21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast

This episode introduces the new NBAA Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual and why it's a big deal for business aviation. Dylan and Max are joined by Brian Small of FlightSafety International and Tim Schoenauer of CAE to explain how the manual was developed, who it's for, and how operators can actually use it—not just shelf it. They break down the regulatory intent, training implications, and where this fits into real-world Part 91 and 135 operations. If you've ever wondered what "good SOPs" are supposed to look like, this is the starting point.

Download the New NBAA SOP Manual Manual (no login required, just share contact information)

Connect with Tim Schoenauer in LinkedIn

Connect with Brian Small on LinkedIn

Show Notes

0:00 Intro

1:46 The Start of Standardization

14:59 What's an SOP Guide?

19:08 Benefits of Standardization

32:04 Already Have an SOP?

34:36 Phasing into Training

43:19 Recommendations Going Forward

Our Sponsors

Tim Pope, CFP® — Tim is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a pilot. His practice specializes in aviation professionals and aviation 401k plans, helping clients pursue their financial goals by defining them, optimizing resources, and monitoring progress. Click here to learn more. Also check out The Pilot's Portfolio Podcast.

Advanced Aircrew Academy — Enables flight operations to fulfill their training needs in the most efficient and affordable way—anywhere, at any time. They provide high-quality training for professional pilots, flight attendants, flight coordinators, maintenance, and line service teams, all delivered via a world-class online system. Click here to learn more.

Raven Careers — Helping your career take flight. Raven Careers supports professional pilots with resume prep, interview strategy, and long-term career planning. Whether you're a CFI eyeing your first regional, a captain debating your upgrade path, or a legacy hopeful refining your application, their one-on-one coaching and insider knowledge give you a real advantage. Click here to learn more.

The AirComp Calculator™ is business aviation's only online compensation analysis system. It can provide precise compensation ranges for 14 business aviation positions in six aircraft classes at over 50 locations throughout the United States in seconds. Click here to learn more.

Vaerus Jet Sales — Vaerus means right, true, and real. Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, with a true partner to make your dream of flight real. Connect with Brooks at Vaerus Jet Sales or learn more about their DC-3 Referral Program.

Harvey Watt — Offers the only true Loss of Medical License Insurance available to individuals and small groups. Because Harvey Watt manages most airlines' plans, they can assist you in identifying the right coverage to supplement your airline's plan. Many buy coverage to supplement the loss of retirement benefits while grounded. Click here to learn more.

VSL ACE Guide — Your all-in-one pilot training resource. Includes the most up-to-date Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Private, Instrument, Commercial, ATP, CFI, and CFII. 21.Five listeners get a discount on the guide—click here to learn more.

ProPilotWorld.com — The premier information and networking resource for professional pilots. Click here to learn more.

Feedback & Contact

Have feedback, suggestions, or a great aviation story to share? Email us at [email protected]. Check out our Instagram feed @21FivePodcast for more great content (and our collection of aviation license plates).

The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.

Dylan and Max kick off this PM edition with holiday-on-the-road war stories: Cowboys Thanksgiving trips, O'Hare blizzards, Vegas taxi laps, and that deranged border tether balloon that literally broke loose over Sierra Vista. The mailbag hits everything from FlightSafety's Master Aviator modules and Shorts 360 island hopping, to 50-something career-changers, disc golf and pickleball layover hacks, and using tools like Notebook LM without getting your manuals on the evening news. In Flight Advice, a 19-year-old CFII in Auburn asks whether to bail on instructing for a full-time A36 Bonanza gig in Destin, and the guys break down real-world 91 experience vs. multi-time and keeping your long-term 135/121 options open. If you're grinding through holidays, fatigue, politics, and career FOMO, this one will feel uncomfortably familiar. Show Notes

0:00 Intro

5:01 Holiday Stories & GA

18:37 Reviews

30:01 Mailbag

41:37 Flight Advice

50:29 Holiday Bidding

Our Sponsors

Tim Pope, CFP® — Tim is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a pilot. His practice specializes in aviation professionals and aviation 401k plans, helping clients pursue their financial goals by defining them, optimizing resources, and monitoring progress. Click here to learn more. Also check out The Pilot's Portfolio Podcast.

Advanced Aircrew Academy — Enables flight operations to fulfill their training needs in the most efficient and affordable way—anywhere, at any time. They provide high-quality training for professional pilots, flight attendants, flight coordinators, maintenance, and line service teams, all delivered via a world-class online system. Click here to learn more.

Raven Careers — Helping your career take flight. Raven Careers supports professional pilots with resume prep, interview strategy, and long-term career planning. Whether you're a CFI eyeing your first regional, a captain debating your upgrade path, or a legacy hopeful refining your application, their one-on-one coaching and insider knowledge give you a real advantage. Click here to learn more.

The AirComp Calculator™ is business aviation's only online compensation analysis system. It can provide precise compensation ranges for 14 business aviation positions in six aircraft classes at over 50 locations throughout the United States in seconds. Click here to learn more.

Vaerus Jet Sales — Vaerus means right, true, and real. Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, with a true partner to make your dream of flight real. Connect with Brooks at Vaerus Jet Sales or learn more about their DC-3 Referral Program.

Harvey Watt — Offers the only true Loss of Medical License Insurance available to individuals and small groups. Because Harvey Watt manages most airlines' plans, they can assist you in identifying the right coverage to supplement your airline's plan. Many buy coverage to supplement the loss of retirement benefits while grounded. Click here to learn more.

VSL ACE Guide — Your all-in-one pilot training resource. Includes the most up-to-date Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Private, Instrument, Commercial, ATP, CFI, and CFII. 21.Five listeners get a discount on the guide—click here to learn more.

ProPilotWorld.com — The premier information and networking resource for professional pilots. Click here to learn more.

Feedback & Contact

Have feedback, suggestions, or a great aviation story to share? Email us at [email protected]. Check out our Instagram feed @21FivePodcast for more great content (and our collection of aviation license plates).

The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.

Dylan recaps his brutal post-"ATC meltdown" commute and rants about the GA ban at 12 major airports while Max counters with cub flying and Chicago layover tips (including a dangerously spicy El Chingón). In the mailbag, listeners call the guys out for drifting toward aspiring-pilot advice, recommend MU-2 and airline YouTube channels, drop a credit-card points hack for flight training, and share how they commute to FedEx in their own airplane. Flight Advice closes the show with a regional FO at a United feeder wrestling with whether to jump to a GoJet direct-entry captain gig that requires a 1,600-hour PIC commitment and a $75K training payback. Dylan and Max dig into seniority, family life, and why "outside-the-cockpit" experience might beat another line of RJ PIC on your app.

Caverns of Cracklemore young adult's book Dylan's BIL wrote

Layover Guide homepage

Show Notes

0:00 Intro

4:05 Miserable Week

18:04 Cub & Chicago

33:39 Reviews & Comments

38:40 Mailbag

1:14:48 Flight Advice

Our Sponsors

Tim Pope, CFP® — Tim is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a pilot. His practice specializes in aviation professionals and aviation 401k plans, helping clients pursue their financial goals by defining them, optimizing resources, and monitoring progress. Click here to learn more. Also check out The Pilot's Portfolio Podcast.

Advanced Aircrew Academy — Enables flight operations to fulfill their training needs in the most efficient and affordable way—anywhere, at any time. They provide high-quality training for professional pilots, flight attendants, flight coordinators, maintenance, and line service teams, all delivered via a world-class online system. Click here to learn more.

Raven Careers — Helping your career take flight. Raven Careers supports professional pilots with resume prep, interview strategy, and long-term career planning. Whether you're a CFI eyeing your first regional, a captain debating your upgrade path, or a legacy hopeful refining your application, their one-on-one coaching and insider knowledge give you a real advantage. Click here to learn more.

The AirComp Calculator™ is business aviation's only online compensation analysis system. It can provide precise compensation ranges for 14 business aviation positions in six aircraft classes at over 50 locations throughout the United States in seconds. Click here to learn more.

Vaerus Jet Sales — Vaerus means right, true, and real. Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, with a true partner to make your dream of flight real. Connect with Brooks at Vaerus Jet Sales or learn more about their DC-3 Referral Program.

Harvey Watt — Offers the only true Loss of Medical License Insurance available to individuals and small groups. Because Harvey Watt manages most airlines' plans, they can assist you in identifying the right coverage to supplement your airline's plan. Many buy coverage to supplement the loss of retirement benefits while grounded. Click here to learn more.

VSL ACE Guide — Your all-in-one pilot training resource. Includes the most up-to-date Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Private, Instrument, Commercial, ATP, CFI, and CFII. 21.Five listeners get a discount on the guide—click here to learn more.

ProPilotWorld.com — The premier information and networking resource for professional pilots. Click here to learn more.

Feedback & Contact

Have feedback, suggestions, or a great aviation story to share? Email us at [email protected]. Check out our Instagram feed @21FivePodcast for more great content (and our collection of aviation license plates).

The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.

Dr. Chris Broyhill returns to break down the latest Air Comp Calculator data and what it means for 2025 pilot compensation. Dylan and Max dig into the trends, the slowdown in wage growth, and how bizav departments are navigating post-COVID market corrections. They also talk negotiation strategy, job titles that actually matter, and Broyhill's new 600-page industry textbook, The Business Aviation Book: Leading Operational Excellence. Finally, they wrap up the episode with a discussion on the Go/No Go specialty course Dr. Broyhill used to teach at a large training center.

Check out aircompcalculator.com and chrisbroyhillbooks.com for more.

Show Notes

0:00 Intro

2:41 Q4 Marketplace

12:47 Buying & Using Reports

22:35 Seniority & Qualifications

34:14 Business Aviation Book

40:58 Go, No Go Course

Our Sponsors

Tim Pope, CFP® — Tim is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a pilot. His practice specializes in aviation professionals and aviation 401k plans, helping clients pursue their financial goals by defining them, optimizing resources, and monitoring progress. Click here to learn more. Also check out The Pilot's Portfolio Podcast.

Advanced Aircrew Academy — Enables flight operations to fulfill their training needs in the most efficient and affordable way—anywhere, at any time. They provide high-quality training for professional pilots, flight attendants, flight coordinators, maintenance, and line service teams, all delivered via a world-class online system. Click here to learn more.

Raven Careers — Helping your career take flight. Raven Careers supports professional pilots with resume prep, interview strategy, and long-term career planning. Whether you're a CFI eyeing your first regional, a captain debating your upgrade path, or a legacy hopeful refining your application, their one-on-one coaching and insider knowledge give you a real advantage. Click here to learn more.

The AirComp Calculator™ is business aviation's only online compensation analysis system. It can provide precise compensation ranges for 14 business aviation positions in six aircraft classes at over 50 locations throughout the United States in seconds. Click here to learn more.

Vaerus Jet Sales — Vaerus means right, true, and real. Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, with a true partner to make your dream of flight real. Connect with Brooks at Vaerus Jet Sales or learn more about their DC-3 Referral Program.

Harvey Watt — Offers the only true Loss of Medical License Insurance available to individuals and small groups. Because Harvey Watt manages most airlines' plans, they can assist you in identifying the right coverage to supplement your airline's plan. Many buy coverage to supplement the loss of retirement benefits while grounded. Click here to learn more.

VSL ACE Guide — Your all-in-one pilot training resource. Includes the most up-to-date Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Private, Instrument, Commercial, ATP, CFI, and CFII. 21.Five listeners get a discount on the guide—click here to learn more.

ProPilotWorld.com — The premier information and networking resource for professional pilots. Click here to learn more.

Feedback & Contact

Have feedback, suggestions, or a great aviation story to share? Email us at [email protected]. Check out our Instagram feed @21FivePodcast for more great content (and our collection of aviation license plates).

The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.

Max kicks off his annual training rant—breaking down the highs, lows, and downright absurd moments of recurrent at "the training center." Dylan adds perspective on flight training efficiency and why a great instructor makes all the difference. The mailbag delivers everything from a new layover guide in Portsmouth to a 14-year-old aircraft dealer to a Marine pilot navigating a tricky transition to the airlines, plus a Learjet Pilot with a 1 hour call-out seeks guidance. In Flight Advice, a hard-working pilot is stalled out waiting for the industry to start moving again. Show Notes

0:00 Intro

5:42 Annual Training Rant

28:00 Watches & Shoes

34:13 The Cub & Random Thoughts

54:12 Reviews & Comments

55:13 AI Music & Mailbag

1:38:57 Flight Advice

Our Sponsors

Tim Pope, CFP® — Tim is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a pilot. His practice specializes in aviation professionals and aviation 401k plans, helping clients pursue their financial goals by defining them, optimizing resources, and monitoring progress. Click here to learn more. Also check out The Pilot's Portfolio Podcast.

Advanced Aircrew Academy — Enables flight operations to fulfill their training needs in the most efficient and affordable way—anywhere, at any time. They provide high-quality training for professional pilots, flight attendants, flight coordinators, maintenance, and line service teams, all delivered via a world-class online system. Click here to learn more.

Raven Careers — Helping your career take flight. Raven Careers supports professional pilots with resume prep, interview strategy, and long-term career planning. Whether you're a CFI eyeing your first regional, a captain debating your upgrade path, or a legacy hopeful refining your application, their one-on-one coaching and insider knowledge give you a real advantage. Click here to learn more.

The AirComp Calculator™ is business aviation's only online compensation analysis system. It can provide precise compensation ranges for 14 business aviation positions in six aircraft classes at over 50 locations throughout the United States in seconds. Click here to learn more.

Vaerus Jet Sales — Vaerus means right, true, and real. Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, with a true partner to make your dream of flight real. Connect with Brooks at Vaerus Jet Sales or learn more about their DC-3 Referral Program.

Harvey Watt — Offers the only true Loss of Medical License Insurance available to individuals and small groups. Because Harvey Watt manages most airlines' plans, they can assist you in identifying the right coverage to supplement your airline's plan. Many buy coverage to supplement the loss of retirement benefits while grounded. Click here to learn more.

VSL ACE Guide — Your all-in-one pilot training resource. Includes the most up-to-date Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Private, Instrument, Commercial, ATP, CFI, and CFII. 21.Five listeners get a discount on the guide—click here to learn more.

ProPilotWorld.com — The premier information and networking resource for professional pilots. Click here to learn more.

Feedback & Contact

Have feedback, suggestions, or a great aviation story to share? Email us at [email protected]. Check out our Instagram feed @21FivePodcast for more great content (and our collection of aviation license plates).

The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.

Tim Pope, CFP® and founder of 360 Aviation Advisors, joins Dylan and Max to talk about how pilots can make smarter financial moves—on and off the line. From variable pay to early retirement and crashpad cash flow, Tim breaks down what makes pilot finances uniquely tricky and how to stay ahead of turbulence. The crew also dives into taxes, scheduling volatility, and the "golden handcuff" problem in today's airline contracts. Tune in for real-world money talk that every professional pilot should hear before their next recurrent.

Tim Pope, CFP® — Tim is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a pilot. His practice specializes in aviation professionals and aviation 401k plans, helping clients pursue their financial goals by defining them, optimizing resources, and monitoring progress. Click here to learn more. Also check out The Pilot's Portfolio Podcast.

Show Notes

0:00 Intro

3:45 360 Aviation Advisors

6:04 End-Of-Year To-Do

14:46 Income, 529s, Roth IRAs

21:48 Super Saver vs Super Spender

49:18 Pilot's Portfolio

Our Sponsors

Advanced Aircrew Academy — Enables flight operations to fulfill their training needs in the most efficient and affordable way—anywhere, at any time. They provide high-quality training for professional pilots, flight attendants, flight coordinators, maintenance, and line service teams, all delivered via a world-class online system. Click here to learn more.

Raven Careers — Helping your career take flight. Raven Careers supports professional pilots with resume prep, interview strategy, and long-term career planning. Whether you're a CFI eyeing your first regional, a captain debating your upgrade path, or a legacy hopeful refining your application, their one-on-one coaching and insider knowledge give you a real advantage. Click here to learn more.

The AirComp Calculator™ is business aviation's only online compensation analysis system. It can provide precise compensation ranges for 14 business aviation positions in six aircraft classes at over 50 locations throughout the United States in seconds. Click here to learn more.

Vaerus Jet Sales — Vaerus means right, true, and real. Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, with a true partner to make your dream of flight real. Connect with Brooks at Vaerus Jet Sales or learn more about their DC-3 Referral Program.

Harvey Watt — Offers the only true Loss of Medical License Insurance available to individuals and small groups. Because Harvey Watt manages most airlines' plans, they can assist you in identifying the right coverage to supplement your airline's plan. Many buy coverage to supplement the loss of retirement benefits while grounded. Click here to learn more.

VSL ACE Guide — Your all-in-one pilot training resource. Includes the most up-to-date Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Private, Instrument, Commercial, ATP, CFI, and CFII. 21.Five listeners get a discount on the guide—click here to learn more.

ProPilotWorld.com — The premier information and networking resource for professional pilots. Click here to learn more.

Feedback & Contact

Have feedback, suggestions, or a great aviation story to share? Email us at [email protected]. Check out our Instagram feed @21FivePodcast for more great content (and our collection of aviation license plates).

The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.

We kick off with Southwest red-eye shenanigans, hot/high GA drama departing PRC in a 150, and Max's backcountry "mesa strip" adventure (with hard data from the STOL-mate). The Mailbag is full: 2,500-hour 135 pilots debating regionals, cockpit sun-shade gear, commuting to MEM in your own A36, first flights post-PPL, time-building without a CFI, and making that first 91/135 SIC→PIC jump. Flight Advice tackles the big one: take a regional CJO now or accept a 135 upgrade for immediate PIC while a baby's on the way — we weigh time-to-legacy, family timing, and logbook strategy. Show Notes

0:00 Intro & Storytime

22:03 MU2 & Neck Pillows

26:51 Layover Guide Overhaul

30:04 Reviews

37:50 Mailbag

59:49 Flight Advice

Our Sponsors

Tim Pope, CFP® — Tim is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a pilot. His practice specializes in aviation professionals and aviation 401k plans, helping clients pursue their financial goals by defining them, optimizing resources, and monitoring progress. Click here to learn more. Also check out The Pilot's Portfolio Podcast.

Advanced Aircrew Academy — Enables flight operations to fulfill their training needs in the most efficient and affordable way—anywhere, at any time. They provide high-quality training for professional pilots, flight attendants, flight coordinators, maintenance, and line service teams, all delivered via a world-class online system. Click here to learn more.

Raven Careers — Helping your career take flight. Raven Careers supports professional pilots with resume prep, interview strategy, and long-term career planning. Whether you're a CFI eyeing your first regional, a captain debating your upgrade path, or a legacy hopeful refining your application, their one-on-one coaching and insider knowledge give you a real advantage. Click here to learn more.

The AirComp Calculator™ is business aviation's only online compensation analysis system. It can provide precise compensation ranges for 14 business aviation positions in six aircraft classes at over 50 locations throughout the United States in seconds. Click here to learn more.

Vaerus Jet Sales — Vaerus means right, true, and real. Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, with a true partner to make your dream of flight real. Connect with Brooks at Vaerus Jet Sales or learn more about their DC-3 Referral Program.

Harvey Watt — Offers the only true Loss of Medical License Insurance available to individuals and small groups. Because Harvey Watt manages most airlines' plans, they can assist you in identifying the right coverage to supplement your airline's plan. Many buy coverage to supplement the loss of retirement benefits while grounded. Click here to learn more.

VSL ACE Guide — Your all-in-one pilot training resource. Includes the most up-to-date Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Private, Instrument, Commercial, ATP, CFI, and CFII. 21.Five listeners get a discount on the guide—click here to learn more.

ProPilotWorld.com — The premier information and networking resource for professional pilots. Click here to learn more.

Feedback & Contact

Have feedback, suggestions, or a great aviation story to share? Email us at [email protected]. Check out our Instagram feed @21FivePodcast for more great content (and our collection of aviation license plates).

The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.

Colin and Mara'D—both airline FOs and cast members from The Rehearsal—join Max and Dylan to dissect the tricky dynamics of speaking up in the right seat. Why is it so hard, and what makes it easier? The crew digs into SOP gaps, CRM training, real-world examples like Asiana 214, and the subtle art of being a chameleon in the cockpit. Plus: bizav vs. 121 culture, and how personality plays a bigger role than you think.

Connect with Colin on Instagram

Connect with Mara'D on Instagram

Check out Season 2 of The Rehearsal to watch Mara'D (episode 2) and Colin (episode 4)

Show Notes

0:00 Intro

2:15 Speaking Up

13:00 Getting Involved in the Show

17:41 Wings of Voice & Training

30:56 Considering Personality

41:19 Flying with the Same People

47:05 Final Thoughts & Reflections

Our Sponsors

Tim Pope, CFP® — Tim is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a pilot. His practice specializes in aviation professionals and aviation 401k plans, helping clients pursue their financial goals by defining them, optimizing resources, and monitoring progress. Click here to learn more. Also check out The Pilot's Portfolio Podcast.

Advanced Aircrew Academy — Enables flight operations to fulfill their training needs in the most efficient and affordable way—anywhere, at any time. They provide high-quality training for professional pilots, flight attendants, flight coordinators, maintenance, and line service teams, all delivered via a world-class online system. Click here to learn more.

Raven Careers — Helping your career take flight. Raven Careers supports professional pilots with resume prep, interview strategy, and long-term career planning. Whether you're a CFI eyeing your first regional, a captain debating your upgrade path, or a legacy hopeful refining your application, their one-on-one coaching and insider knowledge give you a real advantage. Click here to learn more.

The AirComp Calculator™ is business aviation's only online compensation analysis system. It can provide precise compensation ranges for 14 business aviation positions in six aircraft classes at over 50 locations throughout the United States in seconds. Click here to learn more.

Vaerus Jet Sales — Vaerus means right, true, and real. Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, with a true partner to make your dream of flight real. Connect with Brooks at Vaerus Jet Sales or learn more about their DC-3 Referral Program.

Harvey Watt — Offers the only true Loss of Medical License Insurance available to individuals and small groups. Because Harvey Watt manages most airlines' plans, they can assist you in identifying the right coverage to supplement your airline's plan. Many buy coverage to supplement the loss of retirement benefits while grounded. Click here to learn more.

VSL ACE Guide — Your all-in-one pilot training resource. Includes the most up-to-date Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Private, Instrument, Commercial, ATP, CFI, and CFII. 21.Five listeners get a discount on the guide—click here to learn more.

ProPilotWorld.com — The premier information and networking resource for professional pilots. Click here to learn more.

Feedback & Contact

Have feedback, suggestions, or a great aviation story to share? Email us at [email protected]. Check out our Instagram feed @21FivePodcast for more great content (and our collection of aviation license plates).

The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.

Dylan opens from an echo chamber (literally) and the guys kick around first impressions of Gulfstream's newly announced G300 versus the G280—windows, avionics, "longest cabin," and whether depreciation and warranty keep the new-metal carousel spinning. Mailbag hits everything from those mysterious skid marks on SNA 20R and whether an RJ type helps more than becoming a check instructor, to Phoenix haboobs, GA commuting from the islands, and a listener swag request. Flight Advice: a 40-year-old "late bloomer" with 1,600 TT/500 multi weighs fractionals vs. regionals; Dylan and Max lay out a strategy heavy on networking, patience, and targeted moves. Plus: disc golf as the stealth layover hack and a quick ode to SAN's shiny new terminal vibes. Show Notes

0:00 Intro

3:34 G300 Thoughts & Musings

27:26 Reviews

30:08 Mailbag

45:14 Flight Advice

Our Sponsors

Tim Pope, CFP® — Tim is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a pilot. His practice specializes in aviation professionals and aviation 401k plans, helping clients pursue their financial goals by defining them, optimizing resources, and monitoring progress. Click here to learn more. Also check out The Pilot's Portfolio Podcast.

Advanced Aircrew Academy — Enables flight operations to fulfill their training needs in the most efficient and affordable way—anywhere, at any time. They provide high-quality training for professional pilots, flight attendants, flight coordinators, maintenance, and line service teams, all delivered via a world-class online system. Click here to learn more.

Raven Careers — Helping your career take flight. Raven Careers supports professional pilots with resume prep, interview strategy, and long-term career planning. Whether you're a CFI eyeing your first regional, a captain debating your upgrade path, or a legacy hopeful refining your application, their one-on-one coaching and insider knowledge give you a real advantage. Click here to learn more.

The AirComp Calculator™ is business aviation's only online compensation analysis system. It can provide precise compensation ranges for 14 business aviation positions in six aircraft classes at over 50 locations throughout the United States in seconds. Click here to learn more.

Vaerus Jet Sales — Vaerus means right, true, and real. Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, with a true partner to make your dream of flight real. Connect with Brooks at Vaerus Jet Sales or learn more about their DC-3 Referral Program.

Harvey Watt — Offers the only true Loss of Medical License Insurance available to individuals and small groups. Because Harvey Watt manages most airlines' plans, they can assist you in identifying the right coverage to supplement your airline's plan. Many buy coverage to supplement the loss of retirement benefits while grounded. Click here to learn more.

VSL ACE Guide — Your all-in-one pilot training resource. Includes the most up-to-date Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Private, Instrument, Commercial, ATP, CFI, and CFII. 21.Five listeners get a discount on the guide—click here to learn more.

ProPilotWorld.com — The premier information and networking resource for professional pilots. Click here to learn more.

Feedback & Contact

Have feedback, suggestions, or a great aviation story to share? Email us at [email protected]. Check out our Instagram feed @21FivePodcast for more great content (and our collection of aviation license plates).

The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.

Benjamin Bailey (@flybenfly) joins Max and Dylan for an honest, hilarious deep dive into aviation's influencer world, airline interview faceplants, and the realism gap on pilot social media. For professional pilots, this episode cuts through the curated BS to talk timing, authenticity, and bouncing back after setbacks. From CRM failures to career detours, Ben brings the real talk with a dose of humor. Hit play and subscribe for the stories you're not getting on your For You page.

Follow Ben on Instagram @flybenfly

Ben's WWII Aircraft Engine Youtube Channel @flightdojo

Show Notes

0:00 Intro

2:29 Upgrading to Captain

9:45 It's All Timing

13:56 The Interview Gauntlet

31:24 Pilot Career Stories

48:38 YouTube Deep Dive

56:38 Spirit Story

Our Sponsors

Tim Pope, CFP® — Tim is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a pilot. His practice specializes in aviation professionals and aviation 401k plans, helping clients pursue their financial goals by defining them, optimizing resources, and monitoring progress. Click here to learn more. Also check out The Pilot's Portfolio Podcast.

Advanced Aircrew Academy — Enables flight operations to fulfill their training needs in the most efficient and affordable way—anywhere, at any time. They provide high-quality training for professional pilots, flight attendants, flight coordinators, maintenance, and line service teams, all delivered via a world-class online system. Click here to learn more.

Raven Careers — Helping your career take flight. Raven Careers supports professional pilots with resume prep, interview strategy, and long-term career planning. Whether you're a CFI eyeing your first regional, a captain debating your upgrade path, or a legacy hopeful refining your application, their one-on-one coaching and insider knowledge give you a real advantage. Click here to learn more.

The AirComp Calculator™ is business aviation's only online compensation analysis system. It can provide precise compensation ranges for 14 business aviation positions in six aircraft classes at over 50 locations throughout the United States in seconds. Click here to learn more.

Vaerus Jet Sales — Vaerus means right, true, and real. Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, with a true partner to make your dream of flight real. Connect with Brooks at Vaerus Jet Sales or learn more about their DC-3 Referral Program.

Harvey Watt — Offers the only true Loss of Medical License Insurance available to individuals and small groups. Because Harvey Watt manages most airlines' plans, they can assist you in identifying the right coverage to supplement your airline's plan. Many buy coverage to supplement the loss of retirement benefits while grounded. Click here to learn more.

VSL ACE Guide — Your all-in-one pilot training resource. Includes the most up-to-date Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Private, Instrument, Commercial, ATP, CFI, and CFII. 21.Five listeners get a discount on the guide—click here to learn more.

ProPilotWorld.com — The premier information and networking resource for professional pilots. Click here to learn more.

Feedback & Contact

Have feedback, suggestions, or a great aviation story to share? Email us at [email protected]. Check out our Instagram feed @21FivePodcast for more great content (and our collection of aviation license plates).

The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.