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Aero Exploration

Aero Exploration

Flying Midwest Media 91 episodes Sep 21, 2026

AeroExploration explores aviation’s history and the people shaping the industry today. Host Jim Schilling shares stories of historic flights, modern aviation careers, and the passion that keeps enthusiasts looking to the skies. The show blends aviation nostalgia with conversations about where the field is heading. It is for listeners interested in flight, career paths, and the enduring appeal of aviation.

Episodes

Episode 87: Testing Air Cargo Containers With Fire | Inside IATA
Episode 87: Testing Air Cargo Containers With Fire | Inside IATA Sep 21, 2026 40:06 What happens when something catches fire inside an aircraft's cargo compartment?And how do you know that the equipment designed to contain that fire will actually work?In Episode 87 of the Flying Midwest Podcast, Jim continues his conversation with Tom Brodowski, this time exploring his work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the complex world of air cargo safety.We ta
Episode 86 - The Hidden Logistics Network Behind Every Airlin
Episode 86 - The Hidden Logistics Network Behind Every Airlin Aug 31, 2026 50:48 You see the airplane. You check your bag. You board your flight. But have you ever wondered about the massive logistics operation happening behind the scenes?Every day, major airlines move thousands of pieces of baggage and enormous amounts of cargo through a global network of airports, aircraft, people, and technology. Keeping all of that moving takes a tremendous amount of coordination—and when
Episode 85: From Fear of Flying to a Top Aviation Creator - With Sarah Daniels
Episode 85: From Fear of Flying to a Top Aviation Creator - With Sarah Daniels Aug 13, 2026 38:16 If you follow aviation on social media, chances are you've seen Sarah Daniels — better known by her channels and social media as Sarahnautics.But Sarah's journey into aviation is anything but ordinary.Before becoming a pilot and one of aviation's most recognizable content creators, Sarah was an actress, performer, and even a Disney Princess. And perhaps most surprisingly, she was once
Episode 84 - How Aviation Changed His Life: A Sun Country Captain's Story
Episode 84 - How Aviation Changed His Life: A Sun Country Captain's Story Aug 5, 2026 48:30 Every pilot has a story, but few are as remarkable as Mark's.Before becoming a respected captain at Sun Country Airlines, Marc was a young man searching for direction. That path led him to the U.S. Navy, where he served on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War—an experience that instilled the discipline and work ethic that would shape the rest of his life.After leaving
Episode 83 - Your Ultimate Guide to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
Episode 83 - Your Ultimate Guide to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Jul 16, 2026 29:53 Whether you're flying into Oshkosh, driving through the gates for the first time, or simply wondering what all the excitement is about, this episode is your complete guide to EAA AirVenture.We're covering everything a first-time visitor needs to know—from planning your trip and navigating the massive grounds to finding the best exhibits, forums, daily airshows, the legendary Night Airshow,
Episode 82 - From Aerospace Engineer to Ground School Pioneer: The Unexpected CEO of Part-Time Pilot
Episode 82 - From Aerospace Engineer to Ground School Pioneer: The Unexpected CEO of Part-Time Pilot Jul 9, 2026 52:26 What if you could dramatically cut your flight training costs and accelerate your progress simply by understanding how to study smarter? Nick Smith, a former aerospace engineer turned flight training coach, reveals the insider secrets that helped him finally conquer the challenging private pilot course—despite years of costly setbacks. His story isn’t just about flying; it’s a blueprint for overco
Episode 81 - PlaneWX: Better Weather Decisions, Safer Flights
Episode 81 - PlaneWX: Better Weather Decisions, Safer Flights Jul 1, 2026 01:04:05 After a bit of a break, AeroExploration is back—and we've got an incredible lineup of episodes coming your way!To kick things off, I'm joined by Mark Wolfgang, founder of PlaneWX, for a fascinating conversation about aviation, technology, and weather.Mark shares his unique journey from a successful career in technology and cybersecurity to becoming an avid pilot. After earning his ratings
Episode 80 - Flight Sim Kid Becomes Air Traffic Controller | W/ @PropHatCat ​
Episode 80 - Flight Sim Kid Becomes Air Traffic Controller | W/ @PropHatCat ​ Apr 12, 2026 01:15:34 What if the voice you hear at 35,000 feet started with a kid behind a computer screen playing flight simulator?This week on AeroExploration, we sit down with @PropHatCat—an air traffic controller and viral aviation creator who’s pulling back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood roles in aviation.From running “imaginary traffic” in 8th grade on flight sim to working real aircraft at a Cente
Episode 79 - We're All WRONG about the FAA: Inside the FSDO with Nick Matlock
Episode 79 - We're All WRONG about the FAA: Inside the FSDO with Nick Matlock Mar 25, 2026 01:08:08 What really happens behind the scenes at the FAA?In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, we sit down with FAA Inspector Nick Matlock (@incommand0) to break down one of aviation’s most misunderstood roles. From his journey as a pilot to his transition into the FAA, Nick shares what it’s actually like working inside a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).We dive into the stigma surroundin
Episode 78 - Saving Airports from SNOWMAGEDDON: Airport Snow Operations
Episode 78 - Saving Airports from SNOWMAGEDDON: Airport Snow Operations Mar 17, 2026 21:33 How do airports stay open during massive snowstorms?When a blizzard hits, pilots aren’t the only ones fighting the weather. Behind the scenes, an entire operation is working nonstop to keep runways open, aircraft moving, and passengers safe.In this episode of AeroExploration, we take you inside the world of airport winter operations—from the high-stakes decisions inside the Snow Desk to the incred
Episode 77 - What It Takes to Livestream MSP Airport: With Alex Redding
Episode 77 - What It Takes to Livestream MSP Airport: With Alex Redding Mar 12, 2026 57:23 What does it take to livestream one of America’s busiest airports?In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, we sit down with Alex Redding, the creator behind MSP Airport LIVE, the popular plane-spotting livestream focused on Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).Alex grew up just minutes from the airport, where a lfascination with airplanes eventually collided with a career in v
Episode 76 - Beyond the Airlines: Careers in Aircraft Management
Episode 76 - Beyond the Airlines: Careers in Aircraft Management Mar 4, 2026 56:34 Episode 76 – Finding an Aviation Career Through Aircraft ManagementNot every aviation career follows the traditional airline pipeline.In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, Jim sits down with Ellen, a CFI, CFII, and Part 135 commercial pilot working in the specialized world of aircraft management.Aircraft management companies help non-pilot aircraft owners handle the many responsibilities

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