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Join us in this episode as Carl Valeri returns after 2 months of grueling flight training to learn the Airbus A320! We talk type ratings, Airbus flying, and learn about the automation behind Airbus in addition to some upcoming airshows, one of us travels to Australia, and our thoughts on Top Gun 3D. It all begins now!

Pre-Flight

Air Fiesta 2013 - this airshow is brought to you by the Commemorative Air Force Rio Grande Valley wing and includes aerial performances and static displays of World War II Trainers, Bombers, Fighters, Aerobatics, to name a few. This show will be on March 9th – 10th in Brownsville, TX.

First Annual Reel Stuff Film Festival of Aviation – this aviation film festival at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH runs from April 11-14 and commemorates the grand re-opening of the Air Force Museums 400-seat-massive-screen theater. Screenings of 10 aviation classics will be running for your enjoyment. The full schedule can be seen here: Schedule.

Top Gun 3D – you’ve kicked the tires and lit the fires, you’ve felt the need for speed. But have you done it in 3D? Don’t miss this limited engagement opportunity to catch this classic aviation flick digitally remastered in 3D and feel like your there riding behind Maverick!

Cruise Flight

Show Notes

• Type Rating Requirements
• FAR 61.31
• Defining “Large Aircraft“
• Airbus A320 family
• Fly By Wire flight controls
• Airbus Automation (pros & cons)
• Stalling an Airbus
• Side-stick Flight Controls
• Flying with Auto Thrust
• Using Vertical Navigation (NVAV)
• Airbus Sharklets
• And more!

After Landing Checklist

~ Picks of The Week ~

• Sean – Top Gun (Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray) DVD
• Carl - AOPA ID Wallet with Ramp Pass Insert
• Rick - Seasonality Core – Mac App, Seasonality Go – iOS App, Mophie Juicepack Helium
• Len – Aircraft Intercom/ATC Audio Recording Cable for iPhone

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!

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Most of our discussion is of careers in commercial aviation but there are numerous jobs with the Federal Government. One of the more fascinating jobs is investigating accidents. Today I have with me someone from the National Transportation Safety Board to discuss the job of accident investigation and the various federal jobs relating to aviation.

Bill English is a National Transportation Safety Board Investigator in Charge in the Major Aviation Investigations Division. Bill has a varied background and extensive knowledge in the area of instrument procedures and design which he has shared through various articles in IFR Magazine. Bill also has been an air traffic controller, corporate pilot, and flight instructor.  Bill has agreed to join us today to share with us his exciting career as an accident investigator at the NTSB.

Bill and I discuss:

• How he developed his passion for aviation.
• His current job as Investigator In Charge at the NTSB.
• The various jobs at the NTSB that relate to aviation.
• The experience and education necessary to become an investigator with the NTSB.
• His career as an air traffic controller.
• The many federal jobs relating to aviation.
• Accident investigation careers outside the NTSB.
• His advice for those interested in an aviation career with the Federal Government.

For More Information:

NTSB Careers

Air Traffic Controller Careers from Bureau Of Labor Statistics

Accident Investigator Jobs from AvJobs.com

Association For Unmanned Vehicles International

The Aviation Herald

Recommendation:

Safety Management Systems in Aviation (Ashgate Studies in Human Factors for Flight Operations)

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Glad to have you back for Episode #41! Carl has some exciting news to share about learning to fly the Airbus A320 at a new airline including some stories about jumping out of the airplane in his water ditching class. Also, we’ve had a temporary co-host restructuring – Victoria has been extremely busy as the US Team Leader in charge of organizing and assisting with Women Fly It Forward events throughout the United States that she needed more time to dedicate to those pursuits. While we surely do miss her spunky, ginger perspective on all things flying, please welcome our friend and listener Sean Moody as the interim co-host!

Listen in to learn more about Sean, how he got started flying, his background, and even his new volunteer position with Stuck Mic AvCast! We’re very excited to have him on board not only as an interim co-host but to help out behind in the scenes in an effort to assist us in delivering more quality content for your enjoyment. Don’t forget to Follow Sean on Twitter.

Pre-Flight

A BIG CONGRATULATIONS to the entire crew of Plane Crazy Down Under for approaching their 100th Episode! As fellow mates and podcasters we know what a crowning achievement this is and wish Grant, Steve, and the everyone at PCDU a prosperous future. In addition, co-host Len Costa will be visiting the Aussie guys in March for what is likely to be a memorable vacation in the land of kangaroos, Vegemite, and Coopers Vintage Ale.

In the spirit of Oz accomplishments, we recommend you check out theAustralian Airshow from February 26th through March 3rd, 2013 located in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. This event is a 2 part show consisting of the Trade Exhibition followed by the Public Airshow. If you happen to find yourself down under you should check out this event!

Cruise Flight

2013 Aviation Resolutions

• Sean – Work on his CFI Certificate
• Rick – Work on his Instrument Rating
• Carl – Pursue a type rating in the B-25
• Len – More GA flying including tailwheel time

Additional Show Notes

• FAA Advice on Manual Flight Operations (Hand Flying)
• Alaska Cub Training Specialists
• Woes of the 787 – Chicago Tribune, Wall Street Journal, Boeing
• New American Airlines Livery

After Landing Checklist

~ Picks of The Week ~

• Sean – JetCareers.com
• Rick – World’s Shortest Commercial Flight, Flying Doctor Stories
• Len – Fate is the Hunter
• Carl – NYCAviation.com

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!

Subscribe to Our Enhanced Podcast Feed in iTunes

Subscribe to Our MP3 ONLY Podcast Feed

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

Or to subscribe to the MP3 feed in iTunes:

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One of the best aspects of a career in aviation is that you are surrounded by people who are passionate about their vocation.  Today I have with me a person who is passionate about his career of designing repairs to airliners which have been damaged.

Did you know fixing a damaged airliner includes engineering the repair. From nicks, scratches, dents, and corrosion, to bird strikes, skin patches, and other major repairs to aircraft primary structure an engineer is involved in providing a solution. I have with me someone who is designs structural repairs to damaged jets and who is passionate about flying planes as a private pilot.

Today we are going to be speaking with Walter Chan a Designer of Structural repairs and truly passionate aviation enthusiast. Walter was referred to me from the host of Stuck Mic Avcast, Len Costa. Len said you really need to speak with Walter about aviation careers and his passion for all things aviation.

Walter and I Discuss:

• His job as a structural engineer.
• How he developed his passion for aviation and flying.
• The type of engineers who work for his company.
• Working conditions and some exciting places he visits while performing his job.
• The educational requirements to become an engineer working on airliners.
• Advice for those interested in becoming a repair design engineer.
• His passion for flying and his journey as a private pilot.
• His interest in flying airplanes for fun and someday to get paid as a pilot.
• The challenges he has faced in completing his ratings.
• Why he likes his current job and career.

Listener Questions:

Should I begin with a an undergraduate degree in engineering before pursuing a masters?

Is it important to have a pilot license to be a test flight engineer?

Links Mentioned In This Show:

Flight Training Magazine

ACP024 – Preparing For A Midlife Career Change; The Successful Part Time Flight Instructor.

ACP022 Designing Tomorrow’s Airplanes With Flight Test Engineer Alan Lawless

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In Episode #39 we shared Part 1 of Behind the Scenes of Flying Wild Alaska with John Ponts. This audio interview is Part 2 in the series with Ponts as we wrap up our discussion from his desire to be a professional athlete to his transition into flying and includes your listener questions answered by John. Join us as we finish getting down and dirty with the real John Ponts!

Pre-Flight

No announcements were included in this interview episode.

Cruise Flight

• John at AOPA Summit
• John at Oshkosh
• John at NATCA Atlanta
• Law of Primacy
• Inflight icing
• Mail transport
• Human tissue transport
• Legal Vs Safe Flying
• Situational awareness
• Lynden Air Cargo
• C130 on Floats
• Listener questions!

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, oremail and we’ll be sure to answer them on the air!

Subscribe to Our Enhanced Podcast Feed in iTunes

Subscribe to Our MP3 ONLY Podcast Feed

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

Or to subscribe to the MP3 feed in iTunes:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In Episode 23 we discussed the 10 reasons why you Should NOT become an airline pilot. If these ten reasons are not negative and in some cases positive then you are a prime candidate to become an airline pilot. In this episode we take a more positive stance and discuss the 10 reasons you SHOULD become an airline pilot.

Today we will discuss 10 reasons you SHOULD become an airline pilot. To help me with this list I have an airline Captain, previous guest from Episode 10, and host of The Stuck Mic AvCast Len Costa.

Top Ten List of Reasons You SHOULD become an airline pilot:

1. Visit interesting destinations while being paid.
2. Your office has one of the best views in the world.
3. You have many days off.
4. You can live anywhere in the world.
5. You can travel for free.
6. Meet people from diverse and interesting backgrounds.
7. Good pay and benefits.
8. No office politics since you don’t work in an office.
9. On your days off no phoning into the office.
10. You get to fly in some challenging weather and terrain.

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Links Mentioned In This Podcast:

Stuck Mic AvCast An Aviation Podcast About Learning to Fly, Living to Fly, and Loving to Fly

ACP023 – Ten Reasons You Should NOT Become An Airline Pilot. Career Questions Answered with Tom Wachowski.

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First and foremost, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Because of your support and listenership 2012 was a record breaking year as we out grew ourselves nearly month over month. Thank you from the bottom our our props for tuning in week in and week out. We couldn’t do it without you! Cheers 

Welcome to one of our favorite editions of the Stuck Mic AvCast! Today we had the distinct honor of interviewing ERA Airlines Captain and co-host of the Discovery Channel’s Flying Wild Alaska show, John Ponts. In a chance encounter in late 2012 co-host Carl Valeri bumped into Ponts at the Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, NJ which lead to this interview opportunity. At the time, Ponts was traveling to Germany for vacation but not before agreeing to come on the show and talk about his passion for aviation.

This audio interview is Part 1 of a 2 part series with Ponts as we cover everything from his desire to be a professional athlete to his transition into flying. Join us for this tell-all show as we get down and dirty with the real John Ponts!

Pre-Flight

Women of Aviation week is March 4 – 10, 2013 and Victoria is still looking for volunteers in the United States to host events. As the US team leader she’s currently responsible for managing such events in over 30 states so far! To get in involved or request information on how you can host an event in your city or state visit: Organizing A Women of Aviation Event.

Cruise Flight

• Flying Wild Alaska
• Meeting John Ponts
• Skateboarding
• Utah Valley University Aviation Sciences
• Flight Instruction
• Winter Flying
• AS 02.35.110 – Alaska Emergency Rations and Equipment
• AS 9.65.211(a) – Alaska Liability of Pilots and Owners
• FAR 91.323 – Increased maximum certificated weights for certain airplanes operated in Alaska
• Aniak, AK airport
• Wasilla, AK airport
• Barrow, AK airport
• Bird Strike on Film
• Northern Lights
• FedEx pilot jobs
• UPS pilot jobs

Stay tuned for Episode 40 and Part 2 of our interview with John Ponts including listener questions answered by Ponts on the air!

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!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe to Our Enhanced Podcast Feed in iTunes

Subscribe to Our MP3 ONLY Podcast Feed

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

Or to subscribe to the MP3 feed in iTunes:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Co-host Len Costa reads this aviation twist on a holiday classic. This excerpt comes directly from Chapter 13 of The Alaska Bush Pilot Chronicles written by Mort Mason.

Listen to Episode 38a Below

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Many Air Force pilots transition to a career as an airline pilot.  Some have successful careers as a general aviation pilot. Dave Coffman is an accomplished pilot who has taken his experience as an Air Force fighter pilot flying for the Thunderbirds and has built a successful general aviation business.

Dave describes how he made the transition from flying fighters for the military to his current general aviation business. Dave is a contract pilot, flight instructor, and mentor pilot. Dave specializes in assisting pilots fly solo in complex aircraft by using his many years as a single seat fighter pilot.

Dave and I Discuss:

• How he developed a passion for aviation.
• His Air Force career.
• Flying For The U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds.
• Why he chose general aviation over the airlines.
• How he built a successful business as a contract pilot.
• How being an F-16 and T-37 Instructor helped him with his current career.
• Preparing for a job as a civilian after a military career.
• Advice on seeking a job flying with the military.
• How a military career prepares you for a job in the civilian world.
• The challenges of transitioning from the military to the civilian career.

Daves Awards and Achievements Include:

• Top Graduate, USAF Pilot Instructor Training
• USAF Distinguished Flying Cross, Aerial Achievement
• USAF Pilot of Distinction Award for safe recovery of an F-16 during an airshow after a catastrophic afterburner explosion.

Listener Mail:

Questions From Todd:

Todd has a few questions for Tom Wachowski but since both of us are on the road Tom recorded his responses to your questions Todd and I will play his response after reading your questions.

Questions For Tom:

• What is the the most important quality that a corporate flight department looks for in a prospective pilot candidate?
• How does he feel about paying for your first type rating when that becomes a limiting factor in getting hired?
• I hear a lot of people frowning upon that but we all have to pay for our flight training to that point anyway, so why not a type rating?
• Is it best to fly regionals before getting a corporate job?

Questions for Carl:

• You mentioned you knew a pilot who also was a practicing dentist.How in the world did he have the time to do both?
• Any way to have him on your show?
• Could I potentially have the time to be a practicing veterinarian and be a regional airline pilot?

Questions From Swayne:

Swayne is a high school student considering aviation as a career

• What should I think when I get responses from online forums or people who tell me to "run?"
• After years of flying, do you still look forward to it like you did when you first began?
• How did you get to where you are?
• What do you think the future of the industry is looking like?
• Do you see a brighter future compared to the last 11 years?

Links Mentioned In This Show:

Dave’s Interview on The Stuck Mic Avcast Episode 30

Higher Calling Aviation - Pilot, Instructor, Mentor

ACP023 – Ten Reasons You Should NOT Become An Airline Pilot. Career Questions Answered with Tom Wachowski.

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

Cockpit Chronicles

Recommendation:

Wisdom Meets Passion: When Generations Collide and Collaborate