Straighten Up and Fly Right Podcast Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:02:29 -0400 https://straightenupandflyrightpodcast.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 Straighten Up and Fly Right Podcast yes d5f75acc-58f6-5407-9f41-f96cdb60b3b9 Kenny T episodic false Straighten Up and Fly Right is an aviation lifestyle podcast built around real conversations with pilots,  entrepreneurs, aviation professionals who have learned to perform under pressure. It shares the stories and path many took to achieve success in the challenging world of aviation. 

Hosted by Kenny T, n, Air Force officer, speaker,  Co-foundder of Legacy Flight Academy and founder of Kilo Tango Aviation.   The show dives into the stories behind the cockpit, the lessons  and the mindset required to navigate adversity, growth, and success.

Every episode is focused on authentic conversations, aviation culture, mentorship, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

This is more than aviation.
This is leadership, legacy, discipline, and purpose.

New episodes featuring:
• Aviation and military stories
• Leadership conversations
• Career and mentorship advice
• Real-world lessons from high performers
• The culture and legacy of aviation

Presented by Legacy Flight Academy
Powered by Kilo Tango Aviation

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Kenny T https://storage.buzzsprout.com/uusa0yfqfk6dwud3q1x2k6aar87v?.jpg Straighten Up and Fly Right Podcast https://straightenupandflyrightpodcast.buzzsprout.com Kenny T Legacy Flight Academy Kilo Tango Media From Football Dreams to Air Force Pride: Ryan Nichols' Journey of Deliberate Excellence From Football Dreams to Air Force Pride: Ryan Nichols' Journey of Deliberate Excellence Ryan Nichols, born and raised in San Antonio, sits down to share his unlikely path from aspiring football player to dedicated Air Force serviceman. After a coach's reality check revealed he was never actually accepted to college, Ryan made the pivotal decision to enlist at Lackland Air Force Base in October 1998. In this episode, he opens up about the culture shock of basic training, his unexpected selection as dorm chief, and the profound influence of the three strong women who shaped his work ethic. The conversation digs deep into the information gaps that plague single-parent households and underserved communities—the very challenges that Legacy Flight Academy and Kilo Tango Aviation seek to address. Ryan's story is a testament to resilience, intentional growth, and the power of mentorship in transforming lives. Listen as he unpacks how life's detours can lead to purpose.

00:00 Introducing the Straighten Up & Fly Right Podcast
01:15 Ryan Nichols: Background and San Antonio Roots
02:45 The High School Crossroads: ROTC vs. Football
03:30 The College Plan That Never Was
05:00 Enlisting in the Air Force at Lackland
06:15 First Day of Basic Training: The Reality
08:00 Unexpected Leadership: Selected as Dorm Chief
09:30 Tech Sergeant Schreiber's Lasting Impact
11:15 Why Information Gaps Fail Our Youth
13:45 Single Parents and the Knowledge Gap
15:30 The Three Strong Women Who Built His Foundation
18:00 Work Ethic Instilled by His Mother and Grandmother
20:15 Limited Counselor Support in Underserved Schools
22:00 Lack of Representation in STEM and Aviation Careers

]]> Ryan Nichols, born and raised in San Antonio, sits down to share his unlikely path from aspiring football player to dedicated Air Force serviceman. After a coach's reality check revealed he was never actually accepted to college, Ryan made the pivotal decision to enlist at Lackland Air Force Base in October 1998. In this episode, he opens up about the culture shock of basic training, his unexpected selection as dorm chief, and the profound influence of the three strong women who shaped his work ethic. The conversation digs deep into the information gaps that plague single-parent households and underserved communities—the very challenges that Legacy Flight Academy and Kilo Tango Aviation seek to address. Ryan's story is a testament to resilience, intentional growth, and the power of mentorship in transforming lives. Listen as he unpacks how life's detours can lead to purpose.

00:00 Introducing the Straighten Up & Fly Right Podcast
01:15 Ryan Nichols: Background and San Antonio Roots
02:45 The High School Crossroads: ROTC vs. Football
03:30 The College Plan That Never Was
05:00 Enlisting in the Air Force at Lackland
06:15 First Day of Basic Training: The Reality
08:00 Unexpected Leadership: Selected as Dorm Chief
09:30 Tech Sergeant Schreiber's Lasting Impact
11:15 Why Information Gaps Fail Our Youth
13:45 Single Parents and the Knowledge Gap
15:30 The Three Strong Women Who Built His Foundation
18:00 Work Ethic Instilled by His Mother and Grandmother
20:15 Limited Counselor Support in Underserved Schools
22:00 Lack of Representation in STEM and Aviation Careers

]]> Buzzsprout-19426461 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400 3907 1 5 full false If You’re Not Making a Million, Don’t Talk About It If You’re Not Making a Million, Don’t Talk About It What separates high performers from everyone else?

In this episode of Straighten Up and Fly Right, Kenny T sits down with former Navy SEAL Jake Zweig for an unfiltered conversation about mentorship, leadership, discipline, and building a life of purpose.

Jake shares his incredible journey from a difficult childhood to the U.S. Naval Academy and the Navy SEAL Teams. Along the way, he explains how mentors changed the trajectory of his life and why he's dedicated the rest of his career to helping others become military officers, pilots, special operations candidates, and leaders.

The conversation covers what it really takes to become a Navy SEAL, why so many people fail before they ever begin, how mentorship opens doors that talent alone cannot, and why discipline, preparation, and accountability matter more than motivation.

Whether you're pursuing military service, aviation, business, or simply trying to become the best version of yourself, this episode is filled with practical lessons on leadership, resilience, and success.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Growing Up and Early Adversity
00:55 Meet Jake Zweig
02:23 Childhood, Family, and Hardship
06:09 Learning to Read and Finding Direction
08:20 The Naval Academy Journey
15:18 Becoming a Navy SEAL
18:20 Why Mentorship Changes Lives
22:05 Learning From Failure
26:43 Building Future Leaders
31:07 The Rules of Mentorship
32:22 Everybody Wants to Be a Navy SEAL
35:29 What It Really Takes to Become a Military Pilot
38:04 Building the Next Generation Through Mentorship
40:49 Raising Kids With Purpose
42:12 If You're Not Making a Million, Don't Talk About It
43:41 Why Taking Action Matters
47:24 Building a Community of Mentors
50:40 The Best Career Advice You'll Ever Receive
54:24 Opening Doors Through Mentorship
57:58 Parenting, Leadership, and Accountability
1:00:25 Final Thoughts

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share. New episodes feature military leaders, airline pilots, entrepreneurs, and high performers sharing the lessons that shaped their careers.

#JakeZweig #NavySEAL #Leadership #Mentorship #Discipline #Success #MilitaryLeadership #Aviation #Pilot #PersonalDevelopment #StraightenUpAndFlyRight #LegacyFlightAcademy

]]> What separates high performers from everyone else?

In this episode of Straighten Up and Fly Right, Kenny T sits down with former Navy SEAL Jake Zweig for an unfiltered conversation about mentorship, leadership, discipline, and building a life of purpose.

Jake shares his incredible journey from a difficult childhood to the U.S. Naval Academy and the Navy SEAL Teams. Along the way, he explains how mentors changed the trajectory of his life and why he's dedicated the rest of his career to helping others become military officers, pilots, special operations candidates, and leaders.

The conversation covers what it really takes to become a Navy SEAL, why so many people fail before they ever begin, how mentorship opens doors that talent alone cannot, and why discipline, preparation, and accountability matter more than motivation.

Whether you're pursuing military service, aviation, business, or simply trying to become the best version of yourself, this episode is filled with practical lessons on leadership, resilience, and success.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Growing Up and Early Adversity
00:55 Meet Jake Zweig
02:23 Childhood, Family, and Hardship
06:09 Learning to Read and Finding Direction
08:20 The Naval Academy Journey
15:18 Becoming a Navy SEAL
18:20 Why Mentorship Changes Lives
22:05 Learning From Failure
26:43 Building Future Leaders
31:07 The Rules of Mentorship
32:22 Everybody Wants to Be a Navy SEAL
35:29 What It Really Takes to Become a Military Pilot
38:04 Building the Next Generation Through Mentorship
40:49 Raising Kids With Purpose
42:12 If You're Not Making a Million, Don't Talk About It
43:41 Why Taking Action Matters
47:24 Building a Community of Mentors
50:40 The Best Career Advice You'll Ever Receive
54:24 Opening Doors Through Mentorship
57:58 Parenting, Leadership, and Accountability
1:00:25 Final Thoughts

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share. New episodes feature military leaders, airline pilots, entrepreneurs, and high performers sharing the lessons that shaped their careers.

#JakeZweig #NavySEAL #Leadership #Mentorship #Discipline #Success #MilitaryLeadership #Aviation #Pilot #PersonalDevelopment #StraightenUpAndFlyRight #LegacyFlightAcademy

]]> Kenny T Buzzsprout-19386772 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 3694 1 4 full true From Air Force Acquisitions to Airline Pilot: TC’s Career Change, Flight Training Lessons & Leadership From Air Force Acquisitions to Airline Pilot: TC’s Career Change, Flight Training Lessons & Leadership TC shares how he went from a military-brat upbringing and a failed plan to play football into Air Force ROTC at UTSA, ultimately becoming an acquisitions officer—work he describes as broad “cradle to grave” program management with lots of paperwork, meetings, and long timelines. Around the 10-year mark and facing career-pressure options he didn’t want, he began flight training as a hobby in Los Angeles, researched the airline shortage, and chose to separate in 2019 with his wife’s support despite some family resistance. He explains funding flight training using the GI Bill through a school with San Antonio affiliates, joining the reserves, and navigating COVID-era training. TC details key lessons—begin with the end in mind, expect a non-linear path, show up prepared, and ask questions—plus setbacks during instrument training, growth as a flight instructor, and success in a demanding regional airline training pipeline. Now a reservist and airline first officer, he describes what he loves about the job, what’s still “work,” how military leadership and initiative translate to the cockpit, and why representation in aviation matters.

00:00 Meet TC and Background
01:07 ROTC Into the Air Force
01:55 Choosing Acquisitions
03:35 What Acquisitions Really Is
05:12 Special Ops Simulator Project
06:20 Who Thrives in Acquisitions
07:43 Ten Year Crossroads
09:44 Discovering the Pilot Path
11:32 Funding the Career Change
15:08 Family Support and Comfort Trap
18:21 Flight Training Lessons
22:52 Instrument Rating Reality Check
25:19 Checkride Wake-Up Call
26:10 Learning to Stay Calm
28:08 Why Instructing Rocks
29:27 From Bitter to Happy
32:05 Cadet Program Strategy
34:38 Regional Training Mindset
38:09 Airline Pilot Reality
40:39 Military Lessons in the Cockpit
46:25 Representation Matters
47:47 Advice and Wrap-Up

]]> TC shares how he went from a military-brat upbringing and a failed plan to play football into Air Force ROTC at UTSA, ultimately becoming an acquisitions officer—work he describes as broad “cradle to grave” program management with lots of paperwork, meetings, and long timelines. Around the 10-year mark and facing career-pressure options he didn’t want, he began flight training as a hobby in Los Angeles, researched the airline shortage, and chose to separate in 2019 with his wife’s support despite some family resistance. He explains funding flight training using the GI Bill through a school with San Antonio affiliates, joining the reserves, and navigating COVID-era training. TC details key lessons—begin with the end in mind, expect a non-linear path, show up prepared, and ask questions—plus setbacks during instrument training, growth as a flight instructor, and success in a demanding regional airline training pipeline. Now a reservist and airline first officer, he describes what he loves about the job, what’s still “work,” how military leadership and initiative translate to the cockpit, and why representation in aviation matters.

00:00 Meet TC and Background
01:07 ROTC Into the Air Force
01:55 Choosing Acquisitions
03:35 What Acquisitions Really Is
05:12 Special Ops Simulator Project
06:20 Who Thrives in Acquisitions
07:43 Ten Year Crossroads
09:44 Discovering the Pilot Path
11:32 Funding the Career Change
15:08 Family Support and Comfort Trap
18:21 Flight Training Lessons
22:52 Instrument Rating Reality Check
25:19 Checkride Wake-Up Call
26:10 Learning to Stay Calm
28:08 Why Instructing Rocks
29:27 From Bitter to Happy
32:05 Cadet Program Strategy
34:38 Regional Training Mindset
38:09 Airline Pilot Reality
40:39 Military Lessons in the Cockpit
46:25 Representation Matters
47:47 Advice and Wrap-Up

]]> Kenny T Buzzsprout-19316326 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:00:00 -0400 3008 1 3 full false U-2 Pilot Kris "Judge": From F-16 Poster to 737 Captain U-2 Pilot Kris "Judge": From F-16 Poster to 737 Captain Kenny T interviews Kris, a pilot from Louisiana who trained at Louisiana Tech, joined the Air Force, and flew C-130s, the M-28 Skytruck, PC-12s, Cessna 208s, and ultimately the U-2 Dragon Lady before retiring and becoming a United Airlines 737 captain. Judge explains how seeing an F-16 poster led him to join ROTC, credits mentor CMSgt Edward Fowler for instilling discipline, and shares why he loves general aviation, including owning a Piper Comanche 250 and building an RV-8. He confirms the earth is round, describes why the U-2 is the toughest airplane to land and the space-suit/oxygen process, and recounts an emergency where a failed bleed-air/environmental system caused severe cockpit cold, memory loss, and near hypothermia before a safe landing. He closes with advice: “maintain aircraft control,” and a mantra about turning dreams into goals and achievements.

00:00 Meet Kenny T and OC
00:48 From Cessnas to U2
02:53 Is the Earth Round
03:41 F16 Poster Spark
07:27 ROTC Mentor Lessons
08:41 Why General Aviation
10:16 Cross Country GA Trip
11:38 U2 Interview and Landing
15:33 Why Choose the U2
17:09 Suiting Up Process
21:12 12 Hour Solo Missions
21:51 U-2 Suit Risks
22:31 Cold Mission Launch
23:58 Systems Fail and Freeze
28:08 Emergency Descent Chaos
29:07 Memory Loss in Clouds
30:42 Landing While Hypothermic
32:59 Hypothermia Debrief Lessons
34:11 Pilot Takeaways and Root Cause
36:47 From U-2 to Airlines
38:47 Representation and Mentoring
42:42 Dreams to Goals Mantra
43:25 Wrap Up and Farewell

]]> Kenny T interviews Kris, a pilot from Louisiana who trained at Louisiana Tech, joined the Air Force, and flew C-130s, the M-28 Skytruck, PC-12s, Cessna 208s, and ultimately the U-2 Dragon Lady before retiring and becoming a United Airlines 737 captain. Judge explains how seeing an F-16 poster led him to join ROTC, credits mentor CMSgt Edward Fowler for instilling discipline, and shares why he loves general aviation, including owning a Piper Comanche 250 and building an RV-8. He confirms the earth is round, describes why the U-2 is the toughest airplane to land and the space-suit/oxygen process, and recounts an emergency where a failed bleed-air/environmental system caused severe cockpit cold, memory loss, and near hypothermia before a safe landing. He closes with advice: “maintain aircraft control,” and a mantra about turning dreams into goals and achievements.

00:00 Meet Kenny T and OC
00:48 From Cessnas to U2
02:53 Is the Earth Round
03:41 F16 Poster Spark
07:27 ROTC Mentor Lessons
08:41 Why General Aviation
10:16 Cross Country GA Trip
11:38 U2 Interview and Landing
15:33 Why Choose the U2
17:09 Suiting Up Process
21:12 12 Hour Solo Missions
21:51 U-2 Suit Risks
22:31 Cold Mission Launch
23:58 Systems Fail and Freeze
28:08 Emergency Descent Chaos
29:07 Memory Loss in Clouds
30:42 Landing While Hypothermic
32:59 Hypothermia Debrief Lessons
34:11 Pilot Takeaways and Root Cause
36:47 From U-2 to Airlines
38:47 Representation and Mentoring
42:42 Dreams to Goals Mantra
43:25 Wrap Up and Farewell

]]> Kenny T Buzzsprout-19316308 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:00:00 -0400 2750 1 2 full false Eyes Above the Horizon: How Legacy Flight Academy Introduces Underserved Youth to Aviation Eyes Above the Horizon: How Legacy Flight Academy Introduces Underserved Youth to Aviation Experience Eyes Above the Horizon, Legacy Flight Academy's signature aviation event that is changing lives through the power of flight.

In this episode, you'll go behind the scenes of a free, full-day aviation experience where students ages 11–19 explore STEM, leadership, aviation careers, and the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen before taking their very first flight in a real aircraft with a certified flight instructor.

Throughout the day, students participate in hands-on STEM activities, learn about aerodynamics, weather, aircraft systems, aviation maintenance, air traffic control, and career opportunities throughout the aviation industry. They also develop leadership, teamwork, and confidence through interactive activities inspired by the courage and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.

The experience culminates with every student taking to the skies in a general aviation aircraft, creating a life-changing moment that many never imagined possible.

Legacy Flight Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, developing, and mentoring the next generation of aviation professionals through education, mentorship, and access to opportunity.

If you believe aviation can change lives, please like, subscribe, and share this episode to help us reach more students and communities.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Aviation Changes Lives
01:07 Program Overview
01:59 Hands-On STEM Activities
03:39 Cloud in a Bottle Demonstration
04:13 Why STEM Matters
05:36 Leadership & the Tuskegee Airmen Legacy
08:06 College & Aviation Career Pathways
08:37 Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Tour
10:40 First Flight Experience
11:42 Student Reactions & Building Confidence
14:07 Inside a C-32 Aircraft
14:41 The Legacy Flight Academy Mission
16:19 Final Thoughts & How You Can Help

#LegacyFlightAcademy #EyesAboveTheHorizon #Aviation #STEM #TuskegeeAirmen #YouthAviation #FuturePilots #Nonprofit #AviationEducation #FlightTraining

]]> Experience Eyes Above the Horizon, Legacy Flight Academy's signature aviation event that is changing lives through the power of flight.

In this episode, you'll go behind the scenes of a free, full-day aviation experience where students ages 11–19 explore STEM, leadership, aviation careers, and the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen before taking their very first flight in a real aircraft with a certified flight instructor.

Throughout the day, students participate in hands-on STEM activities, learn about aerodynamics, weather, aircraft systems, aviation maintenance, air traffic control, and career opportunities throughout the aviation industry. They also develop leadership, teamwork, and confidence through interactive activities inspired by the courage and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.

The experience culminates with every student taking to the skies in a general aviation aircraft, creating a life-changing moment that many never imagined possible.

Legacy Flight Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, developing, and mentoring the next generation of aviation professionals through education, mentorship, and access to opportunity.

If you believe aviation can change lives, please like, subscribe, and share this episode to help us reach more students and communities.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Aviation Changes Lives
01:07 Program Overview
01:59 Hands-On STEM Activities
03:39 Cloud in a Bottle Demonstration
04:13 Why STEM Matters
05:36 Leadership & the Tuskegee Airmen Legacy
08:06 College & Aviation Career Pathways
08:37 Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Tour
10:40 First Flight Experience
11:42 Student Reactions & Building Confidence
14:07 Inside a C-32 Aircraft
14:41 The Legacy Flight Academy Mission
16:19 Final Thoughts & How You Can Help

#LegacyFlightAcademy #EyesAboveTheHorizon #Aviation #STEM #TuskegeeAirmen #YouthAviation #FuturePilots #Nonprofit #AviationEducation #FlightTraining

]]> Kenny T Buzzsprout-19316299 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:00:00 -0400 1059 1 1 full false