Aviation Culture

Behind some of the most innovative defense technology companies stands a talent scout with an unusual background. Peterson Conway uses his experience as a back-country bush pilot to “deliver special people to hard-to-reach places” in the tech world. His distinctive recruitment approach, combining aviation precision with powerful storytelling, has made him key to building foundational teams for companies associated with the PayPal Mafia, including Palantir, Mach Industries, and Fuse.

Behind every fighter pilot’s radio call sits a nickname with a story—usually marking an embarrassing mishap rather than a heroic feat. These call signs aren’t self-selected but given by squadron mates during informal ceremonies that resemble good-natured roasts. From “Puddles” (who spilled a drink on a commanding officer) to “Wolfman” (Robin Olds’ reference to his regulation-defying mustache), these nicknames become permanent identifiers that follow pilots throughout their careers, building squadron unity and preventing anyone from taking themselves too seriously.

For millions of travelers, the prospect of boarding an aircraft creates reactions ranging from mild unease to paralyzing terror. Aerophobia affects approximately 25 million Americans alone, leading many to completely reorganize their lives to avoid flying. The physical symptoms—racing heart, sweating, shortness of breath—can begin days before a scheduled flight, while the psychological distress often stems from feelings of confinement, lack of control, or previous negative experiences with turbulence.

Flying across the Alps in a blimp and soaring near the edge of space in a U-2 spy plane are just two of the extraordinary adventures that define Lane Wallace’s remarkable career. As the first woman columnist for Flying magazine in its 72-year history, Wallace broke new ground in aviation journalism while establishing herself as both an accomplished pilot and insightful writer. Her authentic voice resonates through her books for NASA, her advocacy for women in male-dominated fields, and her forthcoming work on thriving in challenging professional environments.

Navigating airport security and flight comfort with your favorite hat is simpler than you might think. While airlines generally permit headwear during flights, you might need to temporarily remove your hat during security screening, especially if it contains metal components or has an unusual shape. From compact beanies to statement-making fedoras, what matters most is whether your hat might obstruct another passenger’s view or become uncomfortable during a long journey.

Tucked alongside an active runway in Benton, Kansas, Spearman Bar and Grill turns a simple meal into something special where aircraft take off and land just yards from your table. Families gather on the spacious outdoor patio to enjoy homemade southern comfort food while children alternate between watching planes and playing in the dedicated kids’ area. This aviation-themed restaurant at 14789 SW 30th St draws visitors from across the region who come for great food and the excitement of watching planes up close seven days a week.