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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
  • From First Solo to Full Throttle: A Conversation with Luke Pylypciw

    From First Solo to Full Throttle: A Conversation with Luke Pylypciw
    Dec 16 2025
    🎧 Episode Summary

    What happens when a teenager refuses to let age—or anything else—limit what’s possible in aviation? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker sits down with rising aviator Luke Pylypciw, whose story spans from a spark ignited on childhood vacations to impactful charitable flights, collegiate aviation training, and inspiring the next generation online.

    Luke shares how he balanced high school academics with flight training, convinced a hesitant family to support his flying goals, and cultivated discipline that continues to guide him today. You’ll also hear how the Goodrich Flying Club shaped his early flying years, why he chose Florida Tech, and how he avoids burnout in an intense collegiate aviation environment.

    We also dive deep into “Loop for the Troops”—Luke’s ambitious multi-state charitable mission flown solo at just 17–18 years old, raising $15,000 for post-9/11 combat veterans. And finally, Luke opens up about using social media to inspire young aviators to pursue meaningful work while following their passion for flying.

    This episode is a celebration of purpose, perseverance, and the power of aviation to change lives—one young pilot at a time.

    Starting flight training and want some awesome gear? Check out our “25 Days of Flightsmas” giveaway! We’re giving away a pair of FLYTE sunglasses and a sweet BULBag utility bag!

    Enter here to win: https://futureinflight.com/flightsmas/

    ✨ Key Points

    Luke’s Journey Into Aviation

    • Inspired by childhood travel and exposure to a family friend who was a corporate pilot.
    • Took a discovery flight at 15 and began training two months later.
    • Balanced accelerated high-school academics with flight lessons.
    • Navigated early hesitancy from his family by proving commitment and maintaining strong grades.
    • Became the youngest member of the Goodrich Flying Club, flying solo before he could drive.
    • Found an encouraging aviation community that helped fuel his fast growth.

    Florida Tech & Avoiding Burnout

    • Chose Florida Tech for flight-training opportunities, diversity, and its location on the Space Coast.
    • Uses intentional downtime—sunshine, the beach, exercise, and screen-free time—to stay grounded and safe.
    • Focuses on compartmentalization: flying when flying, studying when studying, relaxing when relaxing.

    Loop for the Troops

    • At 17–18 years old, planned and executed a multi-state flight honoring veterans.
    • Raised $15,000 for Hope for the Warriors, visiting veterans’ homes along the East Coast.
    • Flew over 2,000 miles in a Mooney, supported by sponsors and local aviation communities.
    • Used YouTube and Instagram to inspire youth by showing how passion and purpose can align.

    Social Media & Inspiring the Next Generation

    • Began posting flights for self-review and skill improvement.
    • Shifted to sharing meaningful aviation projects to motivate young followers.
    • Received feedback from youth who launched their own charitable initiatives because of his example.
    🕒 Chapter Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction to Luke Pylypciw's Journey 05:02 Navigating Early Challenges in Aviation 10:09 Community Impact through Aviation 15:04 Innovative Philanthropy: Wings of Opportunity 19:53 Sky Scholar: Guiding Future Aviators 24:56 The Role of Technology in Aviation 29:47 Pursuing Dual Degrees and Career Diversity 34:34 Personal Insights and Future Aspirations

    🔗 Links

    AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/ Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/

    SKYSCHOLAR: https://www.myskyscholar.com/

    25 Days of Flightsmas: https://futureinflight.com/flightsmas/
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Lifesaving Headsets┃MAJOR News from Van's┃Hi-Tech Ground School

    Lifesaving Headsets┃MAJOR News from Van's┃Hi-Tech Ground School
    Dec 9 2025
    🎧 Episode Summary

    What happens when lifesaving tech, real-world experience, and two powerhouse creators collide? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker dives into the life-changing importance of a truly great aviation headset—through the firsthand stories of Cooper the Pilot and YouTube creator Carl Hancock (Fly With The Guys).

    From Cooper’s unforgettable first flight as a young adoptee from Korea to her mission-driven Hangar 22 scholarship program… to Carl’s terrifying real-world carbon monoxide emergencies and how the Lightspeed Delta Zulu literally saved his life—this episode is an inside look at the gear that keeps pilots safe, alert, and connected.

    Shawn explores how today’s headsets do far more than quiet the cockpit: they prevent CO poisoning, adapt to your hearing profile, support training, and help build aviation’s next generation. Then, the episode shifts gears with exclusive updates on two major announcements from Van’s Aircraft, including upgrades to the RV-12iS Trainer and the rugged new RV-15 made for backcountry flying.

    This episode is about safety, innovation, and the future of flight—and the people working every day to make aviation better for everyone.

    ✨ Special thanks to our episode partner — Lightspeed Aviation Makers of the Delta Zulu—built for your mission with life-saving CO detection, personalized hearing profiles, and the best ANR Lightspeed has ever engineered.

    Reminder about the “25 Days of Flightsmas” giveaway happening right now! Enter for a chance to win a pair of Flyte Sunglasses or a BULBag Utility Bag! Visit the Future in Flight website for more information.

    The 25 Days of Flightsmas Giveaway

    ⭐ Key Points

    Cooper the Pilot — Lessons & Takeaways

    • Her aviation journey began during her first flight to the U.S. at age 5—“the flying house.”
    • Runs the Hangar 22 scholarship program empowering young aviators.
    • Chooses gear intentionally and tested the Lightspeed Delta Zulu before recommending it to students.
    • The Delta Zulu’s CO detector alerted her when her aircraft’s built-in sensor failed.
    • Loves the dual-volume controls, audio clarity, ATC recording, and modular plugs for switching between helicopters and fixed-wing.

    Carl Hancock — Survival, Training & Tech

    • Survived a dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning incident in a new-to-him aircraft.
    • A second CO leak occurred months later—this time, the Delta Zulu caught it instantly.
    • Uses hearing-profile tuning in the Lightspeed app to customize audio.
    • Many students using his aircraft no longer need hearing aids when flying with the headset.
    • Launching Empower Flight, a nonprofit flight school, and opening a new channel, Guys Aviation.

    Why the Delta Zulu Matters

    • Built-in, instant CO monitoring saves lives—unlike card-style detectors that take ~45 minutes to change.
    • Customizable hearing profile via app.
    • Independent left/right volume controls.
    • High-end ANR reduces fatigue for students and instructors.
    • Multi-platform recording for education and content creation.
    • Holiday promo: $100 off, and $200 off for CFIs/pro pilots.

    Vans Aircraft 2026 Announcements

    • RV-12iS Trainer
      • Structural strengthening based on training-fleet feedback.
      • Improved systems and comfort upgrades (including new seat cushions for CFIs).
      • Designed to meet Mosaic requirements—IFR capability, heated pitot, more electrical capacity.
    • RV-15 Backcountry
      • A rugged, STOL-friendly design built for backcountry adventure.
      • Vans continues pushing innovation with 12,000+ aircraft flying worldwide.
    🕒 Chapter Timestamps

    00:00 The Importance of Aviation Headsets 08:58 Innovations in Aircraft Design 16:44 Making Aviation Training Affordable

    🔗 Links
    • Lightspeed Aviation Delta Zulu: https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/product/lightspeed-delta-zulu-anr-headset/
    • Cooper the Pilot / Hangar 22: https://instagram.com/hangart22.official
    • Fly With The Guys: https://flywiththeguys.com/
    • AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
    • Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Roots, Wings, and Sacrifice: A Conversation with USAF SSgt (Ret.) Anthony Dyer

    Roots, Wings, and Sacrifice: A Conversation with USAF SSgt (Ret.) Anthony Dyer
    Dec 2 2025
    🎧 Episode Summary What does it take to fly head-first into danger so that others may live? In this powerful episode, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Anthony Dyer—retired Special Missions Aviator, Jolly Green rescue team member, AC-130 gunship aerial gunner, and author of the upcoming book Moonchild. Anthony shares the reality behind the job once known as “aerial gunner,” a role that evolved into the modern, multi-discipline Special Missions Aviator—part gunner, part flight engineer, part loadmaster, and all warrior. From more than 2,700 flight hours, 200+ combat missions, and being part of the 2018 Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year, Anthony brings listeners directly into the cockpit—and the chaos—of the combat search-and-rescue world. But this episode goes deeper than missions. Anthony opens up about mental health, trauma, addiction, and the long road to healing after two decades of war. His book Moonchild was born from that recovery, written to help others who may be struggling in silence. This conversation is about courage, humility, purpose, and the power of saying, “It’s okay not to be okay.” A must-listen for anyone interested in military aviation, resilience, and the human side of service. ✨ The 25 Days of Flightsmas Giveaway is Here! Win BIG this December in The 25 Days of Flightsmas Giveaway! Grand prizes include Flyte Sunglasses & a BULBag utility bag. Plus, we're giving away daily prizes! Check out the details here: 25 Days of Flightsmas Giveaway 🔑 Key Points Anthony Dyer’s Aviation Journey Began as an aerial gunner on the AC-130A Spectre gunship.Transitioned into the expanded role of Special Missions Aviator—combining aerial gunner, flight engineer, and loadmaster duties.Logged 2,700+ flight hours and 200+ combat missions across multiple platforms.Flew with elite communities including the 16th Special Operations Squadron and the Jolly Green HH-60 rescue units.Took part in a high-risk June 8, 2018 casualty evacuation in East Africa—saving five and losing one—an event that shaped him profoundly.Became part of the 2018 Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year, one of the highest honors in combat rescue. Lessons From the Jolly Green & Special Ops Community “That others may live” isn’t a slogan—it’s a way of life.Purpose, duty, and preparation are vital on missions where someone’s worst day becomes your call to action.Mental toughness is built long before deployment through physical, mental, and spiritual readiness.Humility and quiet professionalism define the rescue and gunship communities. Inside Moonchild: Trauma, Honesty & Healing Writing began as part of prolonged exposure therapy during recovery from trauma and alcohol dependency.The process required reliving painful events—including combat losses and personal struggles.The book emphasizes: “It’s okay not to be okay.”Aims to help service members, veterans, and families seek help without shame.Themes of “roots and wings”—Appalachian heritage versus the drive to serve something greater. Advice for Future Service Members Military aviation is demanding—but purpose, teamwork, and legacy make the sacrifice meaningful.Fear is natural; courage is choosing to serve anyway.Service is about something bigger than oneself—being the ride home or the way home for someone else.Pride isn’t found in medals—it’s in being trusted with someone’s life. 🕒 Chapter Timestamps 0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction: What a Special Missions Aviator really does 0:45 – 2:50 | Three jobs in one: Gunner, Flight Engineer, Loadmaster 2:51 – 4:13 | Combat search-and-rescue: tracer fire, split-second decisions, and the 2018 mission 4:14 – 6:36 | Duty, preparation, and the mindset needed for high-stakes missions 6:37 – 7:45 | Pride, purpose, and a career built on elite platforms 7:46 – 9:27 | From trauma to authorship: How Moonchild was born 9:28 – 10:52 | “Roots and wings”—the message behind the book 10:53 – 11:41 | Addiction, honesty, and confronting the darkest moments 11:42 – end | What Anthony hopes every young service member and veteran hears 🔗 Links Flyte Sunglasses https://www.flyte.aero/ BULBag https://bulbag.com/ AviNation USA https://www.avinationusa.com/ Creative Relay Media https://creativerelaymedia.com/ Get Anthony’s Book Here: Moon Child: The Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator by Anthony Dyer, Robbie Grayson, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®
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    34 mins
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