In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with Cody Barber, who began his aviation career at First Landings Aviation over six years ago. Starting with just 97 hours, Cody immersed himself in instructing and walked away with over 3,700 hours of flight experience. Known for his dedication and willingness to ferry aircraft or train any student who walked through the door, Cody’s commitment to aviation excellence eventually led him to a regional airline before making the leap to his current position flying the Boeing 747 for a major cargo carrier.

Cody shares his unique perspective on the steps he took to build his career, highlighting the decisions he’s grateful for and the lessons he’d approach differently if given the chance. He offers practical advice for CFIs, student pilots, and professional pilots, touching on topics like maximizing opportunities, avoiding burnout, and developing the mindset necessary to thrive in aviation. This engaging 30-minute conversation between Cody and Craig is full of tips, inspiration, and stories from the cockpit that will resonate with anyone pursuing a career in aviation. Tune in for a mix of reflection, motivation, and actionable insights from a pilot who’s been on both sides of the training and airline world!