Growing up with a news anchor father and a flight attendant mother, Stefan Holt was surrounded by journalism and aviation. One became his occupation, while the other his passion.

Holt’s career path started while he was at Pepperdine, when he interned at news stations in Los Angeles and London. He also became a pilot. After beginning his career in Florida, he returned to his native Chicago as a reporter and anchor at NBC Chicago. After a few years in Chicago, followed by four years as an anchor in New York City, Holt returned to anchor NBC’s news in Chicago in 2020.

Having admired the elder Holt’s work during his 14 years as an anchor in Chicago, I followed Stefan’s career from the start and was happy to see him return to Chicago. I also enjoy his social media posts featuring aviation tidbits.

One post was especially interesting, and I had to learn more. Holt discussed the connection between the Chicago Bears and Standard Terminal Arrivals, the charts used by pilots and controllers. These charts include paths named PAITN, DITCA, GAULT and other arrivals clearly named for Bears legends. Holt continued by revealing more arrivals named for other Chicago sports legends.

In our interview, Holt elaborated on the STAR charts. He discussed other cities doing similar things. Not all are sports-related.

Holt spoke of his love of aviation, including several aspects of being a pilot. He talked about the preparation, pressure, enjoyment and freedom of flying.

He also discussed how travel fits into his career. Covering events in many locations, he appreciates the travel opportunities.

When I asked Holt about writing a book, his answer was a bit of a surprise. He mentioned a possible aviation thriller in the future. It was an interesting choice and one I would love to see come to fruition. I should have known, though, it would involve aviation.

We finished with a bit of local talk, as I asked for his preference on Chicago-style versus New York-style pizza. He also gave his thoughts on other interesting Chicago places.

Talking Travel is an interview series on Global Traveler. Subscribe to the GT YouTube channel to be notified of all future interviews and other travel-related videos.

— John Wroblewski, podcaster