PODCAST · leisure
Destination Aviation
by Jeffrey Miller
Love all things flying? Industry veteran Jeff Miller is here to help you feel more connected to the skies. Enjoy the friendliest of welcomes as Jeff takes you behind the news, shares tales from history and shares the stories that matter. Got a question for Jeff? Get in touch on [email protected] and he might just feature it on the show! www.destinationaviation.org
Episodes
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Episode 80 - Dan Cooper… Who B. That?
Dan Cooper… Who B. That? His name wasn't D.B. Cooper. At least... probably not. In 1971, a man calling himself Dan Cooper boarded Northwest Orient Flight 305 in Portland, headed for Seattle—and became part of one of aviation's most enduring mysteries. In this episode of Destination Aviation…
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Episode 79 – Is Sentient Jet Becoming Self-Aware? A Conversation with Alan Walsh
The title may be tongue-in-cheek, but the conversation is all about the future of private aviation. In Episode 79 of Destination Aviation, I sit down with Alan Walsh, President & CEO of Sentient Jet, to discuss how technology is reshaping the private aviation industry while keeping the customer...
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Episode 78 - Destination Aviation: Food for Thought with Andy Ellwood
In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with entrepreneur Andy Ellwood to explore an incredible journey that spans private aviation, Silicon Valley, and the future of grocery shopping. Andy shares how he went from selling private jets for Warren Buffett to building startups acquired…
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Episode 77 - Curt Castagna? We Can Stand Ya!
What does it take to lead one of aviation's most influential organizations? In this episode of Destination Aviation, I sit down with Curt Castagna, President & CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), for a conversation that goes far beyond titles and job descriptions. Curt…
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Episode 76 - Vanished Over Pittsburgh: The Lost B-25 Ghost Bomber Mystery
In 1956, a U.S. Air Force B-25 Mitchell bomber was flying a routine Cold War training mission when everything started to go wrong over western Pennsylvania. Low on fuel and running out of options, the crew made a desperate decision to put the aircraft down in the Monongahela River near…
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Episode 75 - Flipping Out Over Drones with Beth Flippo
What started as a hectic pharmacy run with four kids turned into a mission to transform how goods move through communities. In this episode of Destination Aviation, Jeffrey Miller sits down with Beth Flippo, founder and CEO of DEXA, one of the few FAA-certified drone carriers in the United…
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Episode 74 - Erin O'Donnell: The Busiest Square Mile in Aviation
In this episode of Destination Aviation, Jeff sits down with aviation executive Erin O'Donnell to talk about her incredible journey through one of the most dynamic industries in the world. From a young age, Erin’s mother encouraged her to pursue a stable and meaningful career path — a push that...
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Episode 73 - The Not-So-Silent Falcon: Grant “Slider” Bishop on AI, Airpower & Wild Weasels
In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Grant “Slider” Bishop — CEO of Silent Falcon UAS Technologies, decorated F-16 Wild Weasel combat veteran, former Squadron Commander, and aviation innovator with a career that spans military aviation, aerospace technology, AI, and unmanned...
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Episode 72 - In the GAU-8 We Trust: Joel Bier & Andrew Tenenbaum on the A-10
In this episode of Destination Aviation, Jeff sits down with two experienced A-10 Warthog pilots, Joel Bier and Andrew Tenenbaum, for an in-depth conversation about one of the most iconic and controversial aircraft ever built. From combat search and rescue missions in Afghanistan to close air...
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Episode 71 - On Cloud 9: From FAA Towers to Aviation Innovation with Mark Guiod
In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Mark Guiod for a wide-ranging conversation that spans more than four decades in aviation—from frontline air traffic control to senior FAA leadership and now into the future of aviation innovation. Mark currently serves as Chief Executive...
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Episode 70 - Shot Down, Not Broken: The Real Story of Francis Gary Powers
In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Gary Powers Jr.—author, public speaker, and Cold War historian—who has dedicated his life to preserving the truth about his father’s legacy. Carrying forward one of the most debated stories of the Cold War, Gary shares how his mission has...
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Episode 69 - Miles Spencer: Jump Into Forever — The Reflekta Story
In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with entrepreneur and innovator Miles Spencer for a conversation that lives at the intersection of technology, memory, and legacy. Miles is the co-founder and CEO of Reflekta, a groundbreaking “soul tech” platform designed to preserve the…
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Episode 68 - Opening the Skies: A New Flight Path for Access with Jennifer C. Rykaczewski
In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Jennifer C. Rykaczewski, the driving force behind Affordable Skies. Jennifer and her team are focused on something that affects everyone: making sure flying remains within reach for everyday travelers. As ticket prices fluctuate and costs...
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Episode 67 - Author Kevin Hazzard: No One's Coming
In this gripping episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with author Kevin Hazzard to explore his latest book, No One’s Coming—a real-life aviation thriller that puts you in the middle of one of the most daring air medical rescue missions in history. Set against the backdrop of the 2014…
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Episode 66 - Buckeye Air Fair: Jets, Desert Skies & Our First Vlog
In this special episode of Destination Aviation, Jeff takes you behind the scenes of his very first vlog — now live on our YouTube channel. The journey starts briefly in Florida at the ACI-NA CEO meeting, where aviation leaders from across the country gathered to talk airports, innovation, and…
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Episode 65 - Lost in Translation: Why GCC Tourism Campaigns Miss the American Market
Why do billions of dollars in Gulf tourism and real estate marketing often fail to connect with American travelers? In this episode of Destination Aviation, Jeff sits down with Rihab Abouzaki, a GCC–US advertising strategist who has spent more than two decades helping tourism boards, luxury…
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Episode 64 - Flying a Car? Nate Thuli on Making Aviation as Easy as Driving
What if flying didn’t have to feel complicated? In this episode of Destination Aviation, host Jeff Miller sits down with Nate Thuli, President of Airhart Aeronautics, to talk about the future of personal flight. Nate brings a rare mix of experience to the conversation, from his time in the U.S.…
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Episode 63 - Tanks to Tarmacs: George Sakas on Leadership, Service, and Aviation
In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with George Sakas of Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK) to talk about a career path that’s anything but ordinary. George shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Army—where he drove tanks—to finding his way into aviation and ultimately…
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Episode 62 – Cleared for Silence
As 2025 comes to a close, this episode of Destination Aviation takes a step back — not just to reflect on the year, but to remember the airports that no longer appear on today’s charts. After a few opening updates and some behind-the-scenes channel news, the conversation shifts into a journey...
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Episode 61 – From Politics to Planes: Sean White of Jet Access
In this episode of Destination Aviation, Jeff sits down with Sean White, Executive Vice President of FBO Development at Jet Access, whose career traces an extraordinary arc from the halls of Washington to the heart of general aviation. Before taking on leadership roles in FBO development, Sean...
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Episode 60 - Look for the Arrow—Fuel Here, Think Safety Everywhere with Patrick Moylan
In this episode, Look for the Arrow—Fuel Here, Think Safety Everywhere, Jeff sits down with Patrick Moylan, Chief Safety and Quality Officer at West Star Aviation. Patrick brings more than 25 years of aviation safety and operational leadership experience, but his connection to “safety indicators”...
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Episode 59 - Garage-Level Aviation with Kyle Lewis
In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Kyle Lewis, Regional Manager with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). When flight disruptions grounded our original plans, we didn’t let that stop us — we fired up the mics from the Midway Airport parking garage instead.…
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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,...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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Episode 38 - Truly a Destination Episode: Saint Lucia Bound
Join me as I broadcast live from the stunning island of Saint Lucia! In this special episode, I’ll share highlights from my vacation, offering a glimpse of the island's beauty, must-see spots, and local experiences—from the beach to the mountains. But don’t worry, I’ll still squeeze in some of…
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Episode 37 - Bering Air Flight 445 and My Aviation Ramblings
In this episode of Destination-Aviation, we dive into a variety of aviation topics, starting with the tragic Bering Air Flight 445 crash in Alaska and the latest updates on the investigation. From there, I share personal stories about my recent travels, including a memorable trip to Tucson where…
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Episode 36 - Breaking News: The Crash of XA-UCI - Learjet 55
In this episode of Destination-Aviation, we take a closer look at the tragic crash of Learjet 55 XA-UCI, a medivac flight that crashed shortly after departure from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The accident, which occurred 1/31/25, has left many questions unanswered, and while we speculate on…
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Episode 35 - Aviation Update: DCA 5342 Crash Update & Latest Industry News
In this episode of Destination-Aviation, we bring you the latest developments on the tragic crash of American Airlines Flight 5342 at Washington D.C.’s National Airport, including new findings in the ongoing investigation. We also provide an update on the incident at North Las Vegas Airport…
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Episode 34 - Breaking News: DCA - American Airlines 5342 Crash
In this episode of Destination-Aviation, we dive into the details surrounding the tragic crash of American Airlines Flight 5342. We discuss the latest developments, the impact on the aviation community, and what this means for airline safety moving forward. Website: www.destination-aviation.com...
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Episode 33 - Wings of Power: The Story of Air Force One
In this episode of Destination-Aviation, we take to the skies with a deep dive into the history and significance of Air Force One, the iconic aircraft that transports the President of the United States. From its early beginnings to its current role in presidential travel, learn how Air Force One...
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Episode 32 - Aviation Under Scrutiny: The Crashes of Azerbaijan Airlines & Jeju Air
Destination-Aviation is back with another deep dive into the latest happenings in the world of aviation. In this episode, we take a hard look at the recent tragedies involving Azerbaijan Airlines and South Korean Jeju Air, exploring the causes, investigations, and what these incidents mean for…
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Episode 30 - Turbulence Ahead: Tales and Rants from the Sky
Welcome aboard Destination-Aviation, where we’re taking off into the skies for a thrilling ride in Episode 30. In this episode, we’re tackling everything from wild aviation stories to the politics that shape the way we fly. I’ll be sharing some unforgettable tales from the aviation world, and...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Love all things flying?
Industry veteran Jeff Miller is here to help you feel more connected to the skies.
Enjoy the friendliest of welcomes as Jeff takes you behind the news, shares tales from history and shares the stories that matter.
Got a question for Jeff? Get in touch on [email protected] and he might just feature it on the show!
www.destinationaviation.org
HOSTED BY
Jeffrey Miller
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Destination Aviation have?
Destination Aviation currently has 79 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Destination Aviation about?
Love all things flying? Industry veteran Jeff Miller is here to help you feel more connected to the skies. Enjoy the friendliest of welcomes as Jeff takes you behind the news, shares tales from history and shares the stories that matter. Got a question for Jeff? Get in touch on...
How often does Destination Aviation release new episodes?
Destination Aviation has 79 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Destination Aviation?
You can listen to Destination Aviation on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Destination Aviation?
Destination Aviation is created and hosted by Jeffrey Miller.
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