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PODCAST

Aero Exploration

Flying Midwest Media

The AeroExploration Podcast explores aviation’s past and the paths people are taking in the industry today. Join host Jim Schilling for stories of historic flights, modern aviation careers, and the passion that keeps us looking to the skies. Aviation has a past worth remembering, destinations worth exploring, and people worth meeting. This is AeroExploration.

leisure aviation

All Episodes

00:40:06

Episode 87: Testing Air Cargo Containers With Fire |...

Aero Exploration ·

2026/09/21

What happens when something catches fire inside an aircraft's cargo compartment?And how do you know that the equipment designed to contain that fire will actually work?In Episode 87 of the Flying Midwest Podcast, Jim continues his conversation with Tom Brodowski, this time exploring his work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the complex world of air cargo safety.We take a deep dive into the testing, standards, and technology used to make air cargo safer—including

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00:50:48

Episode 86 - The Hidden Logistics Network Behind...

Aero Exploration ·

2026/08/31

You see the airplane. You check your bag. You board your flight. But have you ever wondered about the massive logistics operation happening behind the scenes?Every day, major airlines move thousands of pieces of baggage and enormous amounts of cargo through a global network of airports, aircraft, people, and technology. Keeping all of that moving takes a tremendous amount of coordination—and when something goes wrong, the effects can ripple across the entire system.In this episode of

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00:38:16

Episode 85: From Fear of Flying to a Top Aviation...

Aero Exploration ·

2026/08/13

If you follow aviation on social media, chances are you've seen Sarah Daniels — better known by her channels and social media as Sarahnautics.But Sarah's journey into aviation is anything but ordinary.Before becoming a pilot and one of aviation's most recognizable content creators, Sarah was an actress, performer, and even a Disney Princess. And perhaps most surprisingly, she was once afraid of flying.That fear ultimately led her into the cockpit and set her on an incredible journey

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00:48:30

Episode 84 - How Aviation Changed His Life: A Sun...

Aero Exploration ·

2026/08/05

Every pilot has a story, but few are as remarkable as Mark's.Before becoming a respected captain at Sun Country Airlines, Marc was a young man searching for direction. That path led him to the U.S. Navy, where he served on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War—an experience that instilled the discipline and work ethic that would shape the rest of his life.After leaving the military, Marc pursued work as an aircraft mechanic and found himself at the very beginning of Sun

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00:29:53

Episode 83 - Your Ultimate Guide to EAA AirVenture...

Aero Exploration ·

2026/07/16

Whether you're flying into Oshkosh, driving through the gates for the first time, or simply wondering what all the excitement is about, this episode is your complete guide to EAA AirVenture.We're covering everything a first-time visitor needs to know—from planning your trip and navigating the massive grounds to finding the best exhibits, forums, daily airshows, the legendary Night Airshow, camping, transportation, and the hidden gems that many attendees don't discover until their second

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00:52:26

Episode 82 - From Aerospace Engineer to Ground School...

Aero Exploration ·

2026/07/09

What if you could dramatically cut your flight training costs and accelerate your progress simply by understanding how to study smarter? Nick Smith, a former aerospace engineer turned flight training coach, reveals the insider secrets that helped him finally conquer the challenging private pilot course—despite years of costly setbacks. His story isn’t just about flying; it’s a blueprint for overcoming the mental hurdles that keep so many from reaching their aviation dreams.Tune in as Nick breaks

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01:04:05

Episode 81 - PlaneWX: Better Weather Decisions, Safer...

Aero Exploration ·

2026/07/01

After a bit of a break, AeroExploration is back—and we've got an incredible lineup of episodes coming your way!To kick things off, I'm joined by Mark Wolfgang, founder of PlaneWX, for a fascinating conversation about aviation, technology, and weather.Mark shares his unique journey from a successful career in technology and cybersecurity to becoming an avid pilot. After earning his ratings and flying cross-country, he found himself frustrated by the challenge of piecing together weather

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01:15:34

Episode 80 - Flight Sim Kid Becomes Air Traffic...

Aero Exploration ·

2026/04/12

What if the voice you hear at 35,000 feet started with a kid behind a computer screen playing flight simulator?This week on AeroExploration, we sit down with @PropHatCat—an air traffic controller and viral aviation creator who’s pulling back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood roles in aviation.From running “imaginary traffic” in 8th grade on flight sim to working real aircraft at a Center facility, his journey is anything but typical. We dive into the FAA hiring process, what it actually

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01:08:08

Episode 79 - We're All WRONG about the FAA: Inside...

Aero Exploration ·

2026/03/25

What really happens behind the scenes at the FAA?In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, we sit down with FAA Inspector Nick Matlock (@incommand0) to break down one of aviation’s most misunderstood roles. From his journey as a pilot to his transition into the FAA, Nick shares what it’s actually like working inside a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).We dive into the stigma surrounding the FAA, common misconceptions among pilots, and how inspectors are working to improve safety—not

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00:21:33

Episode 78 - Saving Airports from SNOWMAGEDDON:...

Aero Exploration ·

2026/03/17

How do airports stay open during massive snowstorms?When a blizzard hits, pilots aren’t the only ones fighting the weather. Behind the scenes, an entire operation is working nonstop to keep runways open, aircraft moving, and passengers safe.In this episode of AeroExploration, we take you inside the world of airport winter operations—from the high-stakes decisions inside the Snow Desk to the incredible precision of snow removal convoys clearing runways in minutes.You’ll learn how:✈️ Airports execute

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00:57:23

Episode 77 - What It Takes to Livestream MSP Airport:...

Aero Exploration ·

2026/03/12

What does it take to livestream one of America’s busiest airports?In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, we sit down with Alex Redding, the creator behind MSP Airport LIVE, the popular plane-spotting livestream focused on Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).Alex grew up just minutes from the airport, where a lfascination with airplanes eventually collided with a career in video production and broadcasting. That combination led to the creation of MSP Airport LIVE — a YouTube

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00:56:34

Episode 76 - Beyond the Airlines: Careers in Aircraft...

Aero Exploration ·

2026/03/04

Episode 76 – Finding an Aviation Career Through Aircraft ManagementNot every aviation career follows the traditional airline pipeline.In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, Jim sits down with Ellen, a CFI, CFII, and Part 135 commercial pilot working in the specialized world of aircraft management.Aircraft management companies help non-pilot aircraft owners handle the many responsibilities of aircraft ownership. From coordinating maintenance and insurance to maintaining logbooks and managing

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01:06:19

Episode 75- The Second Take: Erik Fletcher's Charter...

Aero Exploration ·

2026/02/25

Two years ago, Eric Fletcher joined us to share his incredible journey from Hollywood camera operator to corporate pilot. After years behind the lens capturing iconic moments in shows like Dexter and True Blood, Eric traded red carpets for runways and began a bold second chapter in aviation.Now he’s back.In this follow-up conversation, we revisit Eric’s transition story — but this time from 35,000 feet. Since our last episode, Eric has moved into the world of international charter operations, flying

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00:18:49

Episode 74 - Aviation Year in Review '25: Under Pressure

Aero Exploration ·

2025/12/31

In this Aviation 2025 Year in Review episode, we examine a year defined by pressure, scrutiny, and silent success. From the DCA mid-air collision and aviation near misses to Air Traffic Control staffing challenges, infrastructure strain, and the impacts of a government shutdown, the aviation industry faced unprecedented attention. This episode looks beyond the headlines to highlight the professionals and systems that kept aviation safe every day, reflects on how AeroExploration evolved in 2025, and

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00:21:37

Episode 73 - Stuck in Flight Training? You’re Not Alone

Aero Exploration ·

2025/12/12

In this episode of AeroExploration, Jim opens up about his long, winding journey toward the CFI certificate — a path filled with delays, job changes, health setbacks, family obligations, and everything in between. If your own training has stalled, stretched out, or taken an unexpected detour, this episode is designed to be the encouragement and practical guidance you need.We talk through why delays in flight training are so common, how legendary aviators faced their own obstacles, and how you can

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00:54:31

Episode 72 - Just Plane Silly, Just Got Serious- with...

Aero Exploration ·

2025/12/04

In this episode of AeroExploration, we’re joined once again by aviation YouTuber Bryan Turner to close out his Fly the Transition journey. Two years ago, Bryan shared his goals and early steps toward a career in professional aviation. Today, we pick up that story as he reflects on the final push—finishing training, navigating the ups and downs of hiring cycles, and ultimately landing in the right seat of a regional airliner.Bryan’s path is one built on perseverance, patience, humor, and an

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00:40:24

Episode 71 - U-2 Spy Plane: The Aircraft, The...

Aero Exploration ·

2025/11/26

The U-2 “Dragon Lady” remains one of the most iconic and mysterious aircraft ever flown—designed in secrecy, flown at the edge of space, and still serving critical intelligence missions nearly 70 years after its first flight. In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, we expand on the recent YouTube feature with additional insights, extended storytelling, and the full interview with Gogo, who brings first-hand knowledge and perspective on what it takes to fly, operate, and support this

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01:11:57

Episode 70 - FAA Written Tests and Lesson Plans

Aero Exploration ·

2025/11/20

In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, we kick things off with a practical deep dive into FAA written test prep—how to study smart, avoid common pitfalls, and use solid test-taking strategies on exam day. More importantly, we break down what to do after you’ve completed the test. Your score report isn’t just a number; it’s a targeted roadmap for checkride prep. We’ll cover how to interpret your ACS codes, strengthen your weak areas, and turn that written exam into a powerful tool for oral

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00:27:34

Episode 69 - MOSAIC Unlocked: What the FAA Rule Means...

Aero Exploration ·

2025/11/05

In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, I dive deep into the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule — a landmark change from the Federal Aviation Administration that expands what pilots can fly, how aircraft are certified, and how our aviation world is evolving.We’ll start with the history — how we got here from the original Sport Pilot and Light‑Sport Aircraft rules of 2004. Then, I’ll walk you through the purpose behind MOSAIC: more choice, more capability, more

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01:07:17

Episode 68 - Trading Badges for Boarding Passes: A...

Aero Exploration ·

2025/10/29

In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, we meet Matt Peschong, a North Dakota Highway Patrol veteran who traded his patrol car for a cockpit.After 15 years in law enforcement, Matt decided it was time to chase the dream he’d held since childhood — becoming an airline pilot. From earning his CFI, CFII, and MEI ratings in between patrol shifts to now flying as a First Officer at a regional airline, Matt’s story captures the challenge and reward of starting over in aviation.We talk about the

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