In this episode of the Future in Flight podcast, host Shawn Staerker welcomes Robbie Sturdivant and Yuri Milner from Riverside Flight Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to discuss their unique approach to flight training and the success stories that have emerged over their 25 years in business. They delve into the advantages of training in Oklahoma's diverse weather conditions and bustling airspace, which prepares pilots for real-world challenges. Riverside Flight Center's student-first philosophy, commitment to high standards, and focus on creating well-rounded, safe, and competent pilots are highlighted throughout the conversation.

The discussion explores Riverside Flight Center's structured part 141 training program, their emphasis on visual flight training before introducing advanced technology, and the value of their in-house maintenance program. Robbie and Yuri share insights into how they address the pilot shortage by attracting both domestic and international students, fostering a positive learning environment, and offering a $25 discovery flight to break down barriers to entry. This episode provides valuable information for aspiring pilots and anyone interested in the future of flight training.

• Strategic Location: Oklahoma offers diverse weather and busy airspace, ideal for comprehensive training.
• Student-First Approach: Riverside Flight Center prioritizes student success with structured training and personalized attention.
• In-House Maintenance: On-site maintenance ensures high safety standards and well-maintained aircraft.
• Comprehensive Training: A blend of traditional methods and modern technology prepares pilots for various aviation careers.
• Addressing Pilot Shortage: Focus on domestic students and accessible discovery flights help grow the pilot community.

0:00 — 0:25 | Introduction to Riverside Flight Center and the Flight Training Landscape

0:26 — 1:16 | Location and Environment: Flying in Tulsa, Oklahoma

1:17 — 3:00 | Advantages of Training in Oklahoma's Weather and Airspace

3:01 — 4:08 | 25 Years of Success: Yuri's Vision for Riverside Flight Center

4:09 — 5:56 | Riverside Flight Center's Training Philosophy and Part 141 Structure

5:57 — 7:44 | Student-First Approach: Yuri's Philosophy on Flight Training

7:45 — 9:15 | Addressing the Pilot Shortage: Domestic vs. International Students

9:16 — 12:10 | A Typical Day at Riverside Flight Center: Concurrent Flight and Ground Training

12:11 — 13:53 | Aircraft and Technology: Foundational Visual Flight Training

13:54 — 16:16 | Simulation and Advanced Training: Integrating Technology

16:17 — 17:01 | Success Stories: Pilots Flying Worldwide

17:02 — 19:15 | Measuring Success: The Impact of Riverside Flight Center Graduates

19:16 — 21:43 | Maintenance Program: On-Site Maintenance and Safety Standards

21:44 — 23:47 | Examining Authority: Benefits for Students

23:48 — 26:41 | Motivation and Positivity: Maintaining High Success Rates

26:42 — 28:46 | Student Focus: Skills for Success in Flight Training

28:47 — 31:58 | Fun in Aviation: Discovery Flights and Introductory Experiences

31:59 — 34:20 | Overcoming Challenges: Focusing on Education and Excellent Pilots

34:21 — 35:30 | Riverside Flight Center's Commitment to the Aviation Community

35:31 — 37:10 | Connecting with Riverside Flight Center: Contact Information

37:11 — 39:19 | The Future of Flight Training: Adapting to Technology and Regulations

39:20 — 41:38 | Favorite In-Flight Snacks and Dream Aircraft

41:39 — 42:28 | Dream Co-Pilot/Passenger and Destination

42:29 — 43:31 | Closing Remarks and Contact Information

43:32 — 47:25 | Financing Challenges in Vocational Flight Training

47:26 — 50:00 | Shift in Mentality: Vocational vs. Collegiate Training

50:01 — 53:33 | Career Landscape: Opportunities Beyond Airlines and Final Thoughts

Riverside Flight Center: riversideflightcenter.com

Riverside Flight Center Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversideFlightCenter/

AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/

Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/

In this episode of the Future in Flight podcast, host Shawn Starker interviews J.J. Madison, a Harvard-educated writer, safety advocate, and author of "Yikes! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did." J.J. shares his circuitous path to aviation, which began with a childhood fascination with helicopters and eventually led him to mentorship from the Tuskegee Airmen. He discusses the importance of mentorship, community, and continuous learning in aviation, as well as his mission to make aviation safer and more accessible through storytelling and the Victor Kelo Fund, which provides flight scholarships for under-resourced communities.

The conversation delves into J.J.'s experiences in various aircraft, from 19-seat turboprops to 737s, and his commitment to aviation safety, inspired by his time on an airline's aviation safety committee. J.J. emphasizes the value of sharing mistakes and learning from others' experiences, highlighting the role of NASA reports in promoting safety. He also touches on the future of aviation, including the potential of electric and hybrid aircraft and the increasing need for skilled aviation professionals from all backgrounds to maintain the integrity of the national airspace system.

• 🚁 J.J. Madison's unconventional journey into aviation, fueled by childhood dreams and mentorship from the Tuskegee Airmen.
• 📚 The importance of storytelling in aviation safety and education, as highlighted by J.J.'s book, "Yikes!"
• 🤝 The role of community and mentorship in supporting aspiring pilots, especially those from under-resourced communities.
• 💰 The Victor Kelo Fund's mission to provide flight scholarships and make aviation more accessible.
• ✈️ The future of aviation, including the potential of electric and hybrid aircraft and the need to address the skilled labor shortage.

0:00 — 0:14 | Introduction to J.J. Madison 0:15 — 1:17 | Shawn Starker introduces the podcast and J.J. Madison's background 1:18 — 3:50 | J.J. Madison shares his early experiences and path to aviation 3:51 — 5:13 | Discussion about the opportunity to be mentored by the Tuskegee Airmen 5:14 — 7:25 | Preparedness meeting opportunity and J.J.'s aviation experiences 7:26 — 10:16 | Advice for people transitioning into aviation later in life 10:17 — 11:09 | Importance of seeing representation in the pilot community 11:10 — 13:35 | J.J. discusses the impact of living examples and the need for diverse representation in aviation 13:36 — 14:05 | The skilled labor issue in aviation and the need for broadening the talent pool 14:06 — 16:17 | J.J.'s interest in aviation safety and his work with NASA reports 16:18 — 18:22 | The inspiration behind J.J.'s book and the Victor Kelo Fund 18:23 — 19:07 | Show supporter: Flight Sunglasses 19:08 — 20:18 | Details about the Victor Kelo Fund and flight scholarships 20:19 — 21:11 | How to get involved with the Victor Kelo Fund 21:12 — 23:07 | The power of stories in conveying messages about aviation safety and community building 23:08 — 23:54 | Emphasis on the word "Yikes!" and expressive language in the cockpit 23:55 — 26:48 | J.J. shares stories and experiences from his aviation career 26:49 — 30:00 | More aviation stories and the importance of aeronautical decision-making skills 30:01 — 31:15 | Discussing NASA reports and sharing "Yikes" moments 31:16 — 31:29 | How to connect with J.J. Madison 31:30 — 34:19 | The future of automation in aviation and the importance of jobs that AI can't replace 34:20 — 35:33 | J.J.'s favorite in-flight snacks and the story behind the banana 35:34 — 36:26 | J.J.'s dream aircraft 36:27 — 37:50 | Who J.J. would choose to fly with 37:51 — 40:01 | Closing remarks and takeaways

• Yikes! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did: http://www.yikesthebook.com/
• Victor Kelo Fund: http://www.yikesthebook.com/
• Aviation Safety Reporting System (NASA Reports): https://aviationsafetyreportingsystem.gov/
• FLYTE Sunglasses: http://FLYTE.Aero/
• AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
• Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/

This episode of "The Future in Flight Podcast" explores Riverside Flight Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a flight school that has been quietly revolutionizing pilot training for 25 years. The episode highlights the school's impressive 90% completion rate, cost-effective vocational program, and unique approach to training, which emphasizes real-world conditions and a strong focus on student success. Yuri Milner, the founder, shares his philosophy of incorporating the best practices from other flight schools while eliminating the negatives.

The podcast also delves into a concerning trend in general aviation: the monetization of ADS-B data. It discusses how companies are tracking aircraft landings and charging fees, potentially penalizing pilots for safety-conscious decisions like aborting landings. Don Frano from StopADSB Abuse warns that this practice could lead to increased congestion, safety risks, and ultimately, the decline of general aviation, mirroring the situation in Europe.

Finally, the episode explores the historical origins of the commercial airline pilot uniform, tracing its roots back to Pan American World Airways and the desire to instill trust and professionalism in early aviation.

- 🚀 Innovative Flight Training: Riverside Flight Center's unique approach to pilot training, emphasizing real-world experience and student success, leads to a 90% completion rate and faster career paths.

- 📡 Safety-First Approach: Riverside Flight Center prioritizes safety by bringing maintenance in-house, using simulation strategically, and teaching students to accept feedback, ensuring competent and responsible pilots.

- ⚙️ ADS-B Data Concerns: The monetization of ADS-B data raises concerns about penalizing safety and potentially leading to the decline of general aviation, highlighting the need for pilot advocacy.

- 🛩️ Legacy of Flight: The commercial pilot uniform's nautical roots reflect a desire to convey trustworthiness and authority in the early days of aviation, a tradition that continues to influence the industry.

0:00 — 0:30 | Introduction to Riverside Flight Center

0:31 — 2:06 | Yuri Milner's Philosophy and Riverside's Success

2:07 — 2:57 | Location Advantages and Real-World Training

2:58 — 4:28 | Cost-Effective Training and Discovery Flights

4:29 — 6:00 | Safety Standards and Feedback

6:01 — 7:22 | Riverside's Impact and Yuri's Reward

7:23 — 9:18 | Conclusion of Riverside Segment and Introduction to ADS-B Concerns

9:19 — 10:50 | ADS-B Data Monetization and its Impact

10:51 — 12:24 | Consequences of ADS-B Fees and Safety Risks

12:25 — 13:41 | The Future of Aviation and Pilot Advocacy

13:42 — 14:46 | Conclusion of ADS-B Segment and Introduction to Cockpit Culture

14:47 — 15:55 | Early Aviation and the Need for Trust

15:56 — 18:00 | Pan Am's Naval-Inspired Uniforms

18:01 — 19:46 | Meaning of Pilot Stripes and Conclusion

Riverside Flight Center: https://riversideflightcenter.com/

StopADSB Abuse: https://stopadsbabuse.com/

AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/

Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/