ExpertAviator.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Carl and Eric talk about bridging the gap from low time to airline pilot. Additionally, we have encouraging stories from pilots who have taken the next step towards their career goal.

Listener Mail:

If airlines want to farm out their regional operations, how are they going to do that when regional carriers don't have enough pilots now to meet current demand?

Do you think that commercial aircraft will ever get sucked into the Drone bonanza?

Tom Wachowski answers a previous question about Networking and a corporate jobs.

A listener relates his reasons for not becoming an airline pilot as discussed in episode 23.

A pilot with 250 is turned down by the regionals in Australia and wants to know how he can make himself as competitive as possible?

Is it worth spending the extra to complete an instructor rating in the hope of securing some work to help more time?

A little of encouragement goes a long way.

Should I fly a corporate jet or for the regionals to make me more competitive for the major airlines?

What can I do now to increase my chances of being hired with the majors even though most of my recent time is flying drones?

Will airlines hire me before separating from the military and/or meeting the minimums?

Can you think of any downsides to getting a restricted ATP prior to getting to 1500 hrs?

During airline training how does the pay work? Is it still by-the-hour? Should I plan on a few months of even lower pay than a first-year first officer?

Links:

American to Shrink Regional Unit After Pilots Reject Contract

Sun N Fun Radio

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

National Business Aviation Association

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

Polk State College

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Want to know what it is like to work in the Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller or manager? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to design approaches? Thinking of working part time as a college professor or flight instructor? Today I have with me someone who has experience in all these fields and more.

The path towards your career goal is not straight but a journey full of variety and exciting adventures. One person who personifies this journey is Russ Roslewski. Russ has had many interesting jobs in his aviation career including The Air Force, FAA, and now working as an adjunct professor and flight instructor.

Russ has some great advice for those pursuing a career in aviation and is someone we should all admire for his ability to consistently move forward in his career AND have fun along the way. I know you will find his story fascinating and helpful in pursuing your career goal.

We Discuss:

• How Russ developed his passion for aviation.
• His years at the U.S. Air Force Academy and serving as a "U.S. Air Force Academy Liaison Officer".
• Advice for those applying and interviewing for the Air Force Academy.
• What an "Airfield Operations Officer" is and how this prepared him for a civilian job.
• Air Traffic Control and Airfield Management jobs in the Air Force.
• Working as as a liaison to the foreign national leadership.
• His involved in several mishap investigations from an ATC standpoint.
• How he worked his way into a TERPS (Terminal Procedures) job with the FAA.
• Advice for those interested in an job working with Terminal Procedures.
• The benefits and challenges of working part-time as a flight instructor.
• Working as an adjunct professor the rewards and challenges.
• General career advice for those who are thinking of taking the leap into a new career direction.

Links:

FAA Aviation Careers

Occupational Outlook Handbook : Air Traffic Controllers

FAA Salaries from Glassdoor.com

SMAC066 – How To Build An Instrument Approach With Russ Roslewski

Russ Roslewski Blog

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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

Pre-Flight

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

Cruise Flight

Show Notes

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

After Landing Checklist

~ Picks Of The Week ~

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

This Episode Is Sponsored By

Subscribe Here if you want to receive our audio and blog posts via email and delivered directly to your inbox, including special offers and sneak previews.

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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

We Discuss:

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

Listener Mail:

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

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

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

Links Mentioned In This Podcast:

Eric Crump on Twitter : @SeeEricGo

Polk State College

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

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

World needs pilots! Record growth leads to record need

How miserly airlines created their own pilot shortage

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

Union Says Lack Of Pay And Respect Leading To Pilot Shortage

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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

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

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

So let's get to it, shall we?

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

Pre-Flight

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

Cruise Flight

Show Notes

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

After Landing Checklist

~ Picks Of The Week ~

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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

Advantages of Accelerated Pilot Training:

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

Disadvantages of Accelerated Pilot Training:

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

Listener Mail:

Can you recommend Ground Instructors study material?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Links Mentioned In This Podcast:

Polk State College

Republic to remove 27 aircraft in face of pilot shortage

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

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

Gleim Publications aviation training courses.

King Schools aviation training.

ASA flight aviation training products.

ATP Certification Training Program (CTP)

Sun N Fun Radio

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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

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

Pre-Flight

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

Cruise Flight

Show Notes

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

After Landing Checklist

~ Picks Of The Week ~

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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

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

Jesse and I discuss:

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

Links:

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors Wages.

Air Transparency Blog

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

10 Ways To Avoid Burnout As An Airline Pilot:

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

Listener Feedback:

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

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

 

Links:

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

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

Airline and Commercial Pilot Pay

Pilots N Paws