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Aero Exploration

Flying Midwest Media
Aviation
Air Traffic Control
Law Enforcement
Flight Training
Mosaic
Backseat Pilot
U-2
Aviation Safety
MSP Airport
Airport Snow Removal
Federal Aviation Administration
Aircraft Management
Thrust Flight
Airline Hiring
Aviation Maintenance Technicians
Light Sport Aircraft
Sport Pilot
CFI
Dragon Lady
Public Trust In Aviation

The AeroExploration Podcast explores aviation’s past and the paths people are taking in the industry today. Join host Jim Schilling for stories of historic flights, modern aviation careers, and the passion that keeps us looking to the skies. Aviation has a past worth remembering, destinations worth exploring, and people worth meeting. This is AeroExploration.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes84Founded4 years ago
Categories
AviationLeisure

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Artwork for Aero Exploration

Latest Episodes

What if the voice you hear at 35,000 feet started with a kid behind a computer screen playing flight simulator?This week on AeroExploration, we sit down with @PropHatCat—an air traffic controller and viral aviation creator who’s pulling back the curt... more

What really happens behind the scenes at the FAA?

In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, we sit down with FAA Inspector Nick Matlock (@incommand0) to break down one of aviation’s most misunderstood roles. From his journey as a pilot to his ... more

How do airports stay open during massive snowstorms?

When a blizzard hits, pilots aren’t the only ones fighting the weather. Behind the scenes, an entire operation is working nonstop to keep runways open, aircraft moving, and passengers safe.

In th... more

What does it take to livestream one of America’s busiest airports?

In this episode of the AeroExploration Podcast, we sit down with Alex Redding, the creator behind MSP Airport LIVE, the popular plane-spotting livestream focused on Minneapolis–Saint... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Marcus Miller
Air traffic controller and aviation content creator known as PropHatCat
PropHatCat
Episode: Episode 80 - Flight Sim Kid Becomes Air Traffic Controller | W/ @PropHatCat ​
Nick Matlock
FAA inspector, talks about his role and path into the FAA
Federal Aviation Administration (FISDO)
Episode: Episode 79 - We're All WRONG about the FAA: Inside the FSDO with Nick Matlock
Alex Redding
YouTube channel creator at MSP Airport LIVE
MSP Airport LIVE
Episode: Episode 77 - What It Takes to Livestream MSP Airport: With Alex Redding
Ellen Quist
Aviation professional specializing in aircraft management
Independent aviation professional / part of the management company
Episode: Episode 76 - Beyond the Airlines: Careers in Aircraft Management
Erik Fletcher
Former Hollywood camera operator turned pilot
135 Outreach / current operator in part 135 and long-haul aviation
Episode: Episode 75- The Second Take: Erik Fletcher's Charter Pilot Life
Bryan Turner
Just Plain Silly Fame on YouTube; airline pilot
Just Plain Silly/YouTube; Envoy (employer)
Episode: Episode 72 - Just Plane Silly, Just Got Serious- with Airline Pilot Bryan Turner.
Matt Peschong
Former North Dakota Highway Patrol trooper and current regional airline pilot
Aviation career transition guest
Episode: Episode 68 - Trading Badges for Boarding Passes: A State Trooper's Flight to the Airlines
Patrick Arnzen
CEO of Thrust Flight, flight instructor, ANP advocate
Thrust Flight
Episode: Episode 66 - From Zero Time to Airline: Inside Thrust Flight’s Approach to Accelerated Pilot Training

Host

Jim Schilling
Co-host and primary presenter focused on aviation careers, safety, and industry storytelling.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 36 ratings
  • Tons of helpful info!

    Great podcast to help with the “real world” aspects of flying that occur outside of training. From the stories, behind the scenes looks, and tips on topics like hanger ownership, the podcast has really helped me round out my aviation education. Always an informative and helpful listen!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    GitaCBrown
    United States5 months ago
  • An inspirational podcast for those of us who wish to at least learn how to fly and for those who want to make it a career.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Hicksville hotelier
    a year ago
  • High dose of aviation inspiration!

    This is a podcast that really speaks to me! Jim is able to find and share inspiring stories of people chasing their dreams. So many get stuck in the daily grind and just dream, but the stories of everyday people taking that leap of faith is relatable and makes those dreams seem in reach.

    Can’t wait for more stories!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    FrozenFlyer77
    United Statesa year ago
  • The Most Inspiring Aviation Podcast Out There!

    We’re all tired of the same old story… a teenager rushes through their ratings, builds time on the backs of others, then bails for the airlines. Host Jim breaks the monotony with his podcast Fly The Transition. His interviews explore the unique and inspiring stories of people chasing their dreams later in life and finding a second career in aviation. A must-listen show for anybody considering a change in their life, whether aviation-related or otherwise. Take the leap, put in the hard work, and ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    golls17
    United States2 years ago
  • Loving the podcast

    As a recently certificated commercial pilot, I really appreciate the content you are providing! Looking forward to more episode as I near my retirement from my corporate job and transition into getting paid for following my passion. Keep up the great work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bsin339
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the practical, real-world aviation guidance and candid experiences of shifting careers into aviation.
The show's mix of regulator insight and hands-on operational topics is seen as uniquely helpful for aspiring professionals.
Guests' stories about perseverance and career pivots are described as inspiring and relatable.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#228
United States/Leisure/Aviation
Apple Podcasts
#192
Canada/Leisure/Aviation
Apple Podcasts
#246
United Kingdom/Leisure/Aviation
Apple Podcasts
#119
France/Leisure/Aviation
Apple Podcasts
#234
Germany/Leisure/Aviation
Apple Podcasts
#244
Australia/Leisure/Aviation

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 66 - From Zero Time to Airline: Inside Thrust Flight’s Approach to Accelerated Pilot Training
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your background in aviation and the path you took to get there?
Arnzen describes a winding path through flying, teaching, and ultimately founding a flight school and Thrust Flight, emphasizing resilience through downturns and a pivot to focus on producing professional pilots since 2017.
Episode 79 - We're All WRONG about the FAA: Inside the FSDO with Nick Matlock
Q: What misconceptions do pilots have about the FAA and its inspections?
Many think inspectors are out to trap pilots; in reality, the mission is safety promotion, with inspections announced in advance when possible, and most interactions are with management rather than individual pilots.
Episode 79 - We're All WRONG about the FAA: Inside the FSDO with Nick Matlock
Q: How does someone get hired into the FAA, and what is the interview process like?
Applicants apply online, go through a screening process, interview with office managers (sometimes a virtual review board), complete a flight checkride as part of the process, and may undergo fingerprinting and background checks before final placement.
Episode 79 - We're All WRONG about the FAA: Inside the FSDO with Nick Matlock
Q: What exactly does your role as an operations inspector involve on a day-to-day basis?
I oversee a handful of Part 135 operators and other certificate holders, conduct inspections, and ensure ongoing compliance through a mix of scheduled surveillance and unplanned inquiries, while communicating findings and working toward safety improvements.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
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Frequently Asked Questions About Aero Exploration

What is Aero Exploration about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Aerospace-focused storytelling, career-path discussions, and behind-the-scenes aviation operations drive this show. Across episodes, listeners get practical guidance on training, certifications, and industry pathways, along with deep dives into ATC, regulatory roles, and maintenance bottlenecks. The host emphasizes human-centered narratives—stories of mid-life career pivots, nontraditional aviation roles, and the evolving landscape of aviation careers—often pairing guests from regulators, operators, and content creators to demystify complex topics. A notable strength is the blend of technical detail with accessible storytelling, making it useful for aspiring aviators, industry pros considering a change, and sponsors curious about a highly e... more

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How many episodes of Aero Exploration are there?

Aero Exploration launched 4 years ago and published 84 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Aero Exploration?

Recent guests on Aero Exploration include:

1. Marcus Miller
2. Nick Matlock
3. Alex Redding
4. Ellen Quist
5. Erik Fletcher
6. Bryan Turner
7. Matt Peschong
8. Patrick Arnzen

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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