Destination Aviation

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Destination Aviation

Jeffrey Miller

57 episodes

14 hours ago

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 ...

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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 ...

Show more...

Places & Travel,

Society & Culture,

Episodes (20/57)

Destination Aviation

Episode 58 - Maria Romanick: Keeping Planes Moving and Dreams Rolling

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 ...

15 hours ago

1 hour 37 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 57 - Wright, Wrong, or Somewhere in Between: The Oldest Airport Debate

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, a...

3 weeks ago

44 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 56 - From Lesson Plans to Liftoff: Nate Ehlers and the Backseat Pilot Revolution

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, Nat...

1 month ago

1 hour 15 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 55 - The Sky Is the Road: Alaska’s Flying Tradition

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. Connect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok: Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok YouTu...

1 month ago

46 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 54 - Moon Child: A Veteran’s Flight Path with Anthony Dyer

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 ...

2 months ago

56 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 53 - Kevin Spitz: On the Mic

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 ...

2 months ago

1 hour 36 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 52 - Gary P. Mascaro: Executive On Loan

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. Connect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok: Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok YouTube: Destination Aviation - YouTube Drop us a line at dapodcast85@gmail.com if you have your own plane...

2 months ago

46 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 51 - Built to Bomb, Born to Haunt: The B-52 Story

On this episode of Destination Aviation, we dive into the unbelievable history of the B-52 Stratofortress – a bomber built to win the Cold War but somehow still flying today. From nuclear standoffs and near-disasters to ghost stories and modern mishaps, the BUFF has earned its reputation as the aircraft that just won’t quit. Stick around until the end as I open up some viewer mail and share your thoughts on past episodes. Connect with us on Instagram: Instagram TikTok: Destination...

3 months ago

46 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 50 – From Runways to Reels: Aviation Movies That Soar

On this milestone episode of Destination Aviation, I sit down with Nate Hahn, Executive Director of Evansville Regional Airport—and a true aviation movie aficionado. We dive into the skies of cinema, trading favorite aviation films, underrated gems, and scenes that make every pilot’s heart race (or roll their eyes). While Nate brings a deep appreciation for storytelling and cinematic nuance, I come in strong with a love for popcorn classics, candy aisle commentary, and the occasional guilty p...

3 months ago

1 hour 50 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 49 – Lessons from the Admiral: Author Mark C. Fava

In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with author, aviation attorney, and retired U.S. Navy Captain Mark C. Fava for an inspiring conversation drawn from his book Lessons from the Admiral. With decades of leadership experience in both military and civilian aviation, Mark shares stories that blend discipline, service, and the values that define true leadership. We explore how his time in the Navy and career in aviation law shaped his worldview, his advice for the next generation...

3 months ago

1 hour 11 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 48 - When the Host Becomes the Guest: Lauren Carter Interviews Jeff Miller

This week on Destination Aviation, the mic flips around as University of North Dakota aviation student Lauren Carter steps into the interviewer’s seat to put host Jeff Miller in the hot seat! Lauren, who is working toward her Bachelor of Business Administration in Airport Management and graduating in May 2026, brings her passion for the industry and unique perspective as a student leader and aviation professional. With experience as a Flight Simulator Dispatcher at UND and time spent on the r...

3 months ago

1 hour 17 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 47 - Voices for Aviation: Jenny Ann Urban & Randy Deberry on Industry Challenges and Change

In this engaging episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Jenny Ann Urban and Randy Deberry from the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). As passionate advocates for aviation businesses, Jenny and Randy share insider perspectives on the biggest challenges facing the industry today—from regulatory shifts and workforce shortages to sustainability and technological innovation. Tune in as we explore how NATA is driving meaningful change, supporting aviation businesses, and ens...

4 months ago

1 hour 24 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 46 - Altitude & Advocacy: Part 2 with Alex Gertsen

In the second half of our engaging conversation on Destination Aviation, we continue our deep dive with Alex Gertsen, Sr. Director of Airport Advocacy and Vertical Infrastructure at NBAA. Picking up where we left off, Alex shares more about his hands-on experience as a part-time charter captain, including the life-changing missions of organ transport and the operational realities of business aviation. We expand the conversation into the evolving challenges and opportunities in vertical ...

4 months ago

56 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 45 - Altitude & Advocacy: Part 1 with Alex Gertsen

In this first part of a two-part conversation on Destination Aviation, we sit down with Alex Gertsen, Sr. Director of Airport Advocacy and Vertical Infrastructure at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). From his early career to his leadership in aviation policy, Alex has built a dynamic path that blends high-level advocacy efforts on the ground with in-the-air experience and exposure to business aviation flying, and being a part time charter captain transporting people and being...

4 months ago

1 hour 21 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 44 - Skates to Gates: The Journey of Derek Martin

In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Derek Martin, Executive Director of Erie International Airport, to explore his unique path through the world of aviation. From chasing pucks on the ice to managing one of Pennsylvania’s key regional airports, Derek shares how his passion for hockey shaped his leadership style and career. Tune in for stories of teamwork, turbulence, and the smooth landings that brought him to where he is today. Website: www.destinationaviation.org...

5 months ago

1 hour

Destination Aviation

Episode 43 - Into Thin Air: The Hidden Danger of Hypoxia

When flying at altitude, oxygen isn’t just optional—it’s essential. In this episode of Destination Aviation, we explore the silent, often misunderstood threat of hypoxia—a condition that can render pilots incapacitated in minutes, sometimes without warning. We’ll examine several aviation accidents where hypoxia played a role, including the tragic 1999 Learjet crash that claimed the life of professional golfer Payne Stewart. That flight, which flew on autopilot for hours before crashing in Sou...

5 months ago

52 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 42 - From the Ground Up: Julie Curtis and the Rise of South Bend Air Service

In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Julie Curtis of South Bend International Airport for a candid and engaging conversation about her journey into the aviation industry. Julie shares how she found her way into airport leadership, the ins and outs of air service development at SBN, and the strategies behind attracting and maintaining airline routes in a competitive market. Along the way, we swap stories, reflect on career lessons, and share a few laughs. Whether you're in...

6 months ago

1 hour 12 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 41 – A Lifelong Love of Flight: Patrick Carreno’s Journey to the Captain’s Chair of DAL

In this episode of Destination Aviation, I sit down for a lively and insightful conversation with Patrick Carreno, the Director of the Dallas Airport System—which includes Dallas Love Field, Dallas Executive Airport, and the Dallas Vertiport. Over the course of an hour, we talk about his lifelong passion for aviation, his path to leadership, and what it takes to oversee one of the busiest and most dynamic mid-size hub airport systems in the country. From industry trends to operational challen...

6 months ago

1 hour 17 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 40 - Is Aviation Still Safe? A Candid Look Behind the Headlines

With recent aviation incidents making headlines, it's natural to wonder—just how safe is flying today? In this episode of Destination Aviation, we dive deep into the data and the real-world systems that keep our skies secure. From air traffic control and airport operations to general and commercial aviation, we break down the facts, explore the risks, and examine the stories that have caught public attention. Before drawing any conclusions, join me for a thoughtful look at where aviation safe...

6 months ago

47 minutes

Destination Aviation

Episode 39 - Headwinds: Aviation Incidents, Etiquette, and Travel Tales

In this episode of Destination Aviation, we dive into the latest in aviation news, travel etiquette, and real-world flight experiences. From the debate over bare feet on planes to the critical moments leading to the crash of Delta Flight 4819 in Toronto, we cover it all. We’ll also discuss the near-miss between Southwest Airlines and Flexjet at Midway Airport, the mid-air collision over Arizona, and what these incidents mean for aviation safety. Plus, I’ll share some follow-up stories from my...

8 months ago

55 minutes