Welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast, this is episode 74 featuring Marlon Dayes. Marlon is a current Delta airlines MD88 pilot and in this episode we talk about...

• How and why Marlon fell in love with aviation.
• How a trip to Disney gave Marlon the ability to board his first flight.
• Marlon talks about always being a mischievous kid.
• What the aviation community is like in Jamaica.
• Marlon talks about moving to Kingston by himself at age 11
• Marlon left Jamaica for the States with one year left in high school.
• Marlon was the first member of his family to go to college.
• Marlon talks about how he was able to get scholarships to pay for University.
• Talks about his degree at Florida Tech.
• How he was a flight instructor his joiner year in college.
• Marlon talks about struggles with his training and how getting his PPL was difficult.
• How holds are the toughest part of instrument approaches.
• How Marlon combats a pilot struggling to solo.
• Marlon talks his aviation goals after CFI.
• Why Marlon loved Delta so much.
• Marlon talks about his life as a regional pilot.
• Marlon talks about being burnt out as a regional pilot.
• Why Marlon chose to get his application professionally looked at.
• Marlon talks about the interview process at Delta.
• Marlon was hired at Delta at age 24!
• Marlon talks about how flying the MD88 made him a much better pilot.
• Marlon talks about bidding away from the MD88.
• Why October 3rd is a big day for Marlon.
• Marlon talks about his dreams of giving back.
• The importance of not getting too comfortable.

If you enjoyed this episode please leave us a review on iTunes and check out our Patreon page!

Happy Flying,

Justin

Pilot to Pilot podcast episode 73 FT. Tuskegee Airmen: Lt. Col. Harry Stewart.

What is going on Avination?! Welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today, I am talking with WWII Tuskegee Airmen Lt. Col. Harry Stewart. In this episode Lt. Col. Harry Stewart and I talk about.

• Why Lt. Col. Harry Stewart wanted to get into aviation.
• How Laguardia used to be called North Beach Airport
• How some aviation legends led Lt. Col. Harry Stewart to dream towards the sky.
• How there was a limited opportunity for Lt. Col. Harry Stewart to become a pilot.
• Six months before World War II the Air Corps was willing to train African Americans as pilots.
• How all training was supposed to be segregated.
• Where and why Tuskegee was started.
• Why the military wouldn’t let African Americans become pilots.
• How there was no way they could create a segregated training environment.
• Lt. Col Harry Stewart talks about the greatest irony to segregation.
• We talk about what the environment was like in training.
• Why instructors came to Tuskegee?
• How his parents reacted when he was selected to go to Tuskegee.
• Lt. Col Harry Stewart talks about life growing up in NY.
• Talks about the warning His parents gave him about going south.
• How Lt. Col. Harry Stewart had his eyes on the prize (becoming a pilot)
• Lt. Col. Harry Stewart talks about fulfilling his dream of flying for the first time.
• Lt. Col. Harry Stewart goes into great detail about his training in WWII.
• How he received his wings before he could fly a plane.
• Did he ever feel overwhelmed in his training?
• Talks about the pressure he was under while in his training.
• Lt. Col. Harry is Stewart flew 43 missions in WWII.
• Lt. Col. Goes into extreme detail about a few dogfights.
• How Lt Co. shot down three airplanes.
• Lt. Col. Explains what Mission Whiskey is.
• How bomber pilots became very appreciative of the red tails.
• Talks about a day when 25 bombers had to divert to their field.
• Where the name Tuskegee airmen came from
• Talks about Tuskegee airmen winning the first Top Gun competition.
• Lt. Col. Talks about being a huge part of integration and the end of segregation.
• How once the war ended Lt. Col Harry Stewart had to come back to the same Jim Crow America he left 
• Lt Col talks about life after WWII and how he wasn’t able to continue his aviation career because of the color of his skin.
• Lot Col. Harry Stewart talks about how great it was to see two African American pilots that were also women.

I hope you enjoy today's episode. If you do please leave a review on iTunes and support the podcast on Patreon!

Happy Flying,

Justin

What is going on avination? Welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast episode 72 ft. Dianna Klein. Dianna has accomplished a lot in her aviation career, she is a 787 Dreamliner pilot and a C5 pilot in the Air Force Reserves. All while being a wife, mom and very active in her local community.

Some of the things Dianna and I talk about are...

• Dianna talks about why she got into aviation
• How her dad never pushed aviation on her.
• Why Dianna's military aviation career didn’t go as planned.
• Why Dianna chose Embry Riddle for her flight school.
• Why Dianna felt bad for her mom at sometimes in her training.
• How Dianna was able to leave early from high school to fly.
• Why Dianna wanted to go to the Air Force Academy to learn how to flying fighters.
• When Dianna knew she caught the aviation bug
• Dianna talks about being very focused on her training.
• Dianna talks about struggling with math with the SAT.
• Dianna didn’t let a setback deter her aviation dreams.
• Why it is important to have your own board of personal directors.
• Dianna talks about how 9/11 affected her and her family.
• How Dianna built her time.
• We talk a little bit of the struggle of building your time.
• Dianna talks about getting hired by American Eagle.
• How Dianna was always pursuing the Air Force Reserves
• Dianna talks about her military flight training and how she loved it.
• The importance of being financially aware as a pilot.
• Talks about her dreams and goals personal and aviation-related.
• The importance of learning to say no.
• How important it is to ask for help when you need it.
• We talk about the importance of getting more women into aviation.
• What needs to be done to get more aviators to get into aviation.
• Dianna talks about her sons thinking about aviation.
• What it is like to fly the C5.
• She talks about the difficulties his husband had transitioning from fighter pilot to an airline pilot.
• She talks about the importance of teamwork in aviation (military and civilian).
• Dianna talks about some emergency situations in the C5.
• The kinds of missions Dianna would fly as a C5 pilot.
• Dianna talks about working on the management side of United while being a line pilot.
• What it is like to work 9 days a month.
• What her future looks like at United... Possible management or stay as a line pilot.
• Dianna faces the rapid-fire section.

if you enjoyed this episode please leave us a review on iTunes and make sure to check out our Patreon page!

Happy Flying,

Justin

• Why Tyson stumbled into a career in aviation.
• How the dot com crash led to a career in aviation.
• Tyson had a fascination with aviation as a younger kid.
• Flying flight simulators at a younger age.
• Tysons grandfather was a bombardier on a B-24 in the Pacific.
• Tyson talks about how aviation went from an idea in the back of his head to a career.
• Tysons training was start and stop.
• Why Tyson decided to switch flight schools during his private pilot training.
• Why it is important to find a stable operation when looking for a flight school.
• The importance of finding a good instructor and how they are a huge factor in the quality of your training.
• It took Tyson four years to get his PPL.
• Other struggles Tyson had during his training.
• Why Sheppard air was life changing for Tyson and I.
• Why Diamond is one of the best first airplanes to own
• We talk about aerial survey flying in Texas with no air conditioning.
• Tyson talks about his type ratings and training.
• We talk about differences in a type rating training vs regular training.
• Tyson talks about some maintenance issues while flying.
• Why Tyson likes to fly with a second pilot.
• We talk about Tysons goals for his flying career.
• How ForeFlight has evolved with their own personal flying needs.
• I asked Tyson if he wishes he had ForeFlight while he was training.
• We talk about how ForeFlight has helped make aviation safer.
• We goin into the history of fo ForeFlight.
• What would ForeFlight be without the iPad.
• ForeFlight was one time the most expensive app in the App Store.
• How Apple talked with ForeFlight about how they were too expensive.
• ForeFlight started out as a hobby and only worked on nights and weekends
• When they knew ForeFlight was sustainable for full time employment.
• Started with three owners of the business.
• How was ForeFlight initially received by the public.
• Why ForeFlight had doubts by the general public when it was first released.
• Tyson talks about his big vision for ForeFlight.
• Would there be a ForeFlight if Tyson didn’t have that one job in South Carolina.
• How ForeFlight determines what new features come out,
• Are there any features that surprised Tyson on whether they would be more popular or less popular than though.

We lost a member of the aviation community a few weeks ago. Please head to ISWAPand consider donating to the Francesca Norris scholarship.

Avination, welcome back to episode 70 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today, I am talking with Christina Brown who is the founder and creator of Aviation Wellness. Aviation Wellness is something that needs to be talked about in aviation, I hope this episode can be a step in the right direction and helping aviators take care of themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually.

• How Christina ran into my dad at the airport.
• How Christina originally had no interest in getting into aviation
• Christina's dad is an airline pilot.
• Christina used to work as a private yacht stewardess.
• Why she switched from yachts to planes.
• What Christina's first flight was like as a flight attendant.
• What is more luxurious, a private plane or private yacht?
• How a flight attendant has to be good at reading body language.
• How corporate aviation was the next logical step.
• Christina talks about pilots from a flight attendants perspective.
• How many passengers does Christina serve at one time?
• We talk about the private aviation industry and schedules.
• Christina talks about Aviation Wellness and why she started this community.
• How to reset your thoughts on health and wellness.
• Why creating a Facebook page was the first step.
• We talk about how mental issues can be taboo in the aviation industry.
• Why it's hard to make healthy decisions when you are tired.
• The first step to change is believing that you can.
• The difficulties of living in a world of instant gratification.
• What Christina has learned from creating Aviation Wellness.
• Christina's ultimate goal for Aviation Wellness.
• The power of not knowing that you are alone in your struggle.
• The importance of talking about your struggles and flaws.
• Comparison is the thief of happiness.
• Accountability is huge for aviation wellness.

Thanks for listening to episode 70 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. If you haven't already, please leave a review on iTunes and please tell all your friends to support the show on Patreon!

Happy Flying,

Justin

Avination, what is going on? While at EAA AirVenture I was able to sit down and talk with John and Martha for thirty minutes. I know it isn't you typical hour-long episode, but it is a jam-packed 30-minute episode.

Some of the things we talk about are...

• Why John and Martha got into aviation
• How a failed business led them into aviation
• They got their private pilots license within two days of each other.
• Martha talks about the moment she knew she loved aviation.
• How Martha is only a little bit of a better pilot than John.
• How John and Martha support each other in everything they do.
• When did the Kings realize this was more than just a hobby.
• How the Kings went from in-person courses to VHS recordings.
• Why they were hesitant to switch up the business model. 
• Only 4% of the US population had VCR when they made the jump to VHS.
• The Kings considered private branded VCR’s.
• Talk about moving from a multi-engine piston to a citation.
• When did John and Martha realize they were on to something.
• How they moved from selling to Flight Instructors directly to flight students.
• John and Martha talk about their own flying.
• How John and Martha have their blimp rating.
• How they have flown over multiple major sporting events flying blimps.
• We talk about the amazing things you can do in the aviation industry.
• Martha talks about getting their seaplane rating.
• John and Martha talk what all pilots have historically struggled with.
• John talks about how we have improved our view on risk management in aviation.
• We talk about the stigma around fatal aviation accidents.
• John and Martha answer the rapid-fire questions.

What is going on Avination and welcome back to episode 68 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today, I am talking with Sean Chuplis. Sean is a major airline pilot and owner of Crew Dog Electronics. Listen to today's episode to find out...

• How Sean was bitten by the bug at an early age.
• Why Sean joined ROTC to become a military pilot.
• Sean talks in-depth about pilot training in the military.
• Sean talks about flying the KC10.
• What Sean's favorite mission was in the military
• We talk about how much fuel the KC10 can take.
• What Sean loves most about aviation
• How Sean was the first pilot and military member in his family.
• Sean talks about if his family was more nervous about him joining the military or becoming a pilot.
• Sean talks about what it was like being in the ROTC during 9/11.
• Sean talks about why he originally joined the military and how that all changed after 9/11.
• What was it like leaving the military to join the civilian world.
• What it was like having a desk job instead of a flying job.
• What being a CFI is like in Hawaii.
• We talk about how flight instructing isn’t for everyone.
• Sean talks about secrets to taking your first check ride.
• Sean talks about going to the Naval war college.
• We talk about what effective leadership is.
• Sean and I talk about differences between the different generations in the cockpit.
• Sean talks about his side hustle, Crew Dog Electronics.
• Why ADS B should be in the hands of every pilot.
• How it is important to enjoy every moment of your aviation journey.

Thank you for listening to today's episode. Leave us a review on iTunes and make sure to check out our Patreon page! 

Happy Flying,

Justin

Today's episode is sponsored by AOPA Pilot Protection Services. To find out more about PPS visit AOPA Pilot Protection Services.

Avination, welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast. This is the Patreon exclusive sneak peek of episode 67 featuring United Airlines 737 captain, Korry Franke. 

Some of the topics Korry and I talk about are...

• How a flight to London led Korry to the aviation bug. 
• Korry became a 737 Captain for United Airlines at 31 years old. 
• Why Korry as inspired to write the book three feet to the left. 
• How Korry went from having a dream of becoming a pilot to actually accomplishing that dream. 
• Korry details his path to becoming a pilot. 
• How Korry came to choose Embry Riddle as his university. 
• Korry talks about the struggle of building your hours. 
• Aviation is all about delayed gratification.  
• Korry talks about how Embry Riddle is a special place. 
• Korry got hired as flight instructor right before 9/11 
• I talk a little bit about my dad flying for US Airways and some of his 9/11 story. 
• We talk a little bit on the dark side of aviation. 
• How your career in aviation can be completely out of your control. 
• Korry talks about his first international flight.  
• We talk about transitioning from the propeller to jet world. 
• I ask Korry when he finally felt like he was a real pilot. 
• Korry talks about getting hired at an airline. 
• Korry talks about going through a major airline major. 
• Talk about his two favorite stories from Korry’s book. 
• Rapid fire questions

I have a goal to make this the number one aviation podcast and I need YOU to help. Help me spread Pilot to Pilot to all your friends/haters or any aviators you know. Share the podcast via Reddit, Facebook, IG, Tumblr, Myspace (is that still a thing?)

Happy Flying,

Justin

"The thoughts and views expressed by Korry Franke on this podcast are his alone, completely independent of any United Airlines affiliation. United Airlines has not contributed or endorsed the content in any way.” 

in 2013, Korry Franke became the youngest captain then flying for United Airlines. Now, the pilot, author, and speaker merges his years of airline leadership experience with the creativity he's honed as an accomplished jazz pianist, the discipline he's developed as a two-time marathoner, and the real-world business acumen he's gained as a Penn State University MBA graduate to lead people and organizations on life-changing journeys toward success and fulfillment. When Korry isn't flying or focusing on inspiring others to embrace their own captain's mindset, he's usually hiking with his wife, reading books to his young daughter, or volunteering with charities such as United We Care, where he serves on the employee relief fund's Board of Directors. Learn more about Korry and his keynotes at www.KorryFranke.com.

Book: http://www.tinyurl.com/3FeetToTheLeft

Today's episode is sponsored by AOPA Pilot Protection Services. To find out more about PPS visit AOPA Pilot Protection Services.

Avination, welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast. This is the Patreon exclusive sneak peek of episode 67 featuring United Airlines 737 captain, Korry Franke. 

Some of the topics Korry and I talk about are...

• How a flight to London led Korry to the aviation bug. 
• Korry became a 737 Captain for United Airlines at 31 years old. 
• Why Korry as inspired to write the book three feet to the left. 
• How Korry went from having a dream of becoming a pilot to actually accomplishing that dream. 
• Korry details his path to becoming a pilot. 
• How Korry came to choose Embry Riddle as his university. 
• Korry talks about the struggle of building your hours. 
• Aviation is all about delayed gratification.  
• Korry talks about how Embry Riddle is a special place. 
• Korry got hired as flight instructor right before 9/11 
• I talk a little bit about my dad flying for US Airways and some of his 9/11 story. 
• We talk a little bit on the dark side of aviation. 
• How your career in aviation can be completely out of your control. 
• Korry talks about his first international flight.  
• We talk about transitioning from the propeller to jet world. 
• I ask Korry when he finally felt like he was a real pilot. 
• Korry talks about getting hired at an airline. 
• Korry talks about going through a major airline major. 
• Talk about his two favorite stories from Korry’s book. 
• Rapid fire questions

I have a goal to make this the number one aviation podcast and I need YOU to help. Help me spread Pilot to Pilot to all your friends/haters or any aviators you know. Share the podcast via Reddit, Facebook, IG, Tumblr, Myspace (is that still a thing?)

Happy Flying,

Justin

"The thoughts and views expressed by Korry Franke on this podcast are his alone, completely independent of any United Airlines affiliation. United Airlines has not contributed or endorsed the content in any way.” 

in 2013, Korry Franke became the youngest captain then flying for United Airlines. Now, the pilot, author, and speaker merges his years of airline leadership experience with the creativity he's honed as an accomplished jazz pianist, the discipline he's developed as a two-time marathoner, and the real-world business acumen he's gained as a Penn State University MBA graduate to lead people and organizations on life-changing journeys toward success and fulfillment. When Korry isn't flying or focusing on inspiring others to embrace their own captain's mindset, he's usually hiking with his wife, reading books to his young daughter, or volunteering with charities such as United We Care, where he serves on the employee relief fund's Board of Directors. Learn more about Korry and his keynotes at www.KorryFranke.com.

Book: http://www.tinyurl.com/3FeetToTheLeft

Episode 65 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast featuring Alex Abad. Avination, what is going on and welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today, I am talking with probably the coolest pilot on Instagram, Alex Abad. 

Today, Alex and I talk about...

• How growing up around LAX led Alex to an interest in aviation.
• Alex, took an intro flight when he was 13
• How Alex started training once a week at 14
• Why he had no business flying when he was younger.
• How Alex influenced his dad to start his training too.
• How a pilot can be dangerous with low time without even knowing.
• Alex shares a story about pushing a plane to the limits.
• Why it is important to always think about the big picture.
•  We talk about Aspen flying.
• How Alex approaches every day
• Alex goes into detail about his training.
• How doing spins every day during training made Alex a better pilot.
• Alex talks about his career progression as a pilot
• How he talked his way into flying right seat in a King Air.
• What it is like being on the lead captain on a Gulfstream
• How he left his marketing job to become a pilot.
• Don’t burn any bridges. 
• A lot of aviation jobs in private aviation is about how you know.

These are just some of the many things we talk about, today. If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to leave a review and check out our Patreon page!

Happy flying,

Justin

What is going on Avination?! Welcome back to episode 65 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today's episode is with Jesse from Wing Swap. In this episode, Jesse and I talk about...

• Jesse talks about his love for aviation at a young age. 
• Jesse breaks my heart by telling me I won’t fit in a Mooney. 
• How Jesse hustled to earn money so he could use it on flight training. 
• Why it took a long time for Jesse to get his license. 
• How Jess was able to clean planes to pay for training. 
• Jesse talks about how he was able to build his confidence in flying. 
• How you learn a lot from the mistakes you make. 
• Jesse talks about changing up flight schools. 
• Most of Jesse's friends got into aviation in an untraditional way. 
• How Jesse originally wanted to go to Embry Riddle 
• Jesse talks about his goals when he was in the early stages of his training. 
• How Jesse fell in love with the Cessna 152. 
• Jesse talks about the difference between flying in Ohio and Southern California. 
• We talk about how the only way you get comfortable with weather is with experience. 
• Why every pilot should be instrument rated. 
• Why Jesse started Wing Swap 
• How Jesse was always an entrepreneur 
• How Reddit played a huge role for Jesse in starting Wing Swap. 
• How Jesse eventually gave listings away for free instead of charging. 
• We talk about how Jess makes money off Wing Swap. 
• We talk about everything and anything Wing Swap. 
• Why Instagram is the main traffic source for Wing Swap. 

If you enjoy today's episode, make sure to leave a review on iTunes and tell all your friends (and enemies) about the podcast. OSH KOSH meet up!!!!!! Friday at noon located at booth C3150!!!

Happy Flying,

Justin

Special shoutout to today's sponsor AOPA Pilot Protection Services. Don't leave the ground without AOPA's Pilot Protection Services. Find out more information by visiting AOPA's Pilot Protection Services website

Avination, this is a big episode!! A few weeks ago, I sat down and recorded an episode with Captain Joe. It was great to talk with him and find out more about his story and about Joe as a person. 

Some things Joe and I talked about during this episode...

• How Joe’s childhood dream was not to become a pilot 
• Joe was the first pilot in his family. 
• Joe talks about his first flight in a small airplane. 
• Joe talks about how he studied dentistry for a few semesters before leaving for a flight school in Austria. 
• Joe is jealous of current flight students in Florida. 
• What would have been if Joe became a dentist? 
• How Joe’s first love wasn’t flying. 
• Joe talks about what it is like to be the first pilot in your family. 
• Joe talks about the support of his family on his aviation journey. 
• What it is like to work for an airline that went out of business. 
• Why European flight students are sent to the States for their training. 
• Joe talks about VFR flying in Germany. 
• Joe breaks down how he attained his ratings. 
• What Joe struggled most within his training. 
• We talk about the differences in training between Europe and the States. 
• Joe talks about how you have to have luck in aviation. 
• How Joe was able to get his first job in aviation. 
• Joe talks about how you should work in aviation to create connections while you are in your training. 
• How most pilots want to help other pilots succeed. 
• Joe talks about his favorite type of flying. 
• Joe talks about the decline of Air Berlin. 
• We talk about the dark side of aviation and what you don’t see from your favorite Instagram pilots. 
• Joe gets into his freight flying schedule. 
• We talk about negative comments we can get from haters. 
• Joe talks about how he doesn’t like the word influencer. 
• Why Joe created Captain Joe. 

Avination, I hope you truly enjoyed this episode. If you did, please make sure to share it with all your friends, avgeeks or not. 

Let me know what you think below!

Happy Flying,

Justin

What is going on Avination?! Welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast episode number 63 featuring, Natalie Kelley. Natalie is the founder of FlyGIRL. FlyGIRL is a foundation and company started with a simple goal, get more women into aviation. 

In this episode, Natalie and I talk about

• How Natalie always wanted to be a pilot.
• Why Natalie wanted to become a pilot
• How Natalie's uncle helped Natalie realize her love for aviation.
• How Natalie went from stay at home mom to fly girl.
• What it is like to get back into a school environment.
• Why Natalie almost quit flying
• How the aviation bug hit her hard.
• How not being able to find cute clothes led Natalie to start Fly Girl.
• How Natalie and I both didn’t have a set plan when we were starting our respected companies.
• How she was able to raise over $16,000 for her first Fly Girl fundraiser.
• How every lesson you complete gives you the confidence to tackle the next lesson.
• Natalie talks about why she bought an airplane to help her build her time.
• We talk about the benefits of owning your own airplane.
• We also talk about some cons of owning your own airplane.
• Natalie talks about how difficult her Instrument training was.
• Natalie talks about how and when her IFR training clicked.
• How I got cut off by the Chick-Fil-A private jet.
• Why Natalie left Ohio to get her multi-engine rating in Florida.
• How do we get more women in aviation?
• We talk anything and everything FlyGIRL.
• How to win a Fly Girl scholarship?

If you liked today's episode please leave a review on iTunes and make sure to check out our website Pilottopilothq.com.

Happy Flying,

Justin

Avination, welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast episode number 62! Today, I am talking with John Zimmerman from Sporty's Pilot Shop. In this episode, John and I talk about...

• How Sportys is just a collection of pilots that made a business.
• John talks about his earliest memory of aviation.
• How John grew up around aviation without realizing he could be a pilot.
• How the aviation industry isn’t the best at inviting new pilots in.
• John talks about his training.
• How John claims he made every mistake there ever was.
• Talks about being a weekend warrior in Ohio.
• Why John thinks he did his training wrong.
• How John realized he needed a more structured training syllabus to get his license.
• How John knew at an early age he didn’t want to be an airline pilot.
• But, John still wanted to get a job in aviation.
• How to stay involved in aviation while you are in college.
• John talks about flying different types of aircraft early on.
• What it was like being a pilot in High School.
• What it's like to have an incomplete check ride.
• We talk about how aviation is very Humbling.
• How John got started at Sportys.
• How John helped create the first true ADSB receiver.
• How data link weather makes you a safer pilot.
• We talk about how far aviation has come in the last 10 years.
• We talk about the future of aviation.
• Will there ever be single pilot airline operations?

Thank you for listening to today's episode, please leave Pilot to Pilot a review on iTunes, and make sure to check out our Patreon!

Happy Flying,

Justin

Avination, have you ever wondered what it is like to fight fires in an airplane? Well, here is your chance to find out. Some of the things Chris and I talk about are...

• How Chris is a second generation pilot 
• Aviation wasn’t his first career choice. 
• Chris moved to North Carolina to pursue a career in racing. 
• How a phone call from his dad convinced him to become a pilot. 
• How he started out his aviation career by loading ag planes. 
• Chris talks about timber season for ag pilots. 
• Chris talks about his experience with the flight schools he dealt with. 
• Chris tells a story about what you shouldn’t do as an instructor with a new IFR student. 
• Chris talks about the struggles he had in his Instrument training. 
• We talk about how radio coms can be difficult for a young pilot. 
• We talk about the benefits of going on a flight to observe other students 
• Chris talks about the goals he had while he was in his training. 
• How and why Chris always wanted to fly in the fire industry. 
• Chris talks about how someone can become an ag or SEATs pilot. 
• How the ag and fire fighting industry will be needing pilots badly. 
• We talk about pay for a fire fighting pilot. 
• Chris talks about what fires are the worst to fight. 
• We talk about last years horrible fire season. 
• How Chris and I knew each other from flight school in Charlotte, NC. 
• Chris and I both took the ATP - CTP course together. 
• Chris talks about a day in the life of a Fire fighting pilot. 
• We get into the most take off and landings he has had in a day. 
• We talk about the threats they face while flying. 

I hope you enjoyed the early access to episode 61. If you did please leave a review on iTunes (we are so close to 300) and make sure to share the podcast with everyone you know!!

Happy Flying,

Justin Siems

Avination, this is episode 60 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast featuring Haraldur Diego aka Volcano Pilot. Haraldur and I have been trying to get this podcast recorded for a very long time. I was first introduced to Haraldur by Noah (@thectflyguy) and Pilot Maria. With only spending a few minutes on his Instagram page I knew he was someone that could inspire the Avination.

In this episode, Haraldur and I talk about...

• Haraldur talks about how and why he got into aviation.
• Why Haraldur told himself that he could never become a pilot.
• What Haraldur’s original goals were when he started his training to become a pilot?
• Why Haraldur thought he was in over his head when training to become a pilot.
• How you comparing yourself to others isn’t the best decision.
• How Haraldur’s wife told I’m why it is a bad idea to compare yourself to others.
• Everyone has their own struggles and demons. 
• We talk about how unforgiving Iceland's weather can be.
• Haraldur talks about getting back into aviation after he quit.
• Why Haraldur moved to Denmark for an aviation job.
• How September 11 changed Haraldur’s career plan.
• How Haraldur didn’t give up after 9/11 and still looked into becoming an airline pilot.
• Haraldur was able to find another career path that kept him involved with the aviation industry.
• We talk about how Haraldur has helped influence the aviation industry with his Instagram account.
• I talk about how I don’t think I am a real pilot because I don’t fly a 737 or a heavy aircraft.
• We talk about general aviation in Iceland.
• Haraldur and I talk about how we are finding the romance of aviation again.
• Haraldur shares some stories about flying in Iceland.
• How 777 pilots dream about flying GA through Iceland.
• How we as an industry of done a terrible job of promoting the fun of aviation. 
• How a photography friend convinced Haraldur to join Instagram.
• Rapid fire with Haraldur.

• Some of the main topics Gene and I talk about are...
• How the movie Top Gun led him to want to become a military pilot
• How a medical issue messed up his flight slot for the military.
• How and why he joined the warrant officer flight program.
• Talk about the differences between military training vs civilian.
• How Helicopters don’t naturally want to fly.
• We talk about what happens when you fall behind in military helicopter training.
• Why we need high-quality CFI’s to stay as a CFI.
• Gene talks about his deployments
• Gene shares some war stories.
• Gene talks about how he had TEN tours in the military.
• Gene talks about flying Special Ops.
• We talk about how someone can make a career in commercial helicopter flying.
• Gene talks about the path to getting your dream helicopter job.
• Talk about the importance of maintaining networking and not burning any bridges.
• Talks about mentoring military helicopter pilots on how to transfer into the civilian world.

Happy Flying,

Justin

• His Grandpa flew bombers in the Army.
• Reed’s brothers is a fighter pilot in the Navy.
• How aviation skipped a generation in their family.
• Reed talks about his support system while training.
• How the University of North Dakota flying camp helped Reed realize this is what he actually wanted to do.
• What a flying summer camp is actually like.
• How a flying summer camp can help you get ahead in your flying career.
• Does Reed recommend future pilots going to summer camps?
• How he made friends forever at that week-long aviation camp.
• Reed talks about his experience at a non-aviation college.
• What Reed was specifically looking for when choosing a college.
• How important it is to visit schools to figure out if it is a good fit.
• Reed talks about his training.
• Reed talks about his favorite study books.
• Why Reed chose Survey flying over CFI.
• What I liked about flying aerial survey.
• How to choose your survey job.
• How Reed found a non-sketchy survey job.. which is rare.
• A story about my experience flying aerial survey.
• How I made $25,000 my first year flying professionally
• What Reed’s goals are for his future.
• Why Reed scheduled Regional interviews when he wasn’t flying for survey.
• Reed talks about his side job.

Avination, welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast episode 57 featuring Jim Sorsby aka Captain Moonbeam. Jim has an incredible story and it is one that you will not want to miss. Avination, I need your help, I want to get this podcast in as many pilots ears as possible. Make sure you are sharing this with all your aviation friends!

Some of the things Jim and I talk about are...

• How Jim got hooked on Aviation. 
• Why Jim convinced himself aviation was too expensive. 
• Jim was 28 when he started his training. 
• Took Jim took Jim 2 years to get his PPL  
• What Jim did to make money before he became a pilot. 
• Why Jim quit his day job with only his PPL. 
• How and why Jim quit regionals. 
• Why it is important pilots know the history of aviation hiring. 
• Jim doesn’t believe someone should pay for a type rating. 
• Jim talks about working full time while he was training 
• Jim talks about failing two check rides. 
• Talks about an examiner voluntarily turning in his ticket. 
• What Jim's mentality was like after he failed his first check ride. 
• How a failed check ride is nothing more than a learning experience. 
• How people create their own limitations. 
• Network, network, network 
• How a lot of jobs never make it to job boards. 
• Talks about the different types of flying Jim has done in his career. 
• Jim lists about every plane that he has ever flown. 
• We find out why Jim made his Youtube channel 
• Why Jim still has to force himself to make sure he films himself in his videos. 
• Jim answers your questions. 
•  We talk about being careful about building your time 

I hope you enjoyed today's episode. Make sure to leave a review on iTunes and check out our website!

Happy Flying,

Justin

Avination, welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast episode 56 featuring LIFT Academy. Find out how you can not only get a guaranteed job as a CFI to build time but a guaranteed FO job at Republic Airways. If that is something that appeals to you than you are going to want to check out this episode!

Some of the things we talk about are...

• Make sure their pilots are airline ready when they are done. 
• LIFT students have a guaranteed job as an FO for Republic. 
• We talk about what happens if the economy goes down and they have too many FO's of CFI’s. 
• Where did the vision of LIFT come from? 
• Republic wanted to take control of their own destiny. 
• Train their students with the same SOP’s that Republic operates. 
• Why they chose Diamond Aircraft. 
• Talk about how important it is to incorporate SOP in your training. 
• What it is like to start a flight school. 
• LIFT talks about their pitch to a student. 
• How to appeal to a student when they have so many choices for a flight school. 
• How students will finish their CFII in a year 
• Do they have to interview for the FO job at Republic? 
• Why LIFT has a different approach to selecting their students. 
• Does LIFT accept students who have already completed some of their training? 
•  We talk about tuition. 
• $65,000 dollars for flight training. 
• What would happen if someone didn’t want to be an airline pilot after completing their training at LIFT? 
• LIFT requires a 5-year commitment to Republic. 
• How and why being based at KIND is a huge pro. 
•  What it is like flying during the Fed Ex/UPS rush. 

Thank you all so much for your support on Patreon, I hope you enjoy this episode!!

Happy Flying,

Justin

Special thanks to today's sponsor LIFT Academy, check them out at flywithlift.com

What is going on Avination and welcome back to episode 55 of Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today, I am talking with Shannon aka PilotShanelly on Instagram. In today's episode, Shannon and I talk about...

• Find out what ShaNelly got into aviation
• Her dad flew the B52 bomber.
• What Shannon looked for when choosing an aviation school.
• Shannon talks about what it was like to balance athletics and flying.
• Why Shannon's parents only wanted her to do her PPL first to see if this is what she really wanted.
• I talk about how I made excuses during my flying training.
• Shannon talks about the support system she had while she was in her training.
• How her non-aviation friends thought it was really cool she was becoming a pilot.
• Shannon talks about an instructor that gave it to her straight.
• How Shannon felt rushed during her PPL training.
• Shannon talks about the troubles she had with her training.
• How Instrument training was a pivotal moment in her career.
• How important your IFR training is.
• Shannon talks about how consistency is very important in aviation
• Shannon talks about how she built her time.
• Shannon talks about the transition from CFI to regional.
• Shannon talks about some crazy stories from her time as a CFI.
• Shannon talks about the dynamic of a male to female cockpit when she was a CFI.
• Shannon talks about flying wings for children.
• Shannon talks about how she loved being a CFI.
• We talk about how important it is to have a good CFI.
• Shannon talks about regional life.
• How no one prepared Shannon for the logistics of an airline pilot
• Shannon gives three tips to a new student.
• How no one really prepares you for the life of an airline pilot.
• Shannon talks about how and why she applied to the majors
• Shannon talks about the reason behind the Instagram dances.

Thank you for listening to today's episode. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave us a review on iTunes and check out our website

What is going on avination?! Welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast episode 54 featuring Michael Mainiero. Michael is absolutely killing this whole piloting thing, he is 22 years old with 3200 hours, current in over a dozen aircraft, and was just hired by a big 121 carrier. 

Some of the things Michael and I talk about are..

• How Michael got into aviation. 
• How Michael put a presentation together for his Parents on why he should get flight simulator. 
• How Michael had to talk his mom into letting him learn how to fly. 
• Michael talks about joining young eagles. 
• How Michael built his connections. 
• Michael explains what Young Eagles is. 
• How Michael was running his local Young Eagles website at 12 years old. 
• We talk about how you can get involved with Young Eagles. 
• How Michael is current in over a dozen airplanes at age 22. 
• How Michael owns a partnership in a 152. 
• How Michael was able to talk his parents into buying an airplane at age 14. 
• Michael talks about what his training was like. 
• How flying is very straight forward for him 
• How Michael hated school and hated studying while training. 
• How Michael struggled with the oral on his Instrument check ride. 
• How Michaels CFI's assumed Michael had everything memorized  
• I give a tip on a cheat sheet I would take into my check rides with me. 
• Michael talks about the connections he has made and how it has helped him in his career.  
• We talk about how you have to do everything you can to get your ratings done asap. 
• How Michaels teachers had a love/hate relationship with him. 
• How Michael balances getting his degree and flying. 
• Michael talks about how aviation is double sided with the younger generation of pilots. 
• We talk about influencers on YouTube who are doing it wrong. 
• How you have to be careful about what you post on the internet, especially aviation videos. 
• Michael talks about how he started flying with the Patriot jet team. 
• Why Michael isn’t at a regional airline waiting for the flow to the majors. 
• How Michael chose check airman in the King Air and a Citation X airport PIC type over the regionals. 

Thank you for being a Patron of Pilot to Pilot. I hope you enjoy these early access uploads. Let me know what you think of the podcast below.

Happy Flying,

Justin

What is going on Avination, welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast episode 53 featuring David Campbell. David is 49 Private pilot who walked away from a high paying job to start his career in aviation. Some of the things David and I talk about in this episode are.

• Why David left a $100,000 a year job to start training and learn to become a pilot.
• How David originally went to college to become a pilot.
• Why David didn’t finish his pilot training at Western Michigan.
• How struggles in college and not seeing how he could pay for flying cause David to stray from his dream in college.
• How flying has always been expensive and always will be expensive.
• We talk about if David regrets any of the decisions he made in the past.
• How he had a good friend who finished his training at Western Michigan and quit flying farther down the line.
• How aviation is something that will rule your life.
• How an annual goal sheet helped David get back into aviation.
• David quit his job without a plan of action for whats next.
• How he used AOPA to find a local flight school.
• How seeing someone older than him complete his training helped David realize that it is a real possibility.
• David and I talk about when is it too late to make the switch.
• What to do when debating on switching careers.
• Is it too late for you to change?
• How it is important to make a plan when you switch careers.
• Its not going to be an easy switch so make sure your family is okay with it.
• The importance of using your GI bill to pay for your flight training.
• How easy it is to make excuses to not go fly.
• The first flight David went on after his checkered was to propose to his GF.
• What it is like to get your PPL while you are working.
• We talk about some things that can keep you from getting your PPL.
• David talks about a 10 hour flight in a LSA down to the Bahamas.
• We talk about how Foreflight has changed the game.
• We talk challenges of owning a plane.
• Differences between the corporate route and commercial route.

If you enjoyed today's podcast make sure you leave a review on iTunes and check out our Patreon page.

Happy Flying,

Justin

What is going on Avination, welcome to episode #52 featuring Stan Kuliavas from Levaero Aviation. In this episode, Stan and I talk about what it is like to go to Embry Riddle without wanting to become a pilot, how he had zero interest in aviation even though his dad was involved in aviation and much more.

• How Stan took his first intro flight.
• How Stand is thankful his dad didn’t push aviation on him.
• Why you have to love the process of becoming an airline pilot.
• How your first few hundred hours really mold you into the pilot you will be later in your career.
• We talk about what General aviation in Canada is like.
• How Stan learned quite quickly that he didn’t want to be an Air Canada pilot.
• How the “aviation bug” can be different for everyone.
• Stan figured out that he wanted to fly when he wanted to, not when he had too.
• Why Stan chose to go to Embry Riddle.
• You can go to Riddle and not want to be a pilot.
• How Ohio State went from wanting to get rid of their Aviation Program to wanting to keep it and build on it.
• Did you know Embry Riddle had athletics?
• How Stan had the bright idea to move back to Canada from Florida.
• We talk about what it is like to work in Sales for a fractional company.
• How it is important to always try to learn new things.
• How you are either getting better or getting worse 
• We talk about when the podcast started getting some traction.
• Why it is important to put yourself out there and be vulnerable.
• Stan talks about ocean crossing with a PC12.

Thank you for listening to today's episode. Make sure to check out our sponsor Cadence Aviation they make premium headsets at a great price. Avination, I hope you enjoyed this episode if you did. Leave us a review on all social media, iTunes and check out our Patreon page for early access and Pilot to Pilot swag.

Avination, the Pilot to Pilot podcast is back. Episode 51 features Jason Miller from The Finer Points. I this episode Jason and I talk about.

• Why Jason wanted to become a pilot. 
• How Flight Simulator played a role in his passion for aviation. 
• Jason’s initial goals when he got into aviation. 
• Jason talks about how he got into aviation and how he didn’t know where to start. 
• We talk about what it is like to get into aviation back in the ’90s and not having a family in aviation. 
• How Jason quickly found out what his calling was when he was working line service. 
• How you can have a good career in aviation no matter what route you choose. 
• How moving to California showed him you can make a career out of instructing. 
• We talk about why I didn’t want to be an instructor. 
• Why it is important to not focus on flight hours when instructing. 
• How Jason considers his instructing an art. 
• Jason talks about what his hardest check ride was. 
• How Jason got into an argument with his DPE about a regulation. 
• How Jason deals with a rogue DPE. 
• Jason gives us some secrets to passing a check ride. 
• Why Jason doesn’t want to be an examiner. 
• Don’t low ball your hourly rate and charge a premium. 
• Don’t waste the debrief. 
• We talk about whether it is smart to start brand new students with Foreflight or not. 
• Jason talks about The Finer Points and why he started the podcast in 2005. 
• Jason talks about the value of Youtube. 
• How Jason handles his videos with the FAA on the watch. 
• Why Jason thinks we are entering a “Golden age” of aviation. 
• Jason gives three tips that every new CFI should use to become a great CFI. 
• Why you can’t be the best and the cheapest! 

Thank you for listening to the Pilot to Pilot podcast. If you enjoyed it please leave a review on iTunes and make sure to check out our Patreon page!

Happy Flying,

Justin