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/

What’s the difference between flying a packed Boeing 737 on a fixed schedule and launching a Gulfstream on a moment’s notice for a CEO? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker breaks down the real-world differences between airline aviation and corporate aviation—from lifestyle and pay to schedules, autonomy, and long-term career flexibility.

The episode then shifts to safety, storytelling, and learning from mistakes with a deep dive into YIKES! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did Yet Lived to Tell About Them by airline pilot and author J.J. Madison. Drawing from thousands of NASA Aviation Safety Reports, Shawn explores how pilots truly learn—through human error, honest reflection, and shared experience—and how one book is now funding real-world flight scholarships for underserved students.

The episode wraps up with a Vintage Aircraft Spotlight on the Bell X-1, the bright orange rocket plane that shattered the sound barrier in 1947. From Chuck Yeager’s broken ribs and broom-handle ingenuity to the sonic boom that changed aviation forever, this segment reminds us that progress comes from curiosity, courage, and pushing past the impossible.

This episode is about choices, consequences, and courage—whether you’re choosing a career path, learning from a mistake, or daring to fly faster than anyone ever had before.

Airline vs. Corporate Pilot Careers

• Airline pilots operate under Part 121 with structured schedules, seniority-based bidding, and union protections.
• Corporate pilots fly under Part 91 or 135, handling everything from flight planning to catering and customs.
• Airline flying offers predictability and long-term job security; corporate flying offers flexibility, autonomy, and variety.
• Airline pilots can earn up to $475,000+ at major carriers; top corporate pilots can earn $250,000+ at established operators.
• Many pilots transition between the two paths over their careers—no choice is permanent.

Lessons from YIKES! by J.J. Madison

• Pilots learn best through stories, not just procedures.
• NASA Aviation Safety Reports allow pilots to share mistakes anonymously so others can learn without repeating them.
• Fatigue, distraction, and human factors—not lack of skill—cause many incidents.
• A go-around is never a failure; it’s good decision-making.
• YIKES! turns real mistakes into safer skies and funds flight scholarships through the Victor Kilo Fund.

Aviation Access & Scholarships

• YIKES! book sales have funded $5,000–$10,000 flight scholarships.
• Scholarships support organizations like Eagle Flight Squadron and under-resourced flight and STEM programs.
• Representation and mentorship play a critical role in bringing new voices into aviation.

Vintage Aircraft Spotlight: The Bell X-1

• First piloted aircraft to exceed Mach 1 in level flight (October 14, 1947).
• Flown by Chuck Yeager, despite two broken ribs.
• Rocket-powered, bullet-shaped design based on .50-caliber ballistics.
• Reached Mach 1.06 on its first supersonic flight and Mach 1.45 in later missions.
• Laid the groundwork for modern supersonic and experimental aircraft.

0:00 – 5:30 | Airline vs. Corporate Aviation: Lifestyle, schedules, and pay 5:31 – 7:59 | Choosing your aviation path & career flexibility 8:00 – 13:20 | YIKES!: Learning from mistakes & NASA safety reports 13:21 – 17:30 | Scholarships, mentorship, and aviation access 17:31 – 18:54 | Why mistakes make better pilots 18:55 – 25:00 | Vintage Aircraft Spotlight: The Bell X-1 and breaking the sound barrier

• YIKES! The Book: https://www.yikesthebook.com
• AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com
• Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com

What happens when a lifelong passion for aviation, speed, and service collides with a legendary cross-country challenge? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Chris Holder of Concord Battery and Charlie Duffie of CJ Aviation to unpack an ambitious and heartfelt mission: a 31-hour Cannonball Run across the United States to raise $1 million for the Tango 31 Aero Club.

Chris and Charlie dive into the history of the Cannonball Run, the engineering and performance behind Charlie’s hand-built Factory Five Type 65 Coupe, and the logistics of attempting a coast-to-coast drive at speed—all while honoring the legacy of Kevin Lacey, founder of Tango 31. The conversation highlights how Tango 31 has transformed the lives of underserved youth by teaching them to build, maintain, and fly aircraft, producing pilots, A&P mechanics, and aviation leaders now working across the industry.

Beyond the car and the run, this episode is about giving back, sustaining aviation education, and creating a future pipeline of skilled professionals. With industry-wide support, major sponsors, and a growing wave of momentum, this Cannonball Run is more than an endurance challenge—it’s a mission to ensure Kevin Lacey’s vision lives on and expands nationwide.

Thank you to everyone supporting this effort and helping keep aviation dreams alive for the next generation.

The Cannonball Run for Tango 31 Aero Clube

• A 31-hour coast-to-coast Cannonball Run honoring Tango 31
• Southern Route: Jacksonville Beach, FL to San Diego, CA
• Goal: Raise $1 million to ensure long-term sustainability for Tango 31 Aero Club

The Mission Behind Tango 31

• Founded by Kevin Lacey, aviation icon and mentor
• Youth rebuild donated aircraft from the ground up, then learn to fly them
• Alumni now include corporate pilots, A&P mechanics, and industry professionals
• Funds will support insurance, travel, aircraft operations, and program growth

The Car & The Build

• Hand-built Type 65 Factory Five Type 65 Coupe
• 480 horsepower, ~2,740 lbs, built for speed and endurance
• Inspired by Carroll Shelby’s aviation and racing legacy
• Designed for performance, safety, and long-distance comfort

Industry & Community Support

• Sponsors include Concord Battery, Michelin, Lightspeed Aviation Headsets, and more
• Strong backing from aviation manufacturers and distributors
• Early commitments already exceeding $70,000

What’s Next

• Teaser videos and updates rolling out on Concord Battery’s social platforms
• Planned stop at Tango 31 in McKinney, Texas, with youth aircraft escorting part of the run
• Car appearance (and possible drag race!) at Sun ’n Fun

0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction & the 31-hour Cannonball concept 0:45 – 4:39 | History of the Cannonball Run & route selection 4:40 – 11:41 | Tango 31 Aero Club, Kevin Lacey’s legacy, and youth impact 11:42 – 16:29 | Record times, strategy, and modern-day challenges 16:30 – 22:30 | The Factory Five Type 65 Coupe: design, power, and performance 22:31 – 27:30 | Logistics, fuel strategy, comfort, and endurance 27:31 – 31:24 | Sponsors, fundraising, and how to get involved 31:25 – End | Final reflections, legacy, and the future of Tango 31

• Tango 31 Aero Club (Donations via Zeffy): https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/31-hours-for-tango-thirty-one
• Concord Battery: https://www.concordebattery.com/
• AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
• Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/
• BULBag: https://bulbag.com/

🎧 Episode Summary

What happens when a hand-built Shelby Daytona Coupe, a cross-country Cannonball Run, and a youth aviation nonprofit collide? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker takes listeners on an unforgettable journey where speed meets purpose and aviation becomes a force for generational change.

The story begins with Chris Holder (Concorde Battery Corporation) and Charlie Duffie (CJ Aviation)—two lifelong aviation enthusiasts undertaking a bold mission: driving a 408-horsepower Shelby Daytona Coupe coast-to-coast in just 31 hours to raise funds for Tango 31 Aero Club, a youth aviation program that has transformed dozens of young lives. Their run honors the legacy of Kevin Lacey, Tango 31’s founder, whose passion for mentoring underserved youth through aircraft restoration and flight training continues to inspire the aviation community after his passing.

From there, Shawn shifts gears—literally and figuratively—into aviation innovation, spotlighting Hartzell Propellers and their new Falcon Series, which brings century-old engineering expertise into the affordable aviation market by cutting propeller weight in half without sacrificing reliability.

The episode closes with a fascinating deep dive into one of aviation’s most important safety tools: the phonetic alphabet. Shawn unpacks its wartime origins, international testing, and why words like Alpha, Bravo, and Niner are carefully engineered to save lives in noisy cockpits and across language barriers.

This episode is about legacy, persistence, and community—and how aviation thrives when people refuse to let good ideas, or good people, be forgotten.

✨ Key Points

🏁 31 Hours for Tango 31

• Chris Holder and Charlie Duffie attempt a Southern Cannonball Run from Jacksonville Beach, FL to San Diego, CA.
• Goal: 31 hours, symbolizing Tango 31 Aero Club.
• Mission: Raise $1M to make Tango 31 self-sustaining after the loss of founder Kevin Lacey.
• Tango 31 students rebuild donated aircraft and learn to fly them—many go on to aviation careers.
• Over $70,000 in commitments pledged immediately after the mission was announced.
• Ultimate vision: Expand Tango 31 into a nationwide model for youth aviation education.

🛩️ Giving Back Through Aviation

• Kevin Lacey’s legacy lives on through the students he mentored.
• Over 40 youth have gone through Tango 31 since 2017.
• Alumni now work as pilots, A&P mechanics, and for companies like Cirrus Aircraft.
• “No pressure, no diamonds” becomes the guiding philosophy of the mission.

⚙️ Hartzell Propellers & Affordable Aviation

• Hartzell Propellers has been innovating since 1917.
• The Falcon Series is designed for engines like the Rotax 916.
• Weight reduced from ~40 lbs to ~20 lbs—major performance gains.
• Mission-specific prop design supports LSA, kit aircraft, and modern sport flying.
• OEM partnerships (CubCrafters, Van’s) can reduce costs for builders and pilots.

📡 The Aviation Phonetic Alphabet

• Developed through WWII and finalized internationally by ICAO and NATO.
• Designed to eliminate confusion across languages, accents, and poor radio quality.
• Examples:
  • Alpha (ALFA) for global pronunciation
  • Tree, Fife, Niner for clarity
• Used worldwide by pilots, ATC, emergency services, and beyond.
• One of aviation’s most successful safety innovations.

🕒 Chapter Timestamps

0:00 – 1:30 | Introduction: Speed, purpose, and aviation community 1:31 – 9:40 | 31 Hours for Tango 31: The Cannonball Run mission 9:41 – 11:00 | Honoring Kevin Lacey & the legacy of Tango 31 11:01 – 16:20 | Hartzell Propellers: Century-old innovation meets modern flying 16:21 – 22:30 | Propeller evolution, weight savings, and mission-based design 22:31 – 33:30 | The aviation phonetic alphabet: History, safety, and global impact 33:31 – End | Final reflections, community call-to-action, and closing thoughts

🔗 Links & Resources

• Tango 31 Aero Club: https://www.t31aeroclube.com/
• Concorde Battery Corporation: https://www.concordebattery.com/
• CJ Aviation: https://www.mcfarlaneaviation.com/cj-aviation/
• Hartzell Propellers: https://www.hartzellprop.com/
• AviNation USA / Aviation Magazine: https://www.avinationusa.com/
• Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/

In this high-energy interview, Michelle Leon, Operations Manager at Levil Aviation, discusses the common thread that links her diverse career background: people. From her early days in hospitality and dentistry to leading operations in aviation and manufacturing, Michelle explains how the philosophy of servant leadership has guided her success.

We explore how Levil Aviation is disrupting the avionics market with affordable, safety-enhancing equipment and the specific strategies Michelle uses to build a paperless, highly efficient workplace. The conversation also tackles the critical need for workforce development and how early exposure to trades can change the trajectory of students' lives.

➡️ Be sure to check out our newest show sponsor: BULBag USA!

• Servant Leadership: Being in the trenches with your team and focusing on their growth leads to a more resilient culture.
• The Appreciation Gap: Utilizing the 'Five Languages of Appreciation' to recognize employees in the way they actually want to be seen.
• Women in STEM: Overcoming industry biases by maintaining credibility and leading with knowledge.
• Early Exposure: The importance of introducing middle schoolers to CNC machining and robotics before they choose a career path.
• NORSEE Approval: A breakdown of how the FAA allows safety-enhancing equipment to reach pilots faster.

00:00 - Introduction and Michelle's diverse career journey 00:54 - Servant leadership lessons from the dentistry world 03:54 - Why workforce development energizes the team 04:54 - Moving toward paperless and digital-first operations 06:11 - Boosting morale through the Five Languages of Appreciation 08:04 - Earning respect as a woman in aviation and manufacturing 13:06 - Why middle school is the 'sweet spot' for trade exposure 19:32 - Introducing Levil Connect: The future of data collection 22:12 - Deep dive into the FAA's NORSEE approval process 28:29 - Advice for building a professional network

• Levil Aviation Official Website
• Creative Relay Media
• AviNation
• BULBag USA

What does the future of aviation really look like as we head toward 2026—and how can today’s pilots, students, and aviation dreamers prepare for it? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker takes listeners on a forward-looking journey through the biggest shifts shaping aviation’s near future. From airline industry pressures and evolving airport experiences, to revolutionary changes in flight training and the FAA’s new MOSAIC rule, this episode is all about opportunity at a moment of pivot for aviation.

Shawn then spotlights hands-on innovation with a deep dive into the Silverlight Aviation Recon, a versatile, trailerable experimental aircraft designed to solve real-world ownership challenges like hangar shortages and rising costs—without sacrificing performance or fun. The episode wraps with expert insight from Lou Mancuso, “The Landing Doctor,” whose unconventional training philosophy has helped produce safer pilots and buttery-smooth landings through a return to fundamentals.

This episode is about innovation, accessibility, and mastery—and why the next generation of aviators has more paths into the sky than ever before.

• Airlines face mounting pressure from costs, staffing, safety, and fuel—creating a crossroads moment.

• Airports are embracing biometrics and tech, but empathy and human connection are becoming key differentiators.

• Travelers want seamless, tech-enabled experiences without losing the human touch.

• Global pilot demand remains strong due to retirements and fleet growth.

• Flight schools are integrating VR, AR, AI-powered tracking, and digital logbooks.

• Modular and accelerated training paths could get students job-ready in as little as 12 months.

• Removes weight limits for new Light Sport Aircraft designs.

• Expands LSA to allow up to four seats.

• Enables more advanced aircraft systems with proper endorsements.

• Opens new, more affordable pathways into flight training and ownership.

• Kit-built experimental aircraft with folding wings—deployable in 10–15 minutes by one person.

• Trailerable design solves hangar waitlists and storage costs.

• Configurable with nosewheel or tailwheel landing gear.

• Engine options from 100 hp to 160 hp turbocharged.

• Excellent visibility, backcountry capability, and real-world versatility.

• Taught by Lou Mancuso of Sebring Flight Academy.

• Focuses on slow flight down the runway to master sight picture.

• Emphasizes fundamentals over instruments—sometimes covering the panel entirely.

• Resulted in zero accidents, incidents, or insurance claims in eight years.

• Training resources available free online for pilots and instructors.

0:00 – 1:00 | Introduction & aviation’s crossroads heading into 2026 1:01 – 2:50 | Airports, biometrics, and the importance of empathy 2:51 – 5:16 | Flight training evolution & FAA MOSAIC rule breakdown 5:17 – 7:14 | Why 2026 is a turning point for young aviators 7:15 – 12:56 | Silverlight Aviation Recon: design, performance & ownership innovation 12:57 – 14:58 | Why the Recon makes aircraft ownership more accessible 14:59 – 17:57 | The Landing Doctor: mastering landings through fundamentals 17:58 – End | Final reflections on skill, simplicity, and the joy of flying

• Silverlight Aviation Recon: https://silverlightaviation.com/

• The Landing Doctor: https://thelandingdoctor.com/

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

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