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Our mission is to provide a platform to engage with leaders in the general aviation marketplace. Exploring the background of these leaders and how their journey in general aviation began. Discover what drives these aviators to share their knowledge. Learn what these aviators see for the future in aviation. Discuss the lighter side of aviation and be inspired to take to the skies to follow our dream of flying.
19 Episodes
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In the fourth episode of the Old Fly Guy Network’s SR-71 Blackbird series, we go behind the curtain to explore the operational heart of the SR-71 program — the teams who turned intelligence requests into successful Mach 3 missions. While pilots and RSOs (Reconnaissance Systems Officers) carried out daring flights, every sortie began weeks earlier in the hands of a dedicated operations and intelligence planning team. This episode features insights from intelligence officers, planners, pilots, ...
In this episode of the Old Fly Guy Network, we dive deep into the unsung heroes of the SR-71 Blackbird program, the maintenance and technical teams. While the pilots “rented” the aircraft, the crews who maintained and engineered it truly owned the SR-71. Hear first-hand from Robbie Butterfield, Steve Justice, and Mike Hull as they reveal the challenges of keeping the world’s fastest jet ready for duty. From the unique demands of working with titanium to innovations at the Skunk Works, discove...
In this second episode of our four-part SR-71 Blackbird series, we step into the world of the men who trained the fastest pilots on earth. Legendary instructors Jerry Glasser, Buz Carpenter, and BC Thomas share how they prepared new SR-71 crews to handle one of the most complex aircraft ever built. From hours in the simulator to high-stakes check rides, the trainers reveal what it took to fly above 80,000 feet and outrun threats at Mach 3. Every pilot’s path was different—but each was forged ...
Step into the cockpit of the legendary SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet ever built. In this first episode of our SR-71 series, we sit down with three pilots who flew at the very edge of space: Al Joersz, Ed Yeilding, and Noel Widdifield. Together, they share what it was like to push past Mach 3, navigate Cold War missions, and trust their aircraft—and each other—at 80,000 feet. From pressure suits and precision flying to the teamwork that kept the Blackbird safe, these stories give a rare ins...
In this episode of the Old Fly Guy Network, we sit down with Gretchen Jahn, whose career spans from IT leadership to the helm of Mooney Aircraft, and decades of competitive air racing. Gretchen shares how her aviation journey began later in life, what it took to revive a legendary aircraft manufacturer, and the thrill and strategy behind women’s air racing. She also highlights the impact of the 99s organization and why mentorship is vital for the next generation of aviators. Viewers will disc...
In this episode of the Old Fly Guy Podcast, Wade sits down with Denver aviator and flight instructor Matt Beyer, a lifelong pilot with a passion for mountain flying, safety, and community service. Matt shares his journey from childhood airshows to becoming Director of Safety at Rocky Mountain Flight School, where he’s dedicated to building a culture of safety and mentorship. The conversation dives into the unique challenges of mountain flying—from weather shifts to terrain awareness—while exp...
In this episode of the Old Fly Guy Network, we sit down with Robert Gerlach — a true pioneer of the Alaskan frontier. After venturing to Alaska in the early '70s in search of freedom and adventure, Robert carved out a life in the wilderness north of Talkeetna. From building his own cabin deep in bear country to creating a private airstrip through sheer will and ingenuity, Robert’s story is a testament to self-reliance, grit, and aviation spirit. He shares gripping tales of transporting bulldo...
In this inspiring episode, we head north to the wilds of Talkeetna, Alaska, with bush pilot Joe McAneney. From humble beginnings in Western New York to soaring over glaciers in Denali, Joe shares his unique path to becoming a pilot in one of the most rugged aviation frontiers on Earth. We explore the historic Talkeetna airstrip, the evolution of bush flying, and the powerful sense of community that binds Alaskan aviators. Joe opens up about his early days in Denali National Park, flying with ...
Join us on the Old Fly Guy Network as we take flight with Jonathan Kotwicki—airline pilot turned aviation entrepreneur—who left the skies of commercial aviation to carve out a one-of-a-kind flying haven in the heart of Alaska. From bush flying to building an aviation community around DC-6 and DC-9 Airbnb cabins, Jonathan shares how he created a pilot’s paradise at Big Lake, Alaska. We explore the beauty and challenges of Alaskan flying—from glacier landings to weather unpredictability—...
In this inspiring episode of the Old Fly Guy Network, we feature Josh Campbell, military aviator and host of the "Free Pilot Training" YouTube channel and podcast. Josh opens up about his powerful aviation journey—from believing flying was out of reach due to financial constraints, to becoming a military pilot and content creator committed to making aviation training accessible to everyone. Josh shares how his first flight during Air Force basic training in 2009 sparked a passion that never l...
Come along for the ride with Greg Campbell, the Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV), while he tells us of his aviation journey in the Commonwealth of Virginia. His roots are deep in Virginia and started with a passion to fly and a drive to do whatever it would take to make that happen. Greg will tell us about his desire to fly and his family’s support that allowed that dream to come true, with a unique twist. With Greg’s background in aviation and his experience in all aspe...
Sun N Fun 2025 Part 2 The Sun and Fun Aerospace Expo while known for its static and aerobatics displays, has a rich culture and history of aviators who travel across the country with their vintage aircraft. They not only want to share the stories and backgrounds of their unique and well-preserved aircraft but also participate in the aviation community that is felt across the airfield. While most have a history of decades of participation, the newbies also have the same level of energy and wel...
The Old Fly Guy was truly honored to join Brian Schiff in conversation at Hicks Field, Texas. Many of us know Brian for his calming demeanor taking us through the ins and outs of Foreflight with his detailed training sessions. We also know him for his engagement with many aviation organizations, with a focus on safety and proficiency. In Brian’s latest contribution to aviation, he has brought us the “Schiff Show”. While taking a little pun on his name, this variety program leaves us more empo...
The Sun and Fun Aerospace Expo while known for its static and aerobatics displays, has a rich culture and history of aviators who travel across the country with their vintage aircraft. They not only want to share the stories and backgrounds of their unique and well-preserved aircraft but also participate in the aviation community that is felt across the airfield. While most have a history of decades of participation, the newbies also have the same level of energy and welcomed into the communi...
Jim brings his flying journey into focus, starting with the Piper Cub and leveraging it up to War Birds of WW II and modern high-performance aircraft. Jim’s passion for all forms of aviation has been an exciting platform to bring those one-of-a-kind pictures to all of us. And wonder how did he got that perspective? While Jim talks of luck along the way, he clearly has a skillset that makes his luck happen naturally. We discuss his family and faith and how they play a strong foundation for his...
With a humble but self-confident approach, Rear Admiral Ed Allen (ret), takes us on a life journey starting from a grass airfield where his efforts on the flight line would get him general aviation flight time to commanding a naval aircraft carrier group for the United States navy. With 31 years of military service followed by a civilian career, The Rear Admiral shares some of his military experiences in the most high-performance aircraft of the time, commanding teams in the most demanding of...
Visiting with Sherman Gardner owner and operator of “In The Pattern” Aviation, we learn of his journey from the parish to the flightline. We hear about his leap of faith in transitioning from leading a young parish to leading a high-flying flight school and educational facility in Denton Texas. We hear of the life lessons learned in the parish and how he applies them in his development of both the technical and character maturity of his students and team. His focus on team as his real c...
Visiting with Nick Adcock will bring you to realize that we all have a purpose in life and when you can leverage part of it into aviation, that makes it all the better! You will hear a full circle journey of general aviation, training, military and commercial experience while acknowledging his family as the foundation for his success. His honest and humble reflection on his own challenges and how he rallied back with the help of his family to continue his journey with an emphasis on paying it...
Seth Lake of the VSL aviation podcast provides us with insight to his background in aviation and how it energized the VSL podcast and beyond. He highlights how the journey started for him and how he has kept it close to home, giving back to those who needed training and inspiration, while a vocal advocate for safety in the skies. You will find his commitment to family, faith, country and his community has given him the platform to live his dream and beyond. Seth is a unique person who has ear...
Sam Riggs of Coastal Seaplanes meets with the Old Fly Guy to share his journey in general aviation. His story is one of aviation technical expertise and a passion for music that brings a true balance in his pursuit of aviation excellence.
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