Category Archives: Career Change

Accelerated Pilot Training, Aviation Training, Career Change, Podcast

ACP097 Too old to fly? Will an Additional Degree Help Your Pilot Career?

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Talon6FlightTeamPolkStateCollegeAre you too old to fly? Will an additional degree help you with your piloting career?  What direction should you take in your training? These questions and more will be answered in this episode of Aviation Careers podcast.

Welcome to episode 97. Joining me is Eric Crump; flight instructor, college professor, and Aerospace Director at Polk State College. Today we will answer your questions concerning your aerospace career.

Announcements:

Polk State College Flight Team wins awards at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association Regionals.  Membership in a flight team is rewarding, teaches how to win with integrity, and is helpful towards advancing your career.

The new ebook version of the  Aerospace Scholarships 2015 is available for download.  The version is completely revamped and is much easier to use. Go to AerospaceScholarships.com to get your copy.  Members of the website can download the PDF file for free.

The electronic PDF version of the book Aerospace Scholarships 2016 will be available for purchase online for $10 and will include ALL quarterly updates throughout the year! Advanced purchase will include a copy of the 2015 Aerospace Scholarships Book.  Available soon at AerospaceScholarships.com.

Listener Mail:

  • I am a 35-year-old husband and father of two. I’m worried that I’m too old to be competitive in the marketplace.
  • Am I too old to become a major airline pilot?
  • Would I be able to make enough as a regional pilot to support a family?
  • If being a pilot is out of the picture, are there other career paths in aviation?
  • Should I get an additional college degree in aviation?
  • Should I pursue a 10-month aviation flight school program?
  • Should I join an Ab Initio cadet program and fly the right seat of an A320?
  • I would like to set myself up to fly for a major airline.
  • Should I attend flight school and college in a good weather environment such as Florida and move out of the cold north?
  • I am 28 years old  and struggling to make a decision on what to do next.
  • I want to be a competent safe pilot, share my love of flying with others, and get paid.

Scholarship of the Week:

AOPA Blackburn Flight Scholarship $5,000

Aviation Maintenance Technician, Career Change, Interview Tips & Advice, Podcast, Questions Answered

ACP062 – Aviation Writing And Listener Mail with Jamie Beckett

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JamieThis week’s show was originally intended to simply be a Q&A session with my friend and fellow pilot Jamie Beckett, but as a bonus we started talking about his career in independent aviation writing. Jamie is an independent writer of non-aviation fiction and aviation related non-fiction. He has written for a number of aerospace companies including:

  • Gleim Publications
  • AOPA Flight Training
  • AOPA Flight School for Business
  • General Aviation News, where he has a regular column entitled “Politics for Pilots.”

Janie and I talk quite a bit about “General Aviation,” which is any aviation that takes place outside of the big commercial airlines that are in the business of moving lots of people or cargo in major, often international airports. General Aviation takes place at small local airports like Gilbert Field in Winterhaven, Florida where we recorded this show. At these small airports you will not usually find a ticket counter and baggage carousel, but you will find flight instructors, personal and corporate pilots, mechanics, rental car agents, travel promoters, and even office workers hired to keep the airport running, ordering fuel, and arranging flight time for students. Jamie makes a very interesting point about seeing your local GA airport like more of a mall, a hub for commerce for your community that can expand your town economically by bringing in people and goods to create jobs.

Jamie shared extensively about how he became and independent writer for airline publications and how that contributes to his passion for aviation, as well as making a living in that field. He also gave some great tips and advice on how to break into the industry.

In the second half of the show, Carl and Jamie answered some great listener questions:

  • Should I buy an airplane, and what type?
  • Is my flight review still current, do I truly need a flight review? (The answer might surprise you!)
  • Carl is NOT moving to Melbourne, Australia
  • Keep moving in your career, get your ATP written by August 1, 2014 even if you are not ready for the test.
  • How much will a checkered past prohibit you from pursuing a professional aviation career?
  • Flying in Papua, New Guinea
  • Story about switching to a career as a flight instructor
  • How to get hired in the aviation business
  • Creating an online resume through a personal website

Links:

If you would like to learn more about Jamie or get in torch with him,, you can do so at his website: JamieBeckett.com

cropped-96768-David-Gilson-Banner

FAA Regulation – Flight Review 61.56

Tom Wachowski discusses this in the Pilot Jobs book video How to Build a Web site. This video is available for free to registered users. The entire Pilot Jobs Book is available to Annual Members Of Aviation Careers Podcast.

Pilot Jobs Book Video : How To Make a Website


Air Traffic Controller, Airline Pilot, Aviation Maintenance Technician, Business Aviation, Career Change, Corporate Pilot, Podcast

ACP045 – Airline Pilot – Stressful, Dangerous, and Boring?

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P1010002

We Discuss:

  • ATC Contract Towers.
  • Why airline pilot is listed as the most stressful and most dangerous job.
  • Is Being an Airline Pilot Boring?

Listener Mail:

  • A listener who wants to become an astronaut asks:  Should I join the Air Force and gain flight experience and then apply to test pilot school?  Is it possible to pursue a graduate degree while learning how to fly a MWS aircraft? 
  • What would you recommend is the best place to network regarding corporate aviation & Jobs?
  • I live in Chicago, any recommendations, or any clubs I could join?
  • Would a check ride failure impact my corporate flying careers?
  • Will employers still consider me for employment with multiple failures?  
  • A 20 year old Bahamian pilot would like more information on aerial photography.  
  • A 38 year old flight attendant with a charter airline wants to be a commercial  pilot. Given the time and expense involved, am I too old to enter this profession? How long would it take me to complete my training? Once training is completed, how many years would I have in the profession before I have to retire   
  • A Canadian pilot wants to know if there are scholarships available for aviation in Canada?
  • Does the excitement of aviation continue once you actually ‘make it’?
  • Are you still as passionate about aviation as you were when you blew your tires driving off the road pointing out the 747?  

Links Mentioned In This Podcast:

SimpleFlight.net – Live Aviation Radio Show in broadcast over the internet.

Jet Upset Training Adds Big Value To Your Aviation Ventures – Pilot Jet Podcast Episode 18

Pilot Records  Information Act

Forbes Most Deadliest Jobs

Most Stressful Jobs from Salary.com

CBAA – Chicago Business Aviation Association

Linked In Chicago Business Aviation Network

Linked In Chicago Area Business Aviation Association

Linked In Business Aviation Network


Airline Pilot, Aviation Maintenance Technician, Business Aviation, Career Change, College, Color Blindness, Corporate Pilot, Financial Aid, Flight Instructing, Part Time Aviation Career, Pilot Shortage, Podcast, Questions Answered

ACP041 – “Don’t Let The Effort Keep You From Your Goal” Listener Mail With Eric Crump

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RedBirdSimulator
Eric Crump the Aerospace Program Director at Polk State College  is an experienced pilot and has had years of experience helping people achieve success in their aviation career.

Eric and I discuss the following listener mail:

  • An aviation maintenance student wants to know job prospects for pilots and mechanics.
  • A 38 year with a family wants to know if age is a factor in choosing a career as a pilot and what his financing options are.
  • A private pilot wants to know if color blindness will keep him from becoming an airline pilot and what opportunities are available for those that are color blind.
  • Anissa has some advice for young pilots: “Don’t let the effort dissuade you from your goal!”
  • A  43 year old private pilot asks if a particular type of flying companies like to see in a pilot’s logbook?
  • Do I need to fund my own multi-engine rating to be considered for corporate or charter flying or are there opportunities for single engine pilots out there?
  • Will a  special issuance medical hurt my chances at an aviation career?
  • What is  your opinion on the future of civil aviation regarding pilotless aircraft. In the last half decade there have been huge advances in UAV technology and do you think that in say the next 30-50 years we will see the cockpit be reduced to 1 person just monitoring systems or possibly no-one?
  • Should take a semester off, and go to flight school and while instructing finish my associates online?  

 

Links Mentioned In This Podcast: 

Polk State Approved to Offer Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Sciences

Red Bird Flight Simulators

Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook

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

AOPA Article: Answers for Pilots: Color vision

AOPA Article: Color Vision Restriction Removal

Air Surgeon’s Medical Bulletin January 2012

PlaneSense – fractional operator of single engine aircraft.

The UAV Digest
UAVDigest

The Golden Age of Unmanned Flight


Airline Pilot, Career Change, Military, Podcast

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

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

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

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

In This episode we discuss:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos copyright KenMist.com


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

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

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

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

Chris and I Discuss:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Links Mentioned in this podcast:

BingoFuelApp

Bingo Fuel App Link: AviationCareersPodcast.com/BingoFuel

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

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

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

Stanford CS193P CourseIOS tutorials and resources.

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


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

ACP032 – Listener Mail with Tom Wachowski

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

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

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

Listener Mail:

From Todd:

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

From Jesus:

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

From Brian:

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

From John:

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

From Tim:

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

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

Question From Junior:

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

 From Jonathan:

Am I too old to become a professional pilot?

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

How would you suggest I go about my career?

From Carlos:

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

Would it be possible to do some charters part time?

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

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

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

Talk to you next episode and Safe Flying!

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Airplane Geeks Podcast

Taking Advantage Of The Pending Pilot Shortages

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

Your Money House


Career Change, Flight Instructing, Flight Instructor, General Aviation, Part Time Aviation Career, Podcast

ACP024 – Preparing For A Midlife Career Change; The Successful Part Time Flight Instructor

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It has been said that the passion for aviation is an incurable disease which is treated by hours of flying. Well one person who you can tell has been bitten by the aviation “bug” is Paul D’Auria. When I first met Paul his childlike smile as he talked about aviation made me realize this person is hooked.

Although full of youthful exuberance and hope normally associated with a teenager heading to college, Paul has not seen his teens for decades. With that said Paul personifies a passion for flight no matter the age of the pilot.

Recently Paul decided to transition from his desk job at a large corporation to flight instructor full time. Years before that transition he worked getting his ratings and building a client base for his flight instructor business.

Today we are going to speak with Paul about working part time as a flight instructor and how to prepare for a transition from a desk job to a full time flying job. His story is one we will watch unfold and hope to have him on again when he is working full time in the field.

Paul and I Discuss:

  • How Paul developed his passion for aviation.
  • Keys to being a successful part time flight instructor.
  • How to prepare for the transition from desk job to a full time flying position.
  • Methods of building your client base as an independent flight instructor.
  • Working with flight schools as an independent instructor.
  • Why it is never too late to start looking towards a career in aviation.
  • Defining your unique aviation career goals.
  • Challenges for the middle age career transition.

Recommendation:

I receive e-mails from listeners wanting to change careers but they can’t because as their income has increased so has their lifestyle. If this has happened to you don’t feel bad because this commonly happens.  If you feel you are attached to a lifestyle as if chained to a heavy anchor no need to worry because there is hope.

The first step is to stop your high consumption lifestyle, begin living within your means, and start saving money. We all think we want to be rich because we want to buy the things rich people have. But to feel rich we begin buying those things that might make us feel happy at the moment but straddle us with debt or transfer our savings to an inanimate object.

If your dream is to have a career in aviation you will need to be very conservative in your spending and your lifestyle. This is due to the high cost of training, low starting wages, and the years it might require to gain experience to make you marketable throughout the industry.

You will need to start living within your means but this is difficult without some guidance and examples. As pilots we try to emulate the skills and safety practices of those pilots and instructors we admire. You also should try and emulate those who are financially successful such as millionaires.

I think you will find the information in the book Stop Acting Rich valuable and discover that many of the millionaires in this country became wealthy by leading a frugal lifestyle and not becoming caught in a high consumption lifestyle that we often associate with wealth. The greatest lesson I learned from this book is that if you look at the things you purchase from a practical standpoint as opposed to how it makes you feel you will be well on your way to the financial security you will need while navigating your way through your aviation career. I think by reading this book you will learn something that will help you move towards financial security and allow you to concentrate on obtaining your aviation career goal.

Career Questions Answered:

  • Can an individual can be successful as a ground instructor?
  • Is there a market for ground instructors?

I hope you have enjoyed listening to Paul D’Auria’s  story and come back in the future to hear how he is progressing with his flight instructing.  If you have any questions for Paul please feel free to contact us and we will pass along the question to Paul. Simply click on the contact page on our website AviationCareersPodcast.com/contact and send us a message.

Remember to like AviationCareersPodcast on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get up to date information.  You can of course ask us questions on facebook and twitter or you can e-mail me directly at carl@aviationcareerspodcast.com or leave a voicemail at 347-MY-WINGS (347) 699-4647.

Before every flight a pilot takes time to plan for a normal flight. A good pilot places just as much thought into contingency plans.  It is a good idea to follow the lead of a good pilot in command and spend adequate time both planning your career and making contingency plans.

By having financial stability it makes your plan go much smoother. Financial stability is like having extra fuel in the tanks because you can make many diversions but still make it to your destination without stopping along the way. This is the reason I recommended Stop Acting Rich.  By avoiding a high consumption lifestyle you will be able to use the money to progress towards your career goal.

Remember extra fuel is like extra money in the bank.  By being a good steward of your money you will make it to your career destination with greater financial safety and speed.  I Hope you have enjoyed today’s show and I look forward to seeing you next episode. Safe Flying!

Related Links:

Episode 003 – How to be a Successful Part Time Flight Instructor

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Airline Captain, Career Change, Careers, Pilot Shortage, Podcast, Simulator Instructor, Women In Aviation

Episode 002 – Seniority, Age 65 and the Pending Pilot Shortage, Interview with a professional flight simulator instructor, and a product recommendation to enhance your flying career.

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Welcome to Episode 2 of the Aviation Careers Podcast. In today’s episode we will discuss:

What the term seniority means and how it impacts everyone involved in aviation.
The “age 65 rule “ and why it is affecting the pending pilot shortage.
What you should be reading if you plan on flying jets or more complex aircraft.

Our interview today is with Angie Terrell. Angie is a former airline Captain and has changed her career path recently to become a professional simulator instructor. In our interview we will discover:

  • What it’s like to be a simulator instructor.
  • What qualifications are needed to be a good simulator instructor.
  • What should you be doing if you want to become a simulator instructor.
  • What type of career progression can be expected.
  • What are the job prospects.
  • Who are the biggest employers of simulator instructors.
  • What is the lifestyle of a typical simulator instructor.

Recommended Reading:

The Turbine Pilots Flight Manual is the book I read before I moved up to larger more complex aircraft. It helped me when I began flying jets and turboprops because the book uses descriptions and diagrams which make even the most complex systems easy to understand.