The James Spearman Show

In this episode of the James Spearman Show, host James Spearman interviews Eileen Bjorkman with a particular passion for military and homebuilt aircraft. She is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel with 700+ hours of flying time as a flight test engineer in 25 different types of military aircraft, primarily the F-4, F-16, C-130, and C-141. As a civilian pilot, she holds an Airline Transport Pilot rating and is a Certificated Flight Instructor with more than 2,000 hours of flying time. She owns an aerobatic airplane, a Super Decathlon, and is building an RV-8.

She discusses the challenges faced by women in aviation, her transition to civilian life, and her passion for writing, including her recent books. The conversation also touches on the future of military aviation and the importance of technological advancements. In this conversation, Eileen Bjorkman shares her journey of writing about homebuilt aircraft, weaving in her father's story with the rich history of aviation. Eileen emphasizes the evolution of aviation enthusiasm, particularly among those who discover their passion later in life, and highlights the significance of organizations that support women in aviation.

Takeaways

• Eileen grew up around airplanes, influenced by her father's career.

• She initially pursued a career in computer science before joining the Air Force.

• Eileen's realization of the importance of flying in the Air Force shaped her career path.

• Her first flight in the F-4 was a memorable experience filled with awe.

• Eileen served in the Air Force for almost 30 years, witnessing significant changes.

• The dynamics of military aviation careers have evolved over the years.

• Transitioning to civilian life involved exploring new opportunities and writing.

• Eileen's writing journey began with a personal story about her father's aircraft.

• She has seen the development of many aircraft, including the C-17 and B-2.

• She gained credibility by writing articles for Air and Space magazine.

• Creative nonfiction classes helped her learn storytelling techniques.

• The publishing process can take years, even for experienced writers.

• Research often leads to unexpected discoveries and rabbit holes.

• Homebuilding in aviation has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century.

• EAA played a crucial role in the homebuilding movement.

• Many aviation enthusiasts start their journey later in life.

• Community support is vital for success in aviation endeavors.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Eileen Bjorkman

03:03 - Eileen's Journey into Aviation

05:50 - Experiences in the F-4 and Other Aircraft

08:58 - Career Progression in the Air Force

11:48 - Challenges and Changes in Military Aviation

14:57 - Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

17:48 - Writing and Publishing Books

21:09 - Reflections on Aircraft Testing and Development

24:04 - Future of Military Aviation and Technology

32:13 - The Journey to Writing a Book

37:06 - Exploring Homebuilt Aircraft History

41:55 - The Evolution of Aviation Enthusiasm

46:30 - Researching Homebuilt Aircraft Stories

53:02 - Community and Support in Aviation

Special thanks to Eileen Bjorkman for sharing her story on the show!

To learn more about her incredible work, visit her website: https://eileenbjorkman.com

You can also check out her books:

The Fly Girls Revolt – A powerful look at the women military aviators who fought for their right to serve in combat.

The Propeller Under the Bed – A personal journey through aviation history and the homebuilt aircraft movement.

Unforgotten in the Gulf of Tonkin – A gripping account of the U.S. military’s commitment to leaving no one behind.

Be sure to connect with Eileen and explore her work! 

Want to learn more about aviation? Check out our website

https://www.spearmanaircraft.com/

Or follow us in your favorite channel

https://www.facebook.com/spearmanaircraft/

https://www.instagram.com/thejamesspearman/

https://www.youtube.com/@TheJamesSpearman

Summary

In this conversation, James Spearman interviews Dr. Lee Collins, a cardiac anesthesiologist and aviation enthusiast, about his journey into aviation, the challenges of becoming a pilot, and the importance of safety and community in flying. They discuss the mindset required for successful aircraft ownership, the intricacies of maintenance, and the transition to more advanced flying experiences, including aerobatics and formation flying. The conversation emphasizes the significance of training, resources like the AOPA, and the camaraderie found within the aviation community.

Takeaways

• Dr. Lee Collins shares his journey into aviation.

• The importance of mindset in aviation safety.

• Understanding the complexities of aircraft ownership.

• The role of community resources like AOPA in flying.

• Transitioning to advanced aircraft requires patience and training.

• Aerobatics training enhances pilot skills and confidence.

• Maintenance is crucial for safety in aviation.

• Personal minimums are essential for safe flying.

• Building a network in aviation can provide valuable support.

• The joy of flying is enhanced by shared experiences with others.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Lee Collins and His Background

05:30 - The Journey to Becoming a Pilot

10:39 - Mindset and Safety in Aviation

17:58 - Navigating Aircraft Ownership and Maintenance

20:46 - The Importance of Pre-Buy Inspections

26:02 - Transitioning to Warbird Flying

29:55 - Joining the T-34 Association

35:30 - Aerobatics and Pilot Proficiency

40:57 - Upgrading Aircraft for Performance

45:24 - Encouragement for Aspiring Pilots

Special thanks to Lee Collins for sharing his story on the show!

Want to learn more about aviation? Check out our website

https://www.spearmanaircraft.com/

Or follow us in your favorite channel

https://www.facebook.com/spearmanaircraft/

https://www.instagram.com/thejamesspearman/

https://www.youtube.com/@TheJamesSpearman

In this podcast episode, James Spearman interviews Shannon Stone, who shares his unique journey into aviation, transitioning from a law enforcement career to becoming a pilot and aircraft owner. Shannon discusses his early fascination with flying, the challenges he faced in the aviation industry, and the importance of experience and safety in flying. He emphasizes the need for personal minimums and the significance of learning from experiences in aviation. In this conversation, James Spearman shares his experiences and insights on aviation, particularly focusing on aircraft ownership, maintenance, and the lessons learned from both flying and running a business. He emphasizes the importance of building long-term relationships with mechanics, understanding the financial implications of aircraft ownership, and the necessity of proper training and communication in aviation. The discussion also touches on the parallels between business and flying, highlighting the significance of teamwork and effective communication in both fields.

Takeaways

• Shannon's early fascination with aviation began with remote control airplanes.

• He pursued higher education before entering the aviation field.

• The late 80s and early 90s were challenging for new pilots due to saturation in the industry.

• Shannon transitioned from law enforcement to aviation in his 40s.

• He started a security business that helped him make aviation connections.

• Flying different aircraft enhances a pilot's skills and adaptability.

• Experience in aviation is invaluable and cannot be replaced by technology.

• Personal minimums are crucial for safety in aviation.

• Ego can be a dangerous factor in flying; humility is essential.

• Learning from experiences, especially mistakes, is vital for growth in aviation. You need to slow down and take care of your aircraft.

• Building a long-term relationship with a mechanic is crucial.

• Scheduled maintenance is more profitable than unscheduled repairs.

• Financial readiness is essential before purchasing an aircraft.

• Proper hangar space is vital for protecting your investment.

• Education on aviation costs is necessary for new owners.

• Safety should always be the top priority in aviation.

• Communication and teamwork are key in both business and flying.

• Continuous training and proficiency are important for pilots.

• Learning from every flight experience enhances skills. 

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Aviation and Personal Journey

12:56 - Transitioning from Law Enforcement to Aviation

24:47 - Navigating Challenges in Aviation and Personal Minimums

27:13 - Aviation Mishaps and Lessons Learned

34:58 - Navigating Aircraft Ownership and Maintenance

40:27 - The Importance of Professional Guidance in Aviation

45:13 - Business Lessons from the Cockpit

52:34 - Training and Proficiency in Aviation

Make sure to check out Shannon’s website and follow him!

https://www.cornerstoneprotection.com/about-us/

https://www.instagram.com/cornerstoneprotection/

https://www.youtube.com/@cornerstoneprotection

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cornerstoneprotection

Want to learn more about aviation? Check out our website

https://www.spearmanaircraft.com/

Or follow us in your favorite channel

https://www.facebook.com/spearmanaircraft/

https://www.instagram.com/thejamesspearman/

https://www.youtube.com/@TheJamesSpearman

In this episode, James Spearman interviews Dan Millican, host of the Taking Off Podcast, discussing his journey into aviation, the impact of drones, the process of obtaining a pilot's license, and the intricacies of aircraft ownership. Dan shares his personal experiences, insights on the aviation community, and the importance of thorough pre-buy inspections when purchasing an aircraft. In this conversation, James Spearman and Dan discuss the critical aspects of aircraft inspections, the importance of understanding the differences between pre-buy and annual inspections, and the value of hands-on experience in aviation. They delve into the challenges of AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations and the mindset shifts required for safe flying. The discussion also covers Dan's journey from employee to entrepreneur in the aviation content creation space, highlighting the future of aviation media and the launch of the Aeroverse platform.

Takeaways

• Dan's passion for aviation began in childhood.

• Drones have transformed the video production industry.

• Obtaining a pilot's license can be manageable with the right approach.

• Aircraft ownership requires careful consideration and planning.

• Pre-buy inspections are crucial for aircraft purchases.

• The Cessna 210 is a versatile aircraft for various missions.

• Networking is important in the aviation community.

• Understanding the costs associated with flying is essential.

• Choosing the right flight school can impact training duration.

• Having an expert for pre-buy inspections can save future headaches. Pre-buy inspections can save you thousands.

• Annual inspections are more comprehensive than pre-buys.

• Hands-on experience with your aircraft is invaluable.

• AOG situations require quick decision-making.

• Pilots must have a backup plan for every flight.

• Judgment is more important than flying skills.

• Entrepreneurship requires self-discipline and commitment.

• Checklists are essential for safety in aviation.

• The aviation community benefits from quality content.

• Aeroverse aims to provide a platform for aviation enthusiasts.

Make sure to check out Dan’s podcast and website.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taking-off-podcast-aviation-life/id1675955657

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-millican-s-films/

https://aeroverse.com/

https://s-films.com

Want to learn more about aviation? Check out our website

https://www.spearmanaircraft.com/

Or follow us in your favorite channel

https://www.facebook.com/spearmanaircraft/

https://www.instagram.com/thejamesspearman/

https://www.youtube.com/@TheJamesSpearman

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Aviation Stories

01:34 – Dan's Journey into Aviation

05:27 – The Impact of Drones on Aviation

12:36 – Navigating the Path to Pilot's License

16:31 – Aircraft Ownership Experience

30:12 – The Importance of Pre-Buy Inspections

39:51 – Understanding Annual Inspections vs. Pre-Buy

42:29 – Learning Through Hands-On Experience

46:27 – Navigating AOG Situations

49:03 – The Mindset Shift in Aviation

56:43 – Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur

01:01:41 – The Future of Aviation Content Creation

In this first podcast episode of The James Spearman Show, James Spearman interviews Carl Valeri, an aviation enthusiast and podcaster, who shares his journey into aviation, the importance of community, and the challenges of aircraft ownership. Carl discusses how he transitioned from a hobbyist to a professional pilot, emphasizing the significance of mindset and safety in aviation. The conversation also highlights the role of podcasts in educating aspiring pilots and the value of learning from the aviation community. Carl shares insights on overcoming challenges and his future aspirations in aviation, making this episode a rich resource for anyone interested in flying.

Takeaways

• Carl's journey into aviation began unexpectedly.

• The aviation community is supportive and welcoming.

• Transitioning from hobby flying to professional flying can be challenging.

• Understanding the true costs of aircraft ownership is crucial.

• Mindset plays a significant role in aviation safety.

• Podcasts are valuable resources for aviation education.

• Networking within the aviation community can lead to opportunities.

• Overcoming personal challenges can inspire others in aviation.

• It's important to have a purpose when owning an aircraft.

• Continuous learning is essential in aviation.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Aviation Stories

01:49 – Carl's Journey into Aviation

06:38 – Transitioning to Professional Pilot

12:18 – The Duality of Aviation: Hobby vs. Career

18:13 – Navigating Aircraft Ownership

22:01 – The Importance of Community in Aviation

29:56 – Mindset and Safety in Aviation

35:00 – The Humbling Nature of Aviation

38:46 – Mindset and the Aviation Community

39:06 – The Evolution of Aviation Podcasts

43:46– Navigating Aviation Careers

51:08 – Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

54:03 – Resilience in Aviation Journeys

56:15 – Future Aspirations in Aviation

Make sure to check out Carl’s podcasts.

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/about/meet-your-hosts/

https://stuckmicavcast.com/

Want to learn more? Checkout our website

https://www.spearmanaircraft.com/

Or follow us in your favorite channel

https://www.facebook.com/spearmanaircraft/

https://www.instagram.com/thejamesspearman/

https://www.youtube.com/@TheJamesSpearman