AviNation

09/07/2026

Evan Fisher
Rocky Mountain College
Billings, Montana

Evan Fisher recently graduated from Williston High School in North Dakota and is already well on his way toward a career in aviation. Coming from a family of pilots, with both his grandfather and uncle flying, aviation has always been a part of Evan’s life.

In January, Evan reached a major milestone by earning his Private Pilot Certificate while still in high school. He also received an AOPA High School Aviation Scholarship, which helped him continue pursuing his passion for flight.

Evan’s accomplishments go beyond aviation. He is also an outstanding golfer and was part of the Williston High School golf team that placed third at the state tournament during his senior year. His success in both aviation and golf demonstrates his focus, determination, and strong work ethic.

“Evan is a natural-born flyer,” says Thomas Sando, who served as both his high school aviation teacher and flight instructor. Evan’s ability in the airplane and willingness to learn have helped him build a strong foundation for his future.

Evan is now attending Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana, where he is studying professional aviation. He plans to continue earning additional pilot certificates and ratings as he works toward becoming a professional pilot.

Evan’s journey shows other students what is possible when they take advantage of opportunities, work hard, and pursue something they are passionate about. Earning his pilot certificate in high school was just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting aviation career.

Rocky Mountain College ASA (Aviation Supplies & Academics) AOPA: your freedom to fly Williston High School

09/04/2026

Our very first Story Stop Tour episode is here, straight from day one at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

We hit the ramp with a mission: find the stories behind the machines.

First stop — Beringer Aero, the company behind those brightly colored wheels and brakes you can spot from across the flight line. What started in 1985 as a racing brake business for cars and motorbikes has become a name trusted across general aviation, and we get the full story: the origin, the science behind that signature color, and a plain-English breakdown of how brakes actually stop a plane at 60 knots.

We also talk to Tecnam Aircraft Doma Andreka, who flew the whole cross-country Runway to Oshkosh trip using aircraft equipped with Beringer brakes and wheels.

Second stop is a name everybody knows, in a place you might not expect it — Michelin Aircraft. Turns out their aviation history goes back to before the Wright brothers, including:

➡️ A 1908 flying competition (the Michelin Cup) that the Wright brothers won
➡️ Maps supplied to the Allies to help navigate France after D-Day
➡️ Serving as the original tire supplier for the Space Shuttle
➡️ Today's lighter, more sustainable aircraft tires

PLUS, we're joined by Michelin-sponsored solo aerobatic performer Pat McAlee of Extreme Flight, who treats sustainability like a personal mission, and the Full Throttle Formation Team, the 12-ship group that started by drawing smoke hearts over hospitals during COVID and has since flown for the US Men's Soccer team's World Cup send-off.

That's day one. We've got a lot more stops to make.

🎧 New episode is live now!

Give it a listen, and if you love what you hear, hit subscribe and drop us a review. It helps more than you know.

08/26/2026

New episode alert!

Shawn sits down with Rachelle Spector, founder of I Hart Flying Foundation , for a conversation that'll stick with you long after you hit stop.

It starts with a random Facebook message from a flight instructor in 2017 — Rachelle thought he was pulling her leg. She said yes anyway. Almost ten years later, that one free flight has turned into a nonprofit that's put nearly $500,000 into flight training for the next generation of women in aviation, with a 98% completion rate to show for it. 🎓

We get into the "HARTLed" model, the real numbers behind aviation's workforce shortage, and what it actually takes to build a community — HARTNation — instead of just an organization. Rachelle also shares her advice for young women stepping into aviation for the first time: never let anyone tell you there's something you can't do.

And because no Future in Flight episode is complete without it — we cover favorite in-flight snacks, dream aircraft (hint: it involves an F-22), and Rachelle's dream co-pilot. 🍩

🎧 New episode is live now —

https://futureinflight.com/longform_rachelle_spector/

If you love what you hear, hit subscribe and leave us a review. It helps more than you know.

Special "thank you" to show supporter FLYTE ! We absolutely LOVE ours! 😎

08/24/2026

✈️ Happy National Aviation Day! And yep, we timed this one 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 — our first new episode since we packed up and left Oshkosh is live TODAY. ✈️

This one's a big one. Shawn sits down with Kirk Fryar of Sarasota Avionics and Captain Val of Skyline Baron Pilot to talk about something we don't think about enough: general aviation as a literal time machine. Lunch with mom AND a concert in the same weekend? A same-day trip to The Caribbean? It's 𝑎𝑙𝑙 on the table.

PLUS--Kirk tells us about some incredible new automation tools (like Garmin Aviation's G1000nxi and TN 750) that help reduce pilot workload and help pilots enjoy the flight more.

Then we hear from Rachelle Spector, founder of I Hart Flying Foundation, on how one free flight in 2017 turned into a scholarship nonprofit that's put almost $500,000 into the next generation of pilots — with a 98% completion rate to show for it. 🎓

And because we couldn't wait to share it, we're capping the episode off with the full recap of our very first Story Stop Tour at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh — seven days, a dozen-plus stops, and more value-packed conversations than we can count.

There's honestly no better day to hit play. 🇺🇸✈️

🎧 New episode is live now —

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/general-aviation-is-a-time-machine/id1783597042?i=1000784337500

Give it a listen, and if you love what you hear, hit subscribe and drop us a review. It helps more than you know.

A HUGE "thank you" to Sarasota Avionics for supporting the next generation through the Future in Flight!

08/07/2026

Matthew Muscarella
LeTourneau University
Los Alamos, New Mexico

Matthew Muscarella is a 24-year-old pilot from Los Alamos, New Mexico, who has built a strong foundation in aviation through hard work and dedication. He has earned both his Private Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating, demonstrating his commitment to becoming a safe, knowledgeable, and proficient aviator. Matthew continues to pursue opportunities to expand his experience and further his aviation education while working toward a professional career in the industry. His passion for flying, combined with a disciplined approach to training, has allowed him to reach important milestones early in his aviation journey. Matthew hopes to continue building flight time, earn additional ratings, and inspire others who are interested in aviation to stay committed to their goals. He believes that persistence, continuous learning, and a strong work ethic are essential to success both in the cockpit and beyond.


ASA (Aviation Supplies & Academics)

07/18/2026

✈️ Heading to the EAA 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐬𝐡𝐤𝐨𝐬𝐡 event this week? Make plans to stop by our partners' booths!

Throughout the week, we'll be interviewing our partners to learn about their latest products, innovations, and industry insights—all to bring you future stories and content from the people shaping aviation.

Check out the attached schedule to see where we'll be each day, then stop by, say hello, and catch the interviews live. We look forward to seeing you throughout the week!

The Future in Flight Podcast Michelin Aerospace Center for Excellence McFarlane Aviation Products Tecnam Aircraft Lightspeed Aviation California Aeronautical University Wipaire TL Sport Aircraft

07/16/2026

Isaac Tennill
Prosper High School
Prosper, TX
Member of the Tango 31 Aero Clube

Despite the many airshows and close-up aircraft experiences I had when I was younger, my interest in being a pilot came from somewhere else. My aviation journey started not with these airshows I had gone to, but by playing games with my friends. Being persuaded time and time again to play a game that I at first despised, I slowly learned the intricacies of the game, specifically the intricacies of the planes. Playing the game more, trying to be better, I learned the fundamental components of both the mechanical makeup of aircraft, and the principles required to effectively fly them. After this the next airshow I attended was a bit more interesting. Understanding more of what was happening, I grew a strong admiration for the planes and pilots I saw. From there I became ever more obsessed with aviation, particularly military aircraft. I had a very strong desire to fly for the US Air Force, and while still present, it is no longer my main goal. I found a relative comfort in the idea of flying for major, or regional, airlines, and doing commercial flying. This led me on a search for a flight school. Through the many massive 141 schools I toured, I ended up finding my solution in an aviation event not related to any school. I was handed a business card from a pilot who was part of a flying club. This club has been where I’ve now spent an ever-growing amount of time. For the cost of gas, and some maintenance work to earn my keep, this club has been training me and being the key to my dream career. I could never have guessed that being berated over a voice call to play a game would lead me to be where I am now. He soloed in the past few days. Congratulations!


ASA (Aviation Supplies & Academics)

07/07/2026

✈️ The Summer 2026 issue of AviNation Magazine is now live!

This issue is packed with stories that show the many pathways, personalities, and possibilities inside aviation — from creativity and branding at Piedmont Airlines, to the National Top Pilot at SAFECON 2026, to student aviation teams, flight training, aviation maintenance, bush flying, Midwest Aviation Expo, and more.

AviNation continues to spotlight the people, programs, and companies helping inspire, connect, and grow the next generation of aviation talent.

Read the full digital issue here:
https://www.avinationusa.com/issue/2026-summer-issue/

07/06/2026