Join us on the Old Fly Guy Network as we take flight with Jonathan Kotwicki—airline pilot turned aviation entrepreneur—who left the skies of commercial aviation to carve out a one-of-a-kind flying haven in the heart of Alaska. From bush flying to building an aviation community around DC-6 and DC-9 Airbnb cabins, Jonathan shares how he created a pilot’s paradise at Big Lake, Alaska.

We explore the beauty and challenges of Alaskan flying—from glacier landings to weather unpredictability—and how Kotwicki’s training focuses on real-world, off-airport experiences. More than just stick-and-rudder skills, this episode dives into the value of pilot community, the importance of learning from each other, and the mindset it takes to thrive in aviation’s most rugged environment.

If you're an aviator, aspiring pilot, or someone who dreams of flying into the wild, you won’t want to miss this inspiring journey through Alaska’s skies.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Building a Pilot’s Retreat in Alaska

Discover how Jonathan transformed his passion for flying into a full-blown aviation destination, complete with private runways and retired jetliners turned into Airbnb's.

The Realities of Alaskan Bush Flying

From glacier landings to off-airport strips, learn what it takes to safely and skillfully fly in one of the most challenging—and rewarding—aviation environments in the world.

Training Beyond the Textbook

Explore Jonathan’s unique approach to flight training that goes beyond checklists and simulators, focusing on real-world scenarios like float flying, ski landings, and weather adaptation.

In this inspiring episode of the Old Fly Guy Network, we feature Josh Campbell, military aviator and host of the "Free Pilot Training" YouTube channel and podcast. Josh opens up about his powerful aviation journey—from believing flying was out of reach due to financial constraints, to becoming a military pilot and content creator committed to making aviation training accessible to everyone.
Josh shares how his first flight during Air Force basic training in 2009 sparked a passion that never left, even through years of financial hardship. His story is one of resilience, creative problem-solving, and an unwavering belief in the possible. Today, he leads a growing platform that offers completely free, high-quality aviation training, helping aspiring pilots across the world take off.
We dive into:
• His setbacks and how they shaped his flying journey
• The mission behind Free Pilot Training and removing financial barriers
• The power of learning from mistakes and sharing real-world experiences
• How mentorship and community are key to inspiring future aviators
• His plans to expand free training resources including instrument rating content
• And his now-famous Bigfoot metaphor: if you believe, it becomes possible
Whether you're a student pilot, a military hopeful, or someone who just loves aviation stories with heart, this conversation with Josh will leave you motivated, informed, and ready to fly.

Come along for the ride with Greg Campbell, the Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV), while he tells us of his aviation journey in the Commonwealth of Virginia. His roots are deep in Virginia and started with a passion to fly and a drive to do whatever it would take to make that happen. Greg will tell us about his desire to fly and his family’s support that allowed that dream to come true, with a unique twist. With Greg’s background in aviation and his experience in all aspects of flight operations, he was a natural choice as the aviation director in Virginia. We will hear about his commitment to the aviation community and how he and his team provide an environment of safety and long-term growth of aviation in Virginia. You will feel at home with Greg and learn that his aviation experience is a lifelong journey. Come spend some time with us!

Sun N Fun 2025 Part 2

The Sun and Fun Aerospace Expo while known for its static and aerobatics displays, has a rich culture and history of aviators who travel across the country with their vintage aircraft. They not only want to share the stories and backgrounds of their unique and well-preserved aircraft but also participate in the aviation community that is felt across the airfield. While most have a history of decades of participation, the newbies also have the same level of energy and welcomed into the community. They are all so very proud of their aircraft and truly demonstrated a passion for these best friends(aircraft) and a commitment to keep them flying for all of us to enjoy. Come along on our journey to meet some of these aviators, hear the passion in their voice about their aircraft and be inspired to engage in this aviation community!

The Old Fly Guy was truly honored to join Brian Schiff in conversation at Hicks Field, Texas. Many of us know Brian for his calming demeanor taking us through the ins and outs of Foreflight with his detailed training sessions. We also know him for his engagement with many aviation organizations, with a focus on safety and proficiency. In Brian’s latest contribution to aviation, he has brought us the “Schiff Show”. While taking a little pun on his name, this variety program leaves us more empowered to be better aviators. You will quickly come to appreciate his selfless desire to give back to the art of aviation. With his family history in aviation, and a wonderful father mentor, he has demonstrated his craft in both the commercial and general aviation airspace. You will come away with a desire to follow his journey and improve your own personal safety minimums!

The Sun and Fun Aerospace Expo while known for its static and aerobatics displays, has a rich culture and history of aviators who travel across the country with their vintage aircraft. They not only want to share the stories and backgrounds of their unique and well-preserved aircraft but also participate in the aviation community that is felt across the airfield. While most have a history of decades of participation, the newbies also have the same level of energy and welcomed into the community. They are all so very proud of their aircraft and truly demonstrated a passion for these best friends(aircraft) and a commitment to keep them flying for all of us to enjoy. Come along on our journey to meet some of these aviators, hear the passion in their voice about their aircraft and be inspired to engage in this aviation community!

Jim brings his flying journey into focus, starting with the Piper Cub and leveraging it up to War Birds of WW II and modern high-performance aircraft. Jim’s passion for all forms of aviation has been an exciting platform to bring those one-of-a-kind pictures to all of us. And wonder how did he got that perspective? While Jim talks of luck along the way, he clearly has a skillset that makes his luck happen naturally. We discuss his family and faith and how they play a strong foundation for his drive and success. Jim also shares how he is establishing his legacy through his close relationships with his grandchildren and feeding the machine for future generations. Our conversation has a sense of calm, comfort and credibility while Jim paints his story in the sky for all of us to visualize.

With a humble but self-confident approach, Rear Admiral Ed Allen (ret), takes us on a life journey starting from a grass airfield where his efforts on the flight line would get him general aviation flight time to commanding a naval aircraft carrier group for the United States navy. With 31 years of military service followed by a civilian career, The Rear Admiral shares some of his military experiences in the most high-performance aircraft of the time, commanding teams in the most demanding of situations and how he leveraged his experiences to support the private sector following his military service. He provided leadership during the era of Top Gun and was recognized for his outstanding performance receiving both the “Tail Hooker of the year” and the “John Paul Jones” awards in the same year, an accomplishment few have accomplished. And you will learn a few of his life lessons to lead and live by that will resonate as the foundation for his success, and we will all come away with a greater understanding of his accomplishments. So come join us and hear why Oh Yeah? Watch This! Is a man worth hearing from!