In this state-of-the-industry episode, host Justin Seals sits down with Dr. Jim Higgins, Professor of Aviation at the University of North Dakota, to break down what's really happening in aviation right now.

They cover:

• Why hiring has slowed and what it means for aspiring pilots
• Boeing's production increase from 38 to 42 jets—and why that signals major changes ahead
• Spirit Airlines' double bankruptcy and what it reveals about low-cost carrier economics
• The government shutdown's impact on air traffic control and safety
• Privatization of ATC: Is it the answer?
• The $725 billion backlog of aircraft orders
• What pilot contract negotiations will look like when money's already good

Whether you're considering a pilot career, navigating the current market, or just curious about where the industry is headed, this conversation cuts through the hype to give you the real picture.

Key Topics: pilot hiring, Boeing, Spirit Airlines, government shutdown, ATC staffing, airline economics, contract negotiations

We're diving deep into how to save money in flight training, which is no small feat! In this episode, Jason Miller joins us to share valuable insights on managing the financial burden of becoming a pilot, especially for those of us who are navigating tight budgets. We talk about practical strategies that cater to both novice student pilots and those looking to transition into professional flying, emphasizing the need for a solid foundation in those early hours of training. From leveraging dry time effectively to understanding the importance of consistent practice, we cover how to make every dollar count while ensuring you build the skills necessary for success in the cockpit. So, whether you're dreaming of taking to the skies or already in the air, we've got tips to help keep your training costs in check and your flying aspirations alive!

Takeaways:

• The importance of using the Garmin Pilot app to streamline your flying experience before, during, and after each flight.
• Understanding that the cost of flight training can vary widely, with private pilot licenses costing anywhere from $8,000 to $25,000 depending on location and training methods.
• The necessity of consistent flying to maintain proficiency and reduce overall training costs in the long run, avoiding long gaps between flights.
• Utilizing dry time and procedural training effectively can save significant money, allowing students to practice key skills without incurring aircraft rental costs.
• The value of setting clear objectives for each flight lesson to maximize efficiency and focus during training sessions.
• Emphasizing the importance of standardization in training processes, which can enhance safety and proficiency while also simplifying the flying experience.

Hangar 22 Coffee

In this episode of the Pilot to Pilot podcast, host Justin Siems chats with Thomas, a 737 airline pilot and the founder of Hangar 22 Coffee Roasters. Thomas shares his inspiring journey into aviation starting at age 4, navigating the challenges of COVID-19 right after flight school, and balancing a demanding flying career with building a thriving aviation-themed coffee business. From commuting between Atlanta and Toronto, to roasting coffee in hangars, partnering with Textron and EAA at Oshkosh, and dreaming of an airport coffee shop, Thomas discusses the highs and lows of pilot life in Canada vs. the US, the 1500-hour rule, family sacrifices, and why great coffee fuels every adventure. Whether you're a pilot, coffee lover, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is a perfect blend of passion and perseverance. Tune in for aviation insights, business tips, and a rapid-fire Q&A!

Ryan Graves, a former F-18 pilot and Executive Director of Americans for Safe Aerospace, joins us to delve into the intriguing and often perplexing world of UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena). We kick off the conversation by exploring Ryan’s journey from aviation novice to military aviator, discussing the intense training and experiences that shaped his career. He shares some mind-boggling encounters with mysterious objects during his service, including near misses that raise eyebrows and questions about airspace safety. Our discussion also touches on the growing concerns surrounding autonomous aircraft and AI in aviation, and how these technologies might impact the future of flying. As we wrap up, Ryan emphasizes the importance of transparency and reporting in addressing UAP sightings, inviting listeners to engage with their own experiences through his organization.

Check out Ryan’s organization Safeaerospace.org

In Episode 339 of the Pilot to Pilot Podcast, host Justin Siems chats with Leah Froehlich, a passionate flight instructor and Instagram content creator. Leah shares her unexpected journey into aviation, sparked by a flight with her stepdad after pursuing physical therapy. She opens up about overcoming early confidence struggles, the realities of CFI life, the importance of humility in flying, and how she balances instructing with creating motivational videos that inspire aspiring pilots. From tips on starting flight training to navigating career paths beyond the airlines, this episode is packed with relatable insights for anyone in aviation. Don't miss Leah's rapid-fire answers and her take on building a fulfilling flying career. Follow Leah on Instagram @Leahthal_inflight for more CFI adventures!

Flying High with Charlie Gasmire: Lessons from the Cockpit and Beyond

Join us as we soar into the world of aviation with Charlie Gasmire, the brain behind Airplane Academy. With a family legacy of aviators, Charlie’s journey from a young boy inspired by his grandfather and father to a successful pilot and entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, we dive deep into Charlie's experiences, discussing the ups and downs of becoming a pilot, the importance of mentorship, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives him to create valuable content for aspiring aviators.

Charlie shares his insights on what it takes to own an aircraft, the process of buying a 182, and the joys and challenges of flying with family. From the thrill of soloing on his 16th birthday to the practicalities of aviation ownership, Charlie's story is a testament to the dedication and passion required in this field. We also touch on the importance of creating community and encouraging others to pursue their dreams of flying, making this episode a must-listen for anyone with a passion for aviation.

Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or just starting out, Charlie's experiences and advice provide a wealth of knowledge and encouragement. Tune in to discover how you can embark on your own aviation journey and perhaps find your own place in the skies.

Takeaways:

• Becoming a pilot is a journey filled with adventure, and it's essential to embrace the process, taking actionable steps towards your dream, just as Charlie did from a young age.
• Owning a plane like the Cessna 182 provides flexibility and freedom, allowing spontaneous trips and memorable family adventures, reinforcing the joy of aviation.
• The transition from renting to ownership comes with unique financial realities, where the unexpected costs can be daunting, but the rewards of flying make it worthwhile.
• Charlie emphasizes the importance of sharing mistakes in aviation to help others learn, showcasing the value of community and support among pilots.
• Airplane Academy is not just a business; it's a passion project aimed at inspiring others to pursue their aviation dreams, emphasizing that anyone can become a pilot.
• Having a mission, whether it's flying for fun or taking friends up, helps maintain enthusiasm for flying, even when busy schedules try to hold you back.

Evan Luft joins us on the podcast today, and he's here to share his unique journey through the world of aviation as a contract pilot. One of the standout points we discuss is that you don't have to follow the traditional path of becoming an airline pilot to enjoy a fulfilling and lucrative career in aviation. Evan's experiences flying over the stunning landscapes of Canada, from the Rocky Mountains to sunny Mexico, showcase the adventures that await outside the airline cockpit. We dive into the importance of networking, building relationships, and how being personable can open doors to incredible opportunities in the flying world. Whether you're just starting out or looking to carve your own niche in aviation, Evan's insights will inspire you to embrace the journey and explore the vast possibilities that come with it.

Takeaways:

• Evan Luft emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships in aviation, as many opportunities arise from personal connections.
• He shares that flying in Canada offers unique adventures, with stunning scenery and diverse flying experiences not typically found in the U.S.
• The podcast highlights that you don't need to be an airline pilot to have a fulfilling and financially rewarding career in aviation.
• Evan discusses the flexibility of contract flying, allowing pilots to enjoy their work while exploring incredible destinations like Banff and Mexico.
• Justin and Evan agree that being a personable and friendly pilot can significantly impact job opportunities and client relationships.
• The episode showcases how technology, particularly Garmin avionics, enhances safety and efficiency for pilots flying in challenging weather conditions.

Erin and Paul, the dynamic husband-wife pilot duo, have taken their passion for aviation to new heights by building their very own Bearhawk 5. In this episode, they share the incredible journey of finding the perfect aircraft, navigating the world of airplane kits, and the challenges of construction, all while balancing their personal and professional lives. Their story is not just about the mechanics of building a plane; it's also about the adventures that flying brings, including their recent experience at Oshkosh, where they celebrated the culmination of their hard work. Along the way, they discuss the importance of community and support in aviation, the exciting features of their new plane, and their plans for a nomadic lifestyle in the skies. Join us as we dive into their inspiring journey and discover the joys and challenges of becoming owners of a custom-built aircraft.

Takeaways:

• Building your own airplane can be a rewarding experience, especially with a supportive builder assist program to guide you through the process.
• The journey of becoming pilots has opened up new adventures and opportunities for Erin and Paul, allowing them to explore their passion for aviation.
• Their Bearhawk 5 is designed to be versatile, capable of fast cruising and slow landings, making it suitable for various flying experiences.
• The couple plans to transform their Bearhawk into a modular camping setup, allowing for a nomadic lifestyle filled with travel and exploration.
• Leveraging advanced avionics like Garmin and Sirius XM enhances safety and situational awareness when flying, particularly during challenging weather conditions.
• Support from the aviation community, including mentors and friends, plays a crucial role in navigating the challenges of building and flying an aircraft.

Avination, welcome back to Episode 335 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast! Host Justin Siems sits down with aviation expert Jim Higgins, a former airline pilot and University of North Dakota professor, and Elise Dominguez, a Certified Financial Planner at Allworth Airline Advisors, for a deep dive into the airline industry and pilot financial planning. They unpack the cyclical nature of pilot hiring—citing 12,000–13,000 pilots hired in 2023–2024, now leveling to a still-strong 4,000–4,500 annually, per FAPA data. Justin shares his journey from a fractional company to a major airline, facing a $120,000 pay cut, while Jim reflects on his wife’s choice to stay a senior FO for schedule flexibility. Elise offers actionable advice for pilots at every stage: new hires like a 24-year-old check airman should start saving early to leverage time, mid-career pilots should max out 401(k) contributions (increasing by 1% yearly) and diversify with Roth IRAs or taxable accounts, and those nearing 65 should explore catch-up contributions ($7,500 at 50, $11,250 super catch-up at 60–63). They also tackle the pilot retirement age debate—will it hit 67?—and how it impacts young pilots’ seniority or senior pilots’ earnings. From avoiding lifestyle creep to planning for “what if” scenarios like furloughs or early retirement, this episode is packed with insights to keep your aviation career soaring. Visit Allworth Airline Advisors for a free consultation to build your personalized financial plan!

I hope you enjoy this podcast and if you're interested in reaching out for more financial information make sure you check out Allworth Airline Advisors!

Hope to see you all at EAA Ariventure!

Justin

Takeaways:

• The state of the airline industry is currently experiencing a hiring slowdown compared to the record-high years of 2023 and 2024, but opportunities still exist.
• Elise emphasizes the importance of starting financial planning early in a pilot's career to build a solid foundation for retirement and future investments.
• It’s crucial for pilots to diversify their investments outside of 401(k)s to avoid over-relying on employer-sponsored plans for retirement income.
• Discussing the emotional aspects of financial decisions is important, as pilots often need guidance to navigate the ups and downs of their careers and personal finance.
• Investing in a health savings account can provide significant tax advantages, especially for pilots with high deductible plans, making it a smart move for long-term financial health.
• Addressing the potential changes in the retirement age from 65 to 67, it's essential for pilots to consider the impact on their career plans and future earnings potential.

The episode features an engaging discussion with Hagai Makov, the Vice President of Business Development at Skypath, a revolutionary application designed to enhance the aviation experience through innovative technology. Makov shares his personal journey, revealing how his aspirations shifted from joining Special Forces to becoming an attack helicopter pilot in the Israeli Air Force. This transition laid the foundation for his subsequent endeavors in the aviation industry, ultimately leading him to Skypath. The conversation provides a compelling narrative on the importance of resilience and adaptability in pursuing one’s passions, as Makov reflects on the pressures and challenges he faced during his military training.

The dialogue transitions into a detailed exploration of Skypath's functionalities, particularly its ability to provide real-time turbulence alerts to pilots. Makov elucidates how this feature greatly enhances flight safety and passenger comfort, allowing pilots to proactively manage turbulence during flights. The discussion underscores the significance of effective communication among flight crews and the role technology plays in facilitating these interactions. Makov emphasizes the app’s unique capability to integrate seamlessly into existing aviation workflows, ensuring that pilots, dispatchers, and cabin crew are all aligned in their efforts to create a safe and enjoyable flying experience for passengers.

As the episode draws to a close, Makov offers insights into the future of Skypath and its aspirations for growth within the aviation sector. He expresses a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, highlighting the company's dedication to addressing the evolving needs of the industry. This episode serves not only as an exploration of Skypath’s technological advancements but also as a reflection on the broader implications of personal growth, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the aviation field.