The Cleard Podcast

Drew Siegel
  • 5.0 (13)
  • AVIATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Cleard is a Utah-based aviation podcast focused solely on Utah aviation. Hosted by Drew Siegel, a local pilot, the show brings together voices from across the aviation spectrum for relaxed, interview-style conversations. From general aviation to professional flying and everything in between, Cleard explores the stories, experiences, and perspectives that shape aviation in Utah. The podcast is recorded at Skypark Airport in Woods Cross, Utah, keeping the focus local, authentic, and grounded in the Utah aviation community.

  1. #13 - Alex Mangum

    JAN 20

    #13 - Alex Mangum

    Before Alex Mangum began maintaining a well-known, privately owned UH-60A Blackhawk here in Utah, he was a specialized A&P mechanic who had developed an incredible career: 10 years of service in the Coast Guard, moving from the USCGC Chase Engine room (conducting fishery patrols in AK) to flying dangerous search and rescue (SAR) missions coast to coast; 10 years of service in the Air National Guard maintaining KC-135's. We discuss the commitment that fueled his Aerospace Engineering degree, leading to his dream job at Scaled Composites, and his recent work at Northrup Grumman. A masterclass in self-engineered ambition.

    2h 3m
  2. Cleard Episode 12 - Flying For the Regional Airlines

    11/28/2025

    Cleard Episode 12 - Flying For the Regional Airlines

    Ever wondered what flying for a major regional airline is actually like? We bring you two radically different perspectives from the flight deck based right here in the demanding Salt Lake City hub. We sit down with Captain Jeff Garn, a 30-year airline veteran whose seniority number is currency- something worth more than gold. He breaks down why seniority is everything and goes hard on the need to maintain stick-and-rudder skills against automation complacency. First Officer Jeff Perkins, also joins us on this episode. Perkins went from being a corporate Fuel Auditor for 10+ years to a pilot two years ago. He details his unique path, how living in base defeats the "Commuter Nightmare," and the real talk on low-seniority schedules. We get into the daily grind: what a 4-day trip truly costs you in time away, the criticality of the Pilot Monitoring role, and the sobering lessons from recent accidents that demand constant professional vigilance. It’s the raw reality of the airline career, from stability and high pay to the constant pressure of safety.

    1h 50m
  3. Cleard Episode 11 - FLT Academy's Jason Clark

    11/16/2025

    Cleard Episode 11 - FLT Academy's Jason Clark

    Jason Clark is the Founder and CEO of FLT Academy, a massive flight training operation that grew from a side project into Utah's largest Part 141 flight school, training hundreds of pilots with a modern fleet and strategic airline partnerships. We dive deep into the aviation training world with Jason, covering: ​The Unorthodox Start: How a Computer Science guy with a motorcycle shop decided to start selling intro flights on Groupon and accidentally launched a powerhouse flight school.​The Hate & The Hangar: Jason confronts the criticism and "corporate" label often thrown at large-scale operations. We break down the private development at Spanish Fork Airport and whether FLT Academy is truly benefiting the community.​The Future of Training Aircraft: Why FLT is betting big on modern, glass-cockpit Diamond (DA42) and SportCruiser aircraft instead of the traditional trainers.​The FAA's MOSAIC Rule: This is the big one. We analyze the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule. Jason explains how lifting the LSA weight limit and replacing it with a stall speed will make training safer, faster, and could finally help solve the national pilot shortage.A candid conversation about aggressive growth, regulatory change, and the intense commitment required to scale professional flight training.

    1h 44m
  4. Cleard Episode 11 - FLT Academy's Jason Clark

    11/16/2025

    Cleard Episode 11 - FLT Academy's Jason Clark

    Jason Clark is the Founder and CEO of FLT Academy, a massive flight training operation that grew from a side project into Utah's largest Part 141 flight school, training hundreds of pilots with a modern fleet and strategic airline partnerships. We dive deep into the aviation training world with Jason, covering: -The Unorthodox Start: How a Computer Science guy with a motorcycle shop decided to start selling intro flights on Groupon and accidentally launched a powerhouse flight school. -The Hate & The Hangar: Jason confronts the criticism and "corporate" label often thrown at large-scale operations. We break down the private development at Spanish Fork Airport and whether FLT Academy is truly benefiting the community. -The Future of Training Aircraft: Why FLT is betting big on modern, glass-cockpit Diamond (DA42) and SportCruiser aircraft instead of the traditional trainers. -The FAA's MOSAIC Rule: This is the big one. We analyze the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule. Jason explains how lifting the LSA weight limit and replacing it with a stall speed will make training safer, faster, and could finally help solve the national pilot shortage. A candid conversation about aggressive growth, regulatory change, and the intense commitment required to scale professional flight training.

    1h 44m
  5. Cleard Episode 10 - Utah's Air Traffic Control Crisis

    10/29/2025

    Cleard Episode 10 - Utah's Air Traffic Control Crisis

    In this raw, solo episode of Cleard, Drew dives deep into the ongoing U.S. government shutdown—now at 27 days as of October 28, 2025—and its devastating ripple effects on air traffic controllers, with a spotlight on Utah's skies. From the vast Salt Lake City Air Route Traffic Control Center to towers in Ogden, Provo, and St. George, controllers are working unpaid overtime amid chronic shortages, leading to delays, near-misses, and safety risks that threaten passengers, pilots, and cargo flows vital to Utah's tourism and tech economy.Unpacking the shutdown's roots in partisan gridlock (with a few light-hearted jabs at D.C.'s dysfunction), Drew explores national headlines of tower closures and second jobs for exhausted workers, then zooms in on local stories of Utah families rationing groceries and communities rallying with pantries and aid. Hear inspiring paths to becoming an air traffic controller through Utah programs at USU, UVU, and Weber State, plus actionable steps to support these unsung heroes— from calling reps to donating essentials.

    45 min
  6. Cleard Episode 9 - The Utah 99s

    10/17/2025

    Cleard Episode 9 - The Utah 99s

    Think flying is a boys’ club? Think again. In this episode of Cleared, we spotlight the Utah 99s—a powerhouse group of women aviators defying gravity and stereotypes. We dive into what it takes to become part of this fearless flying sisterhood, the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry, and why community is key for women in aviation. Whether you're an aspiring pilot or just love a good story of grit and turbulence, this one's for you.

    1h 31m
  7. Cleard Episode 9 - The Utah 99s

    10/17/2025

    Cleard Episode 9 - The Utah 99s

    Think flying is a boys’ club? Think again. In this episode of Cleared, we spotlight the Utah 99s—a powerhouse group of women aviators defying gravity and stereotypes. We dive into what it takes to become part of this fearless flying sisterhood, the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry, and why community is key for women in aviation. Whether you're an aspiring pilot or just love a good story of grit and turbulence, this one's for you.

    1h 31m
  8. Cleard Episode 8 - Dr. Pete Sipos AME

    09/27/2025

    Cleard Episode 8 - Dr. Pete Sipos AME

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Pete Sipos — a former Air Force flight surgeon and current FAA Medical Examiner — for an honest, no-fluff conversation about mental health in aviation. We talk openly about ADHD, anxiety, depression, and the fears many pilots have about losing their medical if they speak up. Dr. Sipos breaks down what’s truly disqualifying, what’s not, and how pilots can advocate for their health without jeopardizing their ability to fly. We also cover highlights from his 20+ year career flying with military crews around the world, and answer real questions from the Utah General Aviation community.

    2h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Cleard is a Utah-based aviation podcast focused solely on Utah aviation. Hosted by Drew Siegel, a local pilot, the show brings together voices from across the aviation spectrum for relaxed, interview-style conversations. From general aviation to professional flying and everything in between, Cleard explores the stories, experiences, and perspectives that shape aviation in Utah. The podcast is recorded at Skypark Airport in Woods Cross, Utah, keeping the focus local, authentic, and grounded in the Utah aviation community.

Information

  • Creator
    Drew Siegel
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Drew Siegel
  • Show Website
    The Cleard Podcast