Future in Flight Podcast: Episode Notes

Featured Guest: Josh Cook

Flight Test Director, Founder/Owner Legendary Aviation Coffee Company

Episode Summary

This episode features Josh Cook, a flight test engineer who combined his aviation passion with specialty coffee to create Legendary Aviation Coffee Company, plus segments on aviation careers and pilot jargon.

Segment 1: Josh Cook - Flight Test Engineer & Coffee Entrepreneur

Aviation Career


Former Flight Test Director for Northrop Grumman

Managed UAV programs including Global Hawk and Triton

Role involves testing aircraft systems and ensuring flight safety


Coffee Business


Founded Legendary Aviation Coffee Company in 2019

Uses air roasting technique (used by top 5% of roasters)

Coffee blends feature historic aircraft:

B-52 bomber (heavy, full-bodied coffee)

P-51 Mustang and V-Tail Bonanza




Philanthropy


Official coffee provider for Sun & Fun Aerospace Expo

Donates portions of sales to Sun & Fun's youth aviation initiatives

Supports six aviation and veteran-focused nonprofits


Segment 2: Aviation Careers Outside the Cockpit


Wildlife Management - "Bird men" who prevent bird-aircraft collisions

Wingwalkers - Performers who do stunts on biplane wings

Aircraft Rescue Firefighters - Specialists trained for aviation emergencies

UAS Pilots - Drone operators for commercial and research applications

Aviation Environmental Engineers - Develop sustainable aviation solutions

Aircraft Interior Designers - Create efficient, functional cabin spaces

Flight Simulator Developers - Build virtual training environments


Segment 3: Decoding Pilot Jargon

Operations: "George is flying" (autopilot), "Bingo fuel" (low fuel), "Souls on board" (total people count)

Location Terms: "Feet wet" (over water), "Feet dry" (over land)

Time Reference: "Zulu time" (GMT/UTC)

Communication: "Roger" (understood), "Mayday" (distress), "Pan Pan" (urgency)

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