What does it take to lead one of aviation's most influential organizations? In this episode of Destination Aviation, I sit down with Curt Castagna, President & CEO of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), for a conversation that goes far beyond titles and job descriptions.

Curt shares his journey through the aviation industry, the experiences that shaped his leadership style, and what it's like guiding NATA during a pivotal time for business aviation and general aviation. We discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, the importance of advocacy, workforce development, and why aviation's future has never been brighter.

Of course, it wouldn't be Destination Aviation without a few laughs along the way. From stories about Curt's career to lighthearted moments throughout the conversation, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the person leading one of aviation's most respected organizations.

Whether you're an aviation professional, a pilot, or simply someone who loves aviation, you'll enjoy this candid conversation with one of the industry's most recognizable voices.

Tune in for a fun, insightful conversation with Curt Castagna—because, after all... we can stand ya!

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In 1956, a U.S. Air Force B-25 Mitchell bomber was flying a routine Cold War training mission when everything started to go wrong over western Pennsylvania.

Low on fuel and running out of options, the crew made a desperate decision to put the aircraft down in the Monongahela River near Pittsburgh. What followed was a dramatic emergency ditching that was witnessed by many—and initially thought to be a survivable crash.

But then something unexpected happened.

The aircraft that everyone saw go into the river was never recovered.

Despite immediate rescue efforts, Coast Guard operations, and Army Corps of Engineers searches, the wreckage of the B-25 simply vanished into the river system. Over time, questions began to mount. How does a medium bomber disappear in a relatively shallow waterway? Was it buried, destroyed, or something else entirely?

In this episode of Destination Aviation, we dig into one of the most unusual and unresolved aviation mysteries of the Cold War era. We follow the flight, the emergency landing, the chaotic recovery attempts, and the decades of speculation that followed—including modern search efforts that still haven’t fully answered the question.

What really happened to the Ghost Bomber?

And why, after all these years, is it still missing?

Listen now and decide for yourself.

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What started as a hectic pharmacy run with four kids turned into a mission to transform how goods move through communities.

In this episode of Destination Aviation, Jeffrey Miller sits down with Beth Flippo, founder and CEO of DEXA, one of the few FAA-certified drone carriers in the United States. Beth shares her journey from technology and defense systems to building a company at the forefront of autonomous aviation and last-mile logistics.

The conversation explores the realities of drone delivery, FAA certification, beyond visual line of sight operations, the future of autonomous flight, and how DEXA is helping local businesses compete in a rapidly changing retail landscape. Beth also discusses the challenges of building a highly regulated aviation company, balancing entrepreneurship and family, and why she believes autonomous aviation will reshape the future of commerce.

Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, drone operator, airport professional, or simply curious about the future of flight, this episode offers an inside look at one of the most rapidly evolving sectors in aviation.

Learn More About DEXA

🌐 Website: DEXA

Follow Beth & DEXA

📸 Beth Flippo on Instagram: @beth_flippo

📸 DEXA on Instagram: @flydexa

💼 DEXA on LinkedIn: DEXA LinkedIn

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Destination Aviation (@dapodcast85) | TikTok

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Drop us a line at dapodcast85@gmail.com if you have your own plane tales

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Destination Aviation - Destination Aviation

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