Category Archives: Podcast

ACP328 Can I Make a Living As A Flight Instructor in 2021?

Flight Instructor

Welcome to the Inspirational, Informational, and Transparent Aviation Careers Podcast.  Today we answer the question Can I Make a Living As A Flight Instructor in 2021?

Thank you to our Patrons. http://AviationCareersPodcast.com/Patreon 

Thank you to our sponsors for giving away a free scholarships guide. To get a free guide with over 120 million in scholarships visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/ 

Watch The YouTube Version of This Podcast Can I Make A Living As A Flight Instructor – YouTube.

Sponsor:

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Spartan College has trained over 100,000 pilots during its over 90-year history!

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Listener Mail:

Greetings! I got my CFI and CFII right before we moved to the DC area in 2019, hoping to start teaching. But childcare and other expenses made it unaffordable to teach and then COVID hit and the local schools don’t have the volume to support a full-time transition to CFI for me. I will get there.

Talking Points:

  • Can I Make a Living As A Flight Instructor in 2021?
  • Why jobs will increase for flight instructors in 2021.
    • Airlines are hiring again.
      • Why airlines are hiring even though they are not making money.
      • It is all about the block hours.
    • People are being called to start training for their Conditional Job Offers (CJO’s)
      • Listener mail from a coaching client: 
      • I just wanted to take a moment and thank you. Today I received a CJO from PSA, I wouldn’t have been in a position for that to happen if it wasn’t for your career coaching. 
      • I maintained my cadet status with Envoy all throughout last year even after I was laid off from a large flight school.
      • Envoy wasn’t hiring yet they worked out a deal for cadets based on seniority to interview with PSA. 
      • You told me to do whatever I could to maintain the cadet status and it paid off. Thank you again for the advice and all the great content you’re producing.
    • Travel is increasing.
    • Career seekers are realizing the best time to get into aviation is right now.
  • How To Make A Living As A Flight Instructor.
    • Certificates increase your audience.
      • Some schools won’t hire you unless you have your CFII.
    • Networking.
      • Make sure your LinkedIn Profile looks good.
      • Find a course or coach to help you build a profile.
    • Marketing.
      • Business Cards.
      • Attend Air Shows like Sun N Fun.
    • Student Retention.
      • The customer is #1.
    • Referrals.
    • Charge for all of your time while teaching.
      • Pay rates start pay around $25 and move up depending on the school.
      • Paid only when teaching.
      • Based on 5 hours a day, 5 days a week, 50 weeks a year of work: $31,250.
      • If you are able to teach 8 hours a day that equals $50,000.
      • Some hire paid instructors can make up to $90,000 but these are the top 10%.
      • Some schools you might only make $20,000 because they pay low and guaranteed many hours and don’t charge for ground instruction. 
      • Do your research.
    • Ground and Simulator training are very important aspects of teaching so get paid for pre-flight, post-flight, and sim training.
  • Suggested Reading:
    • The Savvy Flight Instructor: Secrets of the Successful CFI https://amzn.to/39XVYD2
    • The Flight Instructor’s Survival Guide: true, witty, insightful stories illustrating the fundamentals of instructing. https://amzn.to/3wSfbA6 
  • Take Action Now!

ACP327 Living With Covid-19 As An Airline Pilot.

Living With Covid-19

Welcome to the Inspirational, Informational, and Transparent Aviation Careers Podcast.  Today we discuss the challenges with living with Covid-19 as an airline pilot. 

Thank you to our Patrons. http://AviationCareersPodcast.com/Patreon 

Sponsor:

https://planeenglishsim.com  

App-based aviation radio simulator is an easy way to gain radio proficiency in both VFR and IFR. 

PlaneEnglishSim.com is giving away 10 scholarship guides so act fast. Use the coupon code PlaneEnglishSim for free one-year access to the Aerospace Scholarships guide. The scholarship guide has over 120 million in scholarships and is updated monthly. 

Visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/  to find out more.

Talking Points:

  • The Challenges of Living with Covid-19 as an airline pilot.
  • Testing Challenges.
    • Results must be in before you go to work.
    • If you work often you will have to get the rapid test which is a little less accurate.
    • You don’t want to get stranded.
    • Some places won’t retest you unless you wait 10 days.
  • Vaccine challenges.
  • What if I get sick.
  • Will this affect my medical?
  • Pressures from my company.

ACP326 Brandi Rector Helicopter Pilot and Owner of Skyhunter Outfitters

Helicopter Pilot

Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent Aviation Careers Podcast.  Today I am speaking with helicopter pilot Brandi Rector owner of Skyhunter Outfitters who has taken her passion for flying helicopters into an industry many of us may never have realized existed. 

Before we begin a quick shout out to our sponsor.

Sponsor:

https://planeenglishsim.com  

App-based aviation radio simulator is an easy way to gain radio proficiency in both VFR and IFR. 

PlaneEnglishSim.com is giving away 10 scholarship guides so act fast. Use the coupon code PlaneEnglishSim for free one-year access to the Aerospace Scholarships guide. The scholarship guide has over 120 million in scholarships and is updated monthly. 

Visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/  to find out more.

Talking Points:

  • Brandi’s path to the flight deck.
  • Why she loves helicopter flying.
  • How she discovered her unique career in aviation.
  • What is Sky Hunter Outfitters?
  • Advice for those seeking a career in helicopters.
  • Advice for women who are looking at pursuing a career as a helicopter pilot.
    • Challenges and rewards that might be unique for females entering this career.
  • What she likes most about her job.
  • What are the challenges of her job?
  • Resources for female pilots.
  • What is next for Brandi. 

Links:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/resources/

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/ 

https://www.facebook.com/skyhunteroutfitters/

https://sky-hunters.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWhp6Vx-8c5FyhuxzoM1kRg/featured

https://www.instagram.com/helichic1/ 

Whirly girls

WAI

Lady aviators

Awam

https://www.womenmilitaryaviators.com/ 

ACP325 Airport Safety Management Systems Manager Arielle Sewell

Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent Aviation Careers Podcast.  Today I am speaking with Arielle Sewell, a Safety Management Systems Manager for a small-hub airport.  SMS at airports receives little attention, but as the discipline expands more specialists will be needed in this field.

Sponsor:

https://planeenglishsim.com  

App-based aviation radio simulator is an easy way to gain radio proficiency in both VFR and IFR. 

PlaneEnglishSim.com is giving away 10 scholarship guides so act fast. Use the coupon code PlaneEnglishSim for free one-year access to the Aerospace Scholarships guide. The scholarship guide has over 120 million in scholarships and is updated monthly. 

Visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/  to find out more.

Talking Points:

  • Arielle’s aviation journey.
  • What is SMS?
  • What is an SMS manager for an airport?
  • Why airport Safety Management Systems are important. 
  • What is a typical day for an SMS manager?
  • What hours would someone expect to work?
  • What pay and benefits can someone expect?
  • What education is required of an SMS manager?
  • What is next for Arielle?

Links:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/resources/

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellesewell/ 

https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/sms/specifics_by_aviation_industry_type/airports/

ACP324 Online Aviation Tutor and Commercial Pilot Raphael.

Aviation Tutor

Welcome to the Inspirational, Informational, and Transparent Aviation Careers Podcast.  Today we discuss Raphael’s journey towards becoming a commercial pilot and how he has taken the opportunity to become an online aviation tutor.

Sponsor:

https://planeenglishsim.com  

App-based aviation radio simulator is an easy way to gain radio proficiency in both VFR and IFR. 

PlaneEnglishSim.com is giving away 10 scholarship guides so act fast. Use the coupon code PlaneEnglishSim for free one-year access to the Aerospace Scholarships guide. The scholarship guide has over 120 million in scholarships and is updated monthly. 

Visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/  to find out more.

Talking Points:

  • Raphael’s Journey to the flight deck.
  • Developing a passion for aviation.
  • ICAO language proficiency test.
  • Why he chose the United States for flight training.
  • Industry downturn after completing his training.
  • How he has pivoted and used My Aviation Tutor to inspire aviators.
  • What is next for Raphael.
  • Advice for those wanting to become a pilot during these challenging times.

Links:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/resources/

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/ 

https://www.instagram.com/myaviationtutor/

www.myaviationtutor.weebly.com

https://www.facebook.com/myaviationtutor/

ACP323 Bored and Lonely Pilot

Welcome to the Inspirational, Informational, and Transparent Aviation Careers Podcast. Today we answer a listener question for a bored and lonely pilot looking to rekindle the flying passion.

Before we begin I want to congratulate three of our coaching clients for achieving career goals.

First, congratulations to our first client for obtaining a job flying a KingAir 350 as a corporate pilot. He first started as a flight instructor and then landed a job in the right seat of a King Air C90 and then the company upgraded to a C-350.

Congratulations to our second client who landed a job with a regional airline that flies Dash-8 Q400 turboprops and Embraer E175 a 76 seat jet! Great job on landing your first regional job.

Congratulations to our third client who has been a long time coaching client and who we spent time with preparing his goals and helping him prepare for the interview for his dream job. He landed his dream job of flying a Boeing 747, the queen of the skies, with a cargo carrier who flies around the world.

Again congratulations to all of our three clients for achieving their flying goals. If you want to share in their success consider career coaching at AviationCareersPodcast.com/coaching.

Now on to the show and listener mail.

Listener Mail:

Hi Carl,

I’ve enjoyed listening to the podcast and have gotten a lot from them, so thanks for those! Pardon me if my thoughts here seem rambled or if it gets long, but I think maybe it would help me to write out some thoughts and share them even if you don’t have time to read, respond, or use them.

I’m 24 years old with an ATP, 1800 hours, and am flying a private jet for a large aircraft management company primarily flying part 135. I started this job about 2 months ago and I previously flew for a small part 135 company where much of the work was out and back trips providing transportation for the organ donation process. I have a very active social life outside of work with family, friends, and enjoy time outdoors whenever I have time.

Transitioning to this new job has been difficult as I’ve had tons of time spent on the road, less flying, and not enough to do in all my free time while away from home. I get bored quickly and have trouble enjoying myself when I am alone so much, not to mention missing out often on life back at home. I enjoy flying but, I’m beginning to wonder if going towards faster, bigger, and more advanced is the best career path for me. This job also has a very uncertain schedule with trip changes keeping me on the road for many more days than originally scheduled and it can become frustrating because my quality of life seems to suffer greatly. I’m generally a very positive person and am often able to see the benefits of things over the drawbacks but, now I seem to struggle.

The job fell into my lap fairly quickly, I think without me having a super clear picture of what it entirely was. I’m feeling bad for becoming impatient so quickly into a new job, especially in these times where many other pilots would happily do my job but, I can’t help but wonder about getting through the next year and what my future might hold. I signed a year-long training contract so I think I need to find ways to muster up patience, things to do, and more purpose in my work.

I keep wondering if I have the appropriate interest and drive to continue this path and if I do, I wonder how I could rekindle it.

Do you have any quick thoughts that immediately come to mind or any quick advice that you could offer?

Thank you so much for everything you do and for the time you take to help so many people!

Talking Points:

  • How to avoid being bored.
    • Get a hobby you can do on the road.
    • Help others.
  • How to avoid being alone while on the road.
    • Keep in touch with friends and family.
  • If the job you have is not what you thought it would be it is time to change:
    • Start planning your next move.
    • Define your goals very specifically.
    • How many days if any do you want to be away from friends and family.
    • There are jobs you can find locally that pay well but…
    • Are you willing to relocate?
    • Be honest with yourself as to what is important in your career.
  • Career Coaching

Links:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/resources/

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

ACP322 Is the FAA looking at my Driving Record?

Driving Record

Welcome to the Inspirational, Informational, and Transparent Aviation Careers Podcast. Today we answer the question, “Is the FAA looking at my driving record?” We answered this in a recent interview on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/ExpertAviator.

I interviewed Chris Pezalla from the Law Offices of Robert Strumor and thought this was important to share with you in our audio podcast. Let’s listen to the interview with Chris Pezalla from our YouTube Channel and answer the question “Is The FAA Looking At My Driving Record?”.

Talking Points:

  • What is the National Driver Register?
  • Is the NDR the same as my state driving record?
  • How does the NDR collect information?
  • Does the FAA have access to my records?
  • Can I obtain a copy of my record?
  • Can I order a copy online?
  • What form is used?
  • What info should I include?
  • Does it have to be notarized?
  • How long does it take to get a copy?
  • For career pilots, is this part of the PRIA request process?

Links:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/resources/

https://www.nhtsa.gov/research-data/national-driver-register-ndr

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/pilot_records_database/

https://www.faa.gov/pilots/lic_cert/pria/

https://www.strumorlaw.com

ACP321 Careers in Aviation Law with Jenny Ann Urban

Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Today we discuss careers in aviation law with Jenny Urban.

Before we begin a few words from our sponsor.

Sponsor:

https://planeenglishsim.com 

App-based aviation radio simulator is an easy way to gain radio proficiency in both VFR and IFR. 

PlaneEnglishSim.com is giving away 10 scholarship guides so act fast. Use the coupon code PlaneEnglishSim for free one year access to the Aerospace Scholarships guide. The scholarship guide has over 120 million in scholarships and is updated monthly. 

Visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ to find out more.

Joining me today is Jenny Urban to discuss the career field of aviation law. Jenny has obtained numerous degrees attending the University of Mississippi including a Bachelors in Public Policy Leadership and Political Science, Masters of Business Administration, Juris Doctor, and Masters of Law in Air And Space Law. Needless to say, she is an Ole Miss fan and I am excited to have her on the show today to help you understand the career of an aviation attorney.

Talking Points:

  • Why Jenny developed an interest in aviation.
  • What can the job of an aviation attorney entail?
  • What are some of the biggest misconceptions when people are looking towards a career in aviation law?
  • What type of jobs are available.
  • What degrees and qualifications are needed to work in aviation law?
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm
  • What are the challenges of the job?
  • What are the rewards of her career?
  • Are there any jobs that aviation attorneys pursue other than working full time as an attorney?
  • Advice for aspiring aviation attorneys.
  • Recommended organizations, websites, or reading. 
  • What is next for Jenny?

Links Mentioned in This Podcast:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-ann-urban/ 

The Future of Air Travel – Can Aviation Laws Keep Up? | Jenny A. Urban | TEDxUniversityofMississippi

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm

YouTube.com/ExpertAviator

ACP320 Opportunities In Aviation with Volare Aviation founder – Dustin Dryden.

Volare Aviation

Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Joining me today is Dustin Dryden – the Founder and Chairman of Volare Aviation based out of London Oxford Airport in the UK. We will be discussing the future of air travel and how the pandemic has shifted flying and what career opportunities have arisen around the world.

Before we begin a few words from our sponsor.

Sponsor:

https://planeenglishsim.com 

App-based aviation radio simulator is an easy way to gain radio proficiency in both VFR and IFR. 

PlaneEnglishSim.com is giving away 10 scholarship guides so act fast. Use the coupon code PlaneEnglishSim for free one year access to the Aerospace Scholarships guide. The scholarships guide has over 120 million in scholarships and is updated monthly. 

Visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ to find out more.

Our latest video:

YouTube.com/ExpertAviator

Talking Points:

  • How he developed his passion for aviation at such a young age.
  • What is Volare Aviation?
  • What is private and business aviation?
  • Part 147/66 training for engineers (mechanics for our US listeners).
  • How travel trends have changed in aviation.
  • What opportunities have arisen through these changes?
  • Career advice for those starting out in aviation.
  • Predictions for the future of air travel.
  • Where can we find out more about Volare Aviation?

Links Mentioned in This Podcast:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/patron 

https://www.volareaviation.gg 

https://www.instagram.com/volareaviation/

https://www.instagram.com/dustindryden/ 

ACP319 Can Pilots Take COVID Vaccine?

Can Pilots Take COVID Vaccine?

Watch On YouTube

Chris Pezalla law offices of Robert Strumor.

https://www.strumorlaw.com

Disclaimers

Are pilots eligible for the regular vaccine?

How Long Do I Have to wait before flying again?

-48 hours

Is one dose enough?

Will airline pilots have to get the vaccine?

-FAA Requirement

-Airline Requirement

-International Destinations

What paperwork should I keep?

-Records of vaccine

-ER visits

Links:

https://www.faa.gov/coronavirus/

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-reviewing-whether-pilots-can-take-covid-vaccine/

https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=96302&omniRss=news_updatesAoc&cid=101_N_U

https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=96258

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html

Quote from FAA Website:

“Holders of FAA-issued Airman Medical Certificates or Medical Clearances may receive the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines; however, a 48-hour no-fly/no safety-related duty interval must be observed after each dose.”