Justin Siems
Pilot to Pilot
Pilot to Pilot is the podcast for anyone who flies — or dreams about it. Host Justin Siems sits down with airline captains, bush pilots, CFIs, and everyone in between for honest conversations about the path to the cockpit, the grind of the career, and the love of flying that keeps us coming back. Whether you're a student pilot chasing your first solo or a captain with 20,000 hours, there's a seat for you here. New episodes weekly.
Author
Justin Siems
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jun 24, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
E338 - No Regrets: Why You Should Take the Leap into Aviation 19.08.2025 1:04:42
Flying High with Charlie Gasmire: Lessons from the Cockpit and Beyond Join us as we soar into the world of aviation with Charlie Gasmire, the brain behind Airplane Academy. With a family legacy of aviators, Charlie’s journey from a young boy inspired by his grandfather and father to a successful pilot and entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, we dive deep into Charlie's expe...
E337 - Exploring Contract Flying with Evan Luft 12.08.2025 1:15:58
Evan Luft joins us on the podcast today, and he's here to share his unique journey through the world of aviation as a contract pilot. One of the standout points we discuss is that you don't have to follow the traditional path of becoming an airline pilot to enjoy a fulfilling and lucrative career in aviation. Evan's experiences flying over the stunning landscapes of Canada, from the Rocky Mountain...
Couple Goals: How Erin and Paul Built Their Dream Plane 05.08.2025 1:07:44
Erin and Paul, the dynamic husband-wife pilot duo, have taken their passion for aviation to new heights by building their very own Bearhawk 5. In this episode, they share the incredible journey of finding the perfect aircraft, navigating the world of airplane kits, and the challenges of construction, all while balancing their personal and professional lives. Their story is not just about the mecha...
E335 - State of the Industry and Your Finances with Jim Higgins & Elise Dominguez 15.07.2025 1:39:05
Avination, welcome back to Episode 335 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast! Host Justin Siems sits down with aviation expert Jim Higgins , a former airline pilot and University of North Dakota professor, and Elise Dominguez , a Certified Financial Planner at Allworth Airline Advisors, for a deep dive into the airline industry and pilot financial planning . They unpack the cyclical nature of pilot...
E334 - The Role of Technology in Modern Aviation with Skypath 10.06.2025 43:15
The episode features an engaging discussion with Hagai Makov, the Vice President of Business Development at Skypath, a revolutionary application designed to enhance the aviation experience through innovative technology. Makov shares his personal journey, revealing how his aspirations shifted from joining Special Forces to becoming an attack helicopter pilot in the Israeli Air Force. This transitio...
Backcountry Flying Adventures: Embracing the Freedom 07.05.2025 1:10:35
The focus of this episode revolves around the captivating journey of Steve, a former F15 pilot and now an accomplished airline pilot, who shares his remarkable experiences, including a harrowing incident involving a forced water landing that tested his mettle and resilience. Steve recounts his transition from military aviation to civilian flying, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and the in...
Flying High: The Transformation from Engineer to Aviator 25.04.2025 59:42
welcome back to episode 332 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. In todays podcast episode we talk about the journey of Tom, a commercial pilot transitioning from a successful engineering career to pursue his lifelong aspiration of becoming a professional pilot. Throughout the discussion, we delve into Tom's experiences with aircraft ownership, specifically his acquisition of a Cessna 150 and subsequent...
E331 - Enhancing Flight Safety: The Turbulence Detection Revolution 16.04.2025 54:51
SkyPath Free Trial - https://skypath.io/start_a_trial/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=SkyPath&utm_id=Pilot2Pilot&utm_content=Guypodcast The salient point of this podcast episode centers on the innovative advancements in turbulence detection and management provided by Skypath, as articulated by its Chief Product Officer, Guy. Throughout our dialogue, we explore Guy's...
The Art of Flight: Mastering Aerobatics and Airline Operations 18.02.2025 1:37:11
The salient point of this episode revolves around the remarkable journey of Marco Bouw, who transitioned from a career in regional airlines to becoming a major airline pilot while also pursuing his passion for aerobatics. Throughout our discourse, we delve into Marco's early inspirations, including his experiences at the Oshkosh Airshow, which ignited his desire to fly. We share insights into the...
Transitioning to the 121 World: A Pilot's Perspective on New Challenges 05.02.2025 1:15:43
Avination, welcome back to episode 329 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast today’s episode is with my buddy, Mike Pardillo. Mike and I were in the same class at our major airline and were a day apart in our 737 training. In this episode, Mike, talks about why he went the military route, what the Growler life was like and how the transition to 121 life has been!
The State of Aviation: Hiring Trends and Industry Insights 28.01.2025 1:21:05
The Pilot to Pilot Podcast dives deep into the current state of the aviation industry, with host Justin Seams engaging in a thorough discussion with Dr. Jim Higgins, a professor of aviation. The conversation begins with a candid update on the challenges faced by the podcast team, including illness and scheduling difficulties, setting a relatable tone for listeners. As they transition into the hear...
The Life of a Thunderbird Pilot: Caroline Blaze Jensen Shares Her Story 17.01.2025 1:25:49
Caroline Blaze Jensen, a former Thunderbird pilot and accomplished fighter pilot, shares her incredible journey through aviation, including her experiences flying combat missions and performing in air shows. She emphasizes the importance of determination and resilience, highlighting that success often comes from overcoming failures and learning from them. Caroline discusses the unique pressures of...
Innovations in Aviation: A Conversation with Cirrus CEO Zean Nielsen 07.01.2025 46:52
Zean Nielsen, the CEO of Cirrus, joins Justin on the Pilot to Pilot podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of general aviation and the exciting innovations at Cirrus, including the recently launched G7. Nielsen emphasizes the significant investment Cirrus is making in research and development to enhance safety and customer experience. He shares insights into the challenges and opportunities pre...
The Evolution of Flight Training: Insights from Bob Werderich at Spartan Education Group 24.12.2024 1:14:32
Bob Werderich, a professional pilot and executive vice president of Spartan Flight Operations, shares his inspiring journey into aviation, emphasizing the importance of personal connections in flight training. He discusses how his early experiences with his father, a pilot for North Central Airlines, shaped his love for flying, leading him to a career he never initially intended to pursue. As he r...
Navigating Career Changes: Tips from a 17-Year Airline Pilot 17.12.2024 1:04:45
Darren Byrd, a dedicated airline pilot with nearly two decades of experience, recounts his inspirational journey into the aviation industry, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Starting with a childhood fascination for flight simulators, Darren's desire to become a pilot was initially stifled by self-doubt regarding his math skills and eyesight. It wasn't until his wife pushed...
Behind the Scenes of SkyPath: The App Revolutionizing Air Travel 10.12.2024 53:21
Maya Shpak, CEO of SkyPath, shares her journey from a military helicopter pilot to leading an innovative aviation technology company focused on turbulence reporting. With a unique app likened to "Waze for turbulence," SkyPath empowers pilots by harnessing real-time data to enhance flight safety and comfort. Maya discusses her passion for flying, the thrill of helicopter aviation, and the importanc...
Flying and Dying: A Pilot's Journey from Cardiac Arrest to Recovery 03.12.2024 1:27:26
Tom Heidema, an experienced American Airlines pilot, shares his incredible journey from becoming a flight instructor to navigating the highs and lows of his aviation career, including a life-altering cardiac arrest. He discusses the importance of maintaining health and fitness as a pilot, emphasizing that flying is just one part of a more significant identity. The episode details his near-death ex...
E321 The Good, the Bad, and the Bumpy: Debriefing a Hair-Raising Flight 24.11.2024 49:53
Josh Flowers and Justin Seams reflect on their recent flight adventure to Olathe, Kansas, highlighting critical lessons learned from navigating challenging weather conditions. The main takeaway emphasizes that a good outcome does not equate to good decision-making, as they encountered severe turbulence and convective weather that tested their flying skills and judgment. As they delve into their...
E320 - Mastering IFR: Insights from Jason Miller on Becoming an Instrument Pilot 19.11.2024 57:48
GROUND SCHOOL APP - 10% off This episode of the Pilot the Pilot Podcast features Jason Miller as he delves into the essentials of becoming an IFR pilot. The discussion emphasizes the importance of preparation, stressing that aspiring instrument pilots should complete their written exams early and be ready for the complexities of IFR flying. Miller shares valuable insights on the significance of un...
E319 - Cheese Pilot's Journey and FAA Challenges 12.11.2024 1:21:05
The Pilot the Pilot podcast welcomes Cheese Pilot, an aviation enthusiast and simulator instructor, who shares his unique journey into aviation and the challenges he has faced along the way. The conversation dives into Cheese Pilot's early fascination with flying, sparked by a memorable air show event during his childhood. Despite the initial setback of financial barriers that deterred him from pu...
Layovers and Lessons: Inside the Life of a United Airlines Pilot 29.10.2024 1:13:00
Links referenced in this episode: sportys.com/sxmoffer The discussion with Paul Holte explores not only his professional journey as a pilot but also the personal sacrifices and adjustments he and his family had to make along the way. He reflects candidly on the financial struggles of starting at Continental, where he earned a meager $25 an hour, contrasting it with the more lucrative opportunities...
Flight Deck Revolution: Exploring the G3000 Prime with Citation Max 16.10.2024 57:45
Garmin Aviation has unveiled their latest innovation, the G3000 Prime avionics, and in this episode, we dive deep into its features and functionalities. Citation Max and I traveled to Garmin's headquarters to experience this cutting-edge technology firsthand. We discuss the significant advancements that make the G3000 Prime a game-changer for pilots, including enhanced touchscreen interfaces and i...
E316 - Navigating the Skies: The Current State of the Aviation Industry with Dr. Jim Higgins 01.10.2024 1:10:05
The aviation industry is currently facing significant challenges, primarily due to a shortage of aircraft and engine deliveries, which has slowed hiring across airlines. Dr. Jim Higgins and I delve into the state of the industry, discussing the implications of these shortages and how airlines are managing their workforce amid ongoing demand. We explore the impact of mergers, such as Alaska Airline...
E315 - Wairworthy's Carson Stilson - Making people laugh and building an airplane 18.09.2024 1:20:05
Avination, what is going on and welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today's episode is with Carson Stilson aka Wairworthy. In this episode we talk about why Carson wanted to start Wairworthy, how he got into aviation and why he decided to build his own airplane!
E314 - Changing Careers - Fly With Henry 23.07.2024 1:09:03
Avination, what is going on and welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today's episode is with @FlywithHenry. Henry, comes on the podcast to talk about why he decided to leave his law firm to pursue aviation full time. We also touch on his decisions process in buying airplanes and how he has a love for the odd ball airplanes. Dont forget to enter our Hat giveaway on our website! All you have...
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