No U-Turn

Cynthia Guidry, Director of Long Beach Airport , joins us this week to chat about her journey in aviation.Episode 50! A milestone for the No U-Turn Crew! How Cynthia got started and her storyEngineering, aviation, and airports Long Beach, LAX, and the importance of learning from mentorsThe importance of speaking up about diversityHow do you balance stress and stressors? The importance of connecting with the youthLeadership is about inspiration and visionChanges in the airport travel experienceBiggest event of the aviation industryWhat would you tell yourself at 16…Until next time, keep it on the centerline!

Leah Whitfield, President of the Aviation Planning Group, joins us this week to share her story.Leah shares her journey from a farm in Kentucky to becoming a meteorologist and air traffic controller, with education at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and an internship in weather forecasting for shuttle launches.The transition to air traffic control was driven by Leah's interest in aviation, math, and problem-solving, with radar classes being particularly engaging, and an age cutoff for training set at 31.Leah, as a young airport manager, emphasized the importance of political acumen in managing a small airport, where she gained diverse skills from handling projects to working with consultants.The gender dynamics in aviation education and the industry were discussed, highlighting the low ratio of women in engineering at Embry-Riddle and the importance of mentorship for young female professionals.We explored aviation innovations, such as electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, drone delivery infrastructure, and improving passenger experiences, with the team sharing their airport preferences and pet peeves.Until next time, keep it on the centerline!

We welcome back a previous guest, Clint Harper, and dive into vertiport infrastructure:The importance of a network of vertiports in urban areas is highlighted, with a need for more research on user profiles and a focus on emergency response use cases.Infrastructure delays in LA are discussed, with concerns about their impact on electric vehicle adoption and the need for coordination with local grid infrastructure.The federal regulatory framework for vertiports is outlined, with a focus on community engagement and the lack of standardized aviation safety risk evaluation.Near-term and long-term strategies for data storage and regulation are considered, with a discussion on federal vs local jurisdiction in drone sighting regulations.The importance of sustainability in the aviation industry is emphasized, with a focus on airport infrastructure development, electric vehicles, and autonomous transportation integration into urban planning.Until next time, keep it on the centerline!

In our first chat of the new year, we discuss:A little news and updates from us Airline safety, evacuation procedures, and Boeing's recent issues.Aviation safety and supply chain issues.Prioritizing profit over safety and quality in various industries.Balancing profitability and sustainability in the aviation industry.Gen Z's work ethic and attention to detail.Balancing remote work and in-person interactions for effective learning and growth.Generational differences in communication styles.Education, technology, and future workforce.D,E,&I in tech, aviation, and amongst menMental health and resilience among men.Travel plans and milestone birthdays.Until next time, keep it on the centerline!

Our last chat for 2023! In this epsiode, we discuss:The crew reflects on the past year Holiday movies and AAM progress and milestones in 2023. Electric aircraft development win by Joby, Beta and others…Electric and hybrid aircraft developmentsFAA progress in regulating drone technologyAutonomous aviation, public perception and acceptance, RAM vs UAMPilot training requirements for air taxisExciting career paths in aviation and AAM.AI, pilot shortage, and industry diversityHappy New Year!! Thank you for your support, feedback, and love! Until next time, keep it on the centerline! 

Join us this week for a chat Clint Harper! We cover:The Voice of the Show is back, U2 & the SwiftiesRugby world cup, South Africa win!, refereeing, and the use technology in sportsClint Harper!, his story, struggles of being a young adult, wake up calls, and personal growthHis military service in the USAF, being a firefighter, aircraft maintenance, and working on the C130-H  How his service helped develop leadership skills, life as an outsider, cultural identity, and navigating the challenges he facedThe struggles and loss of identity after service and training to be a leaderLove for hockey, identifying as a veteran and related stigma, PTSD and finding help, and making it back to school Why he left aviation, the importance of urban planning, and having a social impactComing back to aviation, changing the industry from within and opportunities for veterans  The lack of recognition for military experience in aviation and the potential for veterans to help advance aviation and mobility, the importance of community The electrification of aviation and airports and bringing destinations closerThe development of AAM in rural/regional areas, and safety concerns Where do we put vertiports and how do we update our systems New leadership at the FAA and resource challenges, mental health concerns, land availability and gentrification Transportation planning and equity, and intergenerational planningFatherhood, being a girl dad, and gender equalityRaising strong girls in male-dominated fields, diversity and inclusionNative American history and the value of native cultures to solve today’s problemsIgnorance and cultural misunderstandings. Pet peeves and humor in everyday life.Until next time, keep it on the centerline!

Join us this week for a chat with Jeremy "Jam" Hartley from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Jam making!Career in Aviation and a Move to the UKHealthcare applications for AAM Organ transportation and a Career PivotThe challenges of pursuing higher education as an adult with family responsibilitiesAviation policy development and making history for VertiportsLeading countries in advanced air mobility technology developmentSafety regulations for autonomous aircraft in North CarolinaImportance of risk assessment, safety management, and transparency in the vertiport industryThe potential impact of noise to the integrations of AAM operations in urban areasThe need for community engagement, and expanded communicationRugby World Cup predictions and allegiancesUntil next time, keep it on the centerline!

Join us this week for our chat with Thariq Kara, CEO of Nuborders and Co-founder of Athstat. In this episode, we discuss: Quick hits on FAA reauthorization and AAM News Getting to know TK  Growing up in Zimbabwe, moving to the US, and overcoming challenges.  University experience and career path.  Career journey and the Florida Tech ConnectionsCareer transition from government to private sector, with insights on entrepreneurship and data analytics.Leadership, entrepreneurship, and sports analytics.Sports analytics and growth strategies.AI and data analytics in various industries.Paying it Forward and Engaging Talent in AfricaParenting, emotional intelligence, and personal growth.Immigration, entrepreneurship, and family history in Zimbabwe.Travel experiences and rugby predictions.Favorite sports teams and players, including cricket.Cricket and car restoration.Until next time, keep it on the centerline!

Join us this week for an episode recorded earlier this summer with Dan Sloat, CEO of Volatus Infrastructure and President and Founder of AAM Institute. In this episode, we discuss:Quick updates on the AAM industry and an initial study on security considerations of UAM operationsAn aviation STEM event with 10 middle school kids.Weather workshop that will discuss types of weather sensors & products needed for AAMLaunch of the Tech Demonstrator by Electra AeroWho is Dan the man?His journey into aviation, USAF, and into AAMHi family history, and the highs and lows of his experience in the militaryThe importance of being able to make meaningful contributions and desire to become an attorneyLife in Oklahoma, Boston, and the birth of the AAM InstituteThe legal impacts of drones, FAA struggles, and the bigger vision for AAMThe importance of diversity and equity in aviationHow can we increase diversity of our workforceOur favorite super heroesUntil next time, keep it on the centerline!

Join us this week for an episode recorded last month with Laura Chace, President and CEO of Intelligent Transportation Society (ITS) of America.In this episode, we discuss:Ravi's lack of seasonal awarenessAmazing women and leaders in the industryWho is Laura Chace?Early days in the DC political world and U.S. telecomWhy Laura joined ITS America in 2015Deciding to return to the workforce and the difference between a job and a careerMentors and colleagues can help with confidenceThe fear and anxiety of returning to the workforcePaying it forward to the next generationMentoring women in the transportation industryAdvice for young women thinking about coming back into the workforceBringing younger people into meetings when appropriateExpectations young women should haveA woman’s career path doesn’t match the corporate trackThe decade of culture shockChief household officer 24/7 on callWomen who have been mothers are the best managersThe importance of taking on challengesUntil next time, keep it on the centerline!

Join us this week for an episode recorded earlier this spring during Women’s International History Month with Tina Millan, Aviation Market Director for TRC Companies. In this episode, we discuss:Tina’s unique path to aviationInternational airport experienceA unique experience across the industry Tina’s Cuban heritage and what it means to herGrowing up in Miami as a CubanHer initial education plansHer shift in careers starting at Miami International and great advice she gained from that experience being one of “Jose’s Kids”TRC Companies and key services they provide Prioritizing decarbonization efforts at airportsPlans for the upcoming summerFun question about food! We can easily do another episode with Tina! Fantastic leader who we are honored to have on the show!

Join us for the No U-Turn Podcast teaser!  We give you a glimpse of the exciting things we will be talking about for the weeks, months, and years to come.  Some topics include:Recent and up and coming technology, transportation, and aviation advancesOvercoming the skepticsThe importance of taking risksPersonal storiesand so much more!Check out our Instagram @nouturn_podcast for photos related to this episode.There will be some detours along the way, but there’s no turning back.

Join us this week with a special guest from beautiful San Diego, Kate McCauely!We discuss:- Chris ranting about banking,- Kate's story and background,- Growing up in Philly,- Investing in Community,- Rowing D1 in Knoxville TN,- Working in Baltimore,- Moving to the West Coast,- UAS Integration Pilot Program,- DEI in Aviation,- and borrowing the Earth from future generations.Until next time, keep it on the centerline!

Join us this week for an episode of updates! This week the three of us discuss:-The infamous balloon recently shot down (and some other balloons),-Events and panels we have been and will be involved in,-AeroX, a nonprofit dedicated to furthering the AAM industry,-Organizations that are making important strides in improving minority inclusivity in aviation,-The eVTOL and AAM current market,-future plans for No U-Turn,-Ravi’s snowboarding skills, and-Some personal accomplishments and milestones we are currently working towards!Until next time, keep it on the centerline!https://www.amac-org.comhttps://www.ecsu.edu/aviation/programsofstudy.html

This week Ravi and Chris are dropping into your feed with a short episode to check in and bring you some updates! They discuss:-Chris’ recent trip to Hawaii and the aviation issues conference he attended while there,-The Southwest Airlines fiasco,-The recent nationwide ground stop issued by the FAA,-The advancement, or lack there of, in the AAM industry,-The challenges of building Vertiports,-Collaborations between HBCUs and the FAA,-The difficulties of navigating life and a career, and-Our go to books!Until next time, keep it on the centerline!

This week we are joined by Matthew Land, Public Policy & Government Relations at Eve Air Mobility.  We discuss:-The World Cup,-Matthew’s story and background,-How he practically became a lobbyist overnight,-What he does as a lobbyist for Advanced Air Mobility,-How his real estate background has helped him as a lobbyist,-How he collaborates with others to advance policy for AAM,-Some things that he feels Aviation needs to work on,-His thoughts on where we stand as it pertains to diversity and inclusion in aviation and the importance of fostering an inclusive work environment,-His advice for young adults who are looking for a diverse and inclusive company,-How Eve is taking the initiative to get kids exposed to opportunities earlier in life,-His favorite Florida State football player, and-The professional sports team we would play on!Until next time, keep it on the centerline!

This week we are joined by Naveed Iqbal, CEO of Dolr, a platform created to help students pay off college loans. Join us this week as we discuss:-Current news,-What it was like to grow up in Tanzania,-His doctorate and the importance of wisely choosing mentors,-His dissertation on Chaos theory,-The importance of students knowing the options out there to make college more affordable,-How Dolr works,-How the pandemic affected the cost of college,-His time in Ohio, and-What we would write a book about and what movie we would cameo in!Until next time, keep it on the centerline!

Hello listeners! We are sure you are getting just as excited as us for some Thanksgiving turkey! This week we decided to drop an episode in your feed of just us to get you all caught up on aviation news and happenings.  This week we discuss:-Twitter and how Elon has stepped into the role of CEO,-Archer’s new “Midnight” AAM model,-Efforts, or lack of, to create diversity in the AAM space, the lack of diverse talent in the AAM space, and how to get to the root of the issue,-The Dallas air show crash,-The new Top Gun movie,-US parts in a drone that Iran sold to Russia,-How we’re ending our years,-and our favorite Christmas movie!Until next time, keep it on the centerline!

This week we are joined by Charlie Kowalczyk, Domestic Sales & Operations Manager at AtlasIED.  We discuss:-Current Aviation news including Kittyhawk, Wisk,and the AAM Bill,-The many things Charlie does as it pertains to the airport and the public, specifically their announcement technology called “Look Hear” (https://www.atlasied.com/lookhear),-TSA requirements for announcements,-The importance of having well trained staff and proper zoning to help in the event of an emergency,-How data and AI will drive the future of airport layouts and the traveler experience,-The importance of predictability when traveling,-What got Charlie into the aviation industry,-The importance of family, and-Our favorite airports!Until next time, keep it on the centerline!

This week we are joined by Diana Siegel, Chief Financial Officer at Electra. We discuss:-Her many travels and how she began her career in Advanced Air Mobility,-How she projects eVTOLS and eSTOLS into the airspace,-The infrastructure footprint for her aircraft at Electra,-How her childhood experiences drove her fascination with aviation,-Challenges she has faced in her career and how she overcame them, -The ways she feels she has made an impact on others and the importance of role models,-Some things she has seen while traveling that she thinks the US should adopt,-The lack of workforce and diversity within the aviation industry and how we can change that,-and our favorite comfort foods!Until next time, keep it on the centerline!P.S. Please excuse our slight audio issues this week, we had some issues with our mics!