Mike Nichols, CEO of PMOPA, sits down with Joe to talk about his journey from growing up in Allentown, PA, to becoming a pilot and leading a nonprofit in the aviation world. They chat about why community matters, how volunteers make a big difference, and the importance of making aviation more welcoming to everyone. They also dig into safety—why it’s a top priority, how programs like the Master Aviator help pilots improve, and why training instructors the right way matters. It’s an honest, down-to-earth conversation about what’s working, what needs work, and what’s ahead for the PA46 community.

Join PMOPA: https://www.mmopa.com

🌐 Visit Us Online
- Aircraft Sales & Brokerage: https://flycasey.com
- PA46 Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.caseyaviationservices.com

📱 Stay Connected
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyAviation

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to PMOPA and Mike Nichols
02:56 Mike Nichols' Early Life and Aviation Interest
05:53 Transitioning into Aviation and Business
08:47 Career Path and Nonprofit Management
11:58 Involvement with NBAA and Community Engagement
14:57 The Importance of Inclusion in Aviation
18:03 Reflections on Government and Aviation Safety
20:57 Conclusion and Future Aspirations
25:36 Finding Passion in Aviation and Community Engagement
27:08 The Value of Passionate Volunteers
29:50 The Importance of Community in Nonprofits
32:50 Navigating Career Transitions and Opportunities
36:00 Innovating in Business Aviation
39:34 Leadership and Team Dynamics in Aviation
42:22 Joining PMOPA: A New Chapter
45:21 Day-to-Day Operations of a CEO in Aviation
50:54 Safety Initiatives and Community Responsibility
54:36 Addressing Fatalities and Community Action
57:44 Training Programs and Their Importance
01:00:32 The Master Aviator Program
01:01:50 Standardization in Training
01:08:19 Building a Stronger Instructor Community
01:15:25 The Future of PMOPA and Community Engagement