Category Archives: Podcast

Bush Pilot, Mission Pilot, Pilot, Podcast

ACP067 – Bush Flying as a Mission Pilot : The Real Story with Brian Pottinger

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BrianCaravanWhen we watch movies and television the life of a bush pilot seems glorious. I envision a bush pilot swooping down from the heavens above to provide emergency medical supplies to a sick child. Later that day we slowly climb above the bright green canopy of trees to a burnt orange sunset smiling from ear to ear as we glide towards our next adventure.

Well I am sure there are many days like these flying as a mission pilot in the bush but there are also many challenges. Today I have with me someone who can help us understand what it is really like to be a bush pilot because he lives it every day. Brian Pottinger is a mission pilot flying in the mountains and jungles of Papua, Indonesia. Today he will give us the real story behind being a bush flying as a mission pilot.

Brian and I Discuss:

  • His passion for aviation and missionary work.
  • Why Become A Mission Pilot?
  • How to prepare for flying in the mountains and over the jungle.
  • The rewards of mission flying.
  • The dangers and challenges of mission flying.
  • Who should consider becoming a mission pilot

Links:

Brian Pottinger – Cessna Caravan Landing Angguruk Yalimek Papua.

http://ama-papua.blogspot.com

Lost in Shangri-La: Escape from a Hidden World – A True Story

Lords of the Earth: An Incredible but True Story from the Stone-Age Hell of Papua’s Jungle

Episode 62 – Includes A Story About A Birth In His Plane

Scholarship of the week:

Michelle North Scholarship for Safety

Army Aviator (Low Flyer), Helicopter Pilot, Military, Pilot, Podcast

ACP066 – US Army Aviation and Military “Low Flyers”

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In cockpitThe job of helicopter pilot (low flyer) is exciting, rewarding, and of great benefit to our society. I have had a long interest in flying helicopters and have only a few hours but can tell you the most amazing thing in the world is being able to hover above the ground as if you are floating in the air. It is truly magical. Today I have with me someone who enjoys this “magical” experience as part of his job.

Captain Ross McClure is a United States Army helicopter pilot and is going to help us understand what it is like to be a career Army Helicopter pilot. Captain McClure is second in command of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) Aviation Company. His job includes planning, coordinating, and directing employment of aviation assets to support the Egypt-Israeli peace treaty, civilian observer units and distinguished visitors. His job entails assisting the Unit Commander in the management of logistics, administration and operation of over ninety million dollars in assets and over fifty personnel including aviation aircraft and component repairmen, rotorcraft aviators, flight operations specialists, fuel supply technicians and technical supply specialists.

We discuss:

  • What type of flying he is doing now.
  • What is the mission of the MFO ?
  • What flying jobs are available in the Army.
  • How to become an Army Aviator and “Low Flyer”.
  • Advice on what you should do now if you want to join the Army and become a helicopter pilot.
  • What other jobs are there in the Army related to Aviation?
  • How Unmanned Systems will affect the job opportunities for pilots.
  • Any websites people can view now to get more information about Army jobs.

Links:

Helicopter Pilots in Past Episodes

ACP021: Adventures Of A Police Helicopter Pilot; Interview with Darryl J. Kimball

ACP039 – Coast Guard Helicopter Pilot Steven Vigus

U.S. Army website

Multinational Force & Observers

ACP020 Land That Job: Successful Interviews and Resumes with Amanda Myers of JSfirm.com

Scholarship Of The Week:

Bauer-Bisgeier Memorial Scholarship

 

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.

Aviation Photographer, Photography, Podcast

ACP064 – Military Aviation Photographer Jose Fuji Ramos

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JoseCockpitThe warm amber light slowly pours over a sleepy little town like maple syrup. As I climb out of one thousand feet I wish I can’t stop thinking how I wish I could share this beauty with everyone. But there is a person whose job it is to share the excitement, serenity, and awe inspiring views of our gravity defying world. That is the job of the aviation photographer.

Today I have with me an aviation photographer with the unique ability to capture the essence of flight! Jose “Fuji” Ramos is one of the most talented and respected photographers in the aviation industry and is going to share with us his unique perspective on careers as an aviation photographer.

José is a multifaceted, award winning, aviation photographer based in Lakeland, Florida. For the past 22 years, he has documented military aviation subjects all over the United States. Currently NATOPS qualified as a select passenger for flight in all aircraft types operated by the US Navy, José has logged flight time in various high-performance aircraft including the F-14B Tomcat, F/A-18B/D Hornet, F/A-18F Super Hornet, S-3B Viking, TA-4J Skyhawk, F-5F Tiger II, EA-6B Prowler and the SH-60F/H Seahawk.
FujiCockpit

  • Jose and I discuss:
  • How he was able to combine a passion for aviation with a passion for photography
  • His path towards his career as an aviation photographer
  • The rewards of being an aviation photographer
  • Jose shares some of his most memorable moments
  • The challenges of being a photographer
  • Advice for those seeking a career in aviation photography

Scholarship of The Week:

Gathering of Eagles Flight Training Scholarship $1,500

Links:

Photographer Occupational Outlook

Ramos Aviation Photography
RamosPhotoLogo
Ramos Aviation Photography Facebook Page.

Careers, Corporate Pilot, Pilot, Podcast, Private Pilot

ACP063 – Private and Corporate Aviation

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Tom-Left-Seat-604-150x150This week we welcome back one of our repeat guests Tom Wachowski to discuss Corporate Aviation, flying aircraft owned by private companies to transport their employees for business.

In this episode we discuss:

  • Hiring a non-pilot aircraft owner (such as someone who owns a Saratoga and needs a pilot to fly them places)
  • How does a corporation hire a pilot for a day, what is the rate range? ($250-$1500 per day depending on the size of the airframe)
  • Dressing for success and professionalism
  • Network at the local airport, get your name out there and be seen as a pilot
  • Finding a private pilot job could help you get ratings on larger aircraft as the employer upgrades aircraft
  • Using pilot placement services to find jobs
  • Don’t be too cocky and act like you know everything, ask for advice
  • Remember that the person you are speaking to today might be interviewing you tomorrow

Scholarship of The Week:

Harrison Ford Flight Training Scholarship $1500

Links:

Wyvern

National Business Aviation Association

Aviation Personnel International

ACP020 Land That Job: Successful Interviews and Resumes with Amanda Myers of JSfirm.com

Finding and Hiring Aviation Leaders

Developing, Motivating, & Managing Your Aviation Talent

Retaining The Right People


Aviation Maintenance Technician, Career Change, Interview Tips & Advice, Podcast, Questions Answered

ACP062 – Aviation Writing And Listener Mail with Jamie Beckett

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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

cropped-96768-David-Gilson-Banner

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


Podcast

How To Apply For A Federal Job ACP061

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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)

Corporate Aviation Flight Attendant, Corporate Flight Attendant, Flight Attendant, Podcast, Private Flight Attendant

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

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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


Aviation Journalist, Pilot, Podcast

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

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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


Podcast

ACP058 – Surround Yourself With Positive People

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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