LD Aviation Podcast

Jo Damato | Make an intentional decision to join Business Aviation

"Jo" Damato has been in aviation since she took her first flight lesson as a teenager and

was flying before she could drive. Jo is a proud graduate from the Florida Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Aviation Management/Flight Option Specialization and obtained a Masters of Aeronautical Science Degree from Embry-Riddle. She also holds a Single and Multi-Engine Land Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, and is a Certified Flight Instructor and a Certified Aviation Manager. She is active with Women in Aviation, International, Women in Corporate Aviation and the Florida Tech College of Aeronautics Alumni Board.

Currently, Jo is the Senior Vice President, Training Education & Workforce Development for the National Business Aviation Association where she has been employed since 2001.

Links | Jo LinkedIn | NBAA Students | NBAA Air Traffic Services | How to get on Podcasts | Gift from the Sea | Email Jo

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Shaesta Waiz | Breaking Boundaries with Earth Rounder Shaesta Waiz

Breaking Boundaries with Earth Rounder Shaesta Waiz

Join us in this inspiring episode as we chat with aviation lover Shaesta Waiz. Shasta is the youngest woman to solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft. Born in Afghanistan, Shaesta's family sought refuge in the USA when she was just six months old. Despite leaving their beloved homeland, they kept the rich cultural tapestry alive by speaking Pashto at home and eating traditional foods, she learned to keep one foot in her Afghan roots and the other in American culture.  

Shaesta's early fascination with the boundless skies, sparked by her very first flight after graduating high school. Feeling the vastness of the world from up above, she embarked on a path that would lead her to become a trailblazer in the aviation industry inspiring children worldwide, encouraging them to dream big in the world of aviation.

Don't miss this riveting episode, where we explore the skies, break barriers, and draw inspiration from the early achievements of Shaesta Waiz, because she’s just getting started.

Links | Dreams Soar | Podcast Aviate with Shaesta | Instagram | LinkedIn | Books I’m Reading: Shoe Dog and Shatter the Sky

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Greg Principato | There’s a place for you in aviation.

In this episode we chat with Greg Principato as he talks about his remarkable 40 year career journey through the realms of government, NGOs, business, and associations in the aviation sector. For nearly three decades, Greg has been a stalwart figure in the aviation sector, leaving an indelible mark on Capitol Hill, state government, NGOs, and even serving as the Executive Director of a Presidential Commission on Aviation.

Having served as the retired President/CEO of the National Aeronautic Association, the nation's oldest aviation organization, and previously holding the role of President/CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials, Greg has been a key advocate for the individuals steering aviation offices and programs across the 50 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with a seasoned professional who has played a crucial role in the evolution of the aviation landscape over the past four decades.

Links | Greg’s LinkedIn | Email Greg | National Aeronautic Association | Mars Helicopter | Collier Trophy | Women in Aviation Report

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Steve Bruneau | People in Aviation are so Cool.

In today’s episode we chat with Steve Bruneau. With a master’s in aerospace engineering Steve had dreams of becoming an astronaut. Lucky for the business aviation industry he’s VP of Aviation at Polaris Aero and Secretary of the NBAA Safety Committee. 

Join us as Steve shares his passion for safety and how the VOCUS suite of safety management solutions use science to provide visibility into high fatigue areas of business aviation schedules and offers proactive solutions reshaping the safety landscape.

Despite the vastness of the aviation industry, Steve emphasizes its close-knit nature, highlighting the importance of teamwork and cutting-edge technology in solving real problems. Learn how thinking strategically and looking beyond the immediate job description can lead to groundbreaking solutions.

Steve's involvement in the NBAA Safety Committee, with 80 members covering 12 safety focus areas, showcases his commitment to enhancing safety standards. He shares insights from his two years on the committee, including sponsorship of the National Safety Forum and Single Pilot Safety Stand Down, as well as pooling safety resources for the NBAA.

Don’t miss this conversation with Steve Bruneau, where we listen, understand, and strategize to continue to elevate safety in business aviation.

| Steve Bruneau LinkedIn | Steve’s Email | Polaris Aero

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Steve Brechter | Elevating Flight Departments to Excellence (Part II)

In part two of the conversation with Steve Brechter we dig into how schedulers are the hub of the flight department and how schedulers can contribute to not only helping the flight department get to the next level of excellence but can also develop and advance their career aspirations.

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Steve Brechter | Elevating Flight Departments to Excellence

In today's podcast, we sit down with Steve Brechter, Former COO of NetJets and current Senior Advisor, Operations with Gray Stone Advisors.

In his early years, Steve's enthusiasm for aviation history led him to a unique encounter with Eddie Rickenbacker, resulting in a signed copy of Rickenbacker's autobiography which Steve keeps handy today. Steve's educational foundation in mechanical engineering paved the way for a career at Pratt & Whitney, ultimately steering him into the realm of business aviation.

In this episode, Steve sheds light on Business Aviation as a dynamic and often misunderstood sector. He challenges conventional notions about leadership roles in the flight department. According to Steve, the contemporary flight department requires leaders with a diverse skill set, blending business acumen with aviation expertise.

Unpacking the shift in competency for aviation directors today, Steve emphasizes the need for a balance between training and development. He underscores the significance of mentoring and coaching in fostering effective leadership within flight departments.

Tune in to discover valuable insights and gain actionable tips for aspiring aviation leaders. Steve Brechter's wealth of experience and wisdom promises a thought-provoking conversation on the intersection of passion, skills, and success in the aviation industry.

Links | Gray Stone Advisors | Steve Brechter LinkedIn | The Birkman Method

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Lee Brewster | The people in this industry make it worthwhile.

In this episode, we delve into the biz av journey of Lee Brewster, who stumbled into the world of aviation by accident. Her unconventional route started as a librarian in the aviation maintenance department, where she found her niche in business aviation mx. Lee's story is a testament to the unique community and the undeniable cool factor that sets the biz av industry apart.

But it's not just about the glamour; Lee sheds light on the underrepresentation of women in aviation maintenance and emphasizes the need to recognize and support the incredible talent within the business aviation community. From her early days in the NCAT program to becoming the first female member on the NBAA Mx Committee, and was part of the founding class of 40Under40 (now YoPro), Lee has paved the way for others while giving back and staying actively involved.

So, join us as we chat with a true pioneer and leader in the biz av community and industry expertise meets captivating stories.

Links

Reach out to Lee | Thoroughbred Aviation | IAWA - International Aviation Womens Association | Texas Woman’s University

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Noah Yarborough | YoPros on The Hill

In this episode, join us as we soar through the fascinating journey of Noah Yarborough, Flight Operations Manager at NBAA. Noah's aviation roots run deep, with a legacy of Naval Aviators in his family, inspiring him to earn his Private Pilot License and delve into the world of Aviation Management at Louisiana Tech University.

His career took a high-altitude turn when he collaborated with Boeing as a Geospatial Technician, programming Flight Management System (FMS) systems. Currently, Noah serves with dedication at NBAA as a Flight Operations Manager and is active with the YoPro Council. 

Join us with Noah Yarborough, making an impact in the aviation world is not just a goal but a reality, and he’s just getting started.

Contact Noah | NBAA Small Operator Learning Series | NBAA YoPro Get Involved

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Michael Wildes | Passion Beyond the Flight Deck

Michael, an accomplished individual whose passion for flight and media has divided his career trajectory across professions. Originating from Jamaica Michael's early ambition of becoming a pilot drove him to pursue education at ERAU and recalls his delight in a globally diverse cohort of flight instructors on his understanding and appreciation of aviation.

Beyond the flight deck, Michael's ardent fascination with all media propelled him into roles at FLYING magazine, where he continuously refined his media talent and lead to his media involvement in supporting Shaesta Waiz's monumental global flight around the world.

Presently flying with a fractional operator, Michael's relentless pursuit of excellence extends beyond his professional commitments. He has established an integrated media company supporting all stages of media outreach.

Don’t miss this episode to hear from a passionate up and coming force in aviation.

Links

https://mikewildes.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmjwildes/

http://dreamssoar.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamssoarinc/

What Michael’s Reading | The Art of Gathering

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Kellie Roby, CAM | SMS Insightful and Impactful, not boring

Vice President of Safety Services at Polaris Aero. Kellie's passion for aviation wasn't immediately apparent; it blossomed during her college years when a discovery flight at MTSU and working at Atlantic Aviation sparked her biz av career trajectory.

In this podcast episode, Kellie sheds light on her mission to make SMS an impactful and insightful cornerstone within organizations. She champions the transformative power of VOCUS SMS, highlighting its intuitive nature and how it optimizes SMS within scheduling departments, fostering business efficiencies.

Named among the prestigious NBAA 40 Under 40, Kellie shares invaluable advice for newcomers entering the aviation industry. She emphasizes the significance of seizing diverse opportunities, advocating for networking, relationship-building, and stepping out of one's comfort zone.

This pod will illuminate the path to success in business aviation and highlight networking as a key driver toward professional growth and opportunity.

Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-n-roby-cam-150a3674/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/polaris-aero/

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