Airplane geeks are people who can’t take their eyes off an aircraft as it ascends. Even if they’ve seen those wheels lift off the runway a thousand times, there’s just something about the wonder of aviation that doesn’t fade for them. It’s why they collect model airplanes or consume aviation literature, even if they never get to see the inside of a flight deck. Last week, Vice President of Flight Operations Brad Sheehan gave aviation fanatics a taste of life at ExpressJet as the first airline guest ever on the wildly popular podcast, The Airplane Geeks.
This amazing opportunity wouldn’t have happened without one of our own airplane geeks, Atlanta-based First Officer Albert Menefee.
“I’ve been hooked on The Airplane Geeks since practically the beginning of the podcast,” said Albert. “I’m always looking for aviation knowledge, and The Airplane Geeks have such diverse discussions on areas of the industry, like history, that I never would have known otherwise.”
Started in 2008, The Airplane Geeks podcast was developed by a small group of enthusiasts with the singular goal to educate the world on all things aviation. Although their discussions on commercial, military and general aviation topics are both fascinating and informative, it’s their passion for the subject that’s truly contagious. It’s why Albert started listening in, and why he thought it would be great for ExpressJet to get involved.
“I’d seen airline employee podcasts before, but The Airplane Geeks is a huge aviation podcast with a great following and yet had never had a guest from an airline before. It seemed like a perfect fit for us.”
Albert sent an email to The Airplane Geeks producer asking for more information. He then reached out to ExpressJet’s communication team hoping to get the approval of the person he wanted to appear on the podcast the most – Brad.
“I was honored to be asked to join the Airplane Geeks podcast, because I am the biggest airplane geek,” said Brad. “As a leading regional airline, it’s important that we put ourselves out there so that we can inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. Albert came up with a great idea, and I was proud to be a part of it.”
During Brad’s podcast interview, he spoke about his journey to ExpressJet, the processes involved in running flight operations and the landscape for regional airlines in the industry. Brad’s discussion with The Airplane Geeks emphasized the way regionals work, why we exist and why we matter.
“ExpressJet needs to be a voice in the conversation,” said Brad. “We represent a large part of the industry and the starting grounds for aviation professionals. We are the regional experts, and we deserve to be heard in forums like this.”
Brad’s passionate about the subject, because, after all, he is an airplane geek. Like many of us, he lives and breathes aviation, and it’s that drive that will keep him innovating for ExpressJet.
As for Albert, his innovation also shows no signs of slowing down.
“I believe in this company,” said Albert. “As an airline, we’re doing this the right way, and that’s why I’ll always be motivated to come up with ideas that help make us better. We deserve the best.”
Click here to listen to the full podcast from Brad’s interview on The Airplane Geeks
First Officer Albert Menefee and Vice President of Flight Operations Brad Sheehan