Justin Siems

Pilot to Pilot

Leisure EN ↓ 377 episodes

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.

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.pilottopilothq.com

Author

Justin Siems

Category

Leisure

Podcast website

www.pilottopilothq.com

Latest episode

Oct 19, 2026

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Episodes

E346: Inside Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 with Jorg Neumann & Sebastian Wloch 09.12.2025

Podcast Title: Building the Ultimate Flight Simulator: Inside Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 with Jorg Neumann & Sebastian Wloch Podcast Description: Join host Justin Seams as he sits down with Jorg Neumann (Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator) and Sebastian Wloch (CEO of Asobo Studio) for an in-depth look at one of aviation's most influential training tools. Discover how Microsoft Flight Simulator...

E345: Three Surgeries, Multiple Rejections, One Dream: Jake Tishman's Journey to the Airlines 25.11.2025

In this powerful Thanksgiving episode, host Justin Siems sits down with A320 Captain Jake Tishman to discuss one of the most inspiring aviation journeys you'll hear. Jake shares his decade-long battle with an autoimmune disease that threatened to derail his dream of becoming an airline pilot at every turn—from getting medically disqualified from the Naval Academy to facing multiple surgeries and h...

E344: Fighter Pilot to 777 - Emergencies, 9/11 Scrambles and Flying Drew Brees 18.11.2025

Former Air Force F-15 pilot Roy “Deacon” Qualls shares incredible stories from a 38-year aviation career that includes scrambling to intercept Air Force One on 9/11, crash-landing a burning OV-10 at McCarran Airport, and taking NFL legend Drew Brees for the ride of his life. In this episode, Deacon reveals: • How watching Top Gun literally changed his life in four days—from graduate student to Air...

E343 - When Will Pilot Hiring Boom Again? Industry Trends & Airline Strategy 14.10.2025

In this state-of-the-industry episode, host Justin Seals sits down with Dr. Jim Higgins, Professor of Aviation at the University of North Dakota, to break down what's really happening in aviation right now. They cover: Why hiring has slowed and what it means for aspiring pilots Boeing's production increase from 38 to 42 jets—and why that signals major changes ahead Spirit Airlines' double bankrupt...

How You Can Save Money in Flight Training 23.09.2025

We're diving deep into how to save money in flight training, which is no small feat! In this episode, Jason Miller joins us to share valuable insights on managing the financial burden of becoming a pilot, especially for those of us who are navigating tight budgets. We talk about practical strategies that cater to both novice student pilots and those looking to transition into professional flying,...

E341 - Brewing Success in the Skies - Thomas of Hangar 22 Coffee Roasters 09.09.2025

Hangar 22 Coffee In this episode of the Pilot to Pilot podcast, host Justin Siems chats with Thomas, a 737 airline pilot and the founder of Hangar 22 Coffee Roasters. Thomas shares his inspiring journey into aviation starting at age 4, navigating the challenges of COVID-19 right after flight school, and balancing a demanding flying career with building a thriving aviation-themed coffee business. F...

E340: Ryan Graves UAP’s and F18’s 02.09.2025

Ryan Graves, a former F-18 pilot and Executive Director of Americans for Safe Aerospace, joins us to delve into the intriguing and often perplexing world of UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena). We kick off the conversation by exploring Ryan’s journey from aviation novice to military aviator, discussing the intense training and experiences that shaped his career. He shares some mind-boggling encoun...

E339 Leah Froehlich: From Doubts to Dominating the Skies as a CFI and Aviation Influencer 26.08.2025

In Episode 339 of the Pilot to Pilot Podcast, host Justin Siems chats with Leah Froehlich, a passionate flight instructor and Instagram content creator. Leah shares her unexpected journey into aviation, sparked by a flight with her stepdad after pursuing physical therapy. She opens up about overcoming early confidence struggles, the realities of CFI life, the importance of humility in flying, and...

E338 - No Regrets: Why You Should Take the Leap into Aviation 19.08.2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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