With heavy hearts we remember and pay tribute to a truly remarkable individual, Richard McSpadden. The aviation world has been shaken by the sudden loss of this extraordinary man, whose impact on the industry was profound. We reflect on the life and contributions of Richard, a former commander of the USAF Thunderbirds and a vice president at AOPA, where he served as the director of the Air Safety Institute. On the afternoon of Sunday, October 1st, 2023, Richard was involved in an aircraft crash ...
Oct 02, 2023•57 min
We’re joined by Dr. Keith Roxo with Wingman Med. Medical exams are just as important as any other exam you will take in your aviation career. Keith chats with us all about FAA medicals and how Wingman Med can help you prepare for your next exam. If you’d like to learn more about Wingman Med, check out their website - https://wingmanmed.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wingmanmed Be sure to follow us and subscribe on social media, and leave us a review wherever you find our podcast. Websit...
Sep 18, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 44
Recorded LIVE from Airventure 2023, it's FMP Live from OSH! We had a really fantastic opportunity to meet with the crew of the Super Guppy at Airventure. Climb up into the flight deck with us as we talk to Pilot Brett Pugsley, and Flight Engineer Nelson Reyes. They tell us all about what it takes to make this unique aircraft fly. Special thank you to the crew and NASA's Office of Communications for this great opportunity. Be sure to follow us and subscribe on social media, and leave us a review ...
Sep 14, 2023•32 min•Ep. 43
Come one, come all to experience the joy of aviation! In this week’s episode, we were delighted to speak with a previous guest, Ambyr Peterson, as well as Mina Carlson, about Women in Aviation International’s event called Girls in Aviation Day. This is a worldwide event held annually by local WAI chapters for girls (and boys!) to experience different areas of aviation. The Stars of the North chapter of Minnesota currently hosts the largest GIAD event, and they are proud to announce it will be ba...
Sep 05, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 42
All good things must come to an end, but at least we have good stories to tell! Join us (Jim and Madi) as we rehash our experience at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023. We'll discuss our roles as Media, meeting some of you, our Interviewee Scavenger Hunt, and the content we were fortunate to record with a lot of great people. Come relive the memories with us as we adventure through our Oshkosh Recap! Be sure to follow us and subscribe on social media, and leave us a review wherever you find our podcas...
Aug 20, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 41
Recorded LIVE from Airventure 2023, it's FMP Live from OSH! We had a great morning on Day 4 with the folks over at AOPA. We reconnect with Kyle Lewis, the Great Lakes Regional Manager for an update on what they are working on in the region. We then sit down and chat with Cade Halle about the medical side of AOPA's Pilot Protection Services. Finally, we learn all about the initiatives in AOPA's "You Can Fly" programs from Dan Pathman. From High School STEM, to scholarships, to rusty pilot courses...
Aug 07, 2023•55 min•Ep. 40
We are proud to bring you the first of our episodes recorded live at this year's Airventure 2023. On day one of the event, Cirrus announced the launch of their new Cirrus Private Pilot Program. We caught up with Cirrus CEO, Zean Nielsen to learn more about Cirrus, the companies Midwestern roots, and their exciting new pilot training program. A huge thank you goes out to Zean and Nadia, and everyone else at Cirrus for their hospitality and making this interview happen. Free content isn't always f...
Jul 28, 2023•38 min•Ep. 39
The gang's all here! In this live bonus episode, we are on location at AirExp 2023. We get a chance to catch up with Trevor, learn a bit more about the C130, and hear about where he is at with his flying. Jim and Madi will talk about all the exciting things we will be getting into a Airventure. Free content isn't always free. Each month, we have various costs associated with brining you the podcast. If you would like to help us financially, you can purchase our Merch, check out some great gear f...
Jul 23, 2023•14 min
Welcome to the 2nd Annual Airventure Call-in Extravaganza Spectacular! On this episode, we are so thrilled to be joined by several guests and fans of the podcast, talking all things Airventure. We had such a great time connecting with with people in this episode. A huge thank you to all of them for playing along with our crazy podcasting crew. 1. Ed and Caitlin - A Wisconsin based couple on a tour around the airports of Wisconsin. Check out their journey on youtube - https://www.youtube.com/chan...
Jul 16, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 38
In this highly anticipated episode, we are joined by Richard McSpadden. He's gone from being a combat F-15 pilot, to Commander of the USAF Thunderbirds, to the Executive Director of AOPA's Air Safety Institute. We will talk about his incredible career, his roles with AOPA and the Thunderbirds, and some exciting things that the Air Safety Institute is working on. Be sure to check out their videos, podcast, and all of their other content below. www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/air-safety-institute...
Jul 10, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 37
We welcome the funniest game in aviation weather, METAR AF! This new aviation weather app gives you the latest METAR data for your local airport, with a comedic twist. Creators Bryan Turner and Andrew Hughes talk to us about the creation of the app and what they are working on for the future! www.metaraf.com https://apps.apple.com/us/app/metar-af/id1661162042 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hugheswd.metaraf&hl=en&gl=US&pli=1 https://humanelycoded.com/ Youtube @justp...
Jul 03, 2023•58 min•Ep. 36
Welcome to Episode Reload! With Simventure '23 on the horizon, we want to replay our episode from last year's event. We're joined by Kevin from Pilotedge. He will preview this year's event and we will roll into last years episode where he talks about their virtual Oshkosh event, Simventure. Sim pilots can fly into the virtual show using the Pilotedge ATC service, provided by real Airventure controllers. He also talks about what Pilotedge is and how it can enhance your flight simulator experience...
Jun 30, 2023•57 min
Are you ready for Airventure! We are joined by EAA's Director of Communication, Dick Knapinski to preview this year's show. We talk about how they will celebrate the 70 years of EAA, changes to the event, some featured attractions, and much more. We also talk about the unique aviation family reunion feel and community that comes with the annual pilgrimage to Oshkosh. It's the perfect pre-game for this year's big event! Free content isn't always free. Each month, we have various costs associated ...
Jun 27, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 35
On this bonus episode, we review the big news from the FAA related to mental health and medicals. We sit down and chat about what the changes mean, some other medical issues, and share some of our own opinions on the FAA medical system. We also make mention of the Pilot's Pandemic Podcast. If you are interested in more information on pushes for medical reform, check them out! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pilots-pandemic/id1552155873 https://open.spotify.com/show/0HSr9MxbBzODaYMzUJ3e...
Jun 15, 2023•24 min
On this episode, we chat with Erika Armstrong. She is the author of the book A Chick in the Cockpit, active on social media, and has flown a wide array of aircraft. She talks with us about her start in an FBO at a Minnesota airport, her journey to become the Chick in the Cockpit, and her take on aviation today. We also announce another partnership with Flying Eyes Optics. They design sunglasses and eyewear for pilots, by pilots. Go check out all of their great line of products at out affiliate p...
Jun 12, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 34
On this episode, we sit down with former UND Aerocast Host, Tyler Lauer. During Covid, Tyler was part of revamping the UND Aerocast channel with Three Minute Thursdays, focusing on improving common errors of student pilots. He talks with us about the inspiration and the process behind the revamp. We also announce our partnership as a Lightspeed affiliate. Jim has been using Lightspeed products for over a decade, so we are really excited about this opportunity. Lightspeeds released it's newest pr...
May 29, 2023•57 min•Ep. 33
On this episode, we sit down with Liz Kailey of Jeppesen. Liz has been writing and editing the Jeppesen flight training materials for nearly 30 years. If you've ever read their Guided Flight Discovery text, you have read her work. Hear how she got into writing flight training materials, more about her role, and some things Jeppesen is looking at for the future. we are just shy of 20K total downloads. We are working hard to grow and develop the podcast and would love your help. You can show your ...
May 08, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 32
On this episode, we are thrilled to welcome back AOPA's Kyle Lewis, Great Lakes Regional Manager. Kyle chats with us about his background in aviation, how he got started with AOPA, and what his role is. We also take a moment to talk about our efforts to help grow and develop the podcast and a call to action for our listeners. You can show your support and help us grow through sharing the podcast with others, leaving ratings and reviews on your podcasting platform, or even talking about us in soc...
Apr 22, 2023•53 min•Ep. 31
On this episode, we are joined by Joe Czech, of the Minnesota Aviation Career Education Camp (MN ACE Camp.) This annual summer camp is open to teens to explore the variety of careers in aviation. Campers get to experience tours, flights, demonstrations, and guest speakers, as they bridge the gap from classroom to careers in aviation. If you or someone you know is interested in ACE Camp, applications close April 17th, 2023. Check out their website to apply now. Visit Minnesota Ace Camp's Website ...
Apr 04, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 30
On this episode, we are are excited to bring you John Zimmerman. He is the president of the Midwest based aviation superpower, Sporty's! If you are a pilot, it is highly unlikely that you aren't familiar with Sporty's. We will talk about the origins of Sporty's, their pilot training programs, John's growth within the company, and how they have adapted over time. He will also talk about their blogs and podcast Pilot's Discretion, and what is in store for the future. Visit Sporty's website for pro...
Mar 22, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 29
On this episode, we are thrilled to be joined by AOPA's Kyle Lewis, Great Lakes Regional Manager. Kyle chats with us about the advocacy efforts that AOPA is undertaking and what is going on in our region of the country. He will also discuss the latest in avgas and unleaded fuel updates and what that means for pilots and owners. Visit AOPA's State Advocacy site here: https://www.aopa.org/advocacy/state-advocacy/great-lakes Be sure to follow us and subscribe on social media, and leave us a review ...
Mar 08, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 28
On this episode, we are once again joined by Ferry Pilot, Author, and Reality TV Star Kerry McCauley. We had such a great conversation with Kerry, that we had to split it into two separate episodes. In the first episode, we heard a bit about Kerry's introduction to aviation, how he got into ferry flying, and some of the tense moments he has had on some of these flights. In this episode, he shares more about his books, his time on the discovery channel program "Dangerous Flights," and he shares h...
Feb 16, 2023•50 min•Ep. 27
Welcome to the start of the second year of the Flying Midwest Podcast! On this episode, we are joined by Ferry Pilot, Author, and Reality TV Star Kerry McCauley. We had such a great conversation with Kerry, that we had to split it into two separate episodes. In this first episode, we hear a bit about Kerry's introduction to aviation, how he got into ferry flying, and some of the tense moments he has had on some of these flights. Kerry will join us for a second episode in two weeks. In that episo...
Jan 23, 2023•58 min•Ep. 26
We welcome Airshow Announcer, the face and voice of Sporty's pilot training videos, and host of the "I Learned About Flying From That" podcast, Rob Reider. An Aviation Renaissance Man who has lent his talents to the aviation community for years. Rob Reider has spent decades as a highly sought airshows announcer, announcing shows all across the nation. He has built many friendships and professional relationships over the years, to include the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds. He is a member of th...
Dec 24, 2022•55 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this episode, we officially welcome Trevor back to the Midwest and we have a great conversation with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer/Pilot Jason Jensen. He talks to us about the different missions and aircraft used by the MN DNR, his journey into aviation, and some hangar talk story swapping. Jim also announces his new podcast, Fly the Transition. He’s got some great guests scheduled who will share how they transitioned into aviation as a second career. These fo...
Dec 10, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 24
In this episode, Jim, Madi and Trevor chat about check rides. If you are a student at any level and prepping for your check ride, you won’t want to miss this one. We will discuss tips passed along to us, how we prepared, resources we used, and much more. Plus, we check in with the crew on their aviation adventures and have some fun hangar talk. You can check out the links below for all the things we talked about. Seth Lake Content - https://www.youtube.com/@SethLakeDPE MzeroA Commercial - www.am...
Nov 28, 2022•58 min•Season 1Ep. 23
We are back from our Fall break! In this episode, we sit down with Russ Keith and learn more about the Facebook Community “Airplanes & Coffee.” Russ is the President of the Board for Airplanes & Coffee. Now boasting over 120K members, this rapidly growing community is looking to continue to expand. They have big dreams and we get to hear all about it. Plus, Jim earns his Commercial rating, and Trevor purchases a new to him Cessna 150. Merch: Flyingmidwest.com/merch Linkte.ee/Flyingmidwes...
Nov 05, 2022•59 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this episode, we bring your a content creation cross-over of epic proportions. We are joined by Ryan Dembroski of SuperAero. Ryan joins us in the podcast, as we join him on SuperAero Live! It is an event that nobody asked for, that you didn't realize you needed. Join us as we interview Ryan about his YouTube content creation and community, the opportunities he has had in aviation, and an overall fun conversation. Message from the FMP Crew: The FMP Crew all have really busy schedules over the ...
Oct 03, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this bonus episode, we return with part two of our interview with airshow performer Kyle Franklin. Kyle is well known for his "Drunk Pilot" comedy act, his Dracula act, and his previous act Pirated Skies. In this part of the interview, Kyle talks more about his performances, what goes into making a routine, what performing means to him, and much more. Kyle Franklin: https://www.facebook.com/franklins.flying.circus Episode Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of Jeremy D. Dando: https://jeremyd.smugmug.co...
Sep 19, 2022•56 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this episode, we are thrilled to bring you part one of our interview with airshow performer Kyle Franklin. Kyle is well known for his "Drunk Pilot" comedy act, his Dracula act, and his previous act Pirated Skies. Kyle talks about his family history in aviation, and how he got into the airshow business. We will bring you part two of our interview in our next episode! Kyle Franklin: https://www.facebook.com/franklins.flying.circus Episode Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of Jeremy D. Dando: https://jer...
Sep 12, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 19
