The Jet Blast team had their first repeat guest!!! We were able to work some time in with Jessie Naor of Grandview Aviation before she took off for a couple of events, including speaking at CJI London. When we first talked to Jessie way back in July of 2020 (why does that feel like a hundred years ago????) she was in the early stages of her industry involvement as an advocate for safe and legal charter operations. Since we had our first conversation, there were big changes at Grandview and she is now on the Board of Directors for NATA and the Executive Committee Vice Chair for the Air Charter Safety Foundation.
It was great to catch up with Jessie on all the changes at Grandview as well as how her path is taking her from advocate to icon as Nathan has now christened her.
We didn't have any goat talk this week, but Andy did get a haircut, so that was pretty big news. And Lee got out of going ice fishing again.
Jessie Naor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessienaor
Grandview Aviation: https://fygv.com
NATA: https://www.nata.aero
Air Charter Safety Foundation:https://www.acsf.aero
Business aviation is booming, and the hype around different players has garnered interest everywhere, including private equity, SPACs, and venture capital, to name a few. In this episode, we had the opportunity to chat with Michael Riegel and gain insight into the current state of the business aviation industry, what the influxes of cash will mean, and how to interpret the data to look past the hype.
Unfortunately, Nathan’s airplanes got in the way this week, so Andy and Lee were on their own. After some goat and island talk, Michael dove in to give his perspective and answer questions a few underlying questions about financial health. You won’t find Michael on all the social media platforms, but he shares his thoughts and analysis on LinkedIn. Give him a follow and ask questions; the discussions in his comments are some of the best!
Michael Riegel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-riegel-mba-msc-fraes-963109b/
When we think about business & private aviation, we usually think about luxury and convenience, it is the go-to perception and the most obvious, but it is so much more. On this episode Nathan, Andy, and Lee got talk to Sarah Kiehl and Stephen Burgess of Fireside Partners and we talked about how business aviation is an integral piece in stepping up when the unimaginable happens. Sarah and Stephen are part of the Air SOS team that helps people and organizations manage the logistics of bringing someone back home when they pass.
We discussed the logistics and what it takes, but so much of it is encompassed in empathy, compassion, and a dedication to dignity for all parties. This discussion got a little deep, but these are the tough subjects that we need to think about. If you are managing people who are traveling and flying all over the world, you MUST have a plan and/or a contact for these types of situations. Do you address it in your ERP? Do you have a list of contacts to start moving and to help with the complexities of a tragedy?
As always it is the people that make our conversations educational and enjoyable and Sarah and Stephen are some of the best! We did take some time to talk about their volunteer work and causes that are very important to them and you can find the links below. Now you know, we did have to touch on Andy and his goats, but Stephen did say he could work out special plans if necessary. And if you didn't make the connection, Sarah is the mojo behind the legend that is Andy Kiehl. 😉
Fireside Partners Worldwide Emergency Response Specialists: https://firesideteam.com/
Sara Kiehl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-kiehl-9674981a2/
Stephen Burgess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-burgess/
The one and only Erika Armstrong joined us for a casual conversation on all things aviation. If you don't know Erika, you must follow her on LinkedIn. Some of the best aviation content, a great combination of candor, conversation, evaluation, and fun from an exceptional pilot and true professional. We can cover so many topics with Erika; of course, we touched on her aviation story, her book, "A Chick in the Cockpit," training, the pilot shortage, and a few other things. We will undoubtedly have to have her back.
One takeaway from our conversation on pilot training and, of course, life, in general, is "don't focus on what has failed, focus on what is working." We know how we can apply that to our personal and professional lives, but it is probably Andy's approach with his goats too; he is certainly not focusing on the failures.
Erika Armstrong on LInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/achickinthecockpitb727/
Get a copy of "A Chick in the Cockpit": https://www.amazon.com/Chick-Cockpit-My-Life-Air/dp/1933016140
Taking a look at the big picture takes SMS (Safety Management System) beyond the paper and becomes a culture, our guest Tim Wade, Director of Environmental, Health, & Safety, at Constant Aviation takes us through their experience of becoming one of the first MRO's to be recognized by the FAA as having a single and integrated SMS and why it's working. Tim hits the high points of what makes a good SMS and how it needs to fit the people, not making the people fit the paper. Change the way people think and don't add extra work that doesn't make sense.
Tim and the team at Constant are always available to help out the aviation industry and are very generous with their time and expertise. Be sure and reach out if you have questions. Tim did point out that he isn't sure about the safety regulations in the ag industry, so Andy is probably alone in dealing with his goats.
Tim Wade on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/twade889/
Constant Aviation: https://www.constantaviation.com/
A constant in aviation is that it is always changing and how flight departments operate is no exception. This episode we spoke to Andy Nixon's hero, the legend himself, Andy Kiehl with EJM. A graduate of the aviation program at Purdue University, Mr. Kiehl (easier to call him Mr, than Andy Nixon 😊), he started as an intern and worked his way up to his current position as one of their VP's of Fleet Maintenance. Our discussion centered around what does a management company do and what you should look for, what you should ask about when considering a management company, and some red flags. As always our discussions go in different directions and Mr. Kiehl also dove into how company culture drives how they operate and what it has meant to him and his career.
Mr. Andrew "Andy" Kiehl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-kiehl-5b07136/
Executive Jet Management (EJM): https://www.executivejetmanagement.com/s/
After about a 6-month hiatus that saw all kinds of changes, including Lee joining Nathan and the team at Thoroughbred, we thought highlighting Jenny Showalter was a perfect opportunity for us to get back in the game. Jenny was born into business aviation and quickly realized that this was where she wanted to be. This year the stars aligned, and she was able to combine her passion for helping people with her love of the industry when she launched her new business Showalter Business Aviation Career Coaching. We had a great time discussing what led her to start her own business and a frank discussion on mental health and challenges pilots can face as they balance self-care with disclosures during a medical.
As a founding member of CFBAA, Jenny also gave us the scoop on the 2023 CFBAA Business Aviation Day; mark your calendars for April 14th! Check out these highlights from the 2022 event to get yourself ready for next year!
Jenny Showalter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyshowalter/
Showalter Business Aviation Career Coaching: https://www.showalter.com/
Central Florida Business Aviation Association: https://cfbaa.org/
Season 2 Episode 19 - Your hosts spent time together talking about experiences and observations from this year's NBAA BACE. This conversation includes a discussion around the evolution of the industry and hypothesizing about where the hosts feel like the industry will go in time. If you attended BACE we would love to hear your experiences and observations compared to previous years. We appreciate your feedback and support!
Season 2 Episode 18 - Your hosts took a little life break but we are back at it with our first repeat guest, Jordan Scales. If you don't know Jordan you should connect with him on LinkedIn - we have included a link below. Jordan is one of the many YoPros that define our industry today and will certainly be a defining leader in business aviation for years to come. Listen in to learn about how Jordan is giving back and creating real and meaningful pathways for students to business aviation. One way his through his new foundation - The Conduit. You will want to follow Jordan because there are big things on the horizon for the work Jordan is doing. Also, another big way Jordan gives back is through active participation in Auburn University's Aviation Day which is coming up November 9th through the 11th. This event is chocked full of great content, static displays, and meaningful networking. If you want to learn how you or your company can support Auburn Aviation Day reach out to Jordan on LinkedIn.
Jordan Scales - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanscales/
Season 2 episode 17 Innovation has been a hallmark throughout the career of this week's guest, Darrell Frey. Listen as Nathan, Lee, and Andy chat with Darrell Frey, President of New World Aviation and Senior Vice President of Journey Aviation, about his aviation story. Darrell has been on the front lines of creating many services that owners and operators of business aircraft now expect. The Jet Blast team feels like we all as an industry owe Darrell a debt of gratitude for his contributions. Check out the links below to learn more about Darrell and his businesses.
Darrell Frey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrell-frey-6105b335/
New World Aviation: https://newworldaviation.com
Journey Aviation: https://journeyflight.com
Season 2 Episode 16 is a conversation Andy, Lee, and Nathan had with Joe Peebles, owner and operator of JP Aerotechnics, on how to build an AOG business. Joe believes that authenticity is the number one key to success and we think he is 100% right. Joe's diverse background and contagious positive attitude are inspiring. Listen in to hear more from Joe and the Jet Blast crew. If you want to connect with Joe directly check him out by following the links below.
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/joe-peebles-51817390
Instagram:
@joepeebles
@jpaerotechnics
@mfappodcast
Facebook: JP Aerotechnics
TikTok: josephpeebles4
Email: Joe@jpaerotechnics.com
Website: jpaerotechnics.com
Season 2, Episode 15 is a great conversation with Ryan Waguespack from National Air Transportation Association (more commonly known as NATA). We talked about the pitfalls of illegal charter and the differences in willfully breaking the rules to being unaware of the rules. Ryan called it the 3 Cs of illegal charter. Make sure you listen in to see what they are. We also discussed the overall mission of NATA, and we even teased an idea we have been tossing around for a spin-off mini series...stay tuned for that. Check out all the links below to connect with Ryan and explore the work from our friends at NATA.
Ryan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-waguespack-9a816a14/
NATA: https://www.nata.aero
Aviation Business Conference: https://us-tdm-tso-15eb63ff4c6-1626e-16907d8fbcf.force.com/nata/s/lt-event?id=a1Y1U000002pRs6UAE
Season 2 Episode 14 is a great conversation for any aspiring aircraft technician to hear. Any one who knows Jim Huntoon knows he has a burning passion for providing pathways to folks trying to break into the technical fields within business aviation. A long time NBAA Maintenance Committee scholarship ambassador, Jim's passion for helping others is undeniable. We promised you a bunch of resource links in the episode so here they are:
Women in Corporate Aviation: https://www.wca-intl.org/scholarship-opportunities/
NBAA Maintenance Committee Scholarships: https://nbaa.org/professional-development/scholarships/amt-maintenance-scholarships/
EAA Scholarships: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/Aviation-Scholarships
ViaSat: https://www.viasat.com/business-and-commercial/aviation/business/
Jim Huntoon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-huntoon-a6598912/
Jet Blast is one year old! Thank you all for all the listens, likes, and love! This is episode 13 of our second season and we had it all from Breaking News, to celebrating Lee's birthday, shout out for AMT day, and of course a fantastic chat with Matt Nenzoski from Hillsboro Aviation. This episode is chocked full of goodies. Sit back and enjoy the show...oh and somebody send Lee some allergy meds!
Matt Nenzoski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-nenzoski-a8213214a/
Hillsboro Aviation: https://www.hillsboroaviation.com
Season 2 episode 12! Almost a year of Jet Blast! Crazy! As the world starts to open up companies are seeing an increased need to secure licensed aircraft mechanics. Sarah Parlari joined Nathan, Andy, and Lee to talk about some strategies companies and prospective employees might consider given the rapidly changing job environment. Sarah clearly has a passion for introducing technicians to great employers and vise versa. While she loves helping candidates from all walks she is particularly fond of making sure transitioning veterans are presented with all of the options available in the aviation maintenance career field. To connect with Sarah to learn how she can help you or your company navigate the job market reach out to her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahparlari/
Everyone that is in the #bizav community thinks they understand MELs and where things are currently at, but in Season 2 Episode 11 of Jet Blast you will quickly learn as Nathan, Andy, and Lee did that there is a lot of change in the wind. Dave Burk is the patriarch of the Aerodox family and his business story and how that intertwines with family and his passion for aviation is something you do not want to miss. Dave can be found a variety of places to include some more in-depth webinars from our friends at ATP - links below.
Dave Burk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-burk-966a069/
Aerodox: https://www.aerodox.com
Mastering MELs: Part 1 – What is Deferred Maintenance and the Whys of MELs - On-Demand: https://bit.ly/3dXan3O
Mastering MELs: Part 2 – Understanding the HOWs - Registration: https://bit.ly/3e0Nz2X
In episode 10 of season 2 of Jet Blast Lee, Nathan, and Andy chatted with Crystal Maguire from ATEC about the evolution of standards for training providers for facilities providing curriculum for prospective aircraft technicians. The COVID effect in this specific context was actually helpful in driving change and has established a foundation for additional change to come. In addition to the ATEC site itself we have included a link to the new Part 147 standards that once adopted will be a giant step forward in the methods that we use to train technicians. We love all the feedback and appreciate y'all continuing to listen!
Crystal Maguire LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-maguire-2968b45/
ATEC website: https://www.atec-amt.org
The New Part 147: https://www.atec-amt.org/uploads/1/0/7/5/10756256/2021omni-partt147act.docx
Episode 9 of Season 2 is a chat with someone who literally has aviation in her DNA. Nathan, Andy, and Lee sat down with THE PilotJulia to talk about her aviation story. There are all kinds of goodies in here about determination, social storytelling, and inspiring the next generation of talent. We don't want to give away the good stuff here, but we do invite you to check out all the links below for some truly rich content.
Julia Harrington LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pilotjulia/
Website: https://www.pilotjulia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilotjulia/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZgK8W99J0utXu5c7lHNMIQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotJulia1/
Episode 8 of season 2 your hosts were joined by Joy Finnegan. If you are active on LinkedIn and follow anything related to aviation maintenance you have undoubtedly ran across some of Joy's content or content from the magazines where she serves as editor in chief. Yes I said magazines as in 3 to be exact! Links to each follow below and we encourage you all to check them out. Joy offered up some great insights on everything from work force shortage issues to the evolution of maintenance training and many other topics. At the end of the show we talk flying turtles. Check out the links below to learn more!
Joy Finnegan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyfinnegan1/
Aviation Maintenance Magazine - https://www.avm-mag.com
Aerospace Tech Review - https://www.aerospacetechreview.com
Transportation Security International - https://www.tsi-mag.org
Wings of Hope - https://wingsofhope.ngo
Turtles Fly Too - https://www.turtlesflytoo.org
Great conversation with the founder of #bizavjets, Eli Stepp. It was great to hear Eli's passion for the business aviation industry. It is a passion that turned from an idea to a brand and now to a magazine BizAvJetsUSA. You also don't want to miss Andy's idea for failed "pitch" attempts while in-flight (better bring your parachutes). Like many others in our industry Eli has a passion for giving back. His two favorites are the Wounded Warrior Project and the Corporate Angel Network.
Eli's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/elijahsteppjr
#bizavjets: www.bizavjets.com
BizAvJetsUSA: www.bizavjetsusa.com
Wounded Warrior Project: www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Corporate Angel Network: www.corpangelnetwork.org
