The Air Up There

Federal Aviation Administration
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The Air Up There

Curious about aerospace? This podcast is for you! Tune in to hear inspiring stories from professionals in the field. Learn new concepts and more about the FAA's role in keeping our airspace safe. Find out about careers, programs, and organizations that can help you in your journey. We hope this podcast ignites your enthusiasm – because aerospace is for everyone! More Ways to ListenSpotifyApple PodcastsRSS FeedYouTubeTo receive updates about new episodes, subscribe to our newsletter.

  1. Fan Favorite Remix: Ready, Set, Drone Racing!

    11/20/2024

    Fan Favorite Remix: Ready, Set, Drone Racing!

    Original air date: December 13, 2023 Elite drone pilots, custom-built high-speed drones, and groundbreaking technology come together in this fan-favorite episode featuring the Drone Racing League (DRL). Discover how DRL has revolutionized drone racing—transforming the sport into an immersive, high-stakes experience that seamlessly blends the virtual and physical worlds for an unmatched thrill. Chief Operating Officer Ashley Ellefson takes us behind the scenes, sharing the cutting-edge technology and engineering driving this new era of sports, while also revealing how aspiring pilots can get involved. Ashley also discusses the collaboration between the FAA and drone industry partners like DRL to safely integrate drone events into the national airspace system. If you missed this episode the first time, now is your chance to experience the rush and share it with fellow fans of aerospace and high-tech sports! Thanks for sticking around as we take a break for the off-season. It's the perfect opportunity to catch up on episodes you might have missed or revisit your favorites. During this time, we'll be re-releasing standout episodes like this one as we gear up for the second half of Season 7, launching this spring. Meet Our Guest:    Ashley Ellefson is the Chief Operating Officer at the Drone Racing League, the world’s premier, professional drone racing property, where she oversees the event production, technology and media teams. Honored as a Leaders Under 40 member, Cynopsis Top Women in Sports member and Connect Sports Game Changer, Ashley has helped DRL create a new era of sport through cutting-edge technology, world-class media, and event production, bringing high-speed drone racing across real-life and virtual courses. Prior to DRL, she served as the Vice President of New Event Development at Tough Mudder, where she developed and codified all of their event operation standards including health and safety, vendor management, and live event onsite operations.   Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.

    12 min
  2. Bonus: 3 Stories of Aviation’s Trailblazing Women at EAA AirVenture

    11/06/2024

    Bonus: 3 Stories of Aviation’s Trailblazing Women at EAA AirVenture

    Each year, hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts come together for EAA AirVenture, a world-renowned annual airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. FAA air traffic controllers play a critical role at this event helping thousands of planes fly safely in and out of Wittman Regional Airport. Additionally, the FAA’s Safety Center hangar hosts safety briefings, hypoxia training sessions, and Aviation Medical Examiners who answer questions about medical certification. These are just some of the ways that the FAA educates the general aviation community to improve safety culture.     While at AirVenture, we spoke with three remarkable women making waves in aviation: Kay Hall (Fly With Kay), Christine Russell (Plane Lady), and Stephanie Goetz (Jet Girl Stephanie). With their shared love for aviation, each had a unique journey. In this special episode, hear about the pivotal moments that launched their aviation interests and get advice on finding your pathway into aerospace. Share this episode with friends, family, and colleagues. It’s a great listen for those curious about aviation, new to the field, or even seasoned flyers.      Thinking about becoming a pilot? Start your flight journey with the FAA’s Pilot Portal which has everything from study guides to information on certifications at www.faa.gov/pilots.      If you’re interested in pursuing a hands-on career beyond the flight deck, aviation mechanics are in high demand and the skills are highly transferable. Learn more about this well-paid opportunity at https://www.faa.gov/mechanics/become.      Meet Our Guests   Christine Russell   Wanting to encourage and inspire other women and girls in the area of experimental aviation, Christine Russell created “Plane Lady” where she documents her experiences building a Van's RV-10 in her garage with her husband as well as other fun aviation adventures. Christine is part of the “What’s in Your Garage?” exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and one of Flyer Magazine's 20 Favorite Aviation YouTubers.     Stephanie Goetz   Stephanie Goetz is an L-39 instructor pilot and flies the Bombardier Global 6000 for the world’s largest private jet company. She’s also an award-winning former news and sports anchor for NBC, CBS and ABC; a businesswoman; executive communication and leadership coach; philanthropist and TEDx speaker.     Kay Hall   Kay Hall is a certificated private pilot, former flight instructor and social media content creator for "FlyWithKay." She has earned the attention of millions of viewers documenting her travels in her airplane, "MystiK," a 1981 Piper Seneca III.

    7 min
  3. How Do You Become a Hot Air Balloon Pilot?

    10/09/2024

    How Do You Become a Hot Air Balloon Pilot?

    Did you know Ben Franklin witnessed the first human flight? No, he wasn't with the Wright Brothers in Kitty Hawk. In fact, it was 120 years earlier in 1783 when two aeronauts floated over Paris in a hot air balloon. Franklin described watching the balloon's majestic ascent in his journal. In the early days of ballooning, experiments with balloon fuels and designs occasionally had catastrophic results. Since then, the safety of flying a balloon has come a long way. Today, ballooning is one of the safest and most beautiful modes of human flight for aeronauts, passengers and people on the ground. In this episode, you’ll hear from Kim and Adam Magee, founders of The Balloon Training Academy and FAA Safety Team representatives. The Magees share how they got started in ballooning, the training process for balloon pilots (who are known as aeronauts) and advice for aspiring aeronauts. Learn how aeronauts communicate with their ground crew and other users of the national airspace, and about the technologies and tricks balloonists use to track wind patterns. Get a glimpse into the vibrant culture of ballooning, from creatively shaped balloons to unforgettable events with spectacular traditions—like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta where over 500 hot air balloons traverse the skies above New Mexico. Ballooning can be both safe and exciting. The FAA has rules for student, private and commercial aeronauts that help keep everyone safe. We require commercial aeronauts to hold medical certificates when flying paying passengers and work with the Balloon Federation of America on an accreditation program.  If you’re interested in learning more, go to FAASafety.gov and contact the Balloon Federation of America.   Meet Our Guests  Adam and Kimberly Magee are the Co-Founders of The Balloon Training Academy and FAA Safety Team Representatives. Adam, the Academy's President, is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Designated Pilot Examiner, the 2019 FAA Flight Instructor of the Year, and the 2021 FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year. Kimberly, the Academy's Vice President, holds 6 World Records and 9 National Records in hot air ballooning. She is the recipient of the Balloon Federation of America’s Shields-Trauger Award, the organization's highest honor.

    14 min
  4. Tom and Erik Lake: Father-Son Commercial Co-Pilots

    10/02/2024

    Tom and Erik Lake: Father-Son Commercial Co-Pilots

    For Tom and Erik Lake, the passion for aviation runs in the family. This extraordinary father and son team has logged almost 500 hours together on the flight deck. Tom was his son’s Captain when he took his first flight as a commercial airline pilot, and Erik was his dad’s First Officer on Tom’s last commercial flight. The experiences in between their career milestones created a captivating narrative of a real and rare family legacy on the flight deck. In this episode, Erik talks about his journey into aviation through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and shares advice for aspiring aviators. Tom, who has trained countless aviators, imparts his wisdom after retiring from a rewarding career that spanned over three decades. Share this episode with friends, family, and colleagues. This story might just inspire a future family lineage of pilots. Are you interested in becoming a pilot? Check out the FAA's Pilots Portal to learn more about training and certification. Meet Our Guests  Tom Lake and Erik Lake are father and son commercial airline pilots who logged more than 500 hours flying together on two different aircraft over six years. Erik first learned to fly as a teenager when his dad taught him in tail-wheel airplanes. He started his aviation career as an Officer in the Air Force Reserves and flew the KC-135R and KC-46A air refueling aircraft conducting three deployments in his career so far. He later joined the airlines as a First Officer and the flew the MD-88, Boeing 737, and currently the A-320. On Instagram, Erik shares his life as a pilot as erik_cleared_for_takeoff. Tom retired in May 2024 after 34 years of service flying for a commercial airline. He served in the Air Force prior to the airlines as an active duty and reserve pilot over a fourteen-year period. He flew the C-141 Starlifter during that time and conducted special operations missions in various conflicts as well as during Desert Storm. In his airline career, Tom flew the Boeing 727, L-1011, Boeing 767, MD-88, and A-320. Both Tom and Erik still fly together in General Aviation aircraft today!

    14 min

  5. 04/24/2024

    Flying Feet First

    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 initiative to develop a custom airplane designed specifically to be foot-controlled and encourages other people with disabilities to consider aviation. If you enjoy this episode, inspire others by sharing with friends, family and colleagues because aerospace is for everyone. Interested in becoming a pilot? Check out the FAA’s Pilot's Portal where you’ll find information on certification, training, and the safety standards all pilots must know, consider, and meet to be airworthy.  Meet Our Guest Jessica Cox was born without arms and uses her feet the way most people use their hands. In 2008, she earned her sport pilot certificate, becoming the first woman to fly an airplane with only their feet. Jessica is a Goodwill Ambassador for the Flight School Association of North America and writes a monthly article for Flying Magazine. Jessica plans to build The Impossible Airplane, a 200 mph four-seat RV-10, the first solely foot-controlled airplane in history. Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.

    13 min

  6. 04/17/2024

    Be ATC: A Fulfilling Career in Air Traffic Control

    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 "phraseology," the specialized language used by controllers to communicate with pilots. With advanced training opportunities and the chance to make an impact, a career in air traffic control is truly fulfilling. If you think you have what it takes to excel in this specialized and skilled profession, visit www.faa.gov/be-atc to learn more about the application process before our next hiring window. Share this episode with your network – you never know who might find inspiration to explore a fulfilling career path they hadn't considered before. Meet Our Guest:   Jose Castellanos is a Certified Professional Controller at the San Juan Tower in Puerto Rico and formerly an intern with the Minority Serving Institutions internship program.   Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.

    10 min

  7. 12/13/2023

    Ready, Set, Drone Racing!

    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 drone racing pilot yourself. Plus, Ashley gives us a sneak peek at how artificial intelligence applied to drones could add even more of a rush to the future of this sport. Learn how the FAA is collaborating with drone industry partners like the Drone Racing League to safely integrate complex drone events into the National Airspace System.  Make haste and share this episode with colleagues, friends, family and anyone intrigued by this high-tempo and high-tech sport that has paved the way in the world of aerospace sports.  Meet Our Guest:   Ashley Ellefson is the Chief Operating Officer at the Drone Racing League, the world’s premier, professional drone racing property, where she oversees the event production, technology and media teams. Honored as a Leaders 40 Under 40 member, Cynopsis Sports Top Women in Sports and Connect Sports Game Changer, she’s helped DRL create a new era of sport through cutting edge technology, world-class media, and event production, bringing high-speed drone racing across real-life and virtual courses. Prior to DRL, she served as the Vice President of New Event Development at Tough Mudder, where she developed and codified all of their event operation standards including health and safety, vendor management, and live event on-site operations.  Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.

    14 min
  8. Gliding the Skies Before She Could Drive

    11/15/2023

    Gliding the Skies Before She Could Drive

    You've heard “crawl before you walk,” but how about “fly before you drive”? Join us in redefining the journey to new heights in our latest podcast episode, “Gliding the Skies Before She Could Drive”. Get to know Ishitha who, at the age of 16, earned her private pilot certificate with a glider rating before she earned her license to drive. Hear her inspiring story, from her start in aviation upon moving to the United States to how she created innovative youth aviation clubs and outreach programs to inspire other young minds in aerospace. Tune in as Ishitha reveals the intricacies of glider flight training, how she felt on her first solo flight, and her passion to ultimately become an astronaut and venture into space. Can you guess where her top destination is? Listen to find out!  We hope this episode inspires young aviation enthusiasts everywhere to let their dreams fly high. Share with your family, colleagues, and friends. Happy listening and keep reaching for the skies! Curious about gliding? Learn all about it in the FAA’s Glider Flying Handbook! Check out the FAA’s Airport Design Challenge (ADC). Meet Our Guest:  Ishitha is a high school student participating in pilot training in Washington state. She serves as an ambassador for the Experimental Aircraft Association, is a Red-Tailed Hawks cadet, and continues to advocate for aviation with her peers through clubs she founded in middle school, high school, and her local community like the Sky Riders. Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.

    14 min
See All (45)

4.8
out of 5
68 Ratings

About

Curious about aerospace? This podcast is for you! Tune in to hear inspiring stories from professionals in the field. Learn new concepts and more about the FAA's role in keeping our airspace safe. Find out about careers, programs, and organizations that can help you in your journey. We hope this podcast ignites your enthusiasm – because aerospace is for everyone! More Ways to ListenSpotifyApple PodcastsRSS FeedYouTubeTo receive updates about new episodes, subscribe to our newsletter.

Information

  • Creator
    Federal Aviation Administration
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Air Up There

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