Aviation Mentors

Episódios

• You Failed Your Checkride. Now What? 03.07.2026 21min

  🌍 Failed a checkride? You're not alone, and it's not the end of your aviation journey. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down what a checkride failure or discontinuance actually means for student pilots, plus dig into the differences between Part 61 and Part 141 flight schools, why general aviation airports keep shutting down, and why fewer people are flying just for fun these days. The hosts cover:What happens after a failed checkride or discontinuance, and why it's more common than you thinkPart 61 vs Part 141: the real differences in structure, stage checks, and examining authorityWhy airports like Santa Monica, Rialto, and Huntington Beach have shut down, and what it means for GA's futureThe declining number of people learning to fly purely for fun, and how the cost compares to other hobbies🚀 Whether you're preparing for your own checkride, weighing Part 61 vs Part 141 training, or just care about the future of general aviation airports, this episode has practical insight and real talk for student pilots and GA enthusiasts alike.New episodes drop every Friday, join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.🌐 Apply for the Stratus Financial Fly to Success Scholarship: stratus.finance/scholarship-2026/ Learn more about the Ascend Flight Training Summit: ascendflighttrainingsummit.com
• What Is the Pentagon's 1260H List and Why Is Cirrus On It? 26.06.2026 17min

  A Chinese-owned aircraft maker just landed on the Pentagon's radar, and Cirrus pilots want to know what it means for them.In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down the news that Cirrus's parent company, Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), has been added to the Pentagon's list of Chinese military-linked companies operating in the US. The hosts walk through what the designation actually means, who else got named alongside Cirrus, and why this story is surfacing now. They cover:What the Pentagon's blacklist designation is and why it's not the same as a flight banWhy Cirrus parent company AVIC was added, and how it ties back to a 2011 ownership dealWhat it means for the Department of Defense's procurement contracts starting June 30thContinental Aerospace Technology and Align Aerospace, the two other aviation suppliers named in the same updateWhy this surfaced now, including Cirrus's 2024 Hong Kong Stock Exchange listing and shifting US policy on foreign-owned companies🚀 Whether you fly a Cirrus, train in one, or just want to understand how geopolitics can intersect with general aviation, this episode breaks down what pilots actually need to know, and what they don't need to worry about.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.
• Cirrus Is a Chinese Company? Plus CO Risk and DPE Shortage 22.06.2026 22min

  Is Cirrus secretly owned by a Chinese company, and could carbon monoxide be hiding in your training aircraft right now? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle a stacked listener Q&A covering the biggest questions general aviation pilots are asking right now. Carson also catches Brandon off guard with breaking news about Cirrus. They cover:Carson asks Brandon if he's heard the news: the Pentagon just added Cirrus to its list of Chinese military companies, and Brandon's reaction says it allWhether carbon monoxide poisoning is a real risk in training aircraft, including a real ATC story that shows why CO sensors matterHow the DPE shortage is affecting checkride scheduling and training timelines for student pilotsWhether you can really afford to own an airplane, and why the dream isn't as out of reach as people thinkWhat basic med actually requires, and whether it's a better option than a regular FAA medical for most GA pilotsWhere the unleaded fuel transition for general aviation actually stands today🚀 Whether you're a student pilot, private pilot, or CFI, this episode breaks down real questions affecting your training, your aircraft, and the industry news you need to know about.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday. Join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.Sponsored by Stratus Financial: stratus.finance/scholarship-2026/ Ascend Flight Training Summit: ascendflighttrainingsummit.com
• The State of Flight Training in 2026: Hiring, Pipeline, and What the Data Actually Shows 13.06.2026 29min

  Flight training in 2026 — is it still worth it, and what do the numbers actually say? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Carson delivers a data-driven state of the union for flight training in 2026. Real numbers pulled from FAA records, industry surveys, and airline hiring reports. Carson breaks down:The real state of airline hiring in 2026, with actual numbers from American, United, and DeltaWhy 2025 was a pause and not a collapse, and what the rebound looks like right nowStudent pilot pipeline data, CFI supply, and what the competition actually looks likeThe true cost of flight training from private pilot to CFI in today's marketWhy waiting to start could cost you more than financing nowThe checkride examiner bottleneck and how it is quietly adding thousands to your training billWhether starting flight training today, in June 2026, is actually the right call🚀 Whether you are a student pilot weighing the investment, a CFI waiting on the airline rebound, or just trying to cut through the noise on the pilot shortage debate, this episode gives you the honest, unfiltered picture.🎓 Apply for the Aviation Mentors $10,000 Scholarship (25+ flight hours required): stratus.finance/scholarship-2026/✈️ Ascend Flight Training Summit — Dallas, September 8-10: ascendflighttrainingsummit.com🌎 New episodes drop every Friday — join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.
• Can You Fly Without Aviation Insurance? Skywatch Answers for Students, CFIs, and Flight Schools 05.06.2026 37min

  Can you fly without aviation insurance and what happens if you do? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson sit down with Tomer Kashi, CEO and co-founder of Skywatch, and Stephanie Kleeberg, head of sales and customer service, to break down everything pilots need to know about aviation insurance. They discuss:What renters insurance actually covers and why every student pilot needs it before their first soloHow flight school fleet policies work and why schools require students and CFIs to carry their own coverageThe difference between renter policies, CFI policies, and aircraft owner insuranceHow hours, make and model experience, and certificates directly affect your premiumWhy you no longer need to wait weeks for a policy and how to get covered same dayWhat aircraft owner insurance covers, from hail and hangar rash to in-flight liabilityThe difference between in-motion, not-in-motion, and storage-only coverage explained🚀 Whether you're a student pilot waiting on your first solo, a CFI looking for the right coverage, or an aircraft owner wanting to protect your investment, this episode gives you a clear and practical breakdown of aviation insurance from two industry experts.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday, join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.🛡️ This episode is sponsored by Skywatch Aviation Insurance. Learn more at skywatch.ai or get your personalized quote today at skywatch.ai/partners/mentors
• AeroSummit 2026 Recap: AI Caught the Instructor Breaking Planes and a $10,000 Scholarship Is Open Now 30.05.2026 35min

  Putting all your squawks into Claude and comparing it with flight data and seeing who's breaking the planes. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson just got back from AeroSummit 2025 in Miami and break down everything that happened, from a heated on-stage FAA debate to a live $10,000 scholarship announcement. The hosts discuss:How AI is now being used in flight schools to identify which instructors are damaging aircraftWhy over-speeding flaps is a serious problem and what it does to an airplaneThe heated on-stage debate over FAA Part 141 modernization and what it means for flight trainingHow AeroSummit grew from 300 to 430 attendees and what to expect next year in CaliforniaThe new Ascend Flight Training Summit coming to Dallas September 8 through 10 in partnership with NAFI🚀 Whether you're a student pilot, flight instructor, or flight school owner, this episode is packed with real-world insights from one of general aviation's fastest-growing industry events, plus a $10,000 scholarship you can apply for right now if you have over 25 flight hours.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday, join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.
• Why Student Pilots and CFIs Should Attend AeroSummit 2026 16.05.2026 28min

  In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down everything you need to know about AeroSummit 2026, happening May 20 through 22 at the JW Marriott Turnberry in Aventura, Florida. From the session lineup to networking opportunities, here's what's in store:Dedicated tracks for student pilots, CFIs, and flight school ownersKeynote speaker Stephanie Goats and panels on the future of flight trainingSessions covering FAA Part 141 modernization and the Mosaic ruleHow to fund your flight training, including military VA benefitsAirline recruiters on site for resume reviews and career matchmakingKit Darby's 2026 airline pilot job market and salary dataA charity golf tournament benefiting Aviators for AutismThe AeroQuest welcome reception featuring aircraft from Cessna, Piper, and more🚀 Whether you're a student pilot trying to break into the industry, a CFI looking to sharpen your skills, or a flight school owner building airline partnerships, AeroSummit 2026 has a track built for you. This is one of the most valuable networking events in general aviation, and Brandon and Carson are both speaking.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday. Join us, keep learning, and stay inspired in aviation.Learn more and register at https://stratusaerosummit.com/
• Runway Incursions and Airline Collapses: What Happens to Your Pilot Career? 09.05.2026 15min

  Runway incursions, airline bankruptcies, and what it all means for your future in the cockpit. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down the latest aviation headlines and what student pilots and aspiring airline professionals need to understand about a rapidly shifting industry. From a shocking runway collision at LaGuardia to Spirit Airlines ceasing operations, the hosts cover:The LaGuardia runway incursion where a commercial aircraft struck an airport fire truck on takeoffWhy PAPI lights and situational awareness are non-negotiable skills for every pilotSpirit Airlines shutting down and the financial mismanagement behind its collapseWhat happens to airline pilots when their carrier goes out of businessHow the seniority system works and why it has major consequences for your aviation careerWhy the long-term pilot career outlook remains strong despite recent industry turbulence🚀 Whether you're a student pilot, private pilot, or aspiring airline professional, this episode delivers real talk on aviation safety, airline industry realities, and what it takes to build a lasting career in the cockpit.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.
• Is an Aviation Degree Still Worth It? Plus Drones and Flight Fear 01.05.2026 26min

  Do you really need a degree to fly for a major airline, or is that advice completely outdated? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle a packed listener Q&A covering some of the most common questions student pilots are asking right now. From airline hiring requirements to managing fear between lessons, this one hits close to home for anyone in flight training:Whether an aviation degree is still required to get hired at a major airlineSolo study vs. group study: which approach works best for student pilotsThe best flight training apps worth paying for, including ForeFlight, Shepard Air, and BrainscapeHow to deal with fear and anxiety that creeps in between flight lessonsShould you tell your CFI about training-related anxiety, or keep it to yourselfWhether student pilots should learn to fly drones alongside traditional flight trainingAre stick-and-rudder skills still relevant with the rise of drones and unmanned systems🚀 Whether you are a student pilot just starting out or a private pilot building toward your next certificate, this episode gives you honest, experience-backed answers to questions every pilot in training eventually asks.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday. Subscribe now and never miss a lesson from the cockpit.
• The Smelly Cockpit Problem 24.04.2026 26min

  Hygiene in the cockpit — it's the conversation nobody wants to have, but every pilot, CFI, and flight school owner eventually faces. 🛩️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle the awkward, hilarious, and surprisingly serious topic of cockpit hygiene — and it goes both ways. From smelly students to unprofessional instructors, the hosts break down:How smelly students AND smelly CFIs affect trust and performance in the cockpitHow to have a difficult hygiene conversation without crushing a student's love of flyingThe "compliment sandwich" technique for addressing hygiene at the flight school levelWhy a student who smells like marijuana can put the PILOT at risk during an FAA ramp checkWhat professional appearance really means for both flight instructors and student pilotsHow one rude confrontation in the cockpit can end a student's aviation journey for good🚀 Whether you're a flight instructor, flight school owner, or student pilot, this episode is packed with real-world insight on cockpit professionalism, student retention, and the hard conversations that make or break the flight training experience.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday — join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.
• War, Fuel Prices, and GPS Spoofing 17.04.2026 21min

  War, fuel prices, and GPS threats—how is global conflict reshaping general aviation right now? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down the real-world impact of rising fuel costs and geopolitical conflict on pilots, flight training, and the GA community. From Middle East airspace closures to GPS jamming over the US, this episode connects the headlines to your cockpit:How sustained fuel price spikes are driving up flight training costs and what to budget for in 2026Which aircraft and engine types actually make sense to fly when fuel stays expensiveWhether Middle East conflict and closed airspace affect US pilot hiring pipelinesWhat GPS jamming and spoofing means for student pilots and how to protect yourselfWhy smaller flight schools face a real survival threat when fuel surcharges stack upThe US Air Force's $35,000 retention bonus and what it signals about the pilot market🚀 Whether you're a student pilot, private pilot, or general aviation enthusiast, this episode gives you the economic and situational awareness every pilot needs to navigate today's rapidly changing aviation landscape.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.
• Are Pilots AI-Proof? Answering Your Biggest Flight Training Questions 10.04.2026 33min

  Are pilots truly safe from AI replacing their jobs — and how do you actually make flight training work in real life? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle some of the most pressing questions student pilots are asking right now. From the debate over AI and automation in aviation to the real costs of learning to fly, the hosts cover:Why pilots remain AI-proof and the timeline challenges of autonomous aircraftHow to handle flight training fuel surcharges and what's a fair rateThe guilt of spending big money on flight training — and how to reframe the ROIHow to realistically fit flight training around a 9-to-5, shift work, or family lifeHow to network at your local airport without feeling like you're intruding🚀 Whether you're a student pilot, working professional, or someone weighing the cost of getting your license, this episode delivers honest, practical answers to help you move forward with confidence.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday — join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.
• Pizza Delivery to Phenom 300: Shaun Dawson's Pilot Story 03.04.2026 42min

  From delivering pizzas as a teenager to earning a Phenom 300 type rating — Shaun Dawson's pilot journey is one every GA pilot needs to hear. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon sits down with San Diego-based software engineer, GA pilot, and NFlight owner Shaun Dawson to talk about what it really takes to grow from student pilot to type-rated aviator. The conversation covers:How Microsoft Flight Simulator helped Shaun solo in just 4.5 hours (and the bad habits it created)A near-midair collision during his first solo flight outside the airport environment and the mental reset that saved his landingWhy getting a glider rating changed everything about his confidence in the patternA partner's engine seizure over Lake Woolford and Shaun's own electronic ignition failure on takeoff at Montgomery Airfield — and the emergency decisions made in bothThe Phenom 300 type rating process and why he wishes he had gotten his SIC rating firstHow Shaun went from customer to co-owner of NFlight, makers of the Nomad mic adapter and the newly launched Ascent headset🚀 Whether you're a student pilot working toward your first solo or a seasoned GA pilot looking to push your skills further, this episode is loaded with real-world lessons on pilot confidence, emergency decision-making, and the value of lifelong learning in aviation.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday — join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.Connect with Shaun Dawson:Email: shaun@nflighttech.comSupport: support@nflightcam.comWebsite: nflightcam.com | nflightmic.com
• Flight Training Is Hard: Here's How to Handle the Obstacles Most Students Face 27.03.2026 27min

  Flight training costs, location choices, and bouncing back from bad lessons—your biggest questions, answered. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle a fresh round of listener questions for student pilots navigating the realities of flight training today. From rising instructor rates to post-lesson frustration, the hosts share honest advice and real-world perspective on:How to afford flight training when CFI rates have climbed past $100 an hourWhy location matters more than you think when choosing where to trainThe smartest ways to stay productive when weather cancels your lessonHow to mentally bounce back after a discouraging flight lessonWhether student pilots should pursue tailwheel, complex, or high performance endorsements during private pilot training🚀 Whether you're a student pilot just getting started or a private pilot building toward your next certificate, this episode delivers practical, no-fluff answers to the questions that actually matter in your training journey.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.
• Mayday in a Warzone: When ATC Can't Save You 21.03.2026 28min

  Mayday calls, closed airspace, and no place to land — what do you do when ATC tells you "I don't know what to tell you"? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down a real-world airline crew's nightmare flight during the Middle East airspace crisis triggered by the Iran conflict. A routine 30-minute trip turned into a fuel emergency with nowhere to land, and the lessons apply to every pilot at every level. The hosts cover:How a flight crew added 2.5 tonnes of extra fuel — and still nearly ran outWhat happens when UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Doha all close their airspace at onceWhy ATC couldn't help — and what the crew did when Mayday calls went unansweredPilot decision-making in a warzone: declare emergency and land, or keep holding?Why student pilots must always have a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan CThe hard truth: ATC will not save you every single time🎥 Watch the viral cockpit video that inspired this episode: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1420442186428933/?fs=e&mibextid=wwXIfr&fs=e🚀 Whether you're a student pilot, private pilot, or aviation enthusiast, this episode is a masterclass in scenario-based thinking, emergency decision-making, and why more fuel always equals more options.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday — join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.
• From $7,300 in 9 Months to $100K: The Real Airline Pilot Salary Story 07.03.2026 38min

  From $7,300 in 9 months to breaking $100K. What does the real airline pilot career path actually look like? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon sits down with Chad Freeman, a major airline pilot with 7 type ratings and founder of MHP Investors, a mobile home park investment company focused on building passive income and financial stability outside the cockpit. Chad shares his unfiltered journey from scraping by at a regional airline to flying the Boeing 787 internationally, and why he turned to real estate to protect himself from aviation's unpredictability. They discuss:What it's really like flying the Boeing fleet, from the 737 to the 787How augmented crews work on 16+ hour international flights (and yes, getting paid to sleep)Why airline pay has changed dramatically and what student pilots can expectWhy Chad invests in mobile home parks and how it gave him financial freedom outside the cockpitThe passive income mindset every pilot should develop early in their careerPractical advice for student pilots and flight instructors trying to break into the airlines🚀 Whether you're a student pilot, aspiring airline pilot, or already in the right seat, Chad's story is an honest and inspiring look at what it takes to build a career and a life in aviation.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday. Join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.🔗 Connect with Chad Freeman: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chad-freeman-90967411a Website: mhpinvestors.com
• The Real Reason 80% of Student Pilots Never Finish Training 28.02.2026 27min

  Flight training is tough — but are student pilots set up to fail before they even start? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle the most pressing student pilot concerns of 2026, answering real listener questions about the financial and practical challenges of learning to fly. The hosts break down:Why 80% of student pilots quit — and why funding may be the real deciding factorHow to protect yourself financially if your flight school goes out of business mid-trainingThe truth about CFI turnover and how to pick an instructor who won't leave you strandedWhat checkride pass rates actually reveal about a flight school's qualityWhether flight clubs are truly cheaper than training at an FBO or flight schoolHow weather delays are quietly derailing student pilot progress across the country🚀 Whether you're a student pilot, aspiring private pilot, or a parent supporting someone through flight training, this episode gives you the practical knowledge to make smarter decisions about your aviation journey — and protect your investment along the way.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday — join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.
• Do You Actually Need an ATP to Fly Commercially? The Answer Might Surprise You 21.02.2026 27min

  Do you actually need an ATP to fly commercially? The answer depends on how you're flying — and it might surprise you. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down one of the most misunderstood regulatory questions in aviation after a real JSX flight from Scottsdale sparks the debate. They cover:Why Part 121 requires both pilots to hold an ATP, Part 135 requires only the captain, and Part 91 requires neitherHow JSX uses Part 380 and Delux Public Charter to legally operate 30-seat jets under Part 135 instead of Part 121 — and why Southwest is fighting to shut it downWhat the ATP-CTP course actually covers — proper checklist usage, proper crew management in a 121 setting, and passenger comfort — and why having it early might give you a slight leg up, though Brandon and Carson agree you'd need to ask a recruiter for a real answerWhy Part 135 and Part 91 pilots have no mandatory retirement age and can legally fly as long as they can pass a medical🛩️ Looking to charter a private jet, turboprop, or aircraft? Connect with Antonio Ferrara, a trusted Part 135 broker featured in this episode: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-ferrara-161103170/🚁 Also check out XPCE — the innovative drone company Brandon is advising, specializing in waterproof and fishing drones: https://xpece.com✈️ Is your flight school looking for new branding? Check out Parallel Marketing — now officially live and specializing in aviation industry branding: 🌐 https://parallelmarketingcompany.com 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/company/parallel-marketing-company/🚀 Whether you're a student pilot, private pilot, or general aviation enthusiast trying to make sense of the FARs, Brandon and Carson break it all down in plain language — straight from a real conversation that started on a JSX flight home.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday — join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.
• Is the DPE Shortage a Myth? PilExOS CEO Adam Shimmens Reveals What's Really Happening 14.02.2026 43min

  Is there really a DPE shortage, or is aviation facing an efficiency problem? And how is technology transforming flight training and check rides? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson sit down with Adam Shimmens, CEO of PilExOS and 20-year private pilot, to explore the intersection of aviation technology and flight training. From the DPE scheduling crisis to AI-powered cockpit tools, this conversation digs into what's really happening behind the scenes in general aviation:The DPE shortage myth—why roughly 400 examiners are doing over 80% of check rides nationwide, and why the real issue may be efficiency, not capacityHow PilExOS is building centralized software to streamline check ride scheduling, quality management, and DPE operations for flight schools and pilot examinersPart 141 modernization and examining authority—the pros, cons, and quality control challenges of flight schools conducting their own check ridesThe evolution of EFBs, glass cockpits, and aviation software from 2006 to today, and what student pilots gain (and risk) from modern technologyAI and the future of aviation—predictive maintenance, VR-based flight simulation, adaptive weather routing, and what the next 5–10 years could look like in GACareer advice for student pilots: why exploring beyond the airlines could lead to your dream flying job🚀 Whether you're a student pilot preparing for your first check ride, a flight school owner improving operations, or a general aviation enthusiast curious about where aviation technology is headed, this episode delivers real-world insights and expert perspectives you won't want to miss.🔗 Connect with Adam Shimmens & PilExOS: 🌐 Website: https://pilexos.com 💼 Adam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-shimmens-0895ab113/ 💼 PilExOS on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pilexos/🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.
• You Know You're A CFI When... (Part 5) 31.01.2026 40min

  Should CFIs stay silent or intervene? Paper charts or electronic flight bags? When's the right time for turning stalls? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson debate the most controversial topics in flight training. From stall techniques to tailwheel timing, the hosts challenge conventional wisdom and share strong opinions about how pilots should really learn to fly, including:When students should learn turning stalls vs. level flight stalls in primary trainingWhy spin training should (or shouldn't) be required for private pilots againThe case for introducing tailwheel flying during private pilot training—not afterAccelerated stalls: commercial maneuver or essential private pilot skill?Electronic flight bags vs. paper charts: which should flight schools require from day one?When CFIs should intervene and when they should let students learn from mistakesGround school vs. hands-on learning: classroom whiteboard or straight to the airplane?🚀 Whether you're a student pilot navigating training decisions, a CFI refining your teaching approach, or a general aviation pilot interested in safety and technique, this debate episode challenges the status quo with practical insights about flight training methods, risk management, and what really makes better pilots.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.