All posts by CarlValeri

Host of Aviation Careers Podcast. For more about me go to AviationCareersPodcast/About.
Financial Aid, Flight Instructing, Part 141 Flight School, Podcast

ACP037 – Is It Too Late, Flying Club vs 141, What University Should I Choose, Scholarships, Starting Over.

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2013-07-05 04.31.38In episode 37 we answer listener questions with Tom Wachowski. If you have a question or need advice about your career please click on the Contact page and submit your question. We will answer your question directly and share the answer in an upcoming episode to help others who are listening.

Today I have with me Tom Wachowski a frequent guest on this podcast. Tom is a corporate pilot who also flew for the airlines and brings a unique perspective to this podcast.

In This Episode We Discuss The Following:

  • Is it too late for me to pursue an aviation career at 25 years old?
  • I eventually want to fly commercially. Should I join a flying club or learn at a Part 141 flight school?
  • What jobs are available for a 400 hour pilot?
  • I’m 17 years old and my dream is to become a commercial pilot flying for Emirates. What is the best route to became an Emirates pilot and how do I get there?
  • Swayne recently completed his first solo cross country and shares his story at: martinsaviation.blogspot.com
  • The challenges and costs of learning to fly in Brazil.
  • Are there any aviation careers that do not require a strong background in math?
  • I am from overseas and was just wondering if you could quickly run me through the most beneficial process of becoming a captain.

Links Referenced In This Podcast:

USS Midway

NYC Aviation – Plane Spotting and News

Mission Beach – San Diego, California

Tom Wachowski Aviation Careers Podcast Episode 14

Experimental Aircraft Association.

What Color Is Your Parachute.
WhatColorIsYourParachute

AOPA Flight Training Magazine and Website
FlightTrainingMagazine

FAA Safety Team


Airline Pilot, Career Change, Military, Podcast

ACP036 – Should You Leave The Military To Become An Airline Pilot?

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Copyright KenMist.comAre you a military pilot thinking of making the jump to the airlines? Do you think you might wait until retirement before making the jump to the airlines? There are some pro’s and con’s of both staying in the military and leaving for the airlines. For over a decade I assisted military pilots with leaves of absence and have seen the good and bad of combining an airline job with military reserve. In this issue I will relate my experiences working with military pilots who have both retired and those who are in the military part time.

Today’s episode was inspired by a question from a listener in the military who is thinking of making the jump to the airlines. To help me respond to his question I have a response from Steve Molos who for many years has also helped military pilots with military leaves of absence with the airlines. Steve had to make the same decision himself about changing careers.

If you are thinking of making becoming an airline pilot and changing careers prior to retiring I think you will find the information we relate helpful. So lets listen to the question that inspired the show today.

In This episode we discuss:

  • Family life as an airline pilot.
  • What it means to commute to work.
  • What it is like to commute to work and live in base.
  • Pro’s and Con’s of leaving the military job early.
  • The benefits and challenges of being in the reserves or guard.
  • Why it is important to know all the contacts at your company concerning military leave.
  • Should you get a type rating?

If you are thinking of retiring from the military or from any job and transition to the airlines it is important to weigh the pro’s and con’s just like Steve said. What I like to do when making a significant decision is to take out a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle then begin putting the pro’s on one side and the con’s on the other. If after you finish your list the con’s out weigh the pro’s then you need to start thinking again about your decision.

During this process it is important to get your spouse or significant other involved. Have them look at your list and make changes as necessary. A pro to you can be a con to your partner.

Whatever you decide make sure you are doing this for what is best for you and your family. Don’t worry about what others might think because they don’t know your situation. Then after making your decision go for it and move forward.

I have faith that whatever you decide in your career you will be successful because you are willing to put forth the effort and persevere through the tough times because you have a purpose. Make sure you keep the list with you and add items even after you have made your decision. This will be helpful in altering your path towards your ultimate goal.

Expect challenges along your new career path but don’t get discouraged. Look at these challenges as growth opportunities and not as road blocks. Road blocks along your career path are not failures they are there to be removed or driven around.

I have faith that you will achieve your aviation career goal. I can’t wait to see you join me in this exciting, challenging, and fun field of aviation.

If you found this information helpful please support this podcast by visiting our sponsors websites. Also if you have any questions please click on the contacts tab and ask. I’m sure there is someone listening right now who would benefit from the question you ask.

Thanks again for listening and we will talk to you next episode. Clear skies and safe flying!

Photos copyright KenMist.com


Airline Pilot, Career Change, Careers, Computer Programmer, Podcast

From Computers to the Cockpit with Embraer 170 Captain Chris Olson, Developer of Bingo Fuel – ACP035

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CaptChris2Welcome to Episode 35 of Aviation Careers Podcast where we help you achieve your career goals and give you an inside view of various careers in aviation. Many pilots have an interest in technology and computers. Many times people change careers from computers to aviation, as I did. Some people are able to successfully combine both careers into one.

My guest today Chris Olson is living the life he designed. Chris is an airline pilot and computer programmer. Chris is passionate about both his careers and is here to share with us how he was able to combine both careers.

Chris and I Discuss:

  • How he developed a passion for both computers and aviation.
  • His career path to the airlines.
  • How he is able to combine both his passion for computers and his passion for aviation.
  • The challenges of combining an airline pilot career with another career.
  • How having many days off as an airline pilot allows us to pursue other careers on our days off.
  • Using his Bingo Fuel mobile application Chris walks us through the challenges and triumphs of developing a software application while working as a pilot.
  • Advice for people considering combining a piloting career with another career.

ChrisByPlaneThanks for listening to Aviation Careers Podcast. I hope this podcast has helped motivate you to pursue your passion and translate that passion into a fulfilling career. Whatever career field you choose remember to live your life with passion and pursue a career that fulfills that passion.

If you pursue a career simply for the money you will end up being miserable. Occasionally, I speak with airline captains who are making very good money, have multiple homes, a motorhome, a boat, and an airplane, but they are not happy. The reason is because they became airline pilots because the pay was good.

Having money makes paying the bills easier and allows you to buy the many toys we enjoy in life. With that said, if you pursue a career simply for the money you will be miserable just like some of the airline captains I fly with. Please make sure whatever you decide to do in life it is something you have a passion for. If you work in something you really enjoy, like I do, the money you receive is a great bonus. I get to do something I enjoy and get paid! That is one of the most wonderful feelings in life.

I want you to do something for me today. Think about the one thing you would love to do in life if money was no object. It could be sailing, fishing, golfing, or designing computer systems. Now, begin imagining yourself getting paid to do something you love. Imagine going to work every day and enjoying your job. Now I want you to take some action and start designing the life that fulfills that dream.

Begin by taking one step right now and start moving towards that goal. Maybe you like your current job but you are really passionate about pursuing another career. Then try to work part time in that career you desire. Ask people what it is like to work in that career. If it involves aviation then listen to people such as on this podcast who are doing what you want to do. But do something.

My hope is that this podcast will truly inspire you to pursue and reach your career goal. If you want to hear about a career in aviation you have not heard on this podcast then please go to the Contact page on Aviation Careers Podcast and put in a request for an interview. I will find someone in the field of aviation you are interested in and have them on this show. Also if you have a career question please write me and I will answer your questions on this show.

If you have found this podcast helpful and want to help contribute please visit our sponsors at Aviation Careers Podcast.com. If you are interested in advertising or contributing to this podcast please send me a message on the contact page.

Again, I hope you enjoyed hearing from Chris as much as I did concerning his journey from the computer to the cockpit. We will talk to you next episode. Safe Flying!

Links Mentioned in this podcast:

BingoFuelApp

Bingo Fuel App Link: AviationCareersPodcast.com/BingoFuel

Twitter: @CGOApps
Blog: http://CGOApps.wordpress.com

Programming in Objective-C (5th Edition) (Developer’s Library)

Sams Teach Yourself iOS 5 Application Development in 24 Hours (3rd Edition)

Stanford CS193P CourseIOS tutorials and resources.

http://stackoverflow.com
Programmers from around the world stop in and offer assistance.


Aerospace Program Director, Aviation Training, College, Flight Instructing, General Aviation, Podcast, Safety, Simulator Instructor

Better Aviation Training With Eric Crump – Aerospace Program Director Polk State College – ACP034

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elc-goose

Aviation training is constantly evolving producing both safer and well rounded aviators. Today I am excited to have with me an innovator in the field of aviation training, Eric Crump the Aerospace Program Director at Polk State College.

Eric’s passion for aviation is immediately apparent. From the moment I met Eric at Sun N Fun 2013 I knew he would be a great guest on this podcast to help you with your aviation career. Eric is an aviation prodigy who learned to fly a plane before he learned to drive a car.  Eric is now fulfilling his passion for aviation as an educator and innovator in his approach to aviation training.

Eric and I Discuss:

  • How he developed his passion for aviation at such a young age.

  • Why he chose his career path.

  • Who should choose a career in aviation?

  • The conventional aviation training model.

  • How modern training models are creating safer pilots.

  • Financing Aviation Training and its challenges.

  • How past practices in the aviation industry have lead to fewer financing options for pilots.

  • Opportunities at Polk State College for future aviators and eductors.

  • Sun N Fun’s yearlong educational and inspirational opportunities and how Polk State College has become a partner with Sun N Fun.

  • How and why Polk County Florida has become one of the leading areas for aviation training and recreation.

  • The STEM program and Polk Counties involvement.

 

Eric-Crump-500x281As you can tell Eric is a passionate aviator. He plays a key role in helping people achieve their career goals and become safer pilots.  I highly recommend your visiting Polk State by going to AviationCareersPodcast.com/PolkState or www.Polk.edu/Aerospace. If you have any questions for Eric please go to AviationCareersPodcast.com/Contact and we will answer your question directly by e-mail and share your question in an upcoming episode.

There are many career opportunities in the aviation industry. You can fulfill your passion in many ways just as Eric has done in fulfilling his passion for aviation. One of the most important things to remember while you are looking towards a career in aviation is to keep your mind open to the many opportunities in this exciting field. You never know where it will lead you but remember to enjoy the journey towards your career goal. I know you will achieve whatever goal you decide is worthy of your efforts.

I encourage you to right now take one step towards achieving your career goal. Visit a website or start listening to people motivated about aviation through pod-casts like this one. Maybe you are at home right now and have an aviation magazine or book you can pick up and start reading. If your phone is close by you can call a friend or aviation mentor right now to discuss your career goals. But make sure you do something to keep moving toward your career goal. I know you will achieve whatever you want through persistence and perseverance. So get started now!

Talk to you next episode and safe flying!

Links Mentioned In This Episode:

standard-lightbg

 

www.Polk.edu/Aerospace

Business Aviation, Corporate Pilot, Podcast

Flying The World As A Corporate Pilot With Chris Thren – ACP033

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IMAG0161Welcome to Episode 33. This is  the podcast where we give you an inside look at aviation careers and motivate you to achieve your career goals!  I am really excited to be bringing you this episode because my guest today is a friend and fellow aviator who is passionate about flying and he will help you understand what it is like to fly the world as a corporate pilot.

Before we begin I want to say thank you for listening and also thanks to all those who have sent me feedback. I also want to thank those who have offered to financially support to the podcast through donations I don’t take donations but,  one of the best ways to help support this podcast is to visit AviationCareersPodcast.com and click one of our sponsors listed in the right column of the website. I also am working on another solution where I you can sponsor this program while giving to a great cause. More details will follow but I am very excited about this opportunity because it involves helping our WWII veterans.

Another way to show your support for this show is to put a five star review in iTunes. This not only helps others find my show, but the reviews truly help me stay motivated. since it shows I am actually helping others through this podcast.

I encourage you to sign up for e-mail updates because periodically I will be sending out career opportunities, reviews, and announcements concerning my new book “Aviation Careers: An Inside View”.

I am truly excited about this episode because I get to talk to a friend and fellow aviator who is going to help me reply to a listener e-mail. Today I have with me Chris Thren, a corporate pilot who worked his way up from the kid watching planes at a grass strip to flying jets around the world.

Today’s episode was inspired by an email from Garrett:

Hey Carl,

Just wanted to drop you a note and say great job on Aviation Careers Podcast.   I recently found the podcast and have listened to every episode in the last few days..   Pretty much 24/7. My favorite one that you did was comparing Business “Corporate” flying and The Airlines in Episode 14.  You did a great job in describing the difference in the two and  the jobs available in the corporate world. I was wondering if you could do ANOTHER episode and really expand on the corporate end of it.

Could you do a podcast discussing the routes into the Corporate world?Specifically from people that moved through the ranks on their own grassroots style, not the ones who went through a flight school or anything like that.  I would like to hear from people that went the “Pay as you GO” route as I put it. Somebody that didn’t go take out the 80k loan and do a fast track program. I know these people are out there because I have run into them a few times at FBO’s

Is 38 too old to enter this industry?

One thing that really has me worried is this new HR5900 Rule. Its killing all of us LOW time Pilots.

What advice do you have on that area?

How do you see this effecting the pilot Pool and the way the industry will change in the next few years?

Do you think the SIC rule will change?

I Appreciate all you do for us pilots out here,

Garrett 

Thanks again for the e-mail and the incredible story Garrett. Since you took the time to write me with such a wonderful and interesting story I decided to try and find someone who could help answer some of your corporate aviation questions in depth. Today I have with me Chris Thren who like you got the bug for aviation but at a very young age. To help us understand what it is really like to fly the world as in international corporate pilot I thought Chris would be perfect since he has flown a Falcon 900 and many other planes around the world.  Chris has worked as a check airman and has many years experience flying to some of the most remote parts of the world.

 

ChrisThren30WToday Chris and I discuss:

  • Highlights of his corporate job.

  • How he developed his passion for aviation.

  • His career path from grass roots aviator to check airman flying a corporate jet around the world.

  • What it is like to land in some of these far corners of the world.

  • His favorite aspects of business aviation and who he would recommend this job to.

  • Organizations that help corporate pilots throughout their career.

  • The challenges of being a corporate pilot.

  • Specific detailed examples of the day in the life of flying as a corporate pilot both domestic and international.

  • Where Chris is now in his career.

  • Advice for those looking at a career in business aviation. 

ChrisThrenCockpitThanks for being on the show Chris and if any of you have questions or feedback for either Chris or myself please go to AviationCareersPodcast.com and click on the contact page.  If your question is for Chris I will forward it to him and we will answer you directly and possibly share it in an upcoming episode. Remember your privacy is important to us so we will only share your story and not your personal information. If you leave us a voicemail at 347-MY-WINGS please leave your personal contact information in the beginning so I can edit it out if we use your voicemail on the show.

I hope you have enjoyed this episode and if you did please rate us on iTunes. Also if you want updates please sign up for e-mail updates at AviationCareersPodcast.com

As you can tell by our interview with Chris today the path towards your aviation career goal is varied. Remember to keep looking forward and accept the many challenges as learning and growth opportunities. I know you will reach your career goal if you simply persist and persevere.

Talk to you next episode and safe flying.

 Links Mentioned In This Podcast:

 Aviation Careers Podcast Episode 14 – What Is Business And Private Aviation?, Interview with Corporate Pilot Tom Wachowski

NBAA – National Business Aviation Association

AOPA – Aircraft Owners And Pilots Association

Jet Professionals Inc.

Executive Jet Management

Flight Safety International

SimuFlight 

Aerospace Engineer, Air Traffic Controller, Airline Pilot, Career Change, Engineer, Financial Aid, Part 121, Part 135, Part 141 Flight School, Podcast, Questions Answered

ACP032 – Listener Mail with Tom Wachowski

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FlightDeck737Welcome to Episode 32. I hope you enjoyed the last two episodes full of interviews from  the 2013 Sun N Fun Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida. I enjoyed interviewing these passionate people as they talked about aviation careers.  If you really want to hear some motivating interviews of some truly inspirational aviators make sure you listen to episodes 30 and 31.

In today’s episode we are going to catch up on some of the past questions.  Included in this episode is a short interview with Alan Lawless a flight test engineer who I interviewed in episode 22. He will help us answer one of our engineering questions.

 Today I have with me a frequent co-host on the show Tom Wachowski. Tom is a corporate pilot and former airline pilot who brings a unique perspective to this podcast. Before we begin lets catch up with Tom and some of the interesting flying he has done in the past few months.

Listener Mail:

From Todd:

 I am 37 and can retire from law enforcement in 5 years. I am looking at starting a career in aviation. I will be 42 when I can retire. Would it be possible for me to start now and make a career in aviation at least flying regional or cargo?

From Jesus:

 Jesus is a air traffic controller with questions about jobs in the United States compared to Europe.  Jesus also wants to know if we can recommend large flight schools and online training.

From Brian:

 Brian started flying while he passed the bar and wants to discuss options on how he can meld the two careers of flying and law.

From John:

 Would a flight school look askance at someone who took such a long time to learn how to fly? How about “real flying” jobs? Are they looking for pilots who completed their primary training as close to FAA minimums as possible? 

From Tim:

What would you recommend in terms of getting my pilot training and a college degree. Should I do one or the other first or both at the same time?

Tim also would like us to compare and contrast the training experience from a big flight academy to the training received from an individual instructor at a smaller school.

Question From Junior:

 In Episode 27 we had a question from Junior concerning changing careers from a Designer to Engineering .

 From Jonathan:

Am I too old to become a professional pilot?

What pilot ratings would I need to become a UAV pilot?

How would you suggest I go about my career?

From Carlos:

I am currently a student pilot, but I am within days of taking my check ride.

Would it be possible to do some charters part time?

If so what are some things that I should start looking into?

Thanks for listening to Aviation Careers Podcast. Your questions are important to us and if you have any questions comments or suggestions there are many ways to contact us. You can simply click on the Contact page on our website – AviationCareersPodcast.com or submit a questions via facebook or twitter.  You can also leave us a voicemail at 347-MY-WINGS, 347-699-4647.

 If you found this information useful please rate us on iTunes so others can find us.  Remember to always keep focused on your career goal but be ready for many challenges because those challenges will define who you are in the future. The challenges are the process through which our resolve is hardened like steel.  Keep focused on your goal because I have faith you will achieve it.

Talk to you next episode and Safe Flying!

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Airplane Geeks Podcast

Taking Advantage Of The Pending Pilot Shortages

Sun N Fun 2012 Interviews Look for the interview Restored Champ to hear the interview with an aviation attorney.

Your Money House


Aerospace Engineer, Airline Pilot, Business Aviation, Engineer, Part 141 Flight School, Pilot Shortage, Podcast, SunN Fun

ACP031 – Inspiring The Future Of Aviation – Interviews From Sun N Fun 2013 – Part 2

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Welcome to Episode 31. Today’s episode is the second part of the inspirational aviation career interviews from Sun N Fun 2013.  Sun ’n Fun’s mission is to preserve and enhance  the future of flight through world-class events while inspiring and educating people of all ages. To learn more about Sun N Fun please listen to episode 30 and read the show notes. I think you will find that there is something for everyone who is interested in aviation at Sun N Fun year round.

Before we begin the interviews I want to encourage you to sign up for our e-mail updates. Many of you have asked if I could be available for career counseling. Of course if you have questions please feel free to go to Aviation Careers Podcast and click on the contact page to submit your questions, but I do understand you would like a more comprehensive conversation. I have spent many years consulting and would love to do one on one with each and every listener but I have limited time and my consulting rates may be a bit high especially for those who are just starting out in their career. Therefore,I came up with an idea that will help all of you and be of a high value.

I am still working on a few solutions along with some books and videos that will help you move towards your career goal. To keep up to date on the progress of these ideas and to receive other career updates please go to AviationCareersPodcast.com and sign up for e-mail updates in the right column.  I also will send announcements on occasion to include who is hiring, new programs available at flight schools, and new financing options to name a few. I encourage you to sign up for these e-mail updates because I am excited to be bringing you this valuable information in the future.

This episode contains inspiring interviews which all who are interested in a career in aviation will enjoy. In these interviews we discuss many aviation career fields including : commercial airline pilot, flight instructor, mechanic, engineer, and management.

Most of the volunteers at Sun N Fun Radio represent many podcasts. In my case I was representing The Stuck Mic AvCast:  an aviation podcast about learning to fly, living to fly, and loving to fly. I encourage you to  listen to at StuckMicAvCast.com.

Now with that said, lets get started listening to some of these informative and inspirational discussions.

 

  • Al Thompson – Central Florida Aviation Academy – Al discusses the purpose of the academy and how students can apply to the school. CFA is a wonderful opportunity for those young people interested in aviation.
  • Elaine Larsen The Embry Riddle University Jet Dragster. Elaine speaks about opportunities for engineering students to work on the jet engine and the dragster through the Eagle Hire Program
  • Jamil Larkin and The Embry Riddle Dream Launch Tour. Jamil discusses all of the career fields you can pursue at Embry Riddle.
  • Jessica MacClinchy, Admissions Representative, National Aviation Academy – Jessica speaks about the aircraft mechanic school, flight school, financial aid, and job opportunities for graduates.
  • Marisha Faulk – Driver of Embry-Riddle Jet Dragster – Marisha talks about driving the Jet Dragster, her degree experience at Embry-Riddle, flight instructing, and her future plans for flying. Marisha is truly an inspiration and is an example of someone who has overcome many challenges and succeeded in defining her career in aviation.
  • Julius with Aeronautical Systems Engineering at the National Aviation Academy Booth discusses the advantage of using simulators for your training.
  • Wayne with Elite Flight Simulation Solutions discusses the various flight simulators and the advantages of simulator training.
  • Paul Cassell – Fedex – Donates a 727 to Sun N Fun as a training device from the Central Florida Aviation Academy. Paul speaks about the outreach programs at Fedex and the importance of the many different careers in aviation. In addition Paul talks about the great need in all aviation career fields.
  • Tailwheels Etc. opened a new campus at Lakeland Linder Airport – John discusses their new flight school and what they have to offer for the student looking into a career in aviation. You can also learn how to fly a Stearman!  Kevin Chambers talks about the new program at Lakeland and the pending pilot shortage, and their new financing program. John discusses how Sallie Mae is back in the aviation educational financing business. John also talks about basic and advanced Aero Camp.
  • Jim Sherman talks about Plane Sense and the career opportunities.

As you can tell there are numerous passionate aviators at Sun N Fun who love to share their knowledge about aviation careers. If you are interested in a career in aviation, Sun N Fun is a great place to start. They have yearlong events and activities including summer camps, museum tours, an aviation high school, and so much more. For more information about Sun N Fun go to Sun-N-Fun.org.

Also if  you want to hear some amazing interviews and prerecorded shows you can listen to Sun N Fun radio at LiveAtc.net/snf or click on the link from my website.  Sun ’n Fun’s mission is to preserve and enhance  the future of flight through world-class events while inspiring and educating people of all ages and they truly achieve this goal. Click here to read How To Listen To Sun N Fun Radio 2013.

Thanks for listening to Aviation Careers Podcast. If you found this information useful please help support this website by visiting our sponsors listed on the website.  Also if you have any questions please click on the contact page where you can send an e-mail or leave a voicemail.

I hope you have enjoyed this podcast and gleaned valuable information from these interviews. To be successful in your career goal it takes persistence and perseverance. I have faith that you will achieve your career goal!

Talk to you next episode and Safe Flying!


Airline Pilot, Embraer 190, Flight Attendant, Flight Instructing, Part 121, Pilot, Podcast, SunN Fun

ACP030 – Inspiring The Future Of Aviation – JetBlue and Sun N Fun 2013.

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Welcome to Episode 30. This is the podcast where we give you an inside look at aviation careers. I am excited to be speaking with you today for two reasons. First, I have completed my training on the Airbus A320 and am able to focus on bringing you inspirational and educational content on a more frequent basis.

Second, I just returned from Sun N Fun 2013 and was able to visit with numerous people inside the aviation industry who are truly passionate about their careers.  In the next two episodes I will be sharing many inspirational and informative interviews which describe various aviation careers. I think you will enjoy them. One of my favorite interviews is at the end of this show with a surprise guest. I hope you will enjoy these interviews as much as I enjoyed speaking with these truly wonderful aviation enthusiasts.

Before we begin, I  appreciate all the feedback I have received from you the listener and I appreciate how this podcast has become a part of your weekly routine. Your feedback and questions are very important to me and I will include the answers in an upcoming episode. With that said if you do have a question please feel free to contact me and I will answer them on an individual basis before putting them on air. It is important to me that you have your aviation careers questions answered in a timely manner.

Remember to go to AviationCareersPodcast.com and click on the contact page.  You can also call in your questions at 347-MY-WINGS or 347-699-4647.

If you want to hear about my experience in obtaining my A320 type rating at the airlines I would encourage you to listen to The Stuck Mic AvCast Episode 43. I relate both my experience in obtaining the type rating and explain the process of obtaining a type rating.

Sun N Fun:

SUN ’n FUN’s mission is to preserve and enhance  the future of flight through world-class events while inspiring and educating people of all ages.

The many year round educational opportunities include:

  • Summer camps to interest students in aerospace science while including much of the history and art of aviation.

  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math programs including summer, weekend, holiday, and online programs. Their program is named STEMtastic and include programs for ages 7 through 14.

  • Future Eagles Aviation Club which allows students to meet on a regular basis and explore the many fields in aviation.

  • Lakeland Aeroclub which actually teaches high school students how to fly. This program is made possible through the partnership of local businesses in Polk County and through dedicated flight instructors.

  • School tours of the Museum Of Flight tailored to your group’s specific goals and needs.

  • On a per request basis provide docents and teachers to visit schools and discuss development of STEM programs in your school.

Intro To Interviews:

Again, this episode contains inspiring interviews which all who are interested in a career in aviation will enjoy. In these interviews we discuss many aviation career fields including : commercial airline pilot, flight instructor, mechanic, engineer, and management.

Most of the volunteers at Sun N Fun Radio represent many podcasts. In my case I was representing The Stuck Mic AvCast:  an aviation podcast about learning to fly, living to fly, and loving to fly. I encourage you to  listen to at StuckMicAvCast.com.

One quick disclaimer before we begin listening to these amazing aviation advocates. In some of these interviews I speak with my fellow crew members from my job as an airline pilot. I am very proud of my employers contribution to Sun N Fun and aviation careers but would like to clarify that I am not a representative of my employer and the comments and opinions during this show are my own and do not reflect those of my employer.

Now with that said, lets get started listening to some of these wonderful discussions. Since there are many interviews and much information related during this episode I highly recommend you refer to the extensive show notes at AviatoinCareersPodcast.com Episode 30.

In this episode I discuss:

  • Sun N Fun Fly In At Lakeland, FL

  • Year Round Educational Opportunities at the Sun N Fun Campus

  • Inspirational interviews including many aviation career paths  On Sun N Fun Radio.

  • Listening to Sun N Fun Radio Year Round.

  • Should you transition from a regional to a major airline?

  • Stuck Mic AvCast Episode 43 – My experience obtaining the A320 type rating.

  • Listener Mail.

  • The voicemail line at 347-MY-WINGS or 347-699-4647


Interviews From Sun N Fun Include:

  • Mike Stromer – Vice President, Customer Connections, JetBlue – Mike discusses how JetBlue is a leading contributor in assisting and inspiring young people to foster and interest and achieve their educational and aviation career goals.

  • Sergio – Tech Ops, JetBlue – Sergio discusses Aviation High School and the various internships with JetBlue. Sergio describes various educational programs supported by JetBlue including engineering , mechanic, and pilot internships.

  • Eric Poole- Captain and Manager University Programs, JetBlue – Eric discusses how to become involved in the University Gateway Program.

  • Andy Kozak – Manager Maintenance Training JetBlue – Andy discusses becoming an aircraft mechanic. He also describes the maintenance training program at JetBlue and how JetBlue inspires high schools students through assisting high school students build an airplane!

  • Cape Air Gateway Program – Crisa explains the benefits of the program, requirement, and how to apply. This is a very quick path to the airlines. We also speak with Sean who is a first Officer on the E190 for JetBlue. He is one of the first to complete the gateway program with Cape Air.

  • Craig Hildebrandt – Fleet Manager and A320 Captain JetBlue – Craig shares his passion for aviation and gives advice to those interested in a career as an airline captain.

  • Bonny Simi – JetBlue E190 Captain and VP Talent – Bonnie discusses the varied careers at an airline. She has words of encouragement for those looking at a career in aviation. She discusses the mentor program and hiring at JetBlue. Bonnie also talks about other  areas JetBlue reaches out to the community.

  • Jake and Julie two college students in the Gateway Program are truly inspriational and have some great advice for those looking to become a pilot and get involved with the Gateway program.

  • Al Spain – I had a chance meeting and some inspiring words from one of the founders of JetBlue.

For questions, comments, or suggestions please leave a voicemail:

347-MY-WINGS or

(347) 699-4647.

You can also reach us at Twitter, Facebook, by E-mail, or the contact form below.

[contact-form-7 id=”30″ title=”Contact form 1″]


Air Show, SunN Fun

How To Listen To Sun N Fun Radio 2013!

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Press Play:


Click Here To Listen from the Sun N Fun Radio Website.

I am excited to once again share my passion for flight and bring you some interesting interviews as a field reporter for Sun N Fun Radio. If you are unable to make it to the event or want to listen to interviews and keep up to date on the daily events and breaking news, tune into Sun N Fun Radio.

I will be walking around in My Stuck Mic AvCast or Aviation Careers Podcast T-Shirt so Please stop by and say hello if you see me. If you have something interesting to tell us and would like to be on Sun N Fun Radio I would love to interview you. There are many ways you can get in touch with me while at Sun N Fun. Of course you can stop by Sun N Fun Radio at the show but if you want an immediate response send me a tweet or e-mail me:

You can reach me on twitter @ExpertAviator or @FlyingCareers

Send me an email at CarlValeri@Gmail.com

Stuck MicAvCast Live Wednesday, April 10th at 6:00 pm.

I will be broadcasting a live show of the Stuck Mic Avcast Wednesday, April 10th at 6:00pm from the deck at Sun N Fun Radio. Our cohosts Sean Moody, Len Costa ,and Rick Felty will be joining us virtually on the internet thanks to the folks at LiveATC.net.

You can listen to Sun N Fun Radio right now at the Sun N Fun Radio page:

Stream it live from your mobile device Courtousy of Live ATC.net

Of course you can always visit the Sun N Fun Website for more information:

082286d9-3931-4e0a-ab07-108a8c49bd30

Sun N Fun Website

You an even get your free mobile app from Sporty’s below:

Sun N Fun 2013 App for Iphone and Ipad

Sun N Fun 2013 App for Android

Sun N Fun 2013 App for Kindle Fire.

Hope to see you at Sun N Fun or virtually on the Internet!

To Listen To Interviews From 2012 Sun N Fun By The Stuck Mic Avcast Click Here.

Enjoy the Show!


Air Force, Airline Captain, Airline Pilot, MD88, MD90, Part 121, Pilot, Podcast

ACP029 – Flying As A Captain For A Major Airline With Jeff Nielsen Of The Airline Pilot Guy Podcast

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If you walked up to a stranger and said you were a pilot they would probably imagine flying a large airline across the world to exotic locations. If you listen to this podcast on a regular basis you realize there are many pilot jobs other than that of a major airline pilot. But what is it like flying as a captain for a major airline? Today I have with me someone who can answer this question.

Jeff Nielsen is a Captain with a major airline. Jeff has over 23 years flying experience and is a senior Captain on the MD88/90. He also is no stranger to sharing his story of being a pilot as he is the host of the Airline PIlot Guy Podcast. Jeff has agreed to join me today to help us understand the job of being a Captain with a major airline.

Jeff and I Discuss:

  • How he developed his passion for aviation.
  • His path towards becoming a Captain with a Legacy Airline.
  • Why Jeff likes being an Airline Captain.
  • The Benefits to being a Captain with a Major Airline.
  • What it is like to fly the MD88/90 and a few fun facts.
  • How being a military pilot helped his career.
  • Advice for those looking towards a career as an airline pilot.

Listener Mail:

Question from Steve:

Steve is planning on starting his instrument rating and commercial pilot certificate. Steve will be purchasing Rod Machado’s books and wants to know if there are any books or other materials we recommend.

From Todd:

Are unions really good for aviation?

From Jason:

Jason is a C-130 Instructor Pilot/Evaluator for the USAF with over 2300 hours flight time with 1,000 hours in combat. He is trying to decide if he should fly for the Airlines or stay in the Air Force and wants to know if his current military experience will make him competitive when applying to the airlines.

Recommendation:

Are you interested in getting the inside look at the daily life of an airline pilot? Want to hear some insightful commentary concerning airlines and travel? Would you like to hear an airline pilot’s perspective on the latest industry news? Well there is a show you should listen to, Airline Pilot Guy.

Airline Pilot Guy is a view of the airline industry from a Captain’s perspective. Our guest today, Captain Jeff, is host of this interesting and entertaining show. Jeff introduces us to his podcast Airline Pilot Guy.

Links Mentioned:

Gold Seal described in AC 16-65E

Master Instructor

Auburn University – Professional Flight Management

Recommended Reading:

Flying the Line: The First Half Century of the Air Line Pilots Association

Jeppesen Instrument Commercial

Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A) (Second Edition)

Instrument Procedures Handbook

Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

Instrument Flying Handbook

Rod Machado’s books