Richard McSpadden leads a team of certified flight instructors and content creators at AOPA who develop and distribute aviation safety material — free of charge — in order to advance general aviation safety industrywide. Prior to joining AOPA, McSpadden had a successful career in the information technology industry, leading large, geographically dispersed operations providing business-critical IT services. He also served in the Air Force for 20 years, including the prestigious role of commander and flight leader of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration team where he led over 100 flight demonstrations flying the lead aircraft. McSpadden currently serves as the industry chair for the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee.

John’s career in aviation began where many successful aviation careers do— as a student pumping JetA and Avgas. He worked at Sporty’s affiliated FBO, Eastern Cincinnati Aviation, for several summers before he graduated from Duke University. Now, 20 years later, John oversees the Sporty’s Pilot Shop marketing programs and new product development. He has been flying for over 25 years and is an ATP with more than 4000 hours. He also holds instrument, multi-engine, helicopter, glider, and seaplane ratings, regularly logging time in a Robinson R44, a Citabria, and a Pilatus PC-12. John is the Editor of Air Facts Journal and a contributor to many other aviation magazines, including Flying and Plane & Pilot.

Pete travels worldwide engaging regulators, policymakers, and elected officials to advance the interests of GAMA’s global membership of airframe, avionics, engine, and component manufacturers, as well as the world’s leading business aviation maintenance and repair companies. He serves on the board of directors of the Recreational Aviation Foundation, Veterans Airlift Command, the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcon Foundation, America’s Warrior Partnership, and the Air Care Alliance. Pete is also a member of the FAA's Management Advisory Council and serves on the FAA’s NextGen Advisory Committee, MITRE Corporation’s Aviation Advisory Committee, and NASA Advisory Council Aeronautics Committee. He served in the USAF for 26 years, flying F-15s and A-10s, while commanding several large operational fighter units. In January 2010, Pete was inducted as one of the 70 Living Legends of Aviation.

Roger Sharp holds a handful of ATP ratings and is a designated pilot examiner for airplanes (land and sea) and helicopters. He was a U.S. Air Force command pilot, Master Instructor, and standards-and-evaluation pilot. Roger authored "20 Ways to Fail Your Flight Test: A Practical Guide to Earning Your Notice of Disapproval," which is full of (hilarious) wisdom on how to take and pass an FAA practical test. At past events, he has shared insights ranging from signs that you may have a bad flight instructor to reasons why students fail their checkrides. At Migration 2022, Roger will return to the main stage to talk about the state of flight training in a way that only he can. 

Rob Reider is one of the most sought-after announcers on the North American Air Show circuit. His talents have earned him the highest award in the air show industry, the International Council of Air Shows “Sword of Excellence.” In 2016, Rob was tapped to be the voice of the Breitling Jet Team's American Tour. Most recently, he announced the Salute to America Flyover at the White House on July 4th and the Arsenal of Democracy Capitol Flyover, commemorating the end of World War II, in September of 2020. He serves as the narrator coach for the Blue Angels and the US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team. Rob is also known in the flying world as the on-camera host of the award-winning, Sporty’s Pilot Shops “Learn to Fly” videos. He’s an aviation educator who’s helped thousands of people around the world to earn their pilots licenses and advanced ratings.