All posts by CarlValeri

Host of Aviation Careers Podcast. For more about me go to AviationCareersPodcast/About.
Flight Instructing, Part Time Aviation Career, Podcast, Regional Airlines

ACP013 – Interview With Robert Cigliano of The New Pilot PodBlog, Starting a Flying Career in Your 40‘s, A Career At The Regionals

2 Comments

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS


Hello folks and welcome aboard episode 13. As many of you know I love flying airplanes no matter what the size and type. I enjoy my days off flying slowly over the diverse terrain seeing the world from a perspective only a pilot can enjoy. As a matter of fact I like flying so much I not only fly for fun I fly for a living as an airline captain.

My view from the cockpit of an airliner is wonderful. The difference between flying as a hobby and flying as a Captain is I get paid to see these wonderful sites and visit destinations around the country and world! Many of you listening may also find the prospects of flying around the world appealing and that is why you are listening to me today.

With this podcast I hope I will be able to bring you into the cockpit and into the world of aviation careers to discover if this is a career field you would enjoy. Remember there are many jobs in aviation even though we focus on flying jobs. I want to bring you into the entire world of aviation careers by interviewing people who are involved in all the career fields associated with aviation.

If you want to hear from one very passionate person who loves the world of aviation but doesn’t fly you should listen to Maxx Flight in episode 5. Maxx is the host of The Airplane Geeks podcast and when he is not working in the aviation field he is talking about aviation. Maxx has held many jobs in aviation and has a very interesting perspective when it comes to aviation careers. You can listen to Maxx’s interview by going to AviationCareersPodcast.com/5. I think you will really enjoy listening to what Maxx has to say.

In today’s episode I want to share with you excerpts from my interview with Robert Cigliano From The New Pilot PodBlog. Robert and I discuss:

  • Why I started Aviation Careers Podcast.
  • What a person can do after getting their private pilot certificate to make money in aviation.
  • How to keep motivated and have fun.
  • Understanding the true impact of your age on your progression at an airline.
  • Will there really be a pilot shortage and where will it occur.
  • Why your financial health is as important as your physical health when looking towards an airline job.
  • What is seniority and why no one changes airlines if they are on a seniority list.
  • Changing to a flying Career in your 40’s.
  • Making a living as regional airline pilot.
  • Aviation Blog ExpertAviator.com
  • Co hosting the podcast “Stuck Mic AvCast”. A podcast about Learning To Fly, Living To Fly, and Loving To Fly.

Recommendation:

Since Robert and I discussed changing careers midlife and the challenges you might face in both making the decision to change careers and then pursuing a new career, I have a pertinent recommendation. Coach Yourself to a New Career by Talane Miedaner gives you the tools to take matters into your own hands by assessing your needs and strengths, finding the right work fit, weighing options and possible sacrifices, and preparing your family for transitions.

Packed with expert advice and helpful examples from her many clients as well as her own career change process. Miedaner shows how anyone can reinvent their professional life.

Coach Yourself to a New Career:

  • Offers a seven-step approach to career reinvention and practical advice for a smooth transition.
  • Profiles everyday people who achieved career reinvention on their own terms and what their stories can teach you.
  • Shows you how to assess your needs and strengths.
  • Helps you decide what tough decisions or sacrifices you may have to make.
  • Prepares your spouse or family for transition.

Miedaner shares her own story of launching her coaching business through careful planning, hard work, commitment and faith. She shows how you can follow other’s examples to achieve the professional life you want.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Subscribe To Aviation Careers Podcast:


Miro Video Player

Podcast Feed


Airline Pilot, Business Aviation, Podcast

ACP012 – Job Prospects: Corporate Versus Airlines Jobs, Interview With Flight Time Radio

Leave a comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS


Welcome to Episode 12 and thanks for listening. Today we are going to be talking about Corporate Versus Airlines Jobs. I am really excited to spend some time with you today to talk about the interesting and diverse aviation career field. Whether you are in your car, on your way to work, working out in the gym, or maybe just relaxing in your living room; I hope the time we spend together will help you obtain a deeper understand of the different careers opportunities in the field of aviation.

I have received questions and have been involved in conversations about the two distinct paths of flying; corporate or airlines. To help you better understand the difference I discuss:

  • What Is Business Aviation?
  • The National Business Aviation Association and how they can help you with your career.
  • Why flying for the regional airlines will help you build flight time quicker than with business flying.
  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 30 percent of the new flying jobs are in business aviation.

To continue the discussion on the difference between business aviation and flying for the airlines I am going to share with you an interview I had with Flight Time Radio in Jacksonville, FL. Flight Time Radio brings the thrill of aviation to listeners of all backgrounds through a group of passionate aviation enthusiasts. The Hosts Milford, Charlie, and Glenn asked me many questions including:

  • Why I started Aviation Careers Podcast.
  • What type of jobs are there in aviation.
  • Why there are no lateral moves when you change airlines and why you must start over again.
  • What are the job prospects for Business Aviation.
  • According to Bureau of Labor Statistics 30 percent of the pilot jobs will be in business aviation. Some independent analysts place the percentage as high as 40 percent.

I really enjoy speaking with the folks at Flight Time Radio. They are truly passionate aviators and love the field of aviation as much as anyone. If you want to learn more about what is happening in the general aviation world and learn about the fun things aviators do, these are the folks to listen to.

Listener E-mail:

I was wondering if you have any tips for financing someone that has a BS degree but wants to become a Commercial Pilot. Other than student loans what other finance options are available?
May be a good idea for a guest.

Thanks,
Jason

Thanks for the e-mail Jason.

There are many grant and loan programs that go unused as we mentioned in episode 6 when I spoke with the folks at National Aviation Academy and in episode 7 where I spoke with Lynda Meeks from Girls With Wings. Just remember even though it says Girls With Wings most of the grants, loans, and scholarships are available to everyone. Both of my guests had links on their websites concerning grants and loans. Of course there are always personal loans which is how I financed my flying while I was working towards my ratings.

To view the episodes go to:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/6

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/7

Recommendation:

There is no better way to understand the world of Business Aviation and the many career opportunities than by visiting the National Business Aviation Association website NBAA.org. There are two sections of the website I recommend you visit. First, the What Is Aviation section which will describe what business aviation is, the type of aircraft used, and provides you with the business aviation fact book.

The second section you should visit is the For Students section. The NBAA offers over $100,000 a year in tuition reimbursements and other educational opportunities. So if you are thinking of a career in aviation and you think the cost might be prohibitive, you might want to visit this section as an avenue securing money for your education. The NBAA is a wonderful organization with a variety of services available to all sectors of the business aviation community so if you are thinking of a career in business aviation this should be your first stop for information.

Thanks for listening to Episode 12 of Aviation Careers Podcast. Show notes and links to all the websites mentioned in this episode are available at AviationCareersPodcast.Com/12. These podcasts and more information are available at AviationCareersPodcast.com. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for notification of episodes and other career information.

Thanks again for spending time with us and I hope you will now take some consideration to Business Aviation as a career possibility. If you have any questions you would like answered on this podcast please visit AviationCareersPodcast.com and click on the contact page. You can also send questions via facebook and twitter. I hope this episode has helped you decide what your aviation career goal is and has helped you along your path towards that goal. Talk to you next episode. Safe Flying!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Subscribe To Aviation Careers Podcast:


Miro Video Player

Podcast Feed


China, Contract Flying, Expatriate Flying, Podcast

ACP011-Flying In China, Interview With WASINC President Dave Ross

4 Comments

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Welcome to Episode 11 of Aviation Careers Podcast. We all hear about the opportunities for flying in China but what is it really like to fly and work in China? To help you better understand the opportunities and the unique culture of the Chinese people I have with me today Dave Ross.

Dave is the President and CEO of WASINC and is responsible for all recruiting and business development for their customers in China. He has lived and worked in Japan and speaks fluent Japanese. His diverse experiences with contractors, clients and customers alike have given him some unique insight into the Chinese business environment and culture.

To help us understand what it is like to work for a Chinese Airline and experience the rich Chinese Culture please welcome Dave Ross.

Dave and I discuss:

  • The opportunities for pilots working in China.
  • What is contract flying and what should a pilot look for when signing a contract to work in China.
  • A specific example of an opportunity of flying in China.
  • The working environment at a Chinese Airline.
  • How to make the transition to living in China.
  • What type of person would be most suitable to working in China.
  • What are the greatest benefits to living in China.
  • What are the challenges someone from United States might encounter.
  • How a pilot can work in China and commute to the United States.
  • Recommended Reading Life and Death in Shanghai.

Recommendation:

In the past I have assisted pilots in finding jobs using the services of WASINC.aero. The people I worked with are very knowledgeable and were willing to take the time with each individual pilot and answer any of their questions regarding working overseas.

One thing I like about WASINC is the fact they didn’t try to “oversell” our pilots on opportunities in China. They presented the facts and let each individual pilot decide if flying in China was appropriate for the pilot and their family.

Although the focus of today’s episode has been on flying in China, WASINC offers opportunities for pilots in other countries with a concentration in Asia. I recommend your going to WASINC.aero and seeing for yourself if working overseas is for you.

Recommended Reading:

As a pilot it is important to master the basics and have a good foundation of aviation knowledge. Certain books are must haves in your aviation library and the “Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge: FAA-H-8083-25A” is one of those.

Many times I receive questions from people concerning operating rules, basic aerodynamics, and weather. One of the sources I quote most often when answering listener questions is the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. This document is free as a download from the FAA website or can be purchased in book format. For more information and to view excerpts from the book visit Amazon.com.

I think you will find most answers to your aviation questions in the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. This should be in every pilot’s library.

Thanks for Listening to Aviation Careers Podcast. I hope the information about flying in China has been helpful and will bring you one step closer to your decision about working in China. Remember to keep your eye on your aviation career goal and that your journey might be a varied path. Safe Flying and talk to you next episode.

Airline Captain, Airline Pilot, Embraer 145, Part 121, Pilot, Podcast, Questions Answered

ACP010 – How To Prepare For Upgrading to Captain At The Airlines, Flying the Embraer 145, A Midlife Career Change

3 Comments

Ever want to know what it takes to upgrade to Captain at the airlines? Upgrading to Captain is one of the more challenging events in a pilot’s flying career. The transition to flying as first officer to pilot in command is more than a simple checkride. The process of becoming a Captain takes weeks of hard work and study.

If you are curious what it takes to upgrade to Captain we will describe the process and give you advice on how to prepare for the upgrade training and how to pass your check ride.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Today I am with Len Costa a newly minted airline Captain. Len is also the publisher of The Piot Report.com and is Host of The Stuck Mic Avcast. Len and I discuss:

  • Flying the Embraer 145
  • The upgrade process
  • How to prepare for upgrade training
  • What are some of the common causes for upgrade training failure.
  • Advice on how to prepare mentally for the training and the check ride.

Recommendation:

ThePilotReport.com is a website of aviation product reviews, demos, and videos of people living the aviation lifestyle. I think you will enjoy the videos because they are both entertaining and informative. To talk more about The Pilot Report.com is the publisher of this fine website and our guest today, Len Costa.

Aviation Career Questions Answered:

As I mentioned in the last episode I would like to spend time counseling each and every one of you individually but I don’t have the spare time due to my flying schedule and the demands of providing content for this podcast and other websites. So if you have a question concerning aviation careers please e-mail me and I will include it in an upcoming episode so all can benefit from your questions.

The following Questions are discussed in this episode with my guest Len Costa. Questions are edited for privacy and accuracy.

Question 1 is from Rob Cigliano from TheNewPIlotPodBlog.Com:

Carl,

Great podcast. I am really enjoying it. As an aviation enthusiast who is contemplating changing careers to the aviation industry, I find the podcast to be relevant and informative.

I am taking online classes at ERAU (Embry Riddle Aviation University) for a masters in airport/aviation management with the hopes of getting into that field when I am ready to say goodbye to my current career.

What advice would you give to someone who is not in the aviation industry but would like to change careers in their 40s or 50s to join the aviation field?

Keep up the great job!”

Question 2 From Sam:

Hi Carl,

I’ve always been interested in becoming an Airline pilot and got as far as my PPL before I said to myself I would love to go further however it just does not make financial sense at this moment in time and the risk is too big.

I wanted to ask about this apparent “pilot shortage”. Boeing’s forecast for pilots sure looks like an impressive number however when you break it down the number of pilots needed isn’t all that great (In my opinion). Scott Spangler has an article about this on his Jet Whine blog.

http://www.jetwhine.com/2012/07/another-pilot-shortagereally/

I’ve recently started a career and my job role mainly involves computer programming. I work in the ECEPS team (Engine Control and Electrical Power Systems)and although this job is interesting, its not really what my life ambition goal is which is to become an airline pilot. However being a pilot is all about making good decisions and I think sticking with this job is a good decision instead of landing myself with an enormous loan for flight training with no guarantee of a job at the end of it all.

So my question is, I’m 25 years of age now, and by the time I save for my training I will realistically be around 30 to 35. Do you think this is too old of an age to start training as a pilot?

Sorry for the long email, looking forward to your next episode!

Take care,

Sam “

Question 3 From Steve:

Hey Carl,

I’m a pilot/blogger in Ohio and regular podcast listener – I also know Victoria; we finally met up at OSH last summer. Recently I was listening to your interview with Doug Stewart from Sebring and the discussion about the CFI-SP rating. I’ve recently been thinking about working towards that rating myself and, basically, I’m trying to determine if it’s a good idea or not. So hopefully you don’t mind me asking a couple questions about it?

I have a career outside aviation (although I’d love to find a way to work in aviation long-term) and, at least right now, instruction is just something I think I would enjoy. It would build my own skills, allow me to share my passion for flight with other people, and perhaps provide a little extra income on the side.

I’ve been chatting with some other CFIs and a couple of interesting (and good, in my opinion) suggestions have come up. One said I should go for my AGI/IGI since it’s relatively easy (book learning/studying, test, certificate) and affordable and would allow me to teach ground school on the side. Plus, it would get the FOI test out of the way. I hadn’t thought of that before but it seems like a good suggestion – I really enjoyed ground school when training for my Private. Rod Machado is the one who suggested I pursue my CFI-SP. I honestly hadn’t ever looked into the requirements before, but it’s a lot simpler than the full IR > Comm > CFI route, though I still think I would like to do all that – eventually.

It seems like this might be a great way to bridge the money/experience/time gap. Also, the fact that my airport does a ton of LSA training in the Cub and Champ doesn’t hurt. I know they’re looking for CFIs (they’ve talked to me about it) and every student starts in an LSA… so there’s definitely some opportunity there.

One major question I have (and I need to talk with them about this as well) is whether the current FAA limitation on dual hours received from a CFI-SP counting towards Private training is a serious hindrance. I can certainly see how it would be. Why would they want one of their instructors to effectively be introducing a limitation on some of their students? On the other hand, for students truly interested in only getting their Sport, it shouldn’t matter. Any thoughts on this?

Finally, any general comments/suggestions on my situation and plan in general?

Thanks so much in advance – I really appreciate it!

-Steve”

Thanks for listening to Aviation Careers Podcast. If you have any questions, comments. or suggestions for upcoming episodes I would love to hear from you. You can contact me on the website AviationCareersPodcast.com and click on the contact page, or e-mail me directly at carl@AviationCareersPodcast.com. Also don’t forget to like us on Facebook and on twitter @flyingcareers. By liking us you will be kept up to date on episodes and other career news.

Thanks for listening and remember to keep focused on your aviation career goal! Safe Flying!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Subscribe To Aviation Careers Podcast:


Miro Video Player

Podcast Feed


Airline Pilot, Careers, Embraer 190, Part 121, Pilot, Podcast, Questions Answered

ACP009 – Flying The Embraer 190, Some Airline Pilots Are Home Every Night, V1 Clothing, and Mental Math For Pilots

Leave a comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS


Welcome to Episode 009 of Aviation Careers Podcast. Ever wonder what it is like flying the Embraer 190 as an airline pilot?  Did you know that some airline pilots don’t spend nights in hotels but instead sleep at home every night?  Most pilots work full time but some have many days off and are able to have more than one successful career. Jeff Garrone is an example of an airline pilot who also runs a successful business.

Similar to Jeff, many pilots have second careers because they have so much spare time but also want to have a backup plan if they lose their job or their medical. While we are flying we always have a contingency plan if we experience mechanical or unforeseen weather.

In much the same way I recommend pilots always have a contingency plan for their career. Whether it is obtaining training in another trade, building a business, or obtaining a degree in an alternate field it is always a good idea to be prepared for a career terminating event.

Jeff and I discuss:

  • Flying the Embraer EMB-190 airliner.
  • How he is able to be home every night with his family and work as an airline pilot.
  • Working part time as an airline pilot.
  • The benefits and challenges of owning a business while working for the airlines.
  • Why it is important to have a contingency plan as a pilot.
  • How Jeff became interested in flying and if he would recommend an airline career to others.

Product Recommendation:

Jeff has created an outstanding line of aviation lifestyle clothing which can be worn by everyone.  I really like some of his designs.  Today we talk with Jeff about how he started V1 Clothing and some of the exciting designs he offers.  I produced a video for The Pilot Report showcasing some of V1 clothing’s designs and their pilot bag. I think you will find that his products are both stylish and practical.

For More Information about V1 Clothing visit V1Clothing.com.  V1 Clothing is available at many of the larger aviation retailers and directly at AirSpeedJunkie.com.

Watch The V1 Clothing Video:

Recommended Reading:

In an age of electronics, good math skills are relevant because as a pilot there are many situations where you are asked to make a quick decision based on figures you are given. If you are preparing for a checkride the examiners will ask you to calculate numerous items during your oral exam. If you are preparing for an interview with an airline this next recommendation is a must have because some airlines take their interview questions directly from this book.   Mental Math for Pilots (Professional Aviation series) is for pilots looking to improve their math skills in the cockpit and easily perform math calculations in their heads. This book offers numerous tips and invaluable tricks to help in all areas of cockpit calculations.

Pilots are guided through basic and more advanced formulas with explanations on how to perform them without needing paper or electronic calculators, step-by-step instructions, practice exercises, and personal advice from experienced pilots. Easy and quick methods for calculating airborne math problems, enroute descents, and visual descent points are covered.

If you are considering becoming an airline pilot, Mental Math for Pilots is a must have to prepare for an interview. This book is also for all pilots preparing for a checkride, proficiency check, or for pilots wanting to improve their in-flight calculations performance. To look inside the book and read reviews of Mental Math for Pilots click on the links or the image above.

I hope you have enjoyed our discussion with Jeff Garrone Airline Pilot and Entrepreneur. For links to all the items we discussed in this episode please visit AviationCareersPodcast.com. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for upcoming episodes please contact me by e-mail on our contact page. You can also follow us on twitter @FlyingCareers and remember to like us on facebook if you want updates on episodes and other aviation career news.

Listen To Us On Stitcher Radio

This podcast is available for download on your favorite device by visiting AviationCareersPodcast.com. We are also available on iTunes and have been recently added to Stitcher Radio. To find out how you can listen to Aviation Careers Podcast on Stitcher click on the link at the top right of AviationCareersPodcast.com or click on the link below.

Your Aviation Career Questions Answered

One more item before we go. Many of you have asked if I would be available for career counseling. I would love to help each and every one of you individually but I am busy with my flying job and creating content for this and other websites. Therefore, if you have a question no matter how complex please e-mail it to me on on the contact page or by sending it to carl@aviationcareerspodcast.com.

I have compiled questions already submitted and will be including my answers in the next episode. Including your questions in future episodes  will not only help you but all of the listeners of this podcast. I have had some great questions from those looking to start a career in aviation, change careers, or looking to have a successful part time flying career. If you have any questions about careers in aviation please feel free to ask.

Thanks again for listening . Remember to keep your head in the sky while building a foundation for your aviation career goal here on the ground.  Safe flying and talk to you next episode.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Subscribe To Aviation Careers Podcast:


Miro Video Player

Podcast Feed


Aviation Maintenance Technician, Flight Instructing, Flight Instructor, Part Time Aviation Career, Pilot, Podcast, Politics

Episode 008 – Combining a Flying Career with Another Career Interview with Jamie Beckett, Publisher of Flight Monkeys

1 Comment

Pilots are fascinating people because they are goal oriented and have many interests. If you find you have a passion for flying but have other interests in life, a career in aviation can still be for you.

One of the wonderful things about flying for the airlines are my days off. Some months I have 20 days off which affords me the opportunity to pursue other endeavors. Can you think of a career you might enjoy part time while having a career in aviation?

I have friends with successful careers in aviation while also having a career in many other fields such as dentistry, law, real estate, accounting, and medicine just to name a few. If you have a passion for aviation and a passion for other endeavors don’t fret, flying might be the perfect career for you.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

A person who has designed a lifestyle which includes a career in aviation is Jamie Beckett. Jamie is the publisher of FlightMonkeys.com, an author, flight instructor, and City Commissioner in Winter Haven, Florida. Jamie is a busy individual and you can tell by speaking with him for only a few moments that he lives life to the fullest.

Jamie Beckett and I discuss:

  • How you can define a career in aviation that fits your personality.
  • Advice for people looking towards instructing part time.
  • The advantages of being both a pilot and mechanic.
  • Melding of Politics and Aviation.
  • Jamie’s varied career path and the fears many of us have in pursuing a career in aviation.
  • FlightMonkeys.com.

Recommendations:

Jamie Beckett produced an outstanding video The Value of Aviation. Jamie eloquently describes the benefit of aviation in the lives of those at the airport but more importantly the community as a whole. This is one of those videos you should save to give to your friends when they ask you the “real” value of aviation.

Watch The Value Of Aviation:

Politics for Pilots (The Loose Cannon View – 2011) – Jamie Beckett’s Politics for Pilots is a weekly column that appears as a popular blog posting on GeneralAviationNews.com and has been used to collect the stories for The Loose Canon View. The column is described as “irreverent, casual, highly optimistic, and at least occasionally inspirational. It also tends to be uniquely insightful and written with a high degree of professionalism. It’s actually fun to read, too.”

For those wanting to read something beyond how to fly and learn how to navigate the world of politics and aviation this e-book is for you.

Thanks for listening to Aviation Careers Podcast. If you have any questions comments or suggestions please contact me at AviationCareersPodcast.com, ITunes, Twitter, Facebook, or by e-mail. Until next time please keep in mind the path to an aviation career is varied, challenging, and exciting.

Keep your eye on your aviation goal and fly safe!

Listen to Episode 008:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Listen In Itunes:



Female Pilot, Helicopter Pilot, Pilot, Podcast, Women In Aviation

Episode 007 – Why The Low Number Of Female Pilots?; Interview With Lynda Meeks Founder Of Girls With Wings

Leave a comment

Ever wonder why you don’t see many female pilots? I never truly reflected on this fact until one day while boarding the plane a young girl pointed at the First Officer and said “Look Mom A Girl Pilot!” She then turned to me and said nothing. Upon further reflection I realized a man with silver hair is more inline with what we see as an airline pilot. But why?

After my flight that day I decided to do some research. I discovered there are over six hundred thousand pilots and only six percent are females. Additionally only three percent are Airline Transport Pilot rated. Of the five hundred thousand non-flying jobs in aviation 3.85 percent are women.

So why are there not more women in aviation and how do we attract more women to the field of aviation? To help answer these questions I am joined with Lynda Meeks of GirlsWithWings.com.

Lynda is an accomplished pilot and an inspiration to all those who wish to pursue a career in aviation. She is one of the key players in motivating young girls to pursue a career as a pilot and is one of the shining lights in the flying world. If you or someone you know wants to fly and they think they can’t because they are a female, you need to hear what Lynda has to say.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Lynda and I discuss:

Recommendation:

GirlsWithWings.com is a unique and fun website. It is entertaining, informative, and inspirational. I encourage you to visit the website if you have a young aviator interesting in flying.

If you have a child between the ages of 5 and 11 I highly recommend the wonderfully illustrated and inspiring story of Penelope Pilot and Her First Day as Captain. Join Penelope as she and the crew prepare for her exciting flight! All profits from the sales of this book benefit the non-profit organization Girls With Wings, Inc. It Includes a bonus stand up Penelope doll!

Thank you for listening to Aviation Careers Podcast. I encourage you to contact me with any questions, comments, or suggestions for future shows. I can be reached at AviatonCareersPodcast.com, on Facebook, Twitter, and by e-mail.

The path to an aviation career is varied and exciting. By clearly defining your career aspirations and continually moving towards your career goal you will succeed.

If you or a girl you know wants to become a pilot remember the advice of Penelope Pilot, “Girls need Flight Plans, not Fairy Tales”. So start making your plans today.

I look forward to speaking with you in the next episode!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Subscribe In Itunes:


Aviation Maintenance Technician, College, Financial Aid, Grants, Part 141 Flight School, Podcast, Scholarships

Episode 006 – Career Prospects Are Good for Both Pilots And Mechanics, A Panel Discussion with Guests From National Aviation Academy.

6 Comments

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Do you have an interest in becoming both a pilot and a mechanic? You would be surprised how many pilots hold a mechanic’s license. There are some advantages to being both. I discuss:

  • How you can be an operational asset because you can repair items which break and a mechanic is miles from your location.
  • Certain seemingly simple repairs must be signed off by a mechanic especially if it includes a safety wire.
  • Some pilot jobs including corporate jobs require a mechanic’s license.
  • Story of a simple bird strike which grounded our plane and how having a mechanic on board saved the day.

Interview

Teresa Ferent of National Aviation Academy in Clearwater, Florida invited me to speak with a variety of employees at their Clearwater Florida facility. National Aviation Academy has a long history of training mechanics and recently has added pilot training to their curriculum. I have worked with many of the mechanics and pilots who have graduated from the National Aviation Academy and can say first hand that they provide outstanding training.

We discuss:

A special thanks to those I spoke with at National Aviation Academy Including:

Teresa Ferent, Community Resource Representative
Angie Capriotti, Director Of Career Services
Richard Rios, Director Of Student Finance
John Okenfus, Assistant Director of Admissions
Marty Carpenter, Director Of Admissions for Professional PIlot Technology.

Recommended Products and Services:

The National Aviation Academy website has one of the most extensive repositories of information concerning careers as Aviation Maintenance Technicians and Pilots. They have outstanding online presentations concerning job prospects, salary expectations, and how to get your certificates. This is the first website I tell folks to turn to for information concerning becoming an aircraft mechanic. Even if you are not planning on attending the school I highly recommend the information they provide on this website.

For those who are interested in getting a jump start on becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician or for those who already are AMT’s there is a handy reference for the iPhone and the iPad. I use their app for pilots and think it is one of the best organized and easiest to read Aviation Regulation reference for a mobile device. For more information on what is included in this reference click below:

FAR/AMT for the IOS device.

 

Engineer, Flight Attendant, Management, Podcast

Episode 005 – Most Aviation Career positions are non flying; Interview with Max Flight a manager with a large aircraft engine manufacturer.

Leave a comment

For those of us passionate about aviation there are a modicum of positions which allow us to foster our passion even if you don’t want to fly. As a matter of fact most aviation jobs are non flying positions. There is a wide variety of jobs available with the airlines and other businesses and government organizations that support the airlines.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Delta Airlines has approximately 80,000 employees including all of their subsidiaries. Of that number approximately 12,400 pilots are employed with the airline. So if you are interested in a job in aviation but don’t want to fly there are many more career options. As a matter of fact for every pilot at an airline there are approximately 6 other employees which include ramp personnel, reservation agents, security, mechanics, managers, and customer service agents to name a few.

Interview: Today I have with me Max Flight who has enjoyed a long career in the field of aviation. Max has surrounded himself with aviation and airplanes all his life. Max has held many different positions with an aircraft engine manufacturer and we are excited to have him with us today to share his journey and some of the interesting jobs he has held in the field of aviation.

Max And I Discuss:

  • His background in aviation.
  • His educational background and how he obtained his current position with a large aircraft engine manufacturer.
  • What type of degree he has and what degree he would recommend for the type of jobs he has held.
  • Advice Max has for those interested in aviation wanting a regular schedule.
  • What other jobs in aviation Max has knowledge of that you may never have thought of but would be very interesting and which may foster your interest in the field of aviation.
  • Max’s other interests online including Thirty Thousand Feet, a huge online aviation directory; and The Airplane Geeks Podcast.

Product Recommendation:

Would you like to know more about becoming a flight attendant. One of the leading producers of aviation training materials has a good book for you to get started on your career path towards becoming a flight attendant.

Welcome Aboard : Your Career As a Flight Attendant

A resource suggested by our guest Max Flight is Betty In The Sky With a A Suitcase Podcast. Betty takes us along on her travels as a flight attendant and relates some very unique stories. Want to know what it’s really like to be a flight attendant then listen to her podcast. She also has a very popular book by the same name. You can read more about her book on Amazon.com.

Listen to Episode 005:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Subscribe In Itunes:


College, Podcast

Episode 004: College Degree Choices, Interview With Airplane Geeks, and What Color Is Your Parachute.

Leave a comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

The majority of the pilots at the major airlines have a four year degree so to be competitive you should get your degree. Should you get a degree in aviation or in another field you are interested in?

This episode will take on a different format. Instead of having a guest I will share with you my guest appearance on the Airplane Geeks Podcast. We discussed many topics during the podcast and including information concerning job prospects and your degree choices. I think you will find the conversation interesting and insightful.

Before I get started I always like to begin the show with a readers question or some advice. Having helped many people find jobs in aviation one thing has always perplexed me. Why do so many people turn down flying jobs which will advance their career ? I have an interesting story where you can learn from the hardship of other pilots who turned down flying jobs that they felt were beneath them only to find out they can’t find a job anywhere else.

Let’s listen to my interview with the Airplane Geeks. We discuss:

  • Why I am doing the Aviation Careers Podcast.
  • The many jobs in aviation that are non flying and very fulfilling
  • Should you get a degree in aviation; a discussion with Rob Mark

Recommended Reading

This is the book I read when I began searching for a new career. It has been available for many years and is one of the best resources for discovering the career path you should choose. Not only does it help you discover what direction to take it helps you along the path towards finding a job.

I hope you have enjoyed Episode 4 of Aviation Careers Podcast. You can reach me on twitter, facebook, or by e-mail. If you have any questions concerning aviation jobs please feel free to contact me. I hope I have inspired you to further your career or look into a career in aviation.

It’s time to start living your dream and fulling your career goal today. Remember every step is an important step towards your career goal.