Episodes

  • From Cockpit to Compliance: Ryan DeMoor's Journey

    From Cockpit to Compliance: Ryan DeMoor's Journey
    Oct 15 2025
    Is there a disconnect between your flight department, payroll and tax reporting? Sometimes it takes a unicorn like Ryan DeMoor to create system to tie it all together. Ryan shares his journey from being a commercial pilot to transitioning into the aviation tax and finance sector. He discusses the impact of 9/11 on his career, the importance of bridging the gap between finance and aviation, and the innovative solutions being developed at MySky to address tax compliance in at Part 91 and 135 operations. Ryan emphasizes the need for effective communication within flight departments and the importance of engaging the next generation in aviation tax roles. He also outlines future directions for MySky and the ongoing challenges in the aviation tax landscape. Chapters: 00:00 From Pilot to Professional: The Journey Begins 02:14 Navigating Career Changes: The Impact of 9/11 04:11 Bridging Two Worlds: Aviation and Finance 06:24 The Evolution of MySky: From Auditing to Software 08:34 Tax Compliance Challenges in Aviation 10:42 Misconceptions in Aviation Taxation 13:06 The Role of MySky in Flight Classification 15:15 Leadership in Aviation Tax: A Unique Perspective 17:42 Engaging Young Professionals in Aviation Tax 19:53 Future Directions for MySky and Aviation Tax 22:26 Closing Thoughts and Connections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • Navigating Entrepreneurship: Lessons from Joe Peebles

    Navigating Entrepreneurship: Lessons from Joe Peebles
    Oct 10 2025
    Joe Peebles shares his journey as an entrepreneur in the aviation maintenance industry, discussing the challenges and growth of his business, JP Aeronautics. He reflects on the lessons learned from past failures, the importance of strategic hiring, and the role of mentorship in leadership development. Joe also highlights his commitment to supporting veterans through his nonprofit, Higher Vets, which aims to assist veterans in transitioning to civilian life. The discussion covers the creation of a supportive community for veterans and the launch of the NBAA Military Connect initiative to facilitate networking and job opportunities. To find out more about Higher Vets or JP Aero, visit: www.highervets.org www.jpaerotechnics.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:59 Business Growth and Challenges 08:33 Lessons Learned in Entrepreneurship 13:40 The Importance of Passion in Work 19:09 Higher Vets: Supporting Veterans' Transitions 26:40 The Struggles of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 27:05 Overcoming Challenges in the Military 29:03 Building a Supportive Community for Veterans 30:23 Partnering for Success: Military Connect Initiative 32:07 Navigating Civilian Careers: Opportunities for Veterans 34:33 The Importance of Support Systems 36:39 Introduction to Joe Peebles and His Journey 36:58 The Impact of Hire Vets and Community Support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • A First Officer's Inspiring Journey

    A First Officer's Inspiring Journey
    Sep 26 2025
    Joseph Tar Schmidt is a first officer for a major US airline, but how he got there is noteworthy. As president of the Professional Pilots of Tomorrow and a recipient and now President of the Captain Jason Dahl Scholarship Fund, Joseph has dedicated his career to pulling up others. Joseph shares his journey into aviation, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of the scholarship fund in supporting aspiring pilots. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of a career in aviation, the significance of giving back to the community, and advice for those looking to enter the field. To find out more about scholarship, mentorship or sponsorship opportunities, please reach out through the following links: Professional Pilots of Tomorrow https://www.theppot.org/ Captain Jason Dahl Scholarship Fund https://www.dahlfund.org/ Just A Buck https://www.justabuck.info/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 05:21 Professional Pilots of Tomorrow 13:30 The Captain Jason Dahl Scholarship Fund 20:39 Advice for Aspiring Pilots 25:51 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Fearless Flight: MACE Curran's Incredible Journey

    Fearless Flight: MACE Curran's Incredible Journey
    Aug 26 2025
    Michelle "MACE" Curran, a former US Air Force fighter pilot and lead solo for the Thunderbirds, shares her inspiring journey from a small town in Wisconsin to the skies as a fighter pilot. She discusses the challenges she faced during pilot training, her experiences in combat squadrons, and the evolution of her identity as 'MACE' and how her journey can serve as an inspiration to us all. Michelle reflects on her time with the Thunderbirds, the high-stakes maneuvers, and the lessons learned from adversity. She also talks about her transition to public speaking, the importance of mentorship, and her upcoming book release, 'The Flip Side.' To find out more about MACE, visit: www.macecurran.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Michelle "MACE" Curran 01:32 The Journey Begins: From Small Town to Fighter Pilot 07:28 Overcoming Challenges in Pilot Training 11:36 Facing Adversity: The Struggles of a New Fighter Pilot 19:17 The Call Sign Story: Learning from Mistakes 22:55 Transformational Experiences: The Path to the Thunderbirds 30:24 The Application Process: From Candidate to Thunderbird Pilot 34:23 The Journey to Becoming a Thunderbird Pilot 35:44 The Thrill of Aerobatics and Team Dynamics 38:53 Overcoming Challenges and Redefining the Show 42:30 Intense Moments in the Cockpit 48:32 Transitioning from the Thunderbirds to New Opportunities 53:22 Inspiring Future Generations of Female Pilots 55:58 The Launch of a New Book and Its Impact 59:36 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Tables are Turned! When the Podcaster Becomes the Podcastee

    Tables are Turned! When the Podcaster Becomes the Podcastee
    Aug 11 2025
    It's Opposite Day at The Cross-Check as our first guest, Neil Capano takes over the hosting duties to celebrate the 15th episode of the show. The conversation explores the surprises and engagement from their audience, the impact of their guests, and the valuable insights gained throughout their journey. They discuss their dream guests, the advice they've received, along with some lighthearted disagreements. Looking ahead, they share predictions for the future of the industry, the importance of investing in people and sustainability, and tease exciting upcoming episodes. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Celebration of Milestones 02:50 Audience Engagement and Surprises 07:34 Guest Experiences and Insights 11:00 Dream Guests and Aspirations 15:08 Valuable Advice from Guests 20:29 Disagreements and Lighthearted Banter 26:27 Future Aspirations and Predictions 32:45 Industry Investments and Sustainability 40:51 Preview of Upcoming Episodes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • Crisis Management and Culture: Lessons from the FBI

    Crisis Management and Culture: Lessons from the FBI
    Jul 23 2025
    Amy Grubb, organizational development specialist at the FBI joins the Cross-Check to share her journey from psychology to the FBI, the culture of integrity within the Bureau, and the challenges of changing organizational culture post-9/11. Amy shares insights on the importance of communication skills in high-pressure environments like aviation, the significance of listening in crew resource management, and lessons in crisis communication from her FBI experience. The conversation also touches on defining organizational culture, identifying misalignment, and improving employee retention in the aviation industry. Amy concludes by discussing her consultancy, Organizational Insights, and the importance of fostering a positive workplace culture. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Cross Check Podcast 00:08 Amy Grubb's Journey from Psychology to the FBI 01:54 Culture and Integrity at the FBI 03:51 Post 9/11 Challenges and Cultural Shifts 05:12 Transitioning from FBI to Aviation 07:55 Communication Skills in High-Pressure Aviation Environments 10:56 The Importance of Listening in Aviation 14:23 Crisis Communication Lessons from the FBI 14:53 Leading in a Crisis 18:41 Organizational Culture: The Real Story 21:09 Identifying Organizational Culture 23:47 Traits of Effective Leaders 25:50 Employee Retention Strategies 27:27 Personal Achievements and Professional Insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • Flying Private, Serving Smart: Inside the Life of a Cabin Attendant

    Flying Private, Serving Smart: Inside the Life of a Cabin Attendant
    Jul 10 2025
    In this episode of The Cross Check, hosts Rob Hoffman and Ian Lumpp welcome Lauren Baum, a seasoned cabin attendant, blogger and consultant at Cabin in the Sky. Lauren shares her journey from a background in hospitality to becoming a mentor and resource for aspiring cabin attendants. The conversation explores the differences between 135 and 91 operations, the essential qualities of a great cabin attendant, and the importance of networking and personal branding in the aviation industry. Lauren also discusses her consultancy services, the evolving role of cabin attendants, and the balance between safety and service in private aviation. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Lauren Baum and Her Journey 05:21 The Differences Between Part 91 and 135 Operations 07:45 Qualities of a Great Cabin Attendant 10:05 The Vision Behind Cabins in the Sky 13:55 Sharing Stories and Building a Personal Brand 19:18 Adapting to Different Environments 20:28 Qualities of an Ideal Cabin Attendant 22:55 Balancing Service and Safety 24:33 Steps to Enter the Aviation Industry 27:12 Consultancy Services for Aspiring Flight Attendants 28:25 Rapid Fire Questions and Memorable Experiences Cabin In The Sky: https://cabinsinthesky.mykajabi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Winging It: Lessons in Aviation and Entrepreneurship

    Winging It: Lessons in Aviation and Entrepreneurship
    Jul 3 2025
    On this episode of The Cross-Check, we sit down with Sameer Romani, a seasoned bizav veteran with only five years of industry experience underneath his belt. A commercial rated pilot who went from teaching systems at Mesa Airlines to dabbling in venture capital and launching his own startup, EssenceJet, Sameer’s story is anything but linear. Sameer talks about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, what it’s really like to build something from scratch in this industry, and why mentorship is more than just a buzzword. These days, Sameer is focused on winglets and as it turns out, those little upturned fins on the end of airplane wings are big business and a lot more important than they look. He breaks down how this winglet tech is boosting fuel efficiency and helping aviation take baby steps toward sustainability. While Sameer's business aviation path is unique, his story is both inspiring and educational. Chapters: 00:00 Sameer Romani's Aviation Journey 02:48 Transitioning to Venture Capital 14:09 Teaching at Mesa Airlines 16:55 Founding EssenceJet 19:46 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations 19:52 Meeting Gary Dunn and the Introduction to Winglets 20:33 Understanding Winglets and Their Impact 21:26 The Evolution of Winglet Design 24:05 Performance Benefits of Winglets 26:02 Current Applications and Future of Winglets 27:46 Common Misconceptions About Winglets 28:47 The Importance of Mentorship 29:08 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 31:43 Persistence in Business and Networking 36:38 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Opportunities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins