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.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Fly the Transition, we break down everything you need to know about preparing for a job interview. Whether you’re transitioning into aviation or brushing up on your interview skills after years away, Jim shares his best tips from both personal experience and his role as a hiring manager. Learn about handling interview nerves, practicing responses, and standing out in a competitive field like aviation.

Key Topics:

Resources Mentioned:

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 of Fly the Transition, Jim dives into the exciting career of Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the FAA's Fall 2024 hiring window, which opens soon.

If you’re interested in becoming a controller or looking for a rewarding non-pilot role in aviation, this episode is for you. Jim covers everything from qualifications to the application process, and how to prepare for the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (AT-SA).

Discover the challenges and rewards of guiding flights safely through the skies and how you can transition into this high-demand career.

Resources:

I Tried ATC Video: https://youtu.be/1hiegWGUDjU?si=r6cFrYuRBC7wCtwb

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.

Episode Description:

In this solo episode of Fly the Transition, Jim addresses the challenges and frustrations that can arise from working with a less-than-ideal flight instructor. Learn strategies for handling these issues, adapting effectively, and accessing resources to support your flight training journey.

Key Topics Covered:

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 sit down with CFII JD Parsons, a helicopter pilot, flight school owner, and the founder of On the Ball Coffee, an aviation-themed coffee company.

JD’s journey into aviation is anything but ordinary—before taking to the skies, he was a successful entrepreneur running a trucking company, a street sweeping business, and several gas stations. But despite his accomplishments, JD felt unfulfilled and yearned for something more.

Tune in as JD shares how he made the bold decision to leave it all behind for a career in aviation. From flying helicopters to building his own flight school, JD’s passion for flight continues to grow. He also dives into the mission of On the Ball Coffee, which goes beyond just brewing great coffee—it's about giving back to the aviation community through scholarships for aspiring pilots and raising awareness about the world of aviation.

Whether you're an aspiring aviator or someone searching for fulfillment through a career change, JD’s story of grit, risk-taking, and chasing dreams will inspire you to chart your own path in aviation.

Don’t miss this episode packed with insights on entrepreneurship, aviation training, and how to turn a passion for flying into a business with impact.

On the Ball Coffee:

https://ontheballcoffee.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:

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 Title:

Opportunities in the Aviation Industry for Non-Pilots

In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim explores the wide range of career opportunities in the aviation industry for those who aren’t eligible or interested in becoming pilots. From air traffic control to aircraft maintenance, discover the many ways to be part of the aviation world without flying the planes. If you’re passionate about aviation, this episode will open your eyes to the exciting possibilities.

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.

Episode Title:

Financing Your Flight Training: Managing Costs and Avoiding Financial Pitfalls

Episode Description:

In this solo episode of Fly the Transition, Jim addresses the fear of financial instability and the significant costs associated with flight training and a midlife career change into aviation. Learn practical strategies for budgeting, saving, and financing your aviation journey while managing the psychological impact of financial uncertainty.

Key Topics Covered:

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 Title:

Description:In this episode of Fly the Transition, we sit down with Nick Antilla, a first officer at a major airline, who shares his inspiring journey from metal fabrication and welding to the cockpit. After losing his job during the Covid cutbacks, Nick transitioned into aviation, overcoming misinformation and learning the importance of communication with his partner. Tune in to hear how every flight has been a learning opportunity for Nick and his advice for others looking to make a similar change.

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:

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.