Niche Aviation Podcast

Nick Smith
  • 5.0 (3)
  • AVIATION

Conversations with Niche Aviation Manufacturers, Airlines & Investors. On this podcast, I'll share the stories behind these unique ventures. Guests include founders, pilots & investors.

  1. Electroflight - Stjohn Youngman

    05/31/2021

    Electroflight - Stjohn Youngman

    Electroflight have partnered with Rolls Royce to design, build & fly the world's fastest electric aircraft. This podcast is with the Managing Director of Electroflight, Stjohn Youngman. In this episode we talk about: Stjohn’s background & his early interest in aviation.How Stjohn started working at Electroflight. Why Electroflight startedHow Electroflight partnered with Yasa Motors, Rolls Royce & the ATIWhy Rolls Royce want to accelerate the electrification of aircraftBreaking the electric flight speed record?Why Electroflight use the Sharp Nemesis NXT airframeHow Electroflight sourced the NXT airframeWhy Electroflight partnered with Yasa Motors for their propulsionElectroflight’s energy storage system Why aircraft battery cells need to be different from car battery cells. Urban air mobilities battery challengesElectroflight’s final testing programmeElectroflight’s growth as a business and innovation within energy storage systems. Partnering with Heart AerospaceLinks:Email: nicheaviationpodcast@gmail.com  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-smith01/ Links:Electroflight: https://www.electro-flight.com/

    57 min
  2. Simple Flying - Arran Rice & Joanna Bailey

    05/24/2021

    Simple Flying - Arran Rice & Joanna Bailey

    Simple Flying is the worlds’ largest aviation news platform. Founded by Arran Rice in 2018, Simple Flying now achieves up to 20 million page views per month. With the help of Managing Editor, Joanna Bailey, Simple Flying has grown the brand to include a website, multiple youtube channels & a leading aviation podcast.  In this episode we talk about: Arran’s Childhood BusinessesWhy Arran started Simple FlyingHow Simple Flying grew their audienceWhat it’s like to work for Simple FlyingWhy Jo joined Simple FlyingNiche Flight Destinations & Flying to St HelenaIn-flight connectivity & how artificial intelligence is changing aviationBiometrics in aviation Jo’s favourite airline - Flybe. The future of Simple FlyingLinks: Simple FlyingLatest Webinar: https://simpleflying.com/qatar-airways-webinar/  Website: https://simpleflying.comPodcast: https://simpleflying.com/podcast/ Email: nicheaviationpodcast@gmail.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-smith01/

    38 min
  3. PayCargo - Lionel van der Walt

    05/17/2021

    PayCargo - Lionel van der Walt

    PayCargo is an online payment platform for air cargo. Their platform is disrupting the air freight payment industry.  This episode is with Lionel van der Walt, the Global Chief Commercial Officer of PayCargo.  PayCargo has processed over $10 billion and is used by over 12,000 shippers globally. Customers include American Airlines Cargo, DHL, Kuehne + Nagel & Delta Cargo.  In this episode we talk about: Lionel van der Walt's careerWorking for IATA in the CaribbeanWhy Lionel joined PayCargoWhy Air Cargo payments needs disruptingHow PayCargo is transforming global economiesHow the pandemic has changed the Air Cargo industryThe US payment landscapeHow PayCargo has accelerated the movement of global cargo. The benefits of using PayCargo for shippers & carriers. Raising Venture Capital investment The challenges of air cargo paymentsLinks:Email: nicheaviationpodcast@gmail.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-smith01/ PayCargo Website: https://web.paycargo.com/

    42 min
  4. Flylogix - Charles Tavner

    04/12/2021

    Flylogix - Charles Tavner

    Flylogix specialise in beyond the line of sight, unmanned aviation.  The UK-based team use their drones to help Methane Detection, Oil Spill response & Surveillance. They are also currently in the early stages of using their drone for logistics work.  In this episode, I speak to Charles Tavner who is the founder & chairman of Flylogix.  In this episode we talk about:  How Charles started FlylogixWhat work FlyLogix do?How Flylogix evolved. Flylogix & Methane DetectionHow Flylogix use Iridium & its satellite communication network to fly its droneWhy FlyLogix use a traditional aircraft design for its droneFlyLogix’s work with BPThe typical day of a Flylogix pilot & droneUsing Drones to help with Oil Spill detectionUsing Drones for logistics Partnering with the Isle of Steam Ship Company. Working with the Civil Aviation to improve regulation & safety of drones. What’s the Future plans for flylogix. Links:Email: nicheaviationpodcast@gmail.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-smith01/ FlylogixWebsite: https://www.flylogix.co.uk/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/centrik/ This podcast was produced & edited by House of Noise. House of Noise is a bespoke music production company, they provide full service music and audio production:https://www.houseofnoise.co.uk/

    40 min
  5. Centrik - David Hunkin OBE

    04/05/2021

    Centrik - David Hunkin OBE

    David Hunkin is the Head of Unmanned Systems at Centrik. Centrik provides world-class operational management software to aviation businesses. Centrik’s software is used by Airlines, Airports & Maintenance businesses across the world, including as far as Antarctica.  In this episode we talk about:  Using unmanned aircraft to clear danger areas in the Persian GulfUnmanned aircraft in Oil & Gas industryHow Centrik makes airlines safer & more efficientSafety & Quality within aviation & how Centrik helpsCentrik's clientsHow the UK Police use drones and how Centrik helpAirline safety management systemsOperational safety in AntarcticaCentrik's future plans Links:Email: nicheaviationpodcast@gmail.com  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-smith01/ CentrikWebsite: https://getcentrik.net/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flylogix-limitedTwitter: https://twitter.com/GetCentrik This podcast was produced & edited by House of Noise. House of Noise is a bespoke music production company, they provide full service music and audio production:https://www.houseofnoise.co.uk/

    36 min
  6. Skyhook - Murray Graham

    03/29/2021

    Skyhook - Murray Graham

    Skyhook is a niche helicopter operator in Scotland. They specialise in underslung load lifting and use a Eurocopter Squirrel helicopter to lift heavy loads to remote regions of the UK. In this episode we talk about: Who are Skyhook & how they startedUsing Helicopters for underslung load liftingHow Skyhook help build paths in mountains What training is required to become an underslung load pilot?The Underslung load market in the UK & how Skyhook fit in. How Skyhook helped save the River Tay ReedbedsSkyhook’s future plansLinks:Email: nicheaviationpodcast@gmail.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-smith01/ Skyhook Website:https://www.skyhookhelicopters.co.uk/ The Mountains & the People: https://themountainsandthepeople.org.uk/  Firefighting in the river Tay:  https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/perth-kinross/1293136/pictures-watch-as-brave-firefighters-battle-huge-wall-of-flames-along-river-tay/  This podcast was produced & edited by House of Noise. House of Noise is a bespoke music production company, they provide full-service music and audio production:https://www.houseofnoise.co.uk/

    40 min
  7. Ag Aviation - Tyson & Cally

    03/22/2021

    Ag Aviation - Tyson & Cally

    Tyson & Cally work in Ag Aviation, also known as Crop Dusting or Aerial Application. Tyson is the pilot & Cally runs the ground operations.  If you want to learn more about Cropdusting or looking for a career in Ag aviation, then listen here. Tyson & Cally also run a Youtube channel, all the links are below. In this episode we talk about:  What is Aerial Application?Agricultural Aviation in the USTypes of Crop-dusting Aircraft, Air Tractor & Thrush. The Day in the life of a Crop Dusting PilotWhy do farmers use Aerial Application?The Aerial Application Market in MinnesotaHow do you become an Ag pilotDrones in AgricultureCropdusting MisconceptionsLinks:Email: nicheaviationpodcast@gmail.com  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-smith01/ Ag AviationYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AgAviationAdventuresInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/agaviationadventures/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agaviationadventures/  This podcast was produced & edited by House of Noise. House of Noise is a bespoke music production company, they provide full service music and audio production:https://www.houseofnoise.co.uk/

    42 min
  8. X-Plane - Austin Meyer

    03/15/2021

    X-Plane - Austin Meyer

    Austin Meyer founded X-plane in 1995, since then him & his team have developed a flight simulator that is used & loved by people & organisations across the world  In this episode we talk about: Why Austin started X-planeHow X-plane became successful & drivers of its success. Ark-Funds: https://ark-invest.com/How Austin prioritises improving X-planeWhat Austin thinks about Microsoft Flight SimulatorWhat impact technology has had on X-Plane's successUsing X-Plane for certified flight trainingTesting aircraft on X-PlaneThe future of X-PlaneLinks:Email: nicheaviationpodcast@gmail.com  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-smith01/ Links:X-Plane: https://www.x-plane.com/Austin Meyer: https://austinmeyer.com/Ark-Funds: https://ark-invest.com/

    41 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Conversations with Niche Aviation Manufacturers, Airlines & Investors. On this podcast, I'll share the stories behind these unique ventures. Guests include founders, pilots & investors.

Information

  • Creator
    Nick Smith
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2021
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Nick Smith