Business aviation is experiencing workforce turbulence. And our guests Jenny Showalter and Carrie Wicht join The Cross-Check to help navigate the way as they delve into the challenges and opportunities within the industry, particularly focusing on career transitions, the importance of networking, and the emotional aspects of job loss. They share personal stories and insights on how mentorship and a strong professional network can aid in navigating these changes, as well as discussing the current state and future of the aviation industry.

Chapters:

00:00 Navigating Career Changes in Aviation

10:04 The Importance of Networking

19:53 Overcoming Job Loss and Emotional Resilience

29:48 Future of Business Aviation: Challenges and Opportunities

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Is there a disconnect between your flight department, payroll and tax reporting? Sometimes it takes a unicorn like Ryan DeMoor to create system to tie it all together.

Ryan shares his journey from being a commercial pilot to transitioning into the aviation tax and finance sector. He discusses the impact of 9/11 on his career, the importance of bridging the gap between finance and aviation, and the innovative solutions being developed at MySky to address tax compliance in at Part 91 and 135 operations. Ryan emphasizes the need for effective communication within flight departments and the importance of engaging the next generation in aviation tax roles. He also outlines future directions for MySky and the ongoing challenges in the aviation tax landscape.

Chapters:

00:00 From Pilot to Professional: The Journey Begins

02:14 Navigating Career Changes: The Impact of 9/11

04:11 Bridging Two Worlds: Aviation and Finance

06:24 The Evolution of MySky: From Auditing to Software

08:34 Tax Compliance Challenges in Aviation

10:42 Misconceptions in Aviation Taxation

13:06 The Role of MySky in Flight Classification

15:15 Leadership in Aviation Tax: A Unique Perspective

17:42 Engaging Young Professionals in Aviation Tax

19:53 Future Directions for MySky and Aviation Tax

22:26 Closing Thoughts and Connections

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Joe Peebles shares his journey as an entrepreneur in aviation maintenance, discussing the challenges and growth of his business, JP Aeronautics. He reflects on the lessons learned from past failures, the importance of strategic hiring, and the role of mentorship in leadership development. Joe also highlights his commitment to supporting veterans through his nonprofit, Higher Vets, which aims to assist veterans in transitioning to civilian life. The discussion covers the creation of a supportive community for veterans and the launch of the NBAA Military Connect initiative to facilitate networking and job opportunities.

To find out more about Higher Vets or JP Aero, visit:

www.highervets.org

www.jpaerotechnics.com

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:59 Business Growth and Challenges

08:33 Lessons Learned in Entrepreneurship

13:40 The Importance of Passion in Work

19:09 Higher Vets: Supporting Veterans' Transitions

26:40 The Struggles of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

27:05 Overcoming Challenges in the Military

29:03 Building a Supportive Community for Veterans

30:23 Partnering for Success: Military Connect Initiative

32:07 Navigating Civilian Careers: Opportunities for Veterans

34:33 The Importance of Support Systems

36:39 Introduction to Joe Peebles and His Journey

36:58 The Impact of Hire Vets and Community Support

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Joseph Tar Schmidt is a first officer for a major US airline, but how he got there is noteworthy. As president of the Professional Pilots of Tomorrow and a recipient and now President of the Captain Jason Dahl Scholarship Fund, Joseph has dedicated his career to pulling up others.

Joseph shares his journey into aviation, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of the scholarship fund in supporting aspiring pilots. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of a career in aviation, the significance of giving back to the community, and advice for those looking to enter the field.

To find out more about scholarship, mentorship or sponsorship opportunities, please reach out through the following links:

Professional Pilots of Tomorrow

https://www.theppot.org/

Captain Jason Dahl Scholarship Fund

https://www.dahlfund.org/

Just A Buck

https://www.justabuck.info/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

05:21 Professional Pilots of Tomorrow

13:30 The Captain Jason Dahl Scholarship Fund

20:39 Advice for Aspiring Pilots

25:51 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

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Michelle "MACE" Curran, a former US Air Force fighter pilot and lead solo for the Thunderbirds, shares her inspiring journey from a small town in Wisconsin to the skies as a fighter pilot. She discusses the challenges she faced during pilot training, her experiences in combat squadrons, and the evolution of her identity as 'MACE' and how her journey can serve as an inspiration to us all.

Michelle reflects on her time with the Thunderbirds, the high-stakes maneuvers, and the lessons learned from adversity. She also talks about her transition to public speaking, the importance of mentorship, and her upcoming book release, 'The Flip Side.'

To find out more about MACE, visit: www.macecurran.com

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Michelle "MACE" Curran

01:32 The Journey Begins: From Small Town to Fighter Pilot

07:28 Overcoming Challenges in Pilot Training

11:36 Facing Adversity: The Struggles of a New Fighter Pilot

19:17 The Call Sign Story: Learning from Mistakes

22:55 Transformational Experiences: The Path to the Thunderbirds

30:24 The Application Process: From Candidate to Thunderbird Pilot

34:23 The Journey to Becoming a Thunderbird Pilot

35:44 The Thrill of Aerobatics and Team Dynamics

38:53 Overcoming Challenges and Redefining the Show

42:30 Intense Moments in the Cockpit

48:32 Transitioning from the Thunderbirds to New Opportunities

53:22 Inspiring Future Generations of Female Pilots

55:58 The Launch of a New Book and Its Impact

59:36 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Advice

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It's Opposite Day at The Cross-Check as our first guest, Neil Capano takes over the hosting duties to celebrate the 15th episode of the show. The conversation explores the surprises and engagement from their audience, the impact of their guests, and the valuable insights gained throughout their journey. They discuss their dream guests, the advice they've received, along with some lighthearted disagreements. Looking ahead, they share predictions for the future of the industry, the importance of investing in people and sustainability, and tease exciting upcoming episodes.

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Amy Grubb, organizational development specialist at the FBI joins the Cross-Check to share her journey from psychology to the FBI, the culture of integrity within the Bureau, and the challenges of changing organizational culture post-9/11.

Amy shares insights on the importance of communication skills in high-pressure environments like aviation, the significance of listening in crew resource management, and lessons in crisis communication from her FBI experience. The conversation also touches on defining organizational culture, identifying misalignment, and improving employee retention in the aviation industry.

Amy concludes by discussing her consultancy, Organizational Insights, and the importance of fostering a positive workplace culture.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Cross Check Podcast

00:08 Amy Grubb's Journey from Psychology to the FBI

01:54 Culture and Integrity at the FBI

03:51 Post 9/11 Challenges and Cultural Shifts

05:12 Transitioning from FBI to Aviation

07:55 Communication Skills in High-Pressure Aviation Environments

10:56 The Importance of Listening in Aviation

14:23 Crisis Communication Lessons from the FBI

14:53 Leading in a Crisis

18:41 Organizational Culture: The Real Story

21:09 Identifying Organizational Culture

23:47 Traits of Effective Leaders

25:50 Employee Retention Strategies

27:27 Personal Achievements and Professional Insights

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In this episode of The Cross Check, hosts Rob Hoffman and Ian Lumpp welcome Lauren Baum, a seasoned cabin attendant, blogger and consultant at Cabin in the Sky. Lauren shares her journey from a background in hospitality to becoming a mentor and resource for aspiring cabin attendants.

The conversation explores the differences between 135 and 91 operations, the essential qualities of a great cabin attendant, and the importance of networking and personal branding in the aviation industry. Lauren also discusses her consultancy services, the evolving role of cabin attendants, and the balance between safety and service in private aviation.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Lauren Baum and Her Journey

05:21 The Differences Between Part 91 and 135 Operations

07:45 Qualities of a Great Cabin Attendant

10:05 The Vision Behind Cabins in the Sky

13:55 Sharing Stories and Building a Personal Brand

19:18 Adapting to Different Environments

20:28 Qualities of an Ideal Cabin Attendant

22:55 Balancing Service and Safety

24:33 Steps to Enter the Aviation Industry

27:12 Consultancy Services for Aspiring Flight Attendants

28:25 Rapid Fire Questions and Memorable Experiences

Cabin In The Sky: https://cabinsinthesky.mykajabi.com/

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On this episode of The Cross-Check, we sit down with Sameer Romani, a seasoned bizav veteran with only five years of industry experience underneath his belt. A commercial rated pilot who went from teaching systems at Mesa Airlines to dabbling in venture capital and launching his own startup, EssenceJet, Sameer’s story is anything but linear. Sameer talks about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, what it’s really like to build something from scratch in this industry, and why mentorship is more than just a buzzword.

Chapters:

00:00 Sameer Romani's Aviation Journey

02:48 Transitioning to Venture Capital

14:09 Teaching at Mesa Airlines

16:55 Founding EssenceJet

19:46 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations

19:52 Meeting Gary Dunn and the Introduction to Winglets

20:33 Understanding Winglets and Their Impact

21:26 The Evolution of Winglet Design

24:05 Performance Benefits of Winglets

26:02 Current Applications and Future of Winglets

27:46 Common Misconceptions About Winglets

28:47 The Importance of Mentorship

29:08 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

31:43 Persistence in Business and Networking

36:38 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Opportunities

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In this episode of The Cross-Check, we sit down with David Buritica, Director of Global Sales Program at Signature Aviation, to explore the evolving role of FBOs in today’s business aviation landscape.

David shares his personal journey into the industry and breaks down why FBOs aren’t just fuel stops -- they’re often the first and last impression a customer gets. From redefining customer experience to driving local economic impact, we cover it all. David also gives us a closer look at Signature’s BRAVO initiative, which is focused on leveling the playing field for smaller operators. Plus, a thoughtful discussion on why mentorship and education are key to keeping the industry thriving.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Business Aviation and FBOs

02:09 David Buritica's Journey in Aviation

03:51 The Essence of a Great FBO Experience

05:36 Evolving Customer Expectations in Aviation

07:09 The Economic Impact of FBOs on Communities

10:30 The Importance of Education and Advocacy in Aviation

12:18 Signature Aviation's Bravo Initiative

17:42 Building Loyalty Through Direct Communication

21:43 David Buritica: A Leader in Aviation

27:30 Investing in Future Leaders at Signature Aviation

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