Summary

In this week’s episode of Startup Junkies, host Daniel Koonce sits down with Tyler Flagg, founder and CEO of Flying Company, to discuss his mission to transform private aviation and put Bentonville, Arkansas, on the map as an emerging aviation tech hub.

Tyler shares his unique journey from failed child actor to fourteen-year Air Force pilot and squadron commander, and ultimately, tech entrepreneur. After leaving the military, Tyler found himself managing a private business jet and was shocked at the pain points in finding and hiring contract pilots. The process, relying on Facebook posts, word-of-mouth, and reams of paperwork, was inefficient and outdated. Sensing a gap in the market, he created the Flying Company, a streamlined platform that connects pilots and operators, handles credentials, agreements and payments, and even helps operators and pilots save valuable time and money.

The conversation dives into the realities of startup life, the surprising lack of digital innovation in aviation, and Tyler’s long-term vision: a one-stop career and staffing system for pilots from student certification through retirement. He also touches on his hopes for Bentonville to grow into an aviation tech hub and the value of surrounding yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs.

Show Notes

(00:00 ) Introduction

(05:10 ) Building a Marketplace for Aviation

(09:54 ) Addressing Pilot Frustrations: Communication & Payment

(14:57 ) Employing Quiet Professionalism over Ego

(17:31 ) Making Bentonville an Aviation Hub

(22:35 ) Next Steps: Aviation Career Progression Platform

(27:31 ) Closing Thoughts

Links

Daniel Koonce

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

Tyler Flagg

Flying Company