Beyond The Sky - A North Star Aviation Podcast Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/beyond-the-sky-a-north-star-aviation-podcast Beyond The Sky brings you inside the world of aviation at North Star Aviation in Mankato, MN. Hear real stories from students, instructors, and alumni as they share what it takes to learn to fly and build a career in aviation. 2025 North Star Aviation 750d4608-2029-54f8-8901-5975f31856fa no en Fri, 22 May 2026 15:00:14 -0500 Fri, 22 May 2026 15:01:29 -0500 https://img.transistorcdn.com/cqKTR73suDVVD_xSNPa7xv9j1y4DuwO5_pL_VGRT1Oo/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wZjQx/NDRjOTg2MWVhZGY4/YzVmMDc5YmEwYTM3/MzUwYy5wbmc.jpg Beyond The Sky - A North Star Aviation Podcast episodic North Star Aviation Beyond The Sky brings you inside the world of aviation at North Star Aviation in Mankato, MN. Hear real stories from students, instructors, and alumni as they share what it takes to learn to fly and build a career in aviation. Beyond The Sky brings you inside the world of aviation at North Star Aviation in Mankato, MN. North Star Aviation No No Soaring as a Piper Ambassador 12 12 Soaring as a Piper Ambassador full dcb7747e-af7a-4b82-a04e-7d789f5f8474 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ad3d7037 In this episode of the Beyond the Sky podcast, host John Hogue sits down with flight student Lou Pritzik to discuss her journey from a first-generation pilot to becoming a Piper Ambassador. Lou shares insights into her rapid flight training, the unique opportunities provided by her ambassadorship, and the importance of finding community in aviation.

]]> In this episode of the Beyond the Sky podcast, host John Hogue sits down with flight student Lou Pritzik to discuss her journey from a first-generation pilot to becoming a Piper Ambassador. Lou shares insights into her rapid flight training, the unique opportunities provided by her ambassadorship, and the importance of finding community in aviation.

]]> Fri, 22 May 2026 15:00:00 -0500 North Star Aviation North Star Aviation 1479 In this episode of the Beyond the Sky podcast, host John Hogue sits down with flight student Lou Pritzik to discuss her journey from a first-generation pilot to becoming a Piper Ambassador. Lou shares insights into her rapid flight training, the unique opportunities provided by her ambassadorship, and the importance of finding community in aviation.

]]> No Making Training Fun: Mentorship and Milestones 11 11 Making Training Fun: Mentorship and Milestones full d3bcfc71-2762-46b9-8fb2-779f6029067b https://share.transistor.fm/s/e66f2de8 Join host John Hogue on the Beyond the Sky podcast as he sits down with Maddie Luebke to discuss her remarkable journey from a serendipitous discovery flight to flying for Endeavor Air. Maddie shares her experiences navigating flight training at Minnesota State University (MSU), participating in the Air Race Classic, and serving as president of the Women in Aviation club. This episode dives into the importance of mentorship, strategies for avoiding burnout, and why making training fun is essential for long-term success in the cockpit.

]]> Join host John Hogue on the Beyond the Sky podcast as he sits down with Maddie Luebke to discuss her remarkable journey from a serendipitous discovery flight to flying for Endeavor Air. Maddie shares her experiences navigating flight training at Minnesota State University (MSU), participating in the Air Race Classic, and serving as president of the Women in Aviation club. This episode dives into the importance of mentorship, strategies for avoiding burnout, and why making training fun is essential for long-term success in the cockpit.

]]> Wed, 06 May 2026 16:00:00 -0500 North Star Aviation North Star Aviation 1964 Join host John Hogue on the Beyond the Sky podcast as he sits down with Maddie Luebke to discuss her remarkable journey from a serendipitous discovery flight to flying for Endeavor Air. Maddie shares her experiences navigating flight training at Minnesota State University (MSU), participating in the Air Race Classic, and serving as president of the Women in Aviation club. This episode dives into the importance of mentorship, strategies for avoiding burnout, and why making training fun is essential for long-term success in the cockpit.

]]> No The Purple Tails Races in the Sky! 10 10 The Purple Tails Races in the Sky! full 9ea01715-a9d6-42dc-9f27-286ddf2ef3d4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/642872ab In this episode, host John Houg talks with the MSU Woman's Air Race team: The Purple Tails! Ariana Moore, Marlee Walker, and Angie Guzik share their racing experience and whit it means to be a part of the Purple Tails and represent women in aviation! 

]]> In this episode, host John Houg talks with the MSU Woman's Air Race team: The Purple Tails! Ariana Moore, Marlee Walker, and Angie Guzik share their racing experience and whit it means to be a part of the Purple Tails and represent women in aviation! 

]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0500 North Star Aviation North Star Aviation 2496 In this episode, host John Houg talks with the MSU Woman's Air Race team: The Purple Tails! Ariana Moore, Marlee Walker, and Angie Guzik share their racing experience and whit it means to be a part of the Purple Tails and represent women in aviation! 

]]> No Fast-Tracking Flight Training: Lessons from Abraham Ferber 9 9 Fast-Tracking Flight Training: Lessons from Abraham Ferber full 4edb0261-e625-42b3-92bb-5ef642ef4ab2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c0315ed0 In this episode of Beyond the Sky, host John Houg sits down with pilot student Abraham Ferber, who accomplished something most aviation students take nearly twice as long to complete—earning his instrument rating in just one semester. Abraham shares how social media unexpectedly sparked his interest in aviation, the mindset and study habits that helped him accelerate through training, and the challenges he faced along the way. Whether you're a current flight student, considering aviation as a career, or simply fascinated by the journey of learning to fly, this episode offers insights, motivation, and practical takeaways from someone who pushed the limits of what’s possible in flight training.

]]> In this episode of Beyond the Sky, host John Houg sits down with pilot student Abraham Ferber, who accomplished something most aviation students take nearly twice as long to complete—earning his instrument rating in just one semester. Abraham shares how social media unexpectedly sparked his interest in aviation, the mindset and study habits that helped him accelerate through training, and the challenges he faced along the way. Whether you're a current flight student, considering aviation as a career, or simply fascinated by the journey of learning to fly, this episode offers insights, motivation, and practical takeaways from someone who pushed the limits of what’s possible in flight training.

]]> Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0600 North Star Aviation North Star Aviation 2394 In this episode of Beyond the Sky, host John Houg sits down with pilot student Abraham Ferber, who accomplished something most aviation students take nearly twice as long to complete—earning his instrument rating in just one semester. Abraham shares how social media unexpectedly sparked his interest in aviation, the mindset and study habits that helped him accelerate through training, and the challenges he faced along the way. Whether you're a current flight student, considering aviation as a career, or simply fascinated by the journey of learning to fly, this episode offers insights, motivation, and practical takeaways from someone who pushed the limits of what’s possible in flight training.

]]> No Learning to Fly — Lessons, Laughs, and Real Cockpit Moments 8 8 Learning to Fly — Lessons, Laughs, and Real Cockpit Moments full 74c22aa3-6ac2-409f-adf8-a628d363e81e https://share.transistor.fm/s/0773de0e In this episode of Beyond the Sky, the conversation blends real flight training knowledge with fun, honest stories from the cockpit. From how pilots get started to the moments when training gets intense (or humbling), this episode breaks down what flight training is really like — with insight, humor, and a few “you had to be there” moments along the way.

]]> In this episode of Beyond the Sky, the conversation blends real flight training knowledge with fun, honest stories from the cockpit. From how pilots get started to the moments when training gets intense (or humbling), this episode breaks down what flight training is really like — with insight, humor, and a few “you had to be there” moments along the way.

]]> Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0600 North Star Aviation North Star Aviation 1600 In this episode of Beyond the Sky, the conversation blends real flight training knowledge with fun, honest stories from the cockpit. From how pilots get started to the moments when training gets intense (or humbling), this episode breaks down what flight training is really like — with insight, humor, and a few “you had to be there” moments along the way.

]]> No Finding Your Path in Aviation 7 7 Finding Your Path in Aviation full 4745b8c3-2f11-485e-bbd9-ec4bae49f694 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a487f17a In this episode of Beyond the Sky, we explore the many career paths that exist in aviation through the lens of avionics and aircraft systems. Our guest shares how an engineering background led to a career working on aircraft electronics, the transition from military to civilian aviation, and why aviation offers opportunities for people with a wide range of skills and interests. Whether you’re a student, career-changer, or aviation enthusiast, this episode highlights how there’s no single path into the industry.

]]> In this episode of Beyond the Sky, we explore the many career paths that exist in aviation through the lens of avionics and aircraft systems. Our guest shares how an engineering background led to a career working on aircraft electronics, the transition from military to civilian aviation, and why aviation offers opportunities for people with a wide range of skills and interests. Whether you’re a student, career-changer, or aviation enthusiast, this episode highlights how there’s no single path into the industry.

]]> Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0600 North Star Aviation North Star Aviation 1857 In this episode of Beyond the Sky, we explore the many career paths that exist in aviation through the lens of avionics and aircraft systems. Our guest shares how an engineering background led to a career working on aircraft electronics, the transition from military to civilian aviation, and why aviation offers opportunities for people with a wide range of skills and interests. Whether you’re a student, career-changer, or aviation enthusiast, this episode highlights how there’s no single path into the industry.

]]> No There’s No Straight Path in Aviation 6 6 There’s No Straight Path in Aviation full 58004898-64b8-4322-8d83-2522a8e12fc8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8344509b Aviation careers rarely follow a straight line — and that’s exactly what makes them special.

In this episode of Beyond the Sky, we sit down with a pilot and aviation educator whose journey started in airplanes, grew through instruction, and came full circle watching students earn their wings and move on to airline cockpits. From family aviation stories and seaplane ratings to breaking down the real costs of flying and the myths surrounding aviation careers, this conversation offers an honest look at what it really takes to build a life in aviation.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first flight lesson, navigating your path as a student pilot, or mentoring the next generation, this episode is a reminder that passion, persistence, and flexibility matter more than a perfect plan.

]]> Aviation careers rarely follow a straight line — and that’s exactly what makes them special.

In this episode of Beyond the Sky, we sit down with a pilot and aviation educator whose journey started in airplanes, grew through instruction, and came full circle watching students earn their wings and move on to airline cockpits. From family aviation stories and seaplane ratings to breaking down the real costs of flying and the myths surrounding aviation careers, this conversation offers an honest look at what it really takes to build a life in aviation.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first flight lesson, navigating your path as a student pilot, or mentoring the next generation, this episode is a reminder that passion, persistence, and flexibility matter more than a perfect plan.

]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0600 North Star Aviation North Star Aviation 2548 Aviation careers rarely follow a straight line — and that’s exactly what makes them special.

In this episode of Beyond the Sky, we sit down with a pilot and aviation educator whose journey started in airplanes, grew through instruction, and came full circle watching students earn their wings and move on to airline cockpits. From family aviation stories and seaplane ratings to breaking down the real costs of flying and the myths surrounding aviation careers, this conversation offers an honest look at what it really takes to build a life in aviation.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first flight lesson, navigating your path as a student pilot, or mentoring the next generation, this episode is a reminder that passion, persistence, and flexibility matter more than a perfect plan.

]]> No From Discovery Flight to Commercial Dreams: Ian’s Journey Through Aviation Training 5 5 From Discovery Flight to Commercial Dreams: Ian’s Journey Through Aviation Training full caa4c293-f837-475c-bde0-e5b4fd0471f5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7b3903b8 In this episode of Beyond the Sky, host Zachary O’Brien sits down with commercial pilot-in-training Ian Wright Alice to explore his unexpected path into aviation. Ian shares how a single high-school class led him to a discovery flight that changed his life, the reactions from his family, and what it's really like progressing through commercial training at North Star Aviation.

From favorite cross-country destinations to the challenges of Stage 2 maneuvers, night flying magic, the transition into multi-engine aircraft, and his long-term goal of flying for a foreign airline, Ian offers an honest, inspiring look into the journey of becoming a professional pilot. Whether you're a student pilot or simply love aviation stories, this episode dives deep into passion, persistence, and the thrill of flight.

]]> In this episode of Beyond the Sky, host Zachary O’Brien sits down with commercial pilot-in-training Ian Wright Alice to explore his unexpected path into aviation. Ian shares how a single high-school class led him to a discovery flight that changed his life, the reactions from his family, and what it's really like progressing through commercial training at North Star Aviation.

From favorite cross-country destinations to the challenges of Stage 2 maneuvers, night flying magic, the transition into multi-engine aircraft, and his long-term goal of flying for a foreign airline, Ian offers an honest, inspiring look into the journey of becoming a professional pilot. Whether you're a student pilot or simply love aviation stories, this episode dives deep into passion, persistence, and the thrill of flight.

]]> Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:00:00 -0600 North Star Aviation North Star Aviation 2725 In this episode of Beyond the Sky, host Zachary O’Brien sits down with commercial pilot-in-training Ian Wright Alice to explore his unexpected path into aviation. Ian shares how a single high-school class led him to a discovery flight that changed his life, the reactions from his family, and what it's really like progressing through commercial training at North Star Aviation.

From favorite cross-country destinations to the challenges of Stage 2 maneuvers, night flying magic, the transition into multi-engine aircraft, and his long-term goal of flying for a foreign airline, Ian offers an honest, inspiring look into the journey of becoming a professional pilot. Whether you're a student pilot or simply love aviation stories, this episode dives deep into passion, persistence, and the thrill of flight.

]]> No Enjoy the Journey: From Young Eagles to Delta Airlines 4 4 Enjoy the Journey: From Young Eagles to Delta Airlines full 043cb877-b728-4312-94a6-f05e6e3a4377 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b6fef1ad In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Sky, host Zach O’Brien sits down with Delta Airlines Captain Tyler Stargard, a Minnesota State Mankato graduate and Delta Propel liaison, to trace his journey from childhood flight simulator sessions to the flight deck of a commercial jet. Listeners will hear valuable insights on flight training, career growth, and balancing life as an airline pilot, along with stories about flying with family, mentoring the next generation, and what makes Delta’s culture stand out. Whether you’re a student pilot, an aspiring aviator, or simply love stories about chasing your dreams—this episode will leave you looking up at the sky with a renewed sense of purpose.

]]> In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Sky, host Zach O’Brien sits down with Delta Airlines Captain Tyler Stargard, a Minnesota State Mankato graduate and Delta Propel liaison, to trace his journey from childhood flight simulator sessions to the flight deck of a commercial jet. Listeners will hear valuable insights on flight training, career growth, and balancing life as an airline pilot, along with stories about flying with family, mentoring the next generation, and what makes Delta’s culture stand out. Whether you’re a student pilot, an aspiring aviator, or simply love stories about chasing your dreams—this episode will leave you looking up at the sky with a renewed sense of purpose.

]]> Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0600 North Star Aviation North Star Aviation 3701 In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Sky, host Zach O’Brien sits down with Delta Airlines Captain Tyler Stargard, a Minnesota State Mankato graduate and Delta Propel liaison, to trace his journey from childhood flight simulator sessions to the flight deck of a commercial jet. Listeners will hear valuable insights on flight training, career growth, and balancing life as an airline pilot, along with stories about flying with family, mentoring the next generation, and what makes Delta’s culture stand out. Whether you’re a student pilot, an aspiring aviator, or simply love stories about chasing your dreams—this episode will leave you looking up at the sky with a renewed sense of purpose.

]]> No Discovering Aviation with Danny: From Impulse Decision to Flight Instructor 3 3 Discovering Aviation with Danny: From Impulse Decision to Flight Instructor full f258b330-3e0d-41eb-9b45-01289cb9d886 https://share.transistor.fm/s/530b9b58 In this episode of Beyond The Sky, host Zach O’Brien sits down with Danny, a flight instructor at North Star Aviation, to explore his unique path into aviation. Unlike many pilots who grow up surrounded by aviation, Danny had no family or friends in the industry—his decision to fly came as an impulse during his senior year of high school. From there, he built his career step by step, finding a passion for flight training and mentoring new students. This episode highlights how aviation can inspire anyone, regardless of background, and showcases the resources like MyFlightLab that support student success at North Star Aviation.

]]> In this episode of Beyond The Sky, host Zach O’Brien sits down with Danny, a flight instructor at North Star Aviation, to explore his unique path into aviation. Unlike many pilots who grow up surrounded by aviation, Danny had no family or friends in the industry—his decision to fly came as an impulse during his senior year of high school. From there, he built his career step by step, finding a passion for flight training and mentoring new students. This episode highlights how aviation can inspire anyone, regardless of background, and showcases the resources like MyFlightLab that support student success at North Star Aviation.

]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:02:59 -0500 North Star Aviation North Star Aviation 2559 In this episode of Beyond The Sky, host Zach O’Brien sits down with Danny, a flight instructor at North Star Aviation, to explore his unique path into aviation. Unlike many pilots who grow up surrounded by aviation, Danny had no family or friends in the industry—his decision to fly came as an impulse during his senior year of high school. From there, he built his career step by step, finding a passion for flight training and mentoring new students. This episode highlights how aviation can inspire anyone, regardless of background, and showcases the resources like MyFlightLab that support student success at North Star Aviation.

]]> No Life as an Airline Pilot with Zachary Crowe 2 2 Life as an Airline Pilot with Zachary Crowe full 2bde40c1-88f2-4e32-ad1a-f2919fab9ed1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7704117d In this episode of Beyond The Sky, host Zach O’Brien sits down with Zachary Crowe, a North Star Aviation alum who is now flying for the airlines. Zachary shares his journey from high school aviation programs to professional pilot training, and ultimately achieving his dream job in the airline industry. Listeners get an inside look at the day-to-day realities of airline life, the importance of training foundations at North Star Aviation, and the advice he has for students aspiring to take their aviation careers beyond the cockpit of a training aircraft.

]]> In this episode of Beyond The Sky, host Zach O’Brien sits down with Zachary Crowe, a North Star Aviation alum who is now flying for the airlines. Zachary shares his journey from high school aviation programs to professional pilot training, and ultimately achieving his dream job in the airline industry. Listeners get an inside look at the day-to-day realities of airline life, the importance of training foundations at North Star Aviation, and the advice he has for students aspiring to take their aviation careers beyond the cockpit of a training aircraft.

]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:35:29 -0500 North Star Aviation North Star Aviation 1896 In this episode of Beyond The Sky, host Zach O’Brien sits down with Zachary Crowe, a North Star Aviation alum who is now flying for the airlines. Zachary shares his journey from high school aviation programs to professional pilot training, and ultimately achieving his dream job in the airline industry. Listeners get an inside look at the day-to-day realities of airline life, the importance of training foundations at North Star Aviation, and the advice he has for students aspiring to take their aviation careers beyond the cockpit of a training aircraft.

]]> No From Intro Flight to Aviation Career: The North Star Story with Rob McGregor 1 1 From Intro Flight to Aviation Career: The North Star Story with Rob McGregor full 23727ea0-691b-40ad-bf4c-0900ab492cb0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/303fad6f In the first episode of Beyond The Sky, host Zach O’Brien sits down with Rob McGregor to talk about the roots of North Star Aviation and Rob’s personal journey in aviation. From his very first 30-minute intro flight in Mankato in the early ’90s to his career in flight instruction and beyond, Rob shares stories of what drew him to the skies, the challenges and rewards of aviation, and how North Star Aviation has grown alongside Minnesota State University, Mankato. This episode highlights the passion, persistence, and opportunities that make aviation a life-changing path for students and professionals alike.

]]> In the first episode of Beyond The Sky, host Zach O’Brien sits down with Rob McGregor to talk about the roots of North Star Aviation and Rob’s personal journey in aviation. From his very first 30-minute intro flight in Mankato in the early ’90s to his career in flight instruction and beyond, Rob shares stories of what drew him to the skies, the challenges and rewards of aviation, and how North Star Aviation has grown alongside Minnesota State University, Mankato. This episode highlights the passion, persistence, and opportunities that make aviation a life-changing path for students and professionals alike.

]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2025 10:42:36 -0500 North Star Aviation North Star Aviation 2404 In the first episode of Beyond The Sky, host Zach O’Brien sits down with Rob McGregor to talk about the roots of North Star Aviation and Rob’s personal journey in aviation. From his very first 30-minute intro flight in Mankato in the early ’90s to his career in flight instruction and beyond, Rob shares stories of what drew him to the skies, the challenges and rewards of aviation, and how North Star Aviation has grown alongside Minnesota State University, Mankato. This episode highlights the passion, persistence, and opportunities that make aviation a life-changing path for students and professionals alike.

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