# The Aviation Business Podcast

> The Aviation Business Podcast features expert interviews with flight school owners, CFIs, and aviation industry leaders sharing strategies for flight school management, pilot training, and aviation business success.

Produced by Right Rudder Marketing (https://rightruddermarketing.com).
Every episode is an interview with a flight school owner, CFI, or aviation
industry leader about the business of flight training.

Site: https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/
Contact: podcast@rightruddermarketing.com

## Listen

- [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/6HqS2ljQR33xof9Xnel9Aw)
- [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVkKix8mCxfOd8I6Wkff9DZz3WEIJKMPW)

## Key pages

- [Home](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/)
- [All episodes](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/)
- [All guests](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/)
- [About the show](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/about/)
- [Contact](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/contact/)

## Episodes (43)

- [What Airlines Know About Pricing That Flight Schools Do Not](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/what-airlines-know-about-pricing-that-flight-schools-do-not/) — S1E43 · Humayoon Muhammad · 2026-08-21: Thirty years of airline pricing and revenue management experience, and what it means for your flight school's career students.
- [MOSAIC for Flight Schools: What Sport Pilot Can Actually Do Now with DPE Jason Blair](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/mosaic-for-flight-schools-what-sport-pilot-can-actually-do-now-with-dpe-jason-blair/) — S1E42 · Jason Blair · 2026-08-14: DPE Jason Blair on what MOSAIC actually changes for sport pilot training and how flight schools should adjust their programs now.
- [How Flight Schools Grow Their Fleet in the MOSAIC Era](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/how-flight-schools-grow-their-fleet-in-the-mosaic-era/) — S1E41 · AJ Dorizas · 2026-07-10: AJ Dorizas breaks down aircraft leasing for flight schools: lease-to-own ratios, real lease numbers, and the fleet mistake that bites later.
- [How FlyTech Built a Modern Flight School](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/how-flytech-built-a-modern-flight-school/) — S1E40 · Lute Atieh · 2026-06-29: Lute Atieh of FlyTech Pilot Academy on aircraft costs, marketing spend, and how one school grew into a multi-location group.
- [What FAA Inspectors Look For in Your Flight School](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/what-faa-inspectors-look-for-in-your-flight-school/) — S1E39 · Scottie Burge · 2026-06-22: FAA Operations Air Safety Inspector Scottie Burge on what inspectors really check and how to build a safety culture that scales.
- [Carly Chamerlik on the Modern CFI Path & ForeFlight](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/a-cfi-building-a-brand-at-the-intersection-of-aviation-marketing-and-foreflight/) — S1E38 · Carly Chamerlik · 2026-06-19: Carly Chamerlik on building a CFI brand, growing an audience on Instagram, and what's next at Jeppesen ForeFlight.
- [How Psychometric Testing Cuts Pilot Washout Rates](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/can-you-predict-which-students-will-quit/) — S1E37 · Caroline Creane · 2026-06-15: A certified aviation psychologist breaks down how flight schools use prescreening to lower washout rates and protect students.
- [From the Airline Flight Deck to Building a Career Flight School](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/from-the-airline-flight-deck-to-building-a-career-flight-school/) — S1E36 · Joe Gilroy · 2026-05-06: Joe Gilroy flew 26,000 incident-free hours before starting a flight school in Georgia. What it takes to train for professional outcomes.
- [How Flight Schools Use Aircraft Leasing to Grow Faster](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/how-flight-schools-use-aircraft-leasing-to-grow-faster/) — S1E35 · Max Fuller · 2026-05-05: Wings Leasing's Max Fuller explains how sale-leaseback programs help flight schools expand their fleets without draining working capital.
- [How Hawkins Flight Academy Ditched Hourly Billing and Built a 140-Student Flight School](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/how-hawkins-flight-academy-ditched-hourly-billing-and-built-a-140-student-flight-school/) — S1E34 · Matt Wilkins · 2026-05-04: Hawkins Flight Academy COO Matt Wilkins on program-based training, an RV-12 fleet, and a 0% dropout rate against an 80% industry average.
- [How Home Simulators and Search Marketing Can Transform Your Flight School Growth](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/how-home-simulators-and-search-marketing-can-transform-your-flight-school-growth/) — S1E33 · Chris McGonegle · 2026-04-21: Sporty's Chris McGonegle on digital marketing, home flight simulators, and the AI tools reshaping how flight schools reach students.
- [How a Navy Commander Is Fixing Flight School Training](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/how-a-navy-commander-is-fixing-flight-school-training/) — S1E32 · Scott Angelo · 2026-04-20: Retired Navy Commander Scott Angelo on how UpskillAir's mobile microlearning platform is changing the way flight schools train.
- [What Every Flight School Owner Should Know About Aviation Insurance](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/what-every-flight-school-owner-should-know-about-aviation-insurance/) — S1E31 · Beth Clark · 2026-04-09: Beth Clark of Marsh McLennan on coverage gaps, CFI liability, hull values, and what flight school owners most often get wrong.
- [Building a Watch Brand for Pilots with Beau Garrett](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/building-a-watch-brand-for-pilots-beau-garrett/) — S1E30 · Beau Garrett · 2026-04-07: Beau Garrett trained Navy and Air Force pilots, survived a 2008 crash, and built Call Sign watches from a $2,000 survey. Here is the full story.
- [Why This Airline Pilot Left the Airlines to Build a Part 141 Flight School from Scratch](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/why-this-airline-pilot-left-the-airlines-to-build-a-part-141-flight-school-from-scratch/) — S1E29 · Jack Parrish · 2026-03-25: Jack Parrish left the airlines to found Parrish Aviation. Part 141 operations, instructor quality, and a 10-aircraft Sling NGT fleet.
- [Tailplane Founder Greg Kedzierski on Flight School Operations](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/tailplane-founder-greg-kedzierski/) — S1E28 · Greg Kedzierski · 2026-03-10: Tailplane founder Greg Kedzierski on flight school operations, scheduling software, and the growth strategy behind the platform.
- [How Better Checklists Can Transform Your Flight School](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/how-better-checklists-can-transform-your-flight-school/) — S1E27 · Otto Mand · 2026-02-03: Otto Mand on why most preflight checklists fail students, and how better checklist design improves flight school training.
- [Building a 90% Pass Rate Flight School with Paul Beaulieu](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/building-a-90-pass-rate-flight-school-with-paul-beaulieu/) — S1E26 · Paul Beaulieu · 2025-12-08: Paul Beaulieu built a flight school with 90% first-time checkride pass rates. Scenario-based training, scaling, and student retention tactics.
- [How Aerospace Art and Strategic Sales Can Transform Your Flight School Marketing](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/join-our-live-podcast-recording-with-marty-tascona/) — S1E25 · Marty Tascona · 2025-12-04: Marty Tascona on instructor retention, student success, and the operational strategies behind stronger flight school marketing.
- [How Financial Literacy Can Transform Your Flight School](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/how-financial-literacy-can-transform-your-flight-school/) — S1E24 · Ned Parks · 2025-11-13: Business consultant Ned Parks on financial literacy for flight schools: profitability, value-based selling, and sustainable growth.
- [How New FAA Rules Are Transforming Flight Training with EAA's Sean Elliott](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/how-new-faa-rules-are-transforming-flight-training-with-eaa-sean-elliott/) — S1E23 · Sean Elliott · 2025-10-16: EAA's Sean Elliott on how the MOSAIC rule reshapes flight school operations: aircraft eligibility, medicals, and student recruitment.
- [From Near-Death to Seven Figures with EOS Implementer Lyn Askin](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/from-near-death-to-seven-figures-with-eos-implementer-lyn-askin/) — S1E22 · Lyn Askin · 2025-10-10: EOS Implementer Lyn Askin shares how a near-death experience led him to triple revenue, 7x profits, and build a seven-figure agency exit.
- [How a Fighter Pilot's Safety Framework Can Transform Your Flight School (with Lt. Col. Brandon Williams)](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/how-a-fighter-pilots-safety-framework-can-transform-your-flight-school/) — S1E21 · Brandon Williams · 2025-10-09: Lt. Col. Brandon Williams on fighter-pilot safety leadership: how human factors and a just culture drive flight school performance.
- [From the Cockpit to the Corner Office: Randy Taussig's Blueprint for Flight School Success](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/from-the-cockpit-to-the-corner-office-randy-taussigs-blueprint-for-flight-school-success/) — S1E20 · Randy Taussig · 2025-10-02: BlueCore Leadership founder and EOS Implementer Randy Taussig on the leadership systems that grow aviation businesses.
- [Breaking Barriers in Central Florida: Women in Aviation with Aubrey & Maggie](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/breaking-barriers-in-central-florida-women-in-aviation-with-aubre-and-maggie/) — S1E18 · WAI Central Florida · 2025-07-27: How Women in Aviation International's Central Florida chapter uses mentorship and outreach, and how flight schools can partner with them.
- [How Take Flight Interactive Is Revolutionizing Flight Training with AI](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/how-take-flight-interactive-is-revolutionizing-flight-training-with-ai/) — S1E19 · Brandon Seltz · 2025-07-25: Brandon Seltz on AI-driven simulators: how the technology engages students and bridges the gap between the sim and the aircraft.
- [Flight School Insurance: What You Need to Know Featuring Kim Skipper from Avemco Insurance](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/flight-school-insurance-what-you-need-to-know-featuring-kim-skipper-from-avemco-insurance/) — S1E17 · Kim Skipper · 2025-05-08: Kim Skipper of Avemco on managing risk, reducing premiums, and the policy mistakes that cost flight schools the most.
- [Pilot Career Outlook 2025: Preparing Your Students for the Aviation Job Boom](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/pilot-career-outlook-2025-preparing-your-students-for-the-aviation-job-boom/) — S1E16 · Captain Kit Darby · 2025-04-15: Captain Kit Darby on airline hiring trends and how flight schools can prepare students for thousands of new pilot positions.
- [Master your Checkride with Mary Schu DPE](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/master-your-checkride-with-mary-schu-dpe/) — S1E15 · Mary Schu · 2025-04-08: DPE and 2015 National Flight Instructor of the Year Mary Schu on checkride success and what examiners are actually looking for.
- [How Gordon Scaled his Flight School From One Leased Plane to 70+ Aircraft and Four Locations](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/how-gordon-scaled-his-flight-school-from-one-leased-plane-to-70-aircraft-and-four-locations/) — S1E14 · Gordon Alvord · 2025-03-22: Gordon Alvord scaled Rainier Flight Service from one leased aircraft to 70+ planes across four locations. His growth and fleet strategy.
- [Mental Performance Training with Tammy Barlette (Retired Fighter Jet Pilot)](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/tammy-barlette-crosscheck-mental-performance-training/) — S1E13 · Tammy Barlette · 2025-02-20: Retired Air Force fighter pilot Tammy Barlette on bringing elite-athlete mental performance training to aviators through Crosscheck.
- [Learn How to Provide Financing to Your Student Pilots with Stratus Financial](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/learn-how-to-provide-financing-to-your-student-pilots-with-stratus-financial/) — S1E12 · Brandon Martini · 2025-02-13: Stratus Financial's Brandon Martini on flight training loans and how accessible financing raises flight school enrollment.
- [Integrating Purdue Global’s Degree Program into Your Flight School](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/integrating-purdue-global-degree-program-into-your-flight-school/) — S1E11 · Andrew Rachmell · 2025-01-21: How flight schools partner with Purdue Global so students earn an aviation degree alongside flight training, on a faster career path.
- [Transforming Aviation Education with Rod Machado](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/empowering-aviation-education-with-rod-machado/) — S1E10 · Rod Machado · 2024-12-05: Legendary flight instructor Rod Machado on humor as a teaching tool and practical ways flight schools can cut student washout rates.
- [Streamlining Flight School Management with Tom Verbruggen from Aviatize](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/streamlining-flight-school-management-with-tom-verbruggen-from-aviatize/) — S1E9 · Tom Verbruggen · 2024-10-22: Aviatize CEO Tom Verbruggen on using software to cut flight school costs, raise efficiency, and improve student outcomes.
- [Transforming Flight School Operations with Brett Hart from Four Forces](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/transforming-flight-school-operations-with-brett-hart-from-four-forces/) — S1E8 · Brett Hart · 2024-10-03: Four Forces CEO Brett Hart on training management software: cutting operational costs and improving student retention.
- [Maximizing Flight School Profits with Ari Prevalla](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/maximizing-flight-school-profits-with-ari-prevalla/) — S1E7 · Ari Prevalla · 2024-09-19: Ari Prevalla of Flight Schools for Sale on maximizing profits, building scalable operations, and preparing a flight school for sale.
- [Mastering Flight Training - Carl Valeri on Mentorship, Learning, and Success](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/mastering-flight-training-carl-valeri-on-mentorship-learning-and-success/) — S1E6 · Carl Valeri · 2024-09-04: Airline captain and Aviation Careers Podcast host Carl Valeri on lifelong learning and using deliberate practice to build a flying career.
- [Arming Independent CFIs and Specialty Flight Schools to Thrive with ORKA](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/arming-independent-cfis-and-specialty-flight-schools-to-thrive-with-orka/) — S1E5 · Adriana Barragan · 2024-08-22: ORKA co-founder Adriana Barragan on how independent CFIs and specialty flight schools can compete using the ORKA platform.
- [Embracing Uncertainty with Sam Goodwin: Lessons from an Extraordinary Journey](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/embracing-uncertainty-with-sam-goodwin-lessons-from-an-extraordinary-journey/) — S1E4 · Sam Goodwin · 2024-08-13: World traveler, speaker and pilot-in-training Sam Goodwin on handling uncertainty, with lessons flight school owners can put to work.
- [How Milivate Helps Flight Schools Elevate Their Workforce With Military Talent](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/how-milivate-helps-flight-schools-elevate-their-workforce-with-military-talent/) — S1E3 · Milivate · 2024-07-02: Milivate's founders on connecting flight schools with transitioning service members, a hiring pipeline most owners overlook.
- [How PlaneEnglish Helped 500K+ Pilots Improve Radio Communication](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/how-planeenglish-helped-500k-pilots-improve-radio-communication/) — S1E2 · Plane English · 2024-05-16: How PlaneEnglish's ARSim radio trainer helps 500K+ pilots build proficiency while cutting flight school training time and cost.
- [Flight Training Secrets - Industry Insights with Robert Meder, NAFI's Chairman Emeritus, and Tim Jedrek from Right Rudder Marketing](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/episodes/flight-training-secrets-industry-insights-with-robert-meder-nafi-s-chairman-emeritus-and-tim-jedrek-from-right-rudder-marketing/) — S1E1 · Robert Meder · 2024-03-21: NAFI Chairman Emeritus Bob Meder joins Tim Jedrek for a Clear Prop! episode on instructor standards and what makes flight training work.

## Guests (44)

- [Adriana Barragan](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/adriana-barragan/): Co-founder and CEO of ORKA, aerospace engineer and pilot who created an all-in-one platform to help independent CFIs and specialty flight schools thrive by managing business operations and maintaining their passion for teaching.
- [AJ Dorizas](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/aj-dorizas/): Founder of Huckleberry Aeroworks and a full-time aircraft lease broker for flight schools, who ran flight school operations before moving to the financing side of the fleet.
- [Andrew Rachmell](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/andrew-rachmell/): Aviation education specialist at Purdue Global with over 17 years in higher education and extensive flight training background, specializing in developing aviation degree programs and flight school partnerships.
- [Ari Prevalla](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/ari-prevalla/): Owner of Flight Schools for Sale and experienced aviation consultant specializing in flight school profitability, scalable operations, business acquisitions, and strategic growth planning for aviation training organizations.
- [Beau Garrett](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/beau-garrett/): Commercial pilot, MBA, and founder of Call Sign watches—an American aviation watch brand built from a $2,000 pilot survey that earned a design patent and a partnership with the Wright Brothers Family Foundation.
- [Beth Clark](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/beth-clark/): Aviation and Business Insurance Specialist at Marsh McLennan Agency with nearly 19 years of insurance experience, the last eight focused exclusively on aviation clients including flight schools, FBOs, charter operations, and drone operators.
- [Brandon Martini](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/brandon-martini/): Expert from Stratus Financial specializing in providing financing solutions for student pilots and flight schools, helping make aviation training more accessible through innovative funding options.
- [Brandon Seltz](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/brandon-seltz/): Founder and CEO of Take Flight Interactive, aviation technology innovator who revolutionizes flight training through AI-powered simulators and bridges the gap between virtual and real-world flying.
- [Brandon Williams](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/brandon-williams/): Lieutenant Colonel in the US Air Force, decorated F-15E Strike Eagle fighter pilot with over 20 years of military experience, combat veteran, and major airline captain who specializes in Human Factors Leadership and aviation safety culture.
- [Brett Hart](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/brett-hart/): Founder of Four Forces Training, aviation consultant specializing in transforming flight school operations through technology, efficiency improvements, and data-driven decision making.
- [Captain Kit Darby](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/captain-kit-darby/): Renowned aviation career consultant and pilot career expert who provides insights on pilot career outlook, airline hiring trends, and strategies for preparing students for the aviation job market boom.
- [Carl Valeri](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/carl-valeri/): Host of the Aviation Careers Podcast, airline captain, and aviation career coach who specializes in helping career changers transition into aviation and accelerate their pilot careers through mentorship and deliberate practice.
- [Carly Chamerlik](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/carly-chamerlik/): Active CFI in Tennessee, aviation content creator with more than 50,000 Instagram followers, and a member of the marketing team at Jeppesen ForeFlight.
- [Caroline Creane](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/caroline-creane/): Aviation psychologist certified with the European Association of Aviation Psychology, helping flight schools use psychometric prescreening to lower washout rates and select students who finish.
- [Chris McGonegle](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/chris-mcgonegle/): Director of Search Marketing at Sporty's Pilot Shop and the company's resident flight simulator expert, with a Commercial Pilot certificate and a career built at the intersection of aviation education, digital marketing, and simulation technology.
- [Gordon Alvord](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/gordon-alvord/): Aviation entrepreneur who successfully scaled his flight school from one leased aircraft to 70 aircraft across four locations, sharing proven strategies for flight school growth and expansion.
- [Greg Kedzierski](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/greg-kedzierski/): Software entrepreneur and private pilot who founded Tailplane, a comprehensive flight school management platform built from the ground up based on direct feedback from flight school operators.
- [Humayoon Muhammad](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/humayoon-muhammad/): Aviation commercial and technology practitioner with more than thirty years in airline pricing and revenue management across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
- [Jack Parrish](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/jack-parrish/): President and Founder of Parrish Aviation Flight Academy, former airline pilot, NAFI Master CFI, and FASI board member who built a thriving Part 141 flight school from the ground up after leaving the airlines.
- [Jason Blair](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/jason-blair/): Designated pilot examiner and flight instructor since 2001, one of the first sport pilot examiners in the country, editor for the Flight School Association, and author of seven of ASA's oral exam guides.
- [Joe Gilroy](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/joe-gilroy/): Retired Delta Airlines Captain with 45 years of flying, 26,000 incident-free flight hours, nine type ratings, and three FAA designee roles—now founder of Speedway Flight Training and the Speedway Flight Training Scholarship Fund in Hampton, Georgia.
- [Kim Skipper](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/kim-skipper/): Insurance expert at AVEMCO Insurance specializing in flight school insurance, aviation risk management, and helping flight training organizations understand and navigate insurance requirements.
- [Lute Atieh](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/lute-atieh/): Managing Partner of FlyTech Pilot Academy in St. Joseph, Missouri, who turned a personal decision to learn to fly into a growing multi-location flight school group.
- [Lyn Askin](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/lyn-askin/): Certified EOS Implementer® and Outgrow Advisor® who helps entrepreneurial companies build scalable, systems-driven businesses. Former digital marketing agency owner who successfully scaled and exited Raxxar Digital Marketing after implementing EOS following a life-changing health crisis.
- [Marty Tascona](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/marty-tascona/): Strategic sales consultant and aerospace art advocate who uses the legacy of Canadian aviation artist Tony Tascona to teach flight school owners how to differentiate, position their brand, and create their own category in a crowded market.
- [Mary Schu](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/mary-schu/): Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and experienced flight instructor specializing in checkride preparation, pilot evaluation, and aviation safety standards.
- [Matt Wilkins](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/matt-wilkins/): Co-founder and COO of Hawkins Flight Academy in Shelbyville, Tennessee—a program-based flight school with a 0% student dropout rate, the largest RV-12 training fleet in the country, and an AOPA Distinguished Flight School award.
- [Max Fuller](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/max-fuller/): Sales and Marketing at Wings Leasing, one of the largest aircraft leasing companies built exclusively for the flight training industry, specializing in lease origination, sale-leaseback programs, and fleet growth strategies for flight schools.
- [Milivate](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/milivate/): Veteran-owned company dedicated to connecting businesses with highly skilled transitioning service members through the Department of Defense's SkillBridge program, helping flight schools elevate their workforce with military talent.
- [Ned Parks](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/ned-parks/): Business consultant, former Army Warrant Officer, and founder of Aegis 360 Consulting who has delivered over 1,700 presentations to 500+ organizations worldwide, helping flight schools build financial literacy and sustainable profitability.
- [Otto Mand](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/otto-mand/): Director of Operations, IT, and Marketing at D&J Aviation in Central Florida and founder of EZ Copilot, bringing automation, technology, and operational clarity to flight school management.
- [Paul Beaulieu](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/paul-beaulieu/): Founder and Chief Flight Instructor of AVIER Flight School, achieving a 90% first-time checkride pass rate and near-minimum training hours through scenario-based instruction and a disciplined operational model.
- [PlaneEnglish](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/plane-english/): PlaneEnglish is the creator of AR Sim, an innovative aviation radio simulator that has helped over 600,000 pilots worldwide improve their radio communication skills through realistic ATC simulation and immediate feedback.
- [Randy Taussig](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/randy-taussig/): Experienced aviation entrepreneur and flight school success expert who has built and scaled multiple aviation businesses, sharing proven strategies for flight school growth and operational excellence.
- [Robert Meder](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/robert-meder/): Chairman Emeritus of the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI), aviation safety expert, and flight training industry leader dedicated to promoting excellence in flight instruction and improving aviation safety through enhanced professionalism.
- [Rod Machado](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/rod-machado/): Legendary flight instructor, author, and speaker with over 50 years of aviation experience, known for making aviation education fun and accessible through humor and innovative teaching methods.
- [Sam Goodwin](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/sam-goodwin/): World traveler, speaker, and pilot-in-training who has visited every country in the world and shares insights on resilience, uncertainty, and personal development.
- [Scott Angelo](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/scott-angelo/): Retired U.S. Navy Commander, United Airlines First Officer, and Co-Founder of UpskillAir—a mobile microlearning platform built to close the knowledge retention gap in aviation training.
- [Scottie Burge](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/scottie-burge/): FAA Operations Air Safety Inspector, former Royal Air Force officer, and former chief pilot who has trained pilots, run a flight line, and inspected flight schools for the agency.
- [Sean Elliott](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/sean-elliott/): Vice President of Advocacy and Safety at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) with over three decades of aviation leadership experience. Recipient of the FAA's prestigious "Friend of Safety" Award with over 10,000 flight hours and type ratings in historic aircraft including B-17s, B-25s, and B-29s.
- [Tammy Barlette](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/tammy-barlette/): Founder of Crosscheck Mental Performance Training, retired fighter jet pilot who specializes in mental performance coaching for aviation professionals and flight schools.
- [Tim Jedrek](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/tim-jedrek/): Aviation business consultant and co-host of The Aviation Business Podcast, specializing in flight training business development and aviation industry analysis.
- [Tom Verbruggen](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/tom-verbruggen/): Founder and CEO of Aviatize, a comprehensive flight school management platform that streamlines operations, enhances student experience, and drives growth for aviation training organizations worldwide.
- [WAI Central Florida](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/guests/wai-central-florida/): Leaders from Women in Aviation International's Central Florida chapter, empowering women in aerospace through mentorship, outreach, and community events.

## Optional

- [Full text of every episode](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/llms-full.txt)
- [RSS feed](https://theaviationbusinesspodcast.com/rss.xml)