The Cross-Check

Uncovering the stories, challenges, and careers shaping business aviation today

  1. 30 AVR.

    The Emotional Reality of Aviation Accident Response

    In the world of aviation, much attention is paid to the mechanics of flying and the thrill of takeoff, but few recognize the vital, often unseen work that occurs during crises. In this episode of The Cross Check, host Rob Hoffman and guest Sarah Kiehl, founder of SK Executive Transport Solutions, delve into the critical intersection of aviation and crisis response. Sarah's expertise in medical evacuations and accident-related responses sheds light on the compassionate and strategic actions required when tragedy strikes. Key Topics Covered: Sarah's transition from business aviation to crisis response, driven by personal tragedy The significance of the COM framework: Confirm and Clarify, Assemble and Assess, Lead and Liaise, Move and Memorialize First 24 hours after an incident: assessment, family notification, and logistics The emotional complexity of working with survivors versus decedents Building trust and maintaining privacy and dignity during sensitive operations Coordination of medical evacuations and repatriations: aircraft selection, partnerships, and regulations The importance of mental health support for responders Challenges and opportunities for industry preparedness and compliance SK Executive Transport Solutions website: https://www.skexecutivetransportationsolutions.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to aviation crisis response and Sarah's background00:35 - How personal tragedy influenced Sarah's career path01:50 - Transition from owner services to crisis and medical response03:13 - The unspoken human element in aviation accidents04:44 - Inside the family assistance process and emotional challenges05:36 - Using the COM framework for crisis management07:37 - The difficult process of disengaging from families after reunification08:22 - The first 24 hours: procedures and initial actions09:27 - Notification responsibilities and emotional stamina10:02 - Building trust and maintaining privacy with affected families12:12 - Common misconceptions about accident response workload13:09 - The importance of integrity and confidentiality14:29 - Trust-building through information and transparency15:02 - Logistical considerations for medical and repatriation flights16:20 - Aircraft selection criteria and broker relationships17:19 - The motivation behind Sarah’s entrepreneurial journey18:36 - The similarities between medical transport and crisis response operations19:02 - Mentors and support systems in Sarah's career20:27 - The impact of community and industry support21:12 - Future outlook on accident response preparedness23:04 - Practical tips for operators to get prepared in advance23:41 - Connecting with Sarah and resourcesResources & Links: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    26 min
  2. 10 FÉVR.

    From Food Stamps To Fintech: The Remarkable Journey of Miguel Gallardo

    Discover how Miguel Gallardo's passion for aviation, resilience, and innovative mindset have propelled his career from humble beginnings on the ramp to leading a fintech revolution in business aviation. As Director of Business Development at V1 Business Aviation Fintech, Miguel gives us an in-depth look at their innovative solutions for aviation finance along with the future of UAVs and technological advancements in business aviation. This episode also explores his powerful personal story, industry insights, and the transformative power of perseverance that are documented in his memoir, Flight of Resilience, Turbulence, and Triumphs. To find out more about V1, visit them at www.v1fintech.com Chapters 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview02:12 - Miguel’s childhood fascination with planes and Jersey City airports03:46 - How a Craigslist ad led to Miguel’s first aviation role at Air Station Aviation04:40 - Climbing the industry ladder through networking and hands-on experience05:58 - Working with startups and understanding the aviation ecosystem08:19 - Managing challenges during COVID and starting MAG Aviation Group09:46 - Personal resilience and lessons from overcoming adversity10:58 - Transitioning to Satcom Direct and the importance of industry relationships13:08 - Mentors and key figures who influenced Miguel’s journey15:19 - The motivation behind writing his memoir and personal reflections on adversity17:54 - How setbacks like COVID shaped industry perspectives18:26 - The evolution of business aviation technology and future trends24:21 - The power of mentorship and industry connections25:16 - Introducing V1 Fintech and its revolutionary approach to aviation finance27:00 - V1’s features: multiple credit accounts, tracking, and liquidity solutions28:54 - The industry impact of V1’s cost-saving and efficiency improvements33:00 - The next big leaps: UAVs, AI, and industry innovation36:30 - How to connect with Miguel and learn more about V1 Fintech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    37 min
  3. 17/12/2025

    Halsey Schider: From Passion to Profession

    Sometimes you have to be your own mentor. Conventional wisdom doesn't always apply and following your heart can sometimes lead to great things. Halsey Schider, helicopter pilot, podcast host and founder of the aviation marketplace, Sellacopter shares his journey from zero to hero to zero again. And why his decision to walk away from it all, was the best move he ever made. Halsey's journey into aviation is both inspirational and enlightening, from his transition to becoming a professional pilot, and subsequent pivot into his entrepreneurial ventures in the aviation industry. He delves into his experiences in air medical services, the differences in selling helicopters versus jets, and the intricacies of the aircraft sales process. Halsey also highlights the importance of client relationships, the impact of his podcast, and his aspirations for the future of the rotorcraft market. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:50 Halsey's Aviation Journey: From Childhood Dreams to Professional Pilot 05:32 Transitioning to Helicopters: The Shift from Fixed Wing to Rotary Wing 08:19 Entrepreneurial Ventures: Starting a Helicopter Tour Business 11:16 Air Medical Experience: The Reality of Helicopter Emergency Services 13:47 Misconceptions in Aviation: Fixed Wing vs. Rotor Wing Perspectives 16:42 The Sales Side: Differences Between Selling Helicopters and Jets 19:27 Navigating Aircraft Transactions: The Broker's Perspective 24:10 Client Relationships: Trust and Respect in Aircraft Brokerage 26:14 Client Acquisition in Aviation 27:26 The Birth of the Helicopter Podcast 32:59 Future of the Helicopter Market 36:25 Favorite Aircraft and Experiences 38:00 Memorable Moments in Aviation 40:05 Personal and Professional Aspirations 43:03 Giving Back to the Community Follow Halsey Schider on The Helicopter Podcast: https://verticalhelicasts.com/the-helicopter-podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
  4. 24/11/2025

    Innovating Pilot Education From Drones To Planes

    Greg Reverdiau, co-founder of Pilot Institute shares his journey from a young aviation enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur in aviation education. The conversation explores Greg's innovative approach to making aviation training more accessible and engaging through online platforms and technology, including virtual reality. He discusses the impact of drone technology on various industries including business aviation, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving regulatory landscape. Greg also shares inspiring success stories from his students and highlights the role of YouTube in educating future pilots and drone operators. To find out more about Greg Reverdiau or the Pilot Institute visit: https://pilotinstitute.com/ Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins: Greg's Early Love for Aviation 03:05 From Flight Instructor to Entrepreneur: The Birth of Pilot Institute 05:53 Innovative Training: Making Aviation Education Accessible 09:09 Success Stories: Transforming Lives Through Aviation 11:57 Drones in Focus: The Expanding Role of Drone Technology 15:07 The Future of Drones: Applications and Opportunities 18:01 Regulatory Landscape: Navigating Drone Regulations 20:56 YouTube Journey: Educating Through Digital Platforms 23:51 Inspiring Future Aviators: The Importance of Mentorship 26:59 The Intersection of Manned and Unmanned Aviation 29:55 Final Thoughts: The Future of Aviation and Drones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    37 min

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Uncovering the stories, challenges, and careers shaping business aviation today

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