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We've got lots of aviation news to share in this edition of the Stuck Mic AvCast! Victoria’s back with us this week to let us know how Women of Aviation Worldwide Week 2014 is going. Join the (unusually named) SMAC gang for this episode!

Pre-Flight

• Wondering where we got our funny names in this episode? Check out the John Travolta Name Generator widget!
• Carl will be representing the SMAC crew at SUN n FUN 2014. You can find him volunteering as an on-the-air personality broadcasting from the newly built deck of the SUN n FUN radio station. If you can't be there in person you can always tune in live online through LiveATC.net/snfradio.
• Not a Stuck Mic AvCast VIP yet? Sign up today and get all of our awesome content delivered your email inbox so you never miss an update again. Go ahead, we don't mind waiting.
• Shout out to Lora, Richard, and the entire Aviation Universe gang for supporting this episode. We love having you on the team! Especially your dogs Orville and Wilbur.

Cruise Flight

Show Notes

• Polk State College sponsored Bok Academy visit to Lakeland Airport, FL
• Updates from Women of Aviation Worldwide Week 2014
• Rude note left for female WestJet captain
• FlightGlobal reports John Travolta will retire his Boeing 707
• Fish strike forces plane to abort takeoff
• First known fish strike meets the Alaskan Airlines Boeing Salmon-Thirty-Salmon
• GPS may be able to predict turbulence

After Landing Checklist

~ Picks Of The Week ~

• Sean - Infinite Flight mobile phone flight simulator
• Victoria - Women of Aviation Worldwide Week Livestream
• Rick - Learn To Turn YouTube video
• Len - Boeing's Black Smartphone
• Carl - Social Flight

This Episode Is Sponsored By

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In this episode we answer one question: What is the truth about the pilot shortage?

We Discuss:

• Taking politics out of the pilot shortage equation.
• The truth about low starting wages in aviation and why I feel that will not change.
• Changing the name of the pilot shortage to a “limited supply of qualified pilots”.
• Career progression and expectations.
• Why over selling the pilot shortage will create dissatisfied pilots.
• How regulations will increase the requirements to fly for a Par 121
• How new regulations have produced this shortage.
• Why you should be careful who you listen to.
• Why the pilot shortage should not be driving your decision to become a pilot.

Listener Mail:

I just wanted to try to be the first to congratulate you on a podcast mile stone of your 50th episode.

I also wanted to let you know that I have taken the first step in my aviation career. I have 850 TotalTime, 150 Multi-engine time, and 150 instrument.I have just taken a job flying aerial survey flying the 206. Not quite up there with you yet but I think I’m now on the right track. I feel that we are lot a like I’m 34 starting my aviation career and If I remember correctly you were in your early to mid thirty’s as well.

Thanks again for your podcast and for it keeping me motivated. I have listened to the podcast from episode one. So you can also take credit for my new job in a small part. Thanks again for all your hard work and you should start looking for me in a cockpit near you.

Links Mentioned In This Podcast:

Eric Crump on Twitter : @SeeEricGo

Polk State College

Current and Future Availability of Airline Pilots : US Government Accountability Office

As Communities Lose Air Service, Regional Airlines Decry Flight-Hour Threshold for Pilots

World needs pilots! Record growth leads to record need

How miserly airlines created their own pilot shortage

The new ATP certification test may cost up to $15,000. How will these high costs impact the pool of ATPs available to the airlines?

Union Says Lack Of Pay And Respect Leading To Pilot Shortage

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And we're back with episode 67 of your beloved Stuck Mic AvCast!

Recently in New Zealand, a pilot made a forced landing on a beach after experiencing an engine failure in flight. Once safely on the ground it was determined (details sketchy) that the engine was once again operational. A takeoff was attempted which led to the aircraft impacting the water and damaging the aircraft. Fortunately, both the pilot and passenger were unharmed. And we discuss some of the considerations you evaluate if you were to encounter similar circumstances.

Speaking of landings... With all the US news about airplanes landing at the wrong airports, we discuss some of our personal tips and tricks that we use every day to help minimize this risk and help identify your correct airport and runway. You'll even hear about which co-host's nearly landed at the wrong airport and how they were alerted of the error in progress.

So let's get to it, shall we?

***Don't forget to share this episode by clicking that Like, Share, Tweet button to spread the love!***

Pre-Flight

• Women of Aviation Worldwide Week is just around the corner. From March 3rd to March 9th, this week celebrates women and their accomplishments in aviation as well as exposing more women to the love of flight. Our very own Victoria Zajko is hard at work as always and we wish her a successful event this year.
• From CNN we bring you an article on the 14 Best Aviation Museums around the world. Turns out we've been a quite a few of them and look forward to checking out some new ones in our travels.
• Also coming up this month is the March Field Airfest at March Air Reserve Base in California. This 2-day event on March 22nd and 23rd will feature the usual suspects of air shows, static aircraft displays, and other attractions. This years notable performers are the US Navy Blue Angles. If you've never seen them before then you better make it a point to! The performance is simply mind-boggling with the high speed, close proximity maneuvers, that will dazzle your eyes. Check it out.
• Not a Stuck Mic AvCast VIP yet? Sign up today and get all of our awesome content delivered your email inbox and never miss an update again. Go ahead, we'll wait 
• Shout out to Lora, Richard, and the entire Aviation Universe gang for supporting this episode. We love having you on the team!

Cruise Flight

Show Notes

• New Zealand forced beach landing
• Beach takeoff accident video
• FAA Off Airport Operations Guide
• Wrong airport landings
• Dreamlifter wrong Kansas airport landing
• Southwest Airlines wrong Missouri airport landing
• C-17 lands lands at wrong Tampa airport

After Landing Checklist

~ Picks Of The Week ~

• Rick - Dark Sky iOS App
• Len - SPOT Gen3 GPS Messenger
• Sean - Sportys Checklist App
• Carl - King Schools CFI Refresher Course

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We often receive questions concerning the advantages of accelerated pilot training and time building programs. Today I have with me to discuss this topic, Eric Crump, Aerospace Program Director at Polk State College.

Advantages of Accelerated Pilot Training:

• Obtain all of your pilot certificates in as little as six months.
• Structured education.
• Topics learned stay fresh in your memory.
• Cost can be lower.
• You can start making money in aviation sooner.
• 141 programs have reduced requirements for total time.

Disadvantages of Accelerated Pilot Training:

• Learning can sometimes be short term.
• Up front costs are high because you are paying for the entire program.
• You will have less time and less experience flying.
• Some programs may only teach for the test instead of teaching you to become a good pilot.

Listener Mail:

Can you recommend Ground Instructors study material?

A listener relates his experience flying as a mission and air ambulance pilot.

A listener who always wanted to be an airline pilot relates his first step towards his goal.

I have a varied background with many different jobs. Does that look flighty or indecisive, to an airline and would they hire me?

If airlines are making strategic decisions now to cut capacity, doesn't that take away the "pilot shortage"?

I'm trying to Network towards obtaining a corporate job. How do I actually approach a individual, and what do I say to them?

I am still working on my CFI licenses, should I start networking right now?

Links Mentioned In This Podcast:

Polk State College

Republic to remove 27 aircraft in face of pilot shortage

ACP046 – Ten Things You Should NOT Do During A Pilot Shortage

ACP044 – Career Questions with Tom Wachowski Creator of The Pilot Jobs Book

Gleim Publications aviation training courses.

King Schools aviation training.

ASA flight aviation training products.

ATP Certification Training Program (CTP)

Sun N Fun Radio

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Thanks for tuning in to episode 66 of the Stuck Mic AvCast! Today, we’ve got special guest Russ Roslewski who used to work at FAA AeroNav Products designing instrument procedures. He’s got a ton of knowledge about how procedures come about.

Russ sat down with us to talk about all kinds of aspects of instrument approaches from how they’re designed to keep airplanes (and pilots!) safe and what the future of instrument approaches could be. Sit back and hit that play button to learn more!

Pre-Flight

• Florida Ice Cream Festival - Enjoy a decadent day of delicious treats on the grounds of SUN n FUN's Lakeland Linder Airport in Florida. On April 12th and April 13th you can enjoy entertainment and eating contests and see World Ice Cream Eater attempt to out the 2013 record of 14 1/2 pints in 6 minutes! Holy crap I have a stomach ache just thinking about that...
• Sign up to become a Stuck Mic AvCast VIP! Get all of our sweet, yummy content delivered your email inbox, including sneak preview access to episodes before they release to the general public.
• Thank you to Aviation Universe for supporting this episode. What, what!!

Cruise Flight

Show Notes

• Special Guest Russ Roslewski
• FAA AeroNav Products
•  Where do baby instrument approaches come from?
• How does a private airport get an instrument approach?
• Will GPS replace ground-based approaches?
• Obstacle Departure Procedures
• Unusual procedures
• How airspeed relates to keeping airplanes in protected area
• Minimum altitudes and terrain
• Instrument Flight Procedures Information Gateway
• Voice your concerns about procedures
• How are fixes named?
• Balancing a day job and a part-time CFI job
• Simultaneous approaches
• Uncompensated Baro-VNAV
• FAA Flight Checks

After Landing Checklist

~ Picks Of The Week ~

• No Picks Of The Week were included in this interview episode

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We spend the majority of the time on this show discussing piloting jobs due to the highly specific training required and the large investment of time and money. But there are many other jobs in aviation which are challenging, lucrative, and interesting.

A large portion of the airlines revenue is generated by shipping cargo. Many of us don’t realize this but the hold baggage compartment under the airplane is not just for holding our bags but for shipping cargo. To help us understand more about how the airlines utilize the cargo hold and what careers in cargo and revenue management are available, I spoke with Jesse Ziglar. Jesse is a cargo specialist and revenue manager with a major airline.

Jesse and I discuss:

• Why cargo is important to the airlines.
• What airlines ship in the cargo hold.
• The difference is between an all cargo airline and a passenger airline carrying cargo.
• Opportunities for those interested in working with cargo or revenue management at an airline.
• Salary expectations for the various jobs in cargo from handling to management.
• Benefits you can expect at a major airline including travel.
• Why he enjoys working with cargo and revenue management at an airline.
• How his flying background helped him with his career.
• The many challenges and rewards of working with cargo.

Links:

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors Wages.

Air Transparency Blog

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10 Ways To Avoid Burnout As An Airline Pilot:

1. Go exploring instead of sitting in the hotel room.
2. Get a hobby.
3. Become involved in a charity.
4. Take some time off.
5. Pay it forward by helping others with their career
6. Get involved in General Aviation.
7. Stay as far away from Aviation As possible on your days off.
8. Look behind you at your passengers and remember how important your job is.
9. Try to increase your knowledge about the airplane or flying environment.
10. Don't let your lifestyle grow into your salary and avoid feeling like you "have to go to work to pay the bills".

Listener Feedback:

• A flight attendant who was considering a job as an airline pilot  has decided not to pursue a flying career.
• Steve Molos provides more advice for the military pilot from last episode.
• Can you do an episode on what it is like to be a UAV pilot?
• A listener interested in an airline pilot carer hears many negative comments in the online forums.
• Do you think it would be better at this point to try to 'fast track' my training by taking on debt, or to pay as I go while working my current job?
• Is an airline job a realistic goal for someone starting where I am, or should I concentrate on other flying jobs?
• I would like to professionally fly planes and make 60 thousand a year. Is this practical?

• A 51 year old would like know if he can still pursue a career in aviation as a pilot. 
• I would like to be a corporate pilot. What exactly is needed to be one?

 

Links:

Flying The World As A Corporate Pilot With Chris Thren – ACP033

ACP014 – What Is Business And Private Aviation?, Interview with Corporate Pilot Tom Wachowski

Airline and Commercial Pilot Pay

Pilots N Paws

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Welcome to this edition of the Stuck Mic AvCast! Victoria wishes she could've been here but she was feeling a little under the weather so we gave her the episode off to recover. Today, we have a lot of information to share. Everything from IACRA to ADS-B as well as some tips for snowy-weather flying including a handy PDF reference card for your kneeboard.

Strap in, cuz here we go!

***Don't forget to share this episode by clicking that Like, Share, Tweet button to spread the love!***

Pre-Flight

• The US Navy Blue Angels will be performing at Thunder Over Louisville on April 12th. Here's your chance to see one of the greatest aerial demonstration teams work their magic in your back yard.
• Every Saturday between noon and 2pm, Sporty's Pilot Shop pulls out the grill to heat your favorite rolled meats: hot dogs, metts and brats, all in appreciation for their customers. Maybe we'll see you there?
• February 23rd marks Canadian National Aviation Day. A day for celebrating safety, strength, and success at the aviation museum in Ottawa with activities, special guests, and interactive presentations.
• Episode 64a - Favorite Things In The Aviation Universe chronicles the eye catching avgeek gifts available from our sponsor.
• Sign up to become a Stuck Mic AvCast VIP! Get all of our content delivered right to your email inbox including sneak preview access to episodes before they release to the general public.
• And of course a thank you to Aviation Universe for supporting this episode! Yup, they rock.

Cruise Flight

Show Notes

• Reviewing IACRA and what NOT to do when filling out your paperwork
• Deciphering braking action reports
• Understanding runway condition NOTAMs
• Download the Stuck Mic AvCast Braking Action & Runway Condition NOTAMs Quick Reference Card (PDF)
• Quick refresher on airport operations in wintery conditions
• Experimental ADS-B flight testing
• ADS-B In and Out

After Landing Checklist

~ Picks Of The Week ~

• Sean - Flightradar24 iOS App
• Carl - AirportWebcams.net
• Len - AOPA Air Safety Institute’s Flight Risk Evaluator for iOS and Android
• Rick - LogTen Pro update

 

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Ten Things You Should NOT do during this pilot shortage:

1. Burn your bridges.

2. Turn down interviews.

3. Don’t show up for the interview.

4. Show up for the interview with a bad attitude or overconfident.

5. Think this pilot shortage will never end because they always do.

6. Turn down a flying job because you are waiting for something better, and then ask for the job when the “better” never materializes.

7. Lie about your past since they will never discover my lie.

8. Don’t prepare for the interview.

9. Don’t show up for training.

10. Tell the interviewer you are taking the job until you find something better.

Listener Mail:

• A listener gives suggestions for saving money on your flight training.  
• A listener takes one step towards his goal by obtaining his Advanced Ground Instructor rating.  He plans on teaching and being available for instruction for anyone who I can help. I may try to get the IGI later this year as well. His ultimate goal is to become a full time instructor. We look forward to hearing his progress.  Here is a picture of an airplane he built helping him build hours towards his aviation goal.

 

• Percy shares how being a crop duster helped him achieve his goal of becoming an airline pilot in Brazil flying a 737.  
• A listener who was wondering if there were any Scholarships available  In Canada for pilot training.  
• A high time First Officer was furloughed in 2010 with several thousand hours of heavy jet time but has no PIC time since leaving the commuters  20 years ago. He wants to know more about jobs in China.
• A 47 year old real estate Broker and Instrument Flight Instructor is interested in shifting his  energy towards a career in aviation. He also has an MBA with management experience and wonders what opportunities there are for both flying and management positions. 
• A military band member is looking at moving on after his position is being eliminated. He is now looking towards a career in aviation and has taken one small step towards his career goal which includes studying as is shown in the picture below:

• A military pilot who  listened to episode 36 and is considering his options and wonders if he is competitive for the majors with only 1800 hours of total flight time.

 

Links:

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

Pilot Insurance and Financial Service

WASINC Jobs

ACP011-Flying In China, Interview With WASINC President Dave-Ross

FAPA.aero