The Traffic Pattern

It's been two years since I launched The Traffic Pattern podcast. In one word...wow. But life has been different lately, and that's what I want to share. A little bit more about me. I'm talking about family, a reflection on my time at Atlanta TRACON, a few personal stories and experiences, but most of all explaining life balance. On today's episode it's just me. A raw and transparent version. Hope you enjoy. I hope you all stay safe! Love ya'll.

Captain Dana Colten, from Acme Airlines shares his flying journey during the midst of a global pandemic. Stick around for the heartfelt ending. Long live the Maddog!

She piloted the B777, B767, B757, B747, B737, B727, A319 and A320 as an international airline pilot/captain for United Airlines.She flew for Eastern and Pan Am regionals before that. On her way to becoming an airline pilot, she worked as a flight instructor, charter pilot, freight pilot and aerial sightseeing tour pilot.Today only 5% of pilots are female, a number essentially unchanged since Amelia Earhart’s era. Of those, less than 1% are Captains. She wants to change this. Her dream now is to help other young women rock STEM fields!

Airbus 330 Captain, Eric Jordan has been flying for over 30 years! His passion for flying is undeniable. With a plethora of unknowns in the aviation industry, Eric reflects on the early stages of the pandemic, the gracious moments of his flying career, and most of all...family.

At age 19, after spending two years planning, training, and fundraising over a quarter of a million dollars, Ryan successfully flew solo around the world. This expedition broke the world record for the youngest pilot and first teenager to circumnavigate the globe solo in a single engine airplane. 24,000 nautical miles, 35 destinations, and 15 countries providing some profound life lessons. Although Ryan’s world flight brought its own brand of adversity, the true test would come just two years later. A normal day at work turned into anyone’s worst nightmare. A plane crash that occurred after liftoff left Ryan in the hospital, fighting for his life. Six months of hospitalization, over a year-and-a-half in rehabilitation, and the ongoing struggles of living with a spinal injury transformed Ryan into a different person. “I may have lost out physically, but I gained mentally in ways I never knew possible.”

While I offer a personal sentiment in this episode, Kevin from PilotEdge ATC shares all of the details about the upcoming SimVenture event! Have you ever considered flying into Oshkosh?! Try it virtually first! Give it a try! You don't want to miss it!

I am incredibly privileged to have father, husband, veteran, nonprofit enthusiast, founder of the ProSocial Network and 2021 law student candidate, Robert Burgess on the podcast tomorrow afternoon to discuss race relations, implicit bias, and policing in America.Robert’s friendship has pushed me to educate and stretch myself on the importance of correct public practice and policy while embracing my journey.

Today I sit down with CEO of Eastern Airlines Steve Harfst. Commissioned in the U.S. Navy, Harfst graduated number one in his class at flight school. As a Naval aviator, he served the rest of his decorated 10-year career in the cockpit of the F-14 Tomcat, logging 38 combat missions and 227 aircraft carrier landings. Temporarily, Eastern Airlines took on a new mission: to go boldly wherever there is a critical mass of displaced Americans and bring them home. Season 5 of The Traffic Pattern premieres June 23rd on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & iHeartRadio. Big thanks to creative director, of Amalgam, Ned Wallroth for all of your help. Looking to improve your brand... Amalgam is an agency built for precision. They help companies grow with brand development, digital marketing, and content creation.

Season 5 is here at last! New guests, fresh content, you don't want to miss it! Host Derek Vento and Producer Chris Phillips provide a little bit of insight as to how they make their show come alive! Season 5 premiers June 23rd!

Join me as I sit down with experienced Captain...real Captain, Cory Schow. Cory explains the importance of education outside of the cockpit through his platform PilotVlogs. You know him on Instagram as realcaptaincory. Listen in as he explains the importance of being well rounded in the cockpit.

Experience A Day In The Life xADITL Podcast @acouplewithapodcast 'We're taking a trip to the busiest airport IN THE WORLD, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, to experience a day in the life of Derek Vento, who sits in the tower as an Air Traffic Control Specialist. He's also the host of the best aviation podcast out there, The Traffic Pattern!'Check out the show notes that has all the pictures, links and everything we discussed in this episode.Also find us on IG and DM us what job and career you want to experience next! @acouplewithapodcast

She speaks from the heart with an attitude that shows, shes always thinking about the big picture. Private pilot, and avid adventurer Nicole Linse, talks about what shes learned in her first 250 hours. Not only does she self-reflect on some of her most interesting moments, she makes it a priority to ensure other newly rated pilots always utilize their greatest resource...air traffic control. Connect with Nicole on Instagram @nicole_kristiana

FlightSimExpo 2020 JUNE 12-14, 2020 • TROPICANA LAS VEGAS • LAS VEGAS, NEVADA • North America's community-driven flight simulation conference. Co-Founder, and pilot, Evan Reiter has truly created something special; FlightSimExpo is a community-driven flight simulation and aviation conference and the largest enthusiast flight simulation event in North America, FlightSimExpo connects simmers, developers, exhibitors, and real-world aviators from across the globe.The three-day event includes seminars and exhibits designed to showcase the power of at-home simulation for real-world flight training and to debut the latest technology and trends for home simmers. Join us in Las Vegas on June 12-14, 2020 to meet others who share your passion, learn from experts, and try out others' simulators. At FlightSimExpo, attendees have endless opportunities to network with the people behind their favorite flight simulation titles, put names and faces to voices, and build lasting connections that transcend the online world.From the conference's dedicated mobile app to the event social, there will be plenty of opportunity to get out of the basement and into a group of like-minded enthusiasts. FlightSimExpo brings together some of the biggest names in the industry with a full series of seminars throughout the weekend. Hear about technology tweaks, flight planning and real-world operations, and the latest releases right from the source.The biggest news of the year comes out at FlightSimExpo.Don't miss my presentation on Saturday, June 13th at Tropicana Las Vegas. How Real It Gets: Maximizing Your Simulation EnvironmentAs an air traffic controller in Atlanta, Derek speaks to pilots from around the world every day. Most of these communications are routine: “fly this heading, join the localizer, contact tower”. But what happens when things don’t go as planned? Real-world pilots spend hours in simulators training for eventualities. They practice making decisions, working with available resources, and interacting with air traffic control. And so can you!Join Derek, who has also had the privilege of speaking with aviators from across the industry through his podcast, on a journey of simulation and real-world scenarios.Register today @ https://www.flightsimexpo.com/index.html

Corporate pilot, and entrepreneur Aubrey Warrick is taking a different approach at life. She's "Collecting Copilots". Collecting Copilots is a female aviator's collection featuring destinations, travel tips & celebrated people from around the world, focusing on travel-lifestyle and all things aviation for a healthy travel/home-life balance while maximizing your experiences abroad! Her mission for Collecting Copilots is to provide a platform for traveling entrepreneurs to share their story and grow their cause. Connect with Aubrey at www.collectingcopilots.com You will also find real and attainable travel goals and information from both a passenger and aviation-professional standpoint.

Mel Williams aka Mel The Traveler is a local based pilot of out HMP (Hampton, Georgia). Through his social media platform and love for aviation, he is providing a vision for future aviators and aircraft maintenance technicians. He speaks about his growth over the last 15 years in an industry that has changed his life. Tune in to hear the personal story of an individual that is paving the way for the aviation community.

US Navy Veteran, corporate pilot and safety/training advocate, Bo Ryan joins us on the pod for a conversation about being "bilingual" in the cockpit. Bo and host, Derek Vento, discuss "DK's Top 5" best practices for communicating with air traffic control, as well as what it means to be competent and capable. Check out Bo Ryan on instagram at @boyryanflies

Meet Joe & Margrit Fahan. They fly for a major airline as husband and wife based out of New York's John F. Kennedy Intl. With 4 total pilots in the family, 3 airline and 1 naval aviator, it goes without saying, the DNA of the Fahan's is made up of aviation. Listen in as we host a "live" show at the TWA Hotel. Big thanks to Kennedy air traffic controller, OKC academy grad bud and friend, Erick Michael for his time.

Capt. Brian Schiff is a captain for a major US airline and is type-rated on the Airbus 320, Boeing 727, 757, 767, DC-9 (MD-80), CL-65, LR-JET, and G-V. Schiff’s roots are deeply planted in general aviation where he has flown a wide variety of aircraft. He holds several flight instructor ratings and is recognized for his enthusiasm and ability to teach in way that simplifies complex procedures and concepts. He has been actively instructing since earning his flight and ground instructor certificates in 1985. Schiff also has been an FAA-designated examiner. He attended San Jose State University, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and his Masters of Science Degree in Aviation Safety from the University of Central Missouri. He regularly conducts seminars about aviation safety and techniques to student and professional pilots alike.

Delivering live airborne traffic reports every six minutes from the WSB SkyCopter during News 95.5 & AM 750 WSB's award winning and highly rated "Atlanta's Morning News with Scott Slade" succeeding the late Capt'n Herb Emory in a full-time capacity since April 2014. WSB provides airborne traffic updates and cover breaking news during WSB TV's (ABC) top rated "Channel 2 Action News This Morning" and ABC's "Good Morning America".Mark most recently anchored and reported "World Sport", a show reaching over 200 countries from CNN International headquarters in Atlanta, Ga. Field reporting with CNN Sports in his 28-plus year career took him to five Olympics, four Super Bowls, a World Cup, NBA Finals and All Star games, U.S. Open tennis and golf championships, MLB League Championship Series and All Star games, and an NCAA Final Four. Secured and delivered 1-on-1 interviews with the likes of David Beckham, Usian Bolt, Michael Phelps, Roger Federer, Jeremy Lin, Serena & Venus Williams and a number of other sports luminaries. Won News & Documentary Emmy Award for first live report from the scene of the 1996 Olympic Park bombing in Atlanta during the Olympic Summer Games.

NYC aviation based photographer Vincenzo Pace shares his techniques, friendships and passion for photography as he captures some of the most powerful images at one of the world's well known airports, Kennedy International. As a local New Yorker who has spent countless years underneath the final for 31L, it goes without saying, Vinny has been engulfed into a world many of us know called "plane spotting". Vinny's gear:Nikon D850Nikon D500Nikon 200-500mm lensTamron 70-200mm 2.8 lensNikon 24-70mm 2.8 lensGoPro Hero7Check out Vincenzo's work at https://www.jfkjets.com/ and visit his Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/jfkjetsofficial/Check out NYC Aviation's Kennedy Spotting Guide @ http://www.nycaviation.com/spotting-guides/jfk

He was the first guest to ever be interviewed on the pod. One of my closest friends, and corporate pilot Derek Hood reflects back on the year 2019. We laugh, we joke but most of all we reminisce on some of the moments that have made us the aviation professionals that we are today.

He's making the world a better place, one cup of coffee at a time. Join Host Derek Vento, and Producer Chris Phillips, as they travel to Nashville, Tennessee to spend some time with Commercial Pilot and Nashville coffee shop owner Ben Lehman.

Jennifer is an airplane lover, stairs truck fanatic, airport employee and margarita maven. She blogs about her aviation adventures and they're pretty unique to say the least. Subscribe and check out her latest blogs at www.talesfromtheterminal.com

Meet Emmy Dillon! She's a CFI, engineer, air racer and ambassador for One Plane Jane. A behind the scenes discussion on how the products you use in the cockpit are being produced based on human factors. Emmy shares a powerful message. "There’s always passion in what you do. You can’t go through product development without having passion, otherwise you’re creating just a product. You’re not creating this experience and I think that it’s so so key. Heart and soul is put into our product. It’s someone’s passion that has been into the airplane, and I think that’s very very special about where I work."

Sharing his passions, dreams while training the next generation of pilots! Mark truly knows what it takes to be successful in this industry. Listen in as Mark explains what putting your best foot forward can do you for in this industry.© 2019 All Rights Reserved

A conversation among air traffic controller, student pilot and CFI. Lanier Flight Center, located in Gainesville, Georgia is setting the standard for prospective pilots. Troy Wheeler, owner of Lanier Flight Center has created an environment where true relationships are being created both in and outside of the cockpit. It goes without saying, that the the minds walking through the door are getting an education like we haven't seen before. Thank you Bud DeWayne for the genuine hospitality!© 2019 All Rights Reserved

A professional pilot mentor, aviation business consultant and Part 91 Captain on Falcon 2000 and Citation XLS jets. With previous experience in Part 91 International Operations and department management as well as Part 135 flight operations, Matt works to help individuals and departments overcome and succeed when presented with the unique struggles that go along with private aviation, operations, safety management, and professional pilot training. He speaks about the importance of living a balanced life as well as the importance of career progression. Matt also sits on Nevada NBAA board.© 2019 All Rights Reserved

He spoke from his heart. The story of a true gentleman. Jimmy began flying at age 14, taught by his father. By age 18 he had obtained his Commercial, Instrument, Multiengine, Seaplane, and Instructor ratings. He was introduced to airshow flying in the late 1970’s by Marion Cole and Merle Gustafson. During this time he flew a Pitts Special, Midget Mustang, and Schweitzer 126 Sailplane. Jimmy has over 22,000 hours of flight time in over 100 types of aircraft, and retired from Delta airlines as a senior captain on the Airbus 330. Thank you Aeroshell Aerobatic Team for an experience I’ll always remember. Jimmy and team perform this evening for the twilight airshow at EAA - The Spirit of Aviation Air Venture!© 2019 All Rights Reserved

A powerful episode as we talk with Sheriff Brian Rutledge. Deputy Rutledge has been in law enforcement for nearly 30 years and has been with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit for the last 15. He has a plethora of knowledge and experience with various aircraft. We talk about career progression, attitude, mindset, the job itself and most of all, what it means to be apart of the Thin Blue Line. We dedicate this episode to the late Tara O'Sullivan who lost her life in the line of duty Wednesday, June 19, 2019.© 2019 All Rights Reserved

What I’m feeling is indescribable. I just met the most remarkable woman that saved the lives of 148 people, on April 17, 2018. Southwest Airlines Captain, Tammie Jo Shults one of the first Naval female aviators of the F/A18 was incredible. We developed an immediate connection and even listened to snippets of my podcast The Traffic Pattern. In November of last year I sat down with air traffic controller Cory Davids from New York Center which assisted Southwest flight 1380. Season 1 Episode 3. SWA1380 suffered a catastrophic engine failure mid flight and miraculously landed in Philadelphia. Today, Tammie and I discussed the events of April 17th and her latest book, Nerves of Steel: How I Followed My Dreams, Earned My Wings, and Faced My Greatest Challenge. It is currently available for pre-order on Amazon. Huge thanks to Tammie Jo, and W Publishing Group! Thank you to so many for the words of encouragement and genuine support.© 2019 All Rights ReservedNerves of Steel is the captivating true story of Tammie Jo Shults’s remarkable life—from growing up the daughter of a humble rancher, to breaking through gender barriers as one of the Navy’s first female F/A-18 Hornet pilots, to safely landing the severely crippled Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 and helping save the lives of 148 people.

Dulles Ramp Tower Controller and CFI, Andrew Burnham with special guest Derek Hood, gives us insight into the daily life of a ramp tower controller! He's moving heavy jets around the airport and it's not as easy as it seems!© 2019 All Rights Reserved

A story from Cape Air Captain, Eric Bolt. He shares a powerful story about how he came up through the grassroots.© 2019 All Rights Reserved

Today I sit down with certified flight instructor and Special Agent, Andy Hanson from the Division of Criminal Investigations. The DCI is the investigative bureau at the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office. Andy speaks about his team and the work they do to solve cold case homicides. After a 1985 murder, Andy shares just how important the advancement of DNA technology is, as well as having patience and persistence in bringing justice to those that are no longer able to speak for themselves nearly 20 years later.© 2019 All Rights Reserved

Dewey Davenport, he flies for a fractional jet company while mentoring and keeping the modern day barnstormer concept alive!© 2019 All Rights Reserved

My long time friend, someone who I have grown up in the aviation industry with is redefining how flight schools manage and operate in the pursuit of educating student pilots. At the age of 22 years old, Karim has found a way to make a name for himself as a Co-Founder and Director of Operations at Icarus Flying Academy, in Farmingdale, New York.© 2019 All Rights Reserved

Professional air traffic control for flight simulators. Keith Smith is changing the way both real world and flight simulation hobbyists approach their flying endeavors. Work with live air traffic controllers 15 hours a day and engage your "flying brain" from home. See other aircraft, and hear other pilots on the radio. Put on your headset, dial up ground, and call for taxi. It's that easy. The platform is being used within flight schools and major universities to train students and CFIs. Check out www.pilotedge.net© 2019 All Rights Reserved

She's flying Js. high performance turbo props and if you cant find her sitting solo in the left seat of a PC12, she's probably out jeepin!© 2019 All Rights Reserved

An informative sit down with the CBP!© 2019 All Rights Reserved

A gentleman with a story that goes back to the 1950s! Good friend, pilot and crew chief of Twin City Barnstormers in Stanton, MN shares his personal account of what flying means to him.

Insight into one of the world's busiest air traffic control en route sectors. Irish Air Traffic Controller Nicola, talks about her 25 year experience with the Irish Aviation Authority. We cover the importance of team building, her challenges as an OJTI but most of all the service she provides to the flying public. She's absolutely hilarious, but most of all a true professional.

A recap of WWII Heritage Days in Peachtree City, Georgia. Interested in being apart of a networking event?! Stayyyy tuned! We have an amazing Season 3 ahead! 15,000 plays of the pod! WOW! Thank you!

Their mission is unique as they protect the skies over various parts of the world at nearly 50,000 feet. A surreal and up front experience with United States Air Force, MQ9 Reaper Pilot, "Hood".

We had the time of our lives! A recap of our full week experience at SNF 2019!

We're wrapping up our visit at CGAS Savannah! As we recap on our flight, we sit down with AMT 3rd Class Lorezno Leon, Lt. Cmdr & Pilot Russ Mathis, and CGAS Savannah Commander Brian Erickson.

USCG Lt. Jr Grade Rob Mineo and Commander Brian Erickson invite us to Coast Guard Air Station Savannah to provide us with a once in a lifetime experience to gain insight into the mission of those serving and protecting our coastline. In part one, we speak with Mineo, and 3rd Class AST (rescue swimmer) Dan Kellam.

He became the first to win it from Germany as the 2016 Red Bull Air Race World Champion...but he's still hungry for more! A sit down chat on what it takes to be a race pilot!

He speaks from the heart about his pursuit toward a career in aviation, and after many years of flying, he's giving back to the flying community by educating and inspiring those through twitch.tv Pete Driver F/O on the A320 will be attending Flight Sim Expo 2019, be sure to check him out at twitch.tv/flyprdu

He's a gentleman with a plethora of flying knowledge while also taking on the role and responsibility as the Marketing Officer at Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing in Peachtree City, Georgia. Find out how you can support the CAF Dixie Wing by visiting https://dixiewing.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/CAFDixieWing/

He’s an award winning director of photography from Australia based in LA and a local Georgia pilot, living the dream at Mallards Landing. You know him as Leigh Hubner. Since 2008, Leigh has won 14 ACS Awards including two National Gold Tripods. He’s filmed with names such as Emma Stone, LL Cool J, Bon Jovi, Dan Rather, and Viola Davis. Check out Loose Cannon Films...known for cinematography and drone aerials!

An award-winning author, Haines was named editor in chief of AOPA Pilot in 1994. Under his leadership, AOPA has expanded its media properties to include Flight Training magazine and a host of electronic media. He is the co-anchor of the weekly video magazine AOPA Live This Week. His staff also manages AOPA’s presence at regional fly-ins and air shows.He holds an MBA and a BA in Journalism. He is a 3,500-hour Commercial pilot with multiengine, instrument, and seaplane ratings, and holds type ratings in Eclipse 500 and Cessna CJ business jets and a second-in-command type rating in the North American B-25. He owns a Beech A36 Bonanza.

He's a pilot, she's an air traffic controller. A comedic yet informative insight into the lifestyle of husband and wife, sharing their passion for aviation with one another. Season 2 kicks off with the perfect duo to not only share a few laughs with us, but additionally provide guidance for those who may be on the fence about which path to pursue.