Aviation Careers Podcast

What is it really like to spend your working day in a full-motion flight simulator preparing airline pilots for some of the most demanding situations they may ever encounter? For many professional pilots, becoming a simulator instructor can open an entirely different chapter of an aviation career. Instead of transporting passengers from one city to … Continue reading ACP471 What It’s R...

======================================== One on One Coaching: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/ We will help you define your goals and create a plan to land your dream job. Mentorship: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/mentorship/ Receive one month access to the mentorship community free using the coupon code “CoachItForward” ====================================== If you want t...

Aviation has its own language—and for a new student pilot, mechanic, or aviation professional, that language can sometimes feel overwhelming. Today we talk with Daniel Bezden, private pilot and founder of Keynomen Aviation, a platform designed to help aviation students develop a deeper understanding of the words, terms, and abbreviations they encounter throughout their training. … Continue r...

“Am I too old to change careers and become a professional pilot?” Sometimes that question comes from someone in their 30s. Sometimes in their 40s. Sometimes in their 50s. But underneath the question is usually something deeper: Can I really leave the career and life I’ve already built and start over in aviation? Our guest … Continue reading ACP468 A Midlife Reinvention: Anita Ammon’s Inspiri...

Jessica Chrismer has traveled to all 50 states and at least 30 countries during a career that has included more than a decade as a corporate flight attendant. But somewhere along the journey, aviation led her toward another career she never expected—becoming an award-winning children’s author. Today we’re going to talk about two careers you … Continue reading ACP467 From Corporat...

Today we have a special guest Kevin McDermott Author of Flight Path: An Irreverent Aviation Tale. Kevin encourages pilots and non-pilots alike to persevere through setbacks, appreciate the mentors who shape our lives, and never lose their sense of humor along the way. Affiliate Link to book: https://amzn.to/4zjCd2W Coaching and Mentorship: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/ We will h...

Coaching, Courses, and Scholarships. https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/ ========================================= When most people hear the phrase “remote career,” they picture someone working from a laptop at home, sitting in a coffee shop, or answering emails from a beach. But there is another kind of remote career. A career where your office might be 35,000 feet above the ground. A …...

Bankruptcy. Merger. A frozen pension. Furlough. These are words every airline pilot hopes they will never hear. Today’s guest has experienced all of them—and still managed to rebuild, reinvent himself, and come out on top. Paul Horsley is a retired airline pilot and the author of “Why the Rich Don’t Die Broke”. Paul, welcome to … Continue reading ACP464 A Pilot’s Second Act After The P...

Today we have a returning guest Elliot Mintzer to discuss Building the Right Hours. Sponsor: https://pilotcounsel.com/ Talking Points: 1. Every Hour Is Not Created Equal 2. Chase Responsibility Before You Chase Aircraft 3. Learn the Business, Not Just the Airplane 4. Seek Mentors Who Challenge You 5. Think Like a Future Chief Pilot From Day … Continue reading ACP463 Hours vs. The Right Hours...

Is it too late to become a professional pilot in your 50s? Today’s guest, Doug Wolfe, proves that age does not have to prevent you from pursuing your aviation dreams. Doug changed careers in his 50s and is now living his dream as a corporate pilot. In this episode of the Aviation Careers Podcast, Doug … Continue reading ACP462 Changing Careers in Your 50s: Doug Wolfe’s Journey to Corporate A...

Most 15-year-olds are just beginning to think about their future careers. Today’s guest says he is already working in aircraft sales and representing a Polish light-sport aircraft in California Sponsor: https://PIlotCounsel.com  Links https://linktr.ee/ekolotcalifornia https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/  Coaching, Courses, and Scholarships. Upcoming Events and Air Shows: FlySnf.org 2027 – Apr...

One year ago I sat in my car outside the urgent care knowing I should go due to my medical condition but also knew that my career as a pilot may end. This is the story of what I did and what I learned one year later. Before I get started, full disclosure: my attorney … Continue reading ACP460 A Trip To The Emergency Room Grounded Me : Lessons Learned One Year Later → The post ACP460 A...

Today, we have a special guest, Paul Wynns, to discuss using your 529 for flight training. Paul is the co-founder of FlexAir Flight, recently received his PhD, and is a volunteer with The Flight Training Alliance, an organization key to advancing this new legislation. Sponsor: https://pilotcounsel.com Links: https://www.nftaus.org/ https://goflexair.com/ https://goflexair.com/529 https://www.aviat...

Today we have a special guest Elliot Mintzer, a former operator of two multimillion dollar PC-12 focused part 135 operations. We are excited to discuss what it takes to start and operate a successful Part 135 operation. Mentorship: https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use the coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free. One-On-One Coaching: https://valeri-a...

Today we have a special guest Irwin Wenzel Author of Nice Jewish Boys Don’t Fly Airplanes : A sharp, funny, and heartfelt memoir about defying expectations—and finding your own flight path. Sponsor: https://pilotcounsel.com/ Talking Points: How he developed his passion for aviation. Growing up in the Queens and understanding Why Jewish Boys Don’t Fly. Irwin’s … Continue reading ACP457...

The most common question I get after publishing my last episode about surviving a furlough is “What does Spirit shutting down mean for new pilots?” Today, I will also answer the question of how this affects all pilots at all levels. Talking Points: https://www.alpa.org/press-room/2026/05/spirit-airlines-closure-a-devastating-blow-to-more-than-2000-pilots-thousands-more-workers This news does not a...

Today we have a special guest Chris Pezalla to discuss getting started with FAA Medical Certification. Sponsor: https://pilotcounsel.com Talking Points: Steps before you apply -Read the user guide -Have your medical information ready -Application process (MedExpress) and AME visit -Be accurate and complete -Find additional documentation -Save the confirmation number -Post AME Visit -Issued (But &#...

If you have been furloughed, are facing a furlough, or want to know what a furlough is, this podcast is for you. I know what it is like to be furloughed and have been assisting furloughed pilots for over 25 years. Today I am going to share with you proven steps that work in surviving … Continue reading ACP454 How To Survive A Furlough → The post ACP454 How To Survive A Furlough appeare...

Do you ever wonder why some airline pilots retire early, even though we have heard this is a dream job? Today we have a special guest, Max Kohnke, who recently retired early as an airline pilot, and he shares why he retired early and what he misses and doesn’t miss about the job one year … Continue reading ACP453 Why I Retired Early As An Airline Pilot → The post ACP453 Why I Retired E...

I Hart flying scholarships have been in our scholarships guide since their inception. Don’t forget through the generous support of our listeners and sponsors you can get a scholarship guide for free by visiting https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/. Rachelle from I Hart is joining us today to announce a new initiative to support women in flight. As many … Continue reading ACP452 Clear...

Today we have a special guest who is living her dream flying a Falcon 50 to exotic and exciting airports. Talking Points: What fueled her passion for aviation? Schools attended including college Funny story from her training. Tips for student pilots. Why did you choose corporate aviation? Advice for those looking to get into corporate … Continue reading ACP451 Brooke Campbell Falcon 50 Pilot...

Trying To Decide What Direction You Should Take In Your Career? Contemplating Changing Your Career? Preparing For An Airline Interview? Can’t Decide If A Career Is Right For You? We can help with our career coaching: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/ Our Career Coaching Services Will Help You: Define Your Goals. Create An Action Plan. Guide You Towards Your … Continue reading...

Is flying safe as a career? Due to recent news I have received questions from people in our coaching community asking if flying is safe. First, if you have reached this video and are wanting to discover if flying is safe as a mode of transportation the answer is yes. Flying is the safest mode … Continue reading ACP449 Is Flying Safe As A Career? → The post ACP449 Is Flying Safe As A Ca...

In episode ACP406 FLYGIRL DETAILING : HOW A PASSION FOR AVIATION TURNED INTO A LUCRATIVE BUSINESSwe spoke with Claire Maher about her entrepreneurial journey into the aviation business. Now, over a year later, she has accomplished an important aviation milestone, the commercial pilot certificate. To give us a career update and discuss the journey is … Continue reading ACP448 Career Update Fl...

Today we discuss the workforce projections for 2026 from an aviation training perspective with CEO of Spartan College Of Aeronautics and Technology, Rob Polston. https://www.spartan.edu Mentorship: https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use the coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free. One-On-One Coaching: https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/care...