In this special on-location episode, host Jeff Miller takes listeners from the buzz of the NBAA-BACE convention floor in Las Vegas to the quiet grass fields where American aviation first took flight. The debate has lingered for more than a century: Which airport can truly claim to be the oldest in the United States?

From the Wright Brothers’ 1909 training grounds at College Park, Maryland, to Pearson Field in Washington and other early contenders, Jeff unpacks the history, the rival claims, and the fine print behind the phrase “continuously operating.”

Whether you’re an aviation historian or just love a good origin story, you’ll find there’s more to this question than meets the eye—and maybe the Wright answer isn’t so clear after all.

Connect with us on Instagram:

Instagram

TikTok:

Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok

YouTube:

Destination Aviation - YouTube

Drop us a line at dapodcast85@gmail.com if you have your own plane tales

Websites:

Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation

Support the show

What happens when a pilot who’s flown everything from C-17s to United Airlines jets decides to reinvent how flight instructors teach? In this episode of Destination Aviation, Jeff Miller sits down with Nate Ehlers — founder of Backseat Pilot, United Airlines pilot, CFI, and Air Force Reserve instructor — to talk about his journey through every corner of aviation training: civilian, regional, military, and airline. With over 8,000 flight hours and experience mentoring countless new pilots, Nate shares how he turned his hard-won lesson plans into a scalable platform now trusted by over 30,000 instructors worldwide. Discover how Backseat Pilot is saving instructors months of prep time, raising training standards, and helping the next generation of aviators reach the airlines faster.

Backseat Pilot Website:

Backseat Pilot - The Best CFI Lesson Plans

Connect with us on Instagram:

Instagram

TikTok:

Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok

YouTube:

Destination Aviation - YouTube

Drop us a line at dapodcast85@gmail.com if you have your own plane tales

Websites:

Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation

Support the show

In this episode of Destination Aviation, we head to Alaska — the Last Frontier — to explore its deep connection with aviation. From stories on the road to the daring history of bush pilots, we scratch the surface of how flying became Alaska’s lifeline. Join us as we share adventures, insights, and a glimpse into the skies where airplanes aren’t just transportation — they’re survival.

Connect with us on Instagram:

Instagram

TikTok:

Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok

YouTube:

Destination Aviation - YouTube

Drop us a line at dapodcast85@gmail.com if you have your own plane tales

Websites:

Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation

Support the show