JFO Aviation

JFO Aviation

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Welcome to JFO Aviation! My name is John McDermott. I'm a Gold Seal CFI/CFII/MEI in State College, PA.

I am happy to discuss ground and flight training at any level or your ferry flight needs.

RISING FROM THE HILLS | Departure from State College, PA [w/ ATC Audio] 12/20/2025

New YouTube Video from JFO Aviation Films

RISING FROM THE HILLS | Departure from State College, PA [w/ ATC Audio] Welcome back to JFO Aviation! Join me onboard this Bombardier CRJ550 (CRJ7) operated by GoJet Airlines (G7/GJS) for United Express. Today, I'm departing from...

The Most Relief I Have Ever Felt on an Airplane 12/14/2025

JFO Aviation has some big changes on the horizon! Keep an eye out in the coming months for a complete redesign, number of new blog series, and better videos on JFO Aviation Films. In the meantime, check out this post recapping one of the flights featured on the YouTube channel. Leave a comment for things you would like to see us produce down the line!

The Most Relief I Have Ever Felt on an Airplane The Miami International Airport will forever hold a place in my heart.I have flown through the airport precisely two times. Most recently, I was making a connection from visiting my fiancé's family in Arizona back to Gainesville, where my car had been stored for the better part of two weeks. That c...

12/13/2025

A feature I wrote in Aero Crew News. Check it out!

Aero Crew News Perspectives:

The Unexpected Value of Walkable Airports

Ever think about how walkable your airport is? For frequent flyers and flight crew, this feature is a game-changer!

In a new piece, aviation enthusiast and flight crew member John McDermott highlights why a great airport layout means more than just short security lines or good food. After hours spent sitting on a plane, having the space to stretch your legs and meander through an airport can drastically improve the travel experience, especially during long delays.

Chicago O’Hare (ORD) is praised for its interconnected Terminals 1, 2, and 3, allowing for over a mile of continuous walking—perfect for shaking off that cabin fever!

Philadelphia (PHL) and Midway (MDW) also offer great walkability, letting travelers easily transit between gates and get some movement.

In contrast, John notes that airports with a disconnected "hub-and-spoke" model, like the domestic terminals at Orlando International (MCO), can feel claustrophobic and limit the chance to move around.

John finds that walkability is often the underlying factor that makes other positive airport qualities possible. It's a key feature that makes an airport truly great!

What's your favorite walkable airport? Share in the comments!

Link to full article in the comments.

DEPARTING AT DUSK | American 737 in Charlotte 09/03/2025

While teaching in Florida, I spent quite a few trips connecting through Charlotte Douglas International Airport - CLT visiting family and going on work trips. Come along for one such connection as I depart from Charlotte for Phoenix, AZ onboard this American Airlines 737.

DEPARTING AT DUSK | American 737 in Charlotte Welcome back to JFO Aviation! Join me onboard this Boeing 737 as we depart the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. This hop was a connection in from cen...

08/31/2025

Buying a new-to-you airplane? Preparing to move to a new or second home? Looking for a ? JFO Aviation is ready and willing to travel anywhere in the United States. Whether you need a simple single leg or a complex cross-country trek, I am happy to help.

I have nearly 1900 hours of flight time in a variety of single- and multi-engine piston aircraft. Whether you have a simple steam-gauge Cessna or a modern, glass-cockpit twin Diamond, I can help you get where you need to go.

Scan the QR below or visit https://jfoaviation.wixsite.com/home to learn more and get in touch.

08/31/2025

Looking to start flight training or get to the next level as a pilot? I'm happy to help! I am based at the State College Regional Airport (KUNV) in central PA, where I instruct full time at Tech Aviation Flight School. I can also travel to fly with you in your own plane at your own airport.

If you are a Penn State student, get in touch with Tech Aviation Flight School (TAFS) and ask to fly with me. I'm happy to help!

As a Gold Seal CFI/CFII/MEI with nearly 1900 hours, and 1200 dual given, I have signed off pilots at every level from Sport to Commercial Pilot. I am eligible to sign off initial flight instructor applicants this October. With HP, complex, and tailwheel endorsements, I am qualified and proficient in practically every make & model of piston aircraft on the market.

I know how challenging it is to find instructors around here; I have students that travel over an hour because their local airports do not have accessible flight training. My goal is to make training seamless and simple, whether that means we do ground remotely via Zoom; we do flight training over a consolidated period; or we meet a specific timeline.

If you're looking for time in a specific type, I have listed my top 9 most-flown types below. When you are ready to get started, feel free to leave a comment; send a DM; or scan the QR at the bottom of the page to visit my website and learn more.

I have at least 10 hours in the following aircraft types:
Pipistrel Alpha Trainer (1130)
Cessna 172 (510)
Piper Warrior II (75)
Piper Seminole (40)
Cessna 182 Skylane (30, including C82R)
Cessna 162 Skycatcher (25)
Bristell Classic (13)
Diamond DA42 Twin Star (10)
Piper PA11 Cub Special (10)

WINTER WEATHER INTO SMALL AIRPORTS | Embraer 145 in State College, PA 08/28/2025

If you're looking forward to winter weather, get a sneak peak with this mid-blizzard arrival into the State College Regional Airport, home of Penn State.

WINTER WEATHER INTO SMALL AIRPORTS | Embraer 145 in State College, PA Welcome back to State College, PA! Join me onboard this Piedmont Airlines Embraer 145 as we land in State College, PA on behalf of American Airlines. This is...

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State College, PA
16801