The Old Fly Guy Network

In this inspiring episode, we head north to the wilds of Talkeetna, Alaska, with bush pilot Joe McAneney. From humble beginnings in Western New York to soaring over glaciers in Denali, Joe shares his unique path to becoming a pilot in one of the most rugged aviation frontiers on Earth.

We explore the historic Talkeetna airstrip, the evolution of bush flying, and the powerful sense of community that binds Alaskan aviators. Joe opens up about his early days in Denali National Park, flying with K2 Aviation, landing on glaciers, and what it truly means to live and...

Join us on the Old Fly Guy Network as we take flight with Jonathan Kotwicki—airline pilot turned aviation entrepreneur—who left the skies of commercial aviation to carve out a one-of-a-kind flying haven in the heart of Alaska. From bush flying to building an aviation community around DC-6 and DC-9 Airbnb cabins, Jonathan shares how he created a pilot’s paradise at Big Lake, Alaska.

We explore the beauty and challenges of Alaskan flying—from glacier landings to weather unpredictability—and how Kotwicki’s training focuses on real-world, off-airport experiences. More than just stick-and-rudder skills, this...

In this inspiring episode of the Old Fly Guy Network, we feature Josh Campbell, military aviator and host of the "Free Pilot Training" YouTube channel and podcast. Josh opens up about his powerful aviation journey—from believing flying was out of reach due to financial constraints, to becoming a military pilot and content creator committed to making aviation training accessible to everyone.
Josh shares how his first flight during Air Force basic training in 2009 sparked a passion that never left, even through years of financial hardship. His story is one of resilience, creative problem-solving, and an unwavering belief in...

Come along for the ride with Greg Campbell, the Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV), while he tells us of his aviation journey in the Commonwealth of Virginia. His roots are deep in Virginia and started with a passion to fly and a drive to do whatever it would take to make that happen. Greg will tell us about his desire to fly and his family’s support that allowed that dream to come true, with a unique twist. With Greg’s background in aviation and his experience in all aspects of flight operations, he was a natu...

Sun N Fun 2025 Part 2

The Sun and Fun Aerospace Expo while known for its static and aerobatics displays, has a rich culture and history of aviators who travel across the country with their vintage aircraft. They not only want to share the stories and backgrounds of their unique and well-preserved aircraft but also participate in the aviation community that is felt across the airfield. While most have a history of decades of participation, the newbies also have the same level of energy and welcomed into the community. They are all so very proud of their aircraft and...

The Old Fly Guy was truly honored to join Brian Schiff in conversation at Hicks Field, Texas. Many of us know Brian for his calming demeanor taking us through the ins and outs of Foreflight with his detailed training sessions. We also know him for his engagement with many aviation organizations, with a focus on safety and proficiency. In Brian’s latest contribution to aviation, he has brought us the “Schiff Show”. While taking a little pun on his name, this variety program leaves us more empowered to be better aviators. You will quickly come to appreciate his selfless desire...

The Sun and Fun Aerospace Expo while known for its static and aerobatics displays, has a rich culture and history of aviators who travel across the country with their vintage aircraft. They not only want to share the stories and backgrounds of their unique and well-preserved aircraft but also participate in the aviation community that is felt across the airfield. While most have a history of decades of participation, the newbies also have the same level of energy and welcomed into the community. They are all so very proud of their aircraft and truly demonstrated a passion for these...

Jim brings his flying journey into focus, starting with the Piper Cub and leveraging it up to War Birds of WW II and modern high-performance aircraft. Jim’s passion for all forms of aviation has been an exciting platform to bring those one-of-a-kind pictures to all of us. And wonder how did he got that perspective? While Jim talks of luck along the way, he clearly has a skillset that makes his luck happen naturally. We discuss his family and faith and how they play a strong foundation for his drive and success. Jim also shares how he is es...

With a humble but self-confident approach, Rear Admiral Ed Allen (ret), takes us on a life journey starting from a grass airfield where his efforts on the flight line would get him general aviation flight time to commanding a naval aircraft carrier group for the United States navy. With 31 years of military service followed by a civilian career, The Rear Admiral shares some of his military experiences in the most high-performance aircraft of the time, commanding teams in the most demanding of situations and how he leveraged his experiences to support the private sector following his military service. He...

 Visiting with Sherman Gardner owner and operator of “In The Pattern” Aviation, we learn of his journey from the parish to the flightline. We hear about his leap of faith in transitioning from leading a young parish to leading a high-flying flight school and educational facility in Denton Texas. We hear of the life lessons learned in the parish and how he applies them in his development of both the technical and character maturity of his students and team. His focus on team as his real catalyst for success and client services leading to his core mission of making the “...

Visiting with Nick Adcock will bring you to realize that we all have a purpose in life and when you can leverage part of it into aviation, that makes it all the better! You will hear a full circle journey of general aviation, training, military and commercial experience while acknowledging his family as the foundation for his success. His honest and humble reflection on his own challenges and how he rallied back with the help of his family to continue his journey with an emphasis on paying it forward in every way possible. Come join us in Nicks journey...

Seth Lake of the VSL aviation podcast provides us with insight to his background in aviation and how it energized the VSL podcast and beyond. He highlights how the journey started for him and how he has kept it close to home, giving back to those who needed training and inspiration, while a vocal advocate for safety in the skies. You will find his commitment to family, faith, country and his community has given him the platform to live his dream and beyond. Seth is a unique person who has earned his way into his personal and aviation communities...

Sam Riggs of Coastal Seaplanes meets with the Old Fly Guy to share his journey in general aviation. His story is one of aviation technical expertise and a passion for music that brings a true balance in his pursuit of aviation excellence.