Runway Life

In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with Sunjay, the CEO and founder of AvNav, a bold new aviation app that’s shaking up the general aviation world. Designed as a streamlined, affordable, and modern alternative to ForeFlight, AvNav is gaining traction fast among pilots looking for a powerful tool without the complexity or price tag of bigger apps. We dive into Sunjay’s inspiration behind t...

In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with two longtime tenants of Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM) who are raising serious concerns about how their ADS-B data is being used — not for safety, but to charge unexpected landing fees. With Vector collecting tracking data and invoicing flights without prior coordination or communication, local pilots are pushing back. Is this the future of genera...

What’s it really like to test fly an all-electric airplane? We sat down with the official test pilots of H55’s revolutionary electric aircraft to hear their unfiltered thoughts. From the silence in the cockpit to the surprising performance, they share what it’s like to fly a plane powered entirely by electricity.  In this episode of Runway Life, we go behind the scenes at Sun ’n Fun to explore how...

We came down to Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo to get an exclusive first look at the future of flight: Bristell's brand-new electric aircraft for general aviation, powered by H55. ⚡✈️ In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with the CEO and CTO of H55 to talk about their revolutionary electric propulsion system, how it’s changing the game for trainers and GA aircraft, and why they’re being re...

Ever wonder what happens to retired airplanes? In this episode of Runway Life, Craig sits down with Daniel and the team at AC Shares to dive into the fascinating world of aircraft parting and resale. AC Shares is a leading airplane parts supplier, specializing in recycling, refurbishing, and reselling aircraft components. They break down: https://www.acshares.com/ ✅ How aircraft are parted out an...

🚛✈️ From Trucking to the Sky! Join us on this episode of Runway Life as Daniel Borquez sits down with Craig Butterworth to share his incredible journey from life on the road to life in the cockpit. Daniel explains why he saved up while trucking to dive headfirst into full-time flight training , what he thinks of his decision so far, and why he chose aviation over other career paths. He also talks...

In this episode of Runway Life , host Craig Butterworth sits down with Andrew Barton , a First Officer at a major airline , to break down pilot salaries, pay structures, and what future pilots can expect throughout their careers . From flight instructing wages to regional airline pay and the six-figure salaries of major airline captains , Andrew shares his first-hand experience navigating the uniq...

In this episode of Runway Life, A&P mechanic Adam takes us inside a magneto, breaking down its components and explaining exactly how it works. As he opens one up on camera, Adam walks through each part, from the coil and impulse coupling, to the contact points and distributor gear, showing how they all work together to generate spark for an aircraft engine—without relying on the aircraft’s ele...

Today we e sit down with a major airline pilot who previously flew for the regionals and has extensive experience operating in and out of Washington National Airport (DCA). He shares his insights on the unique challenges of flying into DCA, the demanding procedures pilots must follow, and his thoughts on the recent DCA crash. #AviationNews #DCA #RunwayLife #AviationPodcast #PilotPerspective #Fligh...

In this episode of Runway Life, Craig shares an important update on the ongoing discussion about landing fees. Thanks to coordinated efforts within the aviation community, the push to implement landing fees has been put on hold—for now. But what does this mean for pilots, flight schools, and general aviation as a whole? Craig breaks down the latest developments, why this decision matters, and what...

In this episode of Runway Life, Craig sit down with Adam Valencic, owner of First Landings Aviation, to explore how becoming a Light Sport Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) for under $30,000 is not only possible but also a smart, cost-effective way to kickstart your aviation career. Adam shares insights into the unique opportunities available at flight schools that cater to Sport Pilot students, d...

In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with Cody Barber, who began his aviation career at First Landings Aviation over six years ago. Starting with just 97 hours, Cody immersed himself in instructing and walked away with over 3,700 hours of flight experience. Known for his dedication and willingness to ferry aircraft or train any student who walked through the door, Cody’s commitment to aviat...

Giveaway Link: https://runwaylifegiveaway.com/ Welcome back to Runway Life! In this episode, we’re joined by experienced mechanic Stuart Lankester as he shares valuable preflight check advice that goes beyond the standard checklist. From spotting smoking rivets to identifying subtle signs of wear and tear, Stuart provides insights that every pilot should know to ensure a safe flight. Whether you’r...

In this exciting episode of The Runway Life Podcast, host Craig Butterworth sits down with Stuart Lankester, a rising star in aviation who’s carving out his path as both an A&P mechanic and a pilot. Together, they dive into the unique advantages of combining these two skill sets in the aviation industry, exploring how being both a mechanic and a pilot offers career flexibility, valuable techni...

runwaylifegiveaway.com In this episode of Runway Life, host Craig Butterworth sits down with 1500-hour CFI Anthony Hachem, who’s on his way to a major airline with a conditional job offer and a set class date. Anthony dives into the nitty-gritty of the airline interview process with a 121 operation, sharing the most common questions to prepare for, what surprised him during his own interview, and...

This week, Craig Butterworth is joined by Anthony Hachem , a 1500-hour CFI with a conditional job offer and class date at a 121 airline operation. Anthony’s career is about to take off (literally!), but not without hard work, dedication, and lessons learned along the way. 🎙️ Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: ✈️ Advice for student pilots : Practical tips to succeed in flight training and bey...

Subscribe and Sign Up for a chance to Win 5 Free Flight Hours! https://runwaylifegiveaway.com/ This week on Runway Life, we sit down with Anthony Hachem, a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFI-I) who recently crossed the 1,500-hour milestone on his journey toward becoming an airline pilot. Anthony recounts some of the most memorable flights from his time-building experience, including a sce...

In this episode of Runway Life , Craig sits down with Joe Skurkis , an experienced Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFI-I), to dive into some of the most crucial aspects of flight training. From mastering spin training to understanding emergency procedures , Joe shares his insights on teaching students how to stay prepared and safe in the cockpit. 🚨 They also discuss: ✔️ The most common...

In this episode of Runway Life, Derek shares his journey of tackling the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) checkride! Fresh off the experience, he sits down with Craig to break down how the day went—from the oral exam to the flight portion. Together, they dive into the CFI Airman Certification Standards (ACS), discussing the key topics every aspiring instructor needs to master, the curveballs Dere...

In this insightful episode of Runway Life , CFII pilot Joe joins us to break down the essential questions and actions every student pilot should consider to make the most of their training journey. From choosing the right instructor to mastering foundational skills, Joe shares tips and strategies for navigating common challenges and staying motivated through the process. Whether you’re just starti...

In this episode of Runway Life, join Andrew Barton, a First Officer at a major airline, as he pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to transition from 1,500 hours to the right seat of a commercial jet. Andrew takes us step-by-step through the intense experience of simulator training, Initial Operating Experience (IOE), and those nerve-wracking first flights on the line. He shares his fir...

In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with Andrew Barton, a seasoned First Officer at a major airline, to explore one of the most formative stages in any pilot’s career: the 250 to 1500-hour journey as a flight instructor. Andrew dives into how those critical hours spent teaching others not only build essential flying skills but also foster a culture of safety through real-world experience....

In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with Andrew Barton, a First Officer at a major airline, as he shares an in-depth look at his early journey through flight training and the crucial first 250 hours. Andrew recounts the challenges, milestones, and memorable moments that shaped his path to becoming an airline pilot. From his initial lessons and the steep learning curve of foundational skill...

In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with flight school owner Adam Valencic for a special Q&A session! We dive into your most pressing general aviation questions, covering everything from flight training tips to industry insights. Adam also shares his expertise as we answer questions from our listeners, giving you a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the skies. Whether...

X Insurance is a leading provider of customized insurance solutions for individuals and businesses in high-risk industries. Unlike traditional insurance carriers, X Insurance offers specialty coverage tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, providing solutions where other insurers might be unwilling to offer policies. They cover a wide array of industries, including aviation, commercial...