The Future in Flight Podcast

This episode takes you on an incredible journey through aviation excellence and history.

We kick things off rolling down the runway with California Aeronautical University's competitive flight team—a squad that’s climbed from 20th place at nationals in 2022 to seriously eyeing a top-10 finish. Along the way, they take to the skies cross-country in “Little Red,” a 1965 Cessna 150, competing in NIFA events while building a culture rooted in safety, discipline, and sportsmanship. That commitment has earned them four consecutive Red Baron Team Sportsmanship Awards.

Then, host Shawn Staerker is joined by his daughter Ellie for a powerful Women’s History Month segment celebrating the trailblazers who helped build aviation from the ground up. From Raymonde de Laroche—the first woman to earn a pilot’s license in 1910—to the legendary Night Witches of World War II, and modern pioneers like Lucy Young, still flying at 71, this conversation makes one thing clear: aviation has always belonged to those bold enough to pursue it.

We wrap things up with a destination spotlight on Everglades Air Park, where presidential history meets short-field flying and Cuban sandwiches—and where every landing adds another story to the logbook.

From a tiny corner of a Venice hangar to multiple locations across Florida, Sarasota Avionics has built something truly special in the aviation world.

In this episode, we sit down with Zach Fryar and Mat Davis—two key team members—who share the incredible journey of how three guys fixing radios grew into one of aviation’s most beloved avionics companies. Their secret? Treating customers and employees like family while delivering cutting-edge technology upgrades.

Zach and Mat take us behind the scenes of modern avionics installations—from full glass panel upgrades to becoming a Cirrus Service Center. They discuss the ongoing challenge of finding skilled technicians, share their thoughts on the future of aviation technology (spoiler: they’re not ready for pilotless planes), and explain why treating your iPad like backup equipment is always a smart move.

Plus, we explore career opportunities in avionics and get the inside scoop on their famous Sun ’n Fun parties that draw crowds from across the aviation community.

🛠️ Humble beginnings: Started with three guys in one-third of a hangar fixing radios—now operating multiple locations across Florida

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-first culture: Employees and customers are treated like family, complete with birthday parties and holiday invitations

🎯 Shift to glass panels: Upgrades dominate as pilots move away from six-pack instruments due to parts availability

✈️ Cirrus Service Center: Achieved through a rigorous certification process and specialized training

🔮 Future of aviation: More automation is coming—but human pilots remain essential for dynamic situations

0:00 — 2:18 | From Three Guys to Aviation Empire: The Sarasota Avionics Origin Story

2:18 — 4:25 | Building Family Culture: Keeping the Small Shop Feel

4:25 — 8:29 | Finding Great Techs: The Challenge of Aviation Talent

8:29 — 11:14 | Career Transition: From Automotive to Avionics

11:14 — 15:02 | Consultation Process: Understanding Customer Needs

15:02 — 18:13 | Cirrus Service Center: The Path to Certification

18:13 — 20:13 | Future of Aviation: Will Pilots Become Obsolete?

20:13 — 24:59 | Avionics Upgrade Process: From Consultation to Delivery

24:59 — 28:00 | Industry Trends: Glass Panels & iPad Integration

28:00 — 32:12 | Sun ’n Fun & Customer Connections

32:12 — 35:19 | Career Advice for Future Avionics Techs

35:19 — 38:54 | Rapid Fire Fun: Snacks, Dream Aircraft & Flying with Legends

Sarasota Avionics Website – https://sarasotaavionics.com/

SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo – https://flysnf.org/

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

Ever wonder what makes those glass screens in airplane cockpits actually work? This episode takes you inside the world of avionics with Zach Fryar from Sarasota Avionics and lead technician Mat Davis. From a humble corner of a Venice, Florida hangar with three guys and broken radios, Sarasota Avionics has grown into one of the Southeast's most respected shops. But this isn't just a business success story—it's about the people who make modern aviation possible and why avionics might be the perfect career path for tech-savvy young people.

We also go behind the scenes with Jacob Peed, Editor-in-Chief of AviNation USA Magazine, as they gear up for Sun and Fun 2026. Plus, in our Vintage Aircraft Spotlight, we explore the massive Convair B-36 Peacemaker—a 10-engine beast that could fly around the world without stopping and helped define the Cold War era. Whether you're curious about cutting-edge cockpit technology or aviation history, this episode shows how the past, present, and future of flight all connect.

0:00 — 1:21 | Introduction: From Corner Hangar to Aviation Empire

1:21 — 2:25 | The Culture That Builds Craftspeople

2:25 — 4:52 | What Avionics Actually Is: Systems Thinking

4:52 — 7:07 | The Glass Revolution and Garmin's Dominance

7:07 — 9:29 | Career Paths: Why Avionics Needs You

9:29 — 11:56 | The Future of Automation vs. Human Pilots

12:00 — 19:21 | Aviation USA Magazine and Sun and Fun Preview

19:21 — 25:42 | Vintage Spotlight: The Convair B-36 Peacemaker

In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Amir Kosh and Gordon McClymont to explore ST Engineering Antycip’s IT FLIES—a groundbreaking design-build-fly competition powered by high-fidelity, physics-based simulators.

Unlike traditional competitions, students don’t just design aircraft on paper—they fly them in professional-grade simulators and receive real-time feedback from experienced test pilots. From sixth-generation fighters to humanitarian aid drones, teams bring bold concepts to life and experience the full aerospace engineering cycle: briefing, flight testing, debriefing, iteration, and refinement.

With competitions hosted in the U.S. at University of Dayton and in the UK at Swansea University, IT FLIES is shaping the next generation of aerospace engineers by bridging theory and real-world application.

This episode dives into simulation fidelity, the power of iteration, the importance of engineer–pilot collaboration, and why feeling lift and drag—even virtually—changes everything.

If you’ve ever wondered how today’s students become tomorrow’s aircraft designers, this is the inside look you’ve been waiting for.

What Makes IT FLIES Different

Why Simulation Matters

Lessons Students Learn

Competition Highlights

Careers & Real-World Impact

0:00 – 1:17 | Introduction: What is IT FLIES?

IT FLIES Competition (ST Engineering Antycip):

AviNation USA:

Creative Relay Media:

Blue skies, smart designs, and remember—great aircraft aren’t built in a single pass. They’re built through iteration, collaboration, and the courage to test your ideas.

What if aerospace engineering students didn’t just design aircraft on paper—but actually watched real test pilots fly their creations? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker takes you inside IT FLIES, an innovative international design-build-fly competition where students bring their aircraft concepts to life in high-fidelity simulators used in real-world aircraft development.

We hear from competition leaders and test pilots about how simulation transforms abstract aerodynamics into hands-on experience—and why iteration, feedback, and collaboration between engineers and pilots mirrors the real aerospace industry.

Then, Shawn sits down with Nate Ehlers—C-17 instructor pilot, airline captain, and founder of the Backseat Pilot training system. Nate shares his unconventional path through civilian training, regional airlines, and the Air Force Reserve, proving that persistence beats rejection every time. From landing with light gun signals after a radio failure to building a tool that’s helped thousands of CFIs save time and money, his story is one of innovation born from challenge.

Finally, we break down one of aviation’s universal languages: V-speeds. From V1 and rotation to maneuvering speed and landing reference speeds, this segment demystifies the “cheat codes” that keep pilots safe and aircraft performing at their best.

This episode is about bridging theory and reality, turning obstacles into opportunity, and understanding the language of flight.

Thank you to our partners:

IT FLIES: From Theory to Test Flight

Nate Ehlers’ Aviation Journey

C-17 Flying Highlights

V-Speeds: The Language of Flight

0:00 – Introduction: Engineering meets real-world flight

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

IT FLIES Competition: https://steantycip.com/events/it-flies-usa-2026/

In this episode of the Future in Flight podcast, host Shawn Staerker welcomes Robbie Sturdivant and Yuri Milner from Riverside Flight Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to discuss their unique approach to flight training and the success stories that have emerged over their 25 years in business. They delve into the advantages of training in Oklahoma's diverse weather conditions and bustling airspace, which prepares pilots for real-world challenges. Riverside Flight Center's student-first philosophy, commitment to high standards, and focus on creating well-rounded, safe, and competent pilots are highlighted throughout the conversation.

The discussion explores Riverside Flight Center's structured part 141 training program, their emphasis on visual flight training before introducing advanced technology, and the value of their in-house maintenance program. Robbie and Yuri share insights into how they address the pilot shortage by attracting both domestic and international students, fostering a positive learning environment, and offering a $25 discovery flight to break down barriers to entry. This episode provides valuable information for aspiring pilots and anyone interested in the future of flight training.

   0:00 — 0:25 | Introduction to Riverside Flight Center and the Flight Training Landscape

   0:26 — 1:16 | Location and Environment: Flying in Tulsa, Oklahoma

   1:17 — 3:00 | Advantages of Training in Oklahoma's Weather and Airspace

   3:01 — 4:08 | 25 Years of Success: Yuri's Vision for Riverside Flight Center

   4:09 — 5:56 | Riverside Flight Center's Training Philosophy and Part 141 Structure

   5:57 — 7:44 | Student-First Approach: Yuri's Philosophy on Flight Training

   7:45 — 9:15 | Addressing the Pilot Shortage: Domestic vs. International Students

   9:16 — 12:10 | A Typical Day at Riverside Flight Center: Concurrent Flight and Ground Training

   12:11 — 13:53 | Aircraft and Technology: Foundational Visual Flight Training

   13:54 — 16:16 | Simulation and Advanced Training: Integrating Technology

   16:17 — 17:01 | Success Stories: Pilots Flying Worldwide

   17:02 — 19:15 | Measuring Success: The Impact of Riverside Flight Center Graduates

   19:16 — 21:43 | Maintenance Program: On-Site Maintenance and Safety Standards

   21:44 — 23:47 | Examining Authority: Benefits for Students

   23:48 — 26:41 | Motivation and Positivity: Maintaining High Success Rates

   26:42 — 28:46 | Student Focus: Skills for Success in Flight Training

   28:47 — 31:58 | Fun in Aviation: Discovery Flights and Introductory Experiences

   31:59 — 34:20 | Overcoming Challenges: Focusing on Education and Excellent Pilots

   34:21 — 35:30 | Riverside Flight Center's Commitment to the Aviation Community

   35:31 — 37:10 | Connecting with Riverside Flight Center: Contact Information

   37:11 — 39:19 | The Future of Flight Training: Adapting to Technology and Regulations

   39:20 — 41:38 | Favorite In-Flight Snacks and Dream Aircraft

   41:39 — 42:28 | Dream Co-Pilot/Passenger and Destination

   42:29 — 43:31 | Closing Remarks and Contact Information

   43:32 — 47:25 | Financing Challenges in Vocational Flight Training

   47:26 — 50:00 | Shift in Mentality: Vocational vs. Collegiate Training

   50:01 — 53:33 | Career Landscape: Opportunities Beyond Airlines and Final Thoughts

Riverside Flight Center: riversideflightcenter.com

Riverside Flight Center Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversideFlightCenter/

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

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

In this episode of the Future in Flight podcast, host Shawn Starker interviews J.J. Madison, a Harvard-educated writer, safety advocate, and author of "Yikes! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did." J.J. shares his circuitous path to aviation, which began with a childhood fascination with helicopters and eventually led him to mentorship from the Tuskegee Airmen. He discusses the importance of mentorship, community, and continuous learning in aviation, as well as his mission to make aviation safer and more accessible through storytelling and the Victor Kilo Fund, which provides flight scholarships for under-resourced communities.

The conversation delves into J.J.'s experiences in various aircraft, from 19-seat turboprops to 737s, and his commitment to aviation safety, inspired by his time on an airline's aviation safety committee. J.J. emphasizes the value of sharing mistakes and learning from others' experiences, highlighting the role of NASA reports in promoting safety. He also touches on the future of aviation, including the potential of electric and hybrid aircraft and the increasing need for skilled aviation professionals from all backgrounds to maintain the integrity of the national airspace system.

0:00 — 0:14 | Introduction to J.J. Madison

This episode of "The Future in Flight Podcast" explores Riverside Flight Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a flight school that has been quietly revolutionizing pilot training for 25 years. The episode highlights the school's impressive 90% completion rate, cost-effective vocational program, and unique approach to training, which emphasizes real-world conditions and a strong focus on student success. Yuri Milner, the founder, shares his philosophy of incorporating the best practices from other flight schools while eliminating the negatives.

The podcast also delves into a concerning trend in general aviation: the monetization of ADS-B data. It discusses how companies are tracking aircraft landings and charging fees, potentially penalizing pilots for safety-conscious decisions like aborting landings. Don Frano from StopADSB Abuse warns that this practice could lead to increased congestion, safety risks, and ultimately, the decline of general aviation, mirroring the situation in Europe.

Finally, the episode explores the historical origins of the commercial airline pilot uniform, tracing its roots back to Pan American World Airways and the desire to instill trust and professionalism in early aviation.

- 🚀 Innovative Flight Training: Riverside Flight Center's unique approach to pilot training, emphasizing real-world experience and student success, leads to a 90% completion rate and faster career paths.

- 📡 Safety-First Approach: Riverside Flight Center prioritizes safety by bringing maintenance in-house, using simulation strategically, and teaching students to accept feedback, ensuring competent and responsible pilots.

- ⚙️ ADS-B Data Concerns: The monetization of ADS-B data raises concerns about penalizing safety and potentially leading to the decline of general aviation, highlighting the need for pilot advocacy.

- 🛩️ Legacy of Flight: The commercial pilot uniform's nautical roots reflect a desire to convey trustworthiness and authority in the early days of aviation, a tradition that continues to influence the industry.

0:00 — 0:30 | Introduction to Riverside Flight Center

0:31 — 2:06 | Yuri Milner's Philosophy and Riverside's Success

2:07 — 2:57 | Location Advantages and Real-World Training

2:58 — 4:28 | Cost-Effective Training and Discovery Flights

4:29 — 6:00 | Safety Standards and Feedback

6:01 — 7:22 | Riverside's Impact and Yuri's Reward

7:23 — 9:18 | Conclusion of Riverside Segment and Introduction to ADS-B Concerns

9:19 — 10:50 | ADS-B Data Monetization and its Impact

10:51 — 12:24 | Consequences of ADS-B Fees and Safety Risks

12:25 — 13:41 | The Future of Aviation and Pilot Advocacy

13:42 — 14:46 | Conclusion of ADS-B Segment and Introduction to Cockpit Culture

14:47 — 15:55 | Early Aviation and the Need for Trust

15:56 — 18:00 | Pan Am's Naval-Inspired Uniforms

18:01 — 19:46 | Meaning of Pilot Stripes and Conclusion

Riverside Flight Center: https://riversideflightcenter.com/

StopADSB Abuse: https://stopadsbabuse.com/

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

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

What’s the difference between flying a packed Boeing 737 on a fixed schedule and launching a Gulfstream on a moment’s notice for a CEO? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker breaks down the real-world differences between airline aviation and corporate aviation—from lifestyle and pay to schedules, autonomy, and long-term career flexibility.

The episode then shifts to safety, storytelling, and learning from mistakes with a deep dive into YIKES! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did Yet Lived to Tell About Them by airline pilot and author J.J. Madison. Drawing from thousands of NASA Aviation Safety Reports, Shawn explores how pilots truly learn—through human error, honest reflection, and shared experience—and how one book is now funding real-world flight scholarships for underserved students.

The episode wraps up with a Vintage Aircraft Spotlight on the Bell X-1, the bright orange rocket plane that shattered the sound barrier in 1947. From Chuck Yeager’s broken ribs and broom-handle ingenuity to the sonic boom that changed aviation forever, this segment reminds us that progress comes from curiosity, courage, and pushing past the impossible.

This episode is about choices, consequences, and courage—whether you’re choosing a career path, learning from a mistake, or daring to fly faster than anyone ever had before.

Airline vs. Corporate Pilot Careers

Lessons from YIKES! by J.J. Madison

Aviation Access & Scholarships

Vintage Aircraft Spotlight: The Bell X-1

0:00 – 5:30 | Airline vs. Corporate Aviation: Lifestyle, schedules, and pay

What happens when a lifelong passion for aviation, speed, and service collides with a legendary cross-country challenge? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Chris Holder of Concord Battery and Charlie Duffie of CJ Aviation to unpack an ambitious and heartfelt mission: a 31-hour Cannonball Run across the United States to raise $1 million for the Tango 31 Aero Club.

Chris and Charlie dive into the history of the Cannonball Run, the engineering and performance behind Charlie’s hand-built Factory Five Type 65 Coupe, and the logistics of attempting a coast-to-coast drive at speed—all while honoring the legacy of Kevin Lacey, founder of Tango 31. The conversation highlights how Tango 31 has transformed the lives of underserved youth by teaching them to build, maintain, and fly aircraft, producing pilots, A&P mechanics, and aviation leaders now working across the industry.

Beyond the car and the run, this episode is about giving back, sustaining aviation education, and creating a future pipeline of skilled professionals. With industry-wide support, major sponsors, and a growing wave of momentum, this Cannonball Run is more than an endurance challenge—it’s a mission to ensure Kevin Lacey’s vision lives on and expands nationwide.

Thank you to everyone supporting this effort and helping keep aviation dreams alive for the next generation.

The Cannonball Run for Tango 31 Aero Clube

The Mission Behind Tango 31

The Car & The Build

Industry & Community Support

What’s Next

0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction & the 31-hour Cannonball concept