What happens when an old pilot’s logbook sparks a new generation of aviators? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker introduces us to Brandon Martini, COO of Stratus Financial, whose personal journey from maxed-out credit cards to helping 1,000 new pilots earn their wings proves one thing: the dream of flight doesn’t have to stay out of reach. From starting a flight school with one plane and a $96 office, to launching a financial platform that partners with over 400 flight schools, Brandon’s story is a blueprint for perseverance and innovation in aviation finance.

Then, Shawn takes us on a deep dive into the Aeroverse — the new streaming platform built exclusively for aviation lovers — and closes with a high-energy look into the fast-growing global sport of Drone Soccer, where coding, flight, and competition collide to inspire the next generation of aviators.

This episode is all about visionaries — the ones who don’t wait for permission to make aviation more accessible, more entertaining, and more inclusive.

✨ Thank you to ASA (Aviation Supplies and Academics) for helping us reach the next generation of aviators and aviation enthusiasts!

• Inspired by his grandfather’s logbook and funded his first lessons with $2,500 in Christmas gift certificates.
• Maxed out credit cards to finish flight training while supporting a family.
• Opened a one-airplane flight school in Riverside, California.
• Founded Stratus Financial after traditional banks rejected aviation students.
• Helped nearly 1,000 pilots finance their dreams, partnering with 400+ flight schools.
• Recognized on the NBAA 40 Under 40 list for innovation in business aviation.

• When opportunity doesn’t knock, build your own door.
• Persistence is more valuable than perfect timing.
• Aviation finance can be human, ethical, and built around student success.
• Barriers are only permanent if you let them be.

• Founded by Charles Cook on the 120th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ flight.
• Features exclusive content like Throttle Jockey (hosted by Chelsea Smith), Creating Scrappy with Mike Patey, Aviation 101, and Jimmy’s World.
• Partnerships with AOPA and EAA make Aeroverse both entertaining and educational.
• $7/month subscription with ad-free aviation shows, live airport streams, and downloadable content.

• Originated in South Korea; now growing across the U.S. through schools and STEM programs.
• Combines coding, aerodynamics, and teamwork into one competitive sport.
• Supported by the US Drone Soccer Association and companies like Boeing.
• Helps students earn real-world aviation experience and pathways to FAA Part 107 certification.

0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction: When the cost of flight becomes the challenge 0:45 – 6:40 | The Journey of Brandon Martini: From logbook to legacy 6:41 – 8:21 | Lessons in persistence and the power of building your own system 8:22 – 8:50 | Transition: From finance to the future of aviation media 8:51 – 14:26 | Inside Aeroverse: The new streaming world for pilots and dreamers 14:27 – 15:46 | Acknowledgment: Carol Cali and GlobalAir.com article on Aeroverse 15:47 – 20:26 | The Drone Zone: The rise of drone soccer 20:27 – end | Challenge and closing thoughts: The future of flight is in your hands

• Stratus Financial: https://www.stratus.finance
• Aeroverse: https://www.aeroverse.tv
• ASA: https://asa2fly.com/
• US Drone Soccer Association: https://www.usdronesoccer.org
• Done Cadets: https://dronecadets.com/
• AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
• Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/

What happens when a lifelong aviation enthusiast turns passion into a multifaceted career in air shows and military service?

In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Jeremy Meyers, a Technical Sergeant in the Air Force, operations manager for the NextGen Eagles Aerobatic Team, and founder of Brakes Off Media. From his early days as a five-year-old captivated by the Thunderbirds to launching aircraft in Iraq and mentoring the next generation, Jeremy shares his inspiring journey through aviation. This episode is about persistence, passion, and the impact of mentorship in shaping the future of aviation.

Thank you to our newest show supporters, Flyte sunglasses! “Light on weight, not on quality.” Check out their incredible selection at flyte.aero!

• Fell in love with aviation at age five at Felts Field, Spokane, inspired by the Thunderbirds and B-52s.
• Attended over 140 air shows across multiple countries, including a memorable lunch with General Chuck Yeager in 2009.
• Served 19+ years in the Air Force as a maintainer and crew chief on F-15s and F-16s, with deployments to Iraq, Pakistan, and the UAE.
• Founded Brakes Off Media to revitalize the air show industry through storytelling, photography, and mentorship.
• Operations manager for the NextGen Eagles, managing ground operations for their iconic Christian Eagle biplane performances.
• Pursuing a master’s in mental health counseling to support the aviation community’s well-being.

• Mentorship is critical for success in the fast-paced air show industry.
• Persistence and clear communication are key to navigating challenges and building a professional reputation.
• Aviation offers diverse career paths, from maintenance to media, beyond just piloting.

• 0:00 – 1:39 | Introduction: From a young aviation enthusiast to a multifaceted career
• 1:40 – 24:27 | Jeremy Meyers’ Journey: Air shows, military service, and Brakes Off Media
• 24:28 – 31:49 | Next Gen Eagles: Behind the scenes of their aerobatic performances
• 31:50 – 43:36 | Military Career: Maintainer to crew chief to instructor
• 43:37 – 46:45 | Mental Health in Aviation: Addressing a critical need
• 46:46 – 48:22 | Under His Wing: Jeremy’s guiding philosophy
• 48:23 – 54:44 | Closing Reflections: Motivation, advice, and fun questions

• Brakes Off Media FB: https://www.facebook.com/brakesoffmedia/
• Flyte Sunglasses: flyte.aero
• Next Gen Eagles: thenextgeneagles.com
• AviNation USA: avinationusa.com
• Creative Relay Media: creativerelaymedia.com

🎧 Episode Summary

What drives a teenager to climb up on a rooftop in Mexico just to watch airplanes trace paths across the night sky? For Adriana Barragan, it was more than a dream—it was a calling. In this inspiring episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker explores Adriana’s remarkable journey—from struggling to learn English one page at a time to becoming a private pilot, Gulfstream engineer, and now the CEO and co-founder of Fly ORKA, an app reshaping how pilots learn and train.

Shawn also takes listeners on a tour of vibrant Hispanic aviation festivals—where mariachi music meets fighter-jet aerobatics—and pays tribute to the courage and innovation of Latino trailblazers of the skies, from Jorge Chávez, who crossed the Alps in a flimsy monoplane, to Olga Custodio, the first Latina to complete USAF pilot training, and Diana Trujillo, whose work at NASA reaches all the way to Mars.

This is a celebration of resilience, culture, and the pioneers who looked at the sky and said, that’s where I belong.

Brought to you by AviNation USA and our newest supporters, Flyte Sunglasses—“Light on weight, not on quality.”

✨ Key Points

Adriana Barragan’s Journey

• Fell in love with aviation as a teen lying on a rooftop in Mexico, inspired by Richard Bach’s books.
• Overcame language barriers by translating flight-training materials word by word and watching aviation films with subtitles.
• Earned her private pilot’s license at 17 and studied aerospace engineering.
• Worked at Gulfstream helping design and test advanced business jets.
• Founded Fly ORKA, an app that helps pilots log flights, review 3D replays, and communicate with instructors—reducing costly in-air training hours.
• Believes in empowerment without limits: “What defines you is what you do with every moment that is given to you.”

Hispanic Aviation Festivals

• Feria Aeronáutica Internacional (Mexico): A mash-up of airshow aerobatics, heritage celebrations, and mariachi music.
• FIA – Feria Internacional del Aire (Chile): High-altitude aerobatics against the Andes and hands-on STEM experiences.
• Jorge Chávez International Aviation Festival (Peru): Honors the pioneer who first flew across the Alps—complete with air races, vintage planes, hot-air balloons, and ceviche.
• Latino Pilots Association Events (USA): Mentorship and scholarships presented alongside cultural celebrations during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Trailblazers of the Sky

• Jorge Chávez (Peru): First to cross the Alps by air (1910), proving mountain flying was possible.
• Felix Rigau Carrera (Puerto Rico): First Hispanic U.S. Marine fighter pilot; later pioneered airmail routes in Puerto Rico.
• Olga Custodio (Puerto Rico): First Latina to complete USAF pilot training and later a trailblazing American Airlines captain.
• Marisol Chalas (Dominican Republic): First Latina U.S. Army National Guard Black Hawk pilot.
• Arnaldo Tamayo-Méndez (Cuba): First Latin American in space.
• Diana Trujillo (Colombia): NASA JPL engineer leading the robotic arm operations on Mars rovers.

Core Themes

• Culture and community are as integral to aviation as technology.
• Turning weaknesses into strengths unlocks new possibilities.
• The sky has no borders—the next generation of aviators is more diverse than ever.

🕒 Chapter Timestamps

0:00 – 0:36 | Introduction: A rooftop in Mexico and the spark that started it all 0:37 – 6:20 | Adriana’s journey: from rooftop dreamer to pilot, engineer, and aviation-tech founder 6:21 – 8:25 | Empowerment without limits—Fly ORKA’s vision 8:26 – 12:38 | Hispanic aviation festivals: mariachi meets jet fuel 12:39 – 17:30 | Trailblazers of the Skies: historic Latino pioneers who changed aviation 17:31 – end | Closing reflections: inspiration for the next generation of aviators

🔗 Links

• Fly ORKA: https://flyorka.com/
• AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
• Flyte Sunglasses: https://www.flyte.aero/
• Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/

What happens when a 12-year-old gamer with a passion for Microsoft Flight Simulator refuses to take “no” for an answer? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker shares the incredible journey of Jamail Larkins—from flying virtual Delta jets in his bedroom, to becoming one of the youngest Americans to solo a powered aircraft, to inspiring thousands of students as the FAA’s first Ambassador for Aviation Education.

But we don’t stop there. Shawn also takes you on a seasonal adventure into the magic of fall flying and closes with a dive into aviation milestones of September—from steam-powered airships to the invention of attack helicopters, and the day aviation (and the world) changed forever: 9/11.

This episode is about persistence, passion, and the endless possibilities that aviation holds for the next generation.

Thank you to our newest show supporters—Flyte sunglasses! “Light on weight not on quality.” Check out their incredible selection of awesome sunglasses for any occasion!

• Jamail Larkins’ journey
  • Started in Microsoft Flight Simulator at age 12.
  • First flight through the Young Eagles program.
  • Petitioned the FAA to solo before 16, then made it happen in Canada at age 14.
  • Faced 93 rejections before landing his first sponsorship.
  • Became an aerobatic performer by 18, opening for the Blue Angels.
  • Built an aircraft leasing company in his early 20s.
  • Founded Aviation Start, a free platform connecting youth to $20M+ in scholarships.
• Lessons from Jamail’s story
  • Rejection is not the end—persistence creates opportunities.
  • Aviation offers many career paths beyond being an airline pilot.
  • Access to education and scholarships is transforming the next generation of aviators.
• Fall Flying Tips
  • Cooler air = better performance and smoother flights.
  • Top foliage destinations: Vermont, Blue Ridge Mountains (NC), Maine, Indiana, Washington State, Colorado, California.
  • Pro tips: golden hour flights, check foliage reports, use smaller airports, bring backup batteries for photos.
• This Month in Aviation History (September)
  • 1852: Henri Giffard’s steam-powered airship proves powered flight is possible.
  • 1927: Founding of Cessna Aircraft Company.
  • 1954: Test pilot Scott Crossfield’s dramatic F-100 landing through a hangar.
  • 1965: First flight of the Bell Huey Cobra, the first attack helicopter.
  • 2001: The 9/11 attacks reshape aviation security and safety forever.

• 0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction: From gaming to aviation dreams
• 0:45 – 9:37 | The Journey of Jamail Larkins: Persistence, soloing at 14, aerobatics, business, and Aviation Start
• 9:38 – 10:05 | Jamail’s message to the next generation: never give up
• 10:06 – 11:41 | Transition: What’s next on the podcast
• 11:42 – 16:26 | Fall Flying Guide: Destinations, tips, and why fall is aviation’s “easy mode”
• 16:27 – 23:25 | This Month in Aviation History: From steam-powered dreams to 9/11
• 23:26 – end | Closing reflections

Aviation Start: https://www.aviationstart.org/

Flyte: https://www.flyte.aero/

AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/

Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/

This conversation explores the transformative impact of the Eagles Nest Project Wisconsin, an aviation education initiative from founder Jim Senft that empowers high school students to build and fly real aircraft. It highlights the personal stories of students who have gained invaluable skills and opportunities through hands-on learning.

The show also delves into a fun + creative project, inspired by the classic film 1941, that brings aviation history to life using Legos, an authentic John Belushi impersonator, and an actual P-40 Warhawk from the American Air Power Museum at Republic Airport on Long Island, NY!

Finally, it examines the complex mathematics behind modern autopilot systems and their potential future in aviation in our STEM in Flight segment.

• Eagles Nest Project started in a basement and transformed aviation education.
• Hands-on learning in aviation can lead to real-world opportunities for students.
• Persistence in pursuing educational initiatives can lead to significant community impact.
• Teamwork is essential in both aviation and life skills development.
• The program has successfully produced 19 pilots still in high school.
• Exposure to aviation careers can change students' life trajectories.
• Eagles Nest Project fosters innovation and creativity among youth.
• Collaboration among passionate individuals can lead to remarkable projects.
• The use of Plane Bricks/BrickMania Custom Lego sets in recreating aviation history bridges generations.
• Future autopilot systems may rely on AI and machine learning for enhanced safety.

Eagles Nest Project Wisconsin: https://enpwi.com/

Brickmania | Wild Bill Kelso and Burma Banshees P-40: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZruH_7a0bs8&t=3s

American Air Power Museum: https://www.americanairpowermuseum.com/

Wonder Women of Aviation Podcast: https://www.wonderwomanofaviation.com/

AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/

This episode of the Future in Flight podcast features Antonio Ferrara, founder of Aviators for Autism, who is transforming the aviation experience for families with autistic children. The conversation explores the barriers these families face in traveling and how Antonio's advocacy work is bridging that gap.

We also delve into the technological advancements in aviation safety, particularly through Bose headsets, and concludes with insights into the burgeoning commercial drone industry, highlighting the opportunities available for young pilots.

• Aviators for Autism aims to make air travel accessible for families with autistic children. • 87% of families with autistic individuals do not plan vacations due to anxiety. • Antonio Ferrara's advocacy is rooted in personal experience as a father of an autistic child. • The aviation industry faces a significant labor shortage, with 1.5 million jobs needed by 2034. • Neurodiverse individuals possess unique strengths that can benefit the aviation workforce. • Bose headsets utilize active noise cancellation technology to enhance pilot safety. • The drone industry is rapidly growing, creating new job opportunities. • To fly commercially, one must obtain a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. • Preparation for the FAA test is crucial, with many resources available for aspiring drone pilots. • The future of aviation is about inclusivity and leveraging diverse talents.

Aviators For Autism: https://www.aviatorsforautism.org/

Bose Aviation: https://www.bose.com/c/aviation-headsets

Drone Cadets: https://dronecadets.com/

WonderWomen of Aviation podcast: https://www.wonderwomanofaviation.com/

AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/

In this episode of the Future in Flight podcast, host Shawn Staerker takes listeners on a journey through EAA AirVenture 2025 in Oshkosh, starting with an incredible VIP tour of the mind-blowingly awesome FireBoss aircraft from our friends at Wipaire.

We also cover some ground-breaking news from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy which was announced during the event: the revolutionary Mosaic rule for aspiring pilots is finally here!

PLUS, a delightful visit to The Dough Shoppe’s food truck to pick up some amazing edible cookie dough.

The episode highlights innovation in aviation, the importance of community, and the exciting future of flight.

• The FireBoss can scoop 820 gallons of water in just 15 seconds.

• Aerial firefighting technology is evolving to be more efficient and effective.

• The MOSAIC rule will significantly lower barriers for aspiring pilots.

• Sport pilot certificates require less training time and lower medical requirements.

• MOSAIC opens doors to new commercial opportunities in aviation.

• The aviation industry needs fresh perspectives and innovative thinking.

• The Dough Shoppe at AirVenture represents entrepreneurial spirit in aviation.

• Community and family play a vital role in both aviation and entrepreneurship.

• The future of flight is becoming more accessible to everyone.

• Innovation in aviation is driven by ideas from the community.

00:00 Introduction to Aerial Firefighting at EAA AirVenture

01:53 Exploring the FireBoss Aircraft

09:21 Revolutionizing Recreational Flying with Mosaic

14:15 Sweet Treats at AirVenture: The Dough Shoppe

Wipaire: https://www.wipaire.com/

The Dough Shoppe: https://www.thedoughshoppe.com/

AviNation: https://www.avinationusa.com/

Future in Flight Podcast Website: https://futureinflight.com/