In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Jeremy Meyers—Air Force tech sergeant, air show operations manager, and founder of Brakes Off Media. From a childhood spark ignited by the Thunderbirds to thousands of hours teaching airmen across 21 aircraft platforms, Jeremy shares his journey through the world of aviation and his mission to uplift the next generation.
We also explore the science and history of air show smoke systems and close the episode with a feature on the docu-series Airshow, highlighting the risks, passion, and tight-knit community behind the scenes of some of aviation’s boldest performers.
Segment 1: Jeremy Meyers (00:00–09:48)
Jeremy fell in love with aviation at five years old after watching the Thunderbirds in Spokane, Washington—a moment that shaped his entire career.
Mentorship Matters
With over 4,200 hours teaching others, Jeremy emphasizes the importance of mentorship, especially in high-stakes environments like combat aviation and air shows.
Not Just the Pilot
Behind every aircraft is a team. Jeremy underscores the crucial roles that maintainers, photographers, and operations staff play in making aviation safe and inspiring.
Mental Health in Aviation
Through his theology and mental health background, Jeremy advocates for supporting air show professionals, many of whom spend 180–300 days on the road annually.
Creating Pathways Forward
Through his company Brakes Off Media, Jeremy inspires future aviation professionals by capturing and sharing the passion behind flight.
Segment 2: The Science of Air Show Smoke (09:48–16:30)
The history of smoke in aviation goes back to 1915 with skywriting and took off in 1957 with RAF’s Black Cats aerobatic team.
How It Works
Smoke oil—paraffin-based and biodegradable—is flash-cooked at 1,500°F via high-pressure nozzles in the aircraft's exhaust system.
The Cost of Spectacle
A single show can burn through $65 to $260 in smoke oil alone, with 5–20 gallons used depending on aircraft type.
More Than Just Pretty Trails
Smoke trails help pilots maintain formation positioning, acting as visual references during complex aerobatic maneuvers.
The Future of Smoke
With digital control systems and eco-friendly dyes, smoke systems continue evolving as a blend of chemistry, engineering, and artistry.
Segment 3: Future in Flight at the Movies – Airshow Docuseries (16:30–22:21)
The documentary Airshow follows real-life performers who push the limits of aviation—with some losing their lives in the process.
No Margin for Error
The show explores the devastating risks, such as forgotten safety components or engine failure, and the emotional toll of tragedy in the air show community.
Dedication and Passion
Performers like wing walker Carol Pilon express how air shows aren't just a job—they're a calling and source of fulfillment.
Aviation’s Soul
These performers carry on the barnstorming spirit of the 1920s, reminding us that flight is about more than transportation—it's about pushing boundaries and inspiring awe.
00:00 – Intro + Jeremy Meyers’ Aviation Origin Story03:13 – Falling in Love with Flight at Age 504:09 – Lunch with Chuck Yeager & Air Force Experience05:19 – Teaching, Teamwork, and Operations Management06:14 – Breaks Off Media & Mentorship Philosophy07:14 – Faith, Mental Health, and the Air Show Grind08:10 – Legacy, Passion, and Staying Motivated09:48 – The Science of Air Show Smoke16:30 – Future in Flight at the Movies: “Airshow” TV Docuseries Review22:21 – Closing Thoughts: State of Grace and the Soul of Aviation🔗 Brakes Off Media: https://brakesoffmediallc.godaddysites.com/📺 Airshow Docuseries Info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4328762/🌐 Learn more about smoke oil systems: https://smokingairplanes.com/blogs/news/how-smoke-systems-smoke-oil-work
