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Ep 19: Spirit Merger Predictions, ATC and the Shutdown, Balancing work-life, and more.
In this episode of the Autopilot On Podcast, Scott and John discuss the latest developments surrounding Spirit Airlines, including its financial struggles and potential acquisition by Frontier. They also delve into the impact of the government shutdown on air traffic control operations, emphasizing the importance of understanding the realities of the aviation industry. The hosts share personal experiences related to time management and the challenges of balancing work and life in aviation. Additionally, they explore various career paths for new pilots and introduce the Ford Method as a tool for building connections in the cockpit.
Recorded 10/13/2025
Disclaimer: Any opinions and advice given are our own. We do not represent any company, airline, or organization. We are not licensed career or financial advisors.
Contact us:
www.autopiloton.com
Follow on Instagram: @autopilotonpodcast
Follow on X: https://x.com/Autopilotonpod
IG: @autopilotonpodcast
TikTok: @autopilotonpodcast
Notes:
FORD method
https://careerservices.fas.harvard.edu/blog/2024/01/22/learn-the-ford-method-and-youll-never-struggle-to-make-small-talk-again/
Cranky flier article on spirit
https://crankyflier.com/2025/10/06/spirit-shrinks-by-more-than-half-may-have-hope-of-survival/
*The 150 million in cash to spirit was cut in a deal between the airline and AerCap, in exchange for returns on 27 leased aircraft, and letting Spirit out of 36 aircraft that have not been delivered. AerCap also gets a a large BK claim over $635 million from NK.
Yahoo article on Spirit
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/spirit-airlines-wins-475-million-195846986.html
FAA Staffing Problem Articles
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/29112/chapter/14#24
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/afn/offices/finance/offices/office-financial-labor-analysis/plans/controller-workforce.pdf
Living the Dream! By balroc12
https://youtu.be/rNxz2hhSXuY?si=po220ZYvYld-A8fD
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:17 Spirit Airlines Update
12:43 Future of Spirit Airlines
21:12 Understanding Air Traffic Control During Government Shutdowns
34:19 Time Management and Life Balance in Aviation
41:07 Career Paths for New Commercial Pilots
49:53 Connecting with Colleagues: The Ford Method
View all episodes
By Scott and JohnIn this episode of the Autopilot On Podcast, Scott and John discuss the latest developments surrounding Spirit Airlines, including its financial struggles and potential acquisition by Frontier. They also delve into the impact of the government shutdown on air traffic control operations, emphasizing the importance of understanding the realities of the aviation industry. The hosts share personal experiences related to time management and the challenges of balancing work and life in aviation. Additionally, they explore various career paths for new pilots and introduce the Ford Method as a tool for building connections in the cockpit.
Recorded 10/13/2025
Disclaimer: Any opinions and advice given are our own. We do not represent any company, airline, or organization. We are not licensed career or financial advisors.
Contact us:
www.autopiloton.com
Follow on Instagram: @autopilotonpodcast
Follow on X: https://x.com/Autopilotonpod
IG: @autopilotonpodcast
TikTok: @autopilotonpodcast
Notes:
FORD method
https://careerservices.fas.harvard.edu/blog/2024/01/22/learn-the-ford-method-and-youll-never-struggle-to-make-small-talk-again/
Cranky flier article on spirit
https://crankyflier.com/2025/10/06/spirit-shrinks-by-more-than-half-may-have-hope-of-survival/
*The 150 million in cash to spirit was cut in a deal between the airline and AerCap, in exchange for returns on 27 leased aircraft, and letting Spirit out of 36 aircraft that have not been delivered. AerCap also gets a a large BK claim over $635 million from NK.
Yahoo article on Spirit
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/spirit-airlines-wins-475-million-195846986.html
FAA Staffing Problem Articles
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/29112/chapter/14#24
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/afn/offices/finance/offices/office-financial-labor-analysis/plans/controller-workforce.pdf
Living the Dream! By balroc12
https://youtu.be/rNxz2hhSXuY?si=po220ZYvYld-A8fD
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:17 Spirit Airlines Update
12:43 Future of Spirit Airlines
21:12 Understanding Air Traffic Control During Government Shutdowns
34:19 Time Management and Life Balance in Aviation
41:07 Career Paths for New Commercial Pilots
49:53 Connecting with Colleagues: The Ford Method