The Cleard Podcast

Lt. Col. Matt Russell, callsign “Pimptastic,” is a U.S. Air Force F-16 test pilot, instructor at the USAF Test Pilot School, and one of the people helping shape the future of fighter aviation. Russell has over 21 years in the Air Force flying the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and Northrop T-38 Talon, attended the United States Air Force Test Pilot School in 2011, and has spent more than a decade teaching and conducting advanced flight research. He served as Chief of Flight Test for the global F-16 fleet and recently flew the first flight of the Lockheed Martin X-62A VISTA, an experimental aircraft used to test AI-driven fighter tactics. In this episode we talk about Matt’s path into the military, what it takes to get into test pilot school, flying experimental aircraft, and what it was like dogfighting the world’s first AI-controlled fighter jet. We also get into the future of fighter aviation, the effort to “jailbreak” the F-16 to unlock new capabilities for pilots around the world, and how those lessons translate to airline flying and general aviation. Matt is also an airline captain flying the Airbus A321, a Subject Matter Expert on the F-16, and a designated pilot examiner for general aviation.

Before Alex Mangum began maintaining a well-known, privately owned UH-60A Blackhawk here in Utah, he was a specialized A&P mechanic who had developed an incredible career: 10 years of service in the Coast Guard, moving from the USCGC Chase Engine room (conducting fishery patrols in AK) to flying dangerous search and rescue (SAR) missions coast to coast; 10 years of service in the Air National Guard maintaining KC-135's. We discuss the commitment that fueled his Aerospace Engineering degree, leading to his dream job at Scaled Composites, and his recent work at Northrup Grumman. A masterclass in self-engineered ambition.

Jason Clark is the Founder and CEO of FLT Academy, a massive flight training operation that grew from a side project into Utah's largest Part 141 flight school, training hundreds of pilots with a modern fleet and strategic airline partnerships.We dive deep into the aviation training world with Jason, covering:​The Unorthodox Start: How a Computer Science guy with a motorcycle shop decided to start selling intro flights on Groupon and accidentally launched a powerhouse flight school.​The Hate & The Hangar: Jason confronts the criticism and "corporate" label often thrown at large-scale operations. We break down the private development at Spanish Fork Airport and whether FLT Academy is truly benefiting the community.​The Future of Training Aircraft: Why FLT is betting big on modern, glass-cockpit Diamond (DA42) and SportCruiser aircraft instead of the traditional trainers.​The FAA's MOSAIC Rule: This is the big one. We analyze the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule. Jason explains how lifting the LSA weight limit and replacing it with a stall speed will make training safer, faster, and could finally help solve the national pilot shortage.A candid conversation about aggressive growth, regulatory change, and the intense commitment required to scale professional flight training.

Think flying is a boys’ club? Think again. In this episode of Cleared, we spotlight the Utah 99s—a powerhouse group of women aviators defying gravity and stereotypes. We dive into what it takes to become part of this fearless flying sisterhood, the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry, and why community is key for women in aviation. Whether you're an aspiring pilot or just love a good story of grit and turbulence, this one's for you.

Alex and Trent Sevenson join us as they share their 40-hour journey from Spanish Fork to the East Coast in their Cessna 182. From navigating the Washington SFRA and visiting Kitty Hawk, to landing at Put-In-Bay, this episode covers it all. Tune in for a great story of adventure, brotherhood, and aviation outside your local traffic pattern

Smoke in the cockpit, one-way canyon strips, and launching elite firefighters into burning wilderness — welcome to the world of a smokejumper pilot. In this episode of the Cleard Podcast, Drew sits down with Jordan Silver, a Forest Service pilot based in McCall, Idaho. Jordan shares what life is really like flying Twin Otters and a 206 for the nation’s smokejumpers — from long days at base, to rapid-fire launches into wildfire zones, to the camaraderie and culture of the fire aviation community. Whether you’re a pilot dreaming of fire operations, or just curious about what it takes to fly into the flames, this episode takes you into the TFR and right to the front lines of aviation.

In this roundtable episode of the Cleard Podcast, we bring together a stacked panel of aviation voices: corporate pilot Brad Fuller, FLT Academy CEO Jason Clark, Alina Pringle of West Desert Airpark, Matt Kalm from West Desert Aviators, and GA/backcountry pilot Jordan Blakely.We dive into the growing tension in airport patterns caused by high-volume flight school traffic — what’s working, what’s not, and real solutions from those in the air every day. We also tackle the hot topic of landing fees, including the recent ones at Spanish Fork and the changes at West Desert.This episode is all about collaboration, conversation, and keeping the skies safe and fair for everyone.

In this episode of the Cleard Podcast, we sit down with Paul Merrill — a Utah UH-60 Blackhawk pilot with deployments in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Paul shares firsthand stories from the battlefield, and how his military aviation experience shaped his journey into the civilian world. We dive into his transition into entrepreneurship with On The Ball Coffee and Glidepath Aviation, and wrap up with a deep dive into the latest Utah aviation news, including FAA’s proposed MOSAIC rule and what it could mean for local pilots.Whether you’re into rotorcraft, small business, or staying current on industry updates, this episode’s got something for you.

Welcome to the very first episode of Cleard — a podcast dedicated to aviation in Utah. In this kickoff episode, host Drew Siegel shares his personal aviation story, the meaning behind the name Cleard, and the mission of the show. Whether you’re a student pilot, career aviator, or just someone who loves airplanes, this podcast is for you. Learn what to expect in future episodes, how to get involved, and why Utah’s aviation community deserves a spotlight. Let’s get this thing off the ground — welcome aboard.