All posts by CarlValeri

Host of Aviation Careers Podcast. For more about me go to AviationCareersPodcast/About.

ACP362 Pilot Shortage Explained: 2023 Edition

For the past 20 years, I have been asked to explain THE Pilot Shortage as if it was a thing. The truth of the matter is we have had shortages and 

If you want to ask a question visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Sponsor Giving Away Free Scholarship Guides:

“Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or want to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org “

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

Want to be a guest on the show? please visit AviationCareersPodcast and click on the online course. 

If you have questions please visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/ 

Talking Points:

Links: 

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

Sponsor:

“Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or want to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org “

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

ACP361 Are You An Aviation Entrepreneur?

Is an airline career not for you? Want the freedom a business gives you? You should consider becoming an Aviation Entrepreneur. Joining me today to discuss aviation entrepreneurship is Eric Crump Director of The Aerospace Center For Excellence.

If you want to ask a question visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Sponsor Giving Away Free Scholarship Guides:

“Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or want to WIN a new airplane, check out https://www.tailwindwaymakers.org

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Want to be a guest on the show? please visit AviationCareersPodcast and click on the online course.

If you have questions please visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Talking Points:

How do I know if I have what it takes to become an Aviation Entrepreneur?
Working for a company is not for everyone.
How to get started.
Why having a team is important.
What is a business incubator?
How organizations such as Elevate can help you.
Details about Elevate and how to become a member.
The importance of networking and having experienced

Links:

http://www.elevateincubator.com/

Sponsor:

“Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or want to WIN a new airplane, check out https://www.tailwindwaymakers.org

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

ACP360 What Is The Best Path From Zero To Hero For A 34-Year-Old?

ACP360 What Is The Best Path From Zero To Hero For A 34-Year-Old?

In today’s episode, we answer the question “What is the best path from zero to hero? If you want to ask a question visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Sponsor Giving Away Free Scholarship Guides:

“Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or want to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org “

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

 

Want to be a guest on the show? please visit AviationCareersPodcast and click on the online course. 

If you have questions please visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/ 

Feedback:

Question 1:

Where can I find 2023 scholarship options?

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

Scholarships are updated monthly not annually.

Question 2:

Hey Carl, I’m considering a radical career change in the aviation industry. I’ve always had an interest in flying, but hard times and life circumstances always made it seem out of my grasp. I’m 34, and currently working as a commercial/industrial electrician. 

Over the last couple of years, I’ve become very disheartened in the direction of my industry for more reasons than I could possibly list here. But the overall wear and tear of working long hours, in hazardous environments, for people that seem to care less and less about craftsmanship are taking its toll. 

I’m thinking about turning my knowledge into a side business instead of my main income. I have deep connections with one of the major airlines and I’m seriously considering taking advantage of the current pilot shortage. 

I’ve been listening to many of your podcasts, as well as reading aviation forums, and watching YouTube community videos to gather information. I have an associate’s, but no bachelor’s as of now, and I don’t currently have my PPL. What would be my best course of action to go from zero to hero in the shortest amount of time with the fewest mistakes along the way? 

Love the podcast and thank you for your time.

  1. Consider Why you are changing careers.
  2. The working environment might have the same issues as your current career depending on the job.
  3. Long work hours are still prevalent. You can work 18 hours or more a day as a pilot. Deadheading at the end of the trip is an example.
  4. How craftsmanship relates to airmanship and public opinion on our job as pilots. Yes, we do land the plane still.
  5. A side business can be great as a pilot but remember that entails working every day such as I do with this business. Be careful to schedule days off and don’t take phone calls on those days.
  6. Don’t try and time the market for pilots. “The current pilot shortage” is one of many. The pilot market is similar to the stock market.
  7. Be careful what you read on the internet. Social media is full of trolls and bad advice sprinkled with nuggets of wisdom. 
  8. Be wary of others giving you advice online and telling you what you should do. You need to make that decision yourself and it is highly individualistic.
  9. You need to consult your family and may need to get an unbiased opinion from a third party such as a career coach.
  10. Most importantly do what is best for you.

Links: 

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp038-dont-listen-to-the-naysayers/ 

Sponsor:

“Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or want to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org “

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

 

ACP359 Would my time be better spent simply buying a plane and flying?


Today I answer the question: “Would my time be better spent simply buying a plane and flying?”

Sponsor:

“Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or want to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org ”

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Want to be a guest on the show? please visit AviationCareersPodcast and click on the online course. If you have questions please email us at: feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com.

Feedback:

Dean Showalter answers the question we pose in episode 350 Is starting a professional career in flying at 55 worth the effort?

https://airplaneownermaintenance.com/about/
Why should I be a CFI after my flight schooling? I am almost done getting my private pilot cert in an accelerated flight school.
I’m 36 with four kids and have taught before in education; not sure I’d have enough patience to teach again, and I want to get my 1500 hours as quickly and effectively as possible.

Would my time be better spent simply buying a plane and flying? I’m already going to be in debt. What is another 150k? I want this to be my last career and need to do something about retirement.

Something seems off about the cadet programs that usher people into the regionals requiring their cadets flight instruction until they get to their 1500 hours. Are they hiring these folks at a lower rate than those who apply outside of the cadet programs and flow through?

Every hour counts for me, as does every year of employment. I appreciate your content and advice. Thanks very much!

It depends on your budget. But let’s talk about the benefits and challenges of owning your own plane and building hours.

Benefits Of Owning A Plane And Building Hours:

You set your own hours and fly when you want.
You can fly on extended cross-country flights in the system and gain valuable IFR flying experience.
You can bring your family.
You can be home every night.
You can start your own flight instructing business and take on only the clients you choose.

Challenges Of Owning A Plane And Building Hours:

The cost of buying the aircraft.
Hourly costs.
Maintenance.
You may need to dispose of an aircraft while you are trying to concentrate on training at an airline.
You may not learn how to interact with another pilot in the cockpit which will get you ready for the airlines.
Carrying costs. Hangar, insurance, subscriptions such as for charts and GPS.

Sponsor:

“Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or want to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org ”

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

ACP358 Music as A Side Hustle To My Flying Job and other questions answered.


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Today we answer the question: “ Can you have a side hustle as a musician and be a pilot?” answer your questions.

Sponsor:

“Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or if you would like to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org ”

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

But before we begin, if you want to be a guest on the show please visit AviationCareersPodcast and click on the online course. If you have questions please email us at: feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com.

Questions:

Question 1

Dear Sir

I am a US citizen with a Faa CPL license working with a foreign ATP for an Airline for a long time. I have about 15000 hrs total time with 9000 hrs + as P1 time on jet aircraft.

Please let me know the proper steps to get my US FAA ATP to start my new career as a corporate pilot Best regards

https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/foreign_license_verification

Question 2

Hello,

Firstly, let me say how much I enjoy your podcast; I find your enthusiasm for aviation and encouragement for those perusing a career in aviation inspirational. As a 52-year-old male student pilot here in Brisbane Australia, I listen to various aviation podcasts, mostly US based, and can’t help but be jealous of those in my situation based in the US….the aviation ‘industry’ there is so big, with so many potential opportunities for student pilots chasing their dreams, albeit with a much bigger population of students/pilots competing for those opportunities.

With literally thousands of airfields in the US open to GA, not to mention commercial and military components, coupled with the infrastructure required to operate and maintain same, there is huge potential for aspiring pilots to pursue their dreams, and I think sometimes US-based aviation commentators forget just how lucky you have it over there. Contrasting this for example, here in Australia, which is a vast country with a relatively small population, we have less than a thousand airfields, with obviously far less of an aviation industry behind it.

Nevertheless, I’ll continue to listen to the suggestions/ideas/advice offered by you and others to maximize my own opportunities, and who knows where it will take me. Keep up the great work with your fantastic podcast.

Kind regards.

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-3-specialty-occupation-workers-from-australia
http://www.mckeown.com.au/cases/australians-flying-in-the-usa.htm

Question 3 

Hello, Carl! Let me start off by saying that I have been listening to your podcast for a few weeks now and am loving it. I listen every day on my morning drive to school and work. It has been interesting to hear all of the different topics you discuss in aviation.

To give you some background about me, I am a 21-year-old college student interested in getting into aviation. I’ve been trying to find my career path for about 2 years now ever since I graduated high school in 2020. Long story short, COVID pretty much ruined my initial college experience, as everything was far from normal after graduation for quite some time.

I started out as a music major on full scholarship at an out-of-state university, but because of my initial bad experience due to COVID and second thoughts about going into music full-time, I moved back home to finish a more generalized degree, while still trying to pursue music on the side. Since moving back home, I was able to successfully audition for a part-time professional symphony orchestra in my city—without having a music degree, which most of the musicians have—and have been loving life as an orchestral violinist. It has worked out perfectly with my school schedule and my other part-time job, as the rehearsals are only in the evenings, and concerts are on the weekends and allow for outside full-time employment.

Aviation has always been something that has been at the back of my mind. My closest relative in the aviation industry, my aunt, has been a flight attendant for over 35 years. She loves it and always tells me to consider looking into aviation. I recently decided to take her advice by booking a discovery flight, and I absolutely LOVED it. After having shadowed many different careers throughout my 2 years of college, this is the only one that I can say has really inspired me and is something I can see myself doing for the rest of my life.

My goal is to be a pilot and have music as my side hustle. You mention on your podcast that many pilots have other jobs or businesses outside of flying because of how much time off pilots get. It sounds like this may be a possibility for me, but I wanted to get your take on it. I have talked to a cargo pilot from a mutual connection—the same guy I did my discovery flight with—and he thinks I would be able to hold a music job and be a pilot at the same time.

To clarify what my music schedule looks like, this is what a typical symphony week looks like for me: rehearsals 7 pm-10 pm Tuesday-Friday and a concert on Saturday 7 pm-9 pm. Some weeks are short though, depending on the type of concert: sometimes only 1-2 rehearsals before the weekend concert. We generally only have 1 symphony week a month; sometimes two.

I realize that getting that many consecutive nights off in a row is probably difficult, but I’m hoping that as I build seniority, it would be easier to manipulate things around my schedule. I am definitely willing to sacrifice some of this at the beginning of my career. If I’m not able to do symphony at the beginning of my career, at least I could still do some of my other single-day music gigs, like weddings, teaching, and other events on my days off.

Sorry for the lengthy message. I totally understand if you don’t have time to read this all. I sincerely appreciate any advice you can give me if you have any time. I look forward to hearing more episodes from the podcast.

Thanks so much.

Links:

https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/foreign_license_verification

http://www.mckeown.com.au/cases/australians-flying-in-the-usa.htm

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-3-specialty-occupation-workers-from-australia
Sponsor:

“Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or if you would like to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org ”

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

ACP357 Challenges Of Paying For Your Flight Training with Dustin Davis of Tailwind Waymakers

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Today we have a special guest Dustin Davis of Tailwind Waymakers. Their mission is to help those who want to pursue careers in aviation but struggle due to the high entry costs. They are a nonprofit organization focused on helping fund aviation dreams.

But before we begin, if you want to be a guest on the show please visit AviationCareersPodcast and click on the online course. If you have questions please email us at: feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Talking Points:

Dustin’s story.

Why Tailwind Waymakers?

How the various experiences in life both in and outside aviation have allowed Dustin to achieve his goals.

How you can help others achieve their goal in aviation.

What is next for Dustin and Tailwind Waymakers?

Links: 

 

Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork 

Becoming Your Own Banker 

http://aerospacescholarships.com/

https://www.tailwindwaymakers.org 

 

ACP356 What Degree Do I Need To Become a Pilot

Click Here To Watch This Episode On YouTube

But before we begin, if you want to be a guest on the show please visit AviationCareersPodcast and click on the online course. If you have questions please email us at: feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com.

Listener Comment on YouTube:

Question From Video:

Time Or Money. What Is More Important For My Pilot Career?

https://youtu.be/4WQaThLE0CU 

Question: Is an aviation-focused degree required for legacy airlines and/or corporate 135 companies, or is a BA or BS in another profession acceptable? 

I’m transitioning from the mortgage industry of 24 years to my true passion at the age of 47 and have my instrument check ride in the next 6 weeks. I’m roughly 424 TT so my goal is to have my commercial license before Christmas this year 2022, and already have my degree from when I was in college in my 20s. 

I have a part 91 job lined up to build time in a Navajo and then get type rated for their CJ3 which my instructor just made captain in. Just thought I would ask about the aviation degree. Thank you for your time and congratulations on your Captain & Instructor position. That’s a great opportunity!

Listener Mail:

Thank you for all you do on the podcast. It has given me a lot of help while I plan my aviation journey.

My plan is to pursue a career with the airlines. But I am wondering if they require a covid vaccine.=

Thank you for your help! 

Links: 

http://aerospacescholarships.com/

ACP355 True Tales From The Golden Age Of Flying: A Flight Attendant’s Perspective

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Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Today we answer the question: What was it like to be a flight attendant during the Golden Age Of Flying?

I have flown with many former TWA flight attendants and found them to be very professional and passionate about their jobs. I have always wondered why and today I hope to gain insight into the golden age of flying and possibly inspire you to consider a career as a flight attendant.

The authors of “True Tales of TWA Flight attendants: Memoirs and Memories from the Golden Age of Flying” are joining me today. Kathy Kompare and Stephanie Johnson. I am excited to listen to their perspective on the world of flying today compared to the Golden Age of Flight. 

Talking Points:

What was it like that day?

What inspired you to write the book “True Tales of TWA Flight Attendants”?

How has the job changed?

How has the industry changed from a flight attendant’s perspective?

What has changed in the industry that you like?

What has changed you don’t like?

Would you still recommend this as a career?

Fun stories?

Where can we find out more about the book?

https://truetalestwa.com/ 

Links: 

https://truetalestwa.com/ 

 

The golden age of air travel promised a life of glamour and adventure for beautiful, single, young women interested in exploring the world—and no airline offered more glamour or excitement than Trans World Airlines.

TWA provided an enviable jet-set lifestyle for flight attendants—and the opportunity to travel to exotic destinations like London, Paris, Rome, Hong Kong, and Bombay. Flight attendants appeared on TV and in movies, and rubbed elbows with the rich and famous, from Elizabeth Taylor and John F. Kennedy Jr., to presidents and Popes, all while decked out in designer uniforms from clothing designers like Oleg Cassini and Ralph Lauren.

In the 1960s and 1970s, TWA accepted fewer than 1% of applicants to be flight attendants—making it tougher to get into than Harvard. Plus, a flying career offered the best education money could ever buy.

TWA flight attendants could cook chateaubriand medium rare, deliver a baby at 35,000 feet, and survive a plane crash—all the while immaculately dressed from their never-a-strand-out-of-place hairstyles, all the way down to their mandatory high heeled shoes. But the glamorous lifestyle of a TWA flight attendant sometimes came at a cost.

True Tales of TWA Flight Attendants is a diary-style fly-girl memoir with stories from hundreds of TWA flight attendants, and filled with a fascinating behind-the-scenes, never-before-seen look at the glamour, excitement, and struggles faced by young women as they traveled the world with TWA during this exciting time in airline history—from the golden age of air travel through the great stewardess rebellion and beyond.

ACP354 Bidding For Success


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Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Today we focus on how to successfully bid on your airline schedule.

But before we begin, if you want to be a guest on the show please visit AviationCareersPodcast and click on the online course. If you have questions please email us at: feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com.

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/recommended-reading/

Talking Points:

Numerous listeners asked me to discuss how to successfully bid on their schedule at the airlines. You might be surprised by my answer.

Bidding Successfully:

Bid for what you want.
Define what is more important: pay or quality of life.
Learn Your Contract.
Learn how to bid and your bidding rules
Understand how to get paid more for less flying.
Understanding of soft time.
How to get paid a premium for your time.
Why if you have patience flying into congested airspace can increase your revenue.
Look at yourself as a revenue-generating business.

Links:

http://aerospacescholarships.com/

ACP353 Degree Vs Flight Time: What Is More Important?

ACP353 Degree Vs Flight Time: What Is More Important?

Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Today we discuss the importance of a degree vs Flight Time.

But before we begin, if you want to be a guest on the show please visit AviationCareersPodcast and click on the online course. If you have questions please email us at: feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com.

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/recommended-reading/

Listener Mail:

Hey Carl,
I know you’re a busy guy, so going to keep it short.

I’m working on my PPL right now while I work full-time. Just began using King ground school courses, and as soon as my flight school gets back to me I’ll start lessons.

Do you think I’ll have trouble finding a piloting job if I don’t have a degree or college under my belt? In your podcast you mention building time is most important, but I’m wondering If I’ll have to start working towards a degree later on to get a more lucrative job or if just having the hours and experience in the air will be enough to land one?

When a degree is essential.
Why flight time is more important than a degree
How to get both whiles moving forward in your career.
Good example: is Robert Guyer.
Comparison with other jobs requiring a license such as electrician.

Question about scholarships:
I bought your book, Aerospace Scholarships. I read them all and unless I am not reading them right, I didn’t find anything that works for me. I was hoping you might have some advice.
I am a 51-year-old white heterosexual male working as a police officer. I did not plan to go to a college instead I plan to attend a private flight school while working full time.
Do you know of any that I may qualify for?

Look towards more non-traditional scholarships.
https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Apprenticeship Question:

Hello,

I recently listened to the podcast in regard to getting a bachelor’s degree or not. My situation is a little bit different. I’m currently in a different career field but have started flying and really enjoy it. I am planning on making a career change in hopes of flying for an airline one day.

As far as education goes I do not have a bachelor’s degree, but I did complete a 1-year technical diploma in my particular field and then a 4-year state indentured apprenticeship that consisted of classroom instruction as well as work experience totaling 8,000 hours. The entire process took 5 years to complete to become a state-licensed journeyman.

My question to you is: how do airlines view apprenticeships? Do they get any recognition? To my knowledge, most of the time airlines are looking at a bachelor’s degree as a gauge to see if the candidate can see something through and stick with it. I know some employers look at completed apprenticeships as bachelor’s degree equivalents. I’m excited to get your feedback on this question.

Thank you!

Links:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/recommended-reading/

http://JewsInAviation.org

http://AerospaceScholarships.com