N001AB - Warren Smith (My Flight Instructor)

From crop dusters to corporate jets, charter adventures to the FAA, Warren Smith has experienced nearly every corner of the aviation industry. Growing up in Illinois, Warren’s first exposure to aviation came through agricultural flying. He eventually became an agricultural pilot and flight instructor, helping train future aviators—including The Aviation Bug host in 1985, making this conversation a reunion more than four decades in the making. After his agricultural flying days, Warren transitioned into charter aviation before moving into corporate aviation, flying sophisticated aircraft for high-profile clients and gaining a firsthand look at a world few people ever get to experience.From flying billionaires around the globe and spending time aboard private yachts to the unexpected situations and humorous stories that come with charter flying, Warren has accumulated a lifetime of experiences that showcase aviation from a unique perspective. He later spent time with the airlines before realizing that path wasn’t the right fit. His career ultimately led him to the FAA, where he focused heavily on aviation safety and helping improve standards throughout the industry. This conversation is more than a look at one pilot’s career—it’s a journey through the many paths aviation can offer and the adventures that come with them. Ig: @Capt Mike350 Ig: @TheAviationBug