This is the official launch preview for What Follows, Airhart’s new aviation podcast hosted by Nate Thuli.

Season One brings together pilots, engineers, builders, aviation media leaders, operators, historians, and aerospace innovators for conversations about the people and ideas shaping the future of flight.

In this preview, Nate introduces the first season’s guest lineup, including legendary airline captain and author Les Abend, Johannes von Thadden of Draco Aircraft, Jacob Peed of AviNation, Greg Morris of Scaled Composites, Peter Manice on airline operations, and Hal Bryan of EAA.

From commercial aviation and STOL aircraft to aerospace experimentation, aviation media, airline operations, and the preservation of aviation history, What Follows explores the stories behind one of the world’s most inspiring industries.

Season One begins Thursday, May 21.

Key Topics

* Commercial aviation and pilot storytelling

* STOL aircraft and adventure aviation

* Aviation media and community

* Aerospace innovation and experimental aircraft

* Airline operations and real-time decision-making

* Aviation history and legacy

Featured Guests This Season

* Les Abend — Airline captain and author

* Johannes von Thadden — Draco Aircraft

* Jacob Peed — AviNation

* Greg Morris — Scaled Composites

* Peter Manice — Airline operations

* Hal Bryan — EAA

* And more to come…

Credits

Host: Nate ThuliMusic: Eugeny BardyuzhaArtwork: Edmond HuotProduced by: Helwing Villamizar

Additional Media

Additional footage and media courtesy of the featured guests and their respective companies, including Airhart, Draco Aircraft, AviNation, Scaled Composites, and EAA.

Follow Airhart

Visit Airhart and follow along for new What Follows episodes, clips, and updates.

Website: AirhartYouTube: Airhart on YouTubeLinkedIn: Airhart on LinkedInInstagram: Airhart on Instagram

Welcome to the launch episode of What Follows — the podcast where we explore the people shaping aviation today, and the ideas defining what comes next.

In this first episode, host Nate Thuli speaks with Les Abend about his lifelong journey in aviation, from early childhood inspiration to a career defined by flying, writing, learning, and teaching. Les reflects on what it means to stay proficient as a pilot, why aircraft reliability and safety are deeply connected, and how technology, training, and judgment all shape the modern flying experience.

The conversation explores the realities of aircraft systems, avionics integration, maintenance challenges, risk management, and the importance of staying ahead of the airplane. Les also discusses how pilots can manage complexity, reduce cognitive load, and continue learning throughout their careers.

Key Topics

Les Abend’s aviation origin story and career pathThe relationship between writing, flying, and aviation educationAircraft reliability and maintenance challengesSystem integration and avionics in older aircraftHow technology affects pilot workload and decision-makingSafety, judgment, and risk management in flightCognitive load and staying ahead of the aircraftTraining, proficiency, and lifelong learningLessons from past aviation incidentsMaking aviation more accessible to future pilots

Themes

This episode centers on the idea that safe flying is not only about aircraft capability or technology, but about judgment, preparation, and continuous learning. Les emphasizes that reliability and safety go hand in hand, and that pilots must learn how to manage complexity before it manages them.

Resources

Les Abend — SouthWings Volunteer Pilot Profile — https://southwings.org/volunteer-pilots/les-abend

Les Abend — FLYING Magazine Contributor Profile — https://www.flyingmag.com/bio-les-abend-contributing-editor/

Les Abend — Author Profile / Paper Wings — https://openroadmedia.com/contributor/les-abend

Candid Cockpit Podcast — Les Abend and Mike Strauss —

FAA WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program — https://www.faasafety.gov/wings/pub/learn_more.aspx

FAA Risk Management Handbook — https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-06/risk_management_handbook_2A.pdf

NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System —

https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/

NASA ASRS CALLBACK Newsletter — https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/publications/callback.html

Credits

Host: Nate ThuliMusic: Eugeny BardyuzhaArtwork: Edmond HuotProduced by: Helwing Villamizar

Additional Media

Additional footage and media courtesy of the featured guests and their respective companies, including Airhart, Draco Aircraft, AviNation, Scaled Composites, and EAA.

Follow Airhart

Visit Airhart and follow along for new What Follows episodes, clips, and updates.

Website: AirhartYouTube: Airhart on YouTubeLinkedIn: Airhart on LinkedInInstagram: Airhart on Instagram

Welcome to this episode of What Follows — the podcast where we explore the people shaping aviation today, and the ideas defining what comes next.

In this episode, host Nate Thuli speaks with Peter Manice about the future of aviation, regional mobility, and the changing ways people may move between cities, airports, and coastal communities.

The conversation explores the promise of seaplane services, electric aircraft, eVTOL technology, and urban air mobility, while also examining the regulatory, economic, and infrastructure challenges that determine whether new aviation ideas can actually scale.

Peter discusses how time savings, customer acceptance, safety, certification, and aircraft design all influence the future of regional travel. From seaplanes to electric aircraft, the episode examines how aviation innovation could make short-distance travel faster, more flexible, and more practical.

Key Topics

The future of aviation and regional mobilityPeter Manice’s journey into aviationSeaplane services and regional travelTime efficiency in short-distance aviationElectric aircraft and eVTOL technologyUrban air mobility and new travel modelsFAA regulation, certification, and safetyCustomer education and public acceptanceInfrastructure needs for future air mobilityThe economics of aviation innovationThe future of electric and hybrid aircraftHow aircraft design is evolving

Key Frameworks

Physics vs. economics in aviationRegulatory hurdles in aviation innovationThe future of electric and hybrid aircraftUrban air mobility infrastructureCustomer acceptance and educationSafety as a condition for scalability

Themes

This episode focuses on the practical side of aviation innovation. Peter Manice explores why promising aircraft concepts must work not only technically, but economically, operationally, and socially.

The conversation frames the future of regional mobility as a balance between physics, regulation, infrastructure, and customer behavior. Seaplanes, electric aircraft, and eVTOLs may open new possibilities, but their success will depend on safety, certification, public trust, and their ability to solve real transportation problems better than existing options.

Resources

FAA Aircraft Certification — https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert

FAA Airworthiness Certification Process — https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/airworthiness_certification

FAA Advanced Air Mobility / Air Taxis — https://www.faa.gov/air-taxis

FAA Advanced Air Mobility Infrastructure —https://www.faa.gov/airports/new_entrants/aam_infrastructure

Joby Aviation Official Website — https://www.jobyaviation.com

REGENT Seaglider Technology — https://www.regentcraft.com

Guest Links

LinkedIn — https://linkedin.com/in/petermanice

Credits

Host: Nate ThuliMusic: Eugeny BardyuzhaArtwork: Edmond HuotProduced by: Helwing Villamizar

Additional Media

Additional footage and media courtesy of the featured guests and their respective companies, including Airhart, Draco Aircraft, AviNation, Scaled Composites, and EAA.

Follow Airhart

Visit Airhart and follow along for new What Follows episodes, clips, and updates.Website: AirhartYouTube: Airhart on YouTubeLinkedIn: Airhart on LinkedInInstagram: Airhart on Instagram

Welcome to this episode of What Follows — the podcast where we explore the people shaping aviation today, and the ideas defining what comes next.

In this episode, host Nate Thuli speaks with Greg Morris of Scaled Composites about his journey from childhood aviation enthusiast to a leader in experimental aerospace and flight testing.

Greg reflects on the culture of innovation at Scaled Composites, the importance of mission-focused design, and how teams learn, share knowledge, and manage risk when working at the edge of aerospace development. The conversation explores the balance between tradition and new technology, the role of test pilots, and why aviation systems must be designed around the human in the loop.

Nate and Greg also discuss automation, cockpit confidence, organizational culture, and the future of aviation technology — from experimental aircraft to the next generation of aerospace innovation.

Key Topics

Greg Morris’s aviation career path and early passion for flightFlight testing and test pilot educationThe culture of innovation at Scaled CompositesBalancing vintage aviation and future-facing technologyRisk management in experimental aerospaceOrganizational learning and knowledge sharingLeadership, legacy, and team cultureHuman-centered systems and automation designThe role of confidence in the cockpitMission-based optimization in aviation systemsEmerging technologies in aviation and aerospaceEncouraging the next generation of aviation innovators

Key Frameworks

Mission-based optimizationOne-way vs. two-way risk managementHuman-centered automationOrganizational culture in aerospace innovationHuman factors in aviation systemsBalancing automation with pilot judgment

Themes

This episode centers on the culture behind aerospace innovation. Greg Morris shows that breakthrough aviation work is not only about technology, but about teams, trust, learning, and a clear understanding of mission and risk.

A major theme is the relationship between humans and machines. Rather than treating automation as a replacement for pilots, the conversation frames technology as something that must be designed around human judgment, confidence, and responsibility. At Scaled Composites, innovation depends on both forward-looking engineering and a deep respect for the human in the loop.

Resources

Scaled Composites: https://scaled.com/

JetZero Project: https://www.jetzero.org/

Burt Rutan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burt_Rutan

Tiger Check by Stephen Fino: https://www.amazon.com/Tiger-Check-Development-Combat-Effectiveness/dp/0897470954

Guest Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-morris/

Twitter / X": https://twitter.com/gregmorris

Credits

Host: Nate ThuliMusic: Eugeny BardyuzhaArtwork: Edmond HuotProduced by: Helwing Villamizar

Additional Media

Additional footage and media courtesy of the featured guests and their respective companies, including Airhart, Draco Aircraft, AviNation, Scaled Composites, and EAA.

Follow Airhart

Visit Airhart and follow along for new What Follows episodes, clips, and updates.

Website: AirhartYouTube: Airhart on YouTubeLinkedIn: Airhart on LinkedInInstagram: Airhart on Instagram

Welcome to this episode of What Follows — the podcast where we explore the people shaping aviation today, and the ideas defining what comes next.

In this episode, host Nate Thuli speaks with Jacob Peed, founder of AviNation, about his journey into aviation and his mission to connect young people with the opportunities, stories, and communities that can help them find a future in flight.

Jacob discusses how grassroots outreach, storytelling, scholarships, and community-building can make aviation more visible and accessible to the next generation. The conversation also explores changing entry points into the industry, new approaches to pilot training and workforce development, and the importance of showing young people that aviation offers far more than a single traditional path.

Key Topics

Aviation youth outreach and educationJacob Peed’s personal journey into aviationThe mission and growth of AviNationGrassroots community-building in aviationThe role of storytelling in inspiring new aviatorsMaking aviation more accessible to young peoplePilot training and workforce developmentBreaking down financial and cultural barriers to entryScholarships and alternative pathways into aviationMid-career transitions into aviationThe future of air taxis, maintenance careers, and aviation technology

Themes

This episode focuses on aviation as much as a community as an industry. Jacob emphasizes that inspiring the next generation requires more than technical training — it requires visibility, storytelling, mentorship, and real access to opportunities.

At the heart of the conversation is the idea that aviation’s future depends on making the industry feel reachable to students, young professionals, and career changers who may not yet see a place for themselves in flight.

Resources

AviNation Website

Future in Flight Podcast

Larkins Aviation Scholarships

Guest Links

Website: https://avinationusa.com

Podcast: https://futureindflight.com

Credits

Host: Nate ThuliMusic: Eugeny BardyuzhaArtwork: Edmond HuotProduced by: Helwing Villamizar

Additional Media

Additional footage and media courtesy of the featured guests and their respective companies, including Airhart, Draco Aircraft, AviNation, Scaled Composites, and EAA.

Follow Airhart

Visit Airhart and follow along for new What Follows episodes, clips, and updates.

Website: AirhartYouTube: Airhart on YouTubeLinkedIn: Airhart on LinkedInInstagram: Airhart on Instagram

Welcome to this episode of What Follows — the podcast where we explore the people shaping aviation today, and the ideas defining what comes next.

In this episode, host Nate Thuli speaks with Johannes von Thadden about the development of Draco Aircraft, an ambitious aviation project focused on short takeoff and landing performance, advanced safety systems, and the future of autonomous flight.

Johannes von Thadden discusses how his background across aerospace, space technology, and aviation shaped Draco’s mission, and why the next generation of aircraft may depend as much on energy storage, software, and intelligent systems as on traditional aircraft design. The conversation explores electric aviation, autonomous flying, air traffic efficiency, and the possibility of making private aviation safer, more accessible, and less dependent on conventional infrastructure.

Key Topics

The origins and development of Draco AircraftJohannes von Thadden’s journey from space technology to aviationShort takeoff and landing innovationThe role of AI and autonomous systems in future aviationSafety, automation, and pilot decision-makingThe future of private and accessible aviationElectric aircraft and energy storage challengesBattery technology and flight duration limitationsThe intersection of space systems and aviationHow technology could improve air traffic efficiency

Themes

This episode explores how aviation innovation is moving beyond traditional aircraft performance and into a new era shaped by autonomy, energy systems, software, and infrastructure. Johannes von Thadden presents Draco Aircraft as part of a broader shift toward aircraft that are safer, easier to operate, and capable of expanding access to flight.

At the center of the conversation is a key question for the future of aviation: how can new aircraft technologies reduce complexity for pilots and passengers while improving safety, reliability, and efficiency?

Resources

Draco Aircraft Official WebsiteAirbus Official Site Mike Patey and Draco’s DevelopmentEnergy Storage Innovations in Aviation

Credits

Host: Nate ThuliMusic: Eugeny BardyuzhaArtwork: Edmond HuotProduced by: Helwing Villamizar

Additional Media

Additional footage and media courtesy of the featured guests and their respective companies, including Airhart, Draco Aircraft, AviNation, Scaled Composites, and EAA.

Follow Airhart

Visit Airhart and follow along for new What Follows episodes, clips, and updates.

Website: AirhartYouTube: Airhart on YouTubeLinkedIn: Airhart on LinkedInInstagram: Airhart on Instagram

Welcome to this episode of What Follows — the podcast where we explore the people shaping aviation today, and the ideas defining what comes next.

In this episode, host Nate Thuli speaks with Hal Bryan of the Experimental Aircraft Association about the aviation community, youth engagement, flight training, aircraft restoration, and the role EAA plays in keeping aviation accessible and inspiring.

Hal shares his own aviation origin story, from growing up around aircraft to becoming an influential voice in the aviation community. The conversation explores how EAA connects people through hands-on learning, restoration projects, Young Eagles flights, AirVenture Oshkosh, and a shared love of flight.

Nate and Hal also discuss the balance between tradition and innovation in aviation, from vintage aircraft and fundamental stick-and-rudder skills to modern avionics, autopilots, and flight simulation technology. Together, they examine how aviation can remain both technically advanced and deeply human.

Key Topics

Hal Bryan’s aviation origin storyThe mission and evolution of EAAHow EAA builds community across aviationYoung Eagles and youth engagement in aviationMaking aviation more accessible to new generationsAirVenture Oshkosh as a global aviation gatheringAircraft restoration and hands-on learningThe relationship between vintage and modern aviationFlight simulation and aviation educationPilot competence in a technology-driven eraBalancing automation with fundamental flying skillsThe future of general aviation and innovation

Key Frameworks

Aviation community buildingYouth engagement in aviationAccessibility as a driver of participationTradition and innovation in general aviationHands-on learning and aircraft restorationTechnology, simulation, and pilot competence

Themes

This episode focuses on aviation as a community built through access, mentorship, history, and shared experience. Hal Bryan presents EAA not only as an organization, but as a living network of pilots, builders, restorers, educators, and enthusiasts working to keep aviation approachable and inspiring.

A major theme is the balance between old and new: vintage aircraft and modern avionics, hands-on mechanical knowledge and digital simulation, fundamental pilot skills and advanced automation. The conversation shows how aviation’s future depends on preserving its traditions while continuing to invite new people into the sky.

Resources

EAA Official Website — https://www.eaa.org

Young Eagles Program — https://www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/young-eagles

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh — https://www.eaa.org/airventure

Microsoft Flight Simulator — https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/flight-simulator

Flight Simulator Official Website — https://www.flightsimulator.com

Guest Links

Hal Bryan on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/halbryan

EAA — https://www.eaa.org

Credits

Host: Nate ThuliMusic: Eugeny BardyuzhaArtwork: Edmond HuotProduced by: Helwing Villamizar

Additional Media

Additional footage and media courtesy of the featured guests and their respective companies, including Airhart, Draco Aircraft, AviNation, Scaled Composites, and EAA.

Follow Airhart

Visit Airhart and follow along for new What Follows episodes, clips, and updates.Website: AirhartYouTube: Airhart on YouTubeLinkedIn: Airhart on LinkedInInstagram: Airhart on Instagram

Welcome to this episode of What Follows — the podcast where we explore the people shaping aviation today, and the ideas defining what comes next.

In this episode, host Nate Thuli speaks with David Szondy about technological innovation, the burden of being a first mover, and how human competence evolves alongside new tools, systems, and machines.

The conversation begins with the history of technology: why breakthrough ideas are often misunderstood at first, how inventions move through cycles of experimentation and refinement, and why storytelling matters when explaining complex technological change. Nate and David also discuss the role of play, curiosity, and problem-solving in shaping the technologies that eventually transform society.

The episode then turns to aviation and aerospace, exploring AI, drones, electric propulsion, pilot automation, air traffic management, and the future of accessible flight. David reflects on both the promise and the limitations of emerging technologies, arguing that the future of aviation will depend not only on invention, but on how well people, systems, and institutions adapt to change.

Key Topics

First mover disadvantage and the challenge of educating the marketThe history of technology and misunderstood inventionsHow human competence evolves alongside new toolsThe role of play, curiosity, and experimentation in innovationThe iterative loop between problems and solutionsWhy storytelling matters in explaining technological changeComplex interactions between history, technology, and societyEmerging trends in aviation and aerospaceAI as a tool for improving pilot performanceThe rise of drones in military and civil aviationElectric propulsion and battery limitationsPilot automation and the future role of pilotsThe democratization of aviation and the flying car debateDecentralized air traffic managementWhy smaller players can drive aviation innovation

Themes

This episode explores technology as a living, iterative process rather than a simple line of progress. Nate and David discuss how innovations emerge through trial, failure, play, competition, and storytelling — and how first movers often carry the burden of explaining ideas before the market is ready for them.

In aviation, the conversation focuses on the next wave of transformation: AI-assisted pilots, drones, electric propulsion, advanced air mobility, and more decentralized air traffic systems. Rather than presenting technology as a replacement for human skill, the episode frames it as a tool that can expand competence, improve safety, and open new possibilities for flight.

Resources

David Szondy — New Atlas Author Profile — https://newatlas.com/author/david-szondy/

FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems — https://www.faa.gov/uas

FAA Advanced Air Mobility / Air Taxis — https://www.faa.gov/air-taxis

FAA Next Generation Air Transportation System — https://www.faa.gov/nextgen

NASA Advanced Air Mobility Mission — https://www.nasa.gov/mission/advanced-air-mobility/

NASA Air Traffic Management and Safety Project — https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/armd/aosp/atms/

NASA Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration Project — https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/armd/iasp/epfd/

Credits

Host: Nate ThuliMusic: Eugeny BardyuzhaArtwork: Edmond HuotProduced by: Helwing Villamizar

Additional Media

Additional footage and media courtesy of the featured guests and their respective companies, including Airhart, Draco Aircraft, AviNation, Scaled Composites, and EAA.

Follow Airhart

Visit Airhart and follow along for new What Follows episodes, clips, and updates.

Website: AirhartYouTube: Airhart on YouTubeLinkedIn: Airhart on LinkedInInstagram: Airhart on Instagram