Destination Aviation – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Kyle Lewis, Regional Manager with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). When flight disruptions grounded our original plans, we didn’t let that stop us — we fired up the mics from the Midway Airport parking garage instead.

Kyle shares sharp insights on today’s aviation landscape, from pilot advocacy to industry trends, along with a few laughs and personal stories that every aviator can relate to.

So join us as we keep the parking attendants company, rack up a few parking fees, and talk all things aviation — like “Comedians in Cars,” but with pilots, planes, and plenty of prop talk.

AOPA Buckeye Air Fair:

https://www.aopa.org/community/buckeye-air-fair

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Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation

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In this episode of Destination Aviation, host Jeff Miller sits down with Maria Romanick, A.A.E., Operations and Maintenance Manager at Minot International Airport — and a pilot with a serious sense of adventure.

Maria shares stories from her time keeping things running smoothly on the airfield, offers smart advice for those looking to break into airport operations, and reflects on her aviation roots at the University of North Dakota. Between the professional insights, plenty of laughs, and a few van-life dreams (yes, she’s thinking of fixing up a Ford and hitting the road someday), this conversation captures the heart of what makes aviation people so unique — passionate, practical, and always planning the next adventure.

Whether you’re an aspiring airport professional, a fellow pilot, or just someone who loves a good story from the tarmac, this episode will leave you inspired to keep your own dreams rolling.

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Websites:

Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation

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In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with author, aviation attorney, and retired U.S. Navy Captain Mark C. Fava for an inspiring conversation drawn from his book Lessons from the Admiral. With decades of leadership experience in both military and civilian aviation, Mark shares stories that blend discipline, service, and the values that define true leadership.

We explore how his time in the Navy and career in aviation law shaped his worldview, his advice for the next generation of aviators and leaders, and the powerful lessons he's carried forward from mentors like the Admiral.

Whether you're a pilot, professional, or just passionate about aviation and leadership, this episode delivers timeless insights and grounded wisdom from a voice that’s flown high—and led with purpose.

👉 Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: (3) Mark C. Fava | LinkedIn *or Mark's website listed under Websites below

Purchase Lessons from the Admiral: Amazon.com : lessons from the admiral

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Websites:

Mark C. Fava - Mark C. Fava

Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation

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This week on Destination Aviation, the mic flips around as University of North Dakota aviation student Lauren Carter steps into the interviewer’s seat to put host Jeff Miller in the hot seat!

Lauren, who is working toward her Bachelor of Business Administration in Airport Management and graduating in May 2026, brings her passion for the industry and unique perspective as a student leader and aviation professional. With experience as a Flight Simulator Dispatcher at UND and time spent on the ramp with Unifi, Lauren understands both the operational and people sides of aviation. She’s also active in organizations like the American Association of Airport Executives and the Student Air Traffic Controllers Association, all while keeping her competitive edge on the UND Tennis Club.

In this special episode, Lauren dives into Jeff’s aviation journey, the origins of Destination Aviation, and the lessons he’s learned working in and around airports. Expect insights on leadership, career advice for young professionals, and a few personal stories you’ve never heard before.

Don’t miss this fun and candid conversation where the host becomes the guest—and discover what fuels Jeff’s passion for connecting people through aviation storytelling.

👉 Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: (2) Lauren Carter | LinkedIn

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Websites:

Destination Aviation - www.destinationaviation.org

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In this engaging episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Jenny Ann Urban and Randy Deberry from the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). As passionate advocates for aviation businesses, Jenny and Randy share insider perspectives on the biggest challenges facing the industry today—from regulatory shifts and workforce shortages to sustainability and technological innovation.

Tune in as we explore how NATA is driving meaningful change, supporting aviation businesses, and ensuring the skies remain open and thriving for generations to come. Whether you’re an industry professional or an aviation enthusiast, this conversation offers a compelling look behind the scenes of aviation advocacy and progress.

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Drop us a line at dapodcast85@gmail.com if you have your own plane tales

Connect with Jenny Ann Urban:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-ann-urban/

Websites:

Destination Aviation - www.destinationaviation.org

NATA – www.nata.aero

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In the second half of our engaging conversation on Destination Aviation, we continue our deep dive with Alex Gertsen, Sr. Director of Airport Advocacy and Vertical Infrastructure at NBAA. Picking up where we left off, Alex shares more about his hands-on experience as a part-time charter captain, including the life-changing missions of organ transport and the operational realities of business aviation. 

We expand the conversation into the evolving challenges and opportunities in vertical infrastructure, the role of advanced air mobility, and why protecting airport access is more critical than ever. Alex also reflects on the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, the balance between federal policy and local implementation, and what drives his personal commitment to the future of aviation. We also talk about a number of upcoming exciting general and business aviation events that Alex is involved in (Links in the show notes).

From policy to the pilot’s seat, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and a front-row seat to the intersection of advocacy and aviation innovation.

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Drop us a line at dapodcast85@gmail.com if you have your own plane tales

Websites:

Destination Aviation - www.destinationaviation.org

OpenAir – www.flyopenair.com

Aero Club of Wahington – www.aeroclub.org

Mooney Summit – www.MooneySummit.com

EAA AirVenture – www.airventure.org

AAAE General Aviation Conference - https://aaae.org/generalaviation

Chicago Executive 100th Anniversary – www.chiexec.com June 27th 2026 

NBAA-BACE – https://nbaa.org/events/2025-nbaa-business-aviation-convention-
exhibition-nbaa-bace/

NBAA-BACE Single-Pilot Safety Standdown - https://nbaa.org/events/2025-nbaa-single-pilot-safety-standdown/

NBAA-BACE – Military Connect – https://nbaa.org/events/2025-nbaa-business-aviation-convention-exhibition-nbaa-bace/military-connect-2025-nbaa-bace/

NBAA-BACE – Collegiate Connect - https://nbaa.org/events/2024-nbaa-business-
aviation-convention-exhibition-nbaa-bace/keynotes-sessions-events/collegiate-connect-2024-nbaa-bace/

NBAA YoPro - https://nbaa.org/professional-development/yopro/

Climbing. Fast. – www.climbingfast.com

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In this first part of a two-part conversation on Destination Aviation, we sit down with Alex Gertsen, Sr. Director of Airport Advocacy and Vertical Infrastructure at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). From his early career to his leadership in aviation policy, Alex has built a dynamic path that blends high-level advocacy efforts on the ground with in-the-air experience and exposure to business aviation flying, and being a part time charter captain transporting people and being involved in organ transport operations. 

We dive into his work supporting airports and vertical infrastructure - protecting access to airports and elevating runway and surface safety. Plus, we talk about the importance of the work aviation associations do in Washington, DC, some of the current issues facing our industry, the collaboration in the aviation community, and what fuels Alex’s passion for progress.

Whether you're a pilot, airport advocate, or just aviation-curious, this episode offers a unique look at how policy and purpose take flight. 

Websites:

www.nbaa.org

www.destinationaviation.org

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instagram.com/dapodcast85/

Drop us a line at dapodcast85@gmail.com if you have your own plane tales

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In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Derek Martin, Executive Director of Erie International Airport, to explore his unique path through the world of aviation. From chasing pucks on the ice to managing one of Pennsylvania’s key regional airports, Derek shares how his passion for hockey shaped his leadership style and career. Tune in for stories of teamwork, turbulence, and the smooth landings that brought him to where he is today. 

Website:
www.destinationaviation.org

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Drop us a line at dapodcast85@gmail.com if you have your own plane tales

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When flying at altitude, oxygen isn’t just optional—it’s essential. In this episode of Destination Aviation, we explore the silent, often misunderstood threat of hypoxia—a condition that can render pilots incapacitated in minutes, sometimes without warning.

We’ll examine several aviation accidents where hypoxia played a role, including the tragic 1999 Learjet crash that claimed the life of professional golfer Payne Stewart. That flight, which flew on autopilot for hours before crashing in South Dakota, is one of the most chilling examples of how quickly things can go wrong when oxygen is lost in the cockpit.

Join host Jeff Miller as he breaks down what hypoxia is, how it affects pilots, and the lessons every aviator—student or seasoned—needs to know. Whether you're in the left seat or just love aviation stories, this is one you won't want to miss.

Website:
www.destinationaviation.org

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instagram.com/dapodcast85/

Drop us a line at dapodcast85@gmail.com if you have your own plane tales

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In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Julie Curtis of South Bend International Airport for a candid and engaging conversation about her journey into the aviation industry. Julie shares how she found her way into airport leadership, the ins and outs of air service development at SBN, and the strategies behind attracting and maintaining airline routes in a competitive market. Along the way, we swap stories, reflect on career lessons, and share a few laughs. Whether you're in aviation or just love a good origin story, this episode will leave you inspired by the work happening on the ground—and in the air—at South Bend. 

Website:
www.destinationaviation.org

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instagram.com/dapodcast85/

Drop us a line at dapodcast85@gmail.com if you have your own plane tales

Support the show