The Aviation Business Podcast

In this episode, Tim Jedrek from Right Rudder Marketing sits down with Brandon Martini, co-founder and COO of Stratus Financial, the largest student loan lender for pilots. They discuss Brandon’s journey from flight school owner to aviation finance leader, as well as insights on scaling a flight school, student financing, and the future of aviation training.

For more info, visit:•Stratus Financial: stratus.finance•Aero Summit: strat...

In this episode, Tim Jedrek from Right Rudder Marketing sits down with Tammy Barlette, a retired Air Force pilot and founder of Crosscheck, a mental performance training company for pilots.Tammy spent 20 years flying in the Air Force, starting as a T-37 instructor pilot before moving on to the A-10, Predator, and Reaper. After retiring in 2018, she got into professional speaking and later created a mental performance course to help...

This episode examines the extraordinary journey of Gordon, founder of Rainier Flight Service, as detailed in a recent podcast with Right Rudder Marketing. His story is a case study in leveraging passion, resilience, and strategic foresight to build a successful aviation enterprise from the ground up.Despite his success, Gordon maintains a humble perspective, stating he is “just enjoying the ride.” However, the success of Rainier Fl...

What Flight Schools Can Learn from DPE Mary Schu’s Journey“I was told I was too old and too short. Years later, they came calling.”These words from Designated Pilot Examiner Mary Schu land like a crosswind on final—sudden, sharp, and unforgettable. With five decades of aviation experience, Schu offers a rare, hard-earned perspective on how far aviation has come—and where flight schools may be veering off course.From Underdog to Avi...

The aviation industry is on the cusp of a significant hiring surge, with projections indicating over 5,000 new pilot positions opening in 2025 alone. To help flight schools prepare their students for this opportunity, aviation career expert Captain Kit Darby will be sharing his insights on the upcoming Right Rudder Marketing Podcast.Why This MattersFor flight schools, staying ahead of industry trends isn’t just about credibility—it...

Common Risks for Flight SchoolsOne of the biggest risks flight schools face is aircraft damage, especially during solo flights or early-stage instruction. Other frequent issues include student pilot errors, incomplete coverage, and weak renter agreements. Kim shares real-life claims—including gear-up landings and crosswind loss-of-control incidents—to demonstrate how quickly problems can escalate without proper coverage.Avoiding Po...

The aviation industry is experiencing a seismic shift, and it's happening in the most unexpected place: your home office. In a fascinating episode of the Right Rudder Marketing Aviation Business Podcast, host Tim Jedrek sat down with Brandon Seltz, founder and CEO of Take Flight Interactive, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming flight training from the ground up.What emerged from their conversation wasn't just ano...

Episode 18 - WAI in Central Florida

Women in Aviation International (WAI) is making waves in Central Florida, and on this episode of the Aviation Business Podcast, we had the privilege to speak with two passionate leaders from the local chapter—Aubrey Radigan and Maggie Broman. They shared inspiring stories of how their group is opening doors, building community, and creating opportunities for women and allies across the aviatio...