Hangar X Studios

This Could Save Your Life in the Cockpit | Vincent Mickens

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In this compelling live episode of Hangar X Studios, recorded at Verticon, host John Ramstead welcomes veteran aviation advocate and media expert Vincent Mickens. With decades of experience in aviation broadcasting, safety advocacy, and public relations, Mickens shares deep insights into the evolution of safety management systems (SMS), the power of digital tools in aviation safety, and his passion for educating future generations about career paths in aerospace. From storytelling to strategic safety reform, this episode explores both the technical and human sides of aviation innovation.

Episode Highlights
  • The transformation and significance of Safety Management Systems (SMS)

  • How digital safety tools like Nimble are bridging gaps across aviation operations

  • The importance of aviation culture in maintaining transparency and safety

  • Inspiring the next generation with lesser-known aviation career paths

  • The power of media and advocacy in shaping the future of flight

    • Key Points with Timestamps
    • [00:00:02] Introduction to Safety Management Systems: Vincent explains SMS as procedural systems that enhance safety and streamline pilot operations.

    • [00:00:57] Live from Verticon: John sets the scene and introduces Vincent Mickens of Private Air Media Group.

    • [00:01:28] Origins of Private Air Media Group: Vincent shares how his firm blends aviation knowledge with media expertise.

    • [00:02:33] Early Passion for Aviation: Vincent talks about his dream of becoming a naval aviator and his early flight training.

    • [00:03:52] Aviation Advocacy Roots: His transition from media into safety advocacy through AOPA and NBAA.

    • [00:04:42] Modern Safety Trends: Discussing high-profile incidents and the emergence of predictive tools and autonomous systems.

    • [00:05:05] The Role of SMS: How companies like Nimble are digitizing safety protocols for accessibility across all scales of flight operations.

    • [00:06:20] Military vs. Civilian Safety Culture: John reflects on squadron-based communication and its impact on safety transparency.

    • [00:07:33] Bridging the Safety Gap Digitally: Vincent emphasizes how digital tools foster a collective safety culture.

    • [00:09:00] Advocacy for the Next Generation: Inspiring youth to pursue aerospace careers through exposure to lesser-known roles.

    • [00:10:19] Becoming a Space Architect: Introducing a niche role in space design and the University of Houston's program.

    • [00:10:53] Final Thoughts: Vincent’s ongoing passion for education and his work speaking to schools.

      • Guest Bio: Vincent Mickens

      Vincent Mickens is the founder of Private Air Media Group, a specialized aviation media and public relations consultancy. With a professional background spanning broadcasting, flight training, and aviation advocacy, Vincent has served with esteemed organizations such as AOPA and NBAA. A lifelong pilot and communications strategist, his mission is twofold: to advance safety standards in aviation through procedural and digital innovation, and to inspire the next generation to explore the vast career opportunities available in aviation and aerospace. He also hosts All Things Aviation & Aerospace, a career-focused podcast.

      https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincemickens-privateairmedia-allthingsaviationandaerospace/

       

      About Private Air Media Group

      Private Air Media Group is a specialized aviation communications consultancy founded by Vincent Mickens. With a deep-rooted passion for aviation and decades of experience in broadcasting and industry advocacy, the firm offers tailored media, public relations, and strategic communication services exclusively for the aviation and aerospace sectors. Leveraging insider knowledge of general, commercial, and rotary aviation, Private Air Media Group helps clients craft impactful messaging, execute comprehensive campaigns, and elevate their presence across industry channels.

      Notable Quotes
      • “The easiest way to explain safety management or SMS is that it’s procedural... laying out procedures in an effective way to make operations safer and easier.” – Vincent Mickens

      • “In the Navy, you’d call out unsafe actions in front of your peers... That culture of transparency is what we need in civilian aviation too.” – John Ramstead

      • “SMS now is a digital culture… it’s about bringing everyone on the same page, like a safety officer would.” – Vincent Mickens

      • “There’s a term called ‘space architect.’ Up until a few years ago, I’d never even heard of it.” – Vincent Mickens

      • “There are young people out there who don’t even realize the full range of opportunities in aerospace.” – Vincent Mickens
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        Hangar X StudiosBy John Ramstead