The Old Fly Guy Network

How do you become a pilot in today's aviation world, and what does it really cost? At Sun 'n Fun 2026, The Old Fly Guy visits iFly Aviation near Chicago to learn how aspiring pilots are training for careers in aviation and the airlines. From modern glass-cockpit trainers equipped with G1000 avionics to structured Part 141 programs and flexible Part 61 training options, this episode explo...

Against nearly impossible odds, Bill was given less than a week to live. Today, he's back in the Air Zoo restoration hangar doing what he loves. In this inspiring episode of the Old Fly Guy Network, we sit down with Air Zoo restoration volunteer Bill to hear his extraordinary story of survival after a life-saving heart transplant. After battling severe heart failure brought on by RSV, Bill&ap...

At Sun 'n Fun 2026, The Old Fly Guy sits down with Ray Fowler of CubCrafters to explore the world of Experimental Amateur-Built aircraft. Many pilots dream of owning a new airplane, but few realize they can actually become the builder of their own aircraft. Ray explains how CubCrafters' amateur-build program works, what the FAA's 51% builder rule really means, and why Experimental A...

Step inside the restoration hangar at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum and meet the volunteers who are preserving aviation history one part, one rivet, and one friendship at a time. In this third episode of our Air Zoo Restoration Series, we explore the passion, patience, and dedication required to restore historic aircraft when original parts no longer exist. From 3D-printing components...

Go deeper inside the restoration hangar at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum as the volunteer restoration team tackles some of the most difficult challenges in bringing a legendary Douglas SBD Dauntless back to life. In this episode, the team reveals the incredible craftsmanship, engineering, and problem-solving required to restore aircraft when original parts no longer exist. From custom...

Step inside the restoration hangar at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum and meet the people bringing aviation history back to life. In this first episode of our restoration series, we introduce three passionate volunteers working on the legendary Douglas SBD-1 Dauntless—an aircraft that played a critical role in World War II and is now being carefully restored piece by piece. From custom-...

Step inside the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum in Kalamazoo, Michigan—one of the most immersive aviation and space museums in the United States, where history, engineering, and education come together in a truly unique experience. In this episode, we sit down with President & CEO Troy Thrash as he takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum and shares the vision behind its trans...

In the second half of our conversation with the next generation of aviators at Rocky Mountain Flight School, the story shifts from inspiration… to reality. What does it actually take to build a life in aviation? From financial pressure to time away from family, these early-career pilots open up about the real challenges behind the dream — and why so many people never make it all the way through. I...

In this Old Fly Guy – Virtual Flightline episode, combat aviators Rusty O’Brien and Mace Carpenter break down one of the most complex and dangerous realities in today’s Iran conflict—a war you can’t easily see… and can’t easily win. Drawing on their experience flying during Operation Desert Storm, they explore how Iran has evolved into a highly capable asymmetric threat. From massive underground t...

In Part 1 of our Rocky Mountain Flight School series, we turn from experience to the next generation of aviators — but this is only the beginning of their story. In this first half, we sit down with three early-career pilots whose paths into aviation couldn’t be more different: A childhood dream sparked by the Blue Angels A bold career change at 30 A multi-career entrepreneur discovering aviation...

In this episode of Old Fly Guy Network, we reconnect with seasoned flight instructor and mentor Matt Beyer at Rocky Mountain Flight School to explore a side of aviation that often gets overlooked — the power of mentorship, community, and the journey beyond the airlines. Matt shares how major life transitions — from becoming an empty nester to starting a new chapter — have reshaped his perspective...

In this Old Fly Guy Episode – Virtual Flightline episode, F-111 combat veterans Rusty O’Brien and Mace Carpenter bring decades of real-world experience to one of today’s most complex and dangerous conflicts—Iran. Drawing from their time flying during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, they break down what’s happening today through the lens of those who have planned, flown, and exe...

In Part B of this two-part Old Fly Guy episode, the conversation with F-111F aviators Rusty O’Brien and Mace Carpenter moves from preparation to execution—focusing squarely on Desert Storm and how the F-111F delivered decisive results. With decades of shared flying experience, Rusty and Mace take viewers inside the real-world tactics, logistics, and mission planning that made the F-111F the most e...

In Part A of this two-part Old Fly Guy episode, we return to the cockpit with F-111F aviators Rusty O’Brien and Mace Carpenter to focus on why the F-111F was so critical during Desert Storm. With more than 60 years of combined military service, Rusty and Mace take us inside the mission planning, readiness, and strategic role the F-111 carried into the Gulf War—building on its Cold War roots as a n...

The F-111F Aardvark was built for missions few aircraft could survive—and even fewer could execute with precision. In this first episode of a new Old Fly Guy series, we sit down with two of the men who flew it into history. Rusty O’Brien (27 years active duty) and Mace Carpenter (34 years of service) share what it was really like to fly the F-111F during Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and other glob...

Tucked along the runway in North Hampton, New Hampshire, the Airfield Cafe is more than a place to eat — it’s a story of family, perseverance, and community that spans generations. In this Old Fly Guy Network episode, we sit down with Scott Aversano and his children Ashley and Tyler to explore how the Airfield Cafe, first opened in 1996, became a cornerstone of the local aviation community. Scott...

In this episode of the Old Fly Guy Podcast, we flip the script and explore aviation from a side most pilots and aviation fans rarely get to see — the people who shape the skies from the ground. Wade sits down with Ralph Tamburro, a highly respected aviation professional with 31+ years at the FAA and more than a decade with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. It’s not just an interview —...

In the fourth episode of the Old Fly Guy Network’s SR-71 Blackbird series, we go behind the curtain to explore the operational heart of the SR-71 program — the teams who turned intelligence requests into successful Mach 3 missions. While pilots and RSOs (Reconnaissance Systems Officers) carried out daring flights, every sortie began weeks earlier in the hands of a dedicated operations and intellig...

In this episode of the Old Fly Guy Network, we dive deep into the unsung heroes of the SR-71 Blackbird program, the maintenance and technical teams. While the pilots “rented” the aircraft, the crews who maintained and engineered it truly owned the SR-71. Hear first-hand from Robbie Butterfield, Steve Justice, and Mike Hull as they reveal the challenges of keeping the world’s fastest jet ready for...

In this second episode of our four-part SR-71 Blackbird series, we step into the world of the men who trained the fastest pilots on earth. Legendary instructors Jerry Glasser, Buz Carpenter, and BC Thomas share how they prepared new SR-71 crews to handle one of the most complex aircraft ever built. From hours in the simulator to high-stakes check rides, the trainers reveal what it took to fly abov...

Step into the cockpit of the legendary SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet ever built. In this first episode of our SR-71 series, we sit down with three pilots who flew at the very edge of space: Al Joersz, Ed Yeilding, and Noel Widdifield. Together, they share what it was like to push past Mach 3, navigate Cold War missions, and trust their aircraft—and each other—at 80,000 feet. From pressure suits...

In this episode of the Old Fly Guy Network, we sit down with Gretchen Jahn, whose career spans from IT leadership to the helm of Mooney Aircraft, and decades of competitive air racing. Gretchen shares how her aviation journey began later in life, what it took to revive a legendary aircraft manufacturer, and the thrill and strategy behind women’s air racing. She also highlights the impact of the 99...

In this episode of the Old Fly Guy Podcast, Wade sits down with Denver aviator and flight instructor Matt Beyer, a lifelong pilot with a passion for mountain flying, safety, and community service. Matt shares his journey from childhood airshows to becoming Director of Safety at Rocky Mountain Flight School, where he’s dedicated to building a culture of safety and mentorship. The conversation dives...

In this episode of the Old Fly Guy Network, we sit down with Robert Gerlach — a true pioneer of the Alaskan frontier. After venturing to Alaska in the early '70s in search of freedom and adventure, Robert carved out a life in the wilderness north of Talkeetna. From building his own cabin deep in bear country to creating a private airstrip through sheer will and ingenuity, Robert’s story is a...

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 tha...