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Episode 89: The Backseat Pilot Story: From C-17 Instructor to Aviation Innovator
In this episode of the LD Aviation Podcast, host Lindsay
Dyer talks with Nate Ehlers, an airline pilot, former C17 instructor, and founder of Backseat Pilot. Nate shares his story of starting on the ramp, moving into the cockpit, and eventually building a business that helps the next
generation of flight instructors and students. His journey shows how hard work, curiosity, and saying yes to opportunities can completely change a career.
✈️ This conversation is about more than aviation. It’s about growth, mentorship, and finding purpose in every
stage of the journey. Whether you are just getting started in aviation or already flying at the highest level, Nate’s story is a reminder that every flight path begins with persistence and passion for the skies.
Check out backseatpilot.com
Chapter Breakdown
00:00 – Intro: Behind the Scenes of LD Aviation
01:15 – Meet Nate Ehlers: Pilot, Instructor & Entrepreneur
03:40 – Early Beginnings in Aviation
06:10 – Discovering the Air Force Path
09:55 – The Military Selection Maze
13:05 – From Civilian CFI to C-17 Pilot
15:30 – How Military Training Shapes Civilian Flying
17:25 – Lessons from Teaching Across Fields
19:10 – Why Ground Operations Matter for Every Pilot
21:25 – Real-World Maintenance & Flight Stories
23:40 – Learning the Other Side: Dispatch & Ops Perspective
26:05 – The Power of a Plan B in Aviation Careers
28:10 – Furloughs, the 2020 Impact & the Reserve Advantage
30:30 – Networking on the Ramp & Building Connections
32:20 – Unexpected Detours that Shaped Nate’s Career
35:00 – How to Build Meaningful Aviation Relationships
36:20 – Turning an Idea into a Business: Backseat Pilot
38:50 – How a Simple Idea Took Off Mid-Flight
41:00 – Building Lesson Plans for Flight Instructors
43:15 – From Side Hustle to Aviation Brand
45:20 – Marketing Without Ads: The Power of Word of Mouth
47:10 – The Long Road: Patience in Building a Brand
50:05 – AI in Aviation Training: What’s Possible Now
54:20 – The Future of Learning for CFIs
57:00 – Building the Next Generation of Flight Training Tools
1:00:25 – From Lesson Plans to Full Training Systems
1:04:10 – Final Advice: Persistence in the Sky & Business
1:06:15 – Where to Find Backseat Pilot & Wrap-Up
Guest Info:
Nathan Ehlers
Host Information:
Lindsay Dyer
Production, Distribution, and Marketing
Jeanette Carrillo
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
View all episodes
By The Frequency Network: The WaveIn this episode of the LD Aviation Podcast, host Lindsay
Dyer talks with Nate Ehlers, an airline pilot, former C17 instructor, and founder of Backseat Pilot. Nate shares his story of starting on the ramp, moving into the cockpit, and eventually building a business that helps the next
generation of flight instructors and students. His journey shows how hard work, curiosity, and saying yes to opportunities can completely change a career.
✈️ This conversation is about more than aviation. It’s about growth, mentorship, and finding purpose in every
stage of the journey. Whether you are just getting started in aviation or already flying at the highest level, Nate’s story is a reminder that every flight path begins with persistence and passion for the skies.
Check out backseatpilot.com
Chapter Breakdown
00:00 – Intro: Behind the Scenes of LD Aviation
01:15 – Meet Nate Ehlers: Pilot, Instructor & Entrepreneur
03:40 – Early Beginnings in Aviation
06:10 – Discovering the Air Force Path
09:55 – The Military Selection Maze
13:05 – From Civilian CFI to C-17 Pilot
15:30 – How Military Training Shapes Civilian Flying
17:25 – Lessons from Teaching Across Fields
19:10 – Why Ground Operations Matter for Every Pilot
21:25 – Real-World Maintenance & Flight Stories
23:40 – Learning the Other Side: Dispatch & Ops Perspective
26:05 – The Power of a Plan B in Aviation Careers
28:10 – Furloughs, the 2020 Impact & the Reserve Advantage
30:30 – Networking on the Ramp & Building Connections
32:20 – Unexpected Detours that Shaped Nate’s Career
35:00 – How to Build Meaningful Aviation Relationships
36:20 – Turning an Idea into a Business: Backseat Pilot
38:50 – How a Simple Idea Took Off Mid-Flight
41:00 – Building Lesson Plans for Flight Instructors
43:15 – From Side Hustle to Aviation Brand
45:20 – Marketing Without Ads: The Power of Word of Mouth
47:10 – The Long Road: Patience in Building a Brand
50:05 – AI in Aviation Training: What’s Possible Now
54:20 – The Future of Learning for CFIs
57:00 – Building the Next Generation of Flight Training Tools
1:00:25 – From Lesson Plans to Full Training Systems
1:04:10 – Final Advice: Persistence in the Sky & Business
1:06:15 – Where to Find Backseat Pilot & Wrap-Up
Guest Info:
Nathan Ehlers
Host Information:
Lindsay Dyer
Production, Distribution, and Marketing
Jeanette Carrillo
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices