Aero Exploration

Episode Description: In this solo episode of Fly the Transition, Jim addresses the challenges and frustrations that can arise from working with a less-than-ideal flight instructor. Learn strategies for handling these issues, adapting effectively, and accessing resources to support your flight training journey. Key Topics Covered: Identifying the signs of a bad instructor Strategies for handling an...

In this episode of  Fly the Transition , we sit down with CFII JD Parsons, a helicopter pilot, flight school owner, and the founder of On the Ball Coffee, an aviation-themed coffee company. JD’s journey into aviation is anything but ordinary—before taking to the skies, he was a successful entrepreneur running a trucking company, a street sweeping business, and several gas stations. But despite his...

Episode Title: Opportunities in the Aviation Industry for Non-Pilots In this episode of  Fly the Transition , Jim explores the wide range of career opportunities in the aviation industry for those who aren’t eligible or interested in becoming pilots. From air traffic control to aircraft maintenance, discover the many ways to be part of the aviation world without flying the planes. If you’re passio...

Episode Title: Financing Your Flight Training: Managing Costs and Avoiding Financial Pitfalls Episode Description: In this solo episode of Fly the Transition, Jim addresses the fear of financial instability and the significant costs associated with flight training and a midlife career change into aviation. Learn practical strategies for budgeting, saving, and financing your aviation journey while...

Episode Title: Description: In this episode of  Fly the Transition , we sit down with Nick Antilla, a first officer at a major airline, who shares his inspiring journey from metal fabrication and welding to the cockpit. After losing his job during the Covid cutbacks, Nick transitioned into aviation, overcoming misinformation and learning the importance of communication with his partner. Tune in to...

Episode Title: Balancing Flight Training with Life: Strategies for Success Episode Description: In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim tackles the challenge of balancing flight training with work, family, and other responsibilities, especially for those making a midlife career change into aviation. Jim shares personal strategies and practical tips to help you find that elusive balance, ensurin...

Episode Title: Navigating Career Change Challenges in Aviation Episode Description: In this special solo episode of  Fly the Transition,  Jim introduces the concept of solo episodes, where he dives deep into the unique challenges and opportunities of pursuing a midlife career in aviation. Jim shares his personal journey, including his 10 years as a private pilot, his current pursuit of a CFI ratin...

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"! On this episode, we talk about another area of aviation that is facing a shortage in workers, aviation maintenance. We will talk with Steven, a former scuba instructor and paramedic who now teaches A&P courses in florida. We talk about his career path, his love of aviation, and how to get on the aviation maintenance career...

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"! On this episode, I am welcome Tyler Smith, former police officer turned CFI. Tyler had early dreams of aviation, but the finances of college and training put that dream out of reach. He would become a police officer, training officer, and SWAT Operator with his department. His exposure to a nearby airport reignited his passion....

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"! On this episode, I am so excited to welcome Dan Millican of the YouTube channel Taking Off. Dan made his career in television, film, and corporate media production. At the rise of the age of drone systems, Dan was able to incorporate his interest in aviation into his job. Dan began to chase a number of pilot certificates, to include his...

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"! On this episode, I am thrilled to welcome my good friend Seth Bunker, a First Officer with a major US Carrier. Seth got his start in aviation as an enlisted aircrew member in the United States Air Force. He served as a boom operator and a flight engineer. He leveraged his flight engineer hours and experience to work his way int...

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"! In this episode, we are joined by AZ CFI Richard Donaldson. Richard spent over 25 years working in Silicon Valley Tech, building start ups, working in supply chain, and more. As tech took a turn and the world faced a global pandemic, Richard moved to one of the hotbeds of aviation training, Arizona. A discovery flight got Richa...

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"! In this episode, we are joined by Cory Palm, an innovative agricultural drone spray pilot. Cory originally dreamed of becoming a crop duster pilot but instead pursued a career path in agriculture as an agronomist as well as work as a paramedic. After working as a medic and facing long hours, low pay, and disruptions to his fami...

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"! In this episode, we're joined by Jason Reynolds, a multi-faceted individual who has traversed careers in real estate, ministry, and aviation. Jason shares his unique journey, from answering a calling of faith and building a congregation to discovering a new passion in aviation as he transitioned from ministry to a fresh car...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Fly the Transition! We are joined by Aaron, a pilot with one of the major airlines. He talks to us about early dreams of aviation that were curbed by the events of 9/11, a successful tech consulting career, and breaking the golden handcuffs to chase his dreams of flying. Join our Community: If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the convers...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Fly the Transition! We're back for another new episode of Fly the Transition I'm so excited to welcome Trent Dyrsmid of the YouTube channel Fly with Trent. We talk about his success with his content creation, his work as a CFI, and his journey to a career in commercial aviation. Fly with Trent: https://flywithtrent.com/ Join our Community: If you...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Fly the Transition! After a couple of weeks off, Fly the Transition is back with a new episode. This time around we talk with Legacy Airline Pilot and aviation mentor Kenny Thomas. Kenny grew up in the Bronx with limited access to aviation. After a stint as an Air Force Maintainer, Kenny went back to college, earned his commission and became an Air Force...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Fly the Transition! On this week's episode, I talk with Jared, math whiz turned regional pilot. He will tell us about working on building a plane in high school, his careers with numbers, teaching, and eventually landing a job in aviation at a regional airlines. Join our Community: If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Fly the Transition! On this week's episode, we sit down with Dr. Keith Roxo, Operations Director with WIngman Med. We discuss the ever important medical certificates, dispel some myths, and what you should know before you go. Wingman Med : www.wingmanmed.com Join our Community: If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, co...

I had a little bit of content from the cutting room floor from our last episode that I thought I would share. Join me for a little more of my conversation with Herve! On this week's episode, we sit down with Ag-Pilot Herve. He tells us about his time and service in the United States Marine Corps, and his unique journey into the world of aerial application and flying in the agriculture industry...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Fly the Transition! On this week's episode, we sit down with Ag-Pilot Herve. He tells us about his time and service in the United States Marine Corps, and his unique journey into the world of aerial application and flying in the agriculture industry. Join our Community: If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider j...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Fly the Transition! This time, I welcome aviation podcaster and flight school owner Bobby Doss. Bobby is one of the hosts of the Behind the Prop Podcast. bobby will share his journey of early career exploration. He talks about his time as a police dispatcher and police officer, his move to the tech industry, and chasing his dreams into aviation in his 40...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Fly the Transition! This time, we're embarking on an inspiring journey with Nutrition Specialist Leila, currently navigating her own career transformation. From a childhood fear of flying to being inspired by her private pilot father. Leila's path to professional aviation was set in motion after a car accident kept her out of the air during her t...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Fly the Transition! On this episode, we have a special guest on board – Airline Pilot Jody Brant. A former corpsman in the United States Navy, Jody initially aspired to pursue a career in medicine after earning his degree. However, life had different plans for him. Tune in as Jody takes us through his remarkable journey, from the medical field to the dyn...

Welcome aboard another thrilling episode of Fly the Transition! In this episode, we're honored to be joined by the remarkable Nik Fialka, a seasoned veteran in the world of aviation. Nik's journey is nothing short of extraordinary – from serving as a naval aviator to commanding the skies as a major airline captain. As if that weren't impressive enough, he also wears the hat of the host...