Flying Midwest Podcast

After a short hiatus, Flying Midwest is back — and for good reason.

In this episode, Jim sits down for a full, honest debrief of his CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) checkride. What was covered? What surprised him? What was harder than expected? And how did he actually perform when it mattered most?

We break down:

The oral exam structure and depth

FOI (Fundamentals of Instruction) preparation

Lesson plan opinions

Teaching demonstrations and scenario-based questioning

The flight portion of the CFI checkride

If you're preparing fo...

For more than a century, the Goodyear Blimp has been one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world—quietly floating over sporting events, cities, and historic moments in aviation history. But what’s it really like to fly an airship?

In this episode, we sit down with Jerry Hissem, Chief Pilot for the Goodyear Blimp, for a deep dive into the world of modern airships as Goodyear celebrates 100 years of blimp operations. Jerry shares what makes flying a blimp unlike any other form of aviation, how today’s airships differ from the classics of the past, and wh...

In this inspiring live interview from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, we sit down with two amazing guests from Wings of Hope, the Missouri-based humanitarian aviation nonprofit that’s been changing and saving lives through the power of flight since 1963.

Join us as we explore how Wings of Hope uses general aviation to make a powerful impact — from providing free medical air transportation for patients who need specialized care, to connecting remote communities with vital resources both in the U.S. and around the world.

We dig into:

✈️ Who Wings of Hope is — a global humanitari...

Information SANTA is current.

In this holiday edition of the Flying Midwest Podcast, we tune into The Holiday ATIS — where festive NOTAMs, Midwest aviation trivia, and New Year aviation goals all share the same frequency.

We talk about the lighter side of aviation during the holidays, including the real ForeFlight holiday Easter eggs pilots have spotted over the years, a Midwest-themed aviation trivia challenge, and how pilots can actually stick to their aviation resolutions instead of abandoning them by February.

From Santa’s sleigh wake turbulence to setting realistic flying goals for 2026, this epis...

This week, we’re fully immersed in CFI world. With both Jim and Badger neck-deep in studying, it couldn’t be a better time to bring you an interview that fits right where we are in our flight instructor journeys.

Recorded live at AirVenture, we sat down with Sarah and Bob from the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI). They walk us through who NAFI is, their long-standing role in the aviation community, and how their programs support instructors in becoming safer, more effective, and more professional educators. From their mission and history to modern initiatives designed to e...

Celebrate a major milestone with us — Episode 100 of the Flying Midwest Podcast.
In this special edition, we hand the mic to our listeners, friends, and past guests who share their favorite memories, funniest moments, and the stories that kept them coming back. We reflect on how far this little Midwest aviation show has come, the community that’s grown around it, and the adventures we’ve had along the way.

And to cap it all off? The world’s longest “See Ya.”
Thanks for flying with us for 100 episodes — here’s to the next hundred. ✈️

Get...

On this episode we sit down with Nate Ehlers, United Airlines pilot, Air Force Reserve C-17 veteran, and creator of Backseat Pilot — an innovative platform designed to help flight instructor candidates elevate their training experience.

Nate takes us through his aviation journey to the airlines, and his time flying C-17s in the Air Force Reserve, Along the way, he shares the inspiration behind Backseat Pilot, the challenges of balancing dual aviation careers, and his philosophy on what makes effective flight training.

We’ll also pull back the curtain on his lesson plan discuss the pros...

When most people think about aviation, they imagine travel, adventure, or innovation — but for some families, aviation means something much more personal: hope.

In this episode of the Flying Midwest Podcast, we sit down with Ben, founder of Uphaven, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families reach critical medical care through free volunteer flights. Born out of personal loss and a desire to keep families together, Uphaven is reimagining what aviation can do for those in need.

We talk about how Uphaven got its start, the challenges of launching a flight-based charity, and the emotional and lo...

In this special AirVenture episode, we sit down with Gayle, the proud owner of a stunning Beechcraft Staggerwing with a remarkable family story. This beautiful vintage aircraft has been passed down through generations, and Gayle and her family have been bringing it to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh for more than 50 years.

Gayle shares what it’s like to fly such an iconic classic, gives us a glimpse into the history of their Staggerwing, and reflects on what it means to keep a family tradition alive at the world’s greatest aviation celebration.

Whether you’re a vintag...

Inside the Pirate Party – AirVenture’s Legendary North 40 Tradition

📅 Recorded Live at AirVenture 2025 – Oshkosh, WI

Episode Description:
If you’ve ever camped in the North 40 at AirVenture, chances are you’ve heard whispers (or maybe laughter) about the Pirate Party. It’s not on the official schedule, but it’s one of the most unforgettable traditions of Oshkosh—a gathering of aviators, friends, and newcomers who come together for food, drinks, and fellowship under the banner of “The Pirates.”

In this episode, we sit down with one of the founding Pirates to hear the origin story...

Episode Show Notes

We’re back with another AirVenture ’25 packed episode! This week we sit down with professional pilot and aviation photographer Brian Uretsky, who shares his journey from working in IT to flying cargo on the Boeing 767. Brian talks about his path through general aviation, the leap into professional flying, and how aviation photography became such a big part of his story. His perspective offers inspiration for anyone chasing the dream of turning a passion for aviation into a career.

We also catch up with Jim and Madi to hear about their latest flying adve...

It’s the moment our listeners have been waiting for! In this special AirVenture 2025 episode, we sit down with Ritchie, the culinary mastermind behind the Cheese Curd Taco—the unofficial fuel (and obsession) of the Flying Midwest Podcast.

We dive deep into the origin story of this legendary creation: how it came to be, the inspiration behind combining Wisconsin cheese curds with a taco, and the journey from a fun idea to an AirVenture icon. Along the way, Ritchie shares behind-the-scenes stories, the challenges of turning a quirky snack into a fan favorite, and what it’s like s...

📅 Recorded Live at AirVenture 2025 – Oshkosh, WI

Episode Description:
In this special live episode from EAA AirVenture 2025, we sit down with Mary Latimer, a trailblazing aviator, educator, and advocate for women in aviation. Mary’s career spans from her first solo in 1972 to earning her ATP, A&P, IA, and CFI, to serving 26 years as an air traffic controller, and becoming a Designated Pilot Examiner.

We discuss her incredible journey through multiple corners of aviation, her creation of the Girls in Flight Training (GIFT) Academy—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women to achieve their flight training...

We’re live from AirVenture 2025 with a stunning conversation you won’t want to miss. We timed this one to release after their Saturday Night Production at Osh. So after you take in the show, you can hear how it all comes together.

We sits down with Matt Quinn, CEO and founder of Starlight Aerial Productions, the company behind the jaw-dropping drone light shows lighting up skies across the country—from AirVenture’s night shows to NFL events and public celebrations.

Matt takes us inside the world of drone entertainment, revealing what it takes to plan a s...

Another wonderful day at Airventure, another mini-sode of Touch and Go! We are through day 5 of the show and have knocked out over a dozen interviews for you all.

Jim and Badger will recap their interviews with Goodyear, Starlight Aerial Productions who put on the incredible night shows, and a group of fun volunteers who keep coming back year after year.

Don't forget, tomorrow, July 26th we are hosting our forum at Forum Stage 3 at 11:30 am. We hope to see you there!

Be sure to say hello if you see us at the...

With Madi and "Madi's Dad" departing, Jim and Badger found some riff raff to tag along on this mini-episode. We catch up with a few of our most loyal listeners and supporters, and recap the Wednesday Night Airshow. Jim also talks about a post-Night Show skill challenge and how he will push those limits even further at the Saturday Night Show.

We also chat about our interviews today with AOPA, an amazing up close vantage point of the Thursday Airshow, and more.

Be sure to say hello if you see us at...

Day Three, the Night Air Show, and we bid Madi farewell.

Believe it or not, Jim has done the entire audio edit, changed the thumbnail, and published this episode and is STILL in the parking lot waiting to leave.

All jokes aside, we had another productive day. We offer you this quick wrap up as we watched tonights air show.

Be sure to say hello if you see us at the show. We have plenty of stickers to go around too, so don't hesitate to seek us...

Day Two is in the books and what a day it was!

Today's Touch and Go was recorded live at the North 40 Pirate Party. A great people, great food, great vibe.

We are joined by Nick Smith of the Part-Time Pilot podcast, who is spending some time with us at the Flying Midwest Crash Pad, and Badger rejoins us after flying in after the airshow today.

Be sure to say hello if you see us at the show. We have plenty of stickers to go around too, so don't hesitate to seek us...

We are Back At OSH!

Welcome back to the best week of the entire year, EAA Airventure. We are so excited to bring back our daily Touch N' Go series of mini-episodes, where we give you a recap of our day and what we will be up to tomorrow.

In this mini-episode, we talk about our trips to the show, how we spent our first day on the grounds, and the introduction of the Flying Midwest Podcast Crash Pad.

Be sure to say hello if you see us at the show. We have...

Welcome to our Fourth Annual Airventure Call-in Extravaganza, Spectacular, Extraodinare, Run-Up Episode.

This is one of our favorite episodes to record each year. In this episode, we take some call-ins from you our listeners. We will talk about what people are excited for at the show, who they hope to connect with, and some tips for those who have yet to partake in the greatest show in aviation.

We hope you this episode gets you pumped for Airventure, and we can't wait to see you out there!

<...

Another Airventure is upon us!

We are getting pumped up for yet another exciting year at Airventure. We are joined once again by EAA's Director of Communicaitons, Dick Knapinski.

We talk about all that EAA has in store for this year's big show. From new camping and parking areas, to aircraft like the U2 and Goodyear Blimps on the grounds, there is something for everyone.

Plus an announcement about our forum at this year's show.

Our Other Content:

Badger Pilot on Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thebadgerpi...

On this episode, we sit down with our own Madi to hear the story of her into the right seat of a corporate jet.

Madi pulls back the curtain on what her first few weeks in a Part 135 corporate flying gig has been like. We will pepper her with all the questions you are dying to know the answers to...including snack service.

Our Other Content:

Badger Pilot on Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thebadgerpilot⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

AeroExploration: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AeroExploration⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fly the Transition Podcast:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fly-the-transition/id1657873290⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Subscribe and Follow:

Don’t miss...

In this episode of The Flying Midwest Podcast, we sit down with Alyssa Miller, a passionate and driven pilot who logged an impressive 1,000 flight hours in just three years. But her story goes far beyond the numbers—Alyssa has used her pilot certificate as a tool for good, dedicating her time and talents to humanitarian flying missions across the country.

From providing disaster relief flights after Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, to flying rescue animals for Pilots N Paws, and transporting patients to life-saving medical appointments, Alyssa shares her incredible journey and how aviation has become her pl...

In this episode of The Flying Midwest Podcast, we’re shedding some light on what it’s like to fly in the dark. Night flying offers a unique blend of beauty, tranquility, and challenge, and we’re diving into all of it—from the stunning city lights below to the crucial planning and gear that make it safe and enjoyable.

We’ll break down the FAA’s definitions of “night” (yes, there’s more than one!), share the benefits of flying after sunset, and give you a peek into our own pre-flight routines and night gear checklists. Whether you’re a s...

Episode Description:

In this powerful episode of the Flying Midwest Podcast, we're joined by Chris Hastings and Brian Bomhoff, board members of the Pilot Mental Health Campaign (PMHC). Together, they shine a light on the mental health crisis facing pilots across the aviation industry and the urgent need for meaningful reform.

We dive into the mission of PMHC, explore why so many pilots suffer in silence, and unpack the policies and stigma that have long kept mental health a taboo topic in the cockpit. Chris and Brian also discuss current legislative efforts in Washington aimed...

Episode Description:

On this episode of the Flying Midwest Podcast we dive deep into one of the biggest milestones for aspiring professional pilots: the ATP and Type Rating Checkrides. We walk through everything you need to know—from the key differences between an ATP certificate and a type rating, to the prerequisites, timelines, and real-world insights from someone who’s been through it all.

Our very special and super secret guest shares her firsthand experience, revealing how she prepared for the ATP CTP course, tackled the oral exam, and flew through the simulator portion—including the ma...

It’s that time of year again! The Flying Midwest Podcast proudly presents our 4th annual April Fools’ episode, packed with satirical aviation news, absurd events, and plenty of laughs. We love bringing you these stories every year as a way to kick back, let loose, and celebrate the lighter side of aviation.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Jim puts Madi and Badger in the hot seat with a round of aviation-themed “Would You Rather” questions, leading to comedic chaos and questionable decision-making. Then, we close out the episode with a bold twist—it’s our turn to an...

In this episode of The Flying Midwest Podcast, we take a deep dive into Minnesota’s rich aviation history with Brandon Montanye, Chair of the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame (MAHOF). Since 1988, MAHOF has been dedicated to recognizing and preserving the legacy of legendary pilots, aviation pioneers, engineers, and air traffic controllers who have shaped the skies over Minnesota.

Brandon walks us through the history of MAHOF, how inductees are selected, and the impact these aviation trailblazers have had on the industry.

We’ll also uncover how MAHOF celebrates aviation achievements, supports aviation outreach programs, and...

In this episode of the Flying Midwest Podcast, we’re flying solo—but with a purpose. Inspired by our last conversation with airshow legend Rob Reider, we decided to turn the mic on ourselves and reflect on some of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned in the cockpit.

From equipment failures and unusual attitudes to pilot errors and close calls, aviation has a way of teaching us things that can’t be found in a textbook. Whether it’s the importance of staying ahead of the aircraft, learning how to handle the unexpected, or the moments that remin...

After decades behind the mic, legendary airshow announcer Rob Reider has officially retired—but not before one unforgettable farewell tour. From heart-pounding performances to a celebratory soaking by the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds, Rob shares stories from his incredible career in airshow announcing.

But that’s not all—Rob is also the voice behind Sporty’s flight training series and the host of the popular "I Learned About Flying From That" podcast, which is nearing its 100th episode. We dive into his experiences, the impact of sharing pilot stories, and what’s next for him in the aviation w...

When the temperatures drop and the skies turn gray, it’s easy to feel stuck on the ground. But just because winter puts a freeze on your flying plans doesn’t mean you can’t stay engaged in aviation!

In this live-streamed solo episode, the Flying Midwest Podcast crew sits down for some classic hangar talk, sharing tips and strategies to keep your aviation skills sharp—even when the weather won’t cooperate.

We discuss:

🛫 Staying active in aviation during winter – Training opportunities, new ratings, and ways to keep your knowledge fresh
📖 Studying, chair fl...

n this episode of theFlying Midwest Podcast, we sit down with Nicholas Stoley—an airline pilot whose passion for aviation extends far beyond the cockpit of a commercial jet. When he’s not flying for the airlines, Nicholas is in the air with theCommemorative Air Force, piloting legendary warbirds likeMiss Mitchell.

He shares what it’s like to fly these remarkable pieces of history, the challenges and thrills of operating vintage aircraft, and how more pilots can get involved in keeping aviation history alive. If you’ve ever dreamed of flying a warbird, you won’t want to miss th...

The aviation community has been rocked by the recent mid-air collision in Washington, D.C.

On this episode of the Flying Midwest Podcast, we pause to acknowledge the human impact of this heartbreaking event. While investigations continue, we focus on honoring those lost, supporting those affected, and reflecting on the lessons that can help make aviation safer for all.

"From tragedy we draw knowledge to protect the safety of us all" - NTSB Challenge Coin

In this episode of the Flying Midwest Podcast, we welcome Paul Holte from My Layover Life! As an airline pilot and YouTuber, Paul shares a unique blend of aviation insights, airline life, and travel adventures from his layover destinations around the world. We dive into his journey, his content, and what it’s like to balance flying and content creation.

Meanwhile, with Jim under the weather, Madi and Badger take the reins—leading to a slightly off-the-rails (but highly entertaining) intro, news segment, and outro.

Join us for aviation talk, travel stories, and plenty of laug...

In this episode of the Flying Midwest Podcast, we take a look into the future of aviation with a truly innovative concept—the Switchblade Flying Car. Our guest, Sam Bousfield, the visionary creator of the Switchblade, joins us to share the story behind this groundbreaking vehicle.

Sam dives into the challenges and triumphs of bringing the Switchblade to life, including its rigorous testing process, key specifications, and the unique build process. He also gives us a glimpse into what pilots can expect from this exciting fusion of car and aircraft, redefining personal transportation as we know it.

n this milestone episode, we celebrate three years of the Flying Midwest Podcast, our 75th episode, and surpassing 50,000 downloads. Jim, Madi, and Badger reflect on the journey so far, revisiting where the podcast started, the connections and friendships built along the way, and the unique opportunities that have shaped its success.

We also take a comprehensive look back at 2024, sharing our favorite moments, standout interviews, and the highlights of AirVenture madness. Of course, we couldn't forget the culinary legend that emerged this year—the iconic cheese curd tacos.

This episode is not just a celebration of...

Winter flying brings its own set of challenges, from icy runways to turbulent skies, and we’re here to help you navigate them safely. In this live solo episode of the Flying Midwest Podcast, Jim, Badger, and Madi dive into the cold-weather topics that every pilot should know.

We break down the types of icing (clear, rime, and mixed), how to spot conditions conducive to icing, and what to do if you encounter it mid-flight. Learn about frozen precipitation hazards like freezing rain, drizzle, and snow, and how they impact both flight operations and ground safety. Plus, we...

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Flying Midwest Podcast, we take a heartfelt dive into the dedication and passion of the volunteers who make AirVenture possible. We’re thrilled to welcome Jerry Burke, author of On the Grounds & Up: Without Volunteers, the World’s Greatest Annual Aviation Event Wouldn’t Happen. Jerry shares his experiences from years of volunteering, the inspiration behind his book, and the incredible stories of the people who dedicate their time and energy to the event.

We’ll also discuss the roots of Plane Talk on Boeing Plaza, a staple of AirVentur...

Episode Summary:

Step into the golden age of aviation with a modern twist in this episode of the Flying Midwest Podcast! We’re thrilled to bring you another AirVenture '24 interview , this time with Marshall Haglund of the D’Amore Group. They are the innovators behind the current renditions of WACO Aircraft, Junkers, and Great Lakes planes. Based in Battle Creek, Michigan, WACO Aircraft merges timeless vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, creating handcrafted masterpieces like the YMF-5 Super and the aerobatic Great Lakes biplane.

Marshall shares WACO’s dedication to authenticity, their meticulous craftsmanship , and how th...

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Flying Midwest Podcast, we’re going back to our roots with a return to solo episodes! To mark the occasion, we’re diving into a topic from one of our earliest episodes: winter flying.

With winter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to brush up on cold-weather flying essentials. Join us as we cover everything you need to stay safe and comfortable in icy conditions. From prepping your plane for winter wear-and-tear to packing the right gear to keep you warm, we’ll share insights and practical tips to m...