Aviation Careers Podcast

What Airline Pilots Really Make and Why Sharing Your Pilot Paystub Is A Bad Idea 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 … Co...

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 Pilot Hiring Outlook 2026 Questions: feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com Mentorship: https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/...

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 … Continue reading ACP443 Are Accelerated Flight Programs T...

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 &...

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 … Continue reading ACP442 How To Pass IOE → The post AC...

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 … Continue reading ACP441 Professional Balloon Pilot with Craig Elliott &#8594...

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: … Continue reading ACP440 Land Your Dream Job &...

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 Family and friends. https://www.nerdwallet.com/taxes/learn/gift-tax-rate Scholarships It is worth the work. If … Continue reading ACP439 Paying For Flight Training &#...

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 &#8230...

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 … Continue reading ACP437 Debunking the Myth: It’s NOT Too Late For An Aviation Career Past 30 → The post ACP437...

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 … Continue reading ACP436 The Wealthy Pilot → The post ACP436 The Wealthy Pilot appeared first on...

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. Mentorship: https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use the coupon code “CoachItForward” for … Continue rea...

Ever dreamed of a high-flying career that doesn’t involve piloting a plane? Imagine a world of private jets, exclusive clients, and limitless possibilities. But is the glamorous life of a jet charter broker truly for you? Joining me today is Lindsey Begnaud of https://justlandedjets.com/ to discuss the realities of this demanding yet rewarding aviation career. … Continue reading ACP434...

With a looming shortage of qualified mechanics, how will MROs and potential employees navigate the future hiring environment. You will be surprised by what you will discover as we discuss this and more with Elliott Aviation CEO Michael Parrish. Elliott Aviation has successfully been providing aircraft solutions including sales, FBO services, and more. Today we … Continue reading ACP433 MRO C...

Hi Carl, We truly enjoy your excellent podcasts and have learned a great deal about the aviation industry through them. As parents, we greatly value your expert insights, which have helped us better understand the pilot career path. Do you feel that airline recruiters value an aviation management degree from a UND, Embry-Riddle type aviation … Continue reading ACP432 Should I Send My Child T...

With pilot demand still surging and college alternatives gaining traction, professional flight training has quietly become one of the highest-upside career paths in America as people are rethinking what a “good career” looks like. Joining me today to discuss this is Patrick Arnzen, CEO of Thrust Flight Academy. Patrick is a former airline pilot, and … Continue reading ACP431 Why Professional...

Today Jill Fergusen joins us to discuss a day in the life of a low-cost flight attendant, showcasing the unique challenges and rewards of working for a budget airline. Jill Ferguson provides a realistic glimpse into the demanding yet often fulfilling world of flight attendants. Questions e-mail me us: feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com Talking Points: A Day Begins: … Continue reading ACP430...

Are pilots truly facing a shortage, or is the aviation industry actually on a hiring spree in 2025? Forget what you think you know about flying careers. We’re cutting through the noise to reveal the surprising truth about pilot jobs and what it means for your future in the cockpit. Question from our Group Coaching … Continue reading ACP429 Pilot Shortage or Hiring Spree: Here’s the Tru...

As a career pilot, we try to protect our job through prudent planning, budgeting, and training. I often get asked questions about what to do when pulled over by the police to protect our pilot certificate and career. Should I take the sobriety test or not? To help me answer this question Chris Pezalla is … Continue reading ACP428 What To Do If You Are Pulled Over For A DUI? → The post...

I went direct to a LCC after instructing, had two years of little flying and then furlough… after 9 months furloughed managed to get on with a regional. I have a young family so I wasn’t too keen on cargo as an option, yet didn’t quite have the resume for mainline. Was a regional the … Continue reading ACP427 Did I Make the Right Choice going to a regional after furlough from a major? &#8594...

Question from our Group Coaching Mentorship. https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/mentorship/ Get one month free using the coupon “CoachItForward” I am currently a CFI, sitting at around 700 TT. I have a friend whom I trained and studied with in flight school, and he wants me to take an ATP CTP course soon with him. My question is, is … Continue reading ACP426 Should I Pay For The ATP CTP...

Your dream of becoming a pilot has been put on hold due to a deferred medical. This video explores the different paths you can take, from reapplying for your medical to pursuing alternative aviation careers. The experiences I relate in this video come from my over 2 decades of helping pilots navigate an aviation career path … Continue reading ACP425 Deferred Medical: What Next? → The p...

During our last group coaching mentorship I gave a mid-year hiring update and in today’s episode I wanted to share some information from that session and also give you an update and advice on what you can do to get hired in 2025 and beyond. https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/mentorship/ Talking Points: The State of Pilot Hiring in 2025 … Continue reading ACP424 Pilot Jobs 2025 Mid-Year R...

Are you thinking of becoming an airline captain either as a career or if you are you considering upgrading to Captain this episode is for you. I will explore the pros and cons of being an airline captain, focusing on the financial compensation and the challenges and stresses associated with the role. This video helps … Continue reading ACP423 Is Airline Captain Pay Worth the Stress? →...

Welcome to the Aviation Careers Podcast. Today we have a special guest Eric Zipkin to discuss trends in aviation with a focus on luxury travel experiences and how these experiences will affect the future of air travel. Questions e-mail us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com Talking Points: Eric Zipkin and his humble start in aviation. How he helped … Continue reading ACP422 The Future Of...