What happens when a lifelong passion for aviation, speed, and service collides with a legendary cross-country challenge? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Chris Holder of Concord Battery and Charlie Duffie of CJ Aviation to unpack an ambitious and heartfelt mission: a 31-hour Cannonball Run across the United States to raise $1 million for the Tango 31 Aero Club.

Chris and Charlie dive into the history of the Cannonball Run, the engineering and performance behind Charlie’s hand-built Factory Five Type 65 Coupe, and the logistics of attempting a coast-to-coast drive at speed—all while honoring the legacy of Kevin Lacey, founder of Tango 31. The conversation highlights how Tango 31 has transformed the lives of underserved youth by teaching them to build, maintain, and fly aircraft, producing pilots, A&P mechanics, and aviation leaders now working across the industry.

Beyond the car and the run, this episode is about giving back, sustaining aviation education, and creating a future pipeline of skilled professionals. With industry-wide support, major sponsors, and a growing wave of momentum, this Cannonball Run is more than an endurance challenge—it’s a mission to ensure Kevin Lacey’s vision lives on and expands nationwide.

Thank you to everyone supporting this effort and helping keep aviation dreams alive for the next generation.

The Cannonball Run for Tango 31 Aero Clube

• A 31-hour coast-to-coast Cannonball Run honoring Tango 31
• Southern Route: Jacksonville Beach, FL to San Diego, CA
• Goal: Raise $1 million to ensure long-term sustainability for Tango 31 Aero Club

The Mission Behind Tango 31

• Founded by Kevin Lacey, aviation icon and mentor
• Youth rebuild donated aircraft from the ground up, then learn to fly them
• Alumni now include corporate pilots, A&P mechanics, and industry professionals
• Funds will support insurance, travel, aircraft operations, and program growth

The Car & The Build

• Hand-built Type 65 Factory Five Type 65 Coupe
• 480 horsepower, ~2,740 lbs, built for speed and endurance
• Inspired by Carroll Shelby’s aviation and racing legacy
• Designed for performance, safety, and long-distance comfort

Industry & Community Support

• Sponsors include Concord Battery, Michelin, Lightspeed Aviation Headsets, and more
• Strong backing from aviation manufacturers and distributors
• Early commitments already exceeding $70,000

What’s Next

• Teaser videos and updates rolling out on Concord Battery’s social platforms
• Planned stop at Tango 31 in McKinney, Texas, with youth aircraft escorting part of the run
• Car appearance (and possible drag race!) at Sun ’n Fun

0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction & the 31-hour Cannonball concept 0:45 – 4:39 | History of the Cannonball Run & route selection 4:40 – 11:41 | Tango 31 Aero Club, Kevin Lacey’s legacy, and youth impact 11:42 – 16:29 | Record times, strategy, and modern-day challenges 16:30 – 22:30 | The Factory Five Type 65 Coupe: design, power, and performance 22:31 – 27:30 | Logistics, fuel strategy, comfort, and endurance 27:31 – 31:24 | Sponsors, fundraising, and how to get involved 31:25 – End | Final reflections, legacy, and the future of Tango 31

• Tango 31 Aero Club (Donations via Zeffy): https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/31-hours-for-tango-thirty-one
• Concord Battery: https://www.concordebattery.com/
• AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
• Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/
• BULBag: https://bulbag.com/

🎧 Episode Summary

What happens when a hand-built Shelby Daytona Coupe, a cross-country Cannonball Run, and a youth aviation nonprofit collide? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker takes listeners on an unforgettable journey where speed meets purpose and aviation becomes a force for generational change.

The story begins with Chris Holder (Concorde Battery Corporation) and Charlie Duffie (CJ Aviation)—two lifelong aviation enthusiasts undertaking a bold mission: driving a 408-horsepower Shelby Daytona Coupe coast-to-coast in just 31 hours to raise funds for Tango 31 Aero Club, a youth aviation program that has transformed dozens of young lives. Their run honors the legacy of Kevin Lacey, Tango 31’s founder, whose passion for mentoring underserved youth through aircraft restoration and flight training continues to inspire the aviation community after his passing.

From there, Shawn shifts gears—literally and figuratively—into aviation innovation, spotlighting Hartzell Propellers and their new Falcon Series, which brings century-old engineering expertise into the affordable aviation market by cutting propeller weight in half without sacrificing reliability.

The episode closes with a fascinating deep dive into one of aviation’s most important safety tools: the phonetic alphabet. Shawn unpacks its wartime origins, international testing, and why words like Alpha, Bravo, and Niner are carefully engineered to save lives in noisy cockpits and across language barriers.

This episode is about legacy, persistence, and community—and how aviation thrives when people refuse to let good ideas, or good people, be forgotten.

✨ Key Points

🏁 31 Hours for Tango 31

• Chris Holder and Charlie Duffie attempt a Southern Cannonball Run from Jacksonville Beach, FL to San Diego, CA.
• Goal: 31 hours, symbolizing Tango 31 Aero Club.
• Mission: Raise $1M to make Tango 31 self-sustaining after the loss of founder Kevin Lacey.
• Tango 31 students rebuild donated aircraft and learn to fly them—many go on to aviation careers.
• Over $70,000 in commitments pledged immediately after the mission was announced.
• Ultimate vision: Expand Tango 31 into a nationwide model for youth aviation education.

🛩️ Giving Back Through Aviation

• Kevin Lacey’s legacy lives on through the students he mentored.
• Over 40 youth have gone through Tango 31 since 2017.
• Alumni now work as pilots, A&P mechanics, and for companies like Cirrus Aircraft.
• “No pressure, no diamonds” becomes the guiding philosophy of the mission.

⚙️ Hartzell Propellers & Affordable Aviation

• Hartzell Propellers has been innovating since 1917.
• The Falcon Series is designed for engines like the Rotax 916.
• Weight reduced from ~40 lbs to ~20 lbs—major performance gains.
• Mission-specific prop design supports LSA, kit aircraft, and modern sport flying.
• OEM partnerships (CubCrafters, Van’s) can reduce costs for builders and pilots.

📡 The Aviation Phonetic Alphabet

• Developed through WWII and finalized internationally by ICAO and NATO.
• Designed to eliminate confusion across languages, accents, and poor radio quality.
• Examples:
  • Alpha (ALFA) for global pronunciation
  • Tree, Fife, Niner for clarity
• Used worldwide by pilots, ATC, emergency services, and beyond.
• One of aviation’s most successful safety innovations.

🕒 Chapter Timestamps

0:00 – 1:30 | Introduction: Speed, purpose, and aviation community 1:31 – 9:40 | 31 Hours for Tango 31: The Cannonball Run mission 9:41 – 11:00 | Honoring Kevin Lacey & the legacy of Tango 31 11:01 – 16:20 | Hartzell Propellers: Century-old innovation meets modern flying 16:21 – 22:30 | Propeller evolution, weight savings, and mission-based design 22:31 – 33:30 | The aviation phonetic alphabet: History, safety, and global impact 33:31 – End | Final reflections, community call-to-action, and closing thoughts

🔗 Links & Resources

• Tango 31 Aero Club: https://www.t31aeroclube.com/
• Concorde Battery Corporation: https://www.concordebattery.com/
• CJ Aviation: https://www.mcfarlaneaviation.com/cj-aviation/
• Hartzell Propellers: https://www.hartzellprop.com/
• AviNation USA / Aviation Magazine: https://www.avinationusa.com/
• Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/

In this high-energy interview, Michelle Leon, Operations Manager at Levil Aviation, discusses the common thread that links her diverse career background: people. From her early days in hospitality and dentistry to leading operations in aviation and manufacturing, Michelle explains how the philosophy of servant leadership has guided her success.

We explore how Levil Aviation is disrupting the avionics market with affordable, safety-enhancing equipment and the specific strategies Michelle uses to build a paperless, highly efficient workplace. The conversation also tackles the critical need for workforce development and how early exposure to trades can change the trajectory of students' lives.

➡️ Be sure to check out our newest show sponsor: BULBag USA!

• Servant Leadership: Being in the trenches with your team and focusing on their growth leads to a more resilient culture.
• The Appreciation Gap: Utilizing the 'Five Languages of Appreciation' to recognize employees in the way they actually want to be seen.
• Women in STEM: Overcoming industry biases by maintaining credibility and leading with knowledge.
• Early Exposure: The importance of introducing middle schoolers to CNC machining and robotics before they choose a career path.
• NORSEE Approval: A breakdown of how the FAA allows safety-enhancing equipment to reach pilots faster.

00:00 - Introduction and Michelle's diverse career journey 00:54 - Servant leadership lessons from the dentistry world 03:54 - Why workforce development energizes the team 04:54 - Moving toward paperless and digital-first operations 06:11 - Boosting morale through the Five Languages of Appreciation 08:04 - Earning respect as a woman in aviation and manufacturing 13:06 - Why middle school is the 'sweet spot' for trade exposure 19:32 - Introducing Levil Connect: The future of data collection 22:12 - Deep dive into the FAA's NORSEE approval process 28:29 - Advice for building a professional network

• Levil Aviation Official Website
• Creative Relay Media
• AviNation
• BULBag USA

What does the future of aviation really look like as we head toward 2026—and how can today’s pilots, students, and aviation dreamers prepare for it? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker takes listeners on a forward-looking journey through the biggest shifts shaping aviation’s near future. From airline industry pressures and evolving airport experiences, to revolutionary changes in flight training and the FAA’s new MOSAIC rule, this episode is all about opportunity at a moment of pivot for aviation.

Shawn then spotlights hands-on innovation with a deep dive into the Silverlight Aviation Recon, a versatile, trailerable experimental aircraft designed to solve real-world ownership challenges like hangar shortages and rising costs—without sacrificing performance or fun. The episode wraps with expert insight from Lou Mancuso, “The Landing Doctor,” whose unconventional training philosophy has helped produce safer pilots and buttery-smooth landings through a return to fundamentals.

This episode is about innovation, accessibility, and mastery—and why the next generation of aviators has more paths into the sky than ever before.

• Airlines face mounting pressure from costs, staffing, safety, and fuel—creating a crossroads moment.

• Airports are embracing biometrics and tech, but empathy and human connection are becoming key differentiators.

• Travelers want seamless, tech-enabled experiences without losing the human touch.

• Global pilot demand remains strong due to retirements and fleet growth.

• Flight schools are integrating VR, AR, AI-powered tracking, and digital logbooks.

• Modular and accelerated training paths could get students job-ready in as little as 12 months.

• Removes weight limits for new Light Sport Aircraft designs.

• Expands LSA to allow up to four seats.

• Enables more advanced aircraft systems with proper endorsements.

• Opens new, more affordable pathways into flight training and ownership.

• Kit-built experimental aircraft with folding wings—deployable in 10–15 minutes by one person.

• Trailerable design solves hangar waitlists and storage costs.

• Configurable with nosewheel or tailwheel landing gear.

• Engine options from 100 hp to 160 hp turbocharged.

• Excellent visibility, backcountry capability, and real-world versatility.

• Taught by Lou Mancuso of Sebring Flight Academy.

• Focuses on slow flight down the runway to master sight picture.

• Emphasizes fundamentals over instruments—sometimes covering the panel entirely.

• Resulted in zero accidents, incidents, or insurance claims in eight years.

• Training resources available free online for pilots and instructors.

0:00 – 1:00 | Introduction & aviation’s crossroads heading into 2026 1:01 – 2:50 | Airports, biometrics, and the importance of empathy 2:51 – 5:16 | Flight training evolution & FAA MOSAIC rule breakdown 5:17 – 7:14 | Why 2026 is a turning point for young aviators 7:15 – 12:56 | Silverlight Aviation Recon: design, performance & ownership innovation 12:57 – 14:58 | Why the Recon makes aircraft ownership more accessible 14:59 – 17:57 | The Landing Doctor: mastering landings through fundamentals 17:58 – End | Final reflections on skill, simplicity, and the joy of flying

• Silverlight Aviation Recon: https://silverlightaviation.com/

• The Landing Doctor: https://thelandingdoctor.com/

• AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/

• Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/

What happens when a year of aviation inspiration, grit, generosity, and discovery all comes together on Christmas week? In this festive episode, host Shawn Staerker brings you a heartwarming holiday special straight from “a hangar somewhere near the flightline.”

Shawn unwraps some of the most powerful, uplifting, and unforgettable moments from the 2025 season—from sparking first-time aviation magic in kids, to stories of perseverance, to veterans being honored from the sky, to life-changing career pathways opening across the country.

You’ll revisit:

✨ The spark of aviation awe through paper airplanes… ✨ The butterflies of a flight-test engineer who discovered the beauty behind complex systems… ✨ The power of networking and mentorship for young aviators… ✨ The resilience of those who faced rejection, delays, or setbacks—yet kept climbing… ✨ The generosity of pilots who used their own aircraft to lift up others… ✨ The emotional weight of military flying and the unseen realities of those who serve.

Plus—Shawn shares an incredible new Christmas aviation story: “’Twas the Flight Before the Night Before Christmas.”

This episode is about gratitude, growth, and the powerful ways aviation brings people together—especially during the holidays.

Special thanks to Flyte Sunglasses—light on weight, not on quality! And be sure to join the 25 Days of Flightsmas Giveaway for your chance to win amazing gear this holiday season.

Inspiring Moments From Our 2025 Guests

Sparking the Magic – with Mike Salmon (ADS)

• Demonstrated paper airplane aerodynamics to children ages 5–13.
• Witnessed their “first aviation spark” as their eyes lit up with discovery.
• Reminded us that aviation inspiration starts young.

Flight Test Excitement – with Adriana Barragan (FlyORKA)

• Described the moment complex engineering “clicked” for her.
• Talked about turning something extraordinary and intimidating into something she could understand—and love.

Networking as a Superpower – with Claire Mahr (Fly Girl Aircraft Detailing)

• Encouraged young aviators to walk into FBOs, join every aviation group they can, and meet everyone possible.
• Reinforced that opportunity grows through community.

Career Pathways – with Mary Lamie (St. Louis Freightway / BSD)

• Explained aviation career roadmaps showing job options, earning potential, and next-step guidance.
• Highlighted the importance of clear, accessible paths to high-paying aviation careers.

Perseverance – with Brian Kincaid (6 Zero Alpha)

• Once told his color blindness meant he could never fly fighters—so he quit aviation at 17.
• Returned years later and earned his pilot certificate at 31.
• Message: Never let someone else define your limits.

Persistence & Funding – with Jamail Larkins (AviationStart)

• Faced 93 rejections before receiving his first aviation sponsorship.
• Now helps thousands through free scholarship resources.

Giving Back – with Luke Pylypciw (SkyScholar)

• Flew a Mooney on an East Coast tour to visit veteran centers.
• Raised $15,000 for Hope for the Warriors.
• A true example of aviation used for service and meaning.

Military Strength & Sacrifice (Jeremy Meyers and Anthony Dyer)

• Pilots shared emotional stories from combat deployments, including difficult missions, near-empty fuel returns, and the unseen moments that shape the lives of those who serve.

0:00 – 0:44 | Welcome from the hangar + Christmas kickoff 0:45 – 1:35 | Sparking aviation magic with paper airplanes 1:36 – 1:55 | Flight test butterflies and discovering understanding 1:56 – 2:34 | Networking advice from Claire Maher 2:35 – 3:00 | Aviation career roadmaps for students 3:01 – 3:30 | Perseverance: Never giving up on flying 3:31 – 3:55 | Jamail Larkins and 93 rejections 3:56 – 4:09 | Break: 25 Days of Flightsmas 4:10 – 5:05 | Luke Pylypciw on “Luke for the Troops” 5:06 – 6:17 | Stories from military pilots and powerful missions 6:18 – End | Christmas story + Year-in-review reflections + closing

AviNation USA – https://www.avinationusa.com/ Creative Relay Media – https://creativerelaymedia.com/ Flightsmas Giveaway – https://futureinflight.com/flightsmas

What happens when a teenager refuses to let age—or anything else—limit what’s possible in aviation? In this episode, host Shawn Staerker sits down with rising aviator Luke Pylypciw, whose story spans from a spark ignited on childhood vacations to impactful charitable flights, collegiate aviation training, and inspiring the next generation online.

Luke shares how he balanced high school academics with flight training, convinced a hesitant family to support his flying goals, and cultivated discipline that continues to guide him today. You’ll also hear how the Goodrich Flying Club shaped his early flying years, why he chose Florida Tech, and how he avoids burnout in an intense collegiate aviation environment.

We also dive deep into “Loop for the Troops”—Luke’s ambitious multi-state charitable mission flown solo at just 17–18 years old, raising $15,000 for post-9/11 combat veterans. And finally, Luke opens up about using social media to inspire young aviators to pursue meaningful work while following their passion for flying.

This episode is a celebration of purpose, perseverance, and the power of aviation to change lives—one young pilot at a time.

Starting flight training and want some awesome gear? Check out our “25 Days of Flightsmas” giveaway! We’re giving away a pair of FLYTE sunglasses and a sweet BULBag utility bag!

Enter here to win: https://futureinflight.com/flightsmas/

Luke’s Journey Into Aviation

• Inspired by childhood travel and exposure to a family friend who was a corporate pilot.
• Took a discovery flight at 15 and began training two months later.
• Balanced accelerated high-school academics with flight lessons.
• Navigated early hesitancy from his family by proving commitment and maintaining strong grades.
• Became the youngest member of the Goodrich Flying Club, flying solo before he could drive.
• Found an encouraging aviation community that helped fuel his fast growth.

Florida Tech & Avoiding Burnout

• Chose Florida Tech for flight-training opportunities, diversity, and its location on the Space Coast.
• Uses intentional downtime—sunshine, the beach, exercise, and screen-free time—to stay grounded and safe.
• Focuses on compartmentalization: flying when flying, studying when studying, relaxing when relaxing.

Loop for the Troops

• At 17–18 years old, planned and executed a multi-state flight honoring veterans.
• Raised $15,000 for Hope for the Warriors, visiting veterans’ homes along the East Coast.
• Flew over 2,000 miles in a Mooney, supported by sponsors and local aviation communities.
• Used YouTube and Instagram to inspire youth by showing how passion and purpose can align.

Social Media & Inspiring the Next Generation

• Began posting flights for self-review and skill improvement.
• Shifted to sharing meaningful aviation projects to motivate young followers.
• Received feedback from youth who launched their own charitable initiatives because of his example.

00:00 Introduction to Luke Pylypciw's Journey 05:02 Navigating Early Challenges in Aviation 10:09 Community Impact through Aviation 15:04 Innovative Philanthropy: Wings of Opportunity 19:53 Sky Scholar: Guiding Future Aviators 24:56 The Role of Technology in Aviation 29:47 Pursuing Dual Degrees and Career Diversity 34:34 Personal Insights and Future Aspirations

AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/ Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/

SKYSCHOLAR: https://www.myskyscholar.com/

25 Days of Flightsmas: https://futureinflight.com/flightsmas/

What happens when lifesaving tech, real-world experience, and two powerhouse creators collide? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker dives into the life-changing importance of a truly great aviation headset—through the firsthand stories of Cooper the Pilot and YouTube creator Carl Hancock (Fly With The Guys).

From Cooper’s unforgettable first flight as a young adoptee from Korea to her mission-driven Hangar 22 scholarship program… to Carl’s terrifying real-world carbon monoxide emergencies and how the Lightspeed Delta Zulu literally saved his life—this episode is an inside look at the gear that keeps pilots safe, alert, and connected.

Shawn explores how today’s headsets do far more than quiet the cockpit: they prevent CO poisoning, adapt to your hearing profile, support training, and help build aviation’s next generation. Then, the episode shifts gears with exclusive updates on two major announcements from Van’s Aircraft, including upgrades to the RV-12iS Trainer and the rugged new RV-15 made for backcountry flying.

This episode is about safety, innovation, and the future of flight—and the people working every day to make aviation better for everyone.

✨ Special thanks to our episode partner — Lightspeed Aviation Makers of the Delta Zulu—built for your mission with life-saving CO detection, personalized hearing profiles, and the best ANR Lightspeed has ever engineered.

Reminder about the “25 Days of Flightsmas” giveaway happening right now! Enter for a chance to win a pair of Flyte Sunglasses or a BULBag Utility Bag! Visit the Future in Flight website for more information.

The 25 Days of Flightsmas Giveaway

Cooper the Pilot — Lessons & Takeaways

• Her aviation journey began during her first flight to the U.S. at age 5—“the flying house.”
• Runs the Hangar 22 scholarship program empowering young aviators.
• Chooses gear intentionally and tested the Lightspeed Delta Zulu before recommending it to students.
• The Delta Zulu’s CO detector alerted her when her aircraft’s built-in sensor failed.
• Loves the dual-volume controls, audio clarity, ATC recording, and modular plugs for switching between helicopters and fixed-wing.

Carl Hancock — Survival, Training & Tech

• Survived a dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning incident in a new-to-him aircraft.
• A second CO leak occurred months later—this time, the Delta Zulu caught it instantly.
• Uses hearing-profile tuning in the Lightspeed app to customize audio.
• Many students using his aircraft no longer need hearing aids when flying with the headset.
• Launching Empower Flight, a nonprofit flight school, and opening a new channel, Guys Aviation.

Why the Delta Zulu Matters

• Built-in, instant CO monitoring saves lives—unlike card-style detectors that take ~45 minutes to change.
• Customizable hearing profile via app.
• Independent left/right volume controls.
• High-end ANR reduces fatigue for students and instructors.
• Multi-platform recording for education and content creation.
• Holiday promo: $100 off, and $200 off for CFIs/pro pilots.

Vans Aircraft 2026 Announcements

• RV-12iS Trainer
  • Structural strengthening based on training-fleet feedback.
  • Improved systems and comfort upgrades (including new seat cushions for CFIs).
  • Designed to meet Mosaic requirements—IFR capability, heated pitot, more electrical capacity.
• RV-15 Backcountry
  • A rugged, STOL-friendly design built for backcountry adventure.
  • Vans continues pushing innovation with 12,000+ aircraft flying worldwide.

00:00 The Importance of Aviation Headsets 08:58 Innovations in Aircraft Design 16:44 Making Aviation Training Affordable

• Lightspeed Aviation Delta Zulu: https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/product/lightspeed-delta-zulu-anr-headset/
• Cooper the Pilot / Hangar 22: https://instagram.com/hangart22.official
• Fly With The Guys: https://flywiththeguys.com/
• AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
• Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/