Category Archives: Airline Pilot

Airline Pilot, Podcast, Questions Answered

ACP098 What Is The Best Type Of Turbine Time?

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What is the best type of turbine time on your path to the majors? Welcome To Episode 98. We will answer this and many more questions in another episode where we answer your questions. Joining me today is Paul Grieco, airline pilot, nurse, and scholarships analyst.

What is the best type of turbine time and more questions:

  • Will I really love flying for the rest of my life?
  • Would I have some free time to do what I love?
  • Would I make enough money as a pilot to afford all I want to do?
  • Would I have time for family as an airline pilot?
  • I just finished episode 94 with ExpressJet and it came at just the right time.
  • Would my experience with the turbine PIC along with a year as a regional FO make me a strong candidate for the legacies?
  • If I am flying at the 135 operation do you think that attending OBAP and WAI job fairs will be enough to get a call from a legacy?
  • Do I just have to deal with first-year regional pay if I want a decent chance at a legacy or the major of my choice?
  • I was wondering what are some things I can do starting now that will distinguish me from the crowd when applying to pilot positions at the regionals and majors?
  • What is the best path to the majors turbine regional or turbine fractional?
  • Does buying time destroy the industry?
  • I am currently a 32-year-old. If I chose to change my career, do you recommend the ATP fast track?
  • Can you provide information on the cost of your coaching services?

Links:

Coaching Page

ACP094 ExpressJet Airlines Pilot Interview

Scholarship of the week:

ExpressJet Airlines Employee Scholarship

Airline Pilot, Podcast

ACP085 Restarting Your Airline Career with Travis Watson

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TravisFlightDeckWelcome to episode 85. I speak with many pilots who have left the airlines for various reasons including work schedule, layoffs, furloughs, and the low initial pay.  Often many former airline pilots miss the flying and challenges of being an airline pilot.

Today I have with me Travis Watson, an experienced skydiver and pilot who has returned to the airlines after a recent hiatus. Travis is truly passionate about everything he does and his excitement about life is infectious.

Travis and I discuss:

  • His background as a skydive vidographer and flight instructor.
  • His first experience with the airlines.
  • Why he decided to come back to the airlines.
  • Advice for those who left the airlines and are looking towards restarting their flying career.
  • The initial training experience at an airline.
  • Tips to pass your airline training.
  • The advantage of staying at the training center during breaks.
  • Advice for those who are looking at the challenges of low pay and inconsistent schedules in the beginning of their career.

Scholarship of the Week:

Greg Koontz Airshows Aerobatic Instructor Scholarship

Greg Koontz Airshows Aerobatic Instructor Scholarship in Memory of Bobby Younkin. The recipient must be a CFI with some tangible experience in aerobatics. Value $ 2,780

Links:

Weiser Airpark-The “friendliest airport” in the United States

United States Parachute Association

Skydive San Marcos: Austin Skydiving

About Teresa Stokes – Gene Soucy Airshows

Vegas Indoor Skydiving

Seattle Indoor Skydiving

The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

Trader Joe’s

http://www.crashpad411.com

http://www.crashpads.com

Airline Pilot, Interview Tips & Advice, Podcast

ACP077 – Planning Your Piloting Career with Angie Marshall of Cage Marshall Consulting

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Angie_MarshallWelcome to Episode 77. The path towards an airline piloting career can be varied depending on your personal circumstances and the choices you make in life. You may want to live in a certain location, you may want to fly only certain types of aircraft, or you have a family and you need to make sure you are home a certain number of days a month. With that said, a common question from listeners is “how do I know I am progressing towards my career goal of becoming an airline pilot?”

Today I have with me someone who will help me answer this question and many more. Angie Marshall is President of Cage Marshall Consulting. For over twenty years she has worked with pilots offering her expertise with career and furlough guidance, background research, application support, resume and cover letter development, interview prep, and special concerns consulting.

Angie and I discuss:

  • Your career expectations.
  • 5, 10 and 15 year plan for your career.
  • Surviving your salad years and furloughs.
  • The benefits of flying for a regional to better prepare you for the majors.
  • How many hours are competitive to get hired with the regionals and the majors.
  • Why experienced pilots may need to fly for the regionals before moving on the Majors.
  • Why you should consider career consulting.

Links:

Cage Marshall Consulting

Airline Captain, Airline Pilot, Check Airman, Flight Instructing, Pilot, Podcast

ACP065 – How to Become an Airline Check Airman with Robert Guyer

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Airline Check Airman Robert GuyerMany of us dream of flying for the airlines as an airline Captain and have a passion for teaching. There is a job that fulfills both your dream of becoming an airline pilot and your passion for teaching. That job is airline check airman and I have with me someone who has recently achieved this goal.

Robert Guyer is an airline Captain who recently became a check airman. Rob will describe his aviation journey and how he was able to reach his goal of becoming an airline check airman. He also will help you understand the process of becoming an check airman and how to prepare now to become a check airman.

Robert and I Discuss:

  • Robert’s passion for flight which started at a young age.
  • His progression to the left seat of the EMB145.
  • His progression to check airman.
  • The different types of check airman roles at an airline.
  • Why you need to start preparing now to become a check airman.
  • The characteristics of a check airman and how to develop them.
  • General advice for those wanting to become an airline check airman.

Scholarship of The Week:

Chuck Freeland Memorial Scholarship

Since its inception, the AEA Educational Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million to students seeking careers in the aircraft electronics and aviation maintenance industry, as well as technicians from AEA member companies.

Airline Pilot, International Pilot, Pilot, Podcast, Women In Aviation

ACP057 – International Airline Pilot and Mom – Karlene Petitt

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KarleneA330, international airline pilotCan you have a successful flying career and a family life? Are you concerned you will not have time to enjoy your family and fly the world as an international airline pilot? I know many of you have these concerns when determining if a career as an airline pilot is for you.

Today I am excited to have with me someone who has both a successful family life and flying career as an international Airbus A330 Pilot. Karlene Petitt is a grandmother, international airline pilot, and author of a novel.

Karlene and I Discuss:

  • Her Passion For Flying
  • What it is like to fly a wide body airliner worldwide.
  • Her varied path to her current job flying
  • How to have the right work and personal life balance as a pilot.
  • Her current projects and how she is able to balance that with her family life

Links:

The Ninety-Nines International Organization of Woman Pilots

Woman In Aviation International

Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week

International Society Of Women Airline Pilots

Karlene’s Blog – Flight To Success

Fight For Control

Flight For Control


Airline Captain, Airline Pilot, Bush Pilot, Pilot, Podcast

ACP054 – A320 Captain and Alaska Bush Pilot – Cap’n Aux

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Screen-Shot-2014-03-23-at-6.20.26-PM-300x199I am excited to have with me someone who is truly passionate about aviation and will be able to help answer many of your questions concerning various flying jobs. One recurring question I receive from you the listener is this: “are you still passionate about aviation even after many years as an airline pilot?”. To help us answer this question and many more is Cap’n Aux.

Eric is an airline pilot by day, writer by night, and kid by choice. Never one to believe in working for a living, Eric’s past list of occupations include: Alaska bush pilot, freelance writer, mural artist, and Captain for a Caribbean airplane operation. He is now a captain for a major U.S. airline flying the Airbus A320.

Eric and I Discuss:

  • Flying the world as an A320 Captain.
  • Flying as an Alaskan bush pilot.
  • Advice for those interested in a career as a bush pilot.
  • Flying as Captain in the Caribbean.
  • How to keep the passion for aviation alive!
  • Eric’s passion for blogging and writing.

Links:

Cap’n Aux Blog

Cap’n Aux on Twitter

Cap’n Aux on Facebook.

Eric Auxier On Amazon

“The Last Bush Pilots” made Amazon’s Top 100 Breakthrough Novels last year!

The Last Bush Pilots

NYC Aviation

Airways Magazine

AudibleTrial.com/careers

Aviation Scholarships Guide

Air Traffic Controller, Airline Pilot, Aviation Maintenance Technician, Business Aviation, Career Change, Corporate Pilot, Podcast

ACP045 – Airline Pilot – Stressful, Dangerous, and Boring?

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P1010002

We Discuss:

  • ATC Contract Towers.
  • Why airline pilot is listed as the most stressful and most dangerous job.
  • Is Being an Airline Pilot Boring?

Listener Mail:

  • A listener who wants to become an astronaut asks:  Should I join the Air Force and gain flight experience and then apply to test pilot school?  Is it possible to pursue a graduate degree while learning how to fly a MWS aircraft? 
  • What would you recommend is the best place to network regarding corporate aviation & Jobs?
  • I live in Chicago, any recommendations, or any clubs I could join?
  • Would a check ride failure impact my corporate flying careers?
  • Will employers still consider me for employment with multiple failures?  
  • A 20 year old Bahamian pilot would like more information on aerial photography.  
  • A 38 year old flight attendant with a charter airline wants to be a commercial  pilot. Given the time and expense involved, am I too old to enter this profession? How long would it take me to complete my training? Once training is completed, how many years would I have in the profession before I have to retire   
  • A Canadian pilot wants to know if there are scholarships available for aviation in Canada?
  • Does the excitement of aviation continue once you actually ‘make it’?
  • Are you still as passionate about aviation as you were when you blew your tires driving off the road pointing out the 747?  

Links Mentioned In This Podcast:

SimpleFlight.net – Live Aviation Radio Show in broadcast over the internet.

Jet Upset Training Adds Big Value To Your Aviation Ventures – Pilot Jet Podcast Episode 18

Pilot Records  Information Act

Forbes Most Deadliest Jobs

Most Stressful Jobs from Salary.com

CBAA – Chicago Business Aviation Association

Linked In Chicago Business Aviation Network

Linked In Chicago Area Business Aviation Association

Linked In Business Aviation Network


Airline Pilot, Aviation Maintenance Technician, Business Aviation, Career Change, College, Color Blindness, Corporate Pilot, Financial Aid, Flight Instructing, Part Time Aviation Career, Pilot Shortage, Podcast, Questions Answered

ACP041 – “Don’t Let The Effort Keep You From Your Goal” Listener Mail With Eric Crump

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RedBirdSimulator
Eric Crump the Aerospace Program Director at Polk State College  is an experienced pilot and has had years of experience helping people achieve success in their aviation career.

Eric and I discuss the following listener mail:

  • An aviation maintenance student wants to know job prospects for pilots and mechanics.
  • A 38 year with a family wants to know if age is a factor in choosing a career as a pilot and what his financing options are.
  • A private pilot wants to know if color blindness will keep him from becoming an airline pilot and what opportunities are available for those that are color blind.
  • Anissa has some advice for young pilots: “Don’t let the effort dissuade you from your goal!”
  • A  43 year old private pilot asks if a particular type of flying companies like to see in a pilot’s logbook?
  • Do I need to fund my own multi-engine rating to be considered for corporate or charter flying or are there opportunities for single engine pilots out there?
  • Will a  special issuance medical hurt my chances at an aviation career?
  • What is  your opinion on the future of civil aviation regarding pilotless aircraft. In the last half decade there have been huge advances in UAV technology and do you think that in say the next 30-50 years we will see the cockpit be reduced to 1 person just monitoring systems or possibly no-one?
  • Should take a semester off, and go to flight school and while instructing finish my associates online?  

 

Links Mentioned In This Podcast: 

Polk State Approved to Offer Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Sciences

Red Bird Flight Simulators

Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook

Episode 006 – Career Prospects Are Good for Both A Pilots And Mechanics, A Panel Discussion with Guests From National Aviation Academy. 

AOPA Article: Answers for Pilots: Color vision

AOPA Article: Color Vision Restriction Removal

Air Surgeon’s Medical Bulletin January 2012

PlaneSense – fractional operator of single engine aircraft.

The UAV Digest
UAVDigest

The Golden Age of Unmanned Flight


Airline Pilot, Career Change, Military, Podcast

ACP036 – Should You Leave The Military To Become An Airline Pilot?

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Copyright KenMist.comAre you a military pilot thinking of making the jump to the airlines? Do you think you might wait until retirement before making the jump to the airlines? There are some pro’s and con’s of both staying in the military and leaving for the airlines. For over a decade I assisted military pilots with leaves of absence and have seen the good and bad of combining an airline job with military reserve. In this issue I will relate my experiences working with military pilots who have both retired and those who are in the military part time.

Today’s episode was inspired by a question from a listener in the military who is thinking of making the jump to the airlines. To help me respond to his question I have a response from Steve Molos who for many years has also helped military pilots with military leaves of absence with the airlines. Steve had to make the same decision himself about changing careers.

If you are thinking of making becoming an airline pilot and changing careers prior to retiring I think you will find the information we relate helpful. So lets listen to the question that inspired the show today.

In This episode we discuss:

  • Family life as an airline pilot.
  • What it means to commute to work.
  • What it is like to commute to work and live in base.
  • Pro’s and Con’s of leaving the military job early.
  • The benefits and challenges of being in the reserves or guard.
  • Why it is important to know all the contacts at your company concerning military leave.
  • Should you get a type rating?

If you are thinking of retiring from the military or from any job and transition to the airlines it is important to weigh the pro’s and con’s just like Steve said. What I like to do when making a significant decision is to take out a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle then begin putting the pro’s on one side and the con’s on the other. If after you finish your list the con’s out weigh the pro’s then you need to start thinking again about your decision.

During this process it is important to get your spouse or significant other involved. Have them look at your list and make changes as necessary. A pro to you can be a con to your partner.

Whatever you decide make sure you are doing this for what is best for you and your family. Don’t worry about what others might think because they don’t know your situation. Then after making your decision go for it and move forward.

I have faith that whatever you decide in your career you will be successful because you are willing to put forth the effort and persevere through the tough times because you have a purpose. Make sure you keep the list with you and add items even after you have made your decision. This will be helpful in altering your path towards your ultimate goal.

Expect challenges along your new career path but don’t get discouraged. Look at these challenges as growth opportunities and not as road blocks. Road blocks along your career path are not failures they are there to be removed or driven around.

I have faith that you will achieve your aviation career goal. I can’t wait to see you join me in this exciting, challenging, and fun field of aviation.

If you found this information helpful please support this podcast by visiting our sponsors websites. Also if you have any questions please click on the contacts tab and ask. I’m sure there is someone listening right now who would benefit from the question you ask.

Thanks again for listening and we will talk to you next episode. Clear skies and safe flying!

Photos copyright KenMist.com


Airline Pilot, Career Change, Careers, Computer Programmer, Podcast

From Computers to the Cockpit with Embraer 170 Captain Chris Olson, Developer of Bingo Fuel – ACP035

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CaptChris2Welcome to Episode 35 of Aviation Careers Podcast where we help you achieve your career goals and give you an inside view of various careers in aviation. Many pilots have an interest in technology and computers. Many times people change careers from computers to aviation, as I did. Some people are able to successfully combine both careers into one.

My guest today Chris Olson is living the life he designed. Chris is an airline pilot and computer programmer. Chris is passionate about both his careers and is here to share with us how he was able to combine both careers.

Chris and I Discuss:

  • How he developed a passion for both computers and aviation.
  • His career path to the airlines.
  • How he is able to combine both his passion for computers and his passion for aviation.
  • The challenges of combining an airline pilot career with another career.
  • How having many days off as an airline pilot allows us to pursue other careers on our days off.
  • Using his Bingo Fuel mobile application Chris walks us through the challenges and triumphs of developing a software application while working as a pilot.
  • Advice for people considering combining a piloting career with another career.

ChrisByPlaneThanks for listening to Aviation Careers Podcast. I hope this podcast has helped motivate you to pursue your passion and translate that passion into a fulfilling career. Whatever career field you choose remember to live your life with passion and pursue a career that fulfills that passion.

If you pursue a career simply for the money you will end up being miserable. Occasionally, I speak with airline captains who are making very good money, have multiple homes, a motorhome, a boat, and an airplane, but they are not happy. The reason is because they became airline pilots because the pay was good.

Having money makes paying the bills easier and allows you to buy the many toys we enjoy in life. With that said, if you pursue a career simply for the money you will be miserable just like some of the airline captains I fly with. Please make sure whatever you decide to do in life it is something you have a passion for. If you work in something you really enjoy, like I do, the money you receive is a great bonus. I get to do something I enjoy and get paid! That is one of the most wonderful feelings in life.

I want you to do something for me today. Think about the one thing you would love to do in life if money was no object. It could be sailing, fishing, golfing, or designing computer systems. Now, begin imagining yourself getting paid to do something you love. Imagine going to work every day and enjoying your job. Now I want you to take some action and start designing the life that fulfills that dream.

Begin by taking one step right now and start moving towards that goal. Maybe you like your current job but you are really passionate about pursuing another career. Then try to work part time in that career you desire. Ask people what it is like to work in that career. If it involves aviation then listen to people such as on this podcast who are doing what you want to do. But do something.

My hope is that this podcast will truly inspire you to pursue and reach your career goal. If you want to hear about a career in aviation you have not heard on this podcast then please go to the Contact page on Aviation Careers Podcast and put in a request for an interview. I will find someone in the field of aviation you are interested in and have them on this show. Also if you have a career question please write me and I will answer your questions on this show.

If you have found this podcast helpful and want to help contribute please visit our sponsors at Aviation Careers Podcast.com. If you are interested in advertising or contributing to this podcast please send me a message on the contact page.

Again, I hope you enjoyed hearing from Chris as much as I did concerning his journey from the computer to the cockpit. We will talk to you next episode. Safe Flying!

Links Mentioned in this podcast:

BingoFuelApp

Bingo Fuel App Link: AviationCareersPodcast.com/BingoFuel

Twitter: @CGOApps
Blog: http://CGOApps.wordpress.com

Programming in Objective-C (5th Edition) (Developer’s Library)

Sams Teach Yourself iOS 5 Application Development in 24 Hours (3rd Edition)

Stanford CS193P CourseIOS tutorials and resources.

http://stackoverflow.com
Programmers from around the world stop in and offer assistance.