The Cross-Check

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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 26/08/2025

    Fearless Flight: MACE Curran's Incredible Journey

    Michelle "MACE" Curran, a former US Air Force fighter pilot and lead solo for the Thunderbirds, shares her inspiring journey from a small town in Wisconsin to the skies as a fighter pilot. She discusses the challenges she faced during pilot training, her experiences in combat squadrons, and the evolution of her identity as 'MACE' and how her journey can serve as an inspiration to us all. Michelle reflects on her time with the Thunderbirds, the high-stakes maneuvers, and the lessons learned from adversity. She also talks about her transition to public speaking, the importance of mentorship, and her upcoming book release, 'The Flip Side.' To find out more about MACE, visit: www.macecurran.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Michelle "MACE" Curran 01:32 The Journey Begins: From Small Town to Fighter Pilot 07:28 Overcoming Challenges in Pilot Training 11:36 Facing Adversity: The Struggles of a New Fighter Pilot 19:17 The Call Sign Story: Learning from Mistakes 22:55 Transformational Experiences: The Path to the Thunderbirds 30:24 The Application Process: From Candidate to Thunderbird Pilot 34:23 The Journey to Becoming a Thunderbird Pilot 35:44 The Thrill of Aerobatics and Team Dynamics 38:53 Overcoming Challenges and Redefining the Show 42:30 Intense Moments in the Cockpit 48:32 Transitioning from the Thunderbirds to New Opportunities 53:22 Inspiring Future Generations of Female Pilots 55:58 The Launch of a New Book and Its Impact 59:36 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 5m

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

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