In this episode of Fly the Transition, we tackle a pressing question on the minds of many: Is commercial aviation still safe? With the recent mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., some may be feeling uneasy about flying or even questioning whether they should pursue a career in aviation.

But here’s the reality: Flying is safer than ever before.

Join me as I break down:

If you’re considering a career in aviation but are feeling uncertain, this episode will put your doubts to rest. Flying remains the safest mode of transportation, and the aviation industry is more committed than ever to keeping it that way.

AeroExploration:

Check out Jim's new YouTube Channel.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AeroExploration⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our Community:

If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media.

Social Media Handles:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.flyingmidwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/flythetranstion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Jim on Instagram: ⁠@flymidwestjim⁠

Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

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Contact Information:

Do you have questions or comments about the show? Do you have an idea for a future episode? Do you want to be a guest on the podcast? Reach out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or connect with Jim through social media or the website.

🔗 References & Further Reading:
📌 U.S. Department of Transportation - Air Traffic Statistics: https://www.transtats.bts.gov
📌 National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Reports: https://www.ntsb.gov
📌 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Safety Regulations: https://www.faa.gov
📌 Bureau of Transportation Statistics (Annual Flight Volume): https://www.transtats.bts.gov/TRAFFIC
📌 Aviation Safety Network - Commercial Accident Database: https://aviation-safety.net
📌 International Air Transport Association (IATA) Safety Reports: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/safety/
📌 Harvard School of Public Health - Airline Safety vs. Car Safety: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu

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Thinking about learning to fly but not sure where to start? In this episode of Fly the Transition, we dive into the pros and cons of the top flight training options: renting, flying clubs, flight schools, partnerships, and even sole ownership.

I share my personal story of navigating these choices, with detailed cost breakdowns and practical advice to help you decide what’s best for your aviation journey.

Whether you’re a brand-new student pilot or exploring ways to reduce costs, this episode has the tips you need to get in the air. Tune in and discover which option fits your flying goals and budget!

Link to My Spreadsheet

AeroExploration:

Check out Jim's new YouTube Channel.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AeroExploration⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our Community:

If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media.

Social Media Handles:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.flyingmidwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/flythetranstion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Jim on Instagram: ⁠@flymidwestjim⁠

Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Sponsor Information:Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible!

Affiliate Links:

Lightspeed Headsets: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/?campaign=flyingmidwest23&ref=101⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Flying Eyes Sunglasses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://flyingeyesoptics.com/?ref=Flyingmidwest23⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase

Fly the Transition Merch:

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Contact Information:

Do you have questions or comments about the show? Do you have an idea for a future episode? Do you want to be a guest on the podcast? Reach out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or connect with Jim through social media or the website.

In this episode of Fly the Transition, I welcome back Bryan Turner, the guest from our very first episode of the podcast relaunch over a year ago! Since then, Bryan’s journey to the airlines has been nothing short of remarkable. After his IT company went out of business, Bryan went full throttle in pursuit of his aviation dreams.

We’ll dive into his experiences as he worked toward earning his 1500 hours, the mentors who guided him, his time in ATP training, and his recent interview with a regional airline.

Bryan Turner and Just Plane Silly:

https://www.youtube.com/@JustPlaneSilly

AeroExploration:

Check out Jim's new YouTube Channel.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AeroExploration⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our Community:

If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media.

Social Media Handles:

Sponsor Information:Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible!

Affiliate Links:

Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase

Fly the Transition Merch:

Contact Information:

Do you have questions or comments about the show? Do you have an idea for a future episode? Do you want to be a guest on the podcast? Reach out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ or connect with Jim through social media or the website.

In this episode of Fly the Transition, we’re diving deep into the FAA’s 2024 medical certification changes and what they mean for pilots at every stage of their aviation journey. With new rules aimed at reducing processing delays, pilots now face a different landscape—one where incomplete medical applications can result in initial denials rather than lengthy deferrals.

We’ll break down the specifics of these changes, explore why they’ve been implemented, and share actionable advice to help you navigate this evolving system. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot, just beginning your aviation dreams, or exploring alternatives like BasicMed or Sport Pilot certifications, this episode will equip you with the tools to make informed decisions about your flying future.

AeroExploration:

Check out Jim's new YouTube Channel.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AeroExploration⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our Community:

If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media.

Social Media Handles:

Sponsor Information:Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible!

Affiliate Links:

Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase

Fly the Transition Merch:

Contact Information:

Do you have questions or comments about the show? Do you have an idea for a future episode? Do you want to be a guest on the podcast? Reach out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or connect with Jim through social media or the website.

n this episode of Fly the Transition, we dive into the powerful impact volunteer flying can have on your aviation career. Whether you're looking to build flight hours, expand your network, or simply give back to the community, flying for charity offers unique opportunities to achieve all three. From disaster relief missions to medical transport and veteran assistance, volunteer pilots are at the forefront of making a difference.

We explore the key organizations involved in volunteer flying, such as Pilots N Paws, Angel Flight, and Aerobridge, highlighting the mission and requirements for each. Plus, we'll discuss the essential benefits of these flying opportunities, including the invaluable connections you’ll make with fellow pilots, aviation professionals, and those in need.

In addition to the personal and professional rewards, we’ll cover the tax-deductible side of volunteer flying, offering insights into what you can claim, what documentation you’ll need, and why it’s crucial to consult with a tax professional.

Join us as we navigate the world of volunteer flying, and learn how you can soar for a cause, build your hours, and make a real difference in the world.

Don’t miss out on this inspiring and informative episode that combines aviation passion with giving back.

Freedom Aviation Network:

⁠https://www.freedomaviationnetwork.org⁠

Veterans Airlift Command:

https://veteransairlift.org

Pilots N Paws:

https://www.pilotsnpaws.org

AeroBridge:

https://aerobridge.org/

Angel Flight:

https://www.angelflight.com/

AeroExploration:

Check out Jim's new YouTube Channel.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AeroExploration⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our Community:

If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media.

Social Media Handles:

Sponsor Information:Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible!

Affiliate Links:

Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase

Fly the Transition Merch:

Contact Information:

Do you have questions or comments about the show? Do you have an idea for a future episode? Do you want to be a guest on the podcast? Reach out at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ or connect with Jim through social media or the website.

Episode Description

In this episode, we explore how pilots are stepping into a new kind of mission: fighting human trafficking from the skies. Our guest, Stephanie Lamar, shares her journey from a 15-year hiatus in aviation to becoming a regional airline first officer and the driving force behind Freedom Aviation Network.

Stephanie share her journey from an extended break in aviation, to CFI, and eventually a regional carrier. She will also talk about some of the barriers and challenges she faced along the way.

Then, we hear the incredible story of how Freedom Aviation Network is mobilizing pilots to provide transportation for survivors of trafficking, connecting them with safety and recovery resources.

We dive into the challenges of building this impactful nonprofit, the logistics of rescue missions by air, and the vital role pilots can play in this mission of hope. If you’ve ever wondered how your love of flying could serve a higher cause, this episode is a must-listen!

Freedom Aviation Network:

https://www.freedomaviationnetwork.org

AeroExploration:

Check out Jim's new YouTube Channel.

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AeroExploration⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our Community:

If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media.

Social Media Handles:

Sponsor Information:Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible!

Affiliate Links:

Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase

Fly the Transition Merch:

Contact Information:

Do you have questions or comments about the show? Do you have an idea for a future episode? Do you want to be a guest on the podcast? Reach out at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ or connect with Jim through social media or the website.

Episode Description

In this episode of Fly the Transition, we sit down with Corporate Pilot Sean Crow, whose unique journey from real estate to aviation will resonate with anyone considering a career change. Sean’s passion for flying began in his teens, but life initially took him down a different path into real estate. Years later, with his customer service expertise and problem-solving skills, Sean decided to take another look at aviation as a profession.

Through networking with friends in the industry and learning what was possible, he discovered a way to transition his skills into a successful career as a corporate charter pilot. Today, Sean is not only flying high in a field he loves, but he’s also dedicated to helping others do the same—coaching and mentoring aspiring pilots who want to make their career dreams a reality.

Whether you’re interested in leveraging your existing skills in a new field or looking for inspiration to follow your own path to the cockpit, Sean’s story is filled with insights on the power of passion, adaptability, and the value of having a mentor. Tune in for this episode packed with tips and real-life lessons on breaking into aviation from a whole new angle.

AeroExploration:

Check out Jim's new YouTube Channel.

⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AeroExploration⁠⁠⁠

Join our Community:

If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media.

Social Media Handles:

Sponsor Information:Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible!

Affiliate Links:

Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase

Fly the Transition Merch:

Contact Information:

Do you have questions or comments about the show? Do you have an idea for a future episode? Do you want to be a guest on the podcast? Reach out at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ or connect with Jim through social media or the website.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim guides listeners through the essential steps to prepare for the FAA Knowledge Test. Sharing insights from both his own study journey and the FAA Fundamentals of Instructing, Jim covers everything a student pilot needs to know to feel confident on test day. He dives into common anxieties and fears students face, including test-day nerves and the risk of over-studying, while providing practical strategies to manage these challenges.

Jim also unpacks the benefits of moving beyond rote memorization to develop a true understanding of test concepts—highlighting why deeper learning is crucial for every aspiring pilot. From structuring effective study sessions to setting the right mindset for test day, this episode is packed with actionable tips and relatable advice. Whether you're a first-time test-taker or refreshing your knowledge, you'll come away with valuable tools to improve your FAA exam experience.

Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on test prep, embrace productive study habits, and build the confidence you need to ace the FAA Knowledge Test!

If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media.

Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible!

Grab your official podcast gear at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flyingmidwest.com/merch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, we sit down with a captain who transformed his career from building on solid ground to soaring through open skies. After years in construction and masonry, he knew the physical toll the trade was taking on his body would only get harder to bear. With a passion for flying that had started as a hobby, he found himself prepared in ways he hadn’t realized for a life-changing pivot to aviation. But the journey wasn’t easy—between balancing his family’s big move from their peaceful country home to the suburbs, adjusting to a high-stakes training environment, and pushing through the demanding pace of his new career, the challenges came fast and fierce.

Now, as an airline captain, he shares what he’s gained from the freedom and satisfaction of the flight deck, and gives us an honest, no-nonsense look at the ups and downs of moving into the airline industry later in life. Whether you’re thinking about a similar leap or simply curious about the transition from a hands-on career to high-flying, this episode offers an inspiring, real-world perspective on making a big change to pursue a lifelong dream.

AeroExploration:

Check out Jim's new YouTube Channel.

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AeroExploration⁠

Join our Community:

If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media.

Social Media Handles:

Sponsor Information:Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible!

Affiliate Links:

Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase

Fly the Transition Merch:

Contact Information:

Do you have questions or comments about the show? Do you have an idea for a future episode? Do you want to be a guest on the podcast? Reach out at [email protected] or connect with Jim through social media or the website.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim shares a personal update on his professional journey, balancing the challenges of transitioning into a new role at his full-time job while continuing his pursuit of becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). He dives deep into his CFI journey, reflecting on the key lessons he's learned—patience, a deeper understanding of aerodynamics, and the importance of clear communication with students.

Jim also opens up about how the process of teaching has transformed him into a more thoughtful and disciplined pilot. He shares valuable insights about continuous learning that come with being a CFI. Whether you're an aspiring instructor, a pilot in training, or navigating your own professional transition, you'll find plenty of relatable takeaways in this episode.

Tune in to hear Jim's candid thoughts on flying, teaching, and what it takes to succeed in both.

If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media.

Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible!

Grab your official podcast gear at ⁠⁠⁠⁠flyingmidwest.com/merch⁠⁠⁠⁠.