Is flying safe as a career? Due to recent news I have received questions from people in our coaching community asking if flying is safe. First, if you have reached this video and are wanting to discover if flying is safe as a mode of transportation the answer is yes. Flying is the safest mode of transportation and there are numerous videos covering that topic.
What is safety?
The condition of being safe from undergoing or causing
hurt, injury, or loss.
It is as safe as the pilot and the operation.
Everything has risks.
The pilot and operation reduce the risk.
As a professional pilot one of our primary concerns is hazard recognition
and risk mitigation.
Here is my advice to those who want to reduce the risk in their career until
they reach the pinnacle of aviation safety: the airlines.
1. There is no flight worth killing yourself to complete.
2. When evaluating risk and making a decision ask yourself what will
your rational sound like at the NTSB hearing
3. Use the many risk assessment tools at your disposal. https://amzn.to/3PCR322
4. Look at the operation and any accidents or incidents reported or
otherwise related.
5. Would you fly your family on this flight?
In episode ACP406 FLYGIRL DETAILING : HOW A PASSION FOR AVIATION TURNED INTO A LUCRATIVE BUSINESSwe spoke with Claire Maher about her entrepreneurial journey into the aviation business. Now, over a year later, she has accomplished an important aviation milestone, the commercial pilot certificate. To give us a career update and discuss the journey is Clair Maher.
Talking points:
What is flygirl detailing, and why did you start the business (For those who have not listened to episode 406)
Your journey to the commercial rating and a big congratulations!
How has your business been beneficial for your flying career?
What challenges are in running your business and obtaining ratings at the same time?
Today we discuss the workforce projections for 2026 from an aviation training perspective with CEO of Spartan College Of Aeronautics and Technology, Rob Polston.
We have seen an increase in pilots sharing their end of year paystubs online. Let me tell you why I think this is a bad idea with both good and bad intentions.
Should you become a pilot in 2026? Today we dive deeper into the hiring outlook for 2026 and beyond. If you want monthly updates and access to the pilot interview course and mentorship community visit https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching
Aviation Careers Podcast is sponsored by 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/
I am currently touring flight schools with the intent of becoming an airline pilot. I came across your podcast on YouTube. I listened to a great episode on the benefits of becoming an airline pilot in 2025. Thanks for sharing such valuable information.
I’m reaching out with question/s regarding flight schools. Like many, the expense is really the only thing giving me pause. I am 38 years old and own my own business so time is something I have the luxury of creating. I have no doubt that this requires 100% commitment and this would be much more than a hobby. My plan is to turn flying into a second career. Hopefully through a pathway program to a legacy airline.
My question is, what are your thoughts on the Zero To Airline accelerated programs? Do you believe these programs set you up to not only be the best pilot but for future opportunities with legacy airlines?
Aviation Careers Podcast is sponsored by 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/
Take one step today to enhance your career goal with the gift card you received this holiday! Welcome to our annual recommendation on how to spend your Gift Card and Enhance your career!
Questions, comments, or inspirational stories; please write to us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com.
Stick and Rudder: An Explanation of the Art of Flying
This timeless book is essential for those who want to master the basics of flying and truly master the art of flying.
The Aviation Weather Handbook FAA-H-8083-28A consolidates the weather information from the following advisory circulars (AC) into one source document. By doing this, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) intends to streamline access to the FAA’s weather documentation for users of the National Airspace System (NAS). The following AC’s are now canceled:
AC 00-6, Aviation Weather
AC 00-24, Thunderstorms
AC 00-30, Clear Air Turbulence Avoidance
AC 00-45, Aviation Weather Services
AC 00-54, Pilot Windshear Guide
AC 00-57, Hazardous Mountain Winds
Instrument Procedures Handbook
Your knowledge of instrument procedures is paramount when you are a professional pilot. This book is filled with potential interview questions and will be a great resource throughout your career. https://amzn.to/45w9v1o
Everything Explained For The Professional Pilot 15th Edition
This is the ultimate reference for the professional pilot. The explanations are clear, illustrations helpful, and the historical context priceless. Whether getting ready for an interview or wanting to master advanced flight this book is a must for your bookshelf.
A must-have For those pilots beginning training at the airlines or simply wanting to expand their knowledge. https://amzn.to/49kwBdJ
Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C: Pilot Flight Training Study Guide (Color Print)
The FAA reference you will use for your entire aviation career from flying small planes to transitioning to multi-engine jets. https://amzn.to/3KP5uhK
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
Many technical interview questions are derived from the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and you will use this knowledge throughout your entire career flying. https://amzn.to/4skvzWK
FAR-FC 2026: Federal Aviation Regulations for Flight Crew
The definitive reference for professional pilots flying for 121 and 135 operators.
FAR/AIM 2026: Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual
For the remainder of your career, you will be tested on your knowledge of the FARs and the information provided in the Aeronautical Information Manual. This is a manual you will want to highlight and tab pertinent pages.
Recently hired or simply wondering if you can pass IOE at an airline? Today joining me is Derek Lagasse, a former check chairman with a regional carrier and now 737 first officer at a major airline. We’ll discuss how to successfully pass your Initial Operating Experience (IOE).
Introduction
What is IOE?
What is different and how does that affect you?
The Gate Environment
Realism
There is no pause button and the conditions are not pre planned
Fatigue
Common Weak Points (And how to fix them)
Organization
Preparation
Situational Awareness (Staying Ahead of the airplane)
What if things go wrong?
Remain Calm… Anxiety will degrade performance
Own up to your shortcomings
Communicate if you are having trouble with something
Keep A positive attitude (Ego is the Enemy)
Summary of advise
Learning is additive
Control what you can control, be agile for the rest
Set your expectations accordingly – Perfectionism is the enemy
KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Have you ever looked skyward at the floating bubble of peaceful artwork and wondered what it would be like to be a balloon pilot? Well today we have with us Craig Elliott, author of The Balloonatics – Memoir of a Professional Hot Air Balloon Pilot.
Talking Points:
How Craig got involved in ballooning in 1976
How Craig happened to become a full time Professional Hot Air Balloon Pilot
What are the various roles and jobs a Full time Professional Hot Air Balloon Pilot preforms
Noteworthy flights and events in Craig’s career
How can someone get involved in Hot Air Ballooning https://www.bfa.net/
Why he wrote the book
Cover artwork on the book
Website to find out more: https://www.theballoonatics.com
