Destination Aviation

• Episode 47 - Voices for Aviation: Jenny Ann Urban & Randy Deberry on Industry Challenges and Change

  In this engaging episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Jenny Ann Urban and Randy Deberry from the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). As passionate advocates for aviation businesses, Jenny and Randy share insider perspectives on the biggest challenges facing the industry today—from regulatory shifts and workforce shortages to sustainability and technological innovation.Tune in as we explore how NATA is driving meaningful change, supporting aviation businesses, and ensuring the skies remain open and thriving for generations to come. Whether you’re an industry professional or an aviation enthusiast, this conversation offers a compelling look behind the scenes of aviation advocacy and progress.Connect with us on Instagram:instagram.com/dapodcast85/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@dapodcast85YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@DestinationAviationpodcastDrop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane talesConnect with Jenny Ann Urban:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-ann-urban/Websites:Destination Aviation - www.destinationaviation.orgNATA – www.nata.aeroSupport the show

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• Episode 46 - Altitude & Advocacy: Part 2 with Alex Gertsen

  In the second half of our engaging conversation on Destination Aviation, we continue our deep dive with Alex Gertsen, Sr. Director of Airport Advocacy and Vertical Infrastructure at NBAA. Picking up where we left off, Alex shares more about his hands-on experience as a part-time charter captain, including the life-changing missions of organ transport and the operational realities of business aviation. We expand the conversation into the evolving challenges and opportunities in vertical infrastructure, the role of advanced air mobility, and why protecting airport access is more critical than ever. Alex also reflects on the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, the balance between federal policy and local implementation, and what drives his personal commitment to the future of aviation. We also talk about a number of upcoming exciting general and business aviation events that Alex is involved in (Links in the show notes).From policy to the pilot’s seat, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and a front-row seat to the intersection of advocacy and aviation innovation.Connect with us on Instagram:instagram.com/dapodcast85/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@dapodcast85YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@DestinationAviationpodcastDrop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane talesWebsites:Destination Aviation - www.destinationaviation.orgOpenAir – www.flyopenair.comAero Club of Wahington – www.aeroclub.orgMooney Summit – www.MooneySummit.comEAA AirVenture – www.airventure.orgAAAE General Aviation Conference - https://aaae.org/generalaviationChicago Executive 100th Anniversary – www.chiexec.com June 27th 2026 NBAA-BACE – https://nbaa.org/events/2025-nbaa-business-aviation-convention-exhibition-nbaa-bace/NBAA-BACE Single-Pilot Safety Standdown - https://nbaa.org/events/2025-nbaa-single-pilot-safety-standdown/NBAA-BACE – Military Connect – https://nbaa.org/events/2025-nbaa-business-aviation-convention-exhibition-nbaa-bace/military-connect-2025-nbaa-bace/NBAA-BACE – Collegiate Connect - https://nbaa.org/events/2024-nbaa-business-aviation-convention-exhibition-nbaa-bace/keynotes-sessions-events/collegiate-connect-2024-nbaa-bace/NBAA YoPro - https://nbaa.org/professional-development/yopro/Climbing. Fast. – www.climbingfast.comSupport the show

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• Episode 45 - Altitude & Advocacy: Part 1 with Alex Gertsen

  In this first part of a two-part conversation on Destination Aviation, we sit down with Alex Gertsen, Sr. Director of Airport Advocacy and Vertical Infrastructure at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). From his early career to his leadership in aviation policy, Alex has built a dynamic path that blends high-level advocacy efforts on the ground with in-the-air experience and exposure to business aviation flying, and being a part time charter captain transporting people and being involved in organ transport operations. We dive into his work supporting airports and vertical infrastructure - protecting access to airports and elevating runway and surface safety. Plus, we talk about the importance of the work aviation associations do in Washington, DC, some of the current issues facing our industry, the collaboration in the aviation community, and what fuels Alex’s passion for progress.Whether you're a pilot, airport advocate, or just aviation-curious, this episode offers a unique look at how policy and purpose take flight. Websites:www.nbaa.orgwww.destinationaviation.orgConnect with us on Instagram:instagram.com/dapodcast85/Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane talesSupport the show

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• Episode 44 - Skates to Gates: The Journey of Derek Martin

  In this episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Derek Martin, Executive Director of Erie International Airport, to explore his unique path through the world of aviation. From chasing pucks on the ice to managing one of Pennsylvania’s key regional airports, Derek shares how his passion for hockey shaped his leadership style and career. Tune in for stories of teamwork, turbulence, and the smooth landings that brought him to where he is today. Website:www.destinationaviation.orgConnect with us on Instagram:instagram.com/dapodcast85/Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane talesSupport the show

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• Episode 43 - Into Thin Air: The Hidden Danger of Hypoxia

  When flying at altitude, oxygen isn’t just optional—it’s essential. In this episode of Destination Aviation, we explore the silent, often misunderstood threat of hypoxia—a condition that can render pilots incapacitated in minutes, sometimes without warning.We’ll examine several aviation accidents where hypoxia played a role, including the tragic 1999 Learjet crash that claimed the life of professional golfer Payne Stewart. That flight, which flew on autopilot for hours before crashing in South Dakota, is one of the most chilling examples of how quickly things can go wrong when oxygen is lost in the cockpit.Join host Jeff Miller as he breaks down what hypoxia is, how it affects pilots, and the lessons every aviator—student or seasoned—needs to know. Whether you're in the left seat or just love aviation stories, this is one you won't want to miss.Website:www.destinationaviation.orgConnect with us on Instagram:instagram.com/dapodcast85/Drop us a line at [email protected] if you have your own plane talesSupport the show

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