Aloft with Dan
40 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 32 ratingsWelcome to Aloft with Dan, a monthly show talking with rad people doing rad things in aviation! Each week we will talk with different folks in aviation that will include some of the non traditional roles and explore how passion motivates them and what advice they have for others. Join us to learn about this amazing industry and the amazing people in it!
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Episodes
Thomas from Hangar 22 Coffee
January 18, 2023 10:00 - 55 minutes - 50.8 MBOn today's show Thomas and I talk about: How he started Hangar 22 Coffee Roasters Great ways to enjoy your coffee and up your coffee game (including on the road) How they come up with names for their roasts How he got started in aviation How Thomas stayed grinding despite COVID and managed to land a great job Where Thomas sees both his coffee business and his aviation career going in the future Advice for anyone in aviation And a ton of other advice and stories! Thomas is i...
Jared Hodge - Airline Pilot, Airbus Instructor, and Aerobatic Pilot
December 07, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 58 MBOn today's show Jared and I talk about: How he got involved in aviation Auburn University His career progression and the importance of working hard in every role you take on How being involved gained him opportunities Fly for the Culture and how he got involved with them How he got involved in aerobatic competitions Tips for how to get involved with aviation And a ton of other advice and stories! Jared is incredibly passionate about aviation and does and amazing job sharin...
Serena Wileman and Chris "Pyro" Fitzgerald
October 05, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 79.8 MBOn today's show Serena and Chris talk about: How they got involved with aviation How they met The story of Serena getting into the Navy and how Chris helped throughout the process Advice to anyone who is mentoring someone Great stories of what life in the Navy has been like for Serena And a ton of other advice and stories! Serena and Chris have an incredible story and a lot of passion for aviation and what they are doing, this is a fantastic episode and not one to miss! Wome...
Trent Vick - Helicopter utility pilot
September 14, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 58.4 MBOn today's show Trent and I talked about: How he got into aviation Being awarded HAI's Pilot of the Year award A tragic first day of flying heli skiing and the training that prepared him for it Power line construction and his current job Lots of great advice for anyone working through their career And a lot of other topics! It is clear that Trent loves what he is doing and he has a passion for his role and how it helps the world! Trent's IG: @_tvick093_ Thanks to Preflight ...
Leigh Coates - Candy Cane Helicopter owner, commercial pilot, and yogi
August 18, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 73.2 MBOn today's show Leigh and I talked about: How she got into aviation Her path from flight student to business owner Some of the highs and lows from owning and operating a helicopter business What led her to Alaska How they bought the Candy Cane Helicopter Where the paint scheme came from The good and bad with the Bell 505 How yoga ties into her life What helicopter van life is like And a lot of other topics! Leigh is a fantastic human with a really cool story, she clearly ...
Cayla McLeod Hunt - AOPA Social Media Marketer, GA enthusiast, and private pilot
August 10, 2022 09:00 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBOn today's show Cayla and I talked about: Her unique path into aviation What her favorite type of flying is How she found her way into her current role with AOPA and passed up the "dream job" to stay there What an average day in her life looks like The things AOPA does to help pilots and protect our freedom to fly Tips for Oshkosh Tips for how to use social media to help general aviation Pros and cons to living in an airport community And a lot of other topics! Cayla has a...
Kyle Newsom - Pilot, Storyteller, Photographer
July 06, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBOn today's show Kyle and I talked about: His path through aviation. All about how passion for aviation has shaped his life. Where his passion for storytelling and videography/photography came from. His new YouTube channel which will highlight aviators and their stories. Tips for how to get some good footage with some simple tools. And a lot of other topics! Kyle is very passionate about sharing others stories, this is not one to miss. Make sure you check it out! Aviators an...
Wes Van Dell - Chief Helicopter Instructor for UND Aerospace
June 03, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 64.4 MBOn today's show Wes and I talked about: His path into aviation and specifically helicopters UND Aerospace and how their helicopter program has changed over the past few years The helicopter pilot and mechanic shortage The Robinson R44 Cadet Biggest challenges facing the helicopter and specifically the flight training industry Process and need for more helicopter DPEs And a lot of other topics! Wes has a lot of passion, experience and advice that he shares in today's episode....
Vicky Benzing - Airshow Aerobatic Pilot in a Stearman and Extra 300
May 12, 2022 09:30 - 56 minutes - 52 MBOn today's show Vicky and I talked about: How she got started in aviation and her path to becoming an airshow pilot Her previous career and the importance of education How IAC competitions work The best way to get started and progress in aerobatic flying What she does to ensure her aircraft are ready to fly Air racing California Aeronautics University The upcoming all female airshow Lots of great advice for everyone And a lot of other topics! Vicky has a lot of experience...
Captain Aimee "Rebel" Fiedler - F-16 Viper Demo Team Pilot
May 06, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 67.1 MBOn today's show Aimee and I talked about: How she got started in aviation What the selection process is like to become the F-16 demo pilot How she was convinced she would be going to the Air Force Academy and then had to change her plans quickly Her incredible team who makes the F-16 demo possible The ignorance she hopes an all female airshow will combat How important it is to have the most qualified pilots operating in critical roles And a lot of other topics! Aimee has an ...
Indira Thackorie - Airshow Announcer
April 28, 2022 09:00 - 53 minutes - 49.2 MBOn today's show Indira and I talked about: How she got started as an airshow announcer Her career in the Canadian military Women in aviation The Oregon International Airshow's all women line up and the importance of this event Some great advice for anyone involved in aviation And a lot of other topics! Indira has a lot of great experience and information that she shares on this episode! Make sure to check it out! Airshow Website: oregonairshow.com Song request emails: indira...
Jared Friend - General Manager and Chief Instructor of Hillsboro Aero Academy Helicopter School
April 20, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 58.4 MBOn today's show Jared and I talked about: How he got started in the helicopter industry How he mismanaged his time and funds during his commercial The way he was able to get a job working for Croman Flying ENG Getting out of aviation and then back into it His story of going IIMC And a lot of other topics! Jared has a lot of great experience and information that he shares on this episode! Make sure to check it out! Website: https://flyhaa.com Instagram: @hillsboroheli If yo...
Chris Creamer - Utility Pilot and K-Max Pilot
April 13, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 69.9 MBOn today's show Chris and I talked about: How he got started in the helicopter industry Flying for the BP Oil Spill What it was like flying seismic exploration Training for and performing unique rescues in Yosemite Flying rescues on Mt. Everest Flying the incredible K-Max Tons of advice for anyone in the industry And a lot of other topics! Chris is the kind of person who has done it all but doesn't want to show it off. He has so much incredible experience he shares today a...
Faith Ortega - Helicopter mechanic of howtohelicopter
April 06, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 65.6 MBOn today's show Faith and I talked about: How Faith became a helicopter mechanic HAI Heli Expo How she became an HAI Brand Ambassador The opportunities that exist in aviation especially as a mechanic How her Instagram and You Tube came to be What she hopes howtohelicopter becomes How she got to sit in Marine One Faith is clearly very passionate about helping people find their way into the industry and showing folks what the industry is like. You should make sure to follow ...
Catheline Leoni - DC-3 Cargo Pilot in Alaska
March 23, 2022 09:00 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MBOn today's show Catheline and I discussed: How she got started in aviation by learning to fly in Ireland Joining the French Military and flying helicopters Helping restore a DC-3 and then spending three weeks re-creating a route first flown by Jean Batten How she flew a Cherokee 140 from Alabama to Alaska in the winter How hard work and tenacity lead her to her current role for Dessert Air What it is like flying the DC-3 in Alaska And many other topics! If you have any feed...
Dan Doepker - Ask me anything!
March 16, 2022 09:00 - 48 minutes - 44 MBOn today's show I answer user submitted questions to include: Do helicopters have relief tubes? Advice for avoiding Aviation Induced Divorce Syndrome What is my background? What was my favorite flying job? What is the hardest part about a career in aviation? And more! If you have any feedback or thoughts please let me know! You can DM me on instagram or send me an email at [email protected]. If you are enjoying the show please leave a review and give us some stars, it ...
Petter Nyholm - CEO and founder of Preflight as well as sling loading helicopter pilot
March 09, 2022 10:00 - 57 minutes - 53.1 MBOn today's show Petter and I talked about: How Petter became interested in aviation What his career path was like and how he worked to ensure it met his wife's goals as well What the EASA conversion process is like The steps it takes to become a sling load pilot in Norway What it is like "liming" lakes and why that is one of his favorite jobs How a virus infection has impacted his aviation career The creation of his company Preflight What services and solutions Preflight is ...
Soeren Sauer - Check airman and line pilot for Helicopter Express, HMC, and Designated Pilot Examiner
March 05, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBOn today's show Soeren and I talked about: How paragliding got Soeren started in aviation Advice for anyone taking a check ride What it is like flying float equipped helicopters What life is like working multiple jobs A little bit about the 407 HP conversion How he became a DPE If you want to get in touch with Soeren you can find him on instagram If you have any feedback or thoughts please let me know! You can DM me on instagram or send me an email at [email protected]...
Joe Caughlin - Heavy lift helicopter pilot for Columbia Helicopters, US Army Pilot, and Airplane Pilot
February 23, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 77.4 MBOn today's show Joe and I talked about: His Dad flying as an inspiration to him How he took a $700 inheritance to start his aviation career How firefighting on the ground played a role in his flying US Army flight school His career through the US Army Working for Columbia Helicopters firefighting, logging, moving oil rigs in Papua New Guinea, and flying in Afghanistan What the puke test was and how he mastered it Lots of advice and information that will help anyone in aviati...
Travis Ray - Power Line Construction Pilot
February 16, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 69.4 MBOn today's show Travis and I talked about: How he became interested in helicopter flying His path through the helicopter world and the significant challenges he had making his way through it What it is like to fly for Winco Powerline Services From start to finish what steps they go through to build a power line Some of the power line repair jobs Advice he has for networking Advice for new pilots How to get into power line construction work Travis may have had a challenging ...
Patrick Fey - Captain for Frontier Airlines
February 09, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 61 MBOn today's show Patrick and I talked about: How he became interested in flying His path to becoming a Captain at Frontier Airlines How he prepared himself to work at a major airline What life is like as an airline pilot to include: Commuting Scheduling Seniority lists Upgrades Check airmen and much more! What he loves about his job While Patrick has had a relatively "traditional" path through aviation I have had a lot of questions recently about airlines and what life is...
Jordan Long - U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter Pilot and Cessna 180 owner
February 02, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 78 MBOn today's show Jordan and I talked about: How he ended up immigrating from South Africa to the United States Getting into the Air Force only to discover that he wouldn't be able to fly Learning about the Army Warrant Officer program and learning he could fly that way His career in the Army The direct commission program that got him into the Coast Guard What it is like being a pilot for the US Coast Guard and the challenges hoisting Flying his Cessna 180 through Canada during...
Falko Baghul - Helicopter pilot hoisting technicians onto wind turbines
January 26, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 64.8 MBOn today's show Falko and I talked about: A lot of great information about hoisting technicians and flying out to off shore wind parks What sparked him to get into aviation His training in the US How he flew a Huey for his first job after flight school Getting into fire fighting in the US Helping with clean up after the Deep Water Horizon incident to include helping clean pelicans Flying EMS The process and work he had to do to get his EASA certificates Falko has a very un...
Barrett Farrell - Chief Pilot for Bridger Aerospace and SIC on the Super Scooper
January 19, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBOn today's show Barrett and I talked about: Barrett's unique path through the aviation industry How Barrett started his own company and continued to grow and diversify it Deciding to commit to Bridger Aerospace based on a gut feeling What it is like flying air attack and the basic aviation structure around a fire All sorts of goodies about the Super Scooper and flying on fires Information about Bridger Aerospace including what they are looking for in pilots Great advice for a...
Nick Mertes - Helicopter EMS, utility, and heavy lift pilot
January 12, 2022 10:00 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBOn today's show Nick and I talked about: How he discovered his desire to be a pilot in the military His use of the VA and GI bill to pay for his school and flight training What it is like living off shore flying helicopters in support of oil operations Flying heavy lift helicopters for Columbia Helicopters The training and testing for short haul and getting qualified to carry humans as external cargo His new role as an EMS pilot in his home town. Nick is passionate about avia...
Kristi McFadden - Corporate jet pilot who turned a fear of flying into a new career
January 05, 2022 10:00 - 58 minutes - 53.2 MBOn today's show Kristi and I talked about: Turning her fear of flying into a new career Tips for finding new opportunities A creative way she funded part of her flight training How to manage being a pilot and having a family What it is like being a woman in aviation and some tips Kristi is very passionate about her work, family, and aviation in general. She has some great life experiences that made this a really fun conversation. I know you all are going to love her! Kristi...
Emily Herron - Airport Manager, 3rd generation cub owner and pilot
December 29, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 77 MBOn today's show I interviewed Emily Herron. She is a fantastic guest and we talked about a lot of different topics to include: How she got into her current role as an airport manager The Piper Cub that her family has owned for the past 72 years The heritage flight she did with her Dad to visit all the places the Cub has been based How there are a ton of cool things about aviation but ultimately it is the people who make it so amazing Discussion on how to restore the fabric on ...
Joe Schoolcraft - Beaver pilot for the USFS
December 22, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 71.3 MBJoe Schoolcraft joins me on the show today and we discussed a lot of great topics to include: Starting his career as a glider pilot Getting his first aviation job offer before graduating high school How he got into seaplane flying and became a seaplane pilot How some of the only multi time he has is in a B-25 Mitchell What it was like flying in the Bahamas and Antigua How he ended up working for the USFS And all about his current roll as a pilot for the USFS He is an amazin...
Will Dyche - Chinook pilot, kit fox builder, and entrepreneur
December 15, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBWill Dyche joins me on the show today to discuss flying and his time in Afghanistan working with Columbia Helicopters. We covered a bunch of fun topics including: Will's background and how he ended up in Afghanistan flying for Columbia Helicopters His inspiration for working at Columbia How he got into ag flying We discuss long line and some tips and tricks for flying the line The kit fox they will be building soon Leadership in aviation and some advice he would have given hi...
Dan Bolton - That Mallard Guy, seaplane pilot, and host of On The Step Podcast
December 08, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBDan Bolton joins me today to share his story and current role. We talked about: Dan’s background and how he got into flying turbine Grumman Mallards How his company developed an STC for the Grumman Mallards to convert them to turbines Gear down water landings Seaplane techniques and operating challenges Balancing a flying career and family How his social media and podcast came to be How his company is providing opportunities to go for a trip in these amazing aircraft If yo...
Ty Burlingham - Chief Pilot for Precision LLC
December 01, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBOn this weeks episode Ty Burlingham and I chat about a whole litany of topics which include: How he got into aviation The downfall of Silverstate Helicopters while he was working as a CFI for them What Precision LLC is currently doing Tips for getting a job with any company What Ty is looking for when hiring pilots Airplane ownership and some fun discussions of what you can do with them It was fantastic chatting with Ty and I know I am excited to go flying with him soon. Yo...
Rekha Lyons - Director of Marketing and Communications for Hillsboro Aviation and Private Pilot
November 24, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 59 MBOn this weeks episode Rekha Lyons and I chat about a whole litany of topics which include: How she got into aviation What it was like growing up around aviation Her passion for human stories and how she ties that into her marketing efforts Her experience getting her private pilot certificate and working through challenges doing that The NBAA Business Aviation top 40 under 40 award recipient Airways Science for kids and her role as a board member It was fantastic catching up w...
Phil Haupt - EASA flight instructor and program manager at Hillsboro Heli Academy
November 16, 2021 06:54 - 57 minutes - 52.6 MBPhil Haupt is the kind of person who will go the extra mile to make sure that everyone has a job and a place to work. I have always been impressed by his professionalism, drive, and passion for the people in our industry. Phil and I spent time on today’s episode talking about: How he got into aviation How he transitioned from Florida to Oregon The characteristics that made Hillsboro Aero Academy feel like home His transition into FW training The ground school program he manag...
Fallon Blattner - Chinook helicopter fire fighting pilot
November 11, 2021 10:00 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MBToday's episode features Fallon Blattner who works for Coulson Aviation as a heavy lift helicopter pilot flying the CH-46 Chinook. Fallon is a Veteran and flew Blackhawks in the Army. Fallon is on the board of directors for Whirly Girls and active helping both women and veterans. I hope you enjoy the episode. As discussed in the episode here are the links for the Whirly Girls instagram and website: @whirly_girls_intl Whirlygirls.org If you enjoy the show and would like to su...
Brett Kubat - United States Air Force pilot transitioned to major airline pilot
November 10, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 59.8 MBHappy Veteran’s Day! Thank you to all of our Veteran’s and their families who have sacrificed so much for us and our country. This week we have a special week for Veteran’s day with two episodes, today will be airplane focused and tomorrow will be helicopter focused. Both guests are amazing veterans who flew in the armed services. Brett Kubat flew KC-10s in the United States Air Force, was deployed 7 times to the Middle East. Brett shares incredible advice for anyone who is...
Forrest Krupin- Helicopter Ag Pilot who sold his business to finance flight training
November 03, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MBForrest wanted to operate machinery since he was young. While working in a spider excavator on a ski lift he fell in love with the idea of flying helicopters as a blackhawk was setting poles. He immediately went to an airport and found someone with an R22 and started asking questions to get started. After quickly running out of money Forrest was stuck and needed a new plan. Eventually starting his own company with a logging truck he was still toying with the idea of how to beg...
Christine Brown - Heavy lift helicopter pilot for Columbia Helicopters
October 27, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 63.8 MBChristine is an incredible pilot and amazing long line pilot. From flight school to flying charters, tours, and camera work in New York Christine tells us all about how she worked her way through the industry to her current role as a heavy lift helicopter command pilot working to do aerial firefighting. She is a ton of fun to chat with and has lots of great stories and advice for anyone in the industry. I am sure you will enjoy hearing her story as much as I did! If you enjoy ...
Halsey Schider - The Helicopter Podcast host and CEO/Owner of Sellacopter
October 20, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 63.5 MBHalsey and I worked together at Hillsboro Aviation in multiple roles. It was great catching up with Halsey and hearing about how he has progressed through the industry and to his current role as the host of The Helicopter Podcast and the owner and CEO of Sellacopter. Learning about the helicopter market and the impact Covid has played on it was fascinating and one of my favorite parts. If you haven’t checked out his show yet go give them a listen. They are doing some exciting ...
Steve Dery - Commercial helicopter student and cabin crew member in Afghanistan
October 13, 2021 09:00 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MBSteve is about as hardworking of an individual as they come. I worked with Steve in Afghanistan and was instantly impressed with his drive, positive attitude, and zest for life. I am so proud and lucky to call Steve a friend and I couldn’t think of a better person to help me kick off this new podcast. In this episode you will hear all about Steve’s deployment and eventual entry into the aviation industry. While working on his pilot certificates Steve was offered an opportunity...
Trailer
October 05, 2021 17:43 - 1 minute - 1.01 MBIntroduction to Aloft with Dan a new podcast dedicated to rad people doing rad things in aviation!