SMAC355 The Navigator’s Letter

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Today we have a special guest Jan Cress Dondi author of The Navigator’s Letter The Navigator’s Letter, a USA Today bestseller and WWII narrative nonfiction, follows the Ploesti campaign through the experiences of two B-24 navigators, John B. and Bob—Jan’s uncle and father—friends from the same small Illinois town whose lives unfolded in strikingly parallel ways.

Sponsor:

https://pilotcounsel.com/

Talking Points:

The discovery of 500-600 wartime letters
• Why Ploesti matters
• Operation Tidal Wave—audacious as planned; obstacles in execution
• The two navigators’ parallel journeys, their voices throughout the book
• Research and personal connection
• Operation Reunion—overlooked humanitarian mission, forgotten history

Links:

The Navigator’s Letter: The True Story of Two WWII Airmen, a Doomed Mission, and the Woman Who Bound Them Together

Find The Book On Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4pNOHvi

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/ Coaching, Courses, and Scholarships.

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

https://FlySnf.org 2027 – April 6-11

Website: https://jancressdondi.com/
IG: @b24navigators
FB: The Navigator’s Letter
LinkedIn: Jan Cress Dondi

SMAC354 Speed Brake Armed

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Today, we have a special guest, Peter Buffington, an airline pilot and amazing aviation-themed musician. His high-energy and visually exciting channel can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@SpeedBrakeArmed

Preflight:

Sponsor:

https://pilotcounsel.com/

Cruise Flight:

Talking Points:

Peter’s aviation journey and what inspired him to fly.
He was able to meld his passion for aviation with a passion for music.
What is SpeedBrake Armed?
Why he feels SpeedBrake armed resonates with those who love to fly.
Where can we find Peter online?
What is next?

After Landing Checklist:

Pick Of The Week:
No pick of the week if an interview.

Links:

https://www.youtube.com/@SpeedBrakeArmed

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

https://FlySnf.org 2027 – April 6-11

SpeeBrake Armed Airshows:

Oshkosh 2026 – July 20 – 26 (Night Airshow Music Wed & Sat.)
Northern Alabama Airvest 2026 Sept 11 (VIP) 12 – 13 (Public) Pryor Field Regional Airport (DCU) in Tanner, Alabama
National Light Sport Aircraft and Ultralight Fly-in 2026, Oct 1 – 3. Hodges Field Ultralight Fly-In in Andersonville, GA