All posts by CarlValeri

Host of Aviation Careers Podcast. For more about me go to AviationCareersPodcast/About.
Aviator, Banner Tow Pilot, Careers, Podcast

ACP120 Should You Become A Banner Tow Pilot? with Joe Myers of Aerial Banners Inc.

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The new ATP requirements have increased the hours to 1500 for most to be able to apply for an airline job. But how do you build the hours? You can flight instruct but what if you don’t want to teach? You can rent a plane and build hours, but what if you don’t have the money? You can also purchase your own airplane and fly as much as you want, but that also requires a capital outlay.

One unique, lucrative, and outstanding opportunity to build flight time while honing your flying skills is by becoming a banner tow pilot. You will learn energy management, how to use your rudder properly, decision-making skills and more by flying as a banner tow pilot.

To help us understand the opportunities and to help answer the question “Should You Become a Banner Tow Pilot”, I am joined by Joe Myers of Aerial Banners, Inc. Joe is a commercial pilot flying charter in a Beech King Air C200 and also is a banner tow pilot with hundreds of hours behind the stick of a banner tow plane. Joe is an accomplished pilot and a great person who as you will tell by his enthusiasm loves his job and his career.

Sponsor:

Before we begin our interview our sponsor today is Aerial Banner Inc.

When you hear an airplane you instinctively look up. That is what makes this form of advertising so effective. Aerial advertising reaches people away from home and work, generally in an environment where they are relaxed. Few forms of media have access to such a receptive audience.

Aerial Banners Inc. offers aerial advertising NATIONWIDE. Our staff of Aerial Advertising professionals has over 22 years experience, advertising for both local and national corporations. Aerial Banners flies over all of America’s Beaches, Highways, Stadiums, Parks, Cruise ships, Golf courses and any other place you can think of. Aerial Banners eye-catching yellow birds get the job done!

Aerial Banners Inc. can produce and fly your custom, high definition, digitally reproduced aerial billboard anywhere nationwide. Contact them today for pricing and options that are right for you.

at AerialBanners.com.

Aerial Banners also offers great career opportunities for pilots seeking a challenging and lucrative career as a banner tow pilot. To help us understand what it is like to be a banner tow pilot and discover if you should become a banner tow pilot I am joined by Joe Myers.

Joe and I discuss:

  • Why he decide to fly for a living.
  • What it is like to be a banner tow pilot.
  • The challenges of becoming a banner tow pilot.
  • The rewards of being a banner tow pilot.
  • Pay and benefits.
  • Can you really build time as a banner tow pilot?
  • Who should become a banner tow pilot?
  • Why he likes being a banner tow pilot and his favorite thing about the job.

Sponsor:

Don’t forget to visit our sponsor Aerialbanners.com for job opportunities and spread the word about the effectiveness of Aerial advertising.

Aerial Advertising Targets Designated Marketing Area

  • Target geographically (region, state, city, sector, etc.)
  • Target economically (district, sector of a city)
  • Target by areas of interest (site, rally, event, etc.)

Aerial Advertising Statistics

  • 88% Of the people surveyed recalled the passing of the banner within the last 30 minutes.
  • 79% Of the people surveyed recalled what was advertised.
  • 67% Of the people surveyed could recall at least one-half of the message.

*2194 people surveyed on Miami Beach

This shows that aerial advertising is clearly a message that people both subliminally and actively remember!

Visit AerialBanners.com

Podcast, Questions Answered

ACP119 Veteran Flight Training Benefits – Can I Have Children and Pursue An Aviation Career?

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lal-tower

In episode 119 we answer listener mail. We have some great information on using VA benefits for aviation training and advice on accelerated versus non-accelerated training.

Announcements:

  • Educational and Collegiate and training. –Coaching by Eric Crump
  • Bragging on a student , Cuban immigrant, ESL Solo –Eric
  • Carl Received his Remote pilot certificate.

Q&A:

  • Clarification on use of VA benefits for flight training.
  • Advice on whether it was right to purchase a Comanche, women entering aviation, and accelerated versus non-accelerated training.
  • Are there typically Class A CDL jobs available at airports?

Links Mentioned In The Podcast:

Veterans Flight Training Benefits
Ninety-Nines
Stuck Mic AvCast Episode 125 – Remote Pilot Certificate Explained
Episode 73 – Aviation Safety and Claims Manager Dr. Benjamin Goodheart

Podcast, Questions Answered

ACP118 How do I Decide What to Do in Life?

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crj200simWelcome to episode 118 of the podcast that answers your questions about aviation careers and helps you take that next step to that rewarding career! Today I am joined by Paul Grieco to answer questions about choosing between aviation and other passions, how to convert a foreign flight certificate to a US FAA, scholarships for Canadians, and more!

Announcements

  • The Polk State Flight Team (which Carl coaches) got first place in the NIFA Safety Competition for the second year in a row! You can help Carl and the team continue this great learning experience by donating to the team.
  • In order to recruit new pilots and retain existing ones, the airline Paul works for has started a guaranteed interview program with United Airlines to help pilots move from the regional up to the major. The first 10 pilots from his airline are moving up this month and next month.
  • 1 Year update from a listener working on IFR, discussing accelerated programs.
  • Chicago native with 0 flight hours, trying to determine going through an accelerated program or sticking with a standard program at a local FBO.

Questions from Listeners

  • Trying to do what to do with my life: Dentistry vs. Pursuing Aviation.
  • Questions about obtaining a first class medical when you have DUI’s on your record. Also wondering about problems getting training and hired being of Middle Eastern dissent.
  • Pilot working in South Africa, looking for online resources for getting current from overseas.
  • 17 year old from S. Africa getting ready to move to US for college flight training, questions about converting his certificate to FAA certificate and keeping it.
  • Help trying to decide whether to become an airline pilot or stay as an Aeronautical Engineer.
  • Scholarships for Canadians.
  • Update from a budding pilot is getting ready for his solo flights.
  • Advice for transitioning from military rotorcraft to civilian fixed wing.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Podcast, Questions Answered

ACP117 What Is The Difference Between a Legacy and a Major Airline?

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Carl and Eric Crump are back for another great question and answer episode! This show features answers to questions from our listeners, including about the difference between legacy and major airlines, flight school choices, and applying when under qualified (the answer might surprise you).

Sponsor Message:

Don’t forget to check out our coaching services which include career counseling and mentorship, interview preparation, resume and cover letter review. Go To AviationCareersPodcast.com and click on Coaching.

Announcements:

Carl is the coach of the Polk State Flight Team, which is raising money to go to regionals. Carl is asking listeners to consider donating 1 hour of their pay to help the team get there. Would you please consider making a donation here?

In This episode we discuss:

  • For financial advice, I recommend Ric Edelman.
  • Are there scholarships out there for people who already have a Private Pilot’s License?
  • The Difference Between a Legacy and a Major Airline?
  • Flight schools in Florida vs. finishing my degree at the school I am at?
  • Are people being hired when they are under qualified, such has not having the minimum number of hours?
  • What qualifications or certifications should you get to set yourself apart from other candidates?

 

Pick Of The Week:

ACP088 Carl’s Theory of Negativity and How to Stay Positive
Airline Pilot, Podcast

ACP116 Aero Crew News Craig Pieper and Central Florida Aerospace Academy

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In this episode we have two interviews. The first with Craig Pieper the Editor in Chief and Founder of Aero Crew News. And the second interview is with Christian, a student from Central Florida Aerospace Academy in Lakeland, Florida.

Before We Begin a few announcements:

Many of you have written asking how you can sponsor or advertise on Aviation Careers Podcast. Now there is an easy solution. Go to AviationCareersPodcast.com and click on the sponsorship tab. By sponsoring an episode your message will be heard by thousands in your specific industry or interest group.

Visit:AviationCareersPodcast.com/sponsorship

Also don’t forget to visit our scholarships page and review our new search function. After much feedback from users of the scholarships guide we have decided to finally place an easy to use search function in the scholarships guide. Search by category, age, region, and more. But before we finish the entire search engine we need your help. Please go to AerospaceScholarships.com and click on the search scholarships link. Review the different tables we have set up and then complete the short survey at the bottom. This will help us better serve your needs.

Interview with Craig Pieper:

Craig is responsible for the content, layout design, website design and organization of the material and people producing the material for the magazine. Craig is also the founder of another company called Pieper Training Aids. Pieper Training Aids manufactured two aviation-training devices, they were known as Holding Pattern Aid and Inoperative Instrument Aid. As a matter of fact you can see my review of Pieper Training Aids on YouTube. Craig is also a Captain for a regional airline with a type rating in the Embraer 145 and has logged over 6,000 hours of flying time since his introductory flight on November 14th, 1992.

Welcome to the podcast Craig.

Craig and I Discuss:

  • Why you should read Aero Crew News.
  • Our flying together and how small the aviation world is.
  • The Services Provided by Aero Crew News.
  • Aviator Bulletins.
  • Fitness coach in Aero Crew News.
  • The future of Aero Crew News.
  • AeroCrewNews.com.

Interview with Christian, a student at Central Florida Aerospace Academy

Christian was asked to interview me for an assignment at his school Central Florida Aerospace Academy or CFAA.

pageheadercfaa2

The vision of the Central Florida Aerospace Academy is to promote the lifelong process of learning by challenging students with a rigorous curriculum and tailored hands-on experiences with special focus on science, technology, engineering, and math. The academy will respond to the needs of industry by placing emphasis on teamwork, individual achievement, skill development, creativity, and innovation, as well as critical thinking.

As students are prepared to be productive and responsible members of the workforce, the academy will instill in them an appreciation for professionalism, ethical behavior, and an awareness of global opportunities, while developing self-worth, high expectations, and mutual respect among a diverse population of students and staff.
Students attend high school every day at the Lakeland Regional Airport and yet have access to all of the benefits of high school (sports, clubs, etc.)

Please visit their website:
http://www.polkacademies.com/cfaa/

Christians Questions:

  1. What was your first flight you did for the company?
  2. Why did you want to become a pilot and why this company?
  3. Is this what you thought you would be doing when you were younger?
  4. Was your first flight stressful?
  5. Are you happy with what you’re doing now or would you want to go to the bigger types planes?
  6. What is the biggest plane you have piloted and how far did you go?
  7. Without being specific, what kind of salary do you make and how long has it taken you to get to that level? (It is perfectly fine to decline to answer) You can find this information on the bureau of labor statistics website.
  8. How many flights do you make in a day?
  9. What kind of hours do you work in a week?
  10. Do they make you wear a uniform here or is it casual?
  11. Is your workplace strict or have a casual atmosphere
  12. Did you have to learn any other languages for this job?
  13. Have you had any emergencies during flights? If Yes, how did you get out of the situation safely?
  14. Have you had to change your path because of a storm?
  15. What kind of hours do you work?
  16. What kind of education do you have?
  17. Did you do well in school?
  18. What is the coolest thing you’ve done?
  19. Where is the coolest place you’ve been?
  20. What was the job you had before this one and has it helped you here?
  21. What was the biggest challenge of getting this job?
  22. How long do you plan fly for?

Podcast

ACP115 I Never Believed Being A Pilot Was Something I Could Do!

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carlwithrossanddevildogWelcome to episode 115 of the show that answers your questions, motivates you to follow your dream, and pursue an exciting aviation career! Carl is joined by Eric Crump and Paul Grieco to answer your questions.

Announcement: Career coaching has become popular, and many of our listeners are seeing great success because of coaching. Our coaching services include interview prep as well as life coaching. Please check out the coaching page for more information and to view the coaches schedules.

Topics in this Episode:

  • I Never Believed Being A Pilot Was Something I Could Do!
  • I have my Associates degree. Should I postpone completing  my Bachelor’s degree and finish my ratings now?
  • Scholarships for Veterans.
  • How to  search the scholarships directory.
  • What can I do at the beginning of my training to become a better pilot and increase my chance of obtaining a job?
  • What do airlines look for when hiring new pilots? Certifications, time for flight hours, etc.
  • Benefits of changing schools or using more than one instructor.
  • Opportunities to fly for International Airlines.
  • GI Bill benefits explained.
  • Corporate and air taxi flying.
Accelerated Pilot Training, Aviation Training, Career Change, Podcast, Questions Answered, Regional Airlines

ACP114 How Do Failed Check Rides Affect Employment?

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ThuderstormsAndSunIn this episode we focus on the question how do failed check rides affect employment? Eric Crump joins me today to answer this and more aviation career questions.

Announcements:

  • Our Coaching services include career counseling, interview preparation, and life coaching.  You have been asking to review the coaching schedule before purchasing a session. In response we have added a link to the calendar above. You can review the schedule  by clicking here.

Questions:

  • I Failed both an oral and flight portion of my check ride, what do I do?
  • My concern is if I leave my job, instruct, and then interview for the airlines and not get a job because of my disapprovals.
  • Should I give up on my dream of becoming an airline pilot?
  • I am Debating skipping last year of college to build hours. What is more important a college degree or jumping one year ahead?
  • Accelerated training programs discussed.
  • Dealing with a company showing poor integrity, wants to interview but afraid will get fired for interviewing.
  • Questions on flight training and scholarships from Africa.
  • Older worker, wants to know what his options are to become a pilot.
  • Questions on Great Lakes Airlines hiring part time pilots.

Links:

Career Coaching and Interview Preparation

Aerospace Scholarships 

Image Source: Paul Grieco

Airport Operations, Careers, Podcast

ACP113 So You Want to Work in Aviation with Jennifer Adams

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img_2335-2Welcome to episode 113! There are many jobs in aviation and some will surprise you. Today I am joined by Paul Grieco and special guest Jennifer Adams. Jenn is an Aviation blogger writing at Tales from the Terminal on all types of Aviation jobs and adventures.

In This Episode We discuss:

  • Why Jennifer became interested in Aviation as a child.
  • Working life at a Fortune 500 company while yearning for a job in aviation.
  • How she discovered Aviation related jobs.
  • Landing  an accounting job at her local airport.
  • The different technology related jobs available at the airport such as tech support, IT, etc.
  • The many security related jobs including camera management, security officers, and K-9’s.
  • Wildlife Management, and why it is a critical position in keeping the airport open.
  • Airfield Maintenance: responsible for caring for the runway surface making sure the pavement is sound, keeping clear of snow, etc.
  • Aviation jobs that do not require travel.
  • Pavement specialists are responsible for determining the right type of concrete needed and making sure runways and other airport surfaces are  maintained.
  • The many administrative support specialists responsible for office supplies, scheduling meetings, running the FBO, etc.
  • The job as Airplane Watcher which it’s a bit more involved than you would think.
  • If you want to get into Aviation but don’t know how, make a list of your skills and then look for Aviation jobs that fit those skills. Think outside the box to find something that will get you in the airport using the knowledge you already have.
  • Jennifer’s guest appearance  on Airplane Geeks episode 404.
Airline Pilot, Aviation Training, Contract Flying, Flight Instructor, Podcast

ACP112 How Does Bidding For Flights Work? Should I Own A Plane To Build Time?

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A320 SIMIn this episode we will read e-mails and answer questions including “How does bidding for flights work? and Should I own a plane to build time?”. Don’t forget to send your questions and feedback to feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com.

Preparing for an interview? Need someone to review your resume and cover letter? Seeking career advice? Consider our couching services.

Our coaching services include:

  • Airline Interview Preparation.
  • Career Coaching and Mentorship.
  • Resume and Cover Letter Review.
  • Cadet and Ab Initio Interview Preparation.

To Learn more about our career Coaching click here or on the coaching tab above.

50% off Summer Sale at ExpertAviator.com.  Don’t forget to use the coupon code “summer” and receive 50% off products and services at ExpertAviator.com. ExpertAviator includes articles explaining basic to technical aspects of all things aviation.  Watch the first video of our new series Advanced Holding Patterns” for free by clicking here.

Listener Feedback and Questions:

  • I’d like to know if you or your guests have any experience owning an airplane. Would it make sense to buy a cheap trainer aircraft as an easy way to start a business and employ my brother to train me as well as others to offset the cost of expensive flight hours?
  • Could you explain how bidding  works?
  • How much vacation time does a pilot get?
  • The pay where I work is substantially better than a regional and  I am unsure whether I should make the jump to a regional.
  • Which regional should I choose?
  • How do you log right seat time?
  • Here in Australia I’m really struggling to get my aviation career off the ground.
  • From listening to the podcast, it sounds like there are more jobs that need to be filled in the USA. Is this really the case?
  • When should a CFI be a contractor vs employee?
  • When should a CFI buy insurance and what type of insurance?
  • Air-Pros.com
  • There are TONS of side jobs available in the UAV industry.
  • Veterans Jobs Mission

Picks Of The Week:

Paul – The Advanced Pilots Flight Manual

Carl – Christine’s Stunning Night Landing!- YouTube

Advanced Holding Patterns Video Series, Video 1:

Podcast, Questions Answered

ACP111 “The Valeri Effect” and How to Pick the Right Regional

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PaulDrinkingjpeg OnlineWelcome to episode 111!  Carl Valeri and Co-Host Paul Grieco discuss a number of questions from listeners including preparing for training and how to pick the right regional. First, Paul discusses his upgrade to Captain versus Carl’s decision to remain as a First Officer. They also discuss the differences in Operation Specifications (Op-Specs) and Operations Manuals.

Announcements:

Carl recently interviewed Chris Pezalla on the Stuck Mic AVCast regarding Holding Patterns, which you can check out at Stuck MicAvCast.com. They also put together a new video series titled Advanced Holding Patterns. The first video is free! The entire series may be purchased for only $64 and listeners of this podcast are eligible for a 10% discount using the code ACP10.

Questions and Listener Mail:

  • What books should I read before beginning training and what should I take with me?
  • Guidance for choosing a regional airline.
  • The” Valeri Effect”.
  • Training and working on IFR time because that is what the airlines are looking for.
  • Idea: create an all sim flight school in New York City and partner with FBOs.
  • Question on accessing scholarships.
  • Questions on Airman Certification Standards and Private Instructions. You can learn more at Stuck Mic AVCast 116.
  • Difference between part 141 or part 61 training, joining Air Force Reserves and then getting leave time to train for the airlines. Check out information on the Soldier’s and Sailor’s Relief Act.