All posts by CarlValeri

Host of Aviation Careers Podcast. For more about me go to AviationCareersPodcast/About.
Accelerated Pilot Training, Part 141 Flight School, Podcast, Restricted ATP

ACP372 Will going to a small college and getting a Restricted ATP reduce my chances of getting hired?

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If you want to ask a question visit:
http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/
Or feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

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

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/
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 Mail:

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.

To discuss the specifics of your situation I would have someone review your numbers and your goals. We can help at https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/

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

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

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

Links:
https://www.meritize.com/

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/

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Medical, Podcast

ACP371 Don’t Let Past Medical Issues Prevent You From Pursuing Your Dream!

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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.

If you want to ask a question visit: 

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Or feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com 

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 

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:

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 

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Cadet Programs, Podcast

ACP370 Airline Career Pilot Programs Explained

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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.

If you want to ask a question visit: 

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Or feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com 

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 

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:
  1. From zero to the left seat of an airbus.
  2. Some think it is their last interview but it is not.
  3. 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 

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Pilot Life, Podcast

ACP369 Commuting Pros and Cons

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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.

If you want to ask a question visit:
http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/Or feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Sponsor:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

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.

Get a free scholarship guide at:
http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/
Use Coupon: payitforward

Talking Points:

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.

Sponsor:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

Get a free scholarship guide at:
http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/
Use Coupon: payitforward

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Podcast, Social Media

ACP368 How Social Media Can Ruin Your Career

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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.

If you want to ask a question visit http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Sponsor:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

Get a free scholarship guide at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Use Coupon: payitforward

Talking Points:

Yes, recruiters are watching you.

So is your current employer.

Remember you are an ambassador for your airline.

How to avoid becoming a social media tragedy. Take time to think and review.

Some horror stories. 

Filming your own violation.

Using social media correctly. And not at work.

Posting on social media lasts forever and why.

What to do when you are terminated due to your social media posts.

-Getting the job back

-Moving on

For help with legal issues visit the Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC

www.strumorlaw.com

Sponsor:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

Get a free scholarship guide at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Use Coupon: payitforward

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Career Change, Podcast

ACP367 Career Change Dollars and Sense

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Many listeners ask if they can afford to change careers and become pilots. To answer this question I prepared this presentation to discuss how much pilots make and if a change makes sense for you.

If you want to ask a question visit http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored https://www.aviatorsclinic.com Flight Medicine for pilots by pilots. Use the Coupon Code AviatorsClinic to get a free scholarship guide.

Whether a student pilot is preparing to solo or a veteran crop duster, their goal is to get you into the air and keep you flying. Aviators Clinic understands how nerve-racking doctor’s exams can be. Their goal is to make the process as easy and painless as possible.

The Aviators Clinic provides FAA 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class flight physicals and BasicMed exams. For those with color vision issues, they have an Optec 900, an FAA-approved alternative color vision test.  Flight physicals are free of charge for student pilots 17 years old and younger.

Aviators Clinic has two convenient locations in Naples and Pompano Beach, Florida. Book your appointment today at https://www.aviatorsclinic.com/ 

Get a free scholarship guide at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

And use the coupon code AviatorsClinic

 

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Medical, Podcast

ACP366 Your Medical Has Been Deferred Now What?

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Has your medical been deferred or do you fear having a deferral? Well, fret no more. Today I have with me aviation attorney Chris Pezalla to discuss deferrals and how to navigate your way through the FAA process of successfully obtaining your medical.

If you want to ask a question visit http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored https://www.aviatorsclinic.com Flight Medicine for pilots by pilots. Use the Coupon Code AviatorsClinic to get a free scholarship guide.

Whether a student pilot is preparing to solo or a veteran crop duster, their goal is to get you into the air and keep you flying. Aviators Clinic understands how nerve-racking doctor’s exams can be. Their goal is to make the process as easy and painless as possible.

The Aviators Clinic provides FAA 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class flight physicals and BasicMed exams. For those with color vision issues, they have an Optec 900, an FAA-approved alternative color vision test.  Flight physicals are free of charge for student pilots 17 years old and younger.

Aviators Clinic has two convenient locations in Naples and Pompano Beach, Florida. Book your appointment today at https://www.aviatorsclinic.com/ 

Get a free scholarship guide:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

And use the coupon code AviatorsClinic

 

Talking Points:

-Is your AME the only person reviewing your FAA medical application

-I was told it is being deferred, does that mean I was denied?

-What happens next?

-FAA may approve the application

-FAA may request more information

-FAA may deny the application – can reapply at anytime

-Does a deferral hurt my application?

-Could a deferral actually be good?

-1) Want to know before paying for flight training

-2) Avoid revocation by FAA legal

Links: 

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored https://www.aviatorsclinic.com Flight Medicine for pilots by pilots. Use the Coupon Code AviatorsClinic to get a free scholarship guide.

 

Whether a student pilot is preparing to solo or a veteran crop duster, their goal is to get you into the air and keep you flying. Aviators Clinic understands how nerve-racking doctor’s exams can be. Their goal is to make the process as easy and painless as possible.

 

The Aviators Clinic provides FAA 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class flight physicals and BasicMed exams. For those with color vision issues, they have an Optec 900, an FAA-approved alternative color vision test.  Flight physicals are free of charge for student pilots 17 years old and younger.

 

Aviators Clinic has two convenient locations in Naples and Pompano Beach, Florida. Book your appointment today at https://www.aviatorsclinic.com/ 

Get a free scholarship guide at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

And use the coupon code AviatorsClinic

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Podcast

ACP365 Pass Your Checkride with Examiner Seth Lake

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If you are preparing for a check ride at the airline or you are preparing for your private pilot check ride we all have similar challenges from an academic and psychological standpoint. Today I have with me Seth Lake, an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner to discuss how to successfully pass your check ride

If you want to ask a question visit http://www.aviation.careerspodcast.com/contact/

Patrons Giving Away Free Scholarship Guides:

Thank you to our Patrons for paying it forward and giving away free scholarship guides every month. For only $1 a month, you can help someone achieve their aviation dream!

If you are looking for one of those free scholarship guides sponsored by our patrons please visit. http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/Free/ 

Want to learn more about the scholarship guide visit:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

Want to be a guest on the show? please visit AviationCareersPodcast and click on the online course. 

If you have questions: 

 http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/ 

Talking Points:

Pass your FAA Check Ride:

Welcome Seth Lake DPE and active podcaster.

Why it is important to pass your check ride when applying for jobs in the aviation industry.

Should you read the ACS?

Seth’s view of structured training using a syllabus.

A few words of wisdom on how to pass your check ride. Of course, listening to his podcast is one.

How can we find Seth online and in person?

 

Links: 

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/resources/

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/ 

https://vsl.aero 

https://www.youtube.com/@SethLakeDPE 

 

 

Patrons Giving Away Free Scholarship Guides:

Thank you to our Patrons for paying it forward and giving away free scholarship guides every month. For only $1 a month, you can help someone achieve their aviation dream!

Visit:

https://patreon.com/ValeriAviation

 

If you are looking for one of those free scholarship guides sponsored by our patrons please visit. http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/Free/ 

Want to learn more about the scholarship guide visit:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

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Air Show, Career Change, Podcast, SunN Fun

ACP364 Hired At Sun N Fun 2023

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In today’s episode, we speak with Nate Mitich an inspirational aviator who has a special announcement about his aviation career he made during Sun N Fun. Nate is the pilot who was building hours in his airplane and traced a Christmas tree over the state of Florida.

If you want to ask a question visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Talking Points:

Nathan’s inspiration for the Christmas Tree Over Florida.

His next career step.

Why it is important to network and go to air shows.

Advice for those thinking of buying a plane and building hours.

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored https://www.aviatorsclinic.com Flight Medicine for pilots by pilots. Use the Coupon Code AviatorsClinic to get a free scholarship guide.

Whether a student pilot preparing to solo or a veteran crop duster, their goal is to get you into the air and keep you flying. Aviators Clinic understands how nerve-racking doctor’s exams can be. Their goal is to make the process as easy and painless as possible.

The Aviators Clinic provides FAA 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class flight physicals and BasicMed exams. For those with color vision issues, they have an Optec 900, an FAA-approved alternative color vision test.  Flight physicals are free of charge for student pilots 17 years old and younger.

Aviators Clinic has two convenient locations in Naples and Pompano Beach, Florida. Book your appointment today at https://www.aviatorsclinic.com/ 

Get a free scholarship guide at:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

And use the coupon code AviatorsClinic

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Airline Life, Airline Pilot, Podcast

ACP363 Getting started at 39 – The Rumors and the Spouse

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In today’s episode, we discuss the truth about Airline schedules and pilot earnings. This comes from feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com and from the YouTube Channel Comments.

If you want to ask a question visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Patrons Giving Away Free Scholarship Guides:

Thank you to our Patrons for paying it forward and giving away free scholarship guides every month. For only $1 a month, you can help someone achieve their aviation dream!

If you are looking for one of those free scholarship guides sponsored by our patrons please visit. https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/Free/ 

Want to learn more about the scholarship guide visit:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

If you have questions please visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/ 

Talking Points:

Feedback@AviationCareersPocast.com 

Hello Carl, 

I recently came across your YouTube and love the content you are putting out. My question is regarding getting started at 39 and the rumors around the industry. I have dreamed of becoming a pilot since I was about 13 years old. I would fly to see my mom twice a year and couldn’t wait to get to the airport to watch the planes. As I got older I didn’t really think it was possible for me to become a pilot until recently when I started doing some research and realized there is financial support. This re-lit that dream in me about becoming a pilot. However, I’m curious about two things. 

I’m 39 years old and am married (no kids – none coming). During my research I have found quite a few comments about how poor the scheduling is (bidding) within the industry and that you never get holidays off unless your seniority gets you those days off. I’ve also read some comments stating you are barely home and work far more hours than are advertised. I’m not afraid of hard work, however, I’m worried that if I do embark on this journey at 39 years old, how long will I need to realistically look at barely being home? The reason this worries me is I don’t want to put myself in a position where my wife ends up leaving as that is something else I read that divorces are high within the pilot realm. Thank you for all the information you put out and I hope to hear from you. 

Comment From YouTube Channel EPISODE 345: 

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp345-yes-you-can-become-a-pilot-at-45-or-older/ 

It’s never too old to enter, but the time you’ve lost may mean you cannot make it through the seniority of a large airline to the top earning spots, so you may have to manage your expectations from that point of view

Carl’s response: It is true you may not make it to the top of the seniority list but you might still be able to top the pay scale especially if you have more than 12 years left until retirement at the airline. Great comment. You inspired me to make a video discussing how you can make top pay even if you don’t make it to the top of the seniority list.

Another response.

 @Aviation Careers Podcast, best of luck. I’m talking from a UK point of view where it plays out very differently. 250 hrs FO to low-cost captain at 3000 hrs on a 737. quick promotion but salary stops at about £100k …. seems a slow burner in the US but the ability to make 3-400k dollars but at a “mid-life” age with companies like UPS. I’m lucky I got into this at 20… 757 capt at 33, 787 capt at 42, 787 check capt at 44 …. 744 capt at 50 ( didn’t expect that ! )

Carl’s Response: Great perspective, and thanks for the feedback. In the US you normally top out at 12-year pay with a median income of around $200 is what can be expected in the US. It would be great to have someone on the channel to discuss aviation from a UK perspective since we are very US-centric.

Links: 

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/resources/

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/  

Patrons Giving Away Free Scholarship Guides:

Thank you to our Patrons for paying it forward and giving away free scholarship guides every month. For only $1 a month, you can help someone achieve their aviation dream!

If you are looking for one of those free scholarship guides sponsored by our patrons please visit. https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/Free/ 

Want to learn more about the scholarship guide visit:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

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