About this episode
The crew welcomes Dev Cannon, who exemplifies the CAF mission by going from aviation newcomer to Music City Wing Commander in just a few years, leading 70 volunteers in preserving warbird history. Dev explains how the CAF's 19,000 international members keep aviation heritage alive through everything from flyovers at memorial services to introducing kids to aviation, proving that "if you show up at an event and say, how can I participate? Like you're in." The organization welcomes everyone—pilots, mechanics, historians, and aviation enthusiasts—because as Dev notes, they "can use all the hands they can get." The episode highlights their PT-19 "Miss Cornelia," named after local aviation pioneer Cornelia Fort, and how these living history lessons help veterans and families share stories that might otherwise be lost. Ben discovers breakfast so good at Guntersville that he's "considering buying a junker and donating it to the airport," while celebrating his landing redemption with the signature "kid rock arrival." Ted's camping plans crater with three shredded tubes, Brian defends "Bachelorette Super Charlie" terminology, and everyone agrees that whether you want to maintain aircraft, research history, or just "ring wars" to draw crowds, the CAF provides meaningful ways to give back to aviation while connecting with our flying heritage. Mentioned on the show: Ted's video about tire travails: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VsDs_ZVDEQ 8A1 - Guntersville Alabama: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guntersville_Municipal_Airport Homecoming & Company, Guntersville Alabama: https://homecomingandco.com/ airportcrewcars- Alabama: https://airportcourtesycars.com/alabama/ Savannah Georgia airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savannah/Hilton_Head_International_Airport The Rehearsal, Vulture interview that discusses Killing Zone: https://archive.ph/Ft43G M54 - Lebanon Airport: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanon_Municipal_Airport_(Tennessee) Commemorative Air Force Music City Wing: https://www.cafmusiccity.org/ Fairchild PT-19: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairchild_PT-19 CAF Music City's PT-19: https://www.commemorativeairforce.org/aircraft/196 Who was Cornelia Fort? https://commemorativeairforce.org/news/cornelia-fort-a-legacy-of-courage-takes-flight SNJ4 (Navy T-6): https://commemorativeairforce.org/aircraft/85 CAF Peachtree City: https://airbasegeorgia.org/ Support the Podcast: Join our amazing Patreon community for just $1/month and get access to exclusive content, check ride debriefs, and the best pilot community on the internet. Find our Patreon link at midlifepilotpodcast.com Connect with us: Website: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com Email: midlifepilotpodcast@gmail.com Watch live: Mondays 8PM Eastern on YouTube Discord: Join through our website www.midlifepilotpodcast.com A portion of proceeds supports Freedom Aviation Network's anti-human trafficking efforts.