English
Becoming A Pilot Podcast
by Genesis Flight College
Brought to you by Genesis Flight College, the Becoming a Pilot Podcast is your go-to source for practical advice, firsthand experiences, and expert insights on the path to becoming a pilot. Hosted by Dave Angus, this podcast dives into every stage of the journey—from your first discovery flight to advanced training and career opportunities. Whether you're a student pilot, flight instructor, or looking to earn your next rating, we’re here to help you navigate the skies with confidence. Tune in for conversations with industry professionals, training tips, and real-world stories from those…
Episodes
Ep.24 - Learning From Our Early Mistakes — Real Stories From Flight Training
3 Feb 2026 · 36 min
In this episode of the Becoming a Pilot Podcast, Dave and Tyler share the real experiences, close calls, and lessons learned that shaped them into the pilots and instructors they are today. From communication slip-ups and circuit-entry confusion to flap overspeeds, stall warnings, and unexpected…
Ep. 23 - Mastering Performance Takeoffs & Landings — Tips for PPL and CPL Students
20 Jan 2026 · 28 min
In this episode of the Becoming a Pilot Podcast, Dave and Tyler take a deep dive into performance takeoffs and landings, covering short-field and soft-field techniques, airspeed management, approach planning, and how to adapt for obstacles or different runway conditions. They also share practical…
Ep 22 - Earning Your Night Rating — What to Expect When Flying After Dark
6 Jan 2026 · 17 min
In this episode of the Becoming a Pilot Podcast, host Dave and instructor Tyler break down everything you need to know about earning your Night Rating. They discuss when to start training, what skills you’ll develop, and how Genesis Flight College helps students safely experience real-world…
Ep. 21 - Human Factors Every New Pilot Should Know: Decision-Making, Mindset & Safer Flying
23 Dec 2025 · 20 min
In this episode, Dave and Tyler take a deep dive into human factors—one of the most important elements of becoming a safe, capable pilot. They break down practical tools like the I’M SAFE checklist, the FOR-DEC decision-making model, and the three-strike rule, while sharing real-world examples…
Ep. 20 - Winter Flying 101: How to Stay Safe, Prepared, and Confident in Cold Weather Operations
9 Dec 2025 · 24 min
In this episode, Dave and Tyler break down everything student and newly licensed pilots need to know about winter flying. From surface contamination and cold-weather walk-arounds to managing engine temperatures, taxi techniques, carb ice, crosswinds, and winter runway conditions—this conversation…
Ep. 19 - ATPL or Cadet? Understanding Your Options as a Future Airline Pilot
25 Nov 2025 · 18 min
In this episode, host Dave Angus sits down with Geoff Hayes, Program Director at Genesis Flight College, to break down the key differences between the Integrated ATPL and Cadet programs. They discuss how each pathway prepares students for airline careers, the impact of emerging simulator…
Ep. 18 – Mastering Written Exams: Tips for Success at Every Stage
11 Nov 2025 · 15 min
In this episode, Dave and Tyler share strategies to help pilots prepare for Transport Canada written exams, starting with the PPL and building up to advanced tests. They cover effective study habits, breaking down complex topics like meteorology and navigation, and using practice exams to get…
Ep. 17 – Weather Briefing Basics: Building Confidence from Day One
28 Oct 2025 · 17 min
In this episode, Dave and fellow Genesis instructor Tyler break down the importance of weather briefs in flight training. From decoding METARs and TAFs to using GFAs and local AWOS reports, they share how introducing students to weather right from the first lesson builds confidence and prepares…
Ep. 16 – From Dispatch to Instructor: Kate’s Journey at Genesis
14 Oct 2025 · 15 min
In this episode, Dave sits down with Kate, a newly minted instructor at Genesis Flight College. Kate shares how she progressed from earning her PPL to completing her CPL, instrument, and multi-engine ratings—all while working in dispatch and around the airport. She talks about the value of…
Ep. 15 - Flight Test Standards—What Students Get Wrong
30 Sept 2025 · 17 min
The flight test is one of the biggest milestones in a pilot’s journey, and knowing what examiners expect can make all the difference. In this episode, Dave and Tyler break down the most common weak spots students face, from forgetting key memory items like airspeeds to struggling with aircraft…
Ep. 14 - Overcoming Setbacks in Flight Training
16 Sept 2025 · 18 min
Flight training isn’t just about flying an airplane—it’s about overcoming challenges that can stand between you and your license. In this episode, Dave and Tyler dive into the most common pitfalls that cause students to pause—or even give up—their pilot journey. From financial hurdles to time…
Ep. 13 – Building Better Pilots: Circuits, Comms, and Instructor Insights
2 Sept 2025 · 17 min
In this episode of Becoming a Pilot, Dave and Sarhvesh break down key areas of flight training that often trip students up—like flying a proper circuit, managing radio calls, and keeping your scan consistent in the downwind. They talk about why instructors might delay solo flights, how to build…
Ep. 12 – The Path to Your First Solo
19 Aug 2025 · 25 min
In this episode of Becoming a Pilot, Dave is joined by Genesis flight instructor Sarhvesh to dive deep into one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking milestones in flight training: the first solo. From the very first lesson after your discovery flight to building confidence in slow flight,…
Ep. 11 – From First Flight to Flight Instructor: Sarhvesh’s Journey
5 Aug 2025 · 32 min
In this episode of Becoming a Pilot, Dave sits down with fellow Genesis Flight College instructor Sarhvesh to explore his personal journey through flight training—from a life-changing first airline ride as a child to becoming a full-time instructor. Sarvesh opens up about his early air sickness,…
Ep. 10 – Training in Tough Weather: How Ontario’s Conditions Build Stronger Pilots
22 Jul 2025 · 14 min
In this episode of The Becoming a Pilot Podcast, host Dave Angus and co-host Tyler break down how Ontario’s diverse and often unpredictable weather shapes better pilots. From crosswind landings and lake-effect snow to low IFR ceilings and rapid weather changes, the duo explores how Collingwood’s…
Ep. 9 – Why Aircraft Matter: Training Smarter with the Diamond Fleet
8 Jul 2025 · 12 min
In this episode of The Becoming a Pilot Podcast, host Dave Angus and instructor Tyler dive into the real-world advantages of learning to fly in modern aircraft—specifically the Diamond DA20, DA40, and DA42. They explore how advanced avionics, seamless fleet integration, and consistent cockpit…
Ep. 8 – Acing the Flight Test: Proven Prep Tactics from Instructors Who Know
24 Jun 2025 · 21 min
In this episode of The Becoming a Pilot Podcast, host Dave Angus and instructor Tyler take a deep dive into preparing for your flight test—from the first ground brief to the final simulated checkride. They unpack the common weak spots students face (hello, aircraft systems), how to mentally…
Ep. 7 - Mastering the Forced Approach: Real-World Strategies Every Pilot Should Know
10 Jun 2025 · 39 min
In this episode of The Becoming a Pilot Podcast, host Dave Angus is joined by instructor Tyler to unpack everything you need to know about forced approaches. From managing engine failures and selecting the best landing field using the COWLS checklist, to handling high-stress situations during…
Ep.6 - How to Set Yourself Up for Success as a Student Pilot
27 May 2025 · 21 min
In this episode of the Becoming a Pilot Podcast, Dave welcomes back Tyler to talk about what it really takes to succeed in flight training—from day one through to your first aviation job. They cover practical tips on how to show up prepared for each lesson, the importance of understanding your…
Ep.5 - From Student to Instructor: Josh Ageeb’s Fast-Tracked Flight Path
13 May 2025 · 12 min
In this inspiring episode of Becoming a Pilot, host Dave Angus sits down with Josh Ageeb, a former Genesis Flight College student turned flight instructor, to explore his rapid ascent through the aviation ranks. Starting at just 16 years old, Josh shares how he soloed before he could drive, earned…