Future in Flight Podcast: Episode Notes

Featured Guest: Josh Cook

Flight Test Director, Founder/Owner Legendary Aviation Coffee Company

Episode Summary

This episode features Josh Cook, a flight test engineer who combined his aviation passion with specialty coffee to create Legendary Aviation Coffee Company, plus segments on aviation careers and pilot jargon.

• Former Flight Test Director for Northrop Grumman
• Managed UAV programs including Global Hawk and Triton
• Role involves testing aircraft systems and ensuring flight safety

• Founded Legendary Aviation Coffee Company in 2019
• Uses air roasting technique (used by top 5% of roasters)
• Coffee blends feature historic aircraft:
  • B-52 bomber (heavy, full-bodied coffee)
  • P-51 Mustang and V-Tail Bonanza

• Official coffee provider for Sun & Fun Aerospace Expo
• Donates portions of sales to Sun & Fun's youth aviation initiatives
• Supports six aviation and veteran-focused nonprofits

• Wildlife Management - "Bird men" who prevent bird-aircraft collisions
• Wingwalkers - Performers who do stunts on biplane wings
• Aircraft Rescue Firefighters - Specialists trained for aviation emergencies
• UAS Pilots - Drone operators for commercial and research applications
• Aviation Environmental Engineers - Develop sustainable aviation solutions
• Aircraft Interior Designers - Create efficient, functional cabin spaces
• Flight Simulator Developers - Build virtual training environments

Operations: "George is flying" (autopilot), "Bingo fuel" (low fuel), "Souls on board" (total people count)

Location Terms: "Feet wet" (over water), "Feet dry" (over land)

Time Reference: "Zulu time" (GMT/UTC)

Communication: "Roger" (understood), "Mayday" (distress), "Pan Pan" (urgency)

Summary

The journey from aviation outsider to industry pioneer takes center stage as Vanzell Jenkins shares his story of breaking barriers in the world of flight. From his beginnings on Chicago's South Side with no aviation connections to becoming an educator, experimental aircraft builder, and aspiring airshow pilot, Jenkins exemplifies how determination and consistency can open doors in aviation. The episode also explores the science of aircraft cleanliness and delves into the fascinating world of supersonic and hypersonic flight technology, highlighting the continued evolution of air travel.

Produced in partnership with AviNation, The Future in Flight Podcast aims to educate, empower and inspire the next generation of aviation enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• Vanzell Jenkins pioneered aviation from his community, having no prior connections to the industry before college.
• Despite starting with limited knowledge compared to peers, Jenkins persevered through challenges with his mother's unwavering support.
• After completing his training, Jenkins chose to become an aviation educator rather than an airline pilot to inspire minority youth.
• Jenkins has created a "lineage" of instructors who were once his students, extending his impact across generations.
• Building an experimental aircraft offers financial advantages through the kit-building process, allowing purchases to be spread out over time.
• The aviation industry offers diverse career opportunities beyond piloting, with thousands of people making each flight possible.
• Free online resources make aviation knowledge accessible to anyone curious enough to follow their interests.
• Consistency and commitment are essential to achieving aviation dreams: "Without commitment, you'll never start, but without consistency, you'll never finish."
• Airlines employ various cleaning procedures, from quick turnaround cleaning to deep cleaning, with practices enhanced post-COVID.
• Supersonic flight occurs beyond Mach 1 (767 mph), while hypersonic flight exceeds Mach 5, presenting unique engineering challenges including extreme heat and complex shock waves.

The intersection of tradition and innovation in aviation takes center stage as this episode explores Purdue University's online aviation programs and the timeless utility of the windsock. The narrative culminates with the compelling story of Bessie Coleman, whose pursuit of a pilot's license in segregation-era America exemplifies the ongoing journey toward making aviation more accessible to all.

Produced in partnership with AviNation, The Future in Flight Podcast aims to educate, empower and inspire the next generation of aviation enthusiasts.

• Purdue University has a long aviation history, being the oldest collegiate aviation program in the U.S.
• The transition to online aviation programs has made education more accessible to aspiring pilots nationwide.
• Purdue Global partners with flight schools to provide rigorous training while saving students money.
• Students can earn their FAA certificates and ratings in an accelerated timeframe.
• The windsock has evolved from military use to a critical safety tool in aviation.
• Modern windsocks are engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions and provide real-time data.
• Bessie Coleman became the first African American woman to earn an international pilot's license in 1921.
• Coleman used her fame to advocate for equality in aviation and inspire future generations.
• Her legacy continues to inspire young aviators today, especially in the Black community.