A Podcast about Achieving Your Aviation Career Goals
Episodes
ACP474 Common Mistakes on the FAA Medical and How to Correct Them
2 Nov 2026 · 42 min
Could one simple mistake on your FAA medical application delay your flying career—or even put your pilot certificates at risk? Every year, pilots make avoidable mistakes when completing their FAA medical applications. Some forget to disclose a doctor’s visit. Others misunderstand questions about…
ACP473 From Military to General Aviation Mechanic
19 Oct 2026 · 38 min
Samuel Hernandez is an FAA Airframe & Powerplant mechanic and Inspection Authorization holder, and a U.S. Air Force veteran who worked C-130s. He grew up watching military aircraft over Colorado Springs, chose the wrench in the Air Force, and now works civil general aviation — annuals, 100-hours,…
ACP472 Creating A Personal Brand With Elliot Mintzer
12 Oct 2026 · 26 min
Private aviation is a business built around multimillion-dollar aircraft—but what if the most valuable asset in your aviation career isn’t an airplane, a company, or even a contract? It’s your reputation. You can buy an aircraft. You can acquire a company. You can inherit a customer list. But you…
ACP471 What It’s REALLY Like To Be an Airline Simulator Instructor
5 Oct 2026 · 1 h 11
What is it really like to spend your working day in a full-motion flight simulator preparing airline pilots for some of the most demanding situations they may ever encounter? For many professional pilots, becoming a simulator instructor can open an entirely different chapter of an aviation career.…
ACP470 1,500 Hours Without Becoming a CFI
28 Sept 2026 · 43 min
======================================== One on One Coaching: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/ We will help you define your goals and create a plan to land your dream job. Mentorship: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/mentorship/ Receive one month access to the mentorship…
ACP469 Master the Language of Aviation
21 Sept 2026 · 58 min
Aviation has its own language—and for a new student pilot, mechanic, or aviation professional, that language can sometimes feel overwhelming. Today we talk with Daniel Bezden, private pilot and founder of Keynomen Aviation, a platform designed to help aviation students develop a deeper…
ACP468 A Midlife Reinvention: Anita Ammon’s Inspiring Career Change
14 Sept 2026 · 51 min
“Am I too old to change careers and become a professional pilot?” Sometimes that question comes from someone in their 30s. Sometimes in their 40s. Sometimes in their 50s. But underneath the question is usually something deeper: Can I really leave the career and life I’ve already built and start…
ACP467 From Corporate Flight Attendant to Children’s Author — Jessica Chrismer
7 Sept 2026 · 59 min
Jessica Chrismer has traveled to all 50 states and at least 30 countries during a career that has included more than a decade as a corporate flight attendant. But somewhere along the journey, aviation led her toward another career she never expected—becoming an award-winning children’s author.…
ACP466 Kevin McDermott Author of Flight Path: Lessons in Perseverance, Passion, and Laughter
31 Aug 2026 · 30 min
Today we have a special guest Kevin McDermott Author of Flight Path: An Irreverent Aviation Tale. Kevin encourages pilots and non-pilots alike to persevere through setbacks, appreciate the mentors who shape our lives, and never lose their sense of humor along the way. Affiliate Link to book:…
ACP465 Pilot: The Ultimate Remote Career
24 Aug 2026 · 17 min
Coaching, Courses, and Scholarships. https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/ ========================================= When most people hear the phrase “remote career,” they picture someone working from a laptop at home, sitting in a coffee shop, or answering emails from a beach. But there is…
ACP464 A Pilot’s Second Act After The Pension Disappeared
17 Aug 2026 · 30 min
Bankruptcy. Merger. A frozen pension. Furlough. These are words every airline pilot hopes they will never hear. Today’s guest has experienced all of them—and still managed to rebuild, reinvent himself, and come out on top. Paul Horsley is a retired airline pilot and the author of “Why the Rich…
ACP463 Hours vs.The Right Hours with Elliot Mintzer
10 Aug 2026 · 19 min
Today we have a returning guest Elliot Mintzer to discuss Building the Right Hours. Sponsor: https://pilotcounsel.com/ Talking Points: 1. Every Hour Is Not Created Equal 2. Chase Responsibility Before You Chase Aircraft 3. Learn the Business, Not Just the Airplane 4. Seek Mentors Who Challenge You…
ACP462 Changing Careers in Your 50s: Doug Wolfe’s Journey to Corporate Aviation
3 Aug 2026 · 27 min
Is it too late to become a professional pilot in your 50s? Today’s guest, Doug Wolfe, proves that age does not have to prevent you from pursuing your aviation dreams. Doug changed careers in his 50s and is now living his dream as a corporate pilot. In this episode of the Aviation Careers Podcast,…
ACP461 Young Aviation Entrepreneur Ethan Lin
27 Jul 2026 · 34 min
Most 15-year-olds are just beginning to think about their future careers. Today’s guest says he is already working in aircraft sales and representing a Polish light-sport aircraft in California Sponsor: https://PIlotCounsel.com Links https://linktr.ee/ekolotcalifornia…
ACP460 A Trip To The Emergency Room Grounded Me : Lessons Learned One Year Later
13 Jul 2026 · 23 min
One year ago I sat in my car outside the urgent care knowing I should go due to my medical condition but also knew that my career as a pilot may end. This is the story of what I did and what I learned one year later. Before I get started, full disclosure: my attorney … Continue reading ACP460 A…
ACP459 Using Your 529 For Flight Training with Paul Wynns
6 Jul 2026 · 33 min
Today, we have a special guest, Paul Wynns, to discuss using your 529 for flight training. Paul is the co-founder of FlexAir Flight, recently received his PhD, and is a volunteer with The Flight Training Alliance, an organization key to advancing this new legislation. Sponsor:…
ACP458 Starting a Part 135 with Elliot Mintzer
29 Jun 2026 · 26 min
Today we have a special guest Elliot Mintzer, a former operator of two multimillion dollar PC-12 focused part 135 operations. We are excited to discuss what it takes to start and operate a successful Part 135 operation. Mentorship:…
ACP457 “Nice Jewish Boys Don’t Fly Airplanes” Author Irwin Wenzel
22 Jun 2026 · 35 min
Today we have a special guest Irwin Wenzel Author of Nice Jewish Boys Don’t Fly Airplanes : A sharp, funny, and heartfelt memoir about defying expectations—and finding your own flight path. Sponsor: https://pilotcounsel.com/ Talking Points: How he developed his passion for aviation. Growing up in…
ACP456 What does Spirit shutting down mean for new pilots?
15 Jun 2026 · 14 min
The most common question I get after publishing my last episode about surviving a furlough is “What does Spirit shutting down mean for new pilots?” Today, I will also answer the question of how this affects all pilots at all levels. Talking Points:…
ACP455 Getting Started with FAA Medical Certification
8 Jun 2026 · 28 min
Today we have a special guest Chris Pezalla to discuss getting started with FAA Medical Certification. Sponsor: https://pilotcounsel.com Talking Points: Steps before you apply -Read the user guide -Have your medical information ready -Application process (MedExpress) and AME visit -Be accurate and…