Aviation careers rarely follow a straight line — and that’s exactly what makes them special.

In this episode of Beyond the Sky, we sit down with a pilot and aviation educator whose journey started in airplanes, grew through instruction, and came full circle watching students earn their wings and move on to airline cockpits. From family aviation stories and seaplane ratings to breaking down the real costs of flying and the myths surrounding aviation careers, this conversation offers an honest look at what it really takes to build a life in aviation.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first flight lesson, navigating your path as a student pilot, or mentoring the next generation, this episode is a reminder that passion, persistence, and flexibility matter more than a perfect plan.

In this episode of Beyond the Sky, host Zachary O’Brien sits down with commercial pilot-in-training Ian Wright Alice to explore his unexpected path into aviation. Ian shares how a single high-school class led him to a discovery flight that changed his life, the reactions from his family, and what it's really like progressing through commercial training at North Star Aviation.

From favorite cross-country destinations to the challenges of Stage 2 maneuvers, night flying magic, the transition into multi-engine aircraft, and his long-term goal of flying for a foreign airline, Ian offers an honest, inspiring look into the journey of becoming a professional pilot. Whether you're a student pilot or simply love aviation stories, this episode dives deep into passion, persistence, and the thrill of flight.

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Sky, host Zach O’Brien sits down with Delta Airlines Captain Tyler Stargard, a Minnesota State Mankato graduate and Delta Propel liaison, to trace his journey from childhood flight simulator sessions to the flight deck of a commercial jet. Listeners will hear valuable insights on flight training, career growth, and balancing life as an airline pilot, along with stories about flying with family, mentoring the next generation, and what makes Delta’s culture stand out. Whether you’re a student pilot, an aspiring aviator, or simply love stories about chasing your dreams—this episode will leave you looking up at the sky with a renewed sense of purpose.

In this episode of Beyond The Sky, host Zach O’Brien sits down with Danny, a flight instructor at North Star Aviation, to explore his unique path into aviation. Unlike many pilots who grow up surrounded by aviation, Danny had no family or friends in the industry—his decision to fly came as an impulse during his senior year of high school. From there, he built his career step by step, finding a passion for flight training and mentoring new students. This episode highlights how aviation can inspire anyone, regardless of background, and showcases the resources like MyFlightLab that support student success at North Star Aviation.

In this episode of Beyond The Sky, host Zach O’Brien sits down with Zachary Crowe, a North Star Aviation alum who is now flying for the airlines. Zachary shares his journey from high school aviation programs to professional pilot training, and ultimately achieving his dream job in the airline industry. Listeners get an inside look at the day-to-day realities of airline life, the importance of training foundations at North Star Aviation, and the advice he has for students aspiring to take their aviation careers beyond the cockpit of a training aircraft.

In the first episode of Beyond The Sky, host Zach O’Brien sits down with Rob McGregor to talk about the roots of North Star Aviation and Rob’s personal journey in aviation. From his very first 30-minute intro flight in Mankato in the early ’90s to his career in flight instruction and beyond, Rob shares stories of what drew him to the skies, the challenges and rewards of aviation, and how North Star Aviation has grown alongside Minnesota State University, Mankato. This episode highlights the passion, persistence, and opportunities that make aviation a life-changing path for students and professionals alike.