The Aviation Collective

01/08/2026

Thinking about fly-in living near Dallas/Fort Worth?

I put together a free guide that breaks down the top DFW communities and all of the important details like runway lengths, instrument approaches & lighting, HOW rules, lifestyle and nearby amenities and more!

All in one easy-to-compare place, so you can explore your options clearly and confidently.

Comment DFW and I’ll send you the guide!

09/04/2025

Ladies & gentlemen, we’re officially in the air! 🎉

The Fly Girls’ Guide to Aviation Careers podcast is now available on all podcast platforms and YouTube!

We kicking off this new show by dropping mini episodes to give you a first listen at what’s to come this season.

From an executive at a major US airline to the woman orchestrating the delays at all the East coast airports to a super passionate flight instructor to a flight line supervisor doing engine runs on brand new F-35s, we have exciting aviation careers covered.

Visit the link in bio to subscribe and listen now or go to weareflygirls.com/podcast

Drop a “🎙️” to let us know you’re subscribed and tell us what episode you’re looking forward to most!

08/30/2025

So excited to finally share this project with you!

As many of you know, I’m passionate about opening doors for women in aviation and showcasing the incredible talent shaping this industry.

This summer, I sat down with women who’ve built remarkable careers in aviation and next month, I’ll be sharing their stories with you on my brand-new podcast.

🎙️ Introducing Fly Girls’ Guide to Aviation Careers

A weekly show featuring candid conversations with women who’ve made their mark in every corner of aviation. From executives to air traffic controllers, mechanics to instructors, and supervisors to flight line leaders.

We’ll talk training paths, first jobs, pivots, leadership, confidence, and the messy middle no one else is talking about.

To help us kick off, I’d love for you to join our official Launch Team.

🎟️ Launch Ambassadors will receive a free VIP Access Ticket to our upcoming Virtual Aviation Career Fair on October 8.

Tap the link in bio or visit weareflygirls.com/launch to join us and become an official ambassador!

10/08/2024

As a company leader, what's the best way to maximize company profits? It all starts with pulling the very best from your people. If you want some tips on how to start or expand professional development inexpensively, join me for a workshop style presentation at National Business Aviation Association BACE on Wednesday, October 23 at 2:30 PST on The Professional Development Conundrum.

07/18/2024

Feeling happy to be a pilot and proud to be an American all at the same time today! ❤️🤍💙🛫
Thanks for breakfast Kari Contos Edge!

01/01/2024

I started 2023 brokenhearted and in the worst health of my life. I ended strong and at peace, but it didn’t just happen.

I was intentional about healing my spirit through prayer, meditation, praise music, sermons and books.

I was intentional about healing my body with supplements, sleep, nature, exercise and good hydration.

I was intentional about healing my emotions by replacing toxic relationships with good ones and putting boundaries in place. I sought truth, did therapy, and left old thought patterns behind.

I was intentional about spending time with the people most important to me, even when I felt more like withdrawing than extroverting.

At the end of the day, I really like the person I am becoming. So while the work was hard, and being divorced was not in my plans, I think perhaps history will show 2023 was one of the best gifts God could have given me.

I pray, if you are reading these words, that you are brave enough in 2024 to embrace everything God has for you--even if it's not the script you had in mind.

08/21/2023

New "Leadership in Aviation" podcast episode is out now! In this episode, René Banglesdorf is joined by Edgar® Award-nominated Author and Pilot for 44 years, Kam Majd. His latest novel, “High Wire” is a suspenseful, thrilling story of a pilot’s race against time to save the passengers aboard a plane infected with a madman’s computer virus.

Kam chats with Rene about his new book, his history in aviation and his leadership in the cockpit for close to 50 years. He goes into detail about what made him write "High Wire" and why he chose a woman as the protagonist (lead). Listen to the episode now.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-in-aviation/id1426833479

07/28/2023

In this episode of "The Leadership in Aviation Podcast," join us as Erika Armstrong shares her extraordinary journey into the world of aviation. From stumbling upon her passion to breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes, Erika's story is one of inspiration and determination. 🛫✨

On YouTube now!
https://youtu.be/AyufPQQY4Nw

In this captivating episode of "The Leadership in Aviation Podcast," join us as Erika Armstrong shares her extraordinary journey into the world of aviation. ...

07/12/2023

What a treat to see how the men and women of the US Air Force learn to fly and direct air traffic! Thanks to the Wing Commander and Honorary Wing Commander (Amy Bouge) for a great day at the Columbus, MS Air Force Base.

06/30/2023

New podcast episode is out now! In this episode of the Leadership in Aviation Podcast, René Banglesdorf is joined by Trish Gilbert. Trish Gilbert serves as the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Association (IFATCA) Executive Vice President Americas.

Trish discusses several topics including her years of experience as an air traffic controller, leadership in aviation, and airspace safety and her current role on the safety review board. She also discusses balancing innovation and safety as well as her advice for young leaders in aviation.

Link in our bio to listen now!
https://theaviationcollective.com/resources/

06/15/2023

New podcast episode is out now! In this episode of the Leadership in Aviation Podcast, René Banglesdorf is joined by Sarah Kalmeta, aka Sarah the Pivoter and founder of Pivot Point International, a high-performance consulting company that helps business professionals manage constant change so they can be calm and decisive without burning out. With 15+ years in business aviation and 13 years in Asia, Sarah has had an enriching experience leading across cultures and managing high-stress situations.

Sarah talks about her experiences counseling people to find repeating patterns in their careers and lives that are no longer serving them and uncovering the tiny pivots (one degree changes) they can make so they can start having fun instead of being in a constant burnout cycle.

https://theaviationcollective.com/resources/