Pilot To Pilot - Aviation Podcast

Most pilots dream of smooth 10,000-foot runways.Tyler Flagg trained to land a 30,000-pound aircraft on a 25-foot dirt strip… in total darkness.After 9/11 changed his life trajectory, Tyler went from zero aviation background to flying Special Operations missions around the globe. With minimal information and maximum responsibility, he deployed into multiple combat theaters — moving elite teams into places most people will never see on a map.In this episode:The unconventional path into Air Force Special OpsWhat it feels like to deploy with barely 250 flight hoursFlying through Saharan fuel-risk zones and Pacific icingThe culture differences inside military aviationWhy humility matters more than ego in elite unitsBuilding a company after walking away from a “dream job”This one is raw, honest, and packed with perspective.Sign up today The Flying Company

He's the most-requested guest in Pilot to Pilot history — and the wait was worth it. Trent Palmer, recreational bush pilot and one of aviation's most recognized YouTube creators, finally sits down with Justin for a raw, unfiltered conversation about the highs and lows of a life built around flying and filmmaking.Trent opens up about his journey from RC helicopters and drone cinematography in Hollywood to becoming a full-time content creator — including how FAA regulations ironically pushed him into getting his pilot's license in the first place. But this episode goes far deeper than flying cool places and making beautiful videos.Trent shares the gut-wrenching details of his engine failure in the Nevada backcountry, what it actually feels like when the prop stops and you have 45 seconds to find a field, and why the flight home may have been scarier than the emergency itself. He talks candidly about watching a close friend crash — and somehow survive — and how each close call reshapes your relationship with ris

Ever wonder what it's like to fly slower than freeway traffic — on purpose? Chancy Arnold is a banner tow pilot flying a Super Cub up and down the San Diego beaches, and in this episode he breaks down everything about the job. From the dive-and-hook pickup technique to four-hour flights strapped into a tiny seat with no breaks, Chancy gives an honest look at one of aviation's most unique time-building gigs. We talk about what it's really like flying at 50 knots indicated (and 15 knots ground speed in a headwind), how he built connections on the FBO ramp that got him the job, the territory system between banner towing companies, and flying over Padres games, golf tournaments, and gender reveals. Chancy also shares why he skipped the CFI route, why IFR was actually his favorite phase of training, and how he's stacking hours toward the airlines. Plus — look for Chancy in Volume 2 of the Pilot to Pilot Magazine with a full spread on building your time through banner towing.

What does it take to run one of the world's largest aviation events? Gene Conrad, President and CEO of the Aerospace Center for Excellence and Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo, pulls back the curtain on Florida's premier aviation gathering. Growing up in Oshkosh as the son of an airport director, Gene counted aircraft at EAA AirVenture as a teenager to see who had more planes. Now, he's running Sun 'n Fun—a six-day event that costs $7 million to produce, attracts over 60,000 attendees, and requires coordination with everyone from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to Amazon Air operations. In this episode, you'll discover: - The real costs of running a major aviation event ($700K just for tents!) - How Sun 'n Fun coordinates with Amazon's massive Lakeland hub - Why they're making major schedule changes for 2025 - The difference between running an airport vs. running an air show - Future expansion plans including new 40,000 sq ft air-conditioned exhibit buildings - What makes Gene happiest: closing the airport because there's

In Episode 351, Justin sits down with Ariel Johnson (@whiskeyflies on Instagram), a North Carolina-based flight instructor who earned her Citation type rating at just 800 hours. At not even 21 years old, Arielle shares her accelerated journey from discovering aviation at Sun ’n Fun to teaching students and flying corporate jets—all while completing her aviation degree.This conversation explores the realities of flight training, the power of networking in aviation, and what it takes to break into corporate flying. Ariel discusses her experience getting typed in a Citation, the differences between Part 91 and 135 operations, and her approach to building a career through genuine relationships and hard work. She also offers candid advice for aspiring pilots on making the most of every rating, avoiding common pitfalls, and maintaining passion throughout the journey.Whether you’re a student pilot wondering about your path forward, a CFI building time, or someone curious about corporate aviation opportunities, this

Ever wondered what air traffic controllers actually see on their screens when you check in? Or why they sometimes seem frustrated with certain pilot behaviors? In this eye-opening conversation, Marcus Miller (aka Prop Hat Cat) from Houston Center pulls back the curtain on the world of ATC.Marcus shares his unique journey from controlling virtual aircraft in his mom's bakery at age 14 to managing real traffic at one of the nation's busiest centers. We dive deep into:What Controllers Actually See:Breaking down the data block: what all those numbers and symbols meanWhy TRACON controllers don't know your destinationThe technology behind the scope (and why it's from the 1960s)Making Controllers' Lives Easier:Why you should WAIT before checking in (it's not a race!)The cross-coupling problem that causes frequency chaosHow CPDLC is changing everythingDemystifying Phone Numbers (Brasher Warnings):What actually happens when you get "the number"Why 90% of pilot deviations are learning opportunities, not punishmentsMarc

In this episode, I sit down with Luke, a flight instructor based in Utah who's currently at around 900 hours and grinding his way toward the airlines. Luke shares his experience going through ATP Flight Training in just 8.5 months, the reality of being a CFI without the guaranteed job he expected, and how social media helped him land his current position as chief instructor at a flight school in Provo.We discuss the challenges of building time in today's aviation environment, the pros and cons of the ATP route, and what it's really like to be in the trenches as a CFI. Luke opens up about his ultimate goal of flying for Delta, his concerns about being an aviation influencer while job hunting, and the valuable lesson he's learned about building relationships in this industry.Whether you're currently grinding toward 1,500 hours, considering flight training, or just finished your ratings, Luke's honest perspective on the realities of early career aviation will resonate with you. This is the grind—unfiltered and r

Not every pilot's journey starts with dreams of flight—some begin with a challenge and a bottle of Eagle Rare bourbon.In this episode, we sit down with Nick Fialka, captain at a major airline, host of the Ready for Pushback podcast, and interview coach at Spitfire Elite. Nick's path to the cockpit is anything but conventional. From attending The Citadel (not exactly known for churning out pilots) to flying helicopters in the Navy, then leaving it all to build a successful RV park in Florida—Nick thought the airlines weren't in his future.That changed when a retired Delta captain rolled into his RV park with a $700,000 rig and convinced him over whiskey that he belonged at 35,000 feet.We dive deep into what it really takes to land a job at a major airline in today's market. Nick pulls back the curtain on the interview process, sharing the mistakes that sink applications before they're even read, the logbook disasters that cost pilots their dream jobs, and why spending $600 on interview prep for a $22 million c

THE PILOT TO PILOT MAGAZINE HAS LANDED!!!!!Thirteen articles + thirteen companion podcasts.Read. Listen. Share.Thinking about making the jump from fractional to the airlines—or wondering which path is right for you? In this episode, I break down my personal experience going from flying the Citation Latitude at a fractional operation to flying a 737 as a major airline pilot.We cover the real pros and cons of each career path: the seven-day work weeks and FBO life of fractional flying versus the "turn left and you're done" simplicity of airline operations. From quality of life changes after becoming a parent to the grind of short-call reserve, I try to give an honest, no-holds-barred comparison of both worlds.Whether you're chasing Garmin avionics and owner interactions or looking for longer overnights and schedule predictability, this episode will help you understand what to expect from each side of the professional pilot world.Topics covered:Quality of life: 7 on 7 off vs. airline schedulingCustomer service a

Podcast Title:Building the Ultimate Flight Simulator: Inside Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 with Jorg Neumann & Sebastian WlochPodcast 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 has evolved since its 2020 release, with groundbreaking additions like career mode, wake turbulence simulation, and photorealistic graphics that even fool experienced pilots.In this episode, Jorg and Sebastian share behind-the-scenes stories about:Working with real test pilots from Boom Supersonic, Red Bull Air Race, and BoeingThe painstaking process of achieving 99.9% realism in atmospheric lightingSimulating complex airport ground operations with thousands of moving partsHow Flight Simulator inspires the next generation of pilots (an estimated 50% of all pilots started with the sim!)Partnerships with manufacturers lik

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 hospital stays while trying to complete his flight training.Despite the setbacks, Jake persevered through:Multiple hospitalizations during college and flight trainingCompleting all his ratings from instrument through CFI/CFII in just 5.5 monthsTaking medical leave from his first airline jobNavigating the corporate aviation world when airlines rejected his applicationsFinally landing at his current carrier after nearly giving upThis episode goes beyond the typical aviation career story to explore resilience, gratitude, and finding perspective through adversity. Jake's candid discussion about learning to appreciate the

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 Force recruit• Landing a flaming OV-10 off-runway in Las Vegas after being given the wrong winds• The Vice President’s authorization to shoot down aircraft on 9/11 and what it was like scrambling to intercept Air Force One• Transitioning from F-15s to Boeing 777s—his first landing of anything bigger than a fighter was a triple seven at Charles de Gaulle with 290 passengers• Why Drew Brees asked to pull MORE Gs and what made him such an incredible person to fly withDeacon just released his book “Pilot’s Edge: Think, Train, and Fly Like a Pro” with 25% of profits funding aviation scholarships for the next generation.Hap

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 pilotsBoeing's production increase from 38 to 42 jets—and why that signals major changes aheadSpirit Airlines' double bankruptcy and what it reveals about low-cost carrier economicsThe government shutdown's impact on air traffic control and safetyPrivatization of ATC: Is it the answer?The $725 billion backlog of aircraft ordersWhat pilot contract negotiations will look like when money's already goodWhether you're considering a pilot career, navigating the current market, or just curious about where the industry is headed, this conversation cuts through the hype to give you the real picture.Key Topics: pilot hiring, Boeing, Spirit Airlines, government shutdown, ATC staffing, airline economics, contract negotiations

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, emphasizing the need for a solid foundation in those early hours of training. From leveraging dry time effectively to understanding the importance of consistent practice, we cover how to make every dollar count while ensuring you build the skills necessary for success in the cockpit. So, whether you're dreaming of taking to the skies or already in the air, we've got tips to help keep your training costs in check and your flying aspirations alive!Takeaways: The importance of using the Garmin Pilot app to streamline your flying experience before, during, and after each flight. Understanding that the cost of flight tra

Hangar 22 CoffeeIn 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. From commuting between Atlanta and Toronto, to roasting coffee in hangars, partnering with Textron and EAA at Oshkosh, and dreaming of an airport coffee shop, Thomas discusses the highs and lows of pilot life in Canada vs. the US, the 1500-hour rule, family sacrifices, and why great coffee fuels every adventure. Whether you're a pilot, coffee lover, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is a perfect blend of passion and perseverance. Tune in for aviation insights, business tips, and a rapid-fire Q&A!

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 encounters with mysterious objects during his service, including near misses that raise eyebrows and questions about airspace safety. Our discussion also touches on the growing concerns surrounding autonomous aircraft and AI in aviation, and how these technologies might impact the future of flying. As we wrap up, Ryan emphasizes the importance of transparency and reporting in addressing UAP sightings, inviting listeners to engage with their own experiences through his organization.Check out Ryan’s organization Safeaerospace.org

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 how she balances instructing with creating motivational videos that inspire aspiring pilots. From tips on starting flight training to navigating career paths beyond the airlines, this episode is packed with relatable insights for anyone in aviation. Don't miss Leah's rapid-fire answers and her take on building a fulfilling flying career. Follow Leah on Instagram @Leahthal_inflight for more CFI adventures!

Flying High with Charlie Gasmire: Lessons from the Cockpit and BeyondJoin 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 experiences, discussing the ups and downs of becoming a pilot, the importance of mentorship, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives him to create valuable content for aspiring aviators. Charlie shares his insights on what it takes to own an aircraft, the process of buying a 182, and the joys and challenges of flying with family. From the thrill of soloing on his 16th birthday to the practicalities of aviation ownership, Charlie's story is a testament to the dedication and passion required in this field. We also touch on the importance of creating community and encouraging others to pursue their dreams of flying, makin

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 Mountains to sunny Mexico, showcase the adventures that await outside the airline cockpit. We dive into the importance of networking, building relationships, and how being personable can open doors to incredible opportunities in the flying world. Whether you're just starting out or looking to carve your own niche in aviation, Evan's insights will inspire you to embrace the journey and explore the vast possibilities that come with it.Takeaways: Evan Luft emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships in aviation, as many opportunities arise from personal connections. He shares that flying in Canada offers

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 mechanics of building a plane; it's also about the adventures that flying brings, including their recent experience at Oshkosh, where they celebrated the culmination of their hard work. Along the way, they discuss the importance of community and support in aviation, the exciting features of their new plane, and their plans for a nomadic lifestyle in the skies. Join us as we dive into their inspiring journey and discover the joys and challenges of becoming owners of a custom-built aircraft.Takeaways: Building your own airplane can be a rewarding experience, especially with a supportive builder assist program to guide you t