All posts by CarlValeri

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

ACP094 ExpressJet Airlines Pilot Interview

October 15, 2015 CarlValeri Leave a comment

ExpressJet Airlines Thinking of becoming an airline pilot? Most pilots will work for a regional airline before moving onto the majors. Which regional should you work for?

Welcome to Episode 94. Today I have with me someone who feels you should work for ExpressJet Airlines. Welcome back to the show Robert Guyer. Joining Robert are other members of the ExpressJet Team.

We Discuss:

Why you should consider working for ExpressJet Airlines.
The type of equipment ExpressJet operates.
How to prepare for an upcoming ExpressJet Airlines pilot interview.
How To apply to ExpressJet
The interview process.
What you should expect during the interview.
How to prepare for your first day at ExpressJet
Upcoming job fairs and open houses. How to find out about them.

Links:

ExpressJet on Facebook

Expressjet Airlines Future Pilots

ExpressJet Airline Pathway Program

ACP065 – How to Become an Airline Check Airman with Robert Guyer

Scholarship Of The Week:

AOPA Gina Santori Flight Training Scholarship $5,000
This scholarship was designed to encourage and support young people to pursue recreational aviation as well as professional aviation careers.

This scholarship is funded from an endowment that was created by Dr. Gina Santori in honor of her late husband Richard Santori who was an Air Force reserve pilot and loved flying his Bonanza. Gina Santori a physician and surgeon from Aurora only practices pro bono cases for diabetic and renal patients. She began her career in medicine by earning her RN degree. Dr. Santori has a commercial pilots license in both sea and land airplanes. She established the endowment in her late husbands memory to provide scholarships in the fields of aviation, medicine, and science.

ExpressJet Airlines Employee Scholarships. Scholarships are available to employees of ExpressJet Airlines and can be found on the employee internal website.

Podcast

ACP093 How To Become a Flight Nurse With Paul Grieco RN

October 8, 2015 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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How To Become A Flight Nurse With Paul Grieco

I was stuck in traffic on route 80 in New Jersey thinking: “why aren’t we moving?” Then in the distance I could hear the sound of a helicopter as it approached and then flew toward the flashing lights ahead. Moments later after circling the helicopter was on the ground. It was then that I thought to myself: “I sure hope I never need to use that helicopter, but I’m sure glad it is there if I need it.”

One of the more exciting jobs I can imagine is flying into a remote location and picking up injured people. But with that excitement comes some risk and I really appreciate those first responders who answer the call every day to fly into remote and hazardous locations to save lives.

Today I have with me a flight nurse who is no stranger to this podcast Paul Grieco, RN. Paul has been a nurse for 13 years and a flight nurse for 10 years and is an advocate for those who wish to enter the field. As you know from past episodes Paul has taken a new direction in his life with an airline career. Paul is able to successfully combine both his passion for nursing and passion for flying. He is one of the hardest working people I know.

Paul and I Discuss How To Become A Flight Nurse:

Why he became a Nurse.
The Challenges of becoming a Nurse.
How he became interested in becoming a Flight Nurse.
The type of aircraft a Flight Nurse will fly.
Unique skills and challenges to being a Flight Nurse.
How he is able to combine both careers as a pilot and nurse.
Why he chose to fly for the airlines.
Advice on how to become a flight nurse.

Links:

PHI Air Medical
Air Methods

Scholarships of The Week:

Medical Transport Leadership Institute Scholarship

Video:

Helicopter Pilot, Podcast

ACP092 How to Become a Commercial Helicopter Pilot with Pam Landis of Ocean Helicopters

October 2, 2015 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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pamaward

Many times I dreamed of hovering above the Earth looking down upon my home, where I went to school, or simply watching dolphins play in the azure waters below. One way I have realized this dream is by flying a helicopter.

The helicopter is a unique aircraft; transporting people to unique locations, allowing us to view the world from a point in space, and playing a key role in helping save lives. If this sounds like fun you should consider a career as a helicopter pilot.

In past episodes, we spoke with Police, Army, and Coast Guard helicopter pilots and you can find those episodes linked below. Joining us today is a pilot who will help us understand how to become a commercial helicopter pilot.

Pam Landis is Vice President and Chief Flight Instructor of Ocean Helicopters in West Palm Beach, Florida. Pam is truly passionate about helicopters and teaching people how to fly. Pam is also on the training committee with Helicopter Association International.

As a testament to her commitment to aviation education, she was instrumental in Ocean Helicopters being awarded the 2014 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) ‘Flight Training Excellence Award ‘ for Outstanding Flight School. Only 10 flight schools from around the country were selected for this award, and Ocean Helicopters was the only helicopter flight school featured.

Pam and I discuss:

The joy of flying helicopters.
Why you should consider a career flying helicopters.
Various jobs you can look forward to as a commercial helicopter pilot.
How to become a commercial helicopters pilot.
Things you should do before you begin your training.
Costs of training and how to make your training more efficient.
How to become a helicopter pilot if you are a fixed wing pilot.
Ocean Helicopters and how they prepare pilots for a career as a
commercial helicopter pilot.

Links:

Ocean Helicopters

Whirly Girls

Helicopter Association International

RotorcraftPro Magazine

Helicopter Salaries

Past Episodes With Helicopter Pilots

Scholarship of the Week:

Helicopter Foundation International Commercial Helicopter Rating Scholarship

In answer to the helicopter industry’s need for qualified pilots, and in an effort to attract new talent to the industry, HFI is sponsoring four Commercial Helicopter Pilot Scholarships.

Candidates who currently holds a private helicopter pilot license to obtain a commercial helicopter rating. A primary determinant will be evidence of the applicant’s skill and ability to be a commercial helicopter pilot and interest in pursuing a career as a pilot in the helicopter industry.

Typical scholarship open date: September 1, closing date November 30. A total of 4 scholarships is available each valued at $5,000 each.

Pilot Shortage, Podcast

ACP091 How To Avoid Complacency In Your Career

September 22, 2015 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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I am concerned about the current pilot shortage, or should I say lack of qualified pilots available for hire. This is the only industry we can’t call a pilot shortage a pilot shortage for political reasons. But that is a topic for another podcast and you can listen to my discussion by clicking on the pilot shortage tab on the homepage of this website or click on Pilot Shortage. But I digress.

My concern today is the complacency amongst many pilots when it comes to their careers. Many of you have rejoined this career after years of pursuing another job because of the recession. Having been through a few recessions in the aviation industry, I want to you understand the pursuit of an airline job or any job you truly want is a marathon and not a sprint.

During every downturn, the first people who bail out of this industry are those who were sold on an airline pilot career as being a six figure income with many days off. Although this is true later on in your career it does take years to realize this goal. Therefore, please if you are considering this as a career go into it because you enjoy the job. Don’t do it simply for the money because in the beginning you will be disappointed.

Furthermore, though many airlines may be knocking on your door and it seems if you can fog a mirror you can get a job as an airline pilot, this won’t last forever. “The worm always turns” is a saying in this industry, meaning for every uptrend in the industry there is an equal and opposite downturn. So please don’t become complacent during this current pilot shortage and we are going to show you how.

We discuss:

How To Avoid Complacency In Your Career
Why you should plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Why you should work on your credentials first.
Why there are ups and downs in the airline industry.
How to prepare yourself and stay hungry even during the current job market.
Listener Mail

Scholarship Of The Week:

AOPA Noe-Singer Flight Training Scholarship $12,000

This scholarship is offered through the AOPA flight training scholarships program in hopes of expanding the pilot population by helping an individual who has a definite interest in learning how to fly, however, would be unable to without the extra funds from this scholarship.

Larry Noe, a Bonanza G36 owner, and an instrument-rated commercial pilot recognized the need to assist students who have a financial need and strong desire to complete flight training. His desire is for students to use this scholarship to begin an aviation related career track, or fly recreationally as he does.

ACP090 – What Pilots Eat While Flying and Career Questions Answered

September 8, 2015 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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Ever wonder what pilots eat while flying? Confused as to which flight school to use for your training? We have answers and more in this episode of Aviation Careers Podcast.

Welcome to episode 90 I have joining me two special aviators. First, our host and private jet flying expert, Tom Wachowski.

Also joining us today is a new member of the Aviation Career Podcast Team Paul Grieco. Paul is an airline pilot, helicopter flight nurse, and now is a scholarship analyst with AerospaceScholarships.com.

We discuss:

Paul Grieco and how he will be helping with scholarships.
Our new airlines Page coming soon.
How pilots eat while flying.

Listener Mail:

Feedback on a accelerated training school.
A 26 year old pipeline pilot building hours is getting ready for the next career move.
Should I give up my secure gig and follow the traditional route of commuter/regionals or are there more creative ways to build hours?
What time line should I expect to reach my goal?
Should I leverage my maintenance background in pursuit or a corporate job?
Is there a statute of limitations for a company when you have been marked as not eligible for rehire?

Links Mentioned in this podcast:

Jessica Cox First Armless Pilot – Stuck Mic Avcast

AOPA Flight Training Flight School Directory

Don’t pay any flight school more than $2,500 in Advance

Don’t make a 2 million dollar mistake in your career.

Scholarship Of The Week:

International Aviation Womens Association $5,000

Podcast

ACP089 A Creative Approach To Surviving An Aviation Downturn

August 22, 2015 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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Welcome to episode 89. My guest today is Chris Pezalla. Chris passion for aviation started at a young age with him obtaining a commercial pilot certificate at the age of 18. He studied Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University while working as a flight instructor. After college, he worked for a large Regional Airline. His flying experience includes 5500 hours in airplanes and over 1300 hours as an instructor.

The aviation industry is cyclic with a few dramatic downturns. Today we discuss how Chris implemented a creative approach to surviving an aviation downturn. I’m sure you will find his story inspirational and informative.

Today Chris and I Discuss:

His Early life as a pilot and why he loves aviation.
His path to the regional airlines.
The downturn in the airline industry.
How he turned lemons into lemonade
What Chris did during his leave with the airlines.
Law Degree, Masters, Books, Speaking, and more.
Where he is now and where he is going.
Advice on how to prepare for a furlough or downturn in the airline industry.
Why you should prepare now when things are going well.

Scholarship of the Week:

Aero Club of PA: Pre-Solo Scholarships

Links:

Advanced Guide to Holding Patterns

Three Point Aviation

Color Blindness, Podcast

ACP088 Carl’s Theory of Negativity and How to Stay Positive

August 8, 2015 CarlValeri 3 Comments

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Welcome to episode 88. I’m here with Tom Wachowski and Eric Crump to discuss how you can stay positive when all you hear is negativity. I encourage you to view the video I posted in episode 038 of Arnold Schwartzenaeger about not listening to the “naysayers”. It’s very inspiring and is key to our discussion in this episode.

Negative people are often the loudest.
Carl’s story about a former fighter pilot working as an airline captain that loves his job.
Eric relates some of the struggles he had becoming a pilot, and starting the Aviation Program at Polk State.
Be careful who you share your dreams with. Family and friends can be the most negative, find a mentor with experience doing what you want to do.
Work on the things you can control, don’t let the things you can’t control draw you down.
Tom says it is important to distinguish between negativity and reality. Sometimes you need to decide not to do something for a good reason.
Look for people who positively inspire you to make the best decisions, not just fill you up with sunshine.
When giving correction and criticism, it is much better to continue to stay positive.

Listener Feedback

Scholarships for foreign students
Bachelor’s degree questions related to hiring such as whether airlines prefer an aviation related degree.
Scholarships for Europeans.
Switching companies after training.
Opinions on whether Social Media should be used to determine hiring.
Pay shortage vs. pilot shortage.
Questions on color blindness.

Scholarship of the Week:

Colorado Pilots Association

Jobs

Jobs, News, and Events July 29, 2015

July 29, 2015 CarlValeri Leave a comment

Job Title: A320 Captains (now accepting Senior FO)

Location: Chengdu, Chin

Salary: Up to $309,600 in total compensation per year (see link for details, several options available).

Website: WASINC International

Drones, Pilot Shortage, Podcast, Unmanned Aircraft Systems

ACP087 Drones and Your Aviation Career

July 22, 2015 CarlValeri 1 Comment

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RyanSim Is a career flying, fixing, or supporting drones in your career future? Today I am joined by Ryan Wallace from Polk State College to discuss the career opportunities in the world of Commercial Drones. Ryan is a professor of Aeronautical Science and is actively involved in the local Unmanned Aircraft System Community.