desire to do, it makes it seem that much more attainable. With great mentors, their dreams can come true. The FAA encourages mentorship and provides invaluable support through our student programs.  Share this episode with your network of friends, family, and colleagues. Meet Our Guests:  

Isabella Onyskin is a freshman at Rising Aviation High School, an educational program that combines the foundations of science, technology, engineering, and math with aviation-related studies and practical applications. She aspires to pursue a career as an airline pilot.  Karen Perez is an aerospace engineer in the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space, where she evaluates license applications for leading U.S. commercial space launch companies. Karen actively participates in STEM outreach programs and serves as the Regional Chapter Director for the National Hispanic Coalition for Federal Aviation Employees (NHCFAE) Capital Chapter. Karen has a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Miami. 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. 

 

Iditarod from the Air

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