The Flight Club Podcast

Michael Graham is the Vice Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, the independent federal agency responsible for investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States. Before joining the NTSB, he flew F-18 Hornets in the Navy, including combat deployments in the Gulf War, and later served as Director of Safety at a major aviation operation before being appointed to the board. In this episode, Michael and Jason cover the DCA crash and why tons of data was being ignored long before it happened. They discuss the Kobe Bryant investigation and the real pattern the NTSB keeps seeing in the VFR helicopter community. They talk about what it actually means to have a living SMS versus one that sits on a shelf. And they get into the uncomfortable truth about charter broker regulation, or the complete lack of it. Michael also shares what it was like to land an F-18 on a carrier at night in near-zero visibility, why he left the Navy at the peak of his career to be present for his sons, and the one thing he always told himself before every carrier launch, and what it means for every aviator flying today. If you fly private, work in aviation, or care about safety culture, this is essential listening.

Most people think flying private is all about luxury. The reality is far more complex. In this special Flight Club episode, Jason Middleton revisits some of the most fascinating conversations from the show, revealing the stories, decisions, and high-stakes moments that define private aviation behind the scenes. From safety concerns in the charter industry to flying the President of the United States, you'll hear firsthand insights from pilots, operators, and aviation professionals who have experienced the extraordinary side of flight. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about what happens beyond the cabin door, this episode offers a rare look inside one of the world's most misunderstood industries.

Jason Middleton is a current G550 captain, CEO of Silver Air Private Jets, and host of the Flight Club Podcast. In this conversation he shares what the private aviation industry rarely talks about publicly - unqualified brokers, hidden safety risks, the real cost of aircraft ownership, and what it takes to operate at the highest level of safety in the world. He breaks down the difference between operators and brokers, explains the Safety Management System that only 5% of brokers have, and walks through real stories from the field: a broker demanding an illegal VFR flight at 4AM, a client evacuated from a Dubai bomb shelter during active missile strikes, and the United 1175 pilot who saved 380 lives after an engine exploded over the Pacific. Jason also talks about why he started this podcast, his philosophy on luxury hospitality, how he thinks about aircraft ownership as a financial and lifestyle decision, and why he believes great service starts with how you treat your team, not your clients. If you fly private, are considering it, or are simply fascinated by aviation and the people who live inside it - this one's for you.

What if technology could cut your turbulence encounters in half before you even take off? In this episode of Flight Club, host Jason Middleton sits down with Maya Shpak, CEO of SkyPath, the crowdsourced turbulence intelligence platform transforming aviation safety for millions of passengers every day. Maya breaks down how SkyPath leverages iPad accelerometers and machine learning to deliver real-time, hyper-granular turbulence data across 40,000 flights per day, achieving a 50% reduction in moderate turbulence encounters across its entire user ecosystem. The conversation goes beyond the technology, exploring why "smooth air" data is just as critical as turbulence alerts, how knowing where the air is calm empowers pilots to make smarter routing decisions, and the honest debate around autonomous aviation and where AI may eventually surpass human decision-making in emergencies. Maya also opens up about her journey from second employee to CEO, her helicopter background as both an outsider advantage and an asset, and her leadership philosophy built on direct communication, owning mistakes, and creating a culture where people feel safe to challenge the status quo. Equal parts insightful, honest, and genuinely fun, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Captain Christopher Behnam saved 381 lives on United Flight 1175 when his Boeing 777 suffered catastrophic engine failure over the Pacific - an incident so severe simulators couldn't replicate it without breaking. From arriving in the U.S. with $200 in his pocket to becoming United's youngest 747 captain at 28, Christopher's story is one of resilience, precision, and the immigrant dream. In this conversation, he walks us through every second of that harrowing 40-minute descent into Honolulu, hand-flying with no autopilot, full asymmetric thrust, and a stall at 242 knots in IMC. He shares the five miracles that allowed him to land safely, the one decision that saved everyone on board: "Today's not the day we're going to die”. And how his father's 18 years of torture in an Iranian prison gave him the strength to refuse to give up. Christopher is now building Flying Lion Aviation Group to train the next generation of aviators with retired airline captains, Top Gun instructors, and Blue Angels, proving once again that impossible is nothing.

In this episode of Flight Club, host Jason sits down with Kenny Dichter - co-founder of Marquee Jet and Wheels Up - for an unfiltered look at what it truly takes to build a billion-dollar private aviation brand, not once, but twice. Kenny shares the story behind Marquee Jet's origin, including eight relentless pitches to NetJets founder Richard Santulli and Warren Buffett, and the Coca-Cola analogy that finally closed the deal, all the way through scaling Wheels Up to $1.585 billion in recognized sales in 2022. Now building Real Jet, a bespoke, lifestyle-driven aviation brand, Kenny unpacks the philosophy at its core, rooted in Dr. Maya Angelou's principle that it's not what you say or do, but how you make people feel. The conversation goes beyond business strategy, diving into safety culture and the fiduciary responsibility operators carry when clients trust them with their families at 35,000 feet, how culture consistently outperforms strategy in building fierce employee loyalty, and navigating real-world chaos in private aviation. This is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, brand-building, and the human side of an industry that moves the world's most discerning travelers.

When Stephanie Goetz’s very first flying lesson was broadcast live on NBC, it set her life on an entirely new course. After more than a decade as a news anchor for ABC, CBS, and NBC affiliates, a story assignment with an 80-year-old flight instructor landed her in the left seat of a Piper Archer, and she was instantly hooked. Today, Stephanie is a professional pilot, executive coach, and steward of The Pink Jet, a bright pink L-39 Albatross flown nationwide to raise breast cancer awareness. In this episode, she shares her journey from the newsroom to the cockpit, flying high-performance jets like the L-39 and Global 6000, navigating loss and resilience, advocating for diversity in aviation, and explaining why business aviation, safety training, and saying yes to opportunity have defined her career.

What happens when an NFL tight end takes to the skies? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with professional football player Pharaoh Brown, who's trading touchdowns for takeoffs as he pursues his passion for aviation. From surviving a dramatic bird strike during instrument training to his first solo flight in challenging winds, Pharaoh shares the raw, unfiltered journey of becoming a pilot while playing at the highest level of professional sports. Discover how the discipline of NFL training translates directly into the cockpit, why Pharaoh believes "the sky isn't the limit anymore," and his ambitious vision to launch a Players in Aviation Association, connecting professional athletes with careers in aviation through mentorship and education. This conversation explores the parallels between high-pressure sports and flying, the importance of humility in the cockpit, and how one athlete is using his platform to open doors for the next generation, proving that even at the top of your game, there's always room to grow, learn, and chase new dreams

Marine One pilot John “Rico” Ballinger spent over 20 years as a Marine aviator, deploying into combat zones, and leading elite Marine aviation teams, yet the hardest transition of his life came after he left the military. In this powerful episode, John shares his journey from the cockpit to civilian life, the grief of losing his daughter, the near collapse of his marriage, and how he rebuilt his identity from the ground up. Now a private jet broker and co-host of the Second Act podcast, he opens up about resilience, purpose, and why the relationships you invest in today determine your future. This is a story about falling, starting over, and finding meaning in your second act.

Behind the glamour of private jets lies a world of pressure, precision, and extraordinary service. Flightess founder Jamie Gibson, one of the leading voices in corporate aviation, shares what it really takes to be a corporate flight attendant. From safety training that saves lives to the emotional and logistical demands of high-net-worth travel, Jamie breaks down the unseen work, the culture of “shared suffering,” and the expertise required to deliver luxury at 40,000 feet. Tune in to learn how corporate crews operate, what separates private aviation from the airlines, and why true hospitality is always an act of service under pressure.

Take flight with industry leader Josh Allen in this episode of The Flight Club Podcast. From running large-scale aircraft operations to founding Charter Flight Support, Josh reveals the grit, innovation, and human connections driving aviation’s high-stakes world. Discover the untold stories behind AOG emergencies, ethical challenges, and the future of flight powered by AI and purpose, not profit.

Welcome to the Flight Club Podcast! Join us for an electrifying episode with Keenan Wyrobek from Zipline as we explore how autonomous drones are revolutionizing aviation. Discover Zipline’s 100 million miles flown with zero injuries, life-saving medical deliveries in Rwanda, and their vision to end pilot error. Uncover jaw-dropping insights on navigating extreme weather and reducing environmental impact with quiet, efficient flights. Ready to soar into the future of flight? Listen now and subscribe for more thrilling aviation stories!

Welcome to Flight Club Podcast! In this captivating episode, our host joins forces with aviation legend Ben to uncover the astonishing journey of aviation—from daring jungle landings to thefuturistic realm of air taxis and pilotless planes. What You'll Uncover: -The dramatic shift in aviation over 20 years, from high-stakes cash deals to cutting-edge tech innovations -The truth about pilotless aircraft: Will they dominate the skies of tomorrow? -Air taxis unveiled: Could they be the ultimate solution to end traffic woes for good? -Ben's gripping tales of navigating Brazilian jungles and remote airstrips to deliver aircraft -Insights from seasoned pilots like Ben on the rise of autonomous flight technology Embark on a thrilling ride as we connect aviation's bold history with its game-changing future. From Ben's heart-pounding landings in Palmas to the dawn of urban air mobility, this episode embodies the enduring passion of flight and the boundless horizons ahead. Whether you're a die-hard aviation buff or intrigued by the idea of flying cars, Ben's stories will reshape your vision of flight's future. Eager to dive into the next era of aviation? Hit subscribe and share this episode with anyone dreaming of the skies and wondering, "What's next?" #Aviation #AirTaxis #PilotlessPlanes #FutureOfFlight #FlightClub #UrbanAirMobility

In this episode we sit down with Andrew Day, the Senior Vice President for WYVERN Ltd, the premier private aviation safety risk management organization! We go all in on the current state of safety in aviation, tackling topics like aviation safety in 2025 and how the number of reported accidents has gone down since 2024, Andrew’s role at WYVERN Ltd and his unrelenting commitment to keeping aviation the safest method of travel in the world. This is a long one, but it’s filled with so many gems every single aviation professional can appreciate! Let me know what you think! Learn more about the Flight Club Podcast here: https://www.flightclubpodcast.com/ Follow the Flight Club Instagram for clips and more info on future episodes: https://www.instagram.com/flightclubpod/ Watch the video version here: https://www.youtube.com/@FlightClubPodcast More on Andrew Day: Website: https://safetystanddown.com/en/andrew-day WYVERN Ltd: https://www.wyvernltd.com Leave us feedback or a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or platform of your choice! This is a Kilo Bravo Media production produced by Rainbow Creative with Kate Middleton, Jason Middleton, and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, Valerie Patterson as Video and Audio Editor and Jacob Richman as Social Media Manager. Learn more on how to make a podcast for you or your business by visiting them at KiloBravoMedia.com + RainbowCreative.co

In this episode we sit down with Dexter Holland, frontman of The Offspring to talk about his lifelong love of aviation! We get into how he balances touring with flying, what drew him to aviation in the first place, why he loves his Cessna Citation CJ1, and what it was like flying himself across the country during Offspring tours. We also talk about pilot discipline, the focus it takes to fly jets single pilot, and why learning in LA airspace made him a sharper aviator! You’re going to love this one! Learn more about the Flight Club Podcast here: https://www.flightclubpodcast.com/ Follow the Flight Club Instagram for clips and more info on future episodes: https://www.instagram.com/flightclubpod/ Watch the video version here: https://www.youtube.com/@FlightClubPodcast More on Dexter Holland: https://www.instagram.com/dexterhollandholdinghismic/?hl=en Leave us feedback or a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or platform of your choice! This is a Kilo Bravo Media production produced by Rainbow Creative with Kate Middleton, Jason Middleton, and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, Valerie Patterson as Video and Audio Editor and Jacob Richman as Social Media Manager. Learn more on how to make a podcast for you or your business by visiting them at KiloBravoMedia.com + RainbowCreative.co

In this episode, we sit down with a true legend in aviation’s history, Clay Lacy! We discuss Clay’s early life, how his passion for aviation began, amazing stories behind some of his most notable flights, his greatest films, and all the fun stories along the way! This was a massive honor for me because Clay Lacy is one of my biggest inspirations in aviation. Let me know what you think of the episode! Learn more about the Flight Club Podcast here: https://www.flightclubpodcast.com/ Follow the Flight Club Instagram for clips and more info on future episodes: https://www.instagram.com/flightclubpod/ Watch the video version here: https://www.youtube.com/@FlightClubPodcast More on Clay Lacy: https://www.claylacy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/claylacy/?hl=en Leave us feedback or a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or platform of your choice! This is a Kilo Bravo Media production produced by Rainbow Creative with Kate Middleton, Jason Middleton, and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, Valerie Patterson as Video and Audio Editor and Jacob Richman as Social Media Manager. Learn more on how to make a podcast for you or your business by visiting them at KiloBravoMedia.com + RainbowCreative.co

In this episode, we sit down with John Cox, CEO at Safety Operating Systems to talk about all things aircraft safety! Worried about the buzz surrounding aircraft accidents in 2025? People like John Cox have a massive role to play in why air travel has never been safer! We tackle everything you need to know about how aircrafts operate at such high safety levels, why accidents are so rare, emergency response planning, SMSs, growing airspace technology, the mental health and safety culture in aviation and much more! GoFundMe for Crafton Family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Casey-Crafton Learn more about the Flight Club Podcast here: https://www.flightclubpodcast.com/ Follow the Flight Club Instagram for clips and more info on future episodes: https://www.instagram.com/flightclubpod/ Watch the video version here: https://www.youtube.com/@FlightClubPodcast More on John Cox: https://www.safeopsys.com/about Leave us feedback or a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or platform of your choice! This is a Kilo Bravo Media production produced by Rainbow Creative with Kate Middleton, Jason Middleton, and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, Valerie Patterson as Video and Audio Editor and Jacob Richman as Social Media Manager. Learn more on how to make a podcast for you or your business by visiting them at KiloBravoMedia.com + RainbowCreative.co

In this episode, we sit down with Neil Casey, a successful film writer and actor who developed a passion for aviation and can’t get enough of it! We explore Neil’s life before aviation, including his work as a writer on SNL and his roles in various notable projects. Then we fast forward to 2014, when Neil moved to Los Angeles and decided to explore the world of aviation. We cover topics like why he started flying, the experience of buying his first airplane, flying solo, aviation adventures with his son, and even flying coast-to-coast—and much more! Learn more about the Flight Club Podcast here: https://www.flightclubpodcast.com/ Follow the Flight Club Instagram for clips and more info on future episodes: https://www.instagram.com/flightclubpod/ Watch the video version here: https://www.youtube.com/@FlightClubPodcast Leave us feedback or a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or platform of your choice! More on Kevin LaRosa II Website: https://www.k2larosa.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k2larosa/?hl=en This is a Kilo Bravo Media production produced by Rainbow Creative with Kate Middleton, Jason Middleton, and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, Valerie Patterson as Video and Audio Editor, Jacob Richman as Social Media Manager, and Adam Chabiniak as Marketing Director. Learn more on how to make a podcast for you or your business by visiting them at KiloBravoMedia.com + RainbowCreative.co

Ever wondered what it takes to become a stunt pilot or aerial coordinator in film and television? In this episode, host Jason Middleton sits down with Kevin LaRosa II, the aerial coordinator and stunt pilot behind Top Gun: Maverick! Kevin shares his journey, reflecting on his childhood and following in the footsteps of his father, also an aerial coordinator. He talks about stepping out of his dad’s shadow to carve his own path as a successful pilot, taking on various aviation jobs that eventually led him back to working in film and TV. Kevin offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Top Gun: Maverick and shares valuable advice for anyone looking to pursue a career in aviation. Learn more about the Flight Club Podcast here: https://www.flightclubpodcast.com/ Follow the Flight Club Instagram for clips and more info on future episodes: https://www.instagram.com/flightclubpod/ Watch the video version here: https://www.youtube.com/@FlightClubPodcast Leave us feedback or a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or platform of your choice! More on Kevin LaRosa II Website: https://www.k2larosa.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k2larosa/?hl=en This is a Kilo Bravo Media production produced by Rainbow Creative with Kate Middleton, Jason Middleton, and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, Valerie Patterson as Video and Audio Editor, Jacob Richman as Social Media Manager, and Adam Chabiniak as Marketing Director. Learn more on how to make a podcast for you or your business by visiting them at KiloBravoMedia.com + RainbowCreative.co

In this episode of the Flight Club Podcast, host Jason Middleton sits down with Shawn Dugan, a veteran aerial firefighter who pilots massive aircraft like the DC-10 and Boeing 737 in dangerous fire fighting missions. Shawn shares his inspiring story, tracing his path from a childhood fascination with firefighting pilots to becoming a leader in the field. The episode dives deep into the dangers of aerial firefighting, the importance of teamwork and communication, and how pilots manage the fine line between safety and effectiveness while battling wildfires. Shawn also discusses the international scope of his work, the role of humility and creativity in high-risk flying, and the profound sense of purpose that comes from protecting communities from devastating fires. Packed with engaging insights, this episode offers a unique look at the unsung heroes of aerial firefighting and the challenging, yet fulfilling, nature of their work. Learn more about the Flight Club Podcast https://www.flightclubpodcast.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/flightclubpod/ Connect with our guest Shawn Dugan instagram.com/shawnluisobispo 00:00 Introduction to Aerial Firefighting 00:30 Meet Shawn Dugan: Aerial Firefighter and Winemaker 01:49 The Dangers and Discipline of Aerial Firefighting 03:35 Managing Risk and Chaos in Aerial Firefighting 06:08 Shawn's Journey to Becoming an Aerial Firefighter 08:24 The Art and Passion of Aerial Firefighting 17:30 The Perfect Drop: Aerial Firefighting Techniques 22:19 Coordinating Aerial Firefighting Operations 25:30 Crew Resource Management and Checklists 26:02 Navigating Fire Zones and Helicopter Coordination 27:25 Ground Coordination and Firefighter Support 28:41 Military Influence and Pilot Training 35:05 International Firefighting Experiences 42:21 Balancing Urgency and Precision in Firefighting 45:10 Mentorship and Learning from Experience 52:53 Family and Personal Reflections 54:16 Conclusion and Gratitude This is a Kilo Bravo Media production produced by Rainbow Creative with Kate Middleton, Jason Middleton, and Matthew Jones as Executive Producers, Valerie Patterson as Video and Audio Editor, Evan Weidenkeller as Director of Photography, Malcolm Perry as Social Media Manager, and Adam Chabiniak as Marketing Director. Learn more on how to make a podcast for you or your business by visiting them at KiloBravoMedia.com + RainbowCreative.co