Meet Jessica Cox, a sport pilot who was born without arms and mastered the skill of flying an airplane with her feet. What led her to this Guinness World Record-worthy feat was an opportunity to meet life’s challenges and a hunger for independence. She shares details of the day she embarked on a path that would inspire others to venture into aviation. Jessica talks openly about the safety aspects that were addressed when she was getting certificated as a sport pilot and shares her biggest physical challenge when learning how to fly with her feet. She also discusses her groundbreaking initiativ ..read more

Becoming an air traffic controller is a rewarding profession that plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of our airspace. If you're curious about the journey to becoming a controller, don't miss this episode featuring the FAA’s Jose Castellanos, a controller at the San Juan tower in Puerto Rico. Jose shares how he discovered his passion for aviation after being accepted into the FAA's Minority Serving Institutions internship program. He discusses his top safety priorities, continuous learning strategies, and valuable advice for aspiring controllers. He also demonstrates "phra ..read more

A good mentor can point you in the right direction and a great mentor can change your life. When Bobbie Kahklen started working for the FAA, she never imagined she would end up working in a tower as an air traffic controller.  Growing up as a member of the Native Alaskan Tlingit tribe, Bobbie persevered through many challenges. Aviation was not something that was talked about in her community and it certainly wasn’t on Bobbie’s radar as a career option. By chance, she stumbled across an administrative job opening at the FAA.  With the encouragement of her FAA managers and coworkers ..read more

There is power in mentorship! In this special podcast episode, 13-year-old Isabella from Rising Aviation High School and FAA aerospace engineer Karen Perez engage in an insightful discussion about aspirations, mentorship, diversity, and the limitless possibilities in aerospace. How did we get here? Isabella wrote a letter to us to share what her school does to attract students to various fields in aviation and how she hopes to inspire more women, especially Hispanic and Latina girls, to pursue STEM.  In an engaging two-way interview, Isabella shares the discovery flight that solidified he ..read more

What if your career not only fulfilled your ambitions but launched them into orbit? That’s what happened to our guest, Rachita Puri, an aerospace engineer in the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation. In this episode, Rachita shares how a job fair at her university led her to the FAA, where she enjoys a rewarding career ensuring public safety during human space flights, rocket launches and reentries. She details how her position affords her out-of-this-world experiences, including witnessing her first ever space launch in person that left her with goosebumps.  Tune in to hear ab ..read more

From being a first-generation college student to becoming a pilot and certified flight instructor, Zakiya Percy, navigated uncharted territories, propelling herself on an incredible aerospace journey. In this episode, Zakiya shares what inspired her to become a pilot, and sheds light on the sacrifices and challenges she encountered along the way. She tells the story of how an inquiry to revive an inactive Organization of Black Aviation Professional’s (OBAP) collegiate chapter quickly elevated her to the position of president. This leadership role eventually led her to OBAP’s Luke Weathers Jr ..read more

The FAA provides boundless career opportunities within the aviation sector for people of all backgrounds. In this episode, Migdalia Gonzalez, the Hispanic Employment Program Manager in the FAA’s Office of Civil Rights provides insight on the importance of representation and outreach to attract talent from underrepresented communities. Tune in to hear how the FAA's educational outreach initiatives empower students to pursue aviation careers. Plus, be inspired by Migdalia's personal journey and discover how she helps Hispanic students find their own path within the dynamic aerospace industry, i ..read more

Do you have a need for speed? Then this is the episode for you! Tune in and discover the innovative science behind the Drone Racing League, a high-speed competition that is using first person view flight to create a new era in sports. Chief Operating Officer Ashley Ellefson joins us to share insights about the intricate technology and engineering that propels the drone racing competitions into a futuristic league of their own.  Get to know why millions of people gather worldwide to witness the Drone Racing League’s fast paced events and find out how you can get involved and even become a ..read more

In the world of aviation, a diverse crew doesn't just enhance the view; it transforms the entire horizon. Join us on a flight to explore the dynamic world of aviation through the lens of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In this episode, we connect with two guests from Hampton University, the only HBCU that is an FAA approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative School. Dylan Halsey, a Hampton University alumnus, shares his journey to becoming an air traffic controller and tips for people on a similar path. Timothy Johnson, an Assistant Professor for Hampton’s Air Tr ..read more

It’s true that not all superheroes wear capes. In fact, there are some that take flight in the thrilling realm of drones. In our latest podcast episode, we teleport to Neurodiversity Works, a non-profit organization that equips neurodiverse students for a career in the drone industry. Tune in as we embark on a fascinating mission with the co-founder, Jason San Souci.   In the episode, Jason introduces us to a community of superheroes with an incredible superpower – neurodiversity! Neurodiversity refers to the diversity of all people, but it is often used in the context of autism spectrum ..read more