Nose to Tail Podcast

Real conversations. Real constraints. Real solutions.

Industry Voices

We sit down with leaders, operators, and specialists across aviation to explore lessons learned, emerging trends, and what it takes to perform under pressure.

Meet the Experts

A special series inside Nose to Tail, spotlighting the experts within Jet Midwest. The same standards. The same curiosity. And a closer look at how real work gets done.
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A Practical Playbook for Long-Life Test Systems

Author Craig Bittner Guest: Todd Meredith
Date Jun. 11, 2026
Every repair process eventually reaches the same question: can we verify the result? That is where the test bench becomes more than equipment. It becomes the decision point. It helps determine whether a component is within limits, whether a fault repeats, whether the repair corrected the issue, and whether the unit is ready to move forward. In that sense, testing is not just a final check. It is part of the workflow that protects quality, reduces uncertainty, and helps keep repair and production environments moving.   Testing is evaluation + verification A useful way to think about this is to...

Navigating the Skies

Author Craig Bittner Guest: Bill Wilson
Date Apr. 18, 2026
In this episode of Nose to Tail, host Patrick Kraus, Managing Director and COO at Jet Midwest, speaks with Bill Wilson, Retired Airline Pilot Captain, about his path through military and commercial aviation.

Dive into Aviation Repairs

Author Craig Bittner Guest: Milton Aguilera
Date Apr. 18, 2026
In this episode of Nose to Tail, host Patrick Kraus, Managing Director & COO of Jet Midwest, sits down with Milton Aguilera, President/Owner at STAR, to hear how his aviation career started in shipping and receiving and evolved into sales, leadership, and eventually launching his own repair station.

Inside the World of MRO Branding

Author Craig Bittner Guest: Michaela Preusser
Date Apr. 18, 2026
A strong MRO brand isn’t about visuals. It’s the alignment between culture, message, and customer experience. When those three match, trust comes faster, decisions get easier, and the market remembers you for the right reasons.

Building an Aviation Business in the Aftermarket

Author Craig Bittner Guest: Delphine Kennedy
Date Apr. 18, 2026
Building an aviation aftermarket business starts with understanding the work, recognizing customer problems, and turning experience into better solutions. Explore lessons in responsiveness, relationships, technology, differentiation, and sustainable growth.

Inside the Engine Shortage

Author Craig Bittner Guest: Rick Tobey
Date Apr. 18, 2026
In today’s engine market, access and lead time matter as much as parts. What keeps programs moving is rarely one big move. It’s a series of disciplined decisions. Choosing the right path early. Keeping records clean. And reducing delays before they compound.

How High-Performing MRO Teams Are Built

Author Craig Bittner Guest: Brandon Allen
Date Apr. 18, 2026
High-performing MRO teams turn learning into capability. Explore how deliberate training, technical discipline, leadership, connected expertise, and repeatable processes help teams solve increasingly difficult repair challenges.

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Nose to Tail Podcast,
Presented by Jet Midwest

Introducing “Nose to Tail,” a podcast where we explore the world of aviation lifecycle solutions, industry-related insights, and more. Join host Patrick Kraus, COO and Managing Director at Jet Midwest, and industry experts for podcast conversations encompassing topics in the commercial aviation marketplace — from nose to tail. Each episode features interviews with some of our colleagues, co-workers, and friends deeply involved in the aviation industry. We’ll discuss the latest trends and innovations, explore the ins and outs of aircraft trading, offer insight for operators looking to extract the highest value from their fleets and share personal stories from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just getting started in the industry, “Nose to Tail” is the perfect podcast for you!

What should we talk about next?

Nose to Tail Podcast, Presented by Jet Midwest

Introducing “Nose to Tail,” a podcast where we explore the world of aviation lifecycle solutions, industry-related insights, and more. Join host Patrick Kraus, COO and Managing Director at Jet Midwest, and industry experts for podcast conversations encompassing topics in the commercial aviation marketplace — from nose to tail. Each episode features interviews with some of our colleagues, co-workers, and friends deeply involved in the aviation industry. We’ll discuss the latest trends and innovations, explore the ins and outs of aircraft trading, offer insight for operators looking to extract the highest value from their fleets and share personal stories from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just getting started in the industry, “Nose to Tail” is the perfect podcast for you!

Expertise is worth sharing

If you work in aviation, you know the best outcomes come from the best people. Nose to tail is our way of learning out loud and pushing the industry forward-one-conversation at a time.   

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