In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Kyle Lewis, Regional Manager with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). When flight disruptions grounded our original plans, we didn’t let that stop us — we fired up the mics from the Midway Airport parking garage instead.

Kyle shares sharp insights on today’s aviation landscape, from pilot advocacy to industry trends, along with a few laughs and personal stories that every aviator can relate to.

So join us as we keep the parking attendants company, rack up a few parking fees, and talk all things aviation — like “Comedians in Cars,” but with pilots, planes, and plenty of prop talk.

AOPA Buckeye Air Fair:

https://www.aopa.org/community/buckeye-air-fair

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In this episode of Destination Aviation, host Jeff Miller sits down with Maria Romanick, A.A.E., Operations and Maintenance Manager at Minot International Airport — and a pilot with a serious sense of adventure.

Maria shares stories from her time keeping things running smoothly on the airfield, offers smart advice for those looking to break into airport operations, and reflects on her aviation roots at the University of North Dakota. Between the professional insights, plenty of laughs, and a few van-life dreams (yes, she’s thinking of fixing up a Ford and hitting the road someday), this conversation captures the heart of what makes aviation people so unique — passionate, practical, and always planning the next adventure.

Whether you’re an aspiring airport professional, a fellow pilot, or just someone who loves a good story from the tarmac, this episode will leave you inspired to keep your own dreams rolling.

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In this special on-location episode, host Jeff Miller takes listeners from the buzz of the NBAA-BACE convention floor in Las Vegas to the quiet grass fields where American aviation first took flight. The debate has lingered for more than a century: Which airport can truly claim to be the oldest in the United States?

From the Wright Brothers’ 1909 training grounds at College Park, Maryland, to Pearson Field in Washington and other early contenders, Jeff unpacks the history, the rival claims, and the fine print behind the phrase “continuously operating.”

Whether you’re an aviation historian or just love a good origin story, you’ll find there’s more to this question than meets the eye—and maybe the Wright answer isn’t so clear after all.

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What happens when a pilot who’s flown everything from C-17s to United Airlines jets decides to reinvent how flight instructors teach? In this episode of Destination Aviation, Jeff Miller sits down with Nate Ehlers — founder of Backseat Pilot, United Airlines pilot, CFI, and Air Force Reserve instructor — to talk about his journey through every corner of aviation training: civilian, regional, military, and airline. With over 8,000 flight hours and experience mentoring countless new pilots, Nate shares how he turned his hard-won lesson plans into a scalable platform now trusted by over 30,000 instructors worldwide. Discover how Backseat Pilot is saving instructors months of prep time, raising training standards, and helping the next generation of aviators reach the airlines faster.

Backseat Pilot Website:

Backseat Pilot - The Best CFI Lesson Plans

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In this episode of Destination Aviation, we head to Alaska — the Last Frontier — to explore its deep connection with aviation. From stories on the road to the daring history of bush pilots, we scratch the surface of how flying became Alaska’s lifeline. Join us as we share adventures, insights, and a glimpse into the skies where airplanes aren’t just transportation — they’re survival.

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Join us for a moving and insightful conversation with Anthony Dyer, retired USAF Tech Sergeant and author of Moon Child: The Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator. In this episode, Anthony shares:

• His journey from the Appalachian Mountains to flying elite combat missions in some of the world's most volatile zones.
• The emotional realities of military life—including the personal struggles and unseen wounds many veterans carry.
• How writing Moon Child became his mission to heal others and offer a voice for resilience.
• The symbolism behind “roots and wings”—honoring where we come from while striving toward a purpose beyond war.

Listeners will be inspired by Anthony’s candor, bravery, and the universal message that healing and hope can take flight.

Where to Learn More & Support the Author:

• Buy Moon Child on Amazon to dive into Anthony’s gripping memoir:
  Moon Child: The Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator delivers a raw, unfiltered account of life in combat—the triumphs, the burdens, and the unseen scars that follow Warriors home. Amazon.com: Moon Child: The Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator: 9798348582760: Dyer, Anthony, McKay, Hollie, Grayson, Robbie: Books

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Episode 53 of Destination Aviation brings aviation engineer Kevin Spitz of Mead & Hunt on the mic. Kevin and I have a long-running, joking back-and-forth, so if you’re expecting a dry engineering lecture… think again. We dig into his role as an aviation engineer, the challenges and creativity that go into airport projects, and of course share a few laughs along the way.

Whether you’re in the industry or just aviation-curious, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and the kind of banter only Kevin and I can get away with.

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On this episode of Destination Aviation, former Scottsdale Airport Aviation Director Gary P. Mascaro shares his journey into aviation, leadership insights, and perspectives on the industry. And if the photo for this episode is any indication, we definitely shared some laughs along the way.

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