Category Archives: Podcast

ACP062 – Aviation Writing And Listener Mail with Jamie Beckett


JamieThis week’s show was originally intended to simply be a Q&A session with my friend and fellow pilot Jamie Beckett, but as a bonus we started talking about his career in independent aviation writing. Jamie is an independent writer of non-aviation fiction and aviation related non-fiction. He has written for a number of aerospace companies including:

  • Gleim Publications
  • AOPA Flight Training
  • AOPA Flight School for Business
  • General Aviation News, where he has a regular column entitled “Politics for Pilots.”

Janie and I talk quite a bit about “General Aviation,” which is any aviation that takes place outside of the big commercial airlines that are in the business of moving lots of people or cargo in major, often international airports. General Aviation takes place at small local airports like Gilbert Field in Winterhaven, Florida where we recorded this show. At these small airports you will not usually find a ticket counter and baggage carousel, but you will find flight instructors, personal and corporate pilots, mechanics, rental car agents, travel promoters, and even office workers hired to keep the airport running, ordering fuel, and arranging flight time for students. Jamie makes a very interesting point about seeing your local GA airport like more of a mall, a hub for commerce for your community that can expand your town economically by bringing in people and goods to create jobs.

Jamie shared extensively about how he became and independent writer for airline publications and how that contributes to his passion for aviation, as well as making a living in that field. He also gave some great tips and advice on how to break into the industry.

In the second half of the show, Carl and Jamie answered some great listener questions:

  • Should I buy an airplane, and what type?
  • Is my flight review still current, do I truly need a flight review? (The answer might surprise you!)
  • Carl is NOT moving to Melbourne, Australia
  • Keep moving in your career, get your ATP written by August 1, 2014 even if you are not ready for the test.
  • How much will a checkered past prohibit you from pursuing a professional aviation career?
  • Flying in Papua, New Guinea
  • Story about switching to a career as a flight instructor
  • How to get hired in the aviation business
  • Creating an online resume through a personal website

Links:

If you would like to learn more about Jamie or get in torch with him,, you can do so at his website: JamieBeckett.com

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FAA Regulation – Flight Review 61.56

Tom Wachowski discusses this in the Pilot Jobs book video How to Build a Web site. This video is available for free to registered users. The entire Pilot Jobs Book is available to Annual Members Of Aviation Careers Podcast.

Pilot Jobs Book Video : How To Make a Website


How To Apply For A Federal Job ACP061

federal jobWith the growth in the number of federal job openings related to aviation you might want to satisfy your passion for aviation and serve your country at the same time. There are many benefits and rewards to working for the government but how does one go about finding jobs and applying?

Today I have with me Russ Roslewski who has had much experience both in applying and screening applicants applying for government jobs. Russ is a Flight instructor and federal employee. He will help us discover how you can successfully land the government job that will fulfill your aviation passion.

Russ and I Discuss:

  • Benefits of working for the government
  • The variety of jobs available related to aviation.
  • How to find what government jobs are available.
  • How to apply for a government job.
  • Advice on making your resume stand out.
  • The interview process
  • Veterans’ preference
  • Example job listings

Links:

USA Jobs

USA.gov Government Jobs

How Do I Apply For A Federal Job? USAJobs.gov

USAJobs.gov Pay and Benefits

Veterans Preference

Scholarship Of The Week:

Gabriel A. Hartl Scholarship – Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA)

How To Become A Corporate Flight Attendant with Mary Lou Gallagher of Beyond And Above – ACP060


BeyondAndAbove1Welcome to the podcast where we give you an inside look at the many careers in aviation. One of the more exciting jobs is that of corporate or private aviation flight attendant.

Some of you have contacted me and related there is much information on how you can become an airline flight attendant but not much information concerning corporate and private aviation jobs. Today I have with me someone who will help us understand the unique aspects of being a corporate flight attendant and how to successfully navigate towards a fulfilling and exciting career in corporate and private aviation.

Mary Lou Gallagher has traveled the world as a flight attendant and has helped hundreds of people “achieve fantastic success” as a corporate flight attendant through her school Beyond and Above. Today Mary Lou and I will discuss how you can successfully navigate towards an exciting career as a corporate flight attendant.

Mary Lou and I Discuss:

  • Hou Mary Lou developed her passion for aviation.
  • What is a corporate and private aviation?
  • Why become a corporate flight attendant?
  • The challenges and rewards of being a corporate flight attendant.
  • Some misconceptions about corporate aviation.
  • Advice if you want to become a successful flight attendant.
  • How her school beyond and above is helping people fulfill their aviation dreams of becoming a corporate flight attendant.

Links:

Beyond And Above Corporate Flight Attendant Training

Scholarship Of The Week:

Harrison Ford Flight Training Scholarship $1500


ACP059 – How To Become An Aviation Journalist with Ian Twombly of Flight Training Magazine


selfie NYCan you combine your passion for aviation with your passion for writing? The person I have with me today says yes.

If you have listened to this show for any time you know we advocate designing a career to fulfill your passions in life. Both my guest and I have accomplished this goal. I love my job as an airline pilot and my online business of creating content that inspires, entertains and educates. My guest has been able to combine his passion for aviation and writing through becoming the editor of a magazine and Aviation Journalist.

After spending few minutes speaking with our guest you will discover how passionate he is about aviation and his job. My guest today is Ian Twombly. Ian has been able to combine his passions in life and help many folks obtain their aviation goals as editor of AOPA Flight Training Magazine.

Ian and I discuss:

  • How Ian developed his passion for aviation.
  • His career path toward editor of AOPA Flight Training Magazine.
  • How the right job can fulfill multiple passions in your life.
  • The many writing careers in aviation.
  • Career advice for those wanting to write in the aviation industry.
  • How AOPA Flight Training Magazine can help you obtain your Aviation Career Goal.

Links:

AOPA Flight Training Magazine


ACP058 – Surround Yourself With Positive People


PositivePeopleAtSunNFunWelcome to a question and answer episode with Tom Wachowski. We have many interesting questions and comments from listeners.

If you want your question answered on this show click on the contact tab above. We enjoy answering your questions and helping you achieve your career goal!

One action you can take in your journey towards a successful life and career is to surround yourself with positive people and get rid of the rest. In life you tend to become similar to the people you associate with.

Achieving your career goal will take time, effort, and the support of others. There is no time for negativity in your life. Therefore, you should surround yourself with positive people and get rid of the rest.

Here at Aviation Careers Podcast we hope to become a positive influence in your life. By listening to us you have taken one step towards surrounding yourself with positive people who can help you achieve your goal! Let’s get started!

We discuss the following listener Mail:

Can you recommend an instructor for my son?

What are your thoughts on jumping full time into aviation at 33 years old?

Should I go to a large school and get all my ratings or stay locally?

Do you think the tragic Malaysia Airlines accident may create a similar downturn in the aviation industry as 911?

Will low starting wages and possible strikes change the hiring situation?

A listener shares his story in hopes of helping you the listener.

How will the recent airline hiring trend impact the job market for 250 hour commercial pilots?
Any advice on relationships for a career pilot who is new to the industry?

Does it matter that my degree is not in an aviation related field?

What aviation schools who offer graduate degrees?

Would an MBA make a candidate any more marketable to an airline?

A listener is worried about becoming a pilot without perfect eyesight.

Links :

Society Of Aviation and Flight Educators

National Association Of Flight Instructors

AOPA Flight Training Magazine – CFI Search

Stuck Mic AvCast

How To Win Friends and Influence People

ACP038 – Don’t Listen To The Naysayers

What To Do When Your Spouse Doesn’t Support Your Career Dreams


ACP057 – International Airline Pilot and Mom – Karlene Petitt


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


ACP056 – Quality Family Life As An Airline Pilot? Single Engine time versus Multi Engine Time.


EfisThis episode Eric Crump and I answer questions and discuss listener mail. If you have a question you want answered in an upcoming episode please send them to us by visiting AviationCareersPodcast.com/Contact.

Eric And I Discuss The Following Listener Mail:

  • Is it possible to have a strong family life and be a pilot?
  • Would it be better finding a job in the US flying a twin turboprop SIC (Second In Command) or PIC (Pilot in Command) time in a single engine turboprop?
  • Should paying off student loans outweigh building twin time?
  • How many multi-engine hours do the regional airlines require?
  • Is there scholarship or assistance money for those pilots who are older and not in college?
  • A Listener takes ones step towards his goal by working on the King Schools Program Online.
  • A listener relates how he was awarded two scholarships to help with his training costs.
  • What books do you recommend I read?
  • What advice would you have for a Canadian pilot who wants to immigrate to the United States and fly for the airlines?

Links:

Episode 1 Handel Wellington

King Schools Online Courses

15LawsOfGrowth
The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential

AOPA Flight School Directory

Canadian ATP Conversion Online from Gleim


ACP055 – The Career Flight Instructor – Jason Miller and The Finer Points of Flying


jas9 copyFor the majority of pilots looking towards a career in aviation the purpose of becoming a flight instructor is to build flight time. The position of flight instructor is viewed by many as  the job you take to “pay your dues” in the aviation industry. This is an unfortunate perception because one of  the most important and respected people at a general aviation airport is the flight instructor.

Flight instructing is a challenging and rewarding career which allows you to have a profound impact on the aspiration and safety of individual pilots. Today I have with me a passionate aviator and outstanding flight instructor, Jason Miller.  If you are thinking of a career as a flight instructor this episode is for you. Jason and I will discuss how to be successful and also debunk some myths about the career of flight instructing.

Jason and I Discuss:

  • His passion for teaching people how to fly.
  • Why he loves flight instructing.
  • Misconceptions about flight instructing.
  • How you can make a living flight instructing.
  • Working part time as a flight instructor.
  • How he is connecting with passionate aviators around the world.
  • How you can reach Jason and the Many Outstanding training products he has to offer.

Links:

http://www.thefinerpoints.net

FPLogo


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


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

ACP053 – The Successful Job Fair – An Applicant’s Guide


JerseyGirlWaspAtSunNFunWe are back from Sun N Fun and had a wonderful time. One thing I am very excited about is the ability to participate in the first annual Job Fair.

I spent many hours speaking with applicants and wandering around to the various job booths. Through observation and interaction with applicants I was reminded how some do not understand how to prepare for a job Fair. If you are considering attending a job fair I want to share with you some advice and a list of actionable items I feel will be helpful.

Today I have with me a frequent Co Host Eric Crump from Polk State College who also was an integral part of the job fair. He has some exciting news and some interesting facts to share with us. Welcome Eric.

Job Fair Do’s and Dont’s:

  1. Know Everything possible about the attendees.
  2. Use positive words.
  3. Avoid words such as hate.
  4. Avoid sexist remarks.
  5. Bring your resume.
  6. Know your resume.
  7. Dress appropriately.
  8. Know the officers in the company.
  9. Relax as much as possible.
  10. Know why you want to work for the company exhibiting.
  11. Don’t forget to visit all the employers and not only the one you want to work for.
  12. If you haven’t flown in many years gain some time and work for a regional, cargo, or corporate operator.
  13. Never turn your nose up to an opportunity.
  14. Don’t say bad things about your current company.

Links:

Polk State College
PolkStateAtSunNFun

Chats From The Deck – Archives Of Sun N Fun Radio

Sun N Fun Radio On LiveATC.net/SNF
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Other People’s Airplanes
Other-Peoples-Airplanes-Logo-Full-website

Knock ’em Dead Job Interview: How to Turn Job Interviews Into Job Offers
KnockEmDeadJobInterview