With pilot demand still surging and college alternatives gaining traction, professional flight training has quietly become one of the highest-upside career paths in America as people are rethinking what a “good career” looks like. Joining me today to discuss this is Patrick Arnzen, CEO of Thrust Flight Academy. Patrick is a former airline pilot, and designated pilot examiner (DPE) since 2012. Patrick has built and run several aviation businesses over the course of his career and wants to share his passion and knowledge of aviation with you.
Talking Points:
How Patrick developed his passion for aviation.
What does a “good career” look like?
A direct line to a respected, high-paying career
No four-year degree required
A clear sense of purpose, structure, and progression
As traditional college becomes more expensive and less reliable, more young adults and career changers are seeking careers that offer structure, fulfillment, and real upward mobility.
How aviation became one of the most respected, blue-collar-meets-white-collar (grey collar) jobs that doesn’t require a college degree.
What draws people in: from 19-year-olds fresh out of high school, to HVAC techs in their 50s, and how aviation gives them a sense of identity and momentum
Why success in flight training has less to do with raw talent, and more to do with mindset, consistency, and grit.
Today Jill Fergusen joins us to discuss a day in the life of a low-cost flight attendant, showcasing the unique challenges and rewards of working for a budget airline. Jill Ferguson provides a realistic glimpse into the demanding yet often fulfilling world of flight attendants.
A Day Begins: The Pre-Flight Rush
– Morning Routine
– Pre-Flight Preparations: Flight crew briefing, safety checks, and baggage loading, emphasize the fast-paced nature of the work.
– The Crew Room: Brief introduction of other crew members, showcasing the camaraderie and teamwork, with the emphasis on the tight schedule.
Taking Flight: The In-Flight Experience
– Safety First.
– Serving the Passengers: The challenges of serving passengers on budget flights, the differences in food and beverage service, the diverse range of passenger interactions, with a focus on time management and passenger management.
– The Unexpected.
The Rewards of the Job
– Traveling the World.
– Meeting New People.
– Making a Difference:.
The Final Word
– Summary of the challenges and rewards of being a low-cost flight attendant.
– Advice for Aspiring Flight Attendant
– Scholarships are available for flight attendants in our guide. Get one for free from our sponsor Stratus Financial.
– https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/
– Share your own travel experiences or thoughts on the flight attendant profession in the comments below or e-mail us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com
Visit Our Sponsor Stratus Financial:
Aviation Careers Podcast is sponsored by 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/
Are pilots truly facing a shortage, or is the aviation industry actually on a hiring spree in 2025? Forget what you think you know about flying careers. We’re cutting through the noise to reveal the surprising truth about pilot jobs and what it means for your future in the cockpit.
There are cycles of hiring and furloughs and we are in a positive hiring update.
There will be another shortage of pilots where we will have difficulty finding qualified pilots again and are heading in that direction.
Some symptoms are Street captains with forced upgrades.
Feeling Good After Q2 results.
Airlines are concentrating on core strengths.
Removing unprofitable flying.
Adding profitable routes.
Market share alone does not grow an airline – profitable market share grows an airline.
Low cost airlines are changing direction offering premium products.
Low cost airlines are removing much of the unprofitable flying, increasing profits of more established and legacy airlines.
Now that airlines are hiring again, how do I make myself more competitive?
As a career pilot, we try to protect our job through prudent planning, budgeting, and training. I often get asked questions about what to do when pulled over by the police to protect our pilot certificate and career. Should I take the sobriety test or not?
To help me answer this question Chris Pezalla is an attorney with the sponsor of this episode, the Law Offices of Robert M. Strumor, LLC. In addition to being an attorney, Chris is an airline pilot flying the Boeing 777 around the world.
Talking Points:
If I am pulled over and asked to take a sobriety test, what should I do?
Be professional and truthful. Anything you say can end up in a police report.
Always take the breathalyzer and blood tests. This advice is specific to pilots.
Failing to get a BAC alcohol level recorded will cost you your medical certificate.
Even if pleading guilty to the DUI, get a blood alcohol test.
14 C.F.R. § 61.15(e), which mandates that all Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors certified under FAR Part 61 to report any Motor Vehicle Action (MVA) related to drugs or alcohol to the FAA in writing within 60 calendar days.
The 60-day period begins when your driver’s license is suspended.
What is a roadside suspension?
Can I wait until after my court case to file the 60-day report? (No)
Considerations for Light Sport, BasicMed, and Class III medical.
Reporting on your next and all future medical applications.
This is not the end of your career.
I went direct to a LCC after instructing, had two years of little flying and then furlough… after 9 months furloughed managed to get on with a regional. I have a young family so I wasn’t too keen on cargo as an option, yet didn’t quite have the resume for mainline. Was a regional the right choice?
You are not alone.
Others have done the same.
Don’t let ego get in the way of your career.
Ego is the enemy book of the month.
We sometimes take a step back to again move forward.
After 9/11 many mainline pilots flew at the regionals.
Some pilots refused jobs because they were beneath them.
I sent hundreds of pilots to a commuter that had turboprops and almost every one declined the job since they were regional pilots.
My class at the largest regional airline in the US had 80% from the majors.
You are gaining valuable hours towards your next career step.
You are flying 121 in the system which is putting you ahead of your peers and will help in an upcoming interview.
Always look at your own personal situation and don’t listen to others.
Do what is best for you and your family.
Trying to determine if you are making the right decision? Consult with your family, mentor, or career coach.
I am currently a CFI, sitting at around 700 TT. I have a friend whom I trained and studied with in flight school, and he wants me to take an ATP CTP course soon with him.
My question is, is it viable to take the ATP CTP course on my own dime these days? I know that it would make me more competitive, but I always thought that the airlines, more or less, always would pay for it when hired.
Talking Points:
The market has changed.
Concentrate on building hours first then as you get closer to 1500 think about ATP/CTP.
Is the deal with your friend a great deal compared to if you wait.
The airlines don’t always pay for the ATP/CTP when hired, especially in a competitive market.
Qualifications for jobs always change.
We must change with the market.
Book of the month : Who Moved My Cheese: an amazing way of dealing with change in your workplace.
Check it out in our recommended reading list: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/recommended-reading/
I recommend waiting until before you start applying to the airlines because the market can change.
Remember to never use the term Always when talking about the airlines and any other business.
Things always change and we have a way to help you navigate that change through our coaching services at https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/
Special: One month free access to our mentorship program when you sign up for a one on one coaching session.
Your dream of becoming a pilot has been put on hold due to a deferred medical. This video explores the different paths you can take, from reapplying for your medical to pursuing alternative aviation careers.The experiences I relate in this video come from my over 2 decades of helping pilots navigate an aviation career path and overcome challenges. To find out more about our individual and group coaching visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/
Talking Points:
The Reality of Deferred Medicals
– It’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and there are resources available to help you through this challenging time.
Before you go to your medical if you think you might have a condition that could cause a deferral or denial consult with an AME before the application.
– Receiving a deferred medical is a devastating blow to any aspiring pilot.
– how to discover if your medical may be deferred.
– CACI and worksheets will help you discover if you might be deferred.
-Conditions AMEs Can Issue
– https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/certification_ws
– https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/resources/
– The FAA’s medical certification process can be complicated and stressful, and a deferred medical is often the result of a medical condition that requires further review and investigation.
Understanding the Process
– It’s crucial to understand why your medical was deferred and what steps you need to take to get it cleared.
– The FAA will issue a letter outlining the reasons for the deferral, and you’ll need to follow the instructions provided to obtain the required medical documentation.
– This might involve visiting specialists, undergoing further testing, or providing additional information about your medical history.
Exploring Your Options
– Reapplying for your medical is often the first step, but you might need to address the underlying medical condition before your application is approved.
– Consider seeking guidance from an aviation medical examiner (AME) who can provide personalized advice and support throughout the process.
– We recommend AMAS.
– Depending on your specific circumstances, you might need to explore other options, such as seeking a waiver from the FAA, obtaining a special issuance medical certificate, or pursuing a different career path.
Alternative Aviation Careers
– A deferred medical doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your aviation dreams, there are many other rewarding careers in the aviation industry that don’t require a first-class medical certificate.
– These include roles in air traffic control, aircraft maintenance, aviation management, or flight instruction (with appropriate restrictions).
– We have discussed many of these in our past episodes.
– Researching and exploring these alternative career paths can help you stay involved in aviation while you work towards resolving your medical deferral.
Staying Positive and Motivated
– It’s important to stay positive and motivated throughout the process, even when things feel challenging.
– Join our Mentorship Group Coaching to stay motivated: https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching
– Connect with other pilots who have faced similar situations, and share your experiences and learn from their journeys.
– Remember that your passion for aviation is what drives you, and it’s worth fighting for your dream, even if it takes time and effort.
During our last group coaching mentorship I gave a mid-year hiring update and in today’s episode I wanted to share some information from that session and also give you an update and advice on what you can do to get hired in 2025 and beyond.
The State of Pilot Hiring in 2025
– The resurgence of air travel after the pandemic led to an initial boom in pilot hiring, but the market is moderating for many reasons including Boeing aircraft delivery delays and Pratt Whitney engine issues.
– Some Regional airlines are still facing significant hiring challenges as they struggle to attract and retain pilots.
This is due to unattractive equipment (planes), contracts, and pilot bases.
– Major airlines are reporting a more balanced hiring environment, focusing on experience and specific skills.
The Competitive Landscape
– Increased pilot demand has fueled competition, leading to a rise in specialized training programs and pilot academies.
Look at growth of ATP-CTP programs and flight school growth and consolidation.
– Digital platforms and online communities have become essential for networking and finding opportunities.
One of the best is LinkedIn. We will be doing another session in our group coaching and mentorship.
– The industry shifted towards data-driven recruitment processes and online assessment tools.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
– Technical proficiency remains paramount, including a strong understanding of aviation regulations and safety protocols.
– Adaptability and resilience are crucial for navigating the aviation industry.
Overcoming the Challenges
– Networking and building relationships are critical for securing a pilot position, especially through attending industry events and engaging with recruiters.
– Staying updated with the latest technology and advancements in aviation is essential for maintaining a competitive edge.
– Consider diversifying your skill set by exploring related fields like flight instructing or aviation management to expand career options.
The Future of Pilot Jobs
– The industry is expected to see continued growth, driven by increasing global travel demand.
https://www.boeing.com/commercial/market/pilot-technician-outlook#overview
-About 18,500 openings for airline and commercial pilots are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
– https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm#tab-1
– Technological advancements such as automation and autonomous flight have already reshaped the pilot role.
Glass cockpit and complex automated systems with computer interfaces must be understood during normal and non normal flight.
– Pilots with a strong foundation in technology and leadership will be best positioned to navigate the future of aviation.
Don’t let short term market fluctuations discourage you. A one or two year slow down is a small fraction of your 40 year career. This is a marathon not a spring so take action every day to move toward your career goa and don’t let these small changes in hiring stop you from moving forward.
Join our group coaching and mentorship session and get the first month free using coupon “CoachItForward”
Aviation Careers Podcast is sponsored by 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/
June the National Safety Month and we are going to talk about keeping our passengers and ourselves safe in our home and workplace which is the airport. – This is the National Safety Council’s annual observance to help keep each other safe from the workplace to anyplace
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:
Talking Points:
Safety is more than just flying. We operate in a unique environment both on the ground and in flight.
Hangar Safety.
What tools do you have in your hangar?
Fire extinguisher
Eye cleaning supplies
Chocks – never trust the parking brake
Tie down in open t hanger
Accident prevention
Evacuation Plan
Adequate lighting in your hangar.
Fall prevention.
Pest control. Matt suggested fire ant powder
Airport operation safety
Walking at the airport
Driving at the airport.
Slow down!
Stop and pick up or report FOD.
Hangar & Airport Security
Everyone is the eyes and ears. https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/online-courses/general-aviation-security
Are you thinking of becoming an airline captain either as a career or if you are you considering upgrading to Captain this episode is for you. I will explore the pros and cons of being an airline captain, focusing on the financial compensation and the challenges and stresses associated with the role. This video helps you determine if the high pay is truly worth the demanding lifestyle of a captain and airline pilot.
Talking Points:
Pay.
– Salary range for airline captains is between 300 to 450 k, af few top earners have the potential for exceeding seven figures.
– Airline captains to other high-paying professions according to BLS
Pilots 226,600, doctors 239,200, lawyers 151,160, and aerospace engineers 134,830.
Pay based on years of service and position such as captain.
The Flying Lifestyle.
– Work schedule of airline captains, including irregular hours, long shifts, and frequent overnight stays.
– Challenges associated with being away from home for extended periods and the impact on personal life and relationships.
– The physical and mental demands of the job, such as dealing with pressure, fatigue, and the responsibility for passenger safety.
Navigating the Skies
– Extensive training and licensing requirements for becoming an airline captain, including flight hours, certifications, and ongoing education.
– Physical and mental health standards pilots must meet and the regular medical evaluations they undergo.
– The competitive nature of the airline industry and the challenges of finding a job and securing a position as an airline captain.
– The high cost of getting to the captain seat. Another reason we started the scholarship guide and our sponsor stratus financial is giving away scholarships guides.
– One reason we started individual coaching and group mentorship and The pilot interview course. https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/
The Cons of being a Captain.
– Potential for burnout and stress associated with the demanding nature of the job, including the impact on mental and physical well-being.
– Challenges of managing personal life and work-life balance, particularly with irregular schedules and frequent travel.
– Address the potential for health issues related to travel, such as jet lag, sleep deprivation, and exposure to radiation.
Beyond the Paycheck or the Pros of being an Airline Captain.
– Unique benefits of being an airline captain, such as travel opportunities, exploring new destinations, and experiencing different cultures.
– The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with flying a large aircraft and safely transporting passengers.
– Explore the camaraderie among pilots and the strong sense of community within the airline industry.
