The Aviation Bug

Raised in an aviation family, Captain Brett Tillman has spent a lifetime immersed in the world of flying. He began his career as a flight instructor before moving on to the regional airlines. In the late 1990s, he was hired by a major U.S. airline, beginning a career that would eventually place him in some of the most influential leadership positions in commercial aviation. Over the years, Brett has served as a major airline captain, simulator instructor, line check pilot, and Chief Pilot. While many pilots spend their careers mastering the art of flying airplanes, Brett has also spent years helping lead and manage thousands of aviation professionals. What kinds of challenges land on a Chief Pilot’s desk? How do airline leaders help pilots and their families through personal tragedies and career challenges? And what are the most common mistakes simulator instructors continue to see from experienced airline pilots? In this episode, Brett provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at airline training, leadership, mentorship, and the day-to-day responsibilities of managing a large pilot group. This conversation offers a unique perspective on what happens behind the cockpit door—and behind the scenes of a major airline.

Drew Irmischer did what most pilots on the planet won’t get a chance to do and that’s fly the B2 stealth bomber. Prior to that he flew the B1 B bomber He was one of the first to drop weapons on the mountains of Afghanistan, post 9/11 terror attack in America. This is an insight into a B2‘s lifestyle as well as the intricacies of the B2. How does a guy who received an engineering degree end up in the Air Force flying B2‘s? Climb into the cockpit and hear some of the scariest times about being an American bomber pilot in the 21st-century. After hanging up his military cleats, he entered the US airlines to fly one of the most advanced airliners in production the airbus 350. #b2Bomber #usa #america #airforce #usa #pilot #aviationstories

What does it take to lead one of America’s largest private companies while maintaining a lifelong passion for aviation? Jimmy Hayes has spent much of his life answering that question.A graduate of the University of Georgia with a background in business and finance, Jimmy rose through the corporate world to become CEO of Cox Enterprises, one of the nation’s most recognized private companies.Although poor eyesight prevented him from pursuing a military aviation career, his love for flying never faded. He began flying at age 15 and, despite taking nearly a 20-year break during the height of his corporate career, eventually returned to the cockpit.Over the years, Jimmy has accumulated approximately 7,500 flight hours, flown in 47 countries, operated more than 50 different types of aircraft, and owned dozens of airplanes.In this episode, Jimmy discusses how the skills required to run a major corporation compare with those needed to fly an airplane. Where do leadership, preparation, risk management, and decision-making overlap? And where are they completely different?This conversation is more than a story about business or aviation. It’s a look at the mindset required to succeed at the highest levels of both.

What is it really like to fly the world’s most dominant air superiority fighter?Patrick “ManBear” Williams is one of the few pilots who can answer that question from firsthand experience.Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Patrick’s aviation journey began in a taildragger aircraft. That early passion for flying never left him, and he still owns and flies a taildragger today.His career eventually led him into the U.S. Air Force, where he flew the F-15E Strike Eagle before transitioning to the legendary F-22 Raptor. Over more than a decade flying the Raptor, Patrick became both an operational fighter pilot and an F-22 Instructor Pilot, helping train the next generation of aviators entrusted with flying America’s premier air superiority aircraft.Today, Patrick flies for a major airline, but his years in the Raptor provide a rare glimpse into one of the most capable and mysterious combat aircraft ever built.In this episode, ManBear separates fact from fiction surrounding the F-22. What can it really do? Which stories are exaggerated? And after decades of development and service, how much of the aircraft’s true capability remains classified?This conversation is more than a discussion about the F-22—it’s a firsthand look into the mindset, training, and experiences of the pilots who fly one of the most advanced fighters ever created. #f22 #usa #navy #military #aviation

Alex “Lovey” Howell is a former U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet pilot, Top Gun graduate, airline captain, entrepreneur, and lifelong aviator whose passion for flying began almost before he could walk. Growing up in France, Italy, Africa, and the United States, Alex developed a global perspective and learned multiple languages while being immersed in diverse cultures around the world. Aviation has been part of his life from the very beginning. His first flight took place in a small airplane while sitting beside his father in a child car seat, igniting a passion that would shape his future. By the time he joined the U.S. Navy, he had already accumulated more than 500 flight hours in a variety of aircraft. His talent and dedication propelled him quickly through military flight training, and he was flying the F/A-18 Hornet by the age of 21. Following a distinguished military aviation career, Alex transitioned to the airlines, where he has amassed more than 20,000 flight hours and earned multiple aircraft type ratings. Today, he serves as a Line Check Pilot on the Airbus A350 for a major international airline, mentoring and evaluating fellow pilots while operating some of the world’s most advanced aircraft. Beyond aviation, Alex is a successful entrepreneur who has founded and operated multiple businesses throughout his career. Combining military discipline, global experience, aviation expertise, and business leadership, he brings a unique perspective on high-performance environments, leadership, risk management, and pursuing excellence both in the cockpit and in business.

From crop dusters to corporate jets, charter adventures to the FAA, Warren Smith has experienced nearly every corner of the aviation industry. Growing up in Illinois, Warren’s first exposure to aviation came through agricultural flying. He eventually became an agricultural pilot and flight instructor, helping train future aviators—including The Aviation Bug host in 1985, making this conversation a reunion more than four decades in the making. After his agricultural flying days, Warren transitioned into charter aviation before moving into corporate aviation, flying sophisticated aircraft for high-profile clients and gaining a firsthand look at a world few people ever get to experience.From flying billionaires around the globe and spending time aboard private yachts to the unexpected situations and humorous stories that come with charter flying, Warren has accumulated a lifetime of experiences that showcase aviation from a unique perspective. He later spent time with the airlines before realizing that path wasn’t the right fit. His career ultimately led him to the FAA, where he focused heavily on aviation safety and helping improve standards throughout the industry. This conversation is more than a look at one pilot’s career—it’s a journey through the many paths aviation can offer and the adventures that come with them. Ig: @Capt Mike350 Ig: @TheAviationBug