ExpertAviator.com

In our last episode, we discussed the 10 reasons you should become an air traffic controller. Joining me again today is George Harper, an air traffic control manager, to discuss 10 reasons you may not want to become an air traffic controller.

Send us your accomplishments and a photo if you want us to share in the podcast on YouTube to feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Ten Reasons You Should Not Become An Air Traffic Controller:

Afraid of heights.
Don’t like high-stress environments.
Don’t like being responsible for people’s lives.
The opposite of intellectually stimulating can be intellectually exhausting
Rarely 9-5 Mon-Fri (schedule)
Cannot make mistakes (at all)
Never routine, always changing
Ongoing training and refresher training are required monthly
May have to move for career
It’s a difficult field to get into.

Links:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp285-life-of-an-air-traffic-control-tower-manager-with-george-harper/

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm#tab-1
Scholarships:
ATC Scholarship in our guide at https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Monthly Group Coaching:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching
Use coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free.

One On One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching
Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com or
Visit us: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

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With a shortage of air traffic controllers, there has been a renewed interest in the career. I have with me George Harper, an air traffic control manager, who will discuss the 10 reasons why you should become an Air Traffic Controller. George joined us on the show 5 years ago when we had a great conversation about what it is like to be a controller. Check out episode 285 to learn more.

Send us your accomplishments and a photo if you want us to share in the podcast on YouTube to feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Ten Reasons You Should Become An Air Traffic Controller:

An office with an amazing view.
Home every day.
Pay and Benefits
$137,380
Intellectually stimulating.
Something different every day
Adrenalin rush
Challenging
Elite career and is respected
Professional video gamer -Radar-
Rewarding career, keeping people safe

Links:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp285-life-of-an-air-traffic-control-tower-manager-with-george-harper/

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm#tab-5

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm#tab-1
Scholarships:
ATC Scholarship in our guide at https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Monthly Group Coaching:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching
Use coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free.

One On One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com or
Visit us: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

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Welcome our interviews from Sun N Fun 2025.

Preflight:

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC - you can find them at https://www.strumorlaw.com/

The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC, handles various aviation matters, including FAA safety investigations and pilot medical certifications. You can find them on the web at https://www.strumorlaw.com/

Cruise Flight:

Interviews:

Tom Frick:
Carolyn - https://www.fly-inn.com

Adriana the Luscombe Lady. Tailwheel training. Learning in a tailwheel or transitioning.

Philip Gunn Recreational Aviation Foundation. The mission of RAF is to support back country and unpaved airports. https://theraf.org/

Gary Hillman Consolidated Aircraft Coverings. How to work on fabric coverings and rib stitching on vintage and modern planes. https://www.conaircraft.com/

After Landing Checklist:

Pick Of The Week:

tNo Pick Of The Week Since This Is A Live Show.

Links:

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

Florida International Airshow November 1-2, 2025
https://www.floridaairshow.com

Welcome to our annual Live Event From Sun N Fun 2025. Today joining us are your hosts Bill English, James Spearman, and Tom Frick.

Preflight:

This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC - you can find them at https://www.strumorlaw.com/ 

The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC, handles various aviation matters, including FAA safety investigations and pilot medical certifications. You can find them on the web at https://www.strumorlaw.com/

Cruise Flight:

Guests And Talking Points:

Bill English - Flying Into Sun N Fun and The Tailwheel Experience.

Carl Valeri - Aviation Careers Podcast.

Tom Frick - A Man of Many Hats to Discuss Volunteering At Sun N Fun And Why You Should Consider Volunteering.

James Spearman - Aviation Maintenance Innovative products or services he has seen on display at Sun N fun from a mechanics perspective.

Guest Interviews

TJ Shembekar - https://tjflyingadventures.com/
https://www.cirruspilots.org/

Dave Pasco - https://www.liveatc.net/
Sean Straeker - https://futureinflight.com

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC - you can find them at https://www.strumorlaw.com/

The Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC, handles various aviation matters, including FAA safety investigations and pilot medical certifications. You can find them on the web at https://www.strumorlaw.com/

Links:

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

Sun N Fun April 1-6, 2025
https://flysnf.org/
Booth A-41

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An aviation career spans a lifetime, and you will experience a recession at some point. With all the talk in the news about a recession, I figured it was time to discuss how to survive a recession in your aviation career. I have discussed this topic often over the past decade, but we need a refresh for the current marketplace.

Send us your accomplishments and a photo if you want us to share in the podcast on YouTube to feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

How To Survive The Next Recession?

1. Save preferably 24 months of expenses due to the volatility of the industry.
2. Communicate often with your family.
3. Take Care of your family first.
4. Keep Flying!
5. Understand that hiring in this industry comes in waves.
6. Become competitive for the next hiring wave.
7. Obtain more ratings.
   1. Use scholarships
8. Obtain more quality experience.
9. Obtain your degree if you don’t have one.
10. If you can’t fly stay in the game.
11. Keep doing something to move forward in your career every day.
    coaching

Links:

Monthly Group Coaching Mentorship:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free.

One-on-One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching

Questions:

Questions feedback@aviationcareeerspodcast.com

Visit Our Sponsor Stratus Financial

Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial - Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training, and they understand your needs because they are pilots! You can find more at https://stratus.finance/

Whether financing your dream of flying or simplifying the process by taking care of your student loans, their efficient, hassle-free funding can connect you to the life of your dreams of becoming a professional pilot sooner than you ever thought possible! To find out more, click here: https://stratus.finance

As a sponsor of this podcast, Stratus Financial is giving away scholarship guides, and you can get yours for free using the coupon code “Stratus” when you visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

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Runway Incursions, unstable approaches, and simple misjudgment during landing are the main reasons we need to go around, but are you ready to execute a go-around maneuver properly? In my over 25 years of instructing recreational, business, and airline pilots, I have noticed a consistent trend: we don’t perform discontinued approaches very well. In this episode, we discuss how and why you should go around. Additionally, we will give you tips and tricks to execute the go-around maneuver safely and properly.

Preflight:

Sponsor:

Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial - Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training, and they understand your needs because they are pilots! You can find more at https://stratus.finance/

Whether financing your dream of flying or simplifying the process by taking care of your student loans, their efficient, hassle-free funding can connect you to the life of your dreams of becoming a professional pilot sooner than you ever thought possible! To find out more, click here: https://stratus.finance

As a sponsor of this podcast, Stratus Financial is giving away scholarship guides, and you can get yours for free using the coupon code “Stratus” when you visit https://www.stuckmicavcast.com/free/

Cruise Flight:

Accident Analysis:

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=65858

Talking Points:

• Why should you discontinue an approach?
• Make the decision! Like Yoda says, “Do, or do not.”
• Tools to better see and avoid objects on the ground and in the air during landing.
• The difference between a go-around and a discontinued approach.
• Configuration challenges.
• Go Around is a normal procedure to be practiced.
• Power, Pitch, Configure.
• Programming the electronics comes last.
• Brief the go-around on every approach.

After Landing Checklist:

Pick Of The Week:

James - https://epicaircraft.com/

Carl - https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/air-safety-institute

Bill - https://www.youtube.com/@Airplanefactswithmax

Tom - Eufy Doorbell Camera
https://www.eufy.com/products/t8224111?variant=44298879205562&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_content=alwayson&utm_campaign=us_security_edge_m3_google-pmax_alwayson_allpn_purchase_ost_retargeting_internal_highroas&utm_term=19873407993__&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm7q-BhDRARIsACD6-fWoZRXeKtnxviOPWua4ZysnUGV88FI5v1pVtaadFcFRYHDTTM8OpwcaAv-mEALw_wcB

 

Links:

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

Sun N Fun April 1-6, 2025
https://flysnf.org/
Booth A-41

Live From Sun N Fun: April 5, 6 pm at Sun N Fun

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If you are thinking of becoming a pilot, choosing the right flight school is important. In today’s video we will discuss how to find the flight school that is best for you. Although this list of items are for those who are considering a career in aviation many of these items apply to pilots who want to fly recreationally.

Send us your accomplishments and a photo if you want us to share in the podcast on YouTube to feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

What Flight School Is Best For You?

Location.
Housing situation?
Work will you be flying?
Can you travel for a quick course?
Maintenance.
Ratings.
Will you need to go somewhere else for a rating?
A big school may make you go to another location for the rating.
Availability of Planes and Instructors.
Part Time vs Full Time.
141 vs 61.
Many schools prioritize 141 and other contracts.
GI Bill
After your private
Veterans Readiness and Employment (formerly VocRehab)for private pilot certificate
https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/programs/
Collegiate Programs.
https://studentaid.gov
Talk to your advisor at the college.
Financing.
Employment.
How much are instructors flying?
Contingency plan.
How do you get your money out if you move or have a financial or medical setback?

Links:

Monthly Group Coaching:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free.

One On One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching

Questions:

Questions feedback@aviationcareeerspodcast.com

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Don’t let people on social media steal your dreams! Research shows that negative comments outnumber positive comments almost 2 for one and when someone posts something negative there are many more comments. Therefore it is easier to find negativity online than positivity. Today I am going to give you tools on how to combat negativity online and help you pursue your dreams!

Send us your accomplishments and a photo if you want us to share in the podcast on YouTube to feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

Carl’s Theory Of Negativity:

Negativity Bias Is Real And Treatable.
Negative people are often the loudest.
Carl tells a story about a former fighter pilot working as an airline captain who loves his job in episode 88 August 2015. Also in Sept 2013 episode 38, we discuss not listening to the naysayers.
https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp088-carls-theory-of-negativity-and-how-to-stay-positive/
https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp038-dont-listen-to-the-naysayers/
Be careful who you share your dreams with. Family and friends can be the most negative, find a mentor with experience doing what you want to do.
Work on the things you can control, don’t let the things you can’t control draw you down.
It is important to distinguish between negativity and reality. Sometimes you need to decide not to do something for a good reason.
Look for people who positively inspire you to make the best decisions, not just fill you up with sunshine.
When giving corrections and criticism, it is much better to continue to stay positive.
Successful people are criticized most often because they are more visible.
Challenge you to find a negative comment and think how you would respond or react positively.
It is usually best to ignore all the negativity.
Take a break. I turned off my TV for 8 years while building my first large business.

Links:

ACP088 Carl’s Theory of Negativity and How to Stay Positive:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp088-carls-theory-of-negativity-and-how-to-stay-positive/
ACP038 – Don’t Listen To The Naysayers

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp038-dont-listen-to-the-naysayers/
https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/negativity-bias#

Monthly Group Coaching:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free.

One On One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching

Questions: feedback@aviationcareeerspodcast.com

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As pilots, we learn many skills and thought processes to accomplish our unique mission of exploring the world in an amazing environment passing through the air. The thought process of being a pilot can play a key role in the cockpit but also benefits us in our personal and business lives. Bobby Dutton is a passionate aviator who has enabled many through his keynotes to translate the skills and passion we as pilots use to guide us towards an amazing airborne journey to an amazing life here on the ground.

Preflight:

Visit our sponsor Stratus Financial - Where Dreams Take Flight. Stratus Financial offers loans for pilot training and they understand your needs because they are pilots! you can find more at https://stratus.finance/

Whether financing your dream of flying or simplifying the process by taking care of your student loans, their efficient, hassle-free funding can connect you to the life of your dreams of becoming a professional pilot sooner than you ever thought possible! To find out more https://stratus.finance

As a sponsor of this podcast, Stratus Financial is giving away scholarship guides and you can get yours for free using the coupon code “Stratus” when you visit https://www.stuckmicavcast.com/free/

Cruise Flight:

Talking Points:

Bobby’s Passion for Aviation.
How he transforms lives based on lessons in the air.
How to manage stress in life like a pilot.
Efficiency in the air and on the ground.
How to reach Bobby.
What is next for Bobby in the air and on the ground?

After Landing Checklist:

Links:

https://thinklikeapilot.com/

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

Sun N Fun April 1-6, 2025
https://flysnf.org/
Booth A-41

Podcast: Play in new window | Download