Category Archives: Podcast

ACP423 Is Airline Captain Pay Worth the Stress?

Are you thinking of becoming an airline captain either as a career or if you are you considering upgrading to Captain this episode is for you. I will explore the pros and cons of being an airline captain, focusing on the financial compensation and the challenges and stresses associated with the role. This video helps you determine if the high pay is truly worth the demanding lifestyle of a captain and airline pilot.

Talking Points:

Pay.
– Salary range for airline captains is between 300 to 450 k, af few top earners have the potential for exceeding seven figures.
– Airline captains to other high-paying professions according to BLS
Pilots 226,600, doctors 239,200, lawyers 151,160, and aerospace engineers 134,830.
Pay based on years of service and position such as captain.

The Flying Lifestyle.
– Work schedule of airline captains, including irregular hours, long shifts, and frequent overnight stays.
– Challenges associated with being away from home for extended periods and the impact on personal life and relationships.
– The physical and mental demands of the job, such as dealing with pressure, fatigue, and the responsibility for passenger safety.

Navigating the Skies
– Extensive training and licensing requirements for becoming an airline captain, including flight hours, certifications, and ongoing education.
– Physical and mental health standards pilots must meet and the regular medical evaluations they undergo.
– The competitive nature of the airline industry and the challenges of finding a job and securing a position as an airline captain.
– The high cost of getting to the captain seat. Another reason we started the scholarship guide and our sponsor stratus financial is giving away scholarships guides.
– One reason we started individual coaching and group mentorship and The pilot interview course. https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/

The Cons of being a Captain.
– Potential for burnout and stress associated with the demanding nature of the job, including the impact on mental and physical well-being.
– Challenges of managing personal life and work-life balance, particularly with irregular schedules and frequent travel.
– Address the potential for health issues related to travel, such as jet lag, sleep deprivation, and exposure to radiation.

Beyond the Paycheck or the Pros of being an Airline Captain.
– Unique benefits of being an airline captain, such as travel opportunities, exploring new destinations, and experiencing different cultures.
– The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with flying a large aircraft and safely transporting passengers.
– Explore the camaraderie among pilots and the strong sense of community within the airline industry.

Links:

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm

Monthly Group Coaching:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching
Use coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free.

One On One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com


ACP422 The Future Of Luxury Personal Travel with Eric Zipkin Co-Founder Of Tradewind Aviation

Welcome to the Aviation Careers Podcast. Today we have a special guest Eric Zipkin to discuss trends in aviation with a focus on luxury travel experiences and how these experiences will affect the future of air travel.

Questions e-mail us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Talking Points:

Eric Zipkin and his humble start in aviation.
How he helped build the brand Tradewind Aviation into a leader in personal air travel throughout North America and the Caribbean.
Why Eric feels the future of private, business, and luxury travel will grow.
Current industry trends (highlighting the new Bahamas route/ extended service)
Why work for Tradewind?
“Skip the Regionals” – An in-depth conversation about a pilot’s career path at Tradewind
What type of person would find a fulfilling career at Tradewind.
“Goodspeed Culture” – How Tradewind’s unique culture sets a foundation for success
What is next for Tradewind?

Links:

https://www.flytradewind.com

https://goodspeedairport.com/

Monthly Group Coaching:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching
Use coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free.

One On One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Visit Our Sponsor Stratus Financial

Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial – Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training, and they understand your needs because they are pilots! You can find more at https://stratus.finance/

Whether financing your dream of flying or simplifying the process by taking care of your student loans, their efficient, hassle-free funding can connect you to the life of your dreams of becoming a professional pilot sooner than you ever thought possible! To find out more, click here: https://stratus.finance

As a sponsor of this podcast, Stratus Financial is giving away scholarship guides, and you can get yours for free using the coupon code “Stratus” when you visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

ACP421 Avoiding A Three Million Dollar Mistake In Your Pilot Career

Ten years ago, I discussed avoiding making a two-million-dollar mistake in your career. Today, we need to update that number and discuss how things have changed so you can avoid making a three-million-dollar mistake in your pilot career. Simple Answer…Keep flying, and don’t stop!

Send us your accomplishments and a photo if you want us to share in the podcast on YouTube to feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Talking Points:

Understanding the current hiring environment.
Tariffs and your career.
239,200 Median pay for scheduled airline pilots.
10-year captain pays over 300k at major airlines
That is 3.3 million if you postpone your career by 10 years
Keep flying.
Sign up for coaching.
We discuss industry updates and dispel rumors
Pilot Interview Course is included and is updated every month.
Get one month free by using the coupon code “CoachItForward.”
We also include the Pilot Interview course in the coaching mentorship.

Links:

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm
Monthly Group Coaching:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching
Use coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free.

One-On-One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com or
Visit us: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

 

ACP420 10 Reasons You Should NOT Become An Air Traffic Controller

In our last episode, we discussed the 10 reasons you should become an air traffic controller. Joining me again today is George Harper, an air traffic control manager, to discuss 10 reasons you may not want to become an air traffic controller.

Send us your accomplishments and a photo if you want us to share in the podcast on YouTube to feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Ten Reasons You Should Not Become An Air Traffic Controller:

Afraid of heights.
Don’t like high-stress environments.
Don’t like being responsible for people’s lives.
The opposite of intellectually stimulating can be intellectually exhausting
Rarely 9-5 Mon-Fri (schedule)
Cannot make mistakes (at all)
Never routine, always changing
Ongoing training and refresher training are required monthly
May have to move for career
It’s a difficult field to get into.

Links:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp285-life-of-an-air-traffic-control-tower-manager-with-george-harper/

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm#tab-1
Scholarships:
ATC Scholarship in our guide at https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Monthly Group Coaching:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching
Use coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free.

One On One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching
Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com or
Visit us: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

ACP419 10 Reasons You Should Become An Air Traffic Controller

With a shortage of air traffic controllers, there has been a renewed interest in the career. I have with me George Harper, an air traffic control manager, who will discuss the 10 reasons why you should become an Air Traffic Controller. George joined us on the show 5 years ago when we had a great conversation about what it is like to be a controller. Check out episode 285 to learn more.

Send us your accomplishments and a photo if you want us to share in the podcast on YouTube to feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Ten Reasons You Should Become An Air Traffic Controller:

An office with an amazing view.
Home every day.
Pay and Benefits
$137,380
Intellectually stimulating.
Something different every day
Adrenalin rush
Challenging
Elite career and is respected
Professional video gamer -Radar-
Rewarding career, keeping people safe

Links:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp285-life-of-an-air-traffic-control-tower-manager-with-george-harper/

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm#tab-5

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm#tab-1
Scholarships:
ATC Scholarship in our guide at https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Monthly Group Coaching:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching
Use coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free.

One On One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com or
Visit us: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

ACP418 Surviving The Next Recession

An aviation career spans a lifetime, and you will experience a recession at some point. With all the talk in the news about a recession, I figured it was time to discuss how to survive a recession in your aviation career. I have discussed this topic often over the past decade, but we need a refresh for the current marketplace.

Send us your accomplishments and a photo if you want us to share in the podcast on YouTube to feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

How To Survive The Next Recession?

  1. Save preferably 24 months of expenses due to the volatility of the industry.
  2. Communicate often with your family.
  3. Take Care of your family first.
  4. Keep Flying!
  5. Understand that hiring in this industry comes in waves.
  6. Become competitive for the next hiring wave.
  7. Obtain more ratings.
    1. Use scholarships
  8. Obtain more quality experience.
  9. Obtain your degree if you don’t have one.
  10. If you can’t fly stay in the game.
  11. Keep doing something to move forward in your career every day.
    coaching

Links:

Monthly Group Coaching Mentorship:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free.

One-on-One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching

Questions:

Questions feedback@aviationcareeerspodcast.com

Visit Our Sponsor Stratus Financial

Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial – Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training, and they understand your needs because they are pilots! You can find more at https://stratus.finance/

Whether financing your dream of flying or simplifying the process by taking care of your student loans, their efficient, hassle-free funding can connect you to the life of your dreams of becoming a professional pilot sooner than you ever thought possible! To find out more, click here: https://stratus.finance

As a sponsor of this podcast, Stratus Financial is giving away scholarship guides, and you can get yours for free using the coupon code “Stratus” when you visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/


ACP417 What Flight School Is Best For You?

If you are thinking of becoming a pilot, choosing the right flight school is important. In today’s video we will discuss how to find the flight school that is best for you. Although this list of items are for those who are considering a career in aviation many of these items apply to pilots who want to fly recreationally.

Send us your accomplishments and a photo if you want us to share in the podcast on YouTube to feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

What Flight School Is Best For You?

Location.
Housing situation?
Work will you be flying?
Can you travel for a quick course?
Maintenance.
Ratings.
Will you need to go somewhere else for a rating?
A big school may make you go to another location for the rating.
Availability of Planes and Instructors.
Part Time vs Full Time.
141 vs 61.
Many schools prioritize 141 and other contracts.
GI Bill
After your private
Veterans Readiness and Employment (formerly VocRehab)for private pilot certificate
https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/programs/
Collegiate Programs.
https://studentaid.gov
Talk to your advisor at the college.
Financing.
Employment.
How much are instructors flying?
Contingency plan.
How do you get your money out if you move or have a financial or medical setback?

Links:

Monthly Group Coaching:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free.

One On One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching

Questions:

Questions feedback@aviationcareeerspodcast.com

ACP416 Don’t Let Social Media Negativity Steal Your Dreams

Don’t let people on social media steal your dreams! Research shows that negative comments outnumber positive comments almost 2 for one and when someone posts something negative there are many more comments. Therefore it is easier to find negativity online than positivity. Today I am going to give you tools on how to combat negativity online and help you pursue your dreams!

Send us your accomplishments and a photo if you want us to share in the podcast on YouTube to feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Carl’s Theory Of Negativity:

Negativity Bias Is Real And Treatable.
Negative people are often the loudest.
Carl tells a story about a former fighter pilot working as an airline captain who loves his job in episode 88 August 2015. Also in Sept 2013 episode 38, we discuss not listening to the naysayers.
https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp088-carls-theory-of-negativity-and-how-to-stay-positive/
https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp038-dont-listen-to-the-naysayers/
Be careful who you share your dreams with. Family and friends can be the most negative, find a mentor with experience doing what you want to do.
Work on the things you can control, don’t let the things you can’t control draw you down.
It is important to distinguish between negativity and reality. Sometimes you need to decide not to do something for a good reason.
Look for people who positively inspire you to make the best decisions, not just fill you up with sunshine.
When giving corrections and criticism, it is much better to continue to stay positive.
Successful people are criticized most often because they are more visible.
Challenge you to find a negative comment and think how you would respond or react positively.
It is usually best to ignore all the negativity.
Take a break. I turned off my TV for 8 years while building my first large business.

Links:

ACP088 Carl’s Theory of Negativity and How to Stay Positive:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp088-carls-theory-of-negativity-and-how-to-stay-positive/
ACP038 – Don’t Listen To The Naysayers

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp038-dont-listen-to-the-naysayers/
https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/negativity-bias#

Monthly Group Coaching:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free.

One On One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching

Questions: feedback@aviationcareeerspodcast.com

ACP415 Guide To Successful Airline Pilot Training in 2025.

Hiring is on the uptick and many of you are headed for training at your first airline, here are the things you should do to prepare for your first airline job. I am Carl Valeri, an A320 captain and instructor with a major airline.

Send us your accomplishments and a photo if you want us to share in the podcast on YouTube to feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Guide To Passing Airline Training for 2025:

Memory Items and Limitations.
Study and be prepared.
Too many failures due to lack of studying.
You have a direct effect on changing this.
Use the correct study guide.
Prepare your friends and family.
Remind them this is like basic training in the military without the pushups.
Sleep.
Stay healthy.
Be flexible
Sims do break and schedules change in general.
Ask for help if needed.
Better to extend your training than fail a check-ride reportable to the FAA.
Keep studying.
If you get a long break between training events ask for more training.
Don’t try and be the ACE of the base.
Contingency planning.
What if you get sick?
What if a family member gets sick?

Links:

Monthly Group Coaching:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching
Use coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free.

One On One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching

Questions:

Questions feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial – Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training and they understand your needs because they are pilots! you can find more at https://stratus.finance/

Whether financing your dream of flying or simplifying the process by taking care of your student loans, their efficient, hassle-free funding can connect you to the life of your dreams of becoming a professional pilot sooner than you ever thought possible! To find out more https://stratus.finance

As a sponsor of this podcast, Stratus Financial is giving away scholarship guides and you can get yours for free using the coupon code “Stratus” when you visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

ACP414 Addressing Mechanic Turnover Rates with Suresh Narayanan- CEO of JETS MRO

The aviation industry has grown and is on a continued trajectory leading to a shortage of mechanics and pilots.. A challenge to aviation both today and for the foreseeable future is keeping quality mechanics and trying to slow the high turnover rates. Taking a unique approach to the problem of retention is CEO of JETS MRO Suresh Narayanan. If you are someone looking towards a career in aviation or trying to retain maintainers you will learn much from Suresh, a successful aviation entrepreneur and industry ambassador.

Send us your accomplishments and a photo if you want us to share in the podcast on YouTube to feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Talking Points:

Suresh is a passionate aviator with a family tradition in aviation dating back to the Concord.
His Path To Jets MRO CEO.
What is JETS MRO?
Is there a high turnover of mechanics? If so, what industry is affected the most?
How do we address the high turnover rates of mechanics?
His path forward and outlook for the MRO industry.

Links:

https://jetsmro.com/

Monthly Group Coaching:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free.

One On One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com or
Visit us: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/