Take one step today to enhance your career goal with the gift card you received this holiday! Welcome to our annual recommendation on how to spend your Amazon Gift Card and Enhance your career!
Questions, comments, or inspirational stories; please write us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com.
If you are looking at funding your education, flight training, or degree look at this definitive guide and the upcoming new version with a listing of cadet programs. https://amzn.to/3H6Yqrh
2. Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot 13th Edition 13th Edition
An amazing resource for explanations of simple to complex topics. A great resource when preparing for an interview and transitioning to flying advanced aircraft. https://amzn.to/48b4hrf
3. The Turbine Pilot’s Flight Manual 3rd Edition
A must-have For those pilots beginning training at the airlines or simply wanting to expand their knowledge. https://amzn.to/3v9vFrc
4. The Unofficial Airbus A320 Series Manual
Ok, I am biased since I am an A320 instructor but this is truly a great guide for those wanting to train or about to train on one of the most popular airplanes in the world. https://amzn.to/3tAemyX
5. Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C: Pilot Flight Training Study Guide
The FAA reference you will use for your entire aviation career from flying small planes to transitioning to multi-engine jets. https://amzn.to/3RXERaM
6. Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
Many technical interview questions are derived from the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and you will use this knowledge throughout your entire career flying. https://amzn.to/48yOP7Z
7. Instrument Procedures Handbook
Your knowledge of instrument procedures is paramount when you are a professional pilot. This book is filled with potential interview questions and will be a great resource throughout your career. https://amzn.to/3tnECwx
8. FAR-FC 2024: Federal Aviation Regulations for Flight Crew
The definitive reference for professional pilots flying for 121 and 135 operators. https://amzn.to/41Axrxo
9. FAR/AIM 2024: Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual
For the remainder of your career, you will tested on your knowledge of the FARs and the information provided in the Aeronautical Information Manual. This is a manual you will want to highlight and tab pertinent pages.
Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Today I answer listener mail and discuss why you should not compare yourself to others on social media, especially YouTube.
Before we begin a few announcements.
Questions, comments, or inspirational stories please write to us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com or https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/
The Scholarships Guide is available with over 120 million in scholarships.
Are there other resources that I could look into for finding scholarships? I am an Asian male in his 30s married with kids. I noticed there aren’t any scholarships geared toward Asians on the current list and was wondering if any would be added in the next update.
Thank you!
Show Notes:
Don’t try to be like someone online. You are who you are and your situation is unique.
You are important and your citation is much different than those online.
Although it is great to get ideas from others you need to chart your path forward.
Not everyone is the same.
People will want to tell you what you should do primarily based on their worldview and situation, not yours.
That is why it is important to get an unbiased opinion from a career coach or counselor who is willing to listen to your unique situation.
Some examples of things you might not know about the person you are following and trying to emulate.
Their money situation may be different.
Education different
Family obligations.
That is why you need to take a holistic view of your life and situation to move forward.
Don’t try to be someone else, be yourself.
Links Mentioned in This Podcast:
https://amzn.to/3uNTUuV
All You Can Do is All You Can Do: but all you can do is enough! This book describes a deceptively simple six-point plan that turns ordinary people into winners.
This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC you can find www.strumorlaw.com. They are giving away 50 scholarship guides. You can get yours for free using the coupon code “StrumorLaw” at
The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC handles various aviation matters, safety investigations, and pilot medical certification. You can find them on the web at www.strumorlaw.com
HIMS program
Welcome Chris Pezalla
What is HIMS?
Is it just for airline pilots?
Many feel if they are in HIMS there is no chance of being hired. Why are they wrong?
Can the company discriminate against hiring or promoting because of HIMS?
How do you know if you need HIMS?
How to get started with HIMS?
Do I need an aviation attorney?
Where to find more information?
Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC you can find www.strumorlaw.com. They are giving away 50 scholarship guides. You can get yours for free using the coupon code “StrumorLaw” at
The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC handles various aviation matters, safety investigations, and pilot medical certification. You can find them on the web at www.strumorlaw.com
Considering a career change into aviation and not sure what you your goal looks like? In this episode we discuss how to better stay focused on your goal of becoming a pilot without getting distracted or discouraged.
I’m a 39-year-old male prospective career swapper living in CA, so naturally, I purchased access to your guide.
Is there a way to filter my search for scholarships that aren’t just for teens/students, women-only, or geographically limited?
Question 2 from Contact Page:
I am considering a career change into aviation and I’m not sure what my end goal looks like at this time but I do know that I want to fly for work. Currently, I am a private pilot with about 110 flight hours.
My next step towards flying as a career is to get my instrument rating but I am having a difficult time getting through the ground school portion of the instrument rating. The ground school I purchased seems not to be designed for beginning learners and I’m not finding it as easy to pick up on as I did with the private pilot ground school.
I am trying to go through the ground school portion first due to limited funds and want to get as much knowledge as I can before being able to begin actual instrument flight training.
Do you have any advice as to how I can stay focused on learning the instrument rating? Or what can make it more fun? It seems to be a less interesting rating to study and I’m having a hard time with it.
Answer:
Watch YouTube videos such as our “descend via video” that might pique your interest. https://youtu.be/ucOhjE9dL2Y
Jump into a simulator and fly some approaches. You don’t need an expensive sim.
Instrument knowledge and flying skills are most important for a career as a pilot.
Take a break and read books such as “everything explained for the professional pilot”: https://amzn.to/3FvbCVQ
Visit your goals often and redefine your goals.
It is easier to progress through the tough times if you have the end in sight.
Question 3 from the Contact Page:
I would like to know if the scholarship guide only contains stuff for the USA or if it includes other countries. I am in Canada but have Brazilian and EU citizenship as well. I have not started flying yet but am hoping to do this year! Thank You.
This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC you can find www.strumorlaw.com. They are giving away 50 scholarship guides. You can get yours for free using the coupon code “StrumorLaw” at
The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC handles various aviation matters, safety investigations, and pilot medical certification. You can find them on the web at https://www.strumorlaw.com/
This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC you can find www.strumorlaw.com. They are giving away 50 scholarship guides. You can get yours for free using the coupon code “StrumorLaw” at
I’m a 34-year-old veteran transitioning into a reduced (1250 hours) ATP flight school. I’m using my GI benefits to fund this 2 year associate program which will provide all of the qualifications I need.
I’m attending a small community college. Does this matter? What issues do you see me having post-school with hiring in the fact that it’s a reduced program? I’m starting flight school as someone who’s jumped out of but never flown planes. Any advice? Thank you and I really enjoy the podcast.
The size of the school doesn’t matter for hiring.
Flight Time is most important.
The benefit to a large school is the larger network of alumni.
Even though you are used to jumping out of planes I would recommend you not leave the plane during your training.
The GI Bill is an amazing opportunity.
There are many people who have done the same and you should look towards others to network with.
If you have words of encouragement please visit our contact page https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/
Question 2 from Contact Page:
Hi Carl, I would like to visit you at the hangar one of these days. I usually drive to Lakeland most Saturdays. Should I let you know through this means before I head that way? Thank You.
Answer:
I am trying to figure out ways to have a meetup at the airport. Let me know your suggestions.
Would you be interested in a career seminar and tour of the facilities?
Question 3 from Contact Page:
Hello Mr. Valeri. I’d like to start by saying I really like listening to your podcast and even though I’m a fairly new listener, I enjoy the content and look forward to every new episode as soon as it comes out.
I wanted to reach out because I want to get an opinion from you. I really need some guidance on this, and I would love to hear what you have to say about it.
To give some context, I’m from Venezuela, and living in the USA. I have always wanted to fly, and after some years, I’m in a position in which I’m finally able to grasp that dream. However, it comes with challenges…
My options are minimal as far as financing goes, the first one being taking out a student loan of $100k to pay for my training at ATP. This was my first option, as it was very clear on the path, and the repayment plan from the financial institution is comfortable during school and training. After this, however, the official repayment begins at $1800/month for a 15-year term and $1600 for a 10-year term.
My interest rates are this high because I’m not yet a permanent resident, making it a little bit more “riskier” to the banks. I was not approved through Sallie Mae for this reason, but I was “approved” through Meritize. I quote the approval because they offered me some repayment plans as I mentioned.
Now everything looks okay, but my concern is if I can make ends meet with an entry-level pilot salary. I really want to go this way since it’s a very clear path, but I also do not want to drown myself in debt and continuously stress over this…
I have also checked with a smaller school, and their commercial pilot’s license comes out to be at around $34000 total from 0 to 250 hours (with all the minimum FAA requirements). I thought of adding a few more hours of flight training simply because I have read many pilots don’t get their certificate with only the minimums, so I set a projected amount of $50000, which I would have to get as a personal loan for. This option, compared to the $100k from ATP, looks way better of course, but being a personal loan means I would have to start paying the monthly quote immediately. And over an 84-month loan, this goes at around $950/month.
I know this is a long and somewhat specific situation, but I would like to know your opinion on the matter, and if there are any other alternatives for me out there.
I’m 26, about to turn 27 years old this year.
I thank you beforehand, for taking the time to read this.
Safe flying.
Answer:
Make sure you write down exactly what you are paying for to compare the two options.
What ratings are you obtaining and does your budget include cross country time?
Benefits of a small school vs large school is the number of planes and ability to recover from a maintenance issue because of spares.
Will you be working while you are going to school, family considerations, etc.
This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC you can find www.strumorlaw.com. They are giving away 50 scholarship guides. You can get yours for free using the coupon code “StrumorLaw” at
The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC handles various aviation matters, safety investigations, and pilot medical certification. You can find them on the web at www.strumorlaw.com
Do you think you can’t become a pilot due to a past medical issue? You might be surprised at what can and cannot affect your medical. Today we will discuss why you should not let a past medical issue prevent you from pursuing your dream of becoming a pilot.
This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC you can find www.strumorlaw.com. They are giving away 50 scholarship guides. You can get yours for free using the coupon code “StrumorLaw”
The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC handles various aviation matters, safety investigations, and pilot medical certification. You can find them on the web at www.strumorlaw.com
Listener Questions From YouTube:
I think you should do an episode with a veteran with a VA disability, who became a pilot. What was his/her obstacle to getting a 1st class medical?
Perceived Medical Challenges for Pilots:
Perfect Eyesight is not a requirement.
Medications you might think will prevent you from obtaining a medical.
VA medical disability must be disclosed but most can still obtain a medical.
Consult an AME consultant or an attorney specializing in the process.
We have helped many veterans who have received VA disability benefits and have had long and successful flying careers.
My advice. Do your research!
Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC you can find www.strumorlaw.com. They are giving away 50 scholarship guides. You can get yours for free using the coupon code “StrumorLaw”
The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC handles various aviation matters, safety investigations, and pilot medical certification. You can find them on the web at www.strumorlaw.com
Today we answer a question concerning airline career programs. They come with many names including pathway, flow-through, gateway, destinations, and many more. In this episode, I will try to explain the benefits and challenges of these programs coming up next.
This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC you can find www.strumorlaw.com. They are giving away 50 scholarship guides. You can get yours for free using the coupon code “StrumorLaw”
The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC handles various aviation matters, safety investigations, and pilot medical certification. You can find them on the web at www.strumorlaw.com
Listener Questions:
Thank you for the great content and helpful information! I’ve heard you answer multiple questions about people changing careers and getting into aviation a little later in life. That’s the position I am in, and I’m trying to sort out what would be the best path for me.
I am 38 and currently have zero aviation experience. I feel like if I’m going to switch careers to aviation, I need to pick a path and stick with it since I am starting late and seniority is king. So, the airline-specific programs are of interest to me such as Southwest’s Destination 225. What are your thoughts on these types of programs?
My Thoughts on Airline Career Programs:
It really depends on your situation.
You only need to interview once.
Costs are many times higher than if you did it on your own.
During good times they are great.
They move people off the seniority list at the regionals quicker.
During bad times they often have flow-back provisions.
The time and cost may be more than you anticipated.
You can many times make it to a major quicker and less expensive on your own.
Prepares you to become an airline pilot because you use airline procedures from the start.
Programs are set up similarly to ab initio programs and are now mostly called “cadet” programs. The programs have been popular in the past and are still popular in other countries.
There are many options where private flight schools have affiliations with airlines through cadet programs.
It may be your last interview but be prepared to interview with others.
Check Ride Failures matter. Some have a maximum of 3.
Real-Life Examples:
From zero to the left seat of an airbus.
Some think it is their last interview but it is not.
Rotor transition
Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC you can find www.strumorlaw.com. They are giving away 50 scholarship guides. You can get yours for free using the coupon code “StrumorLaw”
The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC handles various aviation matters, safety investigations, and pilot medical certification. You can find them on the web at www.strumorlaw.com
What is it like to be a crew member commuting to work? Whether you are a pilot, flight attendant, mechanic, or other work group that is able to commute to work there are both challenges and benefits to commuting. In this episode, we will define the term commuting as it relates to an aviation career and discuss the pros and cons of commuting.
Every dollar we raise goes towards giving away a free scholarship guide. If you want to advertise with us you simply need to give away a minimum of 50 scholarship guides and we will promote your product or service until all the scholarship guides in your name are given away.
What is commuting?
Why commuting makes this a whole different job for many.
I relate my experiences with over 2 decades of working as an airline pilot.
Pros of commuting:
Live in Paradise.
Live near family.
Live a better lifestyle than you could afford in the base where you work.
No need to move.
Cons of commuting:
You lose much of your time to commuting.
Missing work because you can’t make it in.
Less sleep because you are commuting instead of commuting.
Having to leave work early due to weather.
Cost of a crash pad, hotel, or apartment.
Time away from home.
You may need to make alternate plans at the last minute.
The shortest distance to work may not be a straight line.
Examples:
CLL to SLC
MYAT to KEWR
KLAL to KEWR
Driving to work.
After decades of counseling pilots, I have seen many people ruin a great career through their actions and posts on social media. Today we want to help you avoid the pitfalls of social media and give advice on how you can recover from a social media blunder. Joining me today is Aviation Attorney Chris Pezalla to discuss what you can do if you do eventually make a social media blunder.
