The Cleard Podcast

The Cleard Podcast

di Drew Siegel

Christian Davis KSPK (Managing an Airport)

Christian Davis is the airport manager at Spanish Fork Municipal Airport (KSPK) and Vice President of the Utah Airport Operators Association. KSPK recently implemented landing fees and it sparked backlash in the GA community. Some pilots weren’t happy. Some left. So we sat down and talked about it. In this episode, Christian explains why the fees were introduced, how they’re tracked, where the money actually goes, and whether airports should be expected to operate without charging users directly. We also get into the realities of running a high-traffic non-towered airport, what growth looks like behind the scenes, and whether a control tower is actually on the horizon. We also talk about his life outside aviation. His hobbies, home life, and what it’s like being the guy making decisions that not everyone agrees with. This is a candid conversation about airport funding, pilot responsibility, infrastructure, and the future of KSPK.

Alex Mangum (US Coast Guard)

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.

FLT Academy's Jason Clark (Starting a Flight School)

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.

Dr. Pete Sipos (Medical Examiner)

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Pete Sipos — a former Air Force flight surgeon and current FAA Medical Examiner — for an honest, no-fluff conversation about mental health in aviation. We talk openly about ADHD, anxiety, depression, and the fears many pilots have about losing their medical if they speak up. Dr. Sipos breaks down what’s truly disqualifying, what’s not, and how pilots can advocate for their health without jeopardizing their ability to fly. We also cover highlights from his 20+ year career flying with military crews around the world, and answer real questions from the Utah General Aviation community.

Jordan Silver (Smoke Jumpers)

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.

Cleard Hangar Talk #1 - Landing fees and Traffic Pattern Issues

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.

Paul Merrill (Blackhawk Pilot)

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.

Senator Jake Garn (Going to Space)

In this special episode of Cleard, we sit down with Senator Edwin "Jake" Garn — a decorated pilot, former U.S. Senator, and the first sitting member of Congress to fly in space. Widely regarded as the godfather of Utah aviation, Garn shares stories from his remarkable life, including his early days as a Navy pilot, his time flying reconnaissance missions with the Utah Air National Guard, and his historic flight aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1985. Joined by his son Jeff Garn, this intimate conversation offers a rare glimpse into the legacy of a man whose contributions to aviation, public service, and space exploration left an indelible mark on Utah and the nation. With humor, humility, and clarity, Garn reflects on the values that shaped his journey — from flying F-4 Phantoms over the Pacific to championing aerospace policy in Washington.

Cleard Intro - Cleard For Departure

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.

2 di 2