I went direct to a LCC after instructing, had two years of little flying and then furlough… after 9 months furloughed managed to get on with a regional. I have a young family so I wasn’t too keen on cargo as an option, yet didn’t quite have the resume for mainline. Was a regional the right choice?
You are not alone.
Others have done the same.
Don’t let ego get in the way of your career.
Ego is the enemy book of the month.
We sometimes take a step back to again move forward.
After 9/11 many mainline pilots flew at the regionals.
Some pilots refused jobs because they were beneath them.
I sent hundreds of pilots to a commuter that had turboprops and almost every one declined the job since they were regional pilots.
My class at the largest regional airline in the US had 80% from the majors.
You are gaining valuable hours towards your next career step.
You are flying 121 in the system which is putting you ahead of your peers and will help in an upcoming interview.
Always look at your own personal situation and don’t listen to others.
Do what is best for you and your family.
Trying to determine if you are making the right decision? Consult with your family, mentor, or career coach.
I am currently a CFI, sitting at around 700 TT. I have a friend whom I trained and studied with in flight school, and he wants me to take an ATP CTP course soon with him.
My question is, is it viable to take the ATP CTP course on my own dime these days? I know that it would make me more competitive, but I always thought that the airlines, more or less, always would pay for it when hired.
Talking Points:
The market has changed.
Concentrate on building hours first then as you get closer to 1500 think about ATP/CTP.
Is the deal with your friend a great deal compared to if you wait.
The airlines don’t always pay for the ATP/CTP when hired, especially in a competitive market.
Qualifications for jobs always change.
We must change with the market.
Book of the month : Who Moved My Cheese: an amazing way of dealing with change in your workplace.
Check it out in our recommended reading list: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/recommended-reading/
I recommend waiting until before you start applying to the airlines because the market can change.
Remember to never use the term Always when talking about the airlines and any other business.
Things always change and we have a way to help you navigate that change through our coaching services at https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/
Special: One month free access to our mentorship program when you sign up for a one on one coaching session.
Your dream of becoming a pilot has been put on hold due to a deferred medical. This video explores the different paths you can take, from reapplying for your medical to pursuing alternative aviation careers.The experiences I relate in this video come from my over 2 decades of helping pilots navigate an aviation career path and overcome challenges. To find out more about our individual and group coaching visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/
Talking Points:
The Reality of Deferred Medicals
– It’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and there are resources available to help you through this challenging time.
Before you go to your medical if you think you might have a condition that could cause a deferral or denial consult with an AME before the application.
– Receiving a deferred medical is a devastating blow to any aspiring pilot.
– how to discover if your medical may be deferred.
– CACI and worksheets will help you discover if you might be deferred.
-Conditions AMEs Can Issue
– https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/certification_ws
– https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/resources/
– The FAA’s medical certification process can be complicated and stressful, and a deferred medical is often the result of a medical condition that requires further review and investigation.
Understanding the Process
– It’s crucial to understand why your medical was deferred and what steps you need to take to get it cleared.
– The FAA will issue a letter outlining the reasons for the deferral, and you’ll need to follow the instructions provided to obtain the required medical documentation.
– This might involve visiting specialists, undergoing further testing, or providing additional information about your medical history.
Exploring Your Options
– Reapplying for your medical is often the first step, but you might need to address the underlying medical condition before your application is approved.
– Consider seeking guidance from an aviation medical examiner (AME) who can provide personalized advice and support throughout the process.
– We recommend AMAS.
– Depending on your specific circumstances, you might need to explore other options, such as seeking a waiver from the FAA, obtaining a special issuance medical certificate, or pursuing a different career path.
Alternative Aviation Careers
– A deferred medical doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your aviation dreams, there are many other rewarding careers in the aviation industry that don’t require a first-class medical certificate.
– These include roles in air traffic control, aircraft maintenance, aviation management, or flight instruction (with appropriate restrictions).
– We have discussed many of these in our past episodes.
– Researching and exploring these alternative career paths can help you stay involved in aviation while you work towards resolving your medical deferral.
Staying Positive and Motivated
– It’s important to stay positive and motivated throughout the process, even when things feel challenging.
– Join our Mentorship Group Coaching to stay motivated: https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching
– Connect with other pilots who have faced similar situations, and share your experiences and learn from their journeys.
– Remember that your passion for aviation is what drives you, and it’s worth fighting for your dream, even if it takes time and effort.
During our last group coaching mentorship I gave a mid-year hiring update and in today’s episode I wanted to share some information from that session and also give you an update and advice on what you can do to get hired in 2025 and beyond.
The State of Pilot Hiring in 2025
– The resurgence of air travel after the pandemic led to an initial boom in pilot hiring, but the market is moderating for many reasons including Boeing aircraft delivery delays and Pratt Whitney engine issues.
– Some Regional airlines are still facing significant hiring challenges as they struggle to attract and retain pilots.
This is due to unattractive equipment (planes), contracts, and pilot bases.
– Major airlines are reporting a more balanced hiring environment, focusing on experience and specific skills.
The Competitive Landscape
– Increased pilot demand has fueled competition, leading to a rise in specialized training programs and pilot academies.
Look at growth of ATP-CTP programs and flight school growth and consolidation.
– Digital platforms and online communities have become essential for networking and finding opportunities.
One of the best is LinkedIn. We will be doing another session in our group coaching and mentorship.
– The industry shifted towards data-driven recruitment processes and online assessment tools.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
– Technical proficiency remains paramount, including a strong understanding of aviation regulations and safety protocols.
– Adaptability and resilience are crucial for navigating the aviation industry.
Overcoming the Challenges
– Networking and building relationships are critical for securing a pilot position, especially through attending industry events and engaging with recruiters.
– Staying updated with the latest technology and advancements in aviation is essential for maintaining a competitive edge.
– Consider diversifying your skill set by exploring related fields like flight instructing or aviation management to expand career options.
The Future of Pilot Jobs
– The industry is expected to see continued growth, driven by increasing global travel demand.
https://www.boeing.com/commercial/market/pilot-technician-outlook#overview
-About 18,500 openings for airline and commercial pilots are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
– https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm#tab-1
– Technological advancements such as automation and autonomous flight have already reshaped the pilot role.
Glass cockpit and complex automated systems with computer interfaces must be understood during normal and non normal flight.
– Pilots with a strong foundation in technology and leadership will be best positioned to navigate the future of aviation.
Don’t let short term market fluctuations discourage you. A one or two year slow down is a small fraction of your 40 year career. This is a marathon not a spring so take action every day to move toward your career goa and don’t let these small changes in hiring stop you from moving forward.
Join our group coaching and mentorship session and get the first month free using coupon “CoachItForward”
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/
Are you thinking of becoming an airline captain either as a career or if you are you considering upgrading to Captain this episode is for you. I will explore the pros and cons of being an airline captain, focusing on the financial compensation and the challenges and stresses associated with the role. This video helps you determine if the high pay is truly worth the demanding lifestyle of a captain and airline pilot.
Talking Points:
Pay.
– Salary range for airline captains is between 300 to 450 k, af few top earners have the potential for exceeding seven figures.
– Airline captains to other high-paying professions according to BLS
Pilots 226,600, doctors 239,200, lawyers 151,160, and aerospace engineers 134,830.
Pay based on years of service and position such as captain.
The Flying Lifestyle.
– Work schedule of airline captains, including irregular hours, long shifts, and frequent overnight stays.
– Challenges associated with being away from home for extended periods and the impact on personal life and relationships.
– The physical and mental demands of the job, such as dealing with pressure, fatigue, and the responsibility for passenger safety.
Navigating the Skies
– Extensive training and licensing requirements for becoming an airline captain, including flight hours, certifications, and ongoing education.
– Physical and mental health standards pilots must meet and the regular medical evaluations they undergo.
– The competitive nature of the airline industry and the challenges of finding a job and securing a position as an airline captain.
– The high cost of getting to the captain seat. Another reason we started the scholarship guide and our sponsor stratus financial is giving away scholarships guides.
– One reason we started individual coaching and group mentorship and The pilot interview course. https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/
The Cons of being a Captain.
– Potential for burnout and stress associated with the demanding nature of the job, including the impact on mental and physical well-being.
– Challenges of managing personal life and work-life balance, particularly with irregular schedules and frequent travel.
– Address the potential for health issues related to travel, such as jet lag, sleep deprivation, and exposure to radiation.
Beyond the Paycheck or the Pros of being an Airline Captain.
– Unique benefits of being an airline captain, such as travel opportunities, exploring new destinations, and experiencing different cultures.
– The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with flying a large aircraft and safely transporting passengers.
– Explore the camaraderie among pilots and the strong sense of community within the airline industry.
Welcome to the Aviation Careers Podcast. Today we have a special guest Eric Zipkin to discuss trends in aviation with a focus on luxury travel experiences and how these experiences will affect the future of air travel.
Eric Zipkin and his humble start in aviation.
How he helped build the brand Tradewind Aviation into a leader in personal air travel throughout North America and the Caribbean.
Why Eric feels the future of private, business, and luxury travel will grow.
Current industry trends (highlighting the new Bahamas route/ extended service)
Why work for Tradewind?
“Skip the Regionals” – An in-depth conversation about a pilot’s career path at Tradewind
What type of person would find a fulfilling career at Tradewind.
“Goodspeed Culture” – How Tradewind’s unique culture sets a foundation for success
What is next for Tradewind?
Visit our sponsor 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/
Ten years ago, I discussed avoiding making a two-million-dollar mistake in your career. Today, we need to update that number and discuss how things have changed so you can avoid making a three-million-dollar mistake in your pilot career. Simple Answer…Keep flying, and don’t stop!
Understanding the current hiring environment.
Tariffs and your career.
239,200 Median pay for scheduled airline pilots.
10-year captain pays over 300k at major airlines
That is 3.3 million if you postpone your career by 10 years
Keep flying.
Sign up for coaching.
We discuss industry updates and dispel rumors
Pilot Interview Course is included and is updated every month.
Get one month free by using the coupon code “CoachItForward.”
We also include the Pilot Interview course in the coaching mentorship.
In our last episode, we discussed the 10 reasons you should become an air traffic controller. Joining me again today is George Harper, an air traffic control manager, to discuss 10 reasons you may not want to become an air traffic controller.
Ten Reasons You Should Not Become An Air Traffic Controller:
Afraid of heights.
Don’t like high-stress environments.
Don’t like being responsible for people’s lives.
The opposite of intellectually stimulating can be intellectually exhausting
Rarely 9-5 Mon-Fri (schedule)
Cannot make mistakes (at all)
Never routine, always changing
Ongoing training and refresher training are required monthly
May have to move for career
It’s a difficult field to get into.
With a shortage of air traffic controllers, there has been a renewed interest in the career. I have with me George Harper, an air traffic control manager, who will discuss the 10 reasons why you should become an Air Traffic Controller. George joined us on the show 5 years ago when we had a great conversation about what it is like to be a controller. Check out episode 285 to learn more.
Ten Reasons You Should Become An Air Traffic Controller:
An office with an amazing view.
Home every day.
Pay and Benefits
$137,380
Intellectually stimulating.
Something different every day
Adrenalin rush
Challenging
Elite career and is respected
Professional video gamer -Radar-
Rewarding career, keeping people safe
An aviation career spans a lifetime, and you will experience a recession at some point. With all the talk in the news about a recession, I figured it was time to discuss how to survive a recession in your aviation career. I have discussed this topic often over the past decade, but we need a refresh for the current marketplace.
Visit our sponsor 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/
