Category Archives: Career Change

ACP384 Career 2.0 From Director/Producer to Airline Pilot at 48 With Scott Papera

If you are thinking of changing careers in your late 40’s but are not sure you have time, I have someone who will inspire you to take off on a journey toward a career you will love. Scott Papera is a former director and producer and an inspiration for all of us looking to launch career 2.0!

Questions, comments, or inspirational stories; please write us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com or visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

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https://www.instagram.com/aviationcareerspodcast/
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Free Scholarships Guide:

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

Talking Points:

When Scott started his Career 2.0 journey.
Why he became an airline pilot at 48.
The challenges of becoming a pilot later in life.
The rewards.
Why he loves his job.
Can you make a living flying at such a late stage in life?

Visit Us At Sun N Fun Hangar A Booth 41.
https://flysnf.org/

Link’s Mentioned In the Podcast:

https://www.slingpilotacademy.com/

ACP376 Chris Dunn The Flying Weatherman: Career Update

 

Today we have a former guest, weatherman turned passionate aviation professional Chris Dunn, with a career update. 

Questions, comments, or inspirational stories please write to us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Use Coupon Code: PayItForward to receive a free scholarship guide through the generosity of others.

The Scholarships Guide is available with over 120 million in scholarships. 

Our latest video:

https://www.youtube.com/@AviationCareersPodcast 

Talking Points:

  • Overview of Chris and his aviation career.
  • Update from his last appearance on episode 313.
  • https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp313-chris-dunn-the-flying-weatherman/
  • Is Chris still passionate about aviation?
  • How has his career evolved since our discussion in December 2020?
  • What has he learned about his career and his career goals?
  • Why you should never give up on your dream.
  • Managing two careers.
  • What is next?

Links Mentioned in This Podcast:

www.theflyingweatherman.com

https://www.facebook.com/ChrisDunnFlightTraining

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdunnweather/

https://groundschool.com/

ACP367 Career Change Dollars and Sense

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

 

ACP364 Hired At Sun N Fun 2023

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

ACP345 Yes, You Can Become A Pilot at 45 or Older!

Watch On YouTube

Today we answer the question: how do I start a career at 45 years old? Thank you to our listener who wrote into feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com 

If you have a question leave on in the comments below or write us directly at:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com . I really like helping you reach your career goals.

Sponsor:

Speaking of helping people reach their goals, a special shout out to the sponsor of this episode http://PlaneEnglishSim.com . Many of you listen to this podcast to help understand aviation terms and their proper pronunciation in English. Well, there is an app for that. PlaneEnglishSim is an App-based aviation radio simulator and is an easy way to gain radio proficiency in both VFR and IFR flight. 

Use the coupon code “PlaneEnglishSim” for free one-year access to the online Aerospace Scholarships guide. Links to the aerospace scholarships guide and the coupon code are in the show notes. There are a limited number of coupons so visit AviationCareerPodcast.com and use the code PlaneEnglishSim today. https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/  

Listener Mail:

 I am an avid listener of the Aviation NewsTalk podcast with Max Trescott and during this week’s episode, he mentioned your name and your associated Aviation Careers podcast.  I immediately jumped over to listen to one of your episodes and found myself with the impulse to reach out to you.  

 I have spent the last year working towards my Private Pilot Certificate, which I obtained last month.    Now, at the horizon of turning 45, I have found myself at a precipice of a career change, with a strong force pulling me towards becoming a commercial pilot. 

For as long as I can remember, planes have held a special place in my life.  Having my Private Pilot Certificate is something I have dreamed about for nearly 3 decades – since the release of MS Flight Simulator 3.0.  

However, as a divorced father of three and the welcome recipient of a steady income, I am interested in knowing if you have any suggestions/tips/tricks for taking the plunge into the ATP process, airline hiring, etc.  I am excited by the prospect of a career in aviation though I know there are things to take into consideration as well.  Most people don’t start this process at 45.  

If there is any information, hindsight, or insight you might be willing to share with me, I would greatly appreciate it.  In the meantime, I look forward to tuning into your next show and hope to hear from you. 

  • Congratulations on Your Private Pilot Certificate.
  • You are not alone at 45. Many people start a second career in aviation with some as guests on this show.
  • Some advice for those starting a career at 45:
    • You must create a plan.
    • Good grasp of your financial situation.
    • Communicate with your family the plan.
    • This is a team effort.
    • Reach out to a career coach for motivation and an unbiased opinion.
  • Financing your career change at 45.
    • Cash.
    • Loans.
    • Look for non-traditional student scholarships.

Links: 

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

Sponsor:

Thank you to the sponsor of this episode http://PlaneEnglishSim.com . Many of you listen to this podcast to help understand aviation terms and their proper pronunciation in English. Well, there is an app for that. PlaneEnglishSim is an App-based aviation radio simulator and an easy way to gain radio proficiency in both VFR and IFR. 

Use the coupon code “PlaneEnglishSim” for free one-year access to the online Aerospace Scholarships guide. Links to the aerospace scholarships guide and the coupon code are in the show notes. There are a limited number of coupons so visit AviationCareerPodcast.com and use the code PlaneEnglishSim today. https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

ACP336 Should I Become A Professional Pilot Even If I Am The Sole Earner In My Family?

 

Welcome to the Inspirational, Informational, and Transparent Aviation Careers Podcast. In today’s episode I answer the question if you should leave your job and become an airline pilot, even if you are the sole earner in the family.

 

If want to help others achieve their aviation goals please consider paying it forward by visiting https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

 

For Free Scholarships guide visit: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

 

Listener Mail 1:

Hello Carl,

I’m a 45-year-old, married man with 2 children looking into changing my profession.

I have a passion for aviation, but as the sole income earner in my household, I need to first reconcile my financial reality with my goal of becoming a pilot.

The reason I’m writing you is to see if you could answer some questions that I have regarding becoming a professional pilot:

  •  Considering the current situation with COVID-19, after I get my CFI certificate, will I be able to find work to build my 1,500 hours needed towards my ATP?
  • How long should I expect it will take to build those 1,500 hours?
    • 5 hours a day 5 days a week = 25 hours a week.
    • 1500 hours / 25 hours per week = 60 weeks.
    • 15 months.
    • To be conservative give yourself 18 months or 1 ½ years.
  • During the time I will be teaching, how much should I expect to make a year?
    • $31.67 an hour based on ZipRecruiter.
  • Once I start on a regional or corporate job, how much should I expect to make a year?
  • Talk to a financial counselor and career coach.
  • Take One Step Today towards Your Career Goal

 

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If want to help others achieve their aviation goals please consider paying it forward by visiting https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

For Free Scholarships guide visit: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

 

ACP317 Encore Aviation Career with Tim Miller

encore career

Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Today joining me is Tim Miller, teacher turned flight instructor. Tim has the quintessential success story of an Encore Career in Aviation and he wants to share his experiences with us today.

Before we begin a few announcements.

Announcements:

Questions, comments, or inspirational stories please write to us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com.  If you are watching on YouTube please press the thumbs up or down so I can tell you what content to bring to you in the future.

Use Coupon Code: PayItForward to receive a free scholarship guide through the generosity of others.

The Scholarships Guide is available with over 120 million in scholarships. The latest version contains 18 new scholarships and 11 updates! Consider giving the gift of flight by purchasing a scholarship guide as a gift. 

Our latest video:

YouTube.com/ExpertAviator

Talking Points:

  • Tim Miller’s passion for aviation.
  • It is never too late to start.
  • Why now?
  • Importance of Discovery Flight.
  • His journey to the flight deck.
  • The challenges of an encore career in aviation
  • The rewards of an encore aviation career.
  • Parting thoughts and advice to those seeking an encore career or career 2.0 later in life.

Links Mentioned in This Podcast:

https://www.dibiz.com/timothyjaymiller 

https://www.leadingedgeflyingclub.com/

ACP315 Persistence Pays Off For A School Teacher Turned Flight Instructor

Flight Instructor

Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Today have an inspirational story about persistence and a question from one of our Canadian listeners.

Before we begin a few announcements.

Announcements:

Questions, comments, or inspirational stories please write to us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com.  If you are watching on YouTube please press the thumbs up or down so I can tell you what content to bring to you in the future.

Use Coupon Code: PayItForward to receive a free scholarship guide through the generosity of others.

The Scholarships Guide is available with over 120 million in scholarships. The latest version contains 52 new scholarships and 10 updates! Consider giving the gift of flight by purchasing a scholarship guide as a gift. 

Our latest video:

YouTube.com/ExpertAviator

Listener Mail:

I became a CFI in 2019 and a CFII in 2020.  

I wanted to let you know that I found your podcast about 4 years ago around the time when I was considering a career change from a high school math teacher to becoming a Certified Flight Instructor.  

I only began flying in 2014, but one of the flight instructors I was working with suggested that I think about becoming a flight instructor.  At the time it seemed like an impossible goal, but as you say in your podcast, do something each day to move towards your aviation dreams, and that’s just what I did.

I retired from a 30-year high school teaching career in May of 2020, and now I’m a flight instructor working mostly at a Flying Club.

Your podcast has been a source of information and inspiration for me, and I wanted to thank you for your commitment to providing guidance and help to others in the field of aviation.

Talking Points:

  • Thank you for that inspirational letter.
  • Second or Encore career is very important especially if you are still healthy and have the energy to pursue another career.
  • Persistence and perseverance is the key to success.
  • A career is a marathon, not a sprint.
  • Encore Careers are important.
  • Career 2.0 and Encore Careers.
  • We would love to have you on the show to discuss your journey.
  • If you are interested in being a guest on the show please click on the link on the side of the screen where we have a course that describes how to be a guest. 
  • Hi, do you cater to many scholarships available to Canadians?

Links Mentioned in This Podcast:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/patreon

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com

http://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/how-to-be-a-guest-on-aviation-careers-podcast 

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

ACP313 Chris Dunn The Flying Weatherman

Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Today we have a special guest, weatherman turned passionate aviation professional Chris Dunn.

Announcements:

Questions, comments, or inspirational stories please write to us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

With close to 20 years of counseling furloughed and displaced pilots, I am here to help you. You can find out more at AviationCareersPodcast.com/Coaching. 

Use Coupon Code: ExpressJet for 20% off our services for those who have lost their jobs recently.

Use Coupon Code: PayItForward to receive a free scholarship guide through the generosity of others.

The Scholarships Guide is available with over 120 million in scholarships. The latest version contains 52 new scholarships and 10 updates! Consider giving the gift of flight by purchasing a scholarship guide as a gift. 

Our latest video:

YouTube.com/ExpertAviator

Talking Points:

  • Why Chris Dunn is passionate about aviation.
  • How his varied background gives him a better appreciation of the wonderful world of aviation. 
  • Fishing boats, Hollywood, radio, and Television. Why past life experiences all attribute to your success in aviation. 
  • Learning to fly in his 30’s – It is never too late.
  • Challenges of obtaining his Flight Instructor Certificate while working in TV and raising a family.
  • An Aviation Legacy – His grandfather was a pilot back in 1929. Father was a pilot. 
  • Why you should follow a career path they believe in.
  • Don’t be afraid to give any career a try.
  • Does aviation have challenges? Competition? Hard work? Sure, but so are most things in life that are truly worthwhile. 
  • Certificate timeline. Private 1997, Instrument 1999, Commercial 2018, CFI 2019.
  • Advice to those wanting to follow their aviation dreams in tough times.
  • What is next?

Links Mentioned in This Podcast:

www.theflyingweatherman.com

https://www.facebook.com/ChrisDunnFlightTraining

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdunnweather/

 www.aeroproinflight.com

ACP306 Can I Become A Cargo Pilot At 41?

ACP306 Can I Become A Cargo Pilot At 41? Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Today we answer your questions. 

Announcements:

Questions, comments, or inspirational stories please write to us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

If you like the content of this podcast and want to make a difference in someone’s life please consider becoming a Patron. For every $10 we raise we give away one scholarship guide. Click on the Patron button or visit https://www.patreon.com/ValeriAviation to find out more.

The Scholarships Guide Is Available with over 120 million in scholarships. The latest version contains 18 new scholarships and 32 updates! Consider giving the gift of flight by purchasing a scholarship guide as a gift. 

Send us an e-mail at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com with your name, e-mail address, and the number of scholarship guides you would like. We will bill you and send you a coupon code your gift recipient can use for free one-year access to the scholarship guide.

Our latest video:

YouTube.com/ExpertAviator

Listener Mail:

“I am glad I discovered your podcast. Extremely insightful, nicely varied topics and fantastic guests. I especially liked episode 294  with Chad Kendall. I believe my flight instructor was a colleague of Mr. Kendall at Metropolitan State University in Denver.

I retired from the US Navy in 2018 after 20 years of working in nuclear power. While on an overseas trip, I met a FEDEX pilot in the hotel lobby of the Narita Hilton. 

After a nice chat, I knew my career goal – fly cargo.

Fast forward to present day – recently obtained my PPL and working towards follow on ratings. I turn 41 in less than a week.

My question – is a goal of becoming a cargo pilot too far fetched of an idea at my age? 

Keep up the fantastic work. I look forward to each new episode!

Thanks,”

  1. Cargo flying at the majors vs the feeders and charter.
  2. Give yourself 3 to 10 years to obtain your ultimate goal
  3. You can work past 65 if you go with a 135 or 91 company.
  4. FedEx and UPS are the big carriers and are part 121.
  5. Cargo has become very competitive again.

Links Mentioned in This Podcast:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp294-careers-in-collegiate-aviation-with-professor-chad-kendall/