Jacob Peed on AviNation, Youth Outreach, and the Future of Aviation

Welcome to this episode of What Follows — the podcast where we explore the people shaping aviation today, and the ideas defining what comes next.In this episode, host Nate Thuli speaks with Jacob Peed, founder of AviNation, about his journey into aviation and his mission to connect young people with the opportunities, stories, and communities that can help them find a future in flight.Jacob discusses how grassroots outreach, storytelling, scholarships, and community-building can make aviation more visible and accessible to the next generation. The conversation also explores changing entry points into the industry, new approaches to pilot training and workforce development, and the importance of showing young people that aviation offers far more than a single traditional path.Key TopicsAviation youth outreach and educationJacob Peed’s personal journey into aviationThe mission and growth of AviNationGrassroots community-building in aviationThe role of storytelling in inspiring new aviatorsMaking aviation more accessible to young peoplePilot training and workforce developmentBreaking down financial and cultural barriers to entryScholarships and alternative pathways into aviationMid-career transitions into aviationThe future of air taxis, maintenance careers, and aviation technologyThemesThis episode focuses on aviation as much as a community as an industry. Jacob emphasizes that inspiring the next generation requires more than technical training — it requires visibility, storytelling, mentorship, and real access to opportunities.At the heart of the conversation is the idea that aviation’s future depends on making the industry feel reachable to students, young professionals, and career changers who may not yet see a place for themselves in flight.ResourcesAviNation Website Future in Flight PodcastLarkins Aviation ScholarshipsGuest LinksWebsite: https://avinationusa.comPodcast: https://futureindflight.comCreditsHost: Nate ThuliMusic: Eugeny BardyuzhaArtwork: Edmond HuotProduced by: Helwing VillamizarAdditional MediaAdditional footage and media courtesy of the featured guests and their respective companies, including Airhart, Draco Aircraft, AviNation, Scaled Composites, and EAA.Follow AirhartVisit Airhart and follow along for new What Follows episodes, clips, and updates.Website: AirhartYouTube: Airhart on YouTubeLinkedIn: Airhart on LinkedInInstagram: Airhart on Instagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatfollowspodcast.substack.com