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 accidents where hypoxia played a role, including the tragic 1999 Learjet crash that claimed the life of professional golfer Payne Stewart. That flight, which flew on autopilot for hours before crashing in South Dakota, is one of the most chilling examples of how quickly things can go wrong when oxygen is lost in the cockpit.

Join host Jeff Miller as he breaks down what hypoxia is, how it affects pilots, and the lessons every aviator—student or seasoned—needs to know. Whether you're in the left seat or just love aviation stories, this is one you won't want to miss.

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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 at SBN, and the strategies behind attracting and maintaining airline routes in a competitive market. Along the way, we swap stories, reflect on career lessons, and share a few laughs. Whether you're in aviation or just love a good origin story, this episode will leave you inspired by the work happening on the ground—and in the air—at South Bend.

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www.destinationaviation.org

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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 passion for aviation, his path to leadership, and what it takes to oversee one of the busiest and most dynamic mid-size hub airport systems in the country.

From industry trends to operational challenges, Patrick offers invaluable insights into the present and future of air travel. Along the way, we share some laughs, dive into his leadership philosophy, and explore the role airports play in shaping regional growth and innovation—especially with new technologies like urban air mobility.

Whether you're a seasoned aviation professional or just love learning about how airports work behind the scenes, this episode is packed with stories, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart.

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www.destinationaviation.org

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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 commercial aviation, we break down the facts, explore the risks, and examine the stories that have caught public attention. Before drawing any conclusions, join me for a thoughtful look at where aviation safety stands today—you might be surprised by what you learn.

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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 near-miss between Southwest Airlines and Flexjet at Midway Airport, the mid-air collision over Arizona, and what these incidents mean for aviation safety. Plus, I’ll share some follow-up stories from my travels back from St. Lucia and other fascinating aviation tidbits.

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www.destination-aviation.com

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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 the latest buzz in the aviation world. Quick updates on major aviation stories and happenings, all while soaking in the island vibes. It’s a blend of travel, aviation, and a little fun in the sun—because, hey, I’ve got to get back to the beach soon!

Tune in for your quick getaway, no passport required!

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www.destination-aviation.com

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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 I had the incredible opportunity to meet a real-life Top Gun — and get an autograph book from the creator of the renowned Top Gun aviation program! We also talk about my upcoming trip to St. Lucia and how aviation continues to shape my journeys. Along the way, I ramble about everything from industry insights to personal adventures. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or simply enjoy a good travel story, this episode is packed with updates, reflections, and a bit of fun. Tune in for an exciting mix of aviation news and personal experiences!

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www.destination-aviation.com

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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 the possible factors, we do so with caution, avoiding assumptions.

Through this discussion, we’ll explore the challenges faced by medivac flights, the complexities of small aircraft operations, and the factors that can contribute to aviation accidents. We also take a step back to look at past incidents such as Air Midwest Flight 5481, drawing lessons from these earlier tragedies to better understand the potential causes and safety concerns.

Join us as we respectfully analyze the details of this incident, highlight the crucial work of medivac missions, and continue to examine the lessons the aviation industry learns from every event, all while awaiting the official investigation into the XA-UCI crash.

ATC Audio:

Philadelphia Learjet 55 Pilot Last Chat With ATC | Heartbreaking Audio Recorded Moments Before Crash - YouTube

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