The Air Up There

One remarkable aspect of drones is their ability to offer us a higher perspective. In this episode, Ashlee Cooper, the founder of Droneversity, shares her insights into drones and innovative applications to advance STEM education. 

Droneversity educates children about drones through immersive experiences like drone soccer, an international e-sport that fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and technical skills. The organization also ensures that all players pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), an FAA requirement that provides education and testing on important drone safety and regulatory information, before you fly.  

Ashlee envisions a world where drones are se...

Takeoff on a unique journey with our latest podcast episode featuring Victoria “V” Ross, a certificated pilot, who went from having zero interest in aviation to embracing a fulfilling career with the best office view in the skies .

It all started with a father and daughter bonding experience that was part of a much bigger plan. Call it parent’s intuition, V’s father knew she would love a career as a pilot if he could just give her a glimpse of what it was like. He was right! V joins us to share how his plan unfolded...

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 al...

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 co...

A good mentor can point you in the right direction and a great mentor can change your life. When Bobbie Kahklen started working for the FAA, she never imagined she would end up working in a tower as an air traffic controller. 

Growing up as a member of the Native Alaskan Tlingit tribe, Bobbie persevered through many challenges. Aviation was not something that was talked about in her community and it certainly wasn’t on Bobbie’s radar as a career option. By chance, she stumbled across an administrative job opening at the FAA. 

With the en...

There is power in mentorship! In this special podcast episode, 13-year-old Isabella from Rising Aviation High School and FAA aerospace engineer Karen Perez engage in an insightful discussion about aspirations, mentorship, diversity, and the limitless possibilities in aerospace.

How did we get here? Isabella wrote a letter to us to share what her school does to attract students to various fields in aviation and how she hopes to inspire more women, especially Hispanic and Latina girls, to pursue STEM. 

In an engaging two-way interview, Isabella shares the discovery flight that solidified her desire to become a...

What if your career not only fulfilled your ambitions but launched them into orbit? That’s what happened to our guest, Rachita Puri, an aerospace engineer in the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation.

In this episode, Rachita shares how a job fair at her university led her to the FAA, where she enjoys a rewarding career ensuring public safety during human space flights, rocket launches and reentries. She details how her position affords her out-of-this-world experiences, including witnessing her first ever space launch in person that left her with goosebumps. 

Tune in to hear abo...

From being a first-generation college student to becoming a pilot and certified flight instructor, Zakiya Percy, navigated uncharted territories, propelling herself on an incredible aerospace journey.

In this episode, Zakiya shares what inspired her to become a pilot, and sheds light on the sacrifices and challenges she encountered along the way. She tells the story of how an inquiry to revive an inactive Organization of Black Aviation Professional’s (OBAP) collegiate chapter quickly elevated her to the position of president. This leadership role eventually led her to OBAP’s Luke Weathers Jr. Flight Academy where her journey towa...

The FAA provides boundless career opportunities within the aviation sector for people of all backgrounds. In this episode, Migdalia Gonzalez, the Hispanic Employment Program Manager in the FAA’s Office of Civil Rights provides insight on the importance of representation and outreach to attract talent from underrepresented communities.

Tune in to hear how the FAA's educational outreach initiatives empower students to pursue aviation careers. Plus, be inspired by Migdalia's personal journey and discover how she helps Hispanic students find their own path within the dynamic aerospace industry, including guiding them through the complex federal job ap...

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...