What happens when a special needs father working in business aviation decides the status quo isn't good enough? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Antonio Ferrara, founder of Aviators for Autism, to explore how one man's personal journey is transforming the intersection of aviation and the autism community.

Antonio shares his unique path from aviation detailing to ground operations to corporate roles at Talon Air—and how becoming a father to Nicholas, his nonverbal son with apraxia, sparked a mission to break down barriers. From creating immersive airport experiences with boarding passes and passport stamps, to envisioning the aviation industry's first flight desk powered by neurodiverse talent, Antonio is rewriting the playbook on inclusion.

But this conversation goes beyond advocacy. It's about practical innovation: sensory-friendly airport design, vocational training programs using aircraft fuselages, and creating employment pathways in an industry facing a 1.5 million worker shortage by 2034. Antonio doesn't just talk about change—he's building it, one hangar tour and one hire at a time.

This episode is for anyone who believes aviation should be accessible to all, and that diversity isn't just a buzzword—it's a competitive advantage.

Thank you to our show supporters—Flyte sunglasses! "Light on weight not on quality." Perfect for pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone who loves the skies!

Antonio's Aviation Journey

The Mission of Aviators for Autism

Immersive Airport Experiences

Employment Innovation

Benefits of Hiring Neurodiverse Talent

Design & Innovation Needs

Supporting Special Needs Fathers

Travel Tips for Families

0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction: Setting the stage

From flying over his middle school in a Cessna 172 to soloing a powered aircraft at just 14 years old, Jamail’s story is a masterclass in persistence and passion. He faced 93 rejections before earning his first sponsorship, performed aerobatics as a teenager opening for the Blue Angels, and went on to become the FAA’s first Ambassador for Aviation Education.

Together, Shawn and Jamail explore how gaming inspired a career, how rejection became a teacher, and how Jamail’s latest venture—Aviation Start—is helping connect young people with millions in aviation scholarships and opportunities.

This is a story about refusing to take “no” for an answer, the transformative power of mentors, and how a kid from Augusta, Georgia is helping to shape the future of flight.

Persistence and Breakthroughs

Aviation Start & Legacy

Lessons from Jamail’s Journey

0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction: A game-changer in aviation

What happens when aviation becomes a force for good, an engine for opportunity, and a gateway to the skies for everyone? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker takes you on a three-part journey that showcases aviation’s true heart—from compassion to innovation to accessibility.

First, Shawn dives into the incredible story of the Special Olympics Airlift, the world’s largest peacetime volunteer airlift. You’ll hear how Textron Aviation and hundreds of volunteer pilots have transported over 40,000 Special Olympics athletes to compete on the national stage, proving that flight can lift more than just airplanes—it lifts spirits and possibilities.

Then, we head to St. Louis, a region that’s redefining what an aerospace career looks like. With over 300,000 aviation and aerospace jobs, billions in investment, and high schools partnering directly with industry leaders like Boeing, Gulfstream, and Westar, St. Louis is showing the nation how to build the workforce of tomorrow—without requiring the traditional college route.

Finally, we take a look ahead to the Affordable Flying Expo (AFE25), happening November 6–8, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida. This event, held on the legendary SUN ’n FUN grounds, celebrates the new era of accessible flight through the FAA’s Mosaic rule. From kit planes to light sport aircraft, AFE25 is proving that you don’t have to be a millionaire to be a pilot.

This episode is about heart, opportunity, and the simple truth that aviation is for everyone—from the athletes who fly for the first time, to the students building careers, to the dreamers ready to take flight.

Special thanks to Flyte Sunglasses—light on weight, not on quality!

Began in 1985 when Cessna CEO Bruce Meyer donated aircraft to transport athletes.

Has since grown into a 40-year tradition, flying 40,000+ Special Olympics athletes to world competitions.

Features over 100 jets landing within minutes of each other in a highly choreographed airlift.

Supported by Textron Aviation companies including Beechcraft, Cessna, EZ-GO, and Tug Technologies.

Dove One, the lead aircraft, has featured partners like Coca-Cola Consolidated and country artist Dierks Bentley.

Showcases aviation’s power to bring people together for something greater than flight alone.

Home to 300,000 aerospace and aviation jobs and $5B in infrastructure investment.

Companies like Boeing, Gulfstream, and Westar collaborate with high schools and colleges.

Programs like CAVE (Lindbergh High School) give students real-world experience with drones, simulators, and maintenance.

Career Roadmaps show clear, debt-free pathways from high school to high-paying jobs (some starting at $50K+).

Highlights how collaboration and regional strategy create sustainable, high-tech job ecosystems.

Takes place Nov 6–8, 2025, on the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo campus in Lakeland, Florida.

Focused on affordable aircraft, kit planes, and the FAA’s Mosaic rule expanding light sport aviation.

Features hands-on workshops, demo flights, and the Mosaic Town Hall for live Q&A.

Adult tickets: $15 | Youth 12–17: $5 | Under 12: Free. Includes admission to the Florida Air Museum.

Proceeds benefit the Aerospace Center for Excellence, supporting youth aviation education.

Celebrates the growing community of everyday aviators, builders, and dreamers making flight attainable.

Textron Aviation – https://txtav.com

AeroSTL Careers – https://aerostl.com/jobs

The Freightway – https://thefreightway.com

Affordable Flying Expo (AFV25) – https://affordableflying.net

Flyte Sunglasses – https://www.flyte.aero

AviNation USA – https://www.avinationusa.com

Creative Relay Media – https://creativerelaymedia.com

What happens when a family logbook sparks a life-changing career in aviation—and leads to a company redefining how pilots fund their dreams? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Brandon Martini, Co-CEO of Stratus Financial, to uncover the powerful story behind one of aviation’s most transformative startups. From finding his grandfather’s logbook to soloing in 41 hours, building a flight school from a single airplane, and co-founding a fintech company built by pilots, for pilots, Brandon shares how persistence and problem-solving fueled his success. Together, they explore the financial challenges facing today’s students, how flight training financing can open doors for aspiring aviators, and why setting honest expectations is the key to business and life.

Whether you’re a student pilot, an entrepreneur, or someone chasing their next big goal, this episode will inspire you to face obstacles head-on—and turn every setback into altitude gained.

Thank you to our episode supporters: Flyte, makers of game-changing sunglasses for pilots—and AviNation USA, inspiring the next generation of aviators.

Brandon Martini’s Aviation Journey

Sparked by finding his grandfather’s logbook after his passing.

Began flight training in 2013 using $2,500 in Christmas gift certificates.

Completed his private pilot certificate in just 41.5 hours.

Founded his own flight school starting with one airplane and one closet-sized office.

Became a flight instructor to teach his son and build credibility with his team.

Founding Stratus Financial

Created to help students overcome the biggest flight training barrier—money.

Originated from Brandon’s struggle to find banks willing to finance flight training.

Co-founded with attorney and fellow pilot Anthony Geraci.

Today, Stratus has helped nearly 1,000 pilots and works with over 400 flight schools across North America.

Built on the principle of transparency, responsibility, and setting clear expectations.

Lessons from Brandon’s Story

The path to becoming a pilot doesn’t have to go through the military.

Rejection and struggle often reveal new solutions—like creating flight training financing from scratch.

Persistence and integrity build lasting partnerships, whether in business or aviation.

0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction: Passion meets purpose

Flyte Sunglasses → https://www.flyte.aero/

Stratus Financial → https://stratus.finance/

What happens when an old pilot’s logbook sparks a new generation of aviators? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker introduces us to Brandon Martini, Co-CEO of Stratus Financial, whose personal journey from maxed-out credit cards to helping 1,000 new pilots earn their wings proves one thing: the dream of flight doesn’t have to stay out of reach. From starting a flight school with one plane and a $96 office, to launching a financial platform that partners with over 400 flight schools, Brandon’s story is a blueprint for perseverance and innovation in aviation finance.

Then, Shawn takes us on a deep dive into the Aeroverse — the new streaming platform built exclusively for aviation lovers — and closes with a high-energy look into the fast-growing global sport of Drone Soccer, where coding, flight, and competition collide to inspire the next generation of aviators.

This episode is all about visionaries — the ones who don’t wait for permission to make aviation more accessible, more entertaining, and more inclusive.

✨ Thank you to ASA (Aviation Supplies and Academics) for helping us reach the next generation of aviators and aviation enthusiasts!

0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction: When the cost of flight becomes the challenge

What happens when a lifelong aviation enthusiast turns passion into a multifaceted career in air shows and military service?

In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Jeremy Meyers, a Technical Sergeant in the Air Force, operations manager for the NextGen Eagles Aerobatic Team, and founder of Brakes Off Media. From his early days as a five-year-old captivated by the Thunderbirds to launching aircraft in Iraq and mentoring the next generation, Jeremy shares his inspiring journey through aviation. This episode is about persistence, passion, and the impact of mentorship in shaping the future of aviation.

Thank you to our newest show supporters, Flyte sunglasses! “Light on weight, not on quality.”  Check out their incredible selection at flyte.aero!

🎧 Episode Summary

What drives a teenager to climb up on a rooftop in Mexico just to watch airplanes trace paths across the night sky? For Adriana Barragan, it was more than a dream—it was a calling. In this inspiring episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker explores Adriana’s remarkable journey—from struggling to learn English one page at a time to becoming a private pilot, Gulfstream engineer, and now the CEO and co-founder of Fly ORKA, an app reshaping how pilots learn and train.

Shawn also takes listeners on a tour of vibrant Hispanic aviation festivals—where mariachi music meets fighter-jet aerobatics—and pays tribute to the courage and innovation of Latino trailblazers of the skies, from Jorge Chávez, who crossed the Alps in a flimsy monoplane, to Olga Custodio, the first Latina to complete USAF pilot training, and Diana Trujillo, whose work at NASA reaches all the way to Mars.

This is a celebration of resilience, culture, and the pioneers who looked at the sky and said, that’s where I belong.

Brought to you by AviNation USA and our newest supporters, Flyte Sunglasses—“Light on weight, not on quality.”

✨ Key Points

Adriana Barragan’s Journey

Hispanic Aviation Festivals

Trailblazers of the Sky

Core Themes

🕒 Chapter Timestamps

0:00 – 0:36 | Introduction: A rooftop in Mexico and the spark that started it all

🔗 Links

What happens when a 12-year-old gamer with a passion for Microsoft Flight Simulator refuses to take “no” for an answer? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker shares the incredible journey of Jamail Larkins—from flying virtual Delta jets in his bedroom, to becoming one of the youngest Americans to solo a powered aircraft, to inspiring thousands of students as the FAA’s first Ambassador for Aviation Education.

But we don’t stop there. Shawn also takes you on a seasonal adventure into the magic of fall flying and closes with a dive into aviation milestones of September—from steam-powered airships to the invention of attack helicopters, and the day aviation (and the world) changed forever: 9/11.

This episode is about persistence, passion, and the endless possibilities that aviation holds for the next generation.

Thank you to our newest show supporters—Flyte sunglasses! “Light on weight not on quality.” Check out their incredible selection of awesome sunglasses for any occasion!

Aviation Start: https://www.aviationstart.org/

Flyte: https://www.flyte.aero/

AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/

Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/

This conversation explores the transformative impact of the Eagles Nest Project Wisconsin, an aviation education initiative from founder Jim Senft that empowers high school students to build and fly real aircraft. It highlights the personal stories of students who have gained invaluable skills and opportunities through hands-on learning.

The show also delves into a fun + creative project, inspired by the classic film 1941, that brings aviation history to life using Legos, an authentic John Belushi impersonator, and an actual P-40 Warhawk from the American Air Power Museum at Republic Airport on Long Island, NY!

Finally, it examines the complex mathematics behind modern autopilot systems and their potential future in aviation in our STEM in Flight segment.

Eagles Nest Project Wisconsin: https://enpwi.com/

Brickmania | Wild Bill Kelso and Burma Banshees P-40: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZruH_7a0bs8&t=3s

American Air Power Museum: https://www.americanairpowermuseum.com/

Wonder Women of Aviation Podcast: https://www.wonderwomanofaviation.com/

AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/