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The Future in Flight Podcast

The Future in Flight Podcast

By: Creative Relay Media
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 Ready to explore the skies and unlock your potential in aviation? The Future in Flight Podcast is your go-to weekly show for inspiration, education, and empowerment. Produced by Creative Relay Media and AviNation USA, this engaging podcast connects young adults, teens, and their families with the tools and insights they need to pursue fulfilling aviation careers and hobbies. Each episode features captivating stories, expert interviews, and practical advice, blending family-friendly entertainment with cutting-edge industry insights. From highlighting young achievers to diving into the latest aviation technology, The Future in Flight Podcast is your roadmap to discovering the endless possibilities in the world of flight. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a pilot, exploring aerospace engineering, or simply curious about the aviation industry, this podcast equips you to take off toward your goals. Subscribe now and join a growing community of future aviators ready to soar to new heights!Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
Episodes
  • Sport Pilot 2.0 & How to Get Into Aviation Industry Sales

    Sport Pilot 2.0 & How to Get Into Aviation Industry Sales
    Mar 31 2026
    🎧 Episode Summary What happens when a single rule change unlocks an entirely new generation of aircraft—and new opportunities for people who dream of flying? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker explores one of the most important developments in modern general aviation: MOSAIC, often called Sport Pilot 2.0. You’ll learn how this long-awaited FAA modernization could allow aircraft to fly faster, carry more passengers, and cost less to operate—while opening the door for more people to enter aviation without a traditional medical certificate. But the conversation doesn’t stop on the flight line. Shawn also introduces listeners to aviation entrepreneur Tom Lelyo, who took an unexpected path from youth ministry to selling private jets—and built a thriving career in aviation sales along the way. His story reveals a powerful truth: you don’t have to be a pilot or mechanic to succeed in aviation. And in our monthly history segment, we travel through the remarkable milestones of March—from the first successful parachute jump from an airplane to the invention of liquid-fueled rockets, the birth of Top Gun, and the daring solo flight around the world by Steve Fossett. This episode is about innovation, opportunity, and the many different doors into aviation—some technical, some entrepreneurial, and some still waiting to be discovered. Thank you to our long-time show supporters—TL Sport Aircraft, builders of modern, efficient aircraft designed to expand access to flight training and recreational aviation. Explore their lineup and see the future of light aviation up close at the upcoming SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo 2026. ✨ Key Points Understanding MOSAIC (Sport Pilot 2.0) Introduced to modernize the Light Sport Aircraft category first created in 2004.Removes the long-standing 1,320-pound weight limit for many aircraft.Shifts focus from weight limits to stall speed as the key safety metric.Allows up to four seats in qualifying aircraft.Opens the door to turbine engines, retractable gear, and more advanced avionics.Designed to make aircraft more capable while maintaining strong safety standards. How MOSAIC Could Change Flight Training Modern aircraft can carry more payload, including students and examiners.Lower fuel burn and maintenance costs may reduce the cost of flight training.New aircraft technology increases student interest and engagement.Flight schools may gain access to more efficient and capable training aircraft.Expands pathways into aviation for younger and cost-conscious students. Spotlight: Modern Light Aircraft Innovation Composite construction and glass cockpits are becoming standard in training aircraft.New engines offer higher performance with improved fuel efficiency.Aircraft design is shifting toward capability, safety, and operational flexibility.Manufacturers are preparing new aircraft models ahead of finalized regulations. Aviation Careers Beyond the Cockpit Aviation sales is a growing career path within the industry.Private jets can be accessible to business owners and professionals—not just billionaires.Success in aviation sales depends on persistence, communication, and relationship-building.Creating educational content can help build trust and professional credibility.Mentorship and community play a critical role in career growth. This Month in Aviation History (March) 1912: First successful parachute jump from a powered aircraft in the United States.1926: Robert Goddard launches the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket.1949: First nonstop flight around the world by the B-50 Lucky Lady II.1969: First flight of the Concorde supersonic passenger jet.1969: Establishment of the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School—Top Gun.2001: The Russian space station Mir completes its final descent.2005: Steve Fossett becomes the first person to fly solo nonstop around the world. 🕒 Chapter Timestamps 0:00 – 1:54 | Introduction: The future of aviation and the promise of MOSAIC 1:55 – 3:43 | The origins of Light Sport Aircraft and early limitations 3:44 – 5:35 | What changes under Sport Pilot 2.0 5:36 – 8:59 | How MOSAIC could reshape flight training and aircraft design 9:00 – 10:44 | Why this rule change matters for the future of aviation 10:45 – 12:07 | Career Spotlight: From youth pastor to jet sales professional 12:08 – 15:54 | Building a career in aviation sales and entrepreneurship 15:55 – 18:59 | This Month in Aviation History: Rockets, Concorde, and Top Gun 19:00 – 22:25 | Space stations, unique airlines, and record-setting flights 22:26 – End | Closing reflections: The sky still has room for dreamers Links TL Sport Aircraft: https://tlsportaircraft.com/ AVSales Talent: https://avsalestalent.com/ AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/ Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/ SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo: https://flysnf.org/
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    25 mins
  • Sport Pilot 2.0 Explained: How MOSAIC Could Transform Light Sport Aviation

    Sport Pilot 2.0 Explained: How MOSAIC Could Transform Light Sport Aviation
    Mar 24 2026
    🎧 Episode Summary Sport Pilot 2.0 explained: What if one rule change could reshape the future of light sport aviation? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Trey Murdaugh of TL Sport Aircraft to break down one of the most talked-about developments in general aviation today: MOSAIC, widely referred to as Sport Pilot 2.0. This conversation offers a clear, practical look at Sport Pilot 2.0 explained—what it means, why it matters, and how it could dramatically expand aircraft capability while making flying more accessible. From increased aircraft performance and turbine options to expanded flight training opportunities and lower operating costs, this episode highlights why manufacturers, flight schools, and pilots alike are watching these regulatory changes closely. You’ll also get an inside look at TL Sport Aircraft’s evolving lineup—from efficient trainers to high-performance sport aircraft—and what attendees can expect to see at the upcoming SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo 2026. This episode is about innovation, accessibility, and the exciting future of grassroots aviation—and provides a timely look at Sport Pilot 2.0 explained for pilots, students, and aviation enthusiasts alike. ✨ Key Points Sport Pilot 2.0 Explained: What is MOSAIC? An evolution of the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category introduced in the mid-2000s.Designed to expand aircraft capability while maintaining strong safety standards.Removes many previous limitations, allowing for more advanced aircraft design.Focus shifts from strict weight limits to stall speed as the primary performance metric. Major Changes Under Sport Pilot 2.0 Up to four seats instead of two.No fixed maximum aircraft weight.Higher stall speed limits (up to ~61 knots).Retractable landing gear and constant-speed propellers allowed.Potential for turbine and multi-engine aircraft in the category.Greater flexibility for manufacturers to build stronger, more capable aircraft. Impact on Flight Training and Accessibility Aircraft can carry more payload, including instructors, examiners, and full fuel.Lower acquisition and operating costs compared to traditional training aircraft.Reduced maintenance downtime with modern engines and systems.Increased student interest due to newer technology and performance.Potential to make flight training more affordable and scalable. Why Sport Pilot 2.0 Matters for Affordable Aviation Expands opportunities for recreational pilots and aging aviators.Encourages innovation among manufacturers.Improves aircraft safety through stronger designs.Creates new pathways for entry into aviation careers.Supports the growth of grassroots aviation communities. Spotlight: TL Sport Aircraft Lineup Sirius — A stable, high-wing aircraft ideal for training environments.Stream — A tandem, retractable-gear aircraft designed for performance and efficiency.Sparker — A side-by-side sport aircraft capable of high speeds and advanced handling.Sirius Backcountry — A rugged taildragger built for STOL and off-airport operations.New engine options, including turbocharged and turbine configurations, expand mission capability. What to Watch at SUN ’n FUN 2026 Expanded TL Sport Aircraft product lineup on display.Demonstrations of the new Sirius Backcountry aircraft.Sponsorship of the STOL Invitational event.Opportunities to see next-generation light aircraft technology up close. 🕒 Chapter Timestamps 0:00 – 0:31 | Introduction: Affordable aviation and the promise of Sport Pilot 2.0 0:32 – 2:35 | Sport Pilot 2.0 explained: Understanding MOSAIC 2:36 – 5:51 | The history of Sport Pilot and why change was needed 5:52 – 9:28 | Safety, performance, and the future of aircraft design 9:29 – 11:33 | Regulatory uncertainty and industry preparation 11:34 – 13:56 | Key Sport Pilot 2.0 changes explained 13:57 – 17:51 | Training benefits and cost advantages for flight schools 17:52 – 18:18 | Why the aviation community is excited 18:19 – 22:11 | Inside TL Sport Aircraft: Models, performance, and innovation 22:12 – 22:55 | Where to learn more about the aircraft lineup 22:56 – End | Preview: SUN ’n FUN 2026 and the future of light sport aviation 🔗 Links TL Sport Aircraft: https://tlsportaircraft.com/ SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo: https://flysnf.org/ AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/ Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/
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    26 mins
  • Full Throttle U: Inside California Aeronautical University's Flight Team

    Full Throttle U: Inside California Aeronautical University's Flight Team
    Mar 19 2026
    🎧 Episode Summary

    This episode takes you on an incredible journey through aviation excellence and history.

    We kick things off rolling down the runway with California Aeronautical University's competitive flight team—a squad that’s climbed from 20th place at nationals in 2022 to seriously eyeing a top-10 finish. Along the way, they take to the skies cross-country in “Little Red,” a 1965 Cessna 150, competing in NIFA events while building a culture rooted in safety, discipline, and sportsmanship. That commitment has earned them four consecutive Red Baron Team Sportsmanship Awards.

    Then, host Shawn Staerker is joined by his daughter Ellie for a powerful Women’s History Month segment celebrating the trailblazers who helped build aviation from the ground up. From Raymonde de Laroche—the first woman to earn a pilot’s license in 1910—to the legendary Night Witches of World War II, and modern pioneers like Lucy Young, still flying at 71, this conversation makes one thing clear: aviation has always belonged to those bold enough to pursue it.

    We wrap things up with a destination spotlight on Everglades Air Park, where presidential history meets short-field flying and Cuban sandwiches—and where every landing adds another story to the logbook.

    ✨ Key Takeaways
    • ✈️ From Underdogs to Contenders CAU’s flight team has transformed from a 20th-place program into a top-10 contender through grit and teamwork.
    • 🏆 Character Counts Four straight Red Baron Team Sportsmanship Awards highlight that how you fly matters just as much as how well you fly.
    • 👩‍✈️ Women in Aviation—From Day One Since 1910, women have played a central role in aviation’s growth—not as footnotes, but as pioneers.
    • 🌙 The Night Witches Soviet pilots flew daring nighttime bombing missions in WWII—cutting engines mid-flight to silently glide over enemy targets.
    • 🐊 Destination: Everglades Air Park A 2,400-foot runway, rich history, and unforgettable food make this a must-visit for adventurous pilots.
    🕒 Chapter Timestamps
    • 0:00 — 1:27 | Introduction to CAU Flight Team’s Journey
    • 1:27 — 2:44 | Understanding NIFA Competition Structure
    • 2:44 — 4:30 | Student Commitment & “Little Red” the Cessna 150
    • 4:30 — 7:13 | Cross-Country Adventures & Lightspeed Aviation Partnership
    • 7:13 — 9:35 | Awards, Safety Culture & Future Goals
    • 9:35 — 11:11 | Transition to Women’s History Month Segment
    • 11:11 — 19:28 | Women Who Built Aviation (featuring Ellie Staerker)
    • 19:28 — End | Future in Flight Destinations: Everglades Air Park
    🔗 Links & Resources
    • California Aeronautical University Flight Team
    • Lightspeed Aviation
    • The 99s (Women Pilots Organization)
    • Women in Aviation International
    • Everglades Air Park (X01) — Everglades City, Florida
    • NIFA (National Intercollegiate Flying Association)
    • AviNation USA

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    30 mins
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