ExpertAviator.com

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Welcome to episode 302. Today we discuss how the FAA’s Flight Inspection Group, better known to us pilots as “Flight Check”, insures our safety during instrument approaches. Joining us today is our co-host and flight check pilot Russ Roslewski to give us an inside look at what flight inspection is and what it is like to fly as a flight inspection pilot.

Preflight Checklist:

Sponsor:

Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or if you would like to WIN a new airplane, check out https://www.tailwindwaymakers.org/

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships

Cruise Flight: 

• What is Flight Inspection?
• ACP348.
• How does flight inspection benefit the general aviation pilot?
• What planes do you fly?
• What does a typical week’s mission consist of?
• What types of maneuvers and flight profiles do you fly?
• Why are ground-based navigation aids relevant and will they be in the future?
• Why should we be thankful to hear the call sign “Flight Check” and not think of it as an inconvenience to our flying?
• We wanted to include Russ Roslewski’s most challenging approach to add to our last episode.

After Landing Checklist:

Pick Of The Week:

Carl - Facebook Old Farts Flying Club 

Russ - “Quick Aviation Reads” by Sylvia Wrigley (6 book series): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084WRNL8R

Sponsor:

"Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or if you would like to WIN a new airplane, check out https://www.tailwindwaymakers.org/

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Links:

https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/flight_ops/flightinspection

In today’s episode, we discuss the truth about Airline schedules and pilot earnings. This comes from feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com and from the YouTube Channel Comments.

If you want to ask a question visit http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Patrons Giving Away Free Scholarship Guides:

Thank you to our Patrons for paying it forward and giving away free scholarship guides every month. For only $1 a month, you can help someone achieve their aviation dream!

If you are looking for one of those free scholarship guides sponsored by our patrons please visit. http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/Free/ 

Want to learn more about the scholarship guide visit:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

If you have questions please visit http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/ 

Talking Points:

Feedback@AviationCareersPocast.com 

Hello Carl, 

I recently came across your YouTube and love the content you are putting out. My question is regarding getting started at 39 and the rumors around the industry. I have dreamed of becoming a pilot since I was about 13 years old. I would fly to see my mom twice a year and couldn't wait to get to the airport to watch the planes. As I got older I didn't really think it was possible for me to become a pilot until recently when I started doing some research and realized there is financial support. This re-lit that dream in me about becoming a pilot. However, I'm curious about two things. 

I'm 39 years old and am married (no kids - none coming). During my research I have found quite a few comments about how poor the scheduling is (bidding) within the industry and that you never get holidays off unless your seniority gets you those days off. I've also read some comments stating you are barely home and work far more hours than are advertised. I'm not afraid of hard work, however, I'm worried that if I do embark on this journey at 39 years old, how long will I need to realistically look at barely being home? The reason this worries me is I don't want to put myself in a position where my wife ends up leaving as that is something else I read that divorces are high within the pilot realm. Thank you for all the information you put out and I hope to hear from you. 

Comment From YouTube Channel EPISODE 345: 

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp345-yes-you-can-become-a-pilot-at-45-or-older/ 

It’s never too old to enter, but the time you’ve lost may mean you cannot make it through the seniority of a large airline to the top earning spots, so you may have to manage your expectations from that point of view

Carl’s response: It is true you may not make it to the top of the seniority list but you might still be able to top the pay scale especially if you have more than 12 years left until retirement at the airline. Great comment. You inspired me to make a video discussing how you can make top pay even if you don't make it to the top of the seniority list.

Another response.

 @Aviation Careers Podcast, best of luck. I'm talking from a UK point of view where it plays out very differently. 250 hrs FO to low-cost captain at 3000 hrs on a 737. quick promotion but salary stops at about £100k .... seems a slow burner in the US but the ability to make 3-400k dollars but at a "mid-life" age with companies like UPS. I'm lucky I got into this at 20... 757 capt at 33, 787 capt at 42, 787 check capt at 44 .... 744 capt at 50 ( didn't expect that ! )

Carl’s Response: Great perspective, and thanks for the feedback. In the US you normally top out at 12-year pay with a median income of around $200 is what can be expected in the US. It would be great to have someone on the channel to discuss aviation from a UK perspective since we are very US-centric.

Links: 

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/resources/

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/  

Patrons Giving Away Free Scholarship Guides:

Thank you to our Patrons for paying it forward and giving away free scholarship guides every month. For only $1 a month, you can help someone achieve their aviation dream!

If you are looking for one of those free scholarship guides sponsored by our patrons please visit. http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/Free/ 

Want to learn more about the scholarship guide visit:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

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For the past 20 years, I have been asked to explain THE Pilot Shortage as if it was a thing. The truth of the matter is we have had shortages and 

If you want to ask a question visit http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Sponsor Giving Away Free Scholarship Guides:

"Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or want to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org "

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

Want to be a guest on the show? please visit AviationCareersPodcast and click on the online course. 

If you have questions please visit http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/ 

Talking Points:

• What Is THE Pilot shortage?
• The Limited Supply of Qualified Pilots.
• A shortage, in economic terms, is a condition where the quantity demanded is greater than the quantity supplied at the market price.
• The truth about low starting wages in aviation and why I feel that will not change. Signing bonuses are temporary.
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm#tab-5 
• Career progression and expectations.
• Why over-selling the pilot shortage will create dissatisfied pilots?
• How regulations will increase the requirements to fly for an airline.
• How new regulations have produced this shortage?
• Why you should be careful who you listen to.
• The good news is demand for pilots over time will be high.
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm#tab-6 
• Why the pilot shortage should not be driving your decision to become a pilot.

Links: 

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/resources/

Sponsor:

"Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or want to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org "

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

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Welcome to episode 301. One of my favorite aviators because of his passion for flying is Dean Showalter. Dean is an aviation educator, podcaster, and all round nice guy. In a recent episode of his podcast, he discussed “The Most Challenging Approach” and asked the question “What’s the most interesting or out-of-the-ordinary instrument approach you’ve seen recently”. 

I thought it would be fun to have Dean on the show and discuss some of his listeners' responses and discuss the most challenging or interesting approaches we have experienced.

Joining me in this episode are your co-hosts Tom Frick and Bill English.

Preflight Checklist:

Shout Out:

Congratulations Matt Lehn, our program coordinator for passing his commercial check-ride today. Matt is now a commercial pilot!

Sponsor:

Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or if you would like to WIN a new airplane, check out https://www.tailwindwaymakers.org/

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships

Cruise Flight: 

• Summary of Episode 209 and the inspiration for the question today.
• Dean’s most challenging approach.
• Our co-hosts have the most challenging approach.
• Carl - Park Visual 31 LGA, KCDK visual, RNO any RNP
• Bill - KMTN VOR or TACAN 15, KBOS Light Visual 33
• The most challenging visual approach.
• Where you can find Dean and his show.

After Landing Checklist:

Pick Of The Week:

Interview, therefore no pick of the week.

Sponsor:

"Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or if you would like to WIN a new airplane, check out https://www.tailwindwaymakers.org/

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Links:

https://airplaneownermaintenance.com/208-back-in-the-maintenance-shop-and-off-to-jfk/ 

Is an airline career not for you? Want the freedom a business gives you? You should consider becoming an Aviation Entrepreneur. Joining me today to discuss aviation entrepreneurship is Eric Crump Director of The Aerospace Center For Excellence.

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If you want to ask a question visit http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Sponsor Giving Away Free Scholarship Guides:

"Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or want to WIN a new airplane, check out https://www.tailwindwaymakers.org "

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Want to be a guest on the show? please visit AviationCareersPodcast and click on the online course.

If you have questions please visit http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Talking Points:

How do I know if I have what it takes to become an Aviation Entrepreneur?
Working for a company is not for everyone.
How to get started.
Why having a team is important.
What is a business incubator?
How organizations such as Elevate can help you.
Details about Elevate and how to become a member.
The importance of networking and having experienced

Links:

http://www.elevateincubator.com/

Sponsor:

"Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or want to WIN a new airplane, check out https://www.tailwindwaymakers.org "

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

ACP360 What Is The Best Path From Zero To Hero For A 34-Year-Old?

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In today’s episode, we answer the question “What is the best path from zero to hero? If you want to ask a question visit http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/

Sponsor Giving Away Free Scholarship Guides:

"Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or want to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org "

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

Want to be a guest on the show? please visit AviationCareersPodcast and click on the online course. 

If you have questions please visit http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/contact/ 

Feedback:

Question 1:

Where can I find 2023 scholarship options?

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

Scholarships are updated monthly not annually.

Question 2:

Hey Carl, I'm considering a radical career change in the aviation industry. I've always had an interest in flying, but hard times and life circumstances always made it seem out of my grasp. I'm 34, and currently working as a commercial/industrial electrician. 

Over the last couple of years, I've become very disheartened in the direction of my industry for more reasons than I could possibly list here. But the overall wear and tear of working long hours, in hazardous environments, for people that seem to care less and less about craftsmanship are taking its toll. 

I'm thinking about turning my knowledge into a side business instead of my main income. I have deep connections with one of the major airlines and I'm seriously considering taking advantage of the current pilot shortage. 

I've been listening to many of your podcasts, as well as reading aviation forums, and watching YouTube community videos to gather information. I have an associate’s, but no bachelor's as of now, and I don't currently have my PPL. What would be my best course of action to go from zero to hero in the shortest amount of time with the fewest mistakes along the way? 

Love the podcast and thank you for your time.

1. Consider Why you are changing careers.
2. The working environment might have the same issues as your current career depending on the job.
3. Long work hours are still prevalent. You can work 18 hours or more a day as a pilot. Deadheading at the end of the trip is an example.
4. How craftsmanship relates to airmanship and public opinion on our job as pilots. Yes, we do land the plane still.
5. A side business can be great as a pilot but remember that entails working every day such as I do with this business. Be careful to schedule days off and don’t take phone calls on those days.
6. Don’t try and time the market for pilots. “The current pilot shortage” is one of many. The pilot market is similar to the stock market.
7. Be careful what you read on the internet. Social media is full of trolls and bad advice sprinkled with nuggets of wisdom. 
8. Be wary of others giving you advice online and telling you what you should do. You need to make that decision yourself and it is highly individualistic.
9. You need to consult your family and may need to get an unbiased opinion from a third party such as a career coach.
10. Most importantly do what is best for you.

Links: 

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp038-dont-listen-to-the-naysayers/ 

Sponsor:

"Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or want to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org "

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ 

Today I answer the question: “Would my time be better spent simply buying a plane and flying?”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Sponsor:

"Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or want to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org "

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Want to be a guest on the show? please visit AviationCareersPodcast and click on the online course. If you have questions please email us at: feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com.

Feedback:

Dean Showalter answers the question we pose in episode 350 Is starting a professional career in flying at 55 worth the effort?

https://airplaneownermaintenance.com/about/
Why should I be a CFI after my flight schooling? I am almost done getting my private pilot cert in an accelerated flight school.
I'm 36 with four kids and have taught before in education; not sure I'd have enough patience to teach again, and I want to get my 1500 hours as quickly and effectively as possible.

Would my time be better spent simply buying a plane and flying? I'm already going to be in debt. What is another 150k? I want this to be my last career and need to do something about retirement.

Something seems off about the cadet programs that usher people into the regionals requiring their cadets flight instruction until they get to their 1500 hours. Are they hiring these folks at a lower rate than those who apply outside of the cadet programs and flow through?

Every hour counts for me, as does every year of employment. I appreciate your content and advice. Thanks very much!

It depends on your budget. But let’s talk about the benefits and challenges of owning your own plane and building hours.

Benefits Of Owning A Plane And Building Hours:

You set your own hours and fly when you want.
You can fly on extended cross-country flights in the system and gain valuable IFR flying experience.
You can bring your family.
You can be home every night.
You can start your own flight instructing business and take on only the clients you choose.

Challenges Of Owning A Plane And Building Hours:

The cost of buying the aircraft.
Hourly costs.
Maintenance.
You may need to dispose of an aircraft while you are trying to concentrate on training at an airline.
You may not learn how to interact with another pilot in the cockpit which will get you ready for the airlines.
Carrying costs. Hangar, insurance, subscriptions such as for charts and GPS.

Sponsor:

"Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or want to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org "

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Today we answer the question: “ Can you have a side hustle as a musician and be a pilot?” answer your questions.

Sponsor:

"Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or if you would like to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org "

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

But before we begin, if you want to be a guest on the show please visit AviationCareersPodcast and click on the online course. If you have questions please email us at: feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com.

Questions:

Question 1

Dear Sir

I am a US citizen with a Faa CPL license working with a foreign ATP for an Airline for a long time. I have about 15000 hrs total time with 9000 hrs + as P1 time on jet aircraft.

Please let me know the proper steps to get my US FAA ATP to start my new career as a corporate pilot Best regards

https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/foreign_license_verification

Question 2

Hello,

Firstly, let me say how much I enjoy your podcast; I find your enthusiasm for aviation and encouragement for those perusing a career in aviation inspirational. As a 52-year-old male student pilot here in Brisbane Australia, I listen to various aviation podcasts, mostly US based, and can’t help but be jealous of those in my situation based in the US….the aviation ‘industry’ there is so big, with so many potential opportunities for student pilots chasing their dreams, albeit with a much bigger population of students/pilots competing for those opportunities.

With literally thousands of airfields in the US open to GA, not to mention commercial and military components, coupled with the infrastructure required to operate and maintain same, there is huge potential for aspiring pilots to pursue their dreams, and I think sometimes US-based aviation commentators forget just how lucky you have it over there. Contrasting this for example, here in Australia, which is a vast country with a relatively small population, we have less than a thousand airfields, with obviously far less of an aviation industry behind it.

Nevertheless, I’ll continue to listen to the suggestions/ideas/advice offered by you and others to maximize my own opportunities, and who knows where it will take me. Keep up the great work with your fantastic podcast.

Kind regards.

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-3-specialty-occupation-workers-from-australia
http://www.mckeown.com.au/cases/australians-flying-in-the-usa.htm

Question 3 

Hello, Carl! Let me start off by saying that I have been listening to your podcast for a few weeks now and am loving it. I listen every day on my morning drive to school and work. It has been interesting to hear all of the different topics you discuss in aviation.

To give you some background about me, I am a 21-year-old college student interested in getting into aviation. I’ve been trying to find my career path for about 2 years now ever since I graduated high school in 2020. Long story short, COVID pretty much ruined my initial college experience, as everything was far from normal after graduation for quite some time.

I started out as a music major on full scholarship at an out-of-state university, but because of my initial bad experience due to COVID and second thoughts about going into music full-time, I moved back home to finish a more generalized degree, while still trying to pursue music on the side. Since moving back home, I was able to successfully audition for a part-time professional symphony orchestra in my city—without having a music degree, which most of the musicians have—and have been loving life as an orchestral violinist. It has worked out perfectly with my school schedule and my other part-time job, as the rehearsals are only in the evenings, and concerts are on the weekends and allow for outside full-time employment.

Aviation has always been something that has been at the back of my mind. My closest relative in the aviation industry, my aunt, has been a flight attendant for over 35 years. She loves it and always tells me to consider looking into aviation. I recently decided to take her advice by booking a discovery flight, and I absolutely LOVED it. After having shadowed many different careers throughout my 2 years of college, this is the only one that I can say has really inspired me and is something I can see myself doing for the rest of my life.

My goal is to be a pilot and have music as my side hustle. You mention on your podcast that many pilots have other jobs or businesses outside of flying because of how much time off pilots get. It sounds like this may be a possibility for me, but I wanted to get your take on it. I have talked to a cargo pilot from a mutual connection—the same guy I did my discovery flight with—and he thinks I would be able to hold a music job and be a pilot at the same time.

To clarify what my music schedule looks like, this is what a typical symphony week looks like for me: rehearsals 7 pm-10 pm Tuesday-Friday and a concert on Saturday 7 pm-9 pm. Some weeks are short though, depending on the type of concert: sometimes only 1-2 rehearsals before the weekend concert. We generally only have 1 symphony week a month; sometimes two.

I realize that getting that many consecutive nights off in a row is probably difficult, but I’m hoping that as I build seniority, it would be easier to manipulate things around my schedule. I am definitely willing to sacrifice some of this at the beginning of my career. If I’m not able to do symphony at the beginning of my career, at least I could still do some of my other single-day music gigs, like weddings, teaching, and other events on my days off.

Sorry for the lengthy message. I totally understand if you don’t have time to read this all. I sincerely appreciate any advice you can give me if you have any time. I look forward to hearing more episodes from the podcast.

Thanks so much.

Links:

https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/foreign_license_verification

http://www.mckeown.com.au/cases/australians-flying-in-the-usa.htm

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-3-specialty-occupation-workers-from-australia
Sponsor:

"Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or if you would like to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org "

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Welcome to episode 300. Some pilots only fly in and out of controlled fields. For others, it may have been years since they visited an airport without a tower. Maybe you are a professional pilot getting back into general aviation and want a refresher on operating at non-towered airports. For those who operate every day out of non-towered fields maybe we can give you some tips and tricks to help you operate more efficiently and safely. Whatever your flying background, we hope you will find this episode helpful and fun.

Joining me in this episode are your co-hosts Russ Roslewski and Bill English.

Preflight Checklist:

Sponsor:

"Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or if you would like to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org "

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Cruise Flight: 

• Why Non-Towered operations can be a challenge.
• Common errors
• Best practices
• Some examples
• Flying IFR to a Non-Towered airport.
• Resources
• AIM 4?1?9. Traffic Advisory Practices at Airports Without Operating Control Towers.
• AIM 5?2?3. IFR Clearances Off Uncontrolled Airports

After Landing Checklist:

Pick Of The Week:

Carl - SMAC299 Paul Entrekin Author of “Mr. MiG - The Real Story of the First MiGs in America”

Bill - How to Fly the Pattern Without Making an #@$ of Yourself

Russ - The Learjet Diaries by Greg Madonna https://a.co/d/2wnbAbv

Sponsor:

"Tailwind Waymakers is a non-profit founded to help fund aviation dreams. So whether you could use some help funding your aviation training or if you would like to WIN a new airplane, check out TailwindWaymakers.org "

Use coupon code TailwindWaymakers and get a free scholarships guide while supplies last at:

http://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/

Links:

AC 90-66B - Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/96969/pdf