About 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.
Demystifying Aviation Maintenance with Ryan Williams
In this episode, host John Hogue sits down with Ryan Williams, the accountable manager for Northstar Aviation, to pull back the curtain on the maintenance department. Ryan shares his extensive journey through aviation—from his early days at UND and Northland Community Technical College to working on massive military jet engines at Pratt & Whitney and serving as chief inspector at Cirrus Aircraft. The duo tackles common maintenance misconceptions, discussing everything from magneto functionality and optimal engine leaning to what really triggers carbon monoxide sensors in the cockpit. Ryan also details his efforts to foster a strong relationship between pilots and mechanics, offering valuable advice for flight instructors and students alike.
2 Jul 2026
Navigating the Pivot: Military Discipline and Civilian Flight Training
In this episode of the Beyond the Sky podcast, host John Hogue interviews Alan Utenbogurt, the President of the MSU Aviation Club. Alan shares his unique journey into aviation, which began with a pivot from a civil engineering major and a Marine Corps ROTC scholarship after a nut allergy led to a medical disqualification from military service. The discussion covers Alan’s current role as an auditor at the flight school, where he emphasizes the importance of precision and attention to detail in maintaining Part 141 standards. They also delve into the activities of the MSU Aviation Club, including community volunteering, tours of military and commercial aviation facilities, and fostering a social network through groups like the "Wilderness Wingmen". Finally, the two discuss the technical challenges of commercial flight training, such as mastering energy management in power-off 180 landings and the stability required for commercial maneuvers.
18 Jun 2026
Navigating Unconventional Aviation Journeys with Willie McKielle
In this episode, host John Hogue sits down with Willie McKielle, a former student-athlete and current chief ground instructor at Minnesota State University (MSU). McKielle shares his extensive and varied career in aviation, offering insights into Diverse Career Paths, Technical Expertise, and Advice for Aspiring Aviators.
22 May 2026
Soaring as a Piper Ambassador
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.
6 May 2026
Making Training Fun: Mentorship and Milestones
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.
18 Mar 2026
The Purple Tails Races in the Sky!
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!
4 Mar 2026
Fast-Tracking Flight Training: Lessons from Abraham Ferber
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.
4 Feb 2026
Learning to Fly — Lessons, Laughs, and Real Cockpit Moments
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.
21 Jan 2026
Finding Your Path in Aviation
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.
7 Jan 2026
There’s No Straight Path in Aviation
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.
3 Dec 2025
From Discovery Flight to Commercial Dreams: Ian’s Journey Through Aviation Training
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.
3 Nov 2025
Enjoy the Journey: From Young Eagles to Delta Airlines
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.
27 Aug 2025
Discovering Aviation with Danny: From Impulse Decision to Flight Instructor
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.
27 Aug 2025
Life as an Airline Pilot with Zachary Crowe
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.
27 Aug 2025
From Intro Flight to Aviation Career: The North Star Story with Rob McGregor
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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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
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