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/

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.

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

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/

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

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.

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

• 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/

🎧 Episode Summary

What happens when leadership meets grit, curiosity, and a genuine love for people? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker spotlights Michelle Leon, Operations Manager at Levil Aviation, and one of aviation and manufacturing’s most powerful emerging voices. Michelle’s journey spans hospitality, dental leadership, Lockheed Martin, and now cutting-edge avionics—and along the way, she’s mastered the art of servant leadership.

From breaking barriers as a woman in male-dominated industries to inspiring young students through hands-on trades education, Michelle shares how saying “I don’t know” can be a strength, why manufacturing is everywhere in our lives, and how early exposure can change the trajectory of future careers.

The episode also shifts gears into a high-energy segment on aviation photography, where Shawn and top creators break down how anyone—from smartphone shooters to DSLR pros—can capture jaw-dropping aircraft photos. From shutter speed to vapor trails, you’ll walk away ready to level up your aviation content.

This episode is about leadership, representation, practical innovation, and capturing the magic of aviation—whether through people or through the lens.

✨ Key Points

Michelle Leon’s Journey

• Transitioned from hospitality and dental leadership to aviation and advanced manufacturing
• Became Operations Manager at Levil Aviation with no prior CNC or avionics experience
• Embraced servant leadership learned through Heartland Dental
• Advocates for learning by asking questions and admitting what you don’t know
• Helped navigate NORSEE (Non-Required Safety Enhancing Equipment) approvals
• Instrumental in launching Level’s BOM portable flight instrument

Leadership & Representation

• How being in the “trenches” builds trust and stronger teams
• The evolving role of women in aviation and manufacturing
• Why credibility matters—and how to protect it
• The importance of mentorship and professional associations for women

Trades & Workforce Development

• Why career exposure should start in middle school
• How many students are never introduced to skilled trade careers
• “Itchy butt syndrome” — when hands-on learners are forced into traditional classrooms
• Five-year-olds running CNC machines and working with robots
• Trades can offer $40/hour careers directly out of high school

Aviation Photography Tips

• Use slow-motion video on your phone and grab screenshots
• Shoot from low or side angles for dramatic effect
• Story-driven aviation photography
• Use fast shutter speeds for jets (1/1000+)
• Slower shutter speeds for props (around 1/250) for motion blur
• Shoot in RAW format for better editing flexibility
• High humidity = better chance of vapor trails

SKYSCHOLAR

• Personalized aviation career roadmaps
• Smart training without unnecessary debt
• Real-world, industry-driven career guidance
• Flexible pathways across aviation careers
• Confidence through clarity and planning

🕒 Chapter Timestamps

0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction: Industry game changers 0:45 – 3:30 | Michelle’s background & servant leadership 3:31 – 5:32 | Women in aviation and earning credibility 5:33 – 7:23 | Early exposure to trades & education reform 7:24 – 9:12 | Manufacturing impact + NORSI explained 9:13 – 10:09 | Michelle’s message and life philosophy 10:10 – 10:43 | Creative Relay Media sponsor message 10:44 – 12:20 | Intro to aviation photography 12:21 – 14:20 | Smartphone & camera photography tips 14:21 – 16:30 | Story-driven aviation photography 16:31 – End | Pro techniques, shutter speeds & vapor trails

🔗 Links

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

What happens when a 12-year-old gamer with a dream and a copy of Microsoft Flight Simulator decides to make it real? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Jamail Larkins, one of aviation’s most inspiring trailblazers, whose journey from virtual skies to real-world leadership is nothing short of remarkable.

From flying over his middle school in a Cessna 172 to soloing a powered aircraft at just 14 years old, Jamail’s story is a masterclass in persistence and passion. He faced 93 rejections before earning his first sponsorship, performed aerobatics as a teenager opening for the Blue Angels, and went on to become the FAA’s first Ambassador for Aviation Education.

Together, Shawn and Jamail explore how gaming inspired a career, how rejection became a teacher, and how Jamail’s latest venture—Aviation Start—is helping connect young people with millions in aviation scholarships and opportunities.

This is a story about refusing to take “no” for an answer, the transformative power of mentors, and how a kid from Augusta, Georgia is helping to shape the future of flight.

• Discovered aviation through Microsoft Flight Simulator at age 12.
• Took his first flight through the Young Eagles program—flying over his home and school.
• Petitioned the FAA to solo before age 16; when denied, he made it happen legally in Canada at 14.

Persistence and Breakthroughs

• Wrote to over 100 aviation companies seeking sponsorship—after 93 rejections, #94 said yes.
• Became one of the youngest Americans to solo a powered aircraft.
• Started a small aviation supply business as a teen to fund aerobatic training.
• By 18, became an airshow performer, opening for the Blue Angels.
• Later appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, demonstrating aerobatic flight live on national TV.

Aviation Start & Legacy

• Founded Aviation Start, a platform connecting students to $20M+ in scholarships.
• Advocates for inclusion and access in aviation education.
• Continues to inspire the next generation through outreach and mentorship.

Lessons from Jamail’s Journey

• “No” is not failure—it’s feedback. Persistence creates opportunity.
• Passion for aviation can lead to countless careers beyond airline piloting.
• Mentorship and community are key to sustaining aviation’s future.

0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction: A game-changer in aviation 0:45 – 3:51 | From gamer to first flight: The Young Eagles story 3:52 – 9:37 | Petitions, rejections, and the road to soloing at 14 9:38 – 11:26 | Lessons in perseverance and mindset 11:27 – 13:50 | Crossing borders: Flying solo in Canada 13:51 – 17:29 | From flight school to the airshow stage 17:30 – 19:13 | Performing for David Letterman: Taking aviation to primetime 19:14 – End | Reflections, aerobatics, and advice for the next generation

• Aviation Start: https://www.aviationstart.org/
• AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
• Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/
• Follow The Future in Flight Podcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms