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By Justin Siems
4.9
879879 ratings
The podcast currently has 329 episodes available.
Tom Heidema, an experienced American Airlines pilot, shares his incredible journey from becoming a flight instructor to navigating the highs and lows of his aviation career, including a life-altering cardiac arrest. He discusses the importance of maintaining health and fitness as a pilot, emphasizing that flying is just one part of a more significant identity. The episode details his near-death experience and the profound insights he gained about family and life beyond aviation. Tom also highlights essential qualities sought in pilot candidates during the hiring process, such as technical proficiency, interpersonal skills, and the ability to advocate for others. As he promotes his book, "Flying and Dying," he aims to inspire and educate others on the importance of mental health and resilience in the aviation community.
Tom Heidema, a seasoned pilot with American Airlines and author of the book *Flying and Dying*, shares his compelling journey from aspiring aviator to airline captain. He recounts his early fascination with flying, sparked at the age of four when he first boarded an airplane. This passion propelled him to begin flight lessons at 14, despite initial skepticism from his family about his commitment to aviation. As he narrates his journey, Heidema reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his experiences as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and his subsequent transition to flying for commuter airlines before finally joining American Airlines. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of having a supportive network, including mentors who inspired him and colleagues who have become friends over the years.
The episode also delves into Heidema's near-death experience due to cardiac arrest, which occurred in November 2020. He vividly describes the harrowing moments as he lost consciousness and was revived through CPR and an AED, emphasizing the critical importance of being prepared for emergencies. This experience not only reshaped his view on life and health but also inspired him to advocate for the installation of AEDs in public spaces. Heidema discusses how he transformed his ordeal into a mission to save lives, pledging a portion of the book's proceeds to support cardiac arrest awareness and education. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the impact one can have on others by sharing their story.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own passions and the importance of pursuing them, while also understanding the significance of health and community. Heidema's story is one of resilience, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, there is an opportunity to grow and give back. The episode wraps up with Heidema discussing his book, which not only chronicles his life and experiences in aviation but also seeks to inspire and educate others about the realities of being a pilot and the importance of mental health in aviation. By sharing his journey, Heidema hopes to motivate aspiring pilots and remind current aviators of the importance of connection, health, and the legacy they leave behind.
Josh Flowers and Justin Seams reflect on their recent flight adventure to Olathe, Kansas, highlighting critical lessons learned from navigating challenging weather conditions. The main takeaway emphasizes that a good outcome does not equate to good decision-making, as they encountered severe turbulence and convective weather that tested their flying skills and judgment. As they delve into their pre-flight planning mistakes and the complexities of flying a small aircraft in a busy airspace, the discussion underscores the importance of humility and thorough preparation in aviation. The pair share their personal experiences, revealing the value of debriefing and learning from every flight, even the ones that don't go as planned. With humor and camaraderie, they reminisce about their time together, reinforcing the bond formed through shared challenges in the cockpit.
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This episode of the Pilot the Pilot Podcast features Jason Miller as he delves into the essentials of becoming an IFR pilot. The discussion emphasizes the importance of preparation, stressing that aspiring instrument pilots should complete their written exams early and be ready for the complexities of IFR flying. Miller shares valuable insights on the significance of understanding the “why” behind instrument flying procedures and the need for pilots to recognize their saturation points during training. The conversation also touches on the differences between flying light aircraft versus larger jets, highlighting how these distinctions impact safety and decision-making. Through anecdotes and practical advice, listeners are encouraged to approach their flight training with a focus on mastering the fundamentals and developing a strong situational awareness.
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The Pilot the Pilot podcast welcomes Cheese Pilot, an aviation enthusiast and simulator instructor, who shares his unique journey into aviation and the challenges he has faced along the way. The conversation dives into Cheese Pilot's early fascination with flying, sparked by a memorable air show event during his childhood. Despite the initial setback of financial barriers that deterred him from pursuing a pilot's license, Cheese Pilot's path took a dramatic turn when he enlisted in the Army. After serving, a serendipitous discovery of using his GI Bill for flight training led him to a successful career in aviation. However, his journey is not without challenges. The discussion highlights the complexities and frustrations of navigating the FAA’s medical certification process, particularly regarding mental health evaluations, which have affected his ability to work as a pilot. Cheese Pilot emphasizes the importance of mental health in aviation and advocates for a more supportive system that prioritizes pilots’ well-being, reflecting on how lack of understanding can lead to significant career disruptions.
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The discussion with Paul Holte explores not only his professional journey as a pilot but also the personal sacrifices and adjustments he and his family had to make along the way. He reflects candidly on the financial struggles of starting at Continental, where he earned a meager $25 an hour, contrasting it with the more lucrative opportunities available today for new pilots. Volti's experiences illustrate the broader narrative of the aviation industry, including the evolution of pay structures and job opportunities over the years. He emphasizes the value of building relationships within the industry, which often leads to job opportunities that are not publicly advertised. The episode captures the essence of being a pilot today, highlighting the need for adaptability and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook despite the industry's ups and downs.
Garmin Aviation has unveiled their latest innovation, the G3000 Prime avionics, and in this episode, we dive deep into its features and functionalities. Citation Max and I traveled to Garmin's headquarters to experience this cutting-edge technology firsthand. We discuss the significant advancements that make the G3000 Prime a game-changer for pilots, including enhanced touchscreen interfaces and intuitive safety features like auto land and underspeed protection. Our time in the simulator brought both excitement and a few humorous moments, showcasing how the new system operates in real-time. Join us as we explore the future of aviation technology and share our insights from this incredible experience at Garmin.
Aviation enthusiasts and pilots alike will find this episode an exciting exploration into the world of advanced avionics with the introduction of Garmin's G3000 Prime. The hosts, Justin and Max, recount their recent visit to Garmin's headquarters in Olathe, Kansas, where they had the opportunity to experience the newest innovations firsthand. The G3000 Prime represents a significant evolution in flight deck technology, boasting enhanced connectivity, customization, and safety features designed to streamline the flying experience. Justin shares his initial impressions of the avionics during a simulator session, humorously admitting the challenges he faced in taking off due to the system's sensitivity. Max elaborates on the technical advancements, emphasizing the intuitive design that makes it accessible for pilots transitioning from older models. Key topics discussed include the seamless integration of features that enhance situational awareness and safety, such as automatic flight plan loading from the Garmin Pilot app and advanced autopilot functionalities that support pilots during critical phases of flight.
Listeners are treated to insights about the differences between various aircraft models, particularly the transition from single-pilot operations to flying larger jets with co-pilots. Max recounts his journey from flying a CJ3 to the sophisticated Longitude, detailing the learning curve involved in handling more complex avionics systems. The episode highlights the importance of continual education and adaptation for pilots as they navigate new technologies and aircraft, making it clear that the aviation field is ever-evolving. Throughout the discussion, there is a palpable excitement about the future of flying, underscored by the groundbreaking features of the G3000 Prime that promise to enhance safety and ease for pilots everywhere.
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The aviation industry is currently facing significant challenges, primarily due to a shortage of aircraft and engine deliveries, which has slowed hiring across airlines. Dr. Jim Higgins and I delve into the state of the industry, discussing the implications of these shortages and how airlines are managing their workforce amid ongoing demand. We explore the impact of mergers, such as Alaska Airlines' acquisition of Hawaiian, and the cultural shifts that accompany such changes. Additionally, we touch on the evolving landscape for regional airlines and the importance of networking for aspiring pilots navigating this competitive environment. Join us as we unpack the complexities of the current aviation climate and what the future might hold for pilots and airlines alike.
Amidst a whirlwind of changes and challenges in the aviation industry, the latest episode of the Pilot to Pilot podcast features a compelling dialogue between Justin and Dr. Jim Higgins, a prominent figure in aviation academia. The episode opens with a stark analysis of the current hiring landscape, heavily influenced by the ongoing production delays from major aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. Dr. Higgins elucidates how these delays have created a trickle-down effect, stunting hiring efforts at major airlines and thereby affecting regional carriers that rely on a steady influx of pilots. The discussion paints a vivid picture of an industry in flux, grappling with both supply chain issues and evolving consumer demands post-pandemic.
As the conversation continues, Justin and Jim delve into the complexities of mergers, particularly focusing on Alaska Airlines' acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. The cultural implications of such mergers are critically examined, as both hosts highlight how the distinctive cultures of each airline can lead to friction and challenges in integration. Jim shares insights into how historical mergers have played out in the past, providing a context for understanding how Alaska might navigate its latest acquisition. The talk then transitions to the competitive landscape, where low-cost carriers like JetBlue and Spirit face mounting pressures, and the conversation reveals the shifting dynamics that could reshape the airline industry.
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Avination, what is going on and welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today's episode is with Carson Stilson aka Wairworthy. In this episode we talk about why Carson wanted to start Wairworthy, how he got into aviation and why he decided to build his own airplane!
Avination, what is going on and welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today's episode is with @FlywithHenry. Henry, comes on the podcast to talk about why he decided to leave his law firm to pursue aviation full time. We also touch on his decisions process in buying airplanes and how he has a love for the odd ball airplanes.
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Thank you to our sponsors
RAA - Financial planning for pilots
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Sirius XM weather - My favorite weather tool for planning and enroute
Learn the Finer Points - Best Ground School app
Aviation, welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today is episode 313 with Joe Costanza aka Bananasssssssss. In this episode we do a deep dive of why Joe decided to leave Spirit Airlines. And although it might seem like a no braininer to leave Spirit, it’s tough when you have spent 12 years of your life there.
Dont forget to enter our Hat giveaway on our website! All you have to do is subscribe to our future newsletter (it’s going to be epic!)
Thank you to our sponsors
RAA - Financial planning for pilots
Garmin - Check out the aviation watch I wear
Sirius XM weather - My favorite weather tool for planning and enroute
Learn the Finer Points - Best Ground School app
The podcast currently has 329 episodes available.
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