Mike Nichols, CEO of PMOPA, sits down with Joe to talk about his journey from growing up in Allentown, PA, to becoming a pilot and leading a nonprofit in the aviation world. They chat about why community matters, how volunteers make a big difference, and the importance of making aviation more welcoming to everyone. They also dig into safety—why it’s a top priority, how programs like the Master Aviator help pilots improve, and why training instructors the right way matters. It’s an honest, down-to-earth conversation about what’s working, what needs work, and what’s ahead for the PA46 community.

Join PMOPA: https://www.mmopa.com

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to PMOPA and Mike Nichols02:56 Mike Nichols' Early Life and Aviation Interest05:53 Transitioning into Aviation and Business08:47 Career Path and Nonprofit Management11:58 Involvement with NBAA and Community Engagement14:57 The Importance of Inclusion in Aviation18:03 Reflections on Government and Aviation Safety20:57 Conclusion and Future Aspirations25:36 Finding Passion in Aviation and Community Engagement27:08 The Value of Passionate Volunteers29:50 The Importance of Community in Nonprofits32:50 Navigating Career Transitions and Opportunities36:00 Innovating in Business Aviation39:34 Leadership and Team Dynamics in Aviation42:22 Joining PMOPA: A New Chapter45:21 Day-to-Day Operations of a CEO in Aviation50:54 Safety Initiatives and Community Responsibility54:36 Addressing Fatalities and Community Action57:44 Training Programs and Their Importance01:00:32 The Master Aviator Program01:01:50 Standardization in Training01:08:19 Building a Stronger Instructor Community01:15:25 The Future of PMOPA and Community Engagement