The Cross-Check

In the world of aviation, much attention is paid to the mechanics of flying and the thrill of takeoff, but few recognize the vital, often unseen work that occurs during crises. In this episode of The Cross Check, host Rob Hoffman and guest Sarah Kiehl, founder of SK Executive Transport Solutions, delve into the critical intersection of aviation and crisis response. Sarah's expertise in medical evacuations and accident-related responses sheds light on the compassionate and strategic actions required when tragedy strikes. Key Topics Covered: Sarah's transition from business aviation to crisis response, driven by personal tragedy The significance of the COM framework: Confirm and Clarify, Assemble and Assess, Lead and Liaise, Move and Memorialize First 24 hours after an incident: assessment, family notification, and logistics The emotional complexity of working with survivors versus decedents Building trust and maintaining privacy and dignity during sensitive operations Coordination of medical evacuations and repatriations: aircraft selection, partnerships, and regulations The importance of mental health support for responders Challenges and opportunities for industry preparedness and compliance SK Executive Transport Solutions website: https://www.skexecutivetransportationsolutions.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to aviation crisis response and Sarah's background00:35 - How personal tragedy influenced Sarah's career path01:50 - Transition from owner services to crisis and medical response03:13 - The unspoken human element in aviation accidents04:44 - Inside the family assistance process and emotional challenges05:36 - Using the COM framework for crisis management07:37 - The difficult process of disengaging from families after reunification08:22 - The first 24 hours: procedures and initial actions09:27 - Notification responsibilities and emotional stamina10:02 - Building trust and maintaining privacy with affected families12:12 - Common misconceptions about accident response workload13:09 - The importance of integrity and confidentiality14:29 - Trust-building through information and transparency15:02 - Logistical considerations for medical and repatriation flights16:20 - Aircraft selection criteria and broker relationships17:19 - The motivation behind Sarah’s entrepreneurial journey18:36 - The similarities between medical transport and crisis response operations19:02 - Mentors and support systems in Sarah's career20:27 - The impact of community and industry support21:12 - Future outlook on accident response preparedness23:04 - Practical tips for operators to get prepared in advance23:41 - Connecting with Sarah and resourcesResources & Links: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eliane Cotran knows a thing or two about climbing the business aviation ladder and has made it her mission to be an inspiration for women to follow her path. As a prominent figure in the aviation industry. Eliane shares her inspiring journey from engineering to becoming the Vice President of Commercial at Azora. She discusses the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, the importance of mentorship, and her advocacy for empowering women in aviation. Eliane also provides insights into the growth of Azora, the current state of the aviation industry, and her future aspirations. The conversation emphasizes the significance of networking and building relationships within the industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Eliane Kotran 00:38 Eliane's Journey in Aviation 06:08 Empowering Women in Aviation 08:46 Challenges and Opportunities in the Industry 11:17 Mentorship and Leadership 13:06 Insights into Azora and Aircraft Leasing 16:30 Current Role and Future Aspirations 19:48 Industry Outlook and Economic Trends 24:46 Opportunities in Business Aviation 26:45 Networking and Building Relationships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Company culture is built on teamwork and determination and maybe that's why college sports hall of famer, Jack Lambert, founder of Flyhouse gets it better than most. Jack joins hosts Rob Hoffman and Ian Lumpp on The Cross-Check to share his journey into aviation, the innovative approach Flyhouse takes in redefining luxury and service in the jet brokerage industry, and the importance of partnerships and mentorship in building a successful business. Jack shares insights on creating a frictionless experience for customers, the significance of company culture, and the future aspirations of Flyhouse as they expand globally. The conversation emphasizes the need for genuine relationships and giving back to the community, showcasing Jack's commitment to mentorship and creating opportunities for the next generation of aviation leaders. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:40 Jack Lambert's Journey into Aviation 04:34 The Genesis of Flyhouse 07:34 Creating a Frictionless Aviation Experience 13:52 Partnerships and Ownership in Aviation 16:21 Building a Strong Team and Culture at Flyhouse 21:47 Recent Wins: Partnerships with College Game Day and L.I.V. Golf 23:31 Building Strategic Partnerships in Aviation 32:15 The Importance of Mentorship and Giving Back 39:51 Advice for New Professionals in Aviation 42:04 Future Aspirations and Global Expansion of Flyhouse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how Miguel Gallardo's passion for aviation, resilience, and innovative mindset have propelled his career from humble beginnings on the ramp to leading a fintech revolution in business aviation. As Director of Business Development at V1 Business Aviation Fintech, Miguel gives us an in-depth look at their innovative solutions for aviation finance along with the future of UAVs and technological advancements in business aviation. This episode also explores his powerful personal story, industry insights, and the transformative power of perseverance that are documented in his memoir, Flight of Resilience, Turbulence, and Triumphs. To find out more about V1, visit them at www.v1fintech.com Chapters 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview02:12 - Miguel’s childhood fascination with planes and Jersey City airports03:46 - How a Craigslist ad led to Miguel’s first aviation role at Air Station Aviation04:40 - Climbing the industry ladder through networking and hands-on experience05:58 - Working with startups and understanding the aviation ecosystem08:19 - Managing challenges during COVID and starting MAG Aviation Group09:46 - Personal resilience and lessons from overcoming adversity10:58 - Transitioning to Satcom Direct and the importance of industry relationships13:08 - Mentors and key figures who influenced Miguel’s journey15:19 - The motivation behind writing his memoir and personal reflections on adversity17:54 - How setbacks like COVID shaped industry perspectives18:26 - The evolution of business aviation technology and future trends24:21 - The power of mentorship and industry connections25:16 - Introducing V1 Fintech and its revolutionary approach to aviation finance27:00 - V1’s features: multiple credit accounts, tracking, and liquidity solutions28:54 - The industry impact of V1’s cost-saving and efficiency improvements33:00 - The next big leaps: UAVs, AI, and industry innovation36:30 - How to connect with Miguel and learn more about V1 Fintech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Airline pilot and author J.J. Madison has seen it all and has been taking plenty of notes along the way. J. J. shares insightful and amusing insights in his new book 'Yikes! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did Yet Live to Tell About Them,' which analyzes NASA ASRS reports to highlight common cognitive errors and overconfidence in aviation. He also discusses the Victor Kilo Fund, which provides scholarships for aspiring pilots, emphasizing the need for financial support in aviation education. To order a copy of 'Yikes! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did Yet Live to Tell About Them' visit www.www.yikesthebook.com. Or to find out more about the Victor Kilo Fund, visit www.victorkilofund.org Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Aviation and Mentorship 03:02 The Journey to Becoming a Pilot 06:06 Learning from Mistakes in Aviation 09:05 The Role of Mentorship in Aviation Training 12:03 Analyzing NASA Reports for Safety Insights 14:47 The Genesis of the Book 'Yikes!' 17:54 Common Cognitive Errors in Aviation 21:07 Overconfidence and Its Consequences 24:03 The Importance of Declaring Emergencies 27:09 The Victor Kilo Fund and Giving Back 29:59 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Pilots Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes you have to be your own mentor. Conventional wisdom doesn't always apply and following your heart can sometimes lead to great things. Halsey Schider, helicopter pilot, podcast host and founder of the aviation marketplace, Sellacopter shares his journey from zero to hero to zero again. And why his decision to walk away from it all, was the best move he ever made. Halsey's journey into aviation is both inspirational and enlightening, from his transition to becoming a professional pilot, and subsequent pivot into his entrepreneurial ventures in the aviation industry. He delves into his experiences in air medical services, the differences in selling helicopters versus jets, and the intricacies of the aircraft sales process. Halsey also highlights the importance of client relationships, the impact of his podcast, and his aspirations for the future of the rotorcraft market. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:50 Halsey's Aviation Journey: From Childhood Dreams to Professional Pilot 05:32 Transitioning to Helicopters: The Shift from Fixed Wing to Rotary Wing 08:19 Entrepreneurial Ventures: Starting a Helicopter Tour Business 11:16 Air Medical Experience: The Reality of Helicopter Emergency Services 13:47 Misconceptions in Aviation: Fixed Wing vs. Rotor Wing Perspectives 16:42 The Sales Side: Differences Between Selling Helicopters and Jets 19:27 Navigating Aircraft Transactions: The Broker's Perspective 24:10 Client Relationships: Trust and Respect in Aircraft Brokerage 26:14 Client Acquisition in Aviation 27:26 The Birth of the Helicopter Podcast 32:59 Future of the Helicopter Market 36:25 Favorite Aircraft and Experiences 38:00 Memorable Moments in Aviation 40:05 Personal and Professional Aspirations 43:03 Giving Back to the Community Follow Halsey Schider on The Helicopter Podcast: https://verticalhelicasts.com/the-helicopter-podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Reverdiau, co-founder of Pilot Institute shares his journey from a young aviation enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur in aviation education. The conversation explores Greg's innovative approach to making aviation training more accessible and engaging through online platforms and technology, including virtual reality. He discusses the impact of drone technology on various industries including business aviation, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving regulatory landscape. Greg also shares inspiring success stories from his students and highlights the role of YouTube in educating future pilots and drone operators. To find out more about Greg Reverdiau or the Pilot Institute visit: https://pilotinstitute.com/ Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins: Greg's Early Love for Aviation 03:05 From Flight Instructor to Entrepreneur: The Birth of Pilot Institute 05:53 Innovative Training: Making Aviation Education Accessible 09:09 Success Stories: Transforming Lives Through Aviation 11:57 Drones in Focus: The Expanding Role of Drone Technology 15:07 The Future of Drones: Applications and Opportunities 18:01 Regulatory Landscape: Navigating Drone Regulations 20:56 YouTube Journey: Educating Through Digital Platforms 23:51 Inspiring Future Aviators: The Importance of Mentorship 26:59 The Intersection of Manned and Unmanned Aviation 29:55 Final Thoughts: The Future of Aviation and Drones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business aviation is experiencing workforce turbulence. And our guests Jenny Showalter and Carrie Wicht join The Cross-Check to help navigate the way as they delve into the challenges and opportunities within the industry, particularly focusing on career transitions, the importance of networking, and the emotional aspects of job loss. They share personal stories and insights on how mentorship and a strong professional network can aid in navigating these changes, as well as discussing the current state and future of the aviation industry. Chapters: 00:00 Navigating Career Changes in Aviation 10:04 The Importance of Networking 19:53 Overcoming Job Loss and Emotional Resilience 29:48 Future of Business Aviation: Challenges and Opportunities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there a disconnect between your flight department, payroll and tax reporting? Sometimes it takes a unicorn like Ryan DeMoor to create system to tie it all together. Ryan shares his journey from being a commercial pilot to transitioning into the aviation tax and finance sector. He discusses the impact of 9/11 on his career, the importance of bridging the gap between finance and aviation, and the innovative solutions being developed at MySky to address tax compliance in at Part 91 and 135 operations. Ryan emphasizes the need for effective communication within flight departments and the importance of engaging the next generation in aviation tax roles. He also outlines future directions for MySky and the ongoing challenges in the aviation tax landscape. Chapters: 00:00 From Pilot to Professional: The Journey Begins 02:14 Navigating Career Changes: The Impact of 9/11 04:11 Bridging Two Worlds: Aviation and Finance 06:24 The Evolution of MySky: From Auditing to Software 08:34 Tax Compliance Challenges in Aviation 10:42 Misconceptions in Aviation Taxation 13:06 The Role of MySky in Flight Classification 15:15 Leadership in Aviation Tax: A Unique Perspective 17:42 Engaging Young Professionals in Aviation Tax 19:53 Future Directions for MySky and Aviation Tax 22:26 Closing Thoughts and Connections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Peebles shares his journey as an entrepreneur in aviation maintenance, discussing the challenges and growth of his business, JP Aeronautics. He reflects on the lessons learned from past failures, the importance of strategic hiring, and the role of mentorship in leadership development. Joe also highlights his commitment to supporting veterans through his nonprofit, Higher Vets, which aims to assist veterans in transitioning to civilian life. The discussion covers the creation of a supportive community for veterans and the launch of the NBAA Military Connect initiative to facilitate networking and job opportunities. To find out more about Higher Vets or JP Aero, visit: www.highervets.org www.jpaerotechnics.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:59 Business Growth and Challenges 08:33 Lessons Learned in Entrepreneurship 13:40 The Importance of Passion in Work 19:09 Higher Vets: Supporting Veterans' Transitions 26:40 The Struggles of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 27:05 Overcoming Challenges in the Military 29:03 Building a Supportive Community for Veterans 30:23 Partnering for Success: Military Connect Initiative 32:07 Navigating Civilian Careers: Opportunities for Veterans 34:33 The Importance of Support Systems 36:39 Introduction to Joe Peebles and His Journey 36:58 The Impact of Hire Vets and Community Support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices