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Listen "Making Aviation Training Affordable, Aeroverse, and Drone Soccer!"
Episode Synopsis
🎧 Episode Summary
What happens when an old pilot’s logbook sparks a new generation of aviators? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker introduces us to Brandon Martini, Co-CEO of Stratus Financial, whose personal journey from maxed-out credit cards to helping 1,000 new pilots earn their wings proves one thing: the dream of flight doesn’t have to stay out of reach. From starting a flight school with one plane and a $96 office, to launching a financial platform that partners with over 400 flight schools, Brandon’s story is a blueprint for perseverance and innovation in aviation finance.
Then, Shawn takes us on a deep dive into the Aeroverse — the new streaming platform built exclusively for aviation lovers — and closes with a high-energy look into the fast-growing global sport of Drone Soccer, where coding, flight, and competition collide to inspire the next generation of aviators.
This episode is all about visionaries — the ones who don’t wait for permission to make aviation more accessible, more entertaining, and more inclusive.
✨ Thank you to ASA (Aviation Supplies and Academics) for helping us reach the next generation of aviators and aviation enthusiasts!
✈️ Key Points
Brandon Martini’s Journey
Inspired by his grandfather’s logbook and funded his first lessons with $2,500 in Christmas gift certificates.
Maxed out credit cards to finish flight training while supporting a family.
Opened a one-airplane flight school in Riverside, California.
Founded Stratus Financial after traditional banks rejected aviation students.
Helped nearly 1,000 pilots finance their dreams, partnering with 400+ flight schools.
Recognized on the NBAA 40 Under 40 list for innovation in business aviation.
Lessons from Brandon’s Story
When opportunity doesn’t knock, build your own door.
Persistence is more valuable than perfect timing.
Aviation finance can be human, ethical, and built around student success.
Barriers are only permanent if you let them be.
Inside Aeroverse: The Streaming Home for Aviation Enthusiasts
Founded by Charles Cook on the 120th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ flight.
Features exclusive content like Throttle Jockey (hosted by Chelsea Smith), Creating Scrappy with Mike Patey, Aviation 101, and Jimmy’s World.
Partnerships with AOPA and EAA make Aeroverse both entertaining and educational.
$7/month subscription with ad-free aviation shows, live airport streams, and downloadable content.
Drone Soccer: Where Aviation Meets Esports
Originated in South Korea; now growing across the U.S. through schools and STEM programs.
Combines coding, aerodynamics, and teamwork into one competitive sport.
Supported by the US Drone Soccer Association and companies like Boeing.
Helps students earn real-world aviation experience and pathways to FAA Part 107 certification.
🕒 Chapter Timestamps
0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction: When the cost of flight becomes the challenge
0:45 – 6:40 | The Journey of Brandon Martini: From logbook to legacy
6:41 – 8:21 | Lessons in persistence and the power of building your own system
8:22 – 8:50 | Transition: From finance to the future of aviation media
8:51 – 14:26 | Inside Aeroverse: The new streaming world for pilots and dreamers
14:27 – 15:46 | Acknowledgment: Carol Cali and GlobalAir.com article on Aeroverse
15:47 – 20:26 | The Drone Zone: The rise of drone soccer
20:27 – end | Challenge and closing thoughts: The future of flight is in your hands
🔗 Links
Stratus Financial: https://www.stratus.finance
Aeroverse: https://www.aeroverse.tv
ASA: https://asa2fly.com/
US Drone Soccer Association: https://www.usdronesoccer.org
Done Cadets: https://dronecadets.com/
AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/
What happens when an old pilot’s logbook sparks a new generation of aviators? In this episode of The Future in Flight Podcast, host Shawn Staerker introduces us to Brandon Martini, Co-CEO of Stratus Financial, whose personal journey from maxed-out credit cards to helping 1,000 new pilots earn their wings proves one thing: the dream of flight doesn’t have to stay out of reach. From starting a flight school with one plane and a $96 office, to launching a financial platform that partners with over 400 flight schools, Brandon’s story is a blueprint for perseverance and innovation in aviation finance.
Then, Shawn takes us on a deep dive into the Aeroverse — the new streaming platform built exclusively for aviation lovers — and closes with a high-energy look into the fast-growing global sport of Drone Soccer, where coding, flight, and competition collide to inspire the next generation of aviators.
This episode is all about visionaries — the ones who don’t wait for permission to make aviation more accessible, more entertaining, and more inclusive.
✨ Thank you to ASA (Aviation Supplies and Academics) for helping us reach the next generation of aviators and aviation enthusiasts!
✈️ Key Points
Brandon Martini’s Journey
Inspired by his grandfather’s logbook and funded his first lessons with $2,500 in Christmas gift certificates.
Maxed out credit cards to finish flight training while supporting a family.
Opened a one-airplane flight school in Riverside, California.
Founded Stratus Financial after traditional banks rejected aviation students.
Helped nearly 1,000 pilots finance their dreams, partnering with 400+ flight schools.
Recognized on the NBAA 40 Under 40 list for innovation in business aviation.
Lessons from Brandon’s Story
When opportunity doesn’t knock, build your own door.
Persistence is more valuable than perfect timing.
Aviation finance can be human, ethical, and built around student success.
Barriers are only permanent if you let them be.
Inside Aeroverse: The Streaming Home for Aviation Enthusiasts
Founded by Charles Cook on the 120th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ flight.
Features exclusive content like Throttle Jockey (hosted by Chelsea Smith), Creating Scrappy with Mike Patey, Aviation 101, and Jimmy’s World.
Partnerships with AOPA and EAA make Aeroverse both entertaining and educational.
$7/month subscription with ad-free aviation shows, live airport streams, and downloadable content.
Drone Soccer: Where Aviation Meets Esports
Originated in South Korea; now growing across the U.S. through schools and STEM programs.
Combines coding, aerodynamics, and teamwork into one competitive sport.
Supported by the US Drone Soccer Association and companies like Boeing.
Helps students earn real-world aviation experience and pathways to FAA Part 107 certification.
🕒 Chapter Timestamps
0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction: When the cost of flight becomes the challenge
0:45 – 6:40 | The Journey of Brandon Martini: From logbook to legacy
6:41 – 8:21 | Lessons in persistence and the power of building your own system
8:22 – 8:50 | Transition: From finance to the future of aviation media
8:51 – 14:26 | Inside Aeroverse: The new streaming world for pilots and dreamers
14:27 – 15:46 | Acknowledgment: Carol Cali and GlobalAir.com article on Aeroverse
15:47 – 20:26 | The Drone Zone: The rise of drone soccer
20:27 – end | Challenge and closing thoughts: The future of flight is in your hands
🔗 Links
Stratus Financial: https://www.stratus.finance
Aeroverse: https://www.aeroverse.tv
ASA: https://asa2fly.com/
US Drone Soccer Association: https://www.usdronesoccer.org
Done Cadets: https://dronecadets.com/
AviNation USA: https://www.avinationusa.com/
Creative Relay Media: https://creativerelaymedia.com/
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