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Welcome to the Inspirational, Informational, and Transparent Aviation Careers Podcast. In today’s episode, I read an inspiring story from a Marine Pilot who succeeded through perseverance even though he had many No’s in his career progression. 

Links Mentioned In This Show:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

https://www.cnatra.navy.mil/tw5/vt3/ 

https://www.spartan.edu

TimeLine:

 Intro - I’m Back From A Medical Break

Listener Mail: Should I pay for the ATP-CTP?

Inspirational Story Intro

History of VT-3

Perseverance When Everyone Says No

Carl’s Inspirational Message

Talking Points:

Thank you for your patience while I made my way through this sickness. I am now fully recovered and have my vaccine.  We are back to a normal schedule.

First listener question before we hear our inspirational story.

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Hello Carl and team.

I have a quick question for the podcast.

I just hit 1500 hours TT and have enough cross-country time for a R-ATP (425). I know the regionals will generally do your ATP checkride as part of your initial training and type checkride. Before COVID, they were covering the ATP-CTP as well. My question is, given the environment, would it be worth spending the $5K on the ATP-CTP now or should I wait until hiring restarts to see if the regionals will continue to cover it?

I would like to do the ATP-CTP now and get the ATP written out of the way, but it's a lot of money I don't really want to spend right now if I don't have to.

Thanks!

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Now on to our inspirational story but first we would like to thank the sponsor of this podcast Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology.

Ready for your aviation career to take off? 

Visit www.Spartan.edu to find how you can accelerate your career in aviation.

Established in 1928, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology is one of the nation's first technical training schools for aviation and pilots. 

Spartan College has trained over 100,000 pilots during its over 90-year history!

With the purchase of 32 new Piper Archers, you will train using the newest technology in the industry.

To find out more visit www.Spartan.edu. 

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology will accelerate your aviation career and help you reach new heights!

Spartan is providing 50 free scholarships guides so please visit http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

====================================

Carl,

I've been listening to your podcast for a few years now, and I gotta say you have been very inspirational to me. I greatly appreciate what you do for all of us. I finish listening to your episodes and always accomplish something to move in the right direction.

 Thank you. 

I finally got around to emailing you because I was watching one of your YouTube episodes (great BTW, keep that up), and I saw a big VT-3 patch on the shelf behind you. I was just curious what connection you had to the Red Knights and if you were an instructor here at one time?

I'll be retiring out of here in a couple of years and plan on starting a career in the airlines after this. I plan on reaching out for some career advice when the time comes, or at least a little closer.

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A short history of VT-3

Training Squadron Three (VT-3) was commissioned on May 1, 1960, at South Whiting Field. Its primary mission at the time was to instruct student Naval Aviators in radio instruments, air-to-air gunnery, and formation flying. Air-to-air gunnery was discontinued in January 1965 and familiarization and basic instrument training was added in its place. In 1973, VT-3 moved to its present location at North Whiting Field.

In 1980, VT-3 became one of the few commands selected to be alternately commanded by Navy and Marine Corps officers. The Red Knights were honored again in 1994 when they became the Navy's only joint primary flight training squadron to include Air Force students and instructor pilots. Additionally, VT-3 alternated Navy and Air Force commanding officers from 1995 to 2014. Today, VT-3 continues its legacy of joint training with a ready-room of Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force instructor pilots.

https://www.cnatra.navy.mil/tw5/vt3/ 

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I've heard a lot of inspirational stories on your show. I hope you have the time to hear mine.

I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a pilot. As I remember back there were a few things that worked together to spark my passion. My dad was in the Air Force and worked on F-15's. I was able to be around the aircraft regularly. We had a family friend who was an airline pilot and got me a discovery flight with the Young Eagles program. I know it seems trivial but as a kid I loved to build models of aircraft. My parents bought this paper airplane model kit (Whitewings), and I was so intrigued with how they flew and the aerodynamics behind it. But the pivotal moment was about 14. We were stationed at Nellis and the Thunderbirds used to practice north of Vegas all the time.  I would sit on the roof and watch. One day I told myself, "Yup, that's what i'm going to do." It took a tremendous amount of work as a teenager, but after being stationed back at Eglin, I mowed a lot of lawns and saved up the money to get my private license at the Eglin AFB Aero Club. 

I flew as much as a poor young adult could afford for the next couple years. Then life took a different direction. I got married, had a son right away at a very young age, and found myself struggling to provide; with nothing extra to spend on flying. After losing my last civilian job with a second son on the way, I went to a recruiter and enlisted in the Marine Corps. 

I spent the next 12 years as a Tanker. I had the most wonderful experiences, incredible deployments, and made lifelong friends. All the while I would take a college class here and there, and try to fly just enough to stay current with what I could afford. 

There is a program in the USMC called MECEP (Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program). It is a very competitive commissioning program that basically gives you orders, while remaining active duty and getting paid, to go to college, get your degree, and commission upon completion. A very sweet deal indeed. 

I was selected and attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach FL. Majored in Aero Sci. And because I could use my GI Bill benefits, I went to the Multi-engine track and flew the DA-42 the whole time I was there to get my Commercial, ME, Inst. I was so happy to be doing what I loved and getting paid for it. While attending the school, I tried to get an aviation contract with the Marines. But I was 31 at the time, and the CG (Commanding General)  said no to my Age waiver. I was incredibly frustrated, but I did not give up. I asked again but again an answer of no. New CG, asked again, No. CG Came to the school so I was able to talk face to face, he said he would work with me. But it came back on paper, No. I was pretty frustrated. I was older because I had been a Marine not because I had been on the street the whole time. I ran a

n outstanding PFT (Physical Fitness Test), had a 4.0 GPA, was attending the perfect school for it, all 9's on the ASTB (Aviation Selection Test Battery), was going to incur the same obligation as any other new Marine pilot, yet I was one year older than another student at the school who got the waiver and my answer was No. 

I went to The Basic School as a new officer on a ground contract. While under a different command I asked for the age waiver again and got a yes. I was ecstatic but now I had to compete for the one pilot slot for my class of 240. Only about 25 guys were gunning for it though. I worked my butt off and in the end, the pilot slot was mine. I was over the moon. 

You're probably familiar with what happens next API (Aviation Preflight Indoctrination), then VT-6. I knew from the start that the C130 was where I wanted to be. I was very successful in primary, after all I had been studying for this my whole life. I was lucky enough to be selected for the almighty Herc, and I have had the most amazing career flying it. I fell in love with that plane. 

Stationed in Japan then San Diego, been around the globe numerous times, flown to the craziest locations you can think of, numerous deployments and detachments. I would drive to work and could not believe that they were paying me to do this. 

The mission set for this platform in the USMC is unique as well. To be able to fly a low level at night on the goggles under a threat to air deliver bundles of blood and supplies to troops at a FOB (Forward Operating Base), go refuel jets or helo's, land in austere location somewhere, then a couple nights later be at some capital city in Europe for the trip home, doing it all with your close friends in a plane that is comfortable and a blast to fly! 

All good things come to an end and I knew that I would get orders somewhere, so I asked for orders to come back here to Whiting and instruct. So far I have greatly enjoyed it. I owe the two years for the PCS then I will be eligible to retire. I plan on flying for the airlines after. I'm looking forward to the next chapter, but certainly enjoying this one.

Once again, love your show and all the work you do advancing our community. Thank you for all you do. 

Look forward to hearing from you.

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Sun N Fun

Welcome to another special episode of the Stuck Mic AvCast. We continue with interviews recorded live from the Deck of Sun N Fun Radio on Day 5, April 17, 2021. You can listen to these interviews all throughout the year at LiveAtc.net/snf or SNFRadio.com.

Interviews:

  1. Russ Keith, John Naugla and Mike Roberts - Airplanes And Coffee - https://www.airplanesandcoffee.com
  2. Harley Richards - Chairman of Sun N Fun - https://flysnf.org/about-us/board-of-directors/
  3. Brent D. Maule - Maule Aircraft - https://www.mauleairinc.com
  4. Robert DeLaurentis - Pole To Pole Flight - https://www.flyingthrulife.com/pole-to-pole/
  5. Kathy Ammon - Guardian ad Litem - https://guardianadlitem.org
  6. Amy Gesch -  Wipaire Floats - https://www.wipaire.com
  7. Carl Valeri - Aviation Careers In 2021 - http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com
  8. Michelle Graves and Brianna Dittman - Women In Aviation - https://waijax.com 
  9. Jeff Lanoue - Stor Loc Modular Drawer Tool Storage - http://www.storloc.com
  10. Fran Orlandino - AvLabs Oil Analysis and more - http://www.avlab.com
  11. Kollin Stagnito, Kevin Cortes, Erick Webb - AOPA Sweepstakes Grumman Tiger - https://www.aopa.org
  12. Trey Murdaugh - TL North America - https://www.tlsportaircraft.com 
  13. Cythia Roosevelt "Rosie" - AMT Instructor - http://www.polkedpathways.com/portfolio/airframe-powerplant/
  14. Susan Levitte - Greenbay Austin Straubel Airport - https://www.flygrb.com 

 

We will talk to you in the next episode. Safe Flying!

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Sun N Fun

In this episode are interviews live from the Deck of Sun N Fun Radio on Day 4, April 16, 2021.

Interviews:

Karl Grove - Ac Aero http://www.ac-aero.com
Lee Lauderback - Stallion 51 - Important of Recurrent Training - https://www.stallion51.com
Mark Lampe - Capt. Santa Claus Ties Proceeds towards hearing impared students. - https://captsantaclaus.com
Tal Clark - Aircraft Ownership Simplified - https://coflyt.com
Mary Woolf & Jennifer Datz - Women In Aviation - https://www.wai.org
David St. George - Society of Aviation and Flight Educators - https://www.safepilots.org
Patrick McKalee - Airshow Pilot - https://patrickmcaleeairshows.com
Daniela Knoll - BuschCat - https://www.fly-aerosport.com/bushcat-light-sport
Shavonna Reid - Pipistrel Panthera - https://rightrudderaviation.com/pipistrel/
Steve Anderson - Pitts, Husky, and Eagle - https://aviataircraft.com
David Bush - Honda Generators - https://powerequipment.honda.com/generators

We will talk to you in the next episode. Safe Flying!

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This episode is the interviews the team from Stuck Mic AvCast conducted on April 15, 2021, from the Deck of Sun N Fun Radio. You can listen to all of the interviews on LiveAtc.net/snf.

Before We Begin I would like to thank our sponsor Spartan College of Aeronautics for sponsoring both Sun N Fun Radio and The Stuck Mic AvCast. They are providing 50 free scholarships guides to our podcast listeners simply by visiting StuckMicAvCast.com/free

Preflight Checklist:

Sponsor : 

Ready for your aviation career to take off? 

Visit www.Spartan.edu to find how you can accelerate your career in aviation.

Established in 1928, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology is one of the nation's first technical training schools for aviation and pilots. 

Spartan College has trained over 100,000 pilots during its over 90-year history!

With the purchase of 32 new Piper Archers, you will train using the newest technology in the industry.

To find out more visit www.Spartan.edu. 

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology will accelerate your aviation career and help you reach new heights!

Spartan Is a Sponsor of both the Stuck Mic AvCast and Sun N Fun Radio. Thank you, Spartan for all you to dot support the aviation community.

Cruise Flight: 

I am Carl Valeri and welcome to a special edition of 

Interviews:

  1. Aviation Safety Resources - Larry Williams https://www.aviationsafetyresources.com
  2. Highlights with Eric Crump - Polk State Aerospace - https://www.polk.edu/aerospace/
  3. AvDoc 51 - Doctor Bush - https://www.stallion51.com/avdoc-51/
  4. Islands of The Bahamas - https://www.bahamas.com
  5. Platinum Group - Hurricane Light - Michael Bernhardt - https://platinumgrpinc.com
  6. Women In Aviation - Liz Booker, Angye Fox - https://www.wai.org 
  7. Air Transport International - Holly Harper - https://www.airtransport.cc
  8. Deland Sport Aviation Showcase - Jana Philip - https://www.sportaviationshowcase.com
  9. Lunch with AOPA - Mark Baker and Tom Haines - https://www.aopa.org 

Links Mentioned In This Podcast:

https://flysnf.org/

Snfradio.com

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Welcome to a special edition of the Stuck Mic AvCast broadcasting live from the deck at Sun N Fun Radio. 

Before we begin I would like to thank our sponsor Spartan College of Aeronautics for sponsoring both Sun N Fun Radio and The Stuck Mic AvCast. They are providing 50 free scholarships guides to our podcast listeners simply by visiting StuckMicAvCast.com/free

Preflight Checklist:

Sponsor : 

Ready for your aviation career to take off? 

Visit www.Spartan.edu to find how you can accelerate your career in aviation.

Established in 1928, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology is one of the nation's first technical training schools for aviation and pilots. 

Spartan College has trained over 100,000 pilots during its over 90-year history!

With the purchase of 32 new Piper Archers, you will train using the newest technology in the industry.

To find out more visit www.Spartan.edu

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology will accelerate your aviation career and help you reach new heights!

Spartan is a sponsor of both the Stuck Mic AvCast and Sun N Fun Radio. Thank you, Spartan for all you do to support the aviation community.

Cruise Flight: 

I am Carl Valeri and welcome to a special edition of Stuck Mic AvCast!

Talking Points:

  • Is Aviation Training keeping up with the accelerating advances in aviation technology?
  • Mike from Airplane Repo and his wife Valerie
  • What can we do to inspire young aviators both to pursue aviation careers and aviation as a hobby?
  • The Sun N Fun 2021 Experience. We reflect on our favorite exhibits, experiences, airshow performers, and online experiences with Dave Pascoe from LiveATC.net.

After Landing Checklist:

Links Mentioned In This Podcast:

https://flysnf.org/

Snfradio.com

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SMAC274 Sun N Fun 2021 Part 5

Welcome to a special edition from Sun N Fun 2021. In this episode we have field interviews from April 16, 2021.

Interviews:

  1. Oxygen Systems - Scott Ashton - https://www.aerox.com

  2. Seaplane Pilots Association - Mark Wrasse - https://www.seaplanepilotsassociation.org

  3. Diamond Aircraft - https://www.diamondaircraft.com/en/

  4. Levil Bom - Michelle Leon - https://levilaviation.com

 

We will talk to you in the next episode. Safe Flying!

 

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Medical

On March 31, 2021, the FAA updated the guidelines for Aviation Medical Examiners concerning applicants who have had Covid-19. There have been many questions surrounding the new guidelines and in this video, we will discuss how the new guidelines will affect pilots and obtain a medical.

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/media/COVID-19DispositionTable.pdf

https://planeenglishsim.com  

App-based aviation radio simulator is an easy way to gain radio proficiency in both VFR and IFR. 

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

Joining me today is Chris Pezalla from the law offices of Robert Stumor at https://www.strumorlaw.com

What do I need to report to my AME?

What will the AME do if I have had COVID?

What happens if my medical application is deferred?

What happens if my application is denied?

What paperwork should I keep?

Wait 48 hours after the vaccine.

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SMAC273 Sun N Fun 2021 Part 4

Sun N Fun is Back! Welcome to a special edition from Sun N Fun 2021. In This episode we hear the interviews live from the Deck on April 14, 2021

Interviews:

Custom Z Fitter - Richard Talkington Fletcher - https://customzfitter.com
Highlights with Eric Cump - https://www.polk.edu/aerospace/
Global Aero Connect - https://globalaeroconnect.com
LetterFly - Custom Art Design For Your Airplane - https://www.letterfly.com
Air America - Pamela Crone - https://www.air-america.org
Women In Aviation - NOAA Rebecca Waddington - https://www.wai.org - https://www.noaa.gov
Tally Ho - Rodney Johnson - https://tallyho.pro
AOPA Government Affairs- Steve Hedges and Chris Cooper - https://www.aopa.org
Aircraft Judging Passing The Torch - https://www.eaa.org/eaa
Buying A Plane - Steve King - https://airplaneiq.com
Waco Aircraft - Mike Hartman - https://www.wacoaircraft.com
Michelle Rhinesmith - ACE Director Of Development https://flysnf.org/support-the-mission/what-is-ace/
Civil Air Patrol - Luis Garcia - Florida Wing Commander - https://gofloridawing.org
Ampere Inc - Luke Wolle - https://www.ampereinc.ca
Scholarships - Carl Valeri - http://aerospacescholarships.com

We will talk to you in the next episode. Safe Flying!

 

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SMAC272 Sun N Fun 2021 Part 3

Sun N Fun is Back! Welcome to a special edition from Sun N Fun 2021.

Interviews:

  1. Open the show with Eric Cump - https://www.polk.edu/aerospace/

  2. Highlights with Lites Leenhouts, President Sun N Fun - https://flysnf.org

  3. Tactical Hearing - Darrin Johns - https://tacticalhearing.com

  4. Wings For Humanity - Rebecca and Kyle Stevenson - https://www.wings4humanity.org

  5. Women In Aviation - Women Shine - Molly Blackford and Jackie Carlon - https://www.wai.org

  6. Avidyne - John Talmadge - https://www.avidyne.com

  7. Southern Utah University - https://www.suu.edu/aviation/

  8. Lunch with AOPA - Elizabeth Tennyson and Richard McSpadden - https://www.aopa.org

  9. Norad - Trevor “BOAT” Boswell - https://www.norad.mil

 

We will talk to you in the next episode. Safe Flying!

 

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SMAC271 Sun N Fun 2021 Part 2

SMAC271 Sun N Fun 2021 Part 2

Sun N Fun is Back! Welcome to a special edition from Sun N Fun 2021. 

Interviews:

  1. BushCat - Brain Karlow - https://www.fly-aerosport.com/bushcat-light-sport
  2. Learn Composites - Deborah Van Treuren - https://flysnf.org 
  3. Aerolite - Dennis Carley - https://www.uflyit.com/
  4. GPS and Single Pilot IFR - Gary Reeves - https://pilotsafety.org 
  5. Pipistrel - Rand Vollmer - https://www.pipistrel-aircraft.com 
  6. Diamond Aircraft - Annemarie Mercedes Heikenwalder - https://www.diamondaircraft.com/en/
  7. Warbirds 02B - Dennis “Coach” Warren - https://flysnf.org/aerospace-expo/airshows-aircraft/warbird-headquarters/ 

We will talk to you in the next episode. Safe Flying!

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