In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Grant “Slider” Bishop — CEO of Silent Falcon UAS Technologies, decorated F-16 Wild Weasel combat veteran, former Squadron Commander, and aviation innovator with a career that spans military aviation, aerospace technology, AI, and unmanned systems.

Grant shares the incredible journey that first pulled him into aviation, from his early flying ambitions to combat missions and his transition into leading-edge aerospace technology. We dive into stories from his time flying the F-16, supporting NATO operations, training international fighter pilots, and what it was like operating in some of the most demanding combat environments in modern history.

We also explore how Grant transformed Silent Falcon into a global leader in AI-driven infrastructure intelligence and unmanned aircraft systems. From advanced remote sensing and predictive analytics to the future of airfield and transportation infrastructure assessment, this conversation offers a fascinating look at where aviation technology is heading next.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Destination Aviation without a few laughs along the way. Between serious discussions on combat aviation and emerging AI technology, Grant shares memorable stories, insights, and humor from a lifetime in aviation.

Learn more about Silent Falcon UAS Technologies: https://silentfalconuas.com/

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In this episode of Destination Aviation, Jeff sits down with two experienced A-10 Warthog pilots, Joel Bier and Andrew Tenenbaum, for an in-depth conversation about one of the most iconic and controversial aircraft ever built.

From combat search and rescue missions in Afghanistan to close air support in some of the most dangerous environments on earth, Joel and Andy share firsthand stories from the cockpit of the A-10.

The conversation also dives into the ongoing fight to keep the A-10 alive, why the aircraft’s mission still matters. They discuss the challenges of retiring and restarting military aviation programs, the unmatched dedication within the A-10 community.

Beyond the military side, the episode explores life after combat aviation — from airline flying and business ventures to contract close air support and general aviation entrepreneurship.

Featuring:

• Joel Bier
• Andrew Tenenbaum

Articles & Links:

• The Real Problem With Killing America’s A-10 Warthog
  https://nationalinterest.org/feature/the-real-problem-killing-americas-10-warthog-17084
• The Real Problem With Killing America’s A-10 Warthog — A Decade Later
  https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/the-real-problem-with-killing-americas-a-10-warthog-a-decade-later
• A-10 Discussion Video
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=iurPLNzp8L0&feature=youtu.be
• Blue Skies Independent Capital
  https://www.blueskiesic.com

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In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Mark Guiod for a wide-ranging conversation that spans more than four decades in aviation—from frontline air traffic control to senior FAA leadership and now into the future of aviation innovation.

Mark currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Aviation 2.0 LLC (www.av2point0.com), where he is focused on advancing digital remote tower technology and next-generation air traffic management solutions. He also serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Affordable Skies (www.affordableskies.org), a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the traveler voice in aviation policy and improving both safety and affordability in air travel.

His aviation career began in 1981 as an FAA air traffic controller and evolved into a series of increasingly senior leadership roles across the National Airspace System. Mark served as Air Traffic Manager for Bradley Tower and the Yankee TRACON (BDL/Y90), later going on to lead the New York TRACON (N90)—responsible for managing the complex airspace over JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Teterboro, and surrounding airports, widely considered one of the most complex airspaces in the world.

Beyond the operational side of aviation, Mark held senior FAA headquarters roles in labor relations, systems development, and national operations strategy before transitioning into executive leadership in the private sector. His post-FAA career includes roles such as Vice President of Lumark Technologies and Director of Business Development for Civil Aviation and the FAA at Saab, Inc., along with advisory and consulting work across the industry.

Mark has also contributed to aviation storytelling and media. He was featured in the documentary series Air Disasters in the episode “Tree Strike Terror,” available on Tubi, and served as a producer on the film The Art Thief, available on Amazon Prime Video.

From controlling some of the busiest skies in the world to shaping future aviation systems—and even bringing aviation stories to the screen—Mark Guiod offers a unique perspective on where aviation has been and where it is headed next.

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In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Gary Powers Jr.—author, public speaker, and Cold War historian—who has dedicated his life to preserving the truth about his father’s legacy.

Carrying forward one of the most debated stories of the Cold War, Gary shares how his mission has been to correct decades of misinformation and ensure the real story is told: that his father did not cooperate with the USSR while in captivity.

We explore Gary’s journey from discovering deeply personal letters his father wrote while imprisoned in the Soviet Union, to understanding the global tension surrounding the incident—including the dramatic prisoner exchange that brought his father home. He also reflects on the surreal experience of seeing his father portrayed on screen by Lee Majors, and his own role as a consultant on Steven Spielberg’s Cold War thriller Bridge of Spies, starring Tom Hanks.

Gary has authored eight books on the subject, with a new release coming this May, and continues to educate audiences through his work and as the founder of a Cold War museum near Washington, D.C.

This is a powerful conversation about history, legacy, and one son’s commitment to setting the record straight.

🔗 Learn more, book Gary to speak, or explore his books: https://garypowers.com/

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In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with entrepreneur and innovator Miles Spencer for a conversation that lives at the intersection of technology, memory, and legacy.

Miles is the co-founder and CEO of Reflekta, a groundbreaking “soul tech” platform designed to preserve the voices, stories, and personalities of loved ones—allowing future generations to interact with dynamic, AI-driven versions of those who have passed. Built from a deeply personal desire to have “one more conversation” with family, Reflekta is redefining how we think about memory, grief, and connection across time.

With a career spanning media, entrepreneurship, and storytelling—including his time as co-host of PBS’s MoneyHunt—Miles has long explored the power of narrative. Today, he’s pushing boundaries by turning memories into living, interactive legacies that can endure for generations.

But this conversation goes beyond technology.

We also dive into Miles’ passion for aviation and adventure, including his parachuting experiences and his upcoming jump over Normandy—an event honoring the courage and sacrifice of Allied troops from World War II. Set against one of history’s most meaningful backdrops, this jump reflects both remembrance and the idea that legacy is something we actively carry forward.

From the skies over Normandy to the future of artificial intelligence, this episode explores a powerful question:

What does it really mean to be remembered?

Miles Spencer:

The Shoebox Goes Digital: Modern Tools for Memory Capture | Reflekta - Miles to Go.

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In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Jennifer C. Rykaczewski, the driving force behind Affordable Skies.

Jennifer and her team are focused on something that affects everyone: making sure flying remains within reach for everyday travelers. As ticket prices fluctuate and costs continue to rise, Affordable Skies is working to advocate for greater transparency, fairness, and affordability across the commercial aviation landscape.

Through her efforts, Jennifer is shining a light on the real financial pressures facing passengers today, while pushing for solutions that help keep air travel accessible for families, communities, and future generations.

In this conversation, we dig into what’s driving the cost of flying, why affordability matters now more than ever, and what’s at stake if access to air travel begins to slip away. Because this isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about preserving connectivity, opportunity, and economic mobility.

If you’ve ever questioned where the cost of flying is headed—and whether it will remain accessible to the average traveler—this episode offers a timely and important perspective on keeping the skies open to all.

Affordable Skies:

Affordable Skies | Consumer Advocacy Group

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In this gripping episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with author Kevin Hazzard to explore his latest book, No One’s Coming—a real-life aviation thriller that puts you in the middle of one of the most daring air medical rescue missions in history.

Set against the backdrop of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, the story follows a high-stakes race against time as two infected American aid workers must be evacuated from West Africa. With the clock ticking and the risks nearly unimaginable, a small, unconventional aviation company—Phoenix Air—is called upon to attempt what many believed was impossible: safely transport highly contagious patients across the globe.

Hazzard takes us inside the cockpit and behind the scenes of this unprecedented mission, where pilots, engineers, and medical teams pushed the limits of aviation, medicine, and courage. The result is a tense, cinematic account of innovation under pressure and the kind of aviation story you rarely hear—one where the stakes aren’t just high, they’re global.

In our conversation, we dive into the real events behind the book, the challenges of flying bio-containment missions, and what this story reveals about aviation’s critical role in global crisis response.

If you’re passionate about aviation, emergency response, or just love an incredible true story, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

👉 Grab your copy of the book here:
No One’s Coming: Hazzard, Kevin: 9781538783177: Amazon.com: Books

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In this special episode of Destination Aviation, Jeff takes you behind the scenes of his very first vlog — now live on our YouTube channel.

The journey starts briefly in Florida at the ACI-NA CEO meeting, where aviation leaders from across the country gathered to talk airports, innovation, and the future of our industry. From there, Jeff heads west to the desert for the high-energy, jet-fueled excitement of the Buckeye Air Fair in Arizona.

But this trip wasn’t just about airplanes. Along the way, Jeff explores the town of Buckeye, takes in some local flavor, and captures the travel experience that makes aviation more than just what happens on the runway.

If you’re someone who primarily listens to the podcast, this episode gives you a preview of what you can now see on our YouTube channel — air show action, travel moments, and the full visual experience from the Buckeye trip.

🎥 Be sure to check out our first official Destination Aviation vlog on YouTube and let us know what you think.

This is aviation — on the ground, in the air, and now on video.

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