aviationcareerspodcast's podcast

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. Talking Points: How Elliot's passion for aviation was ignited! His path to the flight deck. Why did he start a charter company? What are the benefits of Part 135 from a customer fa...

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 journey to the flight deck of a commer...

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-devastati ng-blow-to-more-than-2000-pilots-thousands-more-workers This news does not...

ACP455 Getting Started with FAA Medical Certification Today we have a special guest Chris Pezalla to discuss getting started with FAA Medical Certification. 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 V...

ACP454 How To Survive A Furlough 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 a furlough. Talking Points: What is a furlough, a leave of absence normally involu...

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 later. Talking Points: Max's journey to the fight deck. Why did he choose to become an airline pilot? What are...

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 of you know, a member of our team, Le...

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 aviation. Giveaway link: https://www.instagram.com/brookemcampb...

Is it still worth becoming a pilot in 2026?

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 of transportation and there are numerous videos covering that topic. https://www.statista.com/chart/18264/...

In episode ACP406 FLYGIRL DETAILING : HOW A PASSION FOR AVIATION TURNED INTO A LUCRATIVE BUSINESS we 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 Clair Maher. Welcome back to the show, Claire....

In episode 445, I discussed the hiring outlook 2026 and in episode 424 I discussed why the pilot hiring wave started last year. Today we discuss the workforce projections for 2026 from an aviation training perspective with CEO of Spartan College Of Aeronautics and Technology, Rob Polston. Mentorship: https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use the coupon code "CoachItFo...

We have seen an increase in pilots sharing their end of year paystubs online. Let me tell you why I think this is a bad idea with both good and bad intentions. Talking Points: What pilots really make https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm#tab-5 $239,200 or more scheduled air transportation 2024 stats That puts you in the top 10% of commercial p...

Should you become a pilot in 2026? Today we dive deeper into the hiring outlook for 2026 and beyond. If you want monthly updates and access to the pilot interview course and mentorship community visit https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Sponsor: https://stratus.finance/ Pilot Hiring Outlook 2026 250 to 750 per month at the legacies. That is 3000 to 9000 pilots this...

I am currently touring flight schools with the intent of becoming an airline pilot. I came across your podcast on YouTube. I listened to a great episode on the benefits of becoming an airline pilot in 2025. Thanks for sharing such valuable information. I'm reaching out with question/s regarding flight schools. Like many, the expense is really the only thing giving me pause. I am 38 years old and o...

Take one step today to enhance your career goal with the gift card you received this holiday! Welcome to our annual recommendation on how to spend your Gift Card and Enhance your career! Questions, comments, or inspirational stories; please write to us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com. Our latest video: https://www.youtube.com/@AviationCareersPodcast Stick and Rudder: An Explanation of the A...

ACP442 How To Pass IOE Advice From A Line Evaluator Recently hired or simply wondering if you can pass IOE at an airline? Today joining me is Derek Lagasse, a former check chairman with a regional carrier and now 737 first officer at a major airline. We'll discuss how to successfully pass your Initial Operating Experience (IOE). Introduction What is IOE? What is different and how does that affect...

Have you ever looked skyward at the floating bubble of peaceful artwork and wondered what it would be like to be a balloon pilot? Well today we have with us Craig Elliott, author of The Balloonatics - Memoir of a Professional Hot Air Balloon Pilot. Talking Points: How Craig got involved in ballooning in 1976 How Craig happened to become a full time Professional Hot Air Balloon Pilot What are the v...

Are you dreaming of landing your ideal pilot job in 2026, but feel overwhelmed by the competition and changing hiring landscape? We're breaking down exactly what it takes to stand out, offering insider insights and a clear roadmap to secure those highly sought-after positions. Don't let your dream remain a dream. The 2026 Pilot Landscape: What's Changing? Key Skills & Qualifications for 2026 Navig...

ACP439 Paying For Flight Training There are many ways you can pay for your flight training, but what is best for you? In today's episode, we will dive into the many methods of funding your flight training with a few hacks you may never have thought of. Pay Cash Pay as you go. Put as little down as possible to reduce the risk of no refund. Family and friends. They can give up to $19,000 per person...

Ever wonder what it really takes to land that dream airline pilot job? It's far more than just flying skills. Join me as I pull back the curtain on the grueling, often frustrating, yet ultimately rewarding journey of the airline interview – a test of dedication and resilience that few truly understand. Mentorship: https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use the coupon c...

I was sold on the myth that you could not have an aviation career in your 30's,boy where are they wrong! I did it and so can you. Now I help people of all ages transition to a career in aviation whether they are in their 20's, 30's, 40's and more. Are you wondering if you can transition careers in your 30's? Already started along a path in your career and have had some success but not feeling fulf...

During our coaching sessions we discuss a financial plan towards reaching your goal as a pilot. But now that you have achieved success in your career what is next? How do we have a more fulfilling life as an airline pilot but also how do we build wealth to help our family and others. This series was built to help you. To increase your wealth, save and Invest to let your wealth grow. Sounds simple...

Social media and our friends can be full of negativity and bad advice so how do we navigate our way through this gauntlet of adversity? In this episode we will discuss how to prevent people you don't even know or care about from stealing your aviation dream. Advice to keep positive in the field of negativity. -Your friends many times only parrot what they hear in the media and online. - share your...