In the first installment of our special three-part Live from AeroSummit 2026 series, host Shawn Staerker sits down with three aviation leaders who are tackling one of the most overlooked aspects of flight training and pilot development: the human element.

Former A-10 pilot and mental performance coach Tammy Barlette explains why emotions, confidence, and self-awareness are critical aviation skills that deserve as much attention as stick-and-rudder proficiency. F-15E pilot, airline captain, and human factors expert Brandon Williams explores the power of debrief culture and how understanding human factors can dramatically improve safety, performance, and decision-making. Finally, Fly Orca founder and flight test engineer Adriana Barrigan shares how student pilots can reduce wasted time and money in training by taking ownership of the learning process and leveraging data-driven tools to improve efficiency.

Though their backgrounds differ, all three guests arrive at the same conclusion: better pilots start with better self-awareness, better reflection, and better habits.

• Former A-10 pilot Tammy Barlette discusses the role of mental performance training in aviation.
• Why emotions can serve as an "early warning radar" for pilots.
• The importance of self-awareness, confidence, and recovering from mistakes.
• How military-style debriefing creates measurable performance improvements.
• Brandon Williams explains human factors and why pilots make mistakes.
• The concept of "Hack the Clock" as a tool to overcome startle response and regain composure.
• Why debrief culture remains underutilized in general aviation flight training.
• Adriana Barrigan shares how Fly Orca helps student pilots identify inefficiencies and reduce training costs.
• The average student pilot may waste $5,000–$10,000 during flight training due to preventable inefficiencies.
• A common theme emerges from all three interviews: take ownership of your progress, reflect honestly, and continuously improve.

00:00 – Welcome to AeroSummit 2026 and introduction to today's guests

02:45 – Tammy Barlette: From Air Force pilot to mental performance coach

09:15 – Managing pressure, confidence, and emotions in aviation

14:35 – Why debriefing is one of the most powerful tools for improvement

18:30 – Brandon Williams joins the show: Human factors and aviation safety

31:00 – "Hack the Clock": Managing startle response and high-pressure situations

36:20 – Adriana Barrigan discusses FlyORKA and improving flight training efficiency

43:30 – Debrief culture, student pilot success, and taking ownership of your training

Featured Guests:

Tammy Barlette – Cross Check Mental Performance Cross Check Mental Performance

Brandon Williams Brandon Williams Speaker

Adriana Barrigan & FlyORKA FlyORKA

Check out:

• The Future in Flight Podcast
• AviNation USA
• Stratus Financial

Quote of the Episode: "Know yourself. Debrief honestly. Take ownership of your progress." — The common thread connecting all three AeroSummit conversations.

What happens when 12 airplanes fly wingtip-to-wingtip across the Florida sky? For one kid in the crowd, it might be the moment everything changes.

In this special episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker brings you three inspiring stories.

First, field correspondent Vanzell Jenkins ("VanzAir") goes behind the scenes with the Full Throttle Formation Team at SUN 'n FUN 2026, America's largest precision formation aerobatic team. Learn how a group of RV pilots flying hearts over Atlanta during the pandemic evolved into a 12-ship airshow act dedicated to entertaining, inspiring, and educating future aviators.

Next, Shawn sits down with Bose Aviation's Chris Wuerfel to explore the remarkable story of how Dr. Amar Bose revolutionized aviation audio. From the historic Voyager around-the-world flight to today's A30 and ProFlight Series 2 headsets, discover how Bose has spent four decades helping pilots hear—and fly—better.

Finally, aviation entrepreneur Jamail Larkins returns to the show to discuss Aviation Start, his free platform connecting aspiring aviators with scholarships, mentors, flight schools, and career resources. If you've ever wondered how to pay for flight training or break into aviation, this conversation is for you.

Whether you're a student pilot, aviation enthusiast, or someone still dreaming of your first flight, this episode is proof that aviation has room for everyone—and that sometimes all it takes is looking up.

• Meet the Full Throttle Formation Team, America's largest precision formation aerobatic team.

• Learn how "Hearts Over Atlanta" evolved into a nationally recognized airshow act.

• Discover the discipline, safety, and teamwork required to fly 12 aircraft as one.

• Hear the origin story of Bose Aviation and how active noise cancellation changed flying forever.

• Explore the differences between Bose's A30 and ProFlight Series 2 aviation headsets.

• Learn how Bose is investing in future pilots through student ambassadors, rebates, and the 40 Voices Oral History Project.

• Jamail Larkins shares how Aviation Start helps aspiring aviators find scholarships and mentors.

• Find out why thousands of dollars in aviation scholarships go unclaimed every year—and how you can access them.

00:00 – Introduction: The moment that inspires a future aviator 00:51 – Meet the Full Throttle Formation Team 02:13 – From Hearts Over Atlanta to airshow performers 03:44 – Safety briefings, pyro, and flying 12 aircraft as one 05:05 – Entertain. Inspire. Educate. The team's mission 08:45 – The history of Bose Aviation and active noise cancellation 10:24 – Bose A30 vs. ProFlight Series 2: Which headset is right for you? 12:35 – Bose's investment in student pilots and the 40 Voices Project 15:49 – Jamail Larkins and the mission of Aviation Start 17:42 – How Aviation Start's scholarship finder is helping future pilots

✈️ Full Throttle Formation Team https://fullthrottleformationteam.com

✈️ Formation Flying Incorporated (FFI) https://ffi.aero

🎧 Bose Aviation https://boseaviation.com

🎓 Aviation Start https://aviationstart.org

🛩️ SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo https://flysnf.org

📓 AviNation USA

https://www.avinationusa.com/

🕶️ Flyte Sunglasses

https://www.flyte.aero/