The Aeropedia Podcast

Tom Lelyo navigated a unique path into aviation, learning the industry through calls, training, and persistence. Join us as we hear how jet brokerages work, and how Tom launched his own brokerage and now pays it forward through coaching and training the next generation aviation professional.

From childhood in Zimbabwe singing to approaching airplanes to now helping safeguard aviation across Africa, this episode explores the science, coordination, and passion behind safe flight with Chinga Mazhetese, Regional Officer at the ICAO Eastern and Southern African Regional Office.

Ignacio Ottati shares his path from Venezuela where he flew Cessna's with his dad to his current role in air service development at Calgary International Airport. Learn what it takes to connect Calgary to the world, and how YYC punches above its weight in passengers and routes, and why aviation in Canada is structurally different from the U.S.  Additionally, Ignacio shares practical advice for get...

A former Royal Air Force pilot, Robert Harrison, shares his journey from military cockpits and NetJets to leading Cranfield University’s National Flying Laboratory. He explains how Cranfield's Saab 340 “flying classroom” and aerobatic trainers give aerospace engineering students unique hands-on experience with drag, stability, and flight parameters they can’t get from textbooks alone.

Amy Ashburg, Learning & Organizational Development Manager for the City of Charlotte Aviation department joins the podcast to share more about how the Charlotte Douglas International Airport implements learning and development for its employees.

Rick Belliotti of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport shares how information technology systems play a critical role in the airport passenger experience. In addition, learn all about Austin-Bergstrom's rapid growth and plans for the future!

What goes into effective communications at a world leading aviation company?  Mark Masluch of Bombardier fills us in, while also sharing some fascinating insights into the Bombardier company and his unique career journey.

Vincent Verbiest joins the podcast to share more about his long-time passion for aviation, and his role as pilot and multi crew pilot license coordinator at Brussels Airlines. This episode is packed full of insights into Brussels Airlines as well as Vincent's own experiences as a pilot in Belgium.

You likely know, and even flown in, the CRJ.  In this episode we learn from Ross Mitchell about the role MHI RJ now has in this legendary aircraft, as well as the other roles MHI RJ plays in the aviation industry. Ross also shares a number of great stories and perspectives from his vast experience in aviation business development and strategy.

Aviation has been increasing its focus on environmental sustainability, with many airlines committing to improving their carbon efficiency. Listen in as Anders Fagernæs, Vice President of Sustainability at Norwegian, shares about his role and the sustainability initiatives at Norwegian.

Travelers regularly encounter airline customer service agents, but what does their role entail behind the scenes, and how do they help keep the passenger journey smooth? Listen in as Kristi MunLeeuw shares a bit more, along with her unique journey from cosmetology to aviation!

You are likely aware of EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, and some of that is thanks to the work of Dick Knapinski, Director of Communications at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Hear more about Dick's aviation career as well as all the activities the Experimental Aircraft Association supports in order to spread the love of aviation.  

Marina Efthymiou shares her fascinating career path that began in Greek tourism and eventually landed at Dublin City University, with strategic fuel stops on the way. Join us to hear Marina's story, as well as the great aviation learning opportunities at Dublin City University.

Very excited to announce our 2024 Aeropedia Podcast Trivia Champion! Over 29 Aeropedia episodes in 2024 just one pair of contestants got all 5 trivia answers correct. In this episode we let our champion challenge the hosts, hear how Ashwin and Peeter did.  

We welcome Vasuki Prasad who shares insights of his expansive aviation career journey from engineering, to airline planning, aircraft marketing and sales, all tapping his passion for data analytics. Vasuki also shares perspectives about aviation in India, so be sure to listen in.   

How does one get into reporting on aviation, and what does it entail? Brian Sumers, editor of "The Airline Observer" and co-host of "The Airshow" podcast, shares his fascinating and unique path with us!

We welcome Captain Matthew Fischbacher, an airline pilot with over 20 years of flight experience, who shares insights from his career flying in various parts of the world as well as details about sustainable aviation from a flight operations perspective.

We cover a variety of airport topics with Craig Simon, Director of Aviation, at California's Oakland airport. From infrastructure, to air service, and airline relations, Craig gives great insight into all it takes to be a Director of Aviation.  Craig is also a wealth of knowledge about Oakland airport and shares some very interesting facts about the airport on the bay.

We welcome back two special guests, Courtney Miller and Brian Rynott, for this episode to close out 2024 and kick off 2025 with their perspectives. Also, we open our trivia round to a round robin, with Courtney, Brian, Ashwin and Peeter each asking the group a trivia question.  We all learned something new, and hope you do too!

Given the extensive background of our guest, Lee Brewster, we are able to pack a lot of fascinating topics into this episode! From maintenance training, to aircraft brokering, and the International Aviation Women's Association (IAWA), listen in to hear about Lee's vast experience and learn about her unique aviation career path.

In our first "pilot" episode we are very lucky to welcome Captain Jeff Whiteman, Chief Pilot for UPS! Hear all about UPS flight operations, the role of the Chief Pilot, as well as the many other roles that help keep UPS flying smoothly. Captain Whiteman also gave us some fun UPS trivia along the way, so be sure to listen in!

Happy to have Andy Balser, from Air Partner, joining us to share the intricacies of private aviation customer service and customer experience.  What are the differences and how are both manifested in aviation? Andy offers a number of interesting personal examples and insights from his extensive experience on the topic, so enjoy!

Since Kansas City operates two airports, why not have two guests? We welcome Melissa Cooper and Justin Meyer, Director and Deputy Director of Aviation for the Kansas City Aviation Department to share more about the Kansas City International Airport and Wheeler Downtown Airport. This team makes a dynamic duo on aviation trivia too!  Listen in to see how they strategized their way through the round.

What is a relatively affordable way to take advantage of private aviation in Europe?  Consider an air taxi! We speak with Stefaan Ghijs, Founder & CEO of Fly Aeolus, to tell us how his air taxi business model has taken shape and grown.

What role does an airport take in attracting new airline service? We welcome Nate Lavin, Air Service and Business Development Manager at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC / KSLC) to share more about how SLC has done it, while also transitioning from a historically majority connecting airport to one now with more origin & destination traffic.