The Cleard Podcast

Christian Davis is the airport manager at Spanish Fork Municipal Airport (KSPK) and Vice President of the Utah Airport Operators Association.KSPK recently implemented landing fees and it sparked backlash in the GA community. Some pilots weren’t happy. Some left. So we sat down and talked about it.In this episode, Christian explains why the fees were introduced, how they’re tracked, where the money actually goes, and whether airports should be expected to operate without charging users directly. We also get into the realities of running a high-traffic non-towered airport, what growth looks like behind the scenes, and whether a control tower is actually on the horizon.We also talk about his life outside aviation. His hobbies, home life, and what it’s like being the guy making decisions that not everyone agrees with.This is a candid conversation about airport funding, pilot responsibility, infrastructure, and the future of KSPK.

Before Alex Mangum began maintaining a well-known, privately owned UH-60A Blackhawk here in Utah, he was a specialized A&P mechanic who had developed an incredible career: 10 years of service in the Coast Guard, moving from the USCGC Chase Engine room (conducting fishery patrols in AK) to flying dangerous search and rescue (SAR) missions coast to coast; 10 years of service in the Air National Guard maintaining KC-135's. We discuss the commitment that fueled his Aerospace Engineering degree, leading to his dream job at Scaled Composites, and his recent work at Northrup Grumman. A masterclass in self-engineered ambition.

Ever wondered what flying for a major regional airline is actually like? We bring you two radically different perspectives from the flight deck based right here in the demanding Salt Lake City hub.We sit down with Captain Jeff Garn, a 30-year airline veteran whose seniority number is currency- something worth more than gold. He breaks down why seniority is everything and goes hard on the need to maintain stick-and-rudder skills against automation complacency.First Officer Jeff Perkins, also joins us on this episode. Perkins went from being a corporate Fuel Auditor for 10+ years to a pilot two years ago. He details his unique path, how living in base defeats the "Commuter Nightmare," and the real talk on low-seniority schedules.We get into the daily grind: what a 4-day trip truly costs you in time away, the criticality of the Pilot Monitoring role, and the sobering lessons from recent accidents that demand constant professional vigilance. It’s the raw reality of the airline career, from stability and high pay to the constant pressure of safety.

Jason Clark is the Founder and CEO of FLT Academy, a massive flight training operation that grew from a side project into Utah's largest Part 141 flight school, training hundreds of pilots with a modern fleet and strategic airline partnerships.We dive deep into the aviation training world with Jason, covering:​The Unorthodox Start: How a Computer Science guy with a motorcycle shop decided to start selling intro flights on Groupon and accidentally launched a powerhouse flight school.​The Hate & The Hangar: Jason confronts the criticism and "corporate" label often thrown at large-scale operations. We break down the private development at Spanish Fork Airport and whether FLT Academy is truly benefiting the community.​The Future of Training Aircraft: Why FLT is betting big on modern, glass-cockpit Diamond (DA42) and SportCruiser aircraft instead of the traditional trainers.​The FAA's MOSAIC Rule: This is the big one. We analyze the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule. Jason explains how lifting the LSA weight limit and replacing it with a stall speed will make training safer, faster, and could finally help solve the national pilot shortage.A candid conversation about aggressive growth, regulatory change, and the intense commitment required to scale professional flight training.

In this raw, solo episode of Cleard, Drew dives deep into the ongoing U.S. government shutdown—now at 27 days as of October 28, 2025—and its devastating ripple effects on air traffic controllers, with a spotlight on Utah's skies. From the vast Salt Lake City Air Route Traffic Control Center to towers in Ogden, Provo, and St. George, controllers are working unpaid overtime amid chronic shortages, leading to delays, near-misses, and safety risks that threaten passengers, pilots, and cargo flows vital to Utah's tourism and tech economy.Unpacking the shutdown's roots in partisan gridlock (with a few light-hearted jabs at D.C.'s dysfunction), Drew explores national headlines of tower closures and second jobs for exhausted workers, then zooms in on local stories of Utah families rationing groceries and communities rallying with pantries and aid. Hear inspiring paths to becoming an air traffic controller through Utah programs at USU, UVU, and Weber State, plus actionable steps to support these unsung heroes— from calling reps to donating essentials.

Think flying is a boys’ club? Think again. In this episode of Cleared, we spotlight the Utah 99s—a powerhouse group of women aviators defying gravity and stereotypes. We dive into what it takes to become part of this fearless flying sisterhood, the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry, and why community is key for women in aviation. Whether you're an aspiring pilot or just love a good story of grit and turbulence, this one's for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Pete Sipos — a former Air Force flight surgeon and current FAA Medical Examiner — for an honest, no-fluff conversation about mental health in aviation. We talk openly about ADHD, anxiety, depression, and the fears many pilots have about losing their medical if they speak up. Dr. Sipos breaks down what’s truly disqualifying, what’s not, and how pilots can advocate for their health without jeopardizing their ability to fly. We also cover highlights from his 20+ year career flying with military crews around the world, and answer real questions from the Utah General Aviation community.

Alex and Trent Sevenson join us as they share their 40-hour journey from Spanish Fork to the East Coast in their Cessna 182. From navigating the Washington SFRA and visiting Kitty Hawk, to landing at Put-In-Bay, this episode covers it all. Tune in for a great story of adventure, brotherhood, and aviation outside your local traffic pattern

In this episode of Cleard, Drew sits down with Captain Fred Celest and Keith Olive, SEAT Base Manager in Tooele, to talk about the world of aerial firefighting. From the unique challenges of flying Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) to what it takes to coordinate ground and air crews on active wildfires, Fred and Keith share first-hand insight into the operations that keep communities safe. Whether you’re an aviator, a firefighter, or just curious about what happens behind the smoke, this episode gives you a rare inside look at the BLM’s SEAT program and the people who make it run.

Smoke in the cockpit, one-way canyon strips, and launching elite firefighters into burning wilderness — welcome to the world of a smokejumper pilot. In this episode of the Cleard Podcast, Drew sits down with Jordan Silver, a Forest Service pilot based in McCall, Idaho. Jordan shares what life is really like flying Twin Otters and a 206 for the nation’s smokejumpers — from long days at base, to rapid-fire launches into wildfire zones, to the camaraderie and culture of the fire aviation community. Whether you’re a pilot dreaming of fire operations, or just curious about what it takes to fly into the flames, this episode takes you into the TFR and right to the front lines of aviation.

What happens when you chase the dream of becoming an airline pilot as a full-grown adult — and then the industry hits pause? In this episode, we sit down with Jed Malmberg, a CFI-turned-airline-hopeful, and his wife Carrie, to talk about the real-life turbulence of flight school in your 40s. From getting fired to airline hiring freezes, financial strain to emotional resilience, we explore the highs, lows, and everything in between — from both sides of the cockpit.

In this roundtable episode of the Cleard Podcast, we bring together a stacked panel of aviation voices: corporate pilot Brad Fuller, FLT Academy CEO Jason Clark, Alina Pringle of West Desert Airpark, Matt Kalm from West Desert Aviators, and GA/backcountry pilot Jordan Blakely.We dive into the growing tension in airport patterns caused by high-volume flight school traffic — what’s working, what’s not, and real solutions from those in the air every day. We also tackle the hot topic of landing fees, including the recent ones at Spanish Fork and the changes at West Desert.This episode is all about collaboration, conversation, and keeping the skies safe and fair for everyone.

This week on Cleard, I'm joined by Bret Kobe, the no-nonsense, all-heart owner of Scud Air Solutions. If you've spent any time around Utah aviation, you've probably run into Bret. Fresh off flying a Cessna 180 nicknamed "Beastwagon" to Oshkosh and back, Bret shares stories from the trip, why he still loves making that long haul, and what keeps him passionate about general aviation after all these years. We also talk about lessons learned, the flying war stories about 1 of his 7 engine failures he's run into, and his training philosophy. If you like your aviation talk unfiltered and full of real-world wisdom, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Cleard Podcast, we sit down with Paul Merrill — a Utah UH-60 Blackhawk pilot with deployments in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Paul shares firsthand stories from the battlefield, and how his military aviation experience shaped his journey into the civilian world. We dive into his transition into entrepreneurship with On The Ball Coffee and Glidepath Aviation, and wrap up with a deep dive into the latest Utah aviation news, including FAA’s proposed MOSAIC rule and what it could mean for local pilots.Whether you’re into rotorcraft, small business, or staying current on industry updates, this episode’s got something for you.

In this special episode of Cleard, we sit down with Senator Edwin "Jake" Garn — a decorated pilot, former U.S. Senator, and the first sitting member of Congress to fly in space. Widely regarded as the godfather of Utah aviation, Garn shares stories from his remarkable life, including his early days as a Navy pilot, his time flying reconnaissance missions with the Utah Air National Guard, and his historic flight aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1985.Joined by his son Jeff Garn, this intimate conversation offers a rare glimpse into the legacy of a man whose contributions to aviation, public service, and space exploration left an indelible mark on Utah and the nation. With humor, humility, and clarity, Garn reflects on the values that shaped his journey — from flying F-4 Phantoms over the Pacific to championing aerospace policy in Washington.

Welcome to the very first episode of Cleard — a podcast dedicated to aviation in Utah. In this kickoff episode, host Drew Siegel shares his personal aviation story, the meaning behind the name Cleard, and the mission of the show. Whether you’re a student pilot, career aviator, or just someone who loves airplanes, this podcast is for you. Learn what to expect in future episodes, how to get involved, and why Utah’s aviation community deserves a spotlight. Let’s get this thing off the ground — welcome aboard.