In this episode of 4200%, Anthony welcomes Jamail Larkins, CEO of Aviation Start and FAA Ambassador for Aviation Education. Jamail shares his unique journey, from aspiring young pilot to becoming the youngest American to fly solo at age 14, to launching his own aircraft sales and leasing ventures. He discusses overcoming initial setbacks, scaling his businesses, and his mission to inspire the next generation through aviation education. Jamail also dives into the critical pilot shortage, financial hurdles for aspiring aviators, and how Aviation Start is bridging this gap with accessible scholarship resources.

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(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:33) How Jamail became the youngest American to solo fly an airplane at 14

(00:02:04) Overcoming 91 rejections while seeking sponsorship

(00:03:25) The FAA's response to his request to fly solo underage in the U.S.

(00:05:39) Launching his first pilot supply business and early entrepreneurial ventures

(00:06:30) Becoming the youngest airshow performer in the country

(00:07:38) Transitioning into aircraft sales and leasing

(00:09:02) Achieving Inc. Magazine's #1 entrepreneur under 25

(00:09:43) Becoming the FAA's first ambassador for Aviation and Space Education

(00:10:05) Impact of the nationwide Dream Launch Tour

(00:11:10) Founding Aviation Start, a comprehensive aviation scholarship resource

(00:13:17) Scaling Aviation Start to address critical workforce shortages in aviation

(00:17:17) Discussion on pilot shortages and financial barriers in aviation careers

(00:19:15) Jamail's perspective on what scaling a business truly means

(00:19:40) Recommended reads: Dale Carnegie's and Tony Hsieh's influential books

(00:20:24) How listeners can connect with Jamail and Aviation Start

Links:

Anthony Geraci on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-geraci

Jamail Larkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamaillarkins