All posts by CarlValeri

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

ACP442 How To Pass IOE


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

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Links Mentioned:

https://youtu.be/DvCm9FwTkjs
The Fatigued Pilot : Recognizing and Managing Fatigue
Mentorship:

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

One-On-One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching
Special: One month of free access when you sign up for one-on-one coaching.

ACP441 Professional Balloon Pilot with Craig Elliott

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

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Mentorship:

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

One-On-One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching
Special: One month of free access when you sign up for one-on-one coaching.

ACP440 Land Your Dream Job

Are you dreaming of landing your ideal pilot job in 2026, but feel overwhelmed by the competition and changing hiring landscape? We’re breaking down exactly what it takes to stand out, offering insider insights and a clear roadmap to secure those highly sought-after positions. Don’t let your dream remain a dream.

The 2026 Pilot Landscape: What’s Changing?
Key Skills & Qualifications for 2026
Navigating the Application & Interview Process
Strategic Pathways to Your Dream Job
Landing the Offer: Salary, Benefits, and Beyond
What to do next
Take a step towards your career goal.

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/
Book of the month

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

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

One-On-One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching
Special: One month of free access when you sign up for one-on-one coaching.

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

 

ACP439 Paying For Flight Training

There are many ways you can pay for your flight training, but what is best for you? In today’s episode, we will dive into the many methods of funding your flight training with a few hacks you may never have thought of.

Pay Cash
Family and friends.
https://www.nerdwallet.com/taxes/learn/gift-tax-rate
Scholarships
It is worth the work. If you receive a $1,000 scholarship after 2 hours of work, that is $500 an hour.
We have the largest directory of scholarships on the internet with over 120 million, and for over a decade helping people find scholarships.
https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Federal student loans
Normally associated with colleges and universities.
You will have to apply for Federal student aid through financial aid.
https://studentaid.gov
High school and college counselors can help.

Use your GI Bill

https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/flight-training/

Private student loans.

https://finance.aopa.org/flight-training-finance
https://www.salliemae.com/student-loans/career-training-loan/flight-school-loans/
https://www.meritize.com
https://stratus.finance
https://www.flighttrainingfinancellc.com

Government sponsored
Most schools will list them on their website.
529 savings plans
Since this is new, contact your tax advisor first and coordinate with the flight school.
Thanks to the National Flight Training Alliance for their advocacy.

Sport Pilot Certificate
Sport Pilot Flight instructor.
Great for those not able to get a medical right away but know they will be eligible, career 2.0 who are older, want to use flight instruction to pay for their flight training, and want higher ratings.

Find the path and loan that is best for you.

We can help through our one-on-one and group mentorship. Stay motivated throughout mentorship.

Mentorship:

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

One-On-One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coachingSpecial: One month of free access when you sign up for one-on-one coaching.

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

ACP438 The Elusive Airline Interview: Pilot Persistence Pays


Ever wonder what it really takes to land that dream airline pilot job? It’s far more than just flying skills. Join me as I pull back the curtain on the grueling, often frustrating, yet ultimately rewarding journey of the airline interview – a test of dedication and resilience that few truly understand.

Mentorship:

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

One-On-One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching
Special: One month of free access when you sign up for one-on-one coaching.

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

ACP437 Debunking the Myth: It’s NOT Too Late For An Aviation Career Past 30

I was sold on the myth that you could not have an aviation career in your 30’s,boy where are they wrong! I did it and so can you. Now I help people of all ages transition to a career in aviation whether they are in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and more.

Are you wondering if you can transition careers in your 30’s? Already started along a path in your career and have had some success but not feeling fulfilled. This video is for you? If you are older than 30 this also will apply to you since these tools will help anyone wishing to transition to a new career.

This question is from the comments in our video “Can you do a video on your career transition in your 30s?”

For over 20 years we have helped many people realize their dream and create a career that is both personally and financially fulfilling. I was one of those people who changed my career in my 30’s so I know first hand what you are going through. I was sold on the myth that you could not have an aviation career in your 30’s,boy where are they wrong!

Define the why.
What do you dislike about your career?
What is your favorite thing about your career?
Look at this as more of a career progression
You are at a great time in your life having the energy and built many skills.
Are you eligible?
Medical
Background – work and residence.
Create a plan.
Challenges of changing careers in your 30’s
Your growing quickly in your career
Family are sceptical and want to know why
You just spent all this money on your current career.
You have already started building a family
Start your career now.
Things you can do right now and get paid in aviation.
Consider a career coach.
Join groups – be careful with the online negativity.
One on one coach.
Start today by taking one step to help you chart a path towards your career goal.

Mentorship:

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

One-On-One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching
Special: One month of free access when you sign up for one-on-one coaching.

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

ACP436 The Wealthy Pilot

During our coaching sessions we discuss a financial plan towards reaching your goal as a pilot. But now that you have achieved success in your career what is next? How do we have a more fulfilling life as an airline pilot but also how do we build wealth to help our family and others. This series was built to help you.

To increase your wealth, save and Invest to let your wealth grow.

Sounds simple but it is not easy.

You need tools and one is our book of the month https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/recommended-reading/

and our website https://wealthypilot.com

Increase your knowledge.
Listen to podcasts like this one.
Read books.
Recommended reading list under wealthy pilot:
Book of the month.
Millionaire Mission – A 9-Step System to Level-Up Your Finances and Build Wealth
Brian Preston From https://moneyguy.com (not a sponsor)
Find a career coach.
Find a business or financial coach.
I had a board of advisors when running my first large business.
Be slow to find a financial advisor that has your best interests in mind.
Consistently review your progress.
Make adjustments when necessary.
Implement new strategies cautiously
Building wealth is boring, simple, but not easy.
Takes Time and Discipline similar to becoming a pilot.
Being a pilot is a rewarding career and can lead to a wonderful retirement as long as you continually try to increase your knowledge and skills in both your flying and financial advice.
Here are some simple tools to increase your income.
https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp391-how-to-make-a-million-a-year-as-an-airline-pilot/
Upgrade to Captain.
Learn the system.
Know your contract union or employment.
Work on your days off.
Business
Second job.
Fly more.
Let us help you build a path toward your aviation goal.

Links:

https://wealthypilot.com

Mentorship:

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

One-On-One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching
Special: One month of free access when you sign up for one-on-one coaching.

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

ACP435 Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Dream

Social media and our friends can be full of negativity and bad advice so how do we navigate our way through this gauntlet of adversity? In this episode we will discuss how to prevent people you don’t even know or care about from stealing your aviation dream.

Mentorship:

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

One-On-One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching
Special: One month of free access when you sign up for one-on-one coaching.

Recommended Reading:

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

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Advice to keep positive in the field of negativity.

-Your friends many times only parrot what they hear in the media and online.
– share your dream with a small group of people.
– this is why I started the group coaching and mentorship.
– one size never fits everyone so stay away from the comments that no one and everyone.
– Sometimes we need to only discuss our dreams and ambitions with one person who understands the situation.
– You can’t choose your family and work associates but you can choose who to share your dreams with.
– you can also moderate which friends you share your dream with.
– some friends are social and some are true friends you can share dreams and ambitions with.

Generally it is best to stay off most social media. But that is easier said than done. So let’s talk about how to moderate your social media intake.

Social media advice:

-Facebook
– although there are some productive groups the discussions can devolve into negative vitriol and misinformation.
– good groups have consistent moderation and defined rules of conduct.

YouTube:
There is some great information but again you should view many videos and follow various people before you trust their dialog.
The comments can devolve quickly but are mostly moderated better.
LinkedIn:
A great resource because the commentators know they are being viewed by potential employers and what they post can negatively affect their career.
This is where the recruiters and employers converse.
Great resource for potential jobs, networking, and events.
Most people who are serious about their careers are part of LinkedIn.
Watch my video in our mentorship group about LinkedIn:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/take/group-career-coaching/texts/67392531-august-13-2025-8-pm-eastern-improve-your-linkedin-profile-and-industry-update
You can sign up and get one month free with coupon “CoachItForward”
Instagram:
Fun to follow and normally very positive.
You can find information about current events and career fairs.
Tick Tok:
Mostly targeted towards those just getting started in their life and careers.
Traditionally marketing toward a younger audience which may be beneficial to you.
X:
Primarily news.
Can be very political.

ACP434 Is A Jet Charter Broker Career Right For You?


Ever dreamed of a high-flying career that doesn’t involve piloting a plane? Imagine a world of private jets, exclusive clients, and limitless possibilities. But is the glamorous life of a jet charter broker truly for you? Joining me today is Lindsey Begnaud of https://justlandedjets.com/ to discuss the realities of this demanding yet rewarding aviation career.

to help us understand

A Sky-High View: What Exactly is a Jet Charter Broker?
– Dispelling common misconceptions about the role – it’s not just a glorified travel agent!
– The core function: connecting clients with private jets for bespoke travel experiences.
– Understanding the unique niche within the broader aviation industry.

Beyond the Brochure: The Reality of the Role
– The exhilarating highs: closing a big deal, satisfying demanding clients.
– The unexpected challenges: odd hours, complex logistics, and dealing with last-minute changes.
– Essential skills for success: negotiation, problem-solving, and building a robust network.

Your Path to Takeoff: Entry and Growth
– Education and background: what truly helps you stand out in 2025.
– Networking and mentorship: the unspoken keys to breaking into the industry.
– Career progression: from junior broker to opening your own brokerage.

The Financial Flight Plan: Earning Potential and Lifestyle
– Commission structures and how your income directly reflects your hustle.
– The often-glamorous, sometimes grueling, lifestyle of a jet charter broker.
– Long-term financial outlook and the stability of the private aviation market.

Is This Your Runway? Final Considerations
– Self-assessment: matching your personality and work ethic to the demands of the job.
– Future trends: how technology and sustainability are shaping the broker landscape.
– Making an informed decision: Is the thrill and challenge worth the dedication for you?

Links:

https://justlandedjets.com/

Mentorship:

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

One-On-One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching
Special: One month of free access when you sign up for one-on-one coaching.

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC – you can find them at https://www.strumorlaw.com/

The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC, handles various aviation matters, including FAA safety investigations and pilot medical certifications. You can find them on the web at https://www.strumorlaw.com/

 

 

ACP433 MRO Career Opportunities And Why Choosing The Right Culture Is Important.

With a looming shortage of qualified mechanics, how will MROs and potential employees navigate the future hiring environment. You will be surprised by what you will discover as we discuss this and more with Elliott Aviation CEO Michael Parrish. Elliott Aviation has successfully been providing aircraft solutions including sales, FBO services, and more. Today we will focus on what an MRO does, how Elliott has built a successful business, and why culture is important when choosing a future employer.

Talking Points:
Introduction
· Brief personal story: starting as a mechanic, service in the Air Force, path to Elliott Aviation President.
· Passion for aviation and why culture matters now more than ever.
Building a Culture People Want to Work For
· Getting back to basics: respect, communication, and clear expectations.
· Investing in people: training, mentorship, and creating growth opportunities.
· Giving people a chance: spotting potential beyond a résumé.
· The difference between being busy and being effective.
· Paying it forward: how leaders can shape careers through support and opportunity.
· Empowering employees to make decisions and take ownership.
· Identifying talent and nurturing it over time.
· Relating to people at every level — from hangar floor to boardroom.
· Understanding and leveraging what different geographic locations bring — talent pools, local partnerships, and community strengths.
Industry Challenges and Opportunities
· Acknowledging the projected shortfall of qualified mechanics in the aviation industry.
· Strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market.
· How culture and opportunity make great career opportunities.
Career Opportunities at an MRO
· Aircraft mechanics and technicians.
· Crew chiefs leading projects and teams.
· Paint and interior specialists.
· Avionics technicians and installers.
· Engineers supporting modifications and upgrades.
· Support and administrative roles that keep the operation running.
Apprenticeships?
Closing Thoughts
· The role of culture in attracting and retaining the next generation of aviation professionals.
· Encouragement for anyone considering a career in aviation — there’s a place for many skills.

Links:

https://www.Elliottaviation.com

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
Special : One month free access when you sign up for 1 on 1 coaching.

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com