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Pre-Flight Checklist:

Carl, Tom, Paul, the other Tom, Russ, and Eric are all on this episode to discuss how to be prepared for an in-flight fire.

Eric announced that Polk State University recently had their first hiring visit from Express Jet, which gave conditional offers to seven of his students. Eric also announced that he actually got to get in an airplane today for some observation in a 172.

Carl announced that the 2016 edition of the Aerospace Scholarships guide will be out shortly on Amazon.

Paul has been mentoring a friend named Doug that recently completed his private rating in 12 days, and then went ahead and finished his commercial rating.

Tom Frick announced that he recently taught a student named Mark through his private rating so he could fly drones.

Cruise Flight:

  • Carl recently had a flight where smoke was detected in the bathroom of the plane he was flying. He discussed the procedure of the pilot and flight attendants investigating where the smoke is coming from.
  • Eric said smoke and fire is discussed in training, but might not be trained enough for it in a form of practice.
  • Eric said you don't have time to pull out a checklist and flip through it, you must have "immediate action items" that you memorize and do immediately.
  • Paul discussed a fire he had on a flight and how he got back to an airport safely. He said his instructors trained him very well to be prepared for a fire emergency.
  • Paul also discussed another fire he heard about where a crew did not land a plane with a fire because they were going through checklists, not wanting to land overweight, etc. rather than just landing the plane, which ultimately crashed.
  • Tom W. and Carl discussed procedures and equipment for dealing with laptop and phone batteries which sometimes catch fire on a plane and are almost impossible to put out.
  • Tom also mentioned that it's a good idea to practice these procedures in the simulator because when the cockpit fills with smoke, you can't see the controls and sometimes you need to just know where the controls are.
  • Three components to a fire: oxygen, heat, and fuel. If you take any one of those away from the fire it will go out.

After Flight Checklist:

~Picks of the Week~

Russ: FAA Instrument Flight Procedures Gateway-which lists charts and upcoming changes at all airports. You can also create an account to get updates to airports you use.

Tom F: Garmin Pilot- A comprehensive suite of  Android navigation apps designed for GA and corporate pilots

Paul: Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot- A book that explains flight rules and regulations without confusing jargon.

Carl: Fore-Flight- Electronic flight bag and apps for pilots

Tom W: Wind Map- a website that shows wind patterns to help you plan your flight

Carl: Sunset Pub and Grill at Lincoln Park airport- A great restaurant to eat at and watch planes take off and landLincoln Lincoln

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Cold Weather Flying – Stuck Mic AvCast Episode 112

Pre-Flight: 

SnowyMountainsCarl, Eric, Larry, Tom and Russ are here for this episode to warm your heart for aviation in this cold weather. Eric is currently in Washington, D.C. working on the new Airman Certification Standards with an FAA working group, and he's not used to it being this cold! Larry is even colder weather where it is 1 degree!

Russ announced new rules for Student Pilot Certificates beginning April 1st. From now on when you go for your 3rd class medical certificate you will not get your Student Pilot Certificate there, you will get it through your flight instructor, and it will be a plastic card. The new plastic certificates do not expire, but it is expected that the processing time may be lengthened because it needs to go to the FAA and TSA, which could potentially delay the time to solo. The FAA is trying to get the turnaround time to 3 weeks or less, but advanced planning will be required to avoid delays.

Cruise Flight:

The main topic for today is flying in colder weather, especially when flying IFR and utilizing cold weather restricted airports.

  • From high to low, from hot to cold, look out below! Altimeters could potentially give altitude errors in cold weather. This creates restrictions at certain cold weather airports.
  • Russ explained required obstacle clearance in cold weather restricted airports.
  • The colder it is, and the higher up you are above the weather station (usually airport you are flying to) the more the altimeter can be off, as much as 500 or more feet.
  • In a VFR environment, it's not as big of a deal, and in some places or in some groups flying is not done below temperatures that would cause altitude problems.
  • Airplanes have conditions in which they are designed to operate, and it is very important to know what those limitations are and abide by them.
  • Heaters and blankets can be used to keep planes warm while on the ground, but heaters can also damage certain parts of the engine.
  • If it's too cold to fly, you can still keep your skills up by using a simulator.

After Flight Checklist:

~Picks of the Week~

Tom: Weather Flying by Robert N. Buck, a great and current book about weather and aviation.

Russ: The Stafford Air and Space Museum at Weatherford Airport (OJA) near Oklahoma City, which has all kinds of aviation and space exhibits right off I-40.

Carl: The 2016 edition of the Aerospace Scholarships Guide will be out in the next week!

Larry: Jacobson Flare App, which addresses the flair portion of the landing procedure.

Eric: Eric had to cut out early, but you can check out Polk State College where Eric runs the Aerospace Program. This is a great university for an aerospace education!

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Pre-Flight Checklist

Photograph: Jacob Steinberg for the Guardian

Photograph: Jacob Steinberg for the Guardian

Carl, Rick, Larry, Eric, and Sean are here, as well as a special guest Tom Frick.

Carl realized recently that he is an "AV Geek," or Aviation Geek.

Announcements

  • Eric had a big signing ceremony today with ExpressJet, as Polk State's Aerospace program entered into Expressjet's Airline Pilot Pathway Program, which gives their students preferred consideration in hiring, allows for sharing of curriculum, and really boosts and validates their three year old program.
  • Carl is now current for single-engine! He achieved his currency and got his flight review by completing part of the W.I.N.G.S. program. His W.I.N.G.S. was certified, and validated by Tom Frick, because........
  • Tom is now a CFI!!!! He recently complete his check ride and tests on a VERY long day.

Cruise Flight

  • Owen Zupp recently wrote a great article about passenger evacuation from British Airways 2276. Carl opened the discussion to what general aviators can learn from these situations.
  • Tom has a briefing card that his school keeps in each plane, which tells passengers what to do in an emergency. It is similar to what you would hear on an airline flight.
  • Tom then discussed an emergency, off-airport landing he had when the engine quit on a plane he was flying.
  • Eric discussed teaching how every second could be the second before an emergency begins, the important things is what happens and how you deal with your "startle response." He also talks about teaching his students to go through a safety briefing before starting the plane, and a take-off briefing before entering runway environment. They use a kneeboard device with reminders for them.
  • Carl brought up the concern that many pilots only go over emergency procedures every two years when they recertify.

After Landing Checklist

~Picks of the Week~

Links:

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StormsAheadI am concerned about the current pilot shortage, or should I say lack of qualified pilots available for hire. This is the only industry we can’t call a pilot shortage a pilot shortage for political reasons. But that is a topic for another podcast and you can listen to my discussion by clicking on the pilot shortage tab on the homepage of this website or click on Pilot Shortage. But I digress.

My concern today is the complacency amongst many pilots when it comes to their careers. Many of you have rejoined this career after years of pursuing another job because of the recession. Having been through a few recessions in the aviation industry, I want to you understand the pursuit of an airline job or any job you truly want is a marathon and not a sprint.

During every downturn, the first people who bail out of this industry are those who were sold on an airline pilot career as being a six figure income with many days off. Although this is true later on in your career it does take years to realize this goal. Therefore, please if you are considering this as a career go into it because you enjoy the job. Don’t do it simply for the money because in the beginning you will be disappointed.

Furthermore, though many airlines may be knocking on your door and it seems if you can fog a mirror you can get a job as an airline pilot, this won’t last forever. “The worm always turns” is a saying in this industry, meaning for every uptrend in the industry there is an equal and opposite downturn. So please don’t become complacent during this current pilot shortage and we are going to show you how.

We discuss:

  • How To Avoid Complacency In Your Career
  • Why you should plan for the worst and hope for the best.
  • Why you should work on your credentials first.
  • Why there are ups and downs in the airline industry.
  • How to prepare yourself and stay hungry even during the current job market.
  • Listener Mail

Scholarship Of The Week:

AOPA Noe-Singer Flight Training Scholarship $12,000

This scholarship is offered through the AOPA flight training scholarships program in hopes of expanding the pilot population by helping an individual who has a definite interest in learning how to fly, however, would be unable to without the extra funds from this scholarship.

Larry Noe, a Bonanza G36 owner, and an instrument-rated commercial pilot recognized the need to assist students who have a financial need and strong desire to complete flight training. His desire is for students to use this scholarship to begin an aviation related career track, or fly recreationally as he does.

Sponsored by AerospaceScholarships.com

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SMAC104 Owen Zupp, Inspirational Aviator from Down Under

Pre-Flight Checklist:

Jabiru and RAAF FA-18Carl, Sean, and Victoria are here with our special guest Owen Zupp from Australia! Owen loves to fly for the airlines and is also passionate about General Aviation. Thank you to Plane Crazy Down Under for hooking up Carl and Owen.

Cruise Flight:

  • Owen's parents both served in the Australian Air Force, introducing him to aviation at a young age.
  • Owen did a trip around Australia in a small single engine aircraft and wrote a book about it called Solo Flight. The trip was supposed to be with his Dad, who passed away before they could make it happen.
  • Owen's Dad did almost all of his flight instruction.
  • Owen's Dad grew up in the Depression and served as an Army Commando in WWII. He then served as a mechanic in the Australian Air Force and then served as a fighter pilot in the Korean War. He had over 200 certifications and over 23,000 hours in his log book. He flew Gloucester Meteors, but his favorite fighter was the P-51 Mustang. Owen is working on a book about his father's life.
  • The airplane he chose was a Jabiru, which is Australian designed and built, and is very accessible to non-aviation people because it is smaller and cost about the same amount as a car. It made the flight very accessible to the school children that he saw during his trip.
  • Planning the trip took a lot of work such as planning where he could refuel, physical fatigue, media commitments, and safety concerns.
  • Owen also said that the solo flying was great for reflecting on the beauty of the country and the flying itself.
  • Owen said he loves airline flying because it is the safe execution of a task, but GA flying is just flying for the joy of seeing things. It's kind of like the difference between piloting a cruise ship vs. sailing a yacht.
  • Early in his career Owen flew Outback and scenic flying in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
  • Carl and Owen agreed that flying helps clear the mind  and helps people learn to think and be well rounded in life in general.
  • Sean asked about differences between Australia and US GA flying. Owen said in the US much of the country is covered by radar that identifies and tracks planes, where Australia has vast tracks outside of major cities that do not have radar coverage. GPS helps with finding planes, but it can still take awhile if a plane gets lost.
  • Owen also said many airfields in Australia have auxiliary fees like landing fees which make it more expensive, and the FBO's are very different such as having many unmanned terminals. Some terminals don't even have bathrooms or they keep them locked up.
  • Australia is a prime location for General Aviation due to good weather, low hills, and vast expanses, but the population is so low that traffic through many airfields simply does not justify the upkeep and the low demand keeps supply expenses high.
  • Owen talked about some of the amazing things he saw on his flight such as beautiful coastal land, followed by desert 2 hours later. He also said he crossed the Spencer Gulf, which is known for huge sharks.
  • Owen stayed in "Shearing Sheds," which are the sheds ranchers use to shear sheep so he could meet people.
  • During his flight, Owen flew to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, an organization that flies around the Outback rescuing people and providing doctors and nurses to very remote areas.
  • Carl asked what a visiting GA pilot would need to do in order to fly in Australia. Owen said to contact the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to see what requirements are needed to convert your local license to an Australian license, then do a flight check before going up.
  • Owen has written many other books. His book Down to Earth is the story of a WWII fighter pilot from the RAF from Dunkirk to D-Day, and one of the only pilots from his class still alive at the end of the war.
  • Owen said he once flew through a colony of bats, doing damage to his airplane.
  • Owen has also written 50 Tales of Flight and 50 More Tales of Flight, which are collections of articles he has had published over the years.
  • Owen also writes a blog called The Pilot's Blog, which is as much for aviation and travel enthusiasts as it is for experienced pilots.

After Landing Checklist:

~Picks of the Week~

This episode is sponsored by AerospaceScholarships.Com

Aerospace Scholarships Cover 200 wide
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ChowderBetweenFlightsEver wonder what pilots eat while flying? Confused as to which flight school to use for your training? We have answers and more in this episode of Aviation Careers Podcast.

Welcome to episode 90 I have joining me two special aviators. First, our host and private jet flying expert, Tom Wachowski.

Also joining us today is a new member of the Aviation Career Podcast Team Paul Grieco. Paul is an airline pilot, helicopter flight nurse, and now is a scholarship analyst with AerospaceScholarships.com.

We discuss:

  • Paul Grieco and how he will be helping with scholarships.
  • Our new airlines Page coming soon.
  • How pilots eat while flying.

Listener Mail:

  • Feedback on a accelerated training school.
  • A 26 year old pipeline pilot building hours is getting ready for the next career move.
  • Should I give up my secure gig and follow the traditional route of commuter/regionals or are there more creative ways to build hours?
  • What time line should I expect to reach my goal?
  • Should I leverage my maintenance background in pursuit or a corporate job?
  • Is there a statute of limitations for a company when you have been marked as not eligible for rehire?

Links Mentioned in this podcast:

Jessica Cox First Armless Pilot - Stuck Mic Avcast

AOPA Flight Training Flight School Directory

Don’t pay any flight school more than $2,500 in Advance

Don’t make a 2 million dollar mistake in your career.

Scholarship Of The Week:

International Aviation Womens Association $5,000

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Links Mentioned in this video:

https://www.faasafety.gov

https://www.faa.gov

Expert Aviator You Tube Channel

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Pre-Flight Checklist: 

JessicaCarl is flying today, but Rick, Tom Frick, and Victoria are here to interview Jessica Cox and Nick Spark about Jessica's inspiring story.

Cruise Flight:

  • During Air Venture Victoria got to sneak away from her booth to view the movie "Right Footed," the documentary about Jessica's life as the first armless pilot
  • She has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, graduated from college, and even drives a car. She is also a surfer and scuba diver.
  • Nick Spark is an aviation enthusiast and documentary filmmaker who previously made a documentary about Florence "Pancho" Barnes, a rival of Amelia Earhart.
  • Jessica got her start in aviation through Wright Flight, an organization introducing kids to aviation.
  • Jessica works with Handicap International fighting for the rights of the handicapped.

After Landing Checklist

~Picks of the Week~

No picks this week, as this is an interview show.

This episode is sponsored by AerospaceScholarships.Com

Aerospace Scholarships Cover 200 wide
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Chris 737Welcome to episode 89. My guest today is Chris Pezalla. Chris passion for aviation started at a young age with him obtaining a commercial pilot certificate at the age of 18. He studied Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University while working as a flight instructor. After college, he worked for a large Regional Airline. His flying experience includes 5500 hours in airplanes and over 1300 hours as an instructor.

The aviation industry is cyclic with with a few dramatic downturns. Today we discuss how Chris implemented a creative approach to surviving an aviation downturn. I'm sure you will find his story inspirational and informative.

Today Chris and I Discuss:

  • His Early life as a pilot and why he loves aviation.
  • His path to the regional airlines.
  • The downturn in the airline industry.
  • How he turned lemons into lemonade
  • What Chris did during his leave with the airlines.
  • Law Degree, Masters, Books, Speaking, and more.
  • Where he is now and where he is going.
  • Advice on how to prepare for a furlough or downturn in the airline industry.
  • Why you should prepare now when things are going well.

Scholarship of the Week:

Aero Club of PA: Pre-Solo Scholarships

Links:

Advanced Guide to Holding Patterns

Three Point Aviation

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Pre-Flight Checklist:
This is a special edition of the show, featuring interviews from Air Venture! Sitting in with Carl is Rick, Victoria, and special guests Larry Overstreet and Tom Frick. Victoria, Larry, and Tom were all at the show and shared their experiences.

  • Victoria was there promoting aviation insurance, as well as promote the Turbo the Flying Dog books.
  • Tom was working the booth with MzeroA.com, which provides an online ground school and many aviation manuals and books.
  • Larry said he has been going to the show almost every year since 1979 and posted lots of Facebook pictures this year. He said the number of airplanes and types of planes was amazing, the camping area is the third largest "city" in Wisconsin for that week, and there was a great Pilot Proficiency Center where you get learn and get some re-certifications for free.

Announcement: Tom Frick recently finished his Commercial Single Engine Rating!

Cruise Flight

  • Victoria interviewed three lady pilots who represent the 6% of pilots who are female.
    • Lesley Page who operates Courage To Soar encouraging women to fly
    • Lin Caywood who has participated in air races
    • Carol Caywood, Lin's  Mom who just loves coming to the show
  • Larry Interviewed Brian Bishop at the Pilot Proficiency Center, discussing their efforts through EAA to encourage general aviation safety.
  • Victoria interviewed John from Aviation Insurance Resources, who is also on the Greg Koontz and the Alabama Boys show.
  • Larry interviewed Stasi Poulis from Mindstar Aviation who is the avionics provider for Redbird.
  • Victoria interviewed Santa and Mrs. Claus, their first trip to Air Venture!
  • Larry interviewed Jim Crest from Pioneer Airport Flight Operations
  • Victoria interviewed the Berry family, who operate a seaplane that is the fastest on their lake.

After Landing Checklist

~Picks of the Week~

No picks this week, as this is an interview show.

This episode is sponsored by AerospaceScholarships.Com

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