The AeroExploration Podcast explores aviation’s past and the paths people are taking in the industry today. Join host Jim Schilling for stories of historic flights, modern aviation careers, and the passion that keeps us looking to the skies. Aviation has a past worth remembering, destinations worth exploring, and people worth meeting. This is AeroExploration.
Latest episodes
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1 h 08
Episode 79 - We're All WRONG about the FAA: Inside the FSDO with Nick Matlock
What really happens behind the scenes at the FAA?In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, we sit down with FAA Inspector Nick Matlock (@incommand0) to break down one of avia…
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22 min
Episode 78 - Saving Airports from SNOWMAGEDDON: Airport Snow Operations
How do airports stay open during massive snowstorms?When a blizzard hits, pilots aren’t the only ones fighting the weather. Behind the scenes, an entire operation is working nonsto…
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57 min
Episode 77 - What It Takes to Livestream MSP Airport: With Alex Redding
What does it take to livestream one of America’s busiest airports?In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, we sit down with Alex Redding, the creator behind MSP Airport LIVE…
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57 min
Episode 76 - Beyond the Airlines: Careers in Aircraft Management
Episode 76 – Finding an Aviation Career Through Aircraft ManagementNot every aviation career follows the traditional airline pipeline.In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast…
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1 h 06
Episode 75- The Second Take: Erik Fletcher's Charter Pilot Life
Two years ago, Eric Fletcher joined us to share his incredible journey from Hollywood camera operator to corporate pilot. After years behind the lens capturing iconic moments in sh…
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19 min
Episode 74 - Aviation Year in Review '25: Under Pressure
In this Aviation 2025 Year in Review episode, we examine a year defined by pressure, scrutiny, and silent success. From the DCA mid-air collision and aviation near misses to Air Tr…
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22 min
Episode 73 - Stuck in Flight Training? You’re Not Alone
In this episode of AeroExploration, Jim opens up about his long, winding journey toward the CFI certificate — a path filled with delays, job changes, health setbacks, family obliga…
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55 min
Episode 72 - Just Plane Silly, Just Got Serious- with Airline Pilot Bryan Turner.
In this episode of AeroExploration, we’re joined once again by aviation YouTuber Bryan Turner to close out his Fly the Transition journey. Two years ago, Bryan shared his goals and…
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40 min
Episode 71 - U-2 Spy Plane: The Aircraft, The Missions, and The Pilots Who Fly It
The U-2 “Dragon Lady” remains one of the most iconic and mysterious aircraft ever flown—designed in secrecy, flown at the edge of space, and still serving critical intelligence mis…
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1 h 11
Episode 70 - FAA Written Tests and Lesson Plans
In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, we kick things off with a practical deep dive into FAA written test prep—how to study smart, avoid common pitfalls, and use solid te…
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28 min
Episode 69 - MOSAIC Unlocked: What the FAA Rule Means for Pilots
In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, I dive deep into the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule — a landmark change from the Federal Aviatio…
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1 h 07
Episode 68 - Trading Badges for Boarding Passes: A State Trooper's Flight to the Airlines
In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, we meet Matt Peschong, a North Dakota Highway Patrol veteran who traded his patrol car for a cockpit.After 15 years in law enforceme…
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23 min
Episode 67 - The Invisible Crisis Grounding America’s Flights
Every delay, every grounded plane, every canceled flight has a story behind it—one you don’t see. In this episode of AeroExploration, we dive into the hidden crisis in aviation mai…
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50 min
Episode 66 - From Zero Time to Airline: Inside Thrust Flight’s Approach to Accelerated Pilot Training
In this episode of AeroExploration, we sit down with Patrick Arnzen, airline pilot, FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, and CEO of Thrust Flight. Patrick has spent his career guiding as…
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53 min
Episode 65 - From AC-130 to Healing: Anthony Dyer’s Story of War & Finding Purpose
Join us on AeroExploration as we sit down with Anthony Dyer, a former USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator whose career includes flying AC-130 gunships and Pave Hawk rescue helicop…
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50 min
Episode 64 - Trading Farm Life for Flying Jets
In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, Jim sits down with Collin, a corporate jet pilot with NetJets, to explore his unconventional path into aviation.Collin didn’t grow u…
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22 min
Episode 63 - 9/11 and The Hidden Impacts on the Aviation Industry
On September 11, 2001, the aviation industry changed forever. While most remember the immediate shutdown of U.S. airspace and the introduction of tighter airport security, the ripp…
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51 min
Episode 62 - From Factory Floor to Flight Deck: Joe’s Aviation Journey
In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, we have another Fly the Transition story. We sit down with Joe, a pilot whose career path proves that chasing your dream job in avia…
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30 min
Episode 61 - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Hangar
Hangar space has become one of the most competitive and confusing parts of the industry, and getting it wrong can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.In this episode of the Aer…
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1 h 05
Episode 60 - What New Airline Pilots Can Expect: Training, IOE & the Captain’s Seat
Welcome to a new era of the AeroExploration Podcast! To kick things off, we’re catching up with a familiar voice — Christy Shaffer, who first joined us during her transition into t…