ExpertAviator.com

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Welcome 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 episode 30 and 31.

Iin 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

 

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Welcome to Episode 31. Today’s episode is the second part of the inspirational aviation career interviews from Sun N Fun 2013.  Sun ’n Fun’s mission is to preserve and enhance  the future of flight through world-class events while inspiring and educating people of all ages. To learn more about Sun N Fun please listen to episode 30 and read the show notes. I think you will find that there is something for everyone who is interested in aviation at Sun N Fun year round.

Before we begin the interviews I want to encourage you to sign up for our e-mail updates. Many of you have asked if I could be available for career counseling. Of course if you have questions please feel free to go to Aviation Careers Podcast and click on the contact page to submit your questions, but I do understand you would like a more comprehensive conversation. I have spent many years consulting and would love to do one on one with each and every listener but I have limited time and my consulting rates may be a bit high especially for those who are just starting out in their career. Therefore,I came up with an idea that will help all of you and be of a high value.

I am still working on a few solutions along with some books and videos that will help you move towards your career goal. To keep up to date on the progress of these ideas and to receive other career updates please go to AviationCareersPodcast.com and sign up for e-mail updates in the right column.  I also will send announcements on occasion to include who is hiring, new programs available at flight schools, and new financing options to name a few. I encourage you to sign up for these e-mail updates because I am excited to be bringing you this valuable information in the future.

This episode contains inspiring interviews which all who are interested in a career in aviation will enjoy. In these interviews we discuss many aviation career fields including : commercial airline pilot, flight instructor, mechanic, engineer, and management.

Most of the volunteers at Sun N Fun Radio represent many podcasts. In my case I was representing The Stuck Mic AvCast:  an aviation podcast about learning to fly, living to fly, and loving to fly. I encourage you to  listen to at StuckMicAvCast.com.

Now with that said, lets get started listening to some of these informative and inspirational discussions.

 

• Al Thompson - Central Florida Aviation Academy - Al discusses the purpose of the academy and how students can apply to the school. CFA is a wonderful opportunity for those young people interested in aviation.
• Elaine Larsen The Embry Riddle University Jet Dragster. Elaine speaks about opportunities for engineering students to work on the jet engine and the dragster through the Eagle Hire Program
• Jamil Larkin and The Embry Riddle Dream Launch Tour. Jamil discusses all of the career fields you can pursue at Embry Riddle.
• Jessica MacClinchy, Admissions Representative, National Aviation Academy - Jessica speaks about the aircraft mechanic school, flight school, financial aid, and job opportunities for graduates.
• Marisha Faulk - Driver of Embry-Riddle Jet Dragster - Marisha talks about driving the Jet Dragster, her degree experience at Embry-Riddle, flight instructing, and her future plans for flying. Marisha is truly an inspiration and is an example of someone who has overcome many challenges and succeeded in defining her career in aviation.
• Julius with Aeronautical Systems Engineering at the National Aviation Academy Booth discusses the advantage of using simulators for your training.
• Wayne with Elite Flight Simulation Solutions discusses the various flight simulators and the advantages of simulator training.
• Paul Cassell - Fedex - Donates a 727 to Sun N Fun as a training device from the Central Florida Aviation Academy. Paul speaks about the outreach programs at Fedex and the importance of the many different careers in aviation. In addition Paul talks about the great need in all aviation career fields.
• Tailwheels Etc. opened a new campus at Lakeland Linder Airport - John discusses their new flight school and what they have to offer for the student looking into a career in aviation. You can also learn how to fly a Stearman!  Kevin Chambers talks about the new program at Lakeland and the pending pilot shortage, and their new financing program. John discusses how Sallie Mae is back in the aviation educational financing business. John also talks about basic and advanced Aero Camp.
• Jim Sherman talks about Plane Sense and the career opportunities.

As you can tell there are numerous passionate aviators at Sun N Fun who love to share their knowledge about aviation careers. If you are interested in a career in aviation, Sun N Fun is a great place to start. They have yearlong events and activities including summer camps, museum tours, an aviation high school, and so much more. For more information about Sun N Fun go to Sun-N-Fun.org.

Also if  you want to hear some amazing interviews and prerecorded shows you can listen to Sun N Fun radio at LiveAtc.net/snf or click on the link from my website.  Sun ’n Fun’s mission is to preserve and enhance  the future of flight through world-class events while inspiring and educating people of all ages and they truly achieve this goal. Click here to read How To Listen To Sun N Fun Radio 2013.

Thanks for listening to Aviation Careers Podcast. If you found this information useful please help support this website by visiting our sponsors listed on the website.  Also if you have any questions please click on the contact page where you can send an e-mail or leave a voicemail.

I hope you have enjoyed this podcast and gleaned valuable information from these interviews. To be successful in your career goal it takes persistence and perseverance. I have faith that you will achieve your career goal!

Talk to you next episode and Safe Flying!

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Today’s show marks the triumphant return of our beloved and sassy Victoria Zajko as she fills us in on all the exciting news from her absence including the amazing statistics from 2013?s Women of Aviation Week Worldwide events. Rick’s recent flight with a CFI conducting simulated engine out procedures invokes an interesting conversation about pitching down when it may seem completely counterintuitive. And Carl wraps it up with a story and explanation about his first autolanding in the Airbus A320 on an ILS during 1,400 RVR. All that and more coming up right now!

Pre-Flight

From July 26-28th, 2013 the Festival of Ballooning at Solberg Airport in Readington, NJ will feature over 100 hot air balloons, flights, entertainment, headlining bands, fireworks, plus more. As one of the nations greats balloon events this is not to be missed.

Cruise Flight

Show Notes

• Women of Aviation Worldwide Week
• Canada takes it all
• Frederick Women Fly It Forward
• Northampton MA airport
• Calhoun Air Center
• Astronaut Pam Melroy
• Traveling Space Museum
• Simulated engine failures
• Stretching the glide
• Best glide speed
• Flaring the jet
• Norwood MA airport
• Airbus A320 Autoland tutorial
• Low visibility taxi routes
• Overwater flying
• Low visibility takeoffs
• Checklist usage
• Auto brakes
• ILS 22L KJFK
• Minimum Equipment List (MEL)
• Unsuccessful landings

After Landing Checklist

~ Picks of The Week ~

• Sean – Aviation Museum of Kentucky
• Victoria – Airfare America
• Carl – Coconut Flyers Group
• Len – myRadar iOS app
• Rick – Breitling Reno Air Race iOS game

NOTE – Did you know that by clicking the links in this blog post that you help support this website? There’s no extra cost to you and it helps us continue to provide a quality podcast. Plus you’ll get extra karma points! For more information visit our Affiliate Linkpage.

Virgin Galactic Space Flight Fund

Thanks for listening to the Stuck Mic AvCast, a listener supported aviation podcast. We love publishing and delivering useful content and information for everyone! Please show your support with a $5 or $10 donation today and maybe we could one day fly in space!

Please submit your questions and feedback via blog comments, Twitter, or email and we’ll be sure to answer them on the air!

Subscribe to Our Enhanced Podcast Feed in iTunes

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Direct your pod catcher to http://feeds.feedburner.com/StuckMicAvCastMP3

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Welcome to Episode 30. This is the podcast where we give you an inside look at aviation careers. I am excited to be speaking with you today for two reasons. First, I have completed my training on the Airbus A320 and am able to focus on bringing you inspirational and educational content on a more frequent basis.

Second, I just returned from Sun N Fun 2013 and was able to visit with numerous people inside the aviation industry who are truly passionate about their careers.  In the next two episodes I will be sharing many inspirational and informative interviews which describe various aviation careers. I think you will enjoy them. One of my favorite interviews is at the end of this show with a surprise guest. I hope you will enjoy these interviews as much as I enjoyed speaking with these truly wonderful aviation enthusiasts.

Before we begin, I  appreciate all the feedback I have received from you the listener and I appreciate how this podcast has become a part of your weekly routine. Your feedback and questions are very important to me and I will include the answers in an upcoming episode. With that said if you do have a question please feel free to contact me and I will answer them on an individual basis before putting them on air. It is important to me that you have your aviation careers questions answered in a timely manner.

Remember to go to AviationCareersPodcast.com and click on the contact page.  You can also call in your questions at 347-MY-WINGS or 347-699-4647.

If you want to hear about my experience in obtaining my A320 type rating at the airlines I would encourage you to listen to The Stuck Mic AvCast Episode 43. I relate both my experience in obtaining the type rating and explain the process of obtaining a type rating.

Sun N Fun:

SUN ’n FUN’s mission is to preserve and enhance  the future of flight through world-class events while inspiring and educating people of all ages.

The many year round educational opportunities include:

• Summer camps to interest students in aerospace science while including much of the history and art of aviation.

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math programs including summer, weekend, holiday, and online programs. Their program is named STEMtastic and include programs for ages 7 through 14.

• Future Eagles Aviation Club which allows students to meet on a regular basis and explore the many fields in aviation.

• Lakeland Aeroclub which actually teaches high school students how to fly. This program is made possible through the partnership of local businesses in Polk County and through dedicated flight instructors.

• School tours of the Museum Of Flight tailored to your group’s specific goals and needs.

• On a per request basis provide docents and teachers to visit schools and discuss development of STEM programs in your school.

Intro To Interviews:

Again, this episode contains inspiring interviews which all who are interested in a career in aviation will enjoy. In these interviews we discuss many aviation career fields including : commercial airline pilot, flight instructor, mechanic, engineer, and management.

Most of the volunteers at Sun N Fun Radio represent many podcasts. In my case I was representing The Stuck Mic AvCast:  an aviation podcast about learning to fly, living to fly, and loving to fly. I encourage you to  listen to at StuckMicAvCast.com.

One quick disclaimer before we begin listening to these amazing aviation advocates. In some of these interviews I speak with my fellow crew members from my job as an airline pilot. I am very proud of my employers contribution to Sun N Fun and aviation careers but would like to clarify that I am not a representative of my employer and the comments and opinions during this show are my own and do not reflect those of my employer.

Now with that said, lets get started listening to some of these wonderful discussions. Since there are many interviews and much information related during this episode I highly recommend you refer to the extensive show notes at AviatoinCareersPodcast.com Episode 30.

In this episode I discuss:

• Sun N Fun Fly In At Lakeland, FL

• Year Round Educational Opportunities at the Sun N Fun Campus

• Inspirational interviews including many aviation career paths  On Sun N Fun Radio.

• Listening to Sun N Fun Radio Year Round.

• Should you transition from a regional to a major airline?

• Stuck Mic AvCast Episode 43 - My experience obtaining the A320 type rating.

• Listener Mail.

• The voicemail line at 347-MY-WINGS or 347-699-4647

Interviews From Sun N Fun Include:

• Mike Stromer - Vice President, Customer Connections, JetBlue - Mike discusses how JetBlue is a leading contributor in assisting and inspiring young people to foster and interest and achieve their educational and aviation career goals.

• Sergio - Tech Ops, JetBlue - Sergio discusses Aviation High School and the various internships with JetBlue. Sergio describes various educational programs supported by JetBlue including engineering , mechanic, and pilot internships.

• Eric Poole- Captain and Manager University Programs, JetBlue - Eric discusses how to become involved in the University Gateway Program.

• Andy Kozak - Manager Maintenance Training JetBlue - Andy discusses becoming an aircraft mechanic. He also describes the maintenance training program at JetBlue and how JetBlue inspires high schools students through assisting high school students build an airplane!

• Cape Air Gateway Program - Crisa explains the benefits of the program, requirement, and how to apply. This is a very quick path to the airlines. We also speak with Sean who is a first Officer on the E190 for JetBlue. He is one of the first to complete the gateway program with Cape Air.

• Craig Hildebrandt - Fleet Manager and A320 Captain JetBlue - Craig shares his passion for aviation and gives advice to those interested in a career as an airline captain.

• Bonny Simi - JetBlue E190 Captain and VP Talent - Bonnie discusses the varied careers at an airline. She has words of encouragement for those looking at a career in aviation. She discusses the mentor program and hiring at JetBlue. Bonnie also talks about other  areas JetBlue reaches out to the community.

• Jake and Julie two college students in the Gateway Program are truly inspriational and have some great advice for those looking to become a pilot and get involved with the Gateway program.

• Al Spain - I had a chance meeting and some inspiring words from one of the founders of JetBlue.

For questions, comments, or suggestions please leave a voicemail:

347-MY-WINGS or

(347) 699-4647.

You can also reach us at Twitter, Facebook, by E-mail, or the contact form below.

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Today’s show was broadcast LIVE from the deck of SUN n FUN Radio on Thursday April 10th, 2013 on 1510AM Lakeland, FL. We’ve edited the audio and packaged it as Episode 47 in case you weren’t able to join us when we were live, so this is our replay for your listening enjoyment!

Pre-Flight

Due to technical difficulties at show beginning, you’ll hear Carl Valeri and Larry Overstreet leading the show until Sean Moody, Rick Felty, and Len Costa were able to patch in.

Cruise Flight

Show Notes

• 2012 SUN n FUN Interviews
• New light sport area
• Storm Rally by Light Sport America
• Flying to Bahamas
• Flying to Dominican Republic
• Punta Cana airport
• Puerto Plata airport
• St Maarten airport
• St Maarten airplane video
• Egmont Key island
• Cedar Key airport
• Veterans Plaza
• Jamie Beckett
• Winterhaven airport
• J3 Piper Cub
• Coconut Flyers
• Sonex Aircraft
• Glasair Aircraft
• 2013 SnF attendance
• Victoria Neuville AOPA interview
• SnF Homebuilder Workshops
• Dan Johnson
• WAAS approaches
• STEM Program
• Listener shout outs
• SMAC Down Under episode

After Landing Checklist

~ Picks of The Week ~

No Picks of The Week were included in this LIVE episode.

For More Episodes and To Subscribe To The Stuck Mic AvCast vist The Stuck Mic AvCast Website.

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In this episode we sit down with Dave Shallbetter of SUN n FUN Radio and get the inside scoop on how it all started, what it’s like to run the radio station, behind the scenes of everything SUN n FUN Radio, volunteering, forgetting names, his fur-babies, and a ton more! Be sure to pay close attention to this special episode and don’t forget to Like It, Share It, or leave a Comment.

And even though our co-host Carl Valeri was once again absent from this show as he was flying the Airbus, he does send his best wishes and can’t wait to join us again.

Pre-Flight

SURPRISE – It’s April Fools Day! Nothing to see here, please keep moving.

Cruise Flight

Show Notes

• Meet Dave Shallbetter
• SUN n FUN Radio
• SUN n FUN Airshow
• Follow @SnFRadioDave on Twitter
• Follow @SnFRadio on Twitter
• Like SUN n FUN Radio on Facebook
• Follow @SunnFunFlyIn on Twitter
• Like SUN n FUN Fly-In on Facebook
• Volunteering at SUN n FUN Radio
• Central Florida Aerospace Academy
• Sequestration impact on SUN n FUN
• What’s coming up at SUN n FUN

After Landing Checklist

~ Picks of The Week ~

• No Picks of the Week were included in this interview episode

Virgin Galactic Space Flight Fund

Thanks for listening to the Stuck Mic AvCast, a listener supported aviation podcast. We love publishing and delivering useful content and information for everyone! Please show your support with a $5 or $10 donation today and maybe we could one day fly in space!

Please submit your questions and feedback via blog comments,Twitter, Facebook, or email and we’ll be sure to answer them on the air!

Pilot Supplies:

Press Play:

Click Here To Listen from the Sun N Fun Radio Website.

I am excited to once again share my passion for flight and bring you some interesting interviews as a field reporter for Sun N Fun Radio. If you are unable to make it to the event or want to listen to interviews and keep up to date on the daily events and breaking news, tune into Sun N Fun Radio.

I will be walking around in My Stuck Mic AvCast or Aviation Careers Podcast T-Shirt so Please stop by and say hello if you see me. If you have something interesting to tell us and would like to be on Sun N Fun Radio I would love to interview you. There are many ways you can get in touch with me while at Sun N Fun. Of course you can stop by Sun N Fun Radio at the show but if you want an immediate response send me a tweet or e-mail me:

You can reach me on twitter @ExpertAviator or @FlyingCareers

Send me an email at CarlValeri@Gmail.com

Stuck MicAvCast Live Wednesday, April 10th at 6:00 pm.

I will be broadcasting a live show of the Stuck Mic Avcast Wednesday, April 10th at 6:00pm from the deck at Sun N Fun Radio. Our cohosts Sean Moody, Len Costa ,and Rick Felty will be joining us virtually on the internet thanks to the folks at LiveATC.net.

You can listen to Sun N Fun Radio right now at the Sun N Fun Radio page:

Stream it live from your mobile device Courtousy of Live ATC.net

Of course you can always visit the Sun N Fun Website for more information:

Sun N Fun Website

You an even get your free mobile app from Sporty’s below:

Sun N Fun 2013 App for Iphone and Ipad

Sun N Fun 2013 App for Android

Sun N Fun 2013 App for Kindle Fire.

Hope to see you at Sun N Fun or virtually on the Internet!

To Listen To Interviews From 2012 Sun N Fun By The Stuck Mic Avcast Click Here.

Enjoy the Show!

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In this episode we hear about Carl’s first landing in the Airbus A320 (caught on film). The Alton Bay NH Ice Runway is open and you can watch this Cessna Landing on the Ice Runway. Also we talk about overcoming flight training obstacles after learning that the student pilot who collided with an SUV recently earned his Private Pilot certificate. It all starts here!

Pre-Flight

Florida International Air Show – Named one of the “10 Best Airshows Around the World” as seen on USAToday.com, this event is held in Punta Gorda, FL on March 23-24 and includes demonstrations and performances by high-speed military jets and acrobatic aircraft. Not to mention the static aircraft displays, kids area, refreshments, and more!

SUN ‘n FUN Radio – As you know the 2013 SUN n FUN “Spring Break For Pilots” event is coming up on April 9-14th! For those of you that can’t make the show in person you can always tune in to all that’s happening by visiting SUN ‘n FUN Radio on the web atLiveATC.net/snf and bring the airshow to your living room.

Cruise Flight

Show Notes

• 10 Ways to Renew Your CFI
• AOPA Air Safety Foundation CFI Renewal
• Man earns Pilot Certificate after collision with SUV
• Flight training stumbling blocks
• Airsickness

After Landing Checklist

~ Picks of The Week ~

• Sean – Infinite Flight iOS App
• Carl – PlaneSpotting.nl
• Len – AviationJunkie.net
• Rick – ForeFlight (recent updates)

 

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If you walked up to a stranger and said you were a pilot they would probably imagine flying a large airline across the world to exotic locations. If you listen to this podcast on a regular basis you realize there are many pilot jobs other than that of a major airline pilot. But what is it like to be a Captain at a major airline? Today I have with me someone who can answer this question.

Jeff Nielsen is a Captain with a major airline. Jeff has over 23 years flying experience and is a senior Captain on the MD88/90. He also is no stranger to sharing his story of being a pilot as he is the host of the Airline PIlot Guy Podcast. Jeff has agreed to join me today to help us understand the job of being a Captain with a major airline.

Jeff and I Discuss:

• How he developed his passion for aviation.
• His path towards becoming a Captain with a Legacy Airline.
• Why Jeff likes being an Airline Captain.
• The Benefits to being a Captain with a Major Airline.
• What it is like to fly the MD88/90 and a few fun facts.
• How being a military pilot helped his career.
• Advice for those looking towards a career as an airline pilot.

Listener Mail:

Question from Steve:

Steve is planning on starting his instrument rating and commercial pilot certificate. Steve will be purchasing Rod Machado’s books and wants to know if there are any books or other materials we recommend.

From Todd:

Are unions really good for aviation?

From Jason:

Jason is a C-130 Instructor Pilot/Evaluator for the USAF with over 2300 hours flight time with 1,000 hours in combat. He is trying to decide if he should fly for the Airlines or stay in the Air Force and wants to know if his current military experience will make him competitive when applying to the airlines.

Recommendation:

Are you interested in getting the inside look at the daily life of an airline pilot? Want to hear some insightful commentary concerning airlines and travel? Would you like to hear an airline pilot’s perspective on the latest industry news? Well there is a show you should listen to, Airline Pilot Guy.

Airline Pilot Guy is a view of the airline industry from a Captain’s perspective. Our guest today, Captain Jeff, is host of this interesting and entertaining show. Jeff introduces us to his podcast Airline Pilot Guy.

Links Mentioned:

Gold Seal described in AC 16-65E

Master Instructor

Auburn University - Professional Flight Management

Recommended Reading:

Flying the Line: The First Half Century of the Air Line Pilots Association

Jeppesen Instrument Commercial

Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A) (Second Edition)

Instrument Procedures Handbook

Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

Instrument Flying Handbook

Rod Machado’s books