The Cross-Check

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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Antonio Ferrara, the Director of Quality Control and Aircraft Appearance at Talon Air joins The Cross-Check to share his lifelong journey in aviation, the importance of mentorship, and his commitment to advocating for autism inclusion in the workforce.

He discusses his experiences with mentors, his role as a mentor to others, and the founding of Aviators for Autism, an organization aimed at bridging the gap between the aviation industry and neurodiverse individuals. The conversation highlights the potential for inclusion in aviation and the broader workforce, emphasizing the need for awareness and proactive measures to create opportunities for all.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Antonio Ferrara and His Journey

03:59 The Role of Mentorship in Aviation

07:00 Becoming a Mentor: Antonio's Commitment to Others

08:57 Advocacy for Autism Inclusion in Aviation

12:43 Founding Aviators for Autism: A New Mission

13:18 The Response to Advocacy and Outreach Efforts

16:16 Building Relationships for Inclusion

18:27 Expanding Beyond Aviation

20:17 Understanding the Spectrum of Abilities

20:34 Education and Awareness in Aviation

22:50 Overcoming Stigmas in Aviation Careers

24:09 Creating Opportunities for Youth

24:53 Mental Health and Autism Advocacy

26:12 Vision for the Future of Aviation Inclusion

Visit Aviators for Autism at www.aviatorsforautism.org

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With a family background in commercial aviation, JK Kenworthy was groomed from an early age to follow a path to the skies. But pilot training is what has truly kept him grounded in his current role as Sales Director for the Americas at CAE.

JK joins Ian Lumpp and Rob Hoffman on The Cross-Check to share his thoughts on the current challenges in pilot training along with the innovations shaping the future of business aviation. They explore the dynamics of workforce demand, the impact of technology on training, and the importance of networking and sustainability in the industry. JK shares insights on CAE's competitive edge and the evolving landscape of aviation training, including the potential of advanced air mobility.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Business Aviation and JK Kenworthy

02:27 Career Path and Transition to CAE

04:48 Current Landscape of Pilot Demand

11:20 Challenges in Business Aviation

12:54 Technological Advancements in Training

15:11 Future of Business Aviation and Workforce Development

23:24 The Importance of Training in Aviation

26:16 Networking and Building Connections in Aviation

27:43 Future of Training and Technological Advancements

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In this episode of The Cross-Check, we interview Cat Wren, VP at ENG Organ Recovery, who shares her journey from being a college basketball captain to bizav leader. Cat discusses her passion for aviation, the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry, and her commitment to servant leadership. She highlights the importance of mentorship, especially for women in aviation, and shares insights on the current state of the industry. Cat also elaborates on ENG Aviation's mission in organ transport and her vision for the future of the company.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kat Wren and Her Journey

03:58 From Sports to Aviation: Kat's Unique Path

07:43 Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry

11:41 The Mission of ENG Aviation

15:45 The Importance of Organ Transport in Aviation

31:13 Leadership Style and Servant Leadership

35:10 Advice for Aspiring Professionals

39:09 Future Plans for ENG Aviation

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