Their mission is unique as they protect the skies over various parts of the world at nearly 50,000 feet. A surreal and up front experience with United States Air Force, MQ9 Reaper Pilot, "Hood".

MQ9 Reaper Pilot: "Hood"

A New York native turned southern gentleman! Derek found a niche for public speaking and aviation early on during his years of high school and ultimately realized that he wanted to give back to the community. Derek believes facilitating meaningful and constructive dialogue surrounding emotional and complex topics is the first step toward plausible and sensible solutions. Derek’s passion for aviation is undeniable! In Derek’s spare time he enjoys flying with friends, traveling to new destinations and trying new craft beers!

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

It's been two years since I launched The Traffic Pattern podcast. In one word...wow. But life has been different lately, and that's what I want to share. A little bit more about me. I'm talking about family, a reflection on my time at Atlanta TRACON, a few personal stories and experiences, but most of all explaining life balance. On today's episode it's just me. A raw and transparent version. Hope you enjoy. I hope you all stay safe! Love ya'll.

Derek Vento: More Than Airplanes...

Captain Dana Colten, from Acme Airlines shares his flying journey during the midst of a global pandemic. Stick around for the heartfelt ending. Long live the Maddog!

Dana Colten: Long Live the Maddog

She piloted the B777, B767, B757, B747, B737, B727, A319 and A320 as an international airline pilot/captain for United Airlines.She flew for Eastern and Pan Am regionals before that. On her way to becoming an airline pilot, she worked as a flight instructor, charter pilot, freight pilot and aerial sightseeing tour pilot.Today only 5% of pilots are female, a number essentially unchanged since Amelia Earhart’s era. Of those, less than 1% are Captains. She wants to change this. Her dream now is to help other young women rock STEM fields!

Laura Savino: This Is Your Captain Speaking

Airbus 330 Captain, Eric Jordan has been flying for over 30 years! His passion for flying is undeniable. With a plethora of unknowns in the aviation industry, Eric reflects on the early stages of the pandemic, the gracious moments of his flying career, and most of all...family.

Captain Eric Jordan: An Incredible Journey

At age 19, after spending two years planning, training, and fundraising over a quarter of a million dollars, Ryan successfully flew solo around the world. This expedition broke the world record for the youngest pilot and first teenager to circumnavigate the globe solo in a single engine airplane. 24,000 nautical miles, 35 destinations, and 15 countries providing some profound life lessons. Although Ryan’s world flight brought its own brand of adversity, the true test would come just two years later. A normal day at work turned into anyone’s worst nightmare. A plane crash that occurred after liftoff left Ryan in the hospital, fighting for his life. Six months of hospitalization, over a year-and-a-half in rehabilitation, and the ongoing struggles of living with a spinal injury transformed Ryan into a different person. “I may have lost out physically, but I gained mentally in ways I never knew possible.”

MQ9 Reaper Pilot: "Hood"

Download our free app to listen on your phone