In this episode, we talk with Michael Meminaj, a former professional basketball player from Albania whose journey has taken him from a small town near Tirana to the fast-paced streets of Queens, NY. Now a thriving Uber driver navigating one of the world’s busiest cities, Mike is also pursuing his passion for aviation maintenance—a field where he’s determined to make his mark. We explore his inspiring transition from athlete to aviation enthusiast, his early days studying aircraft systems, and how the grit he learned on the court now fuels his drive to succeed in aviation. Whether you’re an industry veteran or someone just starting to chase their aviation dreams, Mike’s story reminds us that no matter where you start, it’s all about the climb.

From student to standout: Aviation maintenance engineering and beyond. In this episode, we catch up with my former A-student and Vaughn College Aerospace Maintenance Competition team captain, Cassem Stephenson, as he shares his journey from Vaughn College to JetBlue's engineering team. We dive into his unique career path, the versatility of FAA Airframe & Powerplant licenses, and the untapped opportunities beyond line maintenance. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to explore all the possibilities in aviation maintenance.

In Ep 60: Behind the Gate – An Aircraft Mechanic's Story of Grit and Growth, Professor Brian Bermudez welcomes his former student and close friend, Jhoan Mata, to the CotaCast. Jhoan shares an unfiltered look into the daily life of an aircraft mechanic—what it takes to thrive in a demanding, high-stakes profession. From navigating the challenges of college and rigorous studying to transitioning from life in the Dominican Republic, Jhoan offers powerful insights into the grit, focus, and adaptability required to succeed in aviation maintenance. This episode goes beyond the technical to explore the personal realities of the job, the rewarding moments, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you're considering a career in aviation or simply curious about the stories behind the mechanics who keep us flying, this conversation delivers inspiration and perspective straight from the hangar floor. Hosted by Brian Bermudez Aired: 1/7/25 Sponsored by; ©CraftoftheAir - Aviation Maintenance | Consulting | Training | & Media www.craftoftheair.com Listen on Spotify; https://open.spotify.com/show/3UFKe15efOBjzCKFWGvfoC?si=b31b9be7a47741e3 © The COTACast Homepage; https://www.craftoftheair.com/the-cotacast