21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast

Dylan and Max kick things off with stories of Cub flights and musing about GLS approaches and Starlink’s newest data plans. The Mailbag’s international flair includes a heartfelt message from a UK pilot and some simmering debate on career paths and sim setups. Flight Advice dives into the looming specter of single-pilot airline operations and how to future-proof your career (hint: maybe dust off t...

In this episode, Dylan and Max sit down with James Onieal, founder of Raven Career Development, to discuss the current state of pilot hiring and effective strategies for advancing your aviation career. James shares his journey from the cockpit to career coaching, offering invaluable insights for pilots navigating today's job market. Tune in for a candid conversation filled with practical advice an...

Max shares a wild story involving VFR ops in a jet and a last-minute divert to Deer Valley when Scottsdale Tower ghosted them. We cover the final chapter of Hard Landing in the book club and reflect on takeaways from the book. In the mailbag, we talk about MU-2s doing angel work, the A&P to pilot career path, and the latest 737 LRD drama. Flight Advice: Should I keep my survey job or finish my CFI...

In 1995, a team of aviation cowboys set out on a mission that sounds too crazy to be real: fly a WWII B-29 bomber out of the Arctic after 50 years of abandonment . But as guest Vernon Rich tells us, things did not go as planned. From rigging up fuel pumps with trash equipment to landing a Caribou with propane-inflated tires, this story has it all—engineering ingenuity, brutal cold, and a heartbrea...

Dylan and Max kick things off with a deep dive into airline wifi, airport food inflation, and Dylan’s latest experiment—testing the Starlink Mini in the cockpit. Max recounts his wild adventure ferrying a Carbon Cub across the country (spoiler: electrical gremlins strike). The mailbag is packed with listener updates and career insights, while Flight Advice gets spicy with a retired airline pilot l...

Aviation insurance guru Tom Hauge from Wings Insurance is back, and this time, he’s got good news! After years of skyrocketing premiums, the insurance market is finally softening—meaning lower rates and fewer headaches for pilots and operators. Tom breaks down why this is happening, how you can take advantage of it, and what mistakes to avoid when renewing your policy. We also dig into contract pi...

Dylan and Max return after a wild week filled with airline rumors, aviation history, and some sobering accident reports. They break down the bizarre (and quickly debunked) Southwest-JetBlue merger rumor and share their experience chasing the final landing of the last Martin Mars flying boat. The guys also discuss the recent streak of high-profile aviation accidents and their impact on the industry...

Back by popular demand, our favorite widebody-wielding, sleep-deprived, jetlag-conquering airline pilot—Ted—returns! This time, we’re diving deep into the reality of long-haul flying on the Boeing 787. Ted breaks down the pros and cons of international schedules, surviving crew rest, navigating time zone chaos, and why he’s officially done making PAs. Plus, we tackle the never-ending debate: Is in...

Dylan and Max kick things off with a deep dive into the real debates that matter—hotel chain allegiances and the latest pilot hangout in Dallas. Max shares the chaos of nearly missing the birth of his child, a wild Honda Jet radio exchange, and an unexpected submarine sighting. The mailbag is packed with a debate on whether international flying is actually more fatiguing than domestic, a career tr...

Ever wondered what it’s like flying for the Air National Guard? In this episode, Ben joins Dylan and Max to share his journey from high school aviation dreams to the cockpit of a KC-135. We break down the steps to becoming a Guard pilot, how to balance it with a civilian flying career, and why the Guard might be the ultimate flexible gig for pilots. Plus, insider tips on navigating deployments, tr...

Dylan and Max dive into Mr. Beast's bizarre aviation challenge: could you live on a Falcon 2000 for 100 days? The mailbag is overflowing with listener emails about infrared deicing, regional bases, and crazy career pivots. We also revisit the airline consolidation saga in the Hard Landing book club segment and discuss its lasting impact on the industry. Flight Advice wraps up with an ambitious 18...

We’re joined by Megan Tuttle and Jordan Thieme from AeroTow, part of Amigo Mobility International, to dive into their innovative aircraft tugs. From humble beginnings in a Wisconsin garage to creating tugs that save your back (and your time), their story is as compelling as their products. Hear how they’re redefining aircraft handling for pilots, all while keeping it in the family. Plus, Max share...

James Onieal joins Dylan and Max to unpack the turbulent landscape of pilot hiring in 2025. From overhiring at the majors to regional pilots struggling to stand out, James offers no-nonsense advice on how to stay competitive. Whether you’re a CFI with big dreams or a seasoned military pilot planning your exit, this episode is packed with actionable insights for navigating the year ahead. Tune in f...

In this episode, we chat with 747 captain and Paradox Aviation Luggage co-founder, Derrek Khajavi. He gives us the inside scoop on ACMI flying, what it’s like hauling everything from lithium batteries to cows, and why he’s clinging to the 747 throttles for life. Plus, we dive into his innovative luggage company and how he’s solving everyday pilot problems, one aluminum bag at a time. Check out  Pa...

In this episode, Dylan and Max dive into the world of pilot tech toys, debating the merits of the Meta Smart Glasses for aviation and everyday life. The mailbag overflows with emails about flying for passion versus practicality, dealing with unexpected VIP TFRs, and updates from listeners taking unique paths in their aviation careers. Finally, the Flight Advice Fiesta tackles navigating military-t...

Q4 is crunch time in the business aviation world, and Brooks from Vaerus Jet Sales is back to explain why. From analyzing tax incentives like bonus depreciation to discussing market trends on popular airframes, Brooks shares his insights on what’s hot (and not) in bizjet sales. He even gives us a peek into his DC-3 adventures and drops some hard truths about insurance and personal use compliance....

This week, Dylan and Max tackle the highs and lows of aviation life, from Max’s fuel leak woes to a surprising guest appearance reviewing the new Microsoft Flight Simulator. In the Mailbag, listeners share experiences from the world of air ambulance flying and tips for mastering cockpit emergencies. Flight Advice takes on a big question for aspiring airline pilots: should you intern with a major a...

In this episode, Dylan and Max sit down with Jim Lara of Gray Stone Advisors and Jenny Showalter of Showalter Business Aviation Career Coaching to explore the critical role of leadership in business aviation. They unpack why many flight departments are at risk and how strong leadership can be the difference between thriving or shutting down. From empowering the next generation to navigating small...

Dylan and Max jump right into Max’s “notes,” sharing stories of unique ATC run-ins, surprising speed regulations, and the challenges of keeping a safe cockpit. In the mailbag, listeners chime in on airline pilot influencers and the unique journey of buying an airplane for time-building. Finally, the Flight Advice segment tackles a tough choice: a new regional pilot gig versus a unique CBP opportun...

Dr. Broyhill joins us for an in-depth look at the latest pilot compensation data and the shifting landscape of aviation salaries. From surprising increases in maintenance roles to the impacts of training backlogs, we dig into what’s driving today’s pay rates. Plus, we discuss retention tactics, leadership lessons, and how to assess a job offer beyond just the dollar signs. A must-listen for any pi...

In this episode, Dylan and Max reminisce about the grueling interview days at American Eagle, where 500 hours landed you in the 707 sim. They compare corporate and airline training styles, from smoke-filled cockpit drills to NDB approaches and trust falls. Mailbag: Reserve Flying, Setting the record straight on the United 570, and more on the Delta sidestep. Flight Advice: A tense relationship wit...

In this episode, Dylan and Max sit down with Kaity (aka Pilot Kaity) to explore her unconventional journey through light sport flight training. Kaity shares how she found a unique path that kept her out of debt and got her into the cockpit faster than most. Plus, Kaity drops some career advice on balancing cost-saving hacks with quality training. Follow Kaity on Instagram | YouTube Show Notes 0:00...

In this episode, Dylan shares his recent experience flying Southwest and reflects on the airline’s unique in-flight culture. The guys also discuss the lessons from United’s pilot strike and its impact on the industry as recounted in Hard Landing . The Mailbag includes a listener’s take on sidestep maneuvers and the challenges of operational compliance. For Flight Advice, a listener asks whether it...

In this episode, Dylan and Max welcome back career expert James Onieal from Raven Career Development to discuss the state of the aviation industry and how pilots can navigate these turbulent times. From ULCC pilots feeling stuck to legacies that aren’t hiring as quickly, James dives deep into how pilots can strategize their next move. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to jump ship or stay put,...

Dylan and Max reflect on the surprising amount of time pilots spend together, from shared meals to long-haul convos in the cockpit. We cover Chapter 9 of Hard Landing in the book club. A listener writes in about a vibrating seat mystery on a recent 787 flight. And in Flight Advice, the hosts help a commuting pilot navigate the unwritten rules of jump seat etiquette, offering tips on how to avoid a...