Professional pilot and podcast host Justin Siems says aviation is “a welcoming community that feels like it's not.” He explains why, based on his experience interviewing nearly 400 pilots. Justin also talks about making the transition from fractional flying to the major airlines, why he launched a print magazine in a world dominated by short-form video, and how his background as a Big Ten college football player translated directly to the flight deck. In the Ready to Copy segment, he shares the best advice he’s received from a guest, his humbling experience landing the Boeing 737, and his routine for early morning trips.SHOW LINKS:* Pilot to Pilot podcast and magazine: <a href="https://www.pilottopilothq.com/">https://www.pilottopilothq.com/</a>* Justin on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pilottopilot/">https://www.instagram.com/pilottopilot/</a>* PJ2 GPS Radio: <a href="https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html">https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html</a>

Professional pilot and podcast host Justin Siems says aviation is “a welcoming community that feels like it's not.” He explains why, based on his experience interviewing nearly 400 pilots. Justin also talks about making the transition from fractional flying to the major airlines, why he launched a print magazine in a world dominated by short-form video, and how his background as a Big Ten college football player translated directly to the flight deck. In the Ready to Copy segment, he shares the best advice he’s received from a guest, his humbling experience landing the Boeing 737, and his routine for early morning trips. SHOW LINKS: * Pilot to Pilot podcast and magazine: https://www.pilottopilothq.com/ * Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilottopilot/ * PJ2 GPS Radio: https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html

Professional pilot and podcast host Justin Siems says aviation is “a welcoming community that feels like it's not.” He explains why, based on his experience interviewing nearly 400 pilots. Justin also talks about making the transition from fractional flying to the major airlines, why he launched a print magazine in a world dominated by short-form video, and how his background as a Big Ten college football player translated directly to the flight deck. In the Ready to Copy segment, he shares the best advice he’s received from a guest, his humbling experience landing the Boeing 737, and his routine for early morning trips.SHOW LINKS:* Pilot to Pilot podcast and magazine: <a href="https://www.pilottopilothq.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.pilottopilothq.com/</a>* Justin on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pilottopilot/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/pilottopilot/</a>* PJ2 GPS Radio: <a href="https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html</a>

The power of the aviation community, with Justin Siems

Former NASA Flight Director and experimental aircraft expert Paul Dye explains how high-stakes spaceflight principles can translate to the world of single-pilot GA flying. He reflects on decision-making at Mission Control, the art of evaluating risk versus uncertainty, and why pilots must always be willing to question their own choices. He also breaks down the reality of building kitplanes, offering honest advice on what it takes to finish a project, how to approach flight testing safely, and how MOSAIC could shape general aviation’s future. In the Ready to Copy lightning round, Paul talks about NASA in the movies, flying the Fisk Arrival into Oshkosh, and why a simple J-3 Cub on a grass strip remains hard to beat.SHOW LINKS:* Ironflight website: <a href="https://ironflight.com/">https://ironflight.com/</a>* Paul’s articles at AvBrief: <a href="https://avbrief.com/author/ironflight/">https://avbrief.com/author/ironflight/</a>* PJ2 GPS Radio: <a href="https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html">https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html</a>

Former NASA Flight Director and experimental aircraft expert Paul Dye explains how high-stakes spaceflight principles can translate to the world of single-pilot GA flying. He reflects on decision-making at Mission Control, the art of evaluating risk versus uncertainty, and why pilots must always be willing to question their own choices. He also breaks down the reality of building kitplanes, offering honest advice on what it takes to finish a project, how to approach flight testing safely, and how MOSAIC could shape general aviation’s future. In the Ready to Copy lightning round, Paul talks about NASA in the movies, flying the Fisk Arrival into Oshkosh, and why a simple J-3 Cub on a grass strip remains hard to beat. SHOW LINKS: * Ironflight website: https://ironflight.com/ * Paul’s articles at AvBrief: https://avbrief.com/author/ironflight/ * PJ2 GPS Radio: https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html

Former NASA Flight Director and experimental aircraft expert Paul Dye explains how high-stakes spaceflight principles can translate to the world of single-pilot GA flying. He reflects on decision-making at Mission Control, the art of evaluating risk versus uncertainty, and why pilots must always be willing to question their own choices. He also breaks down the reality of building kitplanes, offering honest advice on what it takes to finish a project, how to approach flight testing safely, and how MOSAIC could shape general aviation’s future. In the Ready to Copy lightning round, Paul talks about NASA in the movies, flying the Fisk Arrival into Oshkosh, and why a simple J-3 Cub on a grass strip remains hard to beat.SHOW LINKS:* Ironflight website: <a href="https://ironflight.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://ironflight.com/</a>* Paul’s articles at AvBrief: <a href="https://avbrief.com/author/ironflight/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://avbrief.com/author/ironflight/</a>* PJ2 GPS Radio: <a href="https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html</a>

From Mission Control to Homebuilt Airplanes, with Paul Dye

As one of the few people to ever fly an airshow at Oshkosh, a competition aerobatic routine, and a Red Bull Air Race, Michael Goulian has a unique perspective on flying at the edge of the envelope. In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes to share how he prepares both physically and mentally for a performance, what’s unique about modern aerobatic airplanes, and what his favorite maneuver is. Michael is also a longtime flight instructor and flight school owner, so he connects the intense focus of the airshow world to the job of a primary flight instructor, with tips for improving stick and rudder skills in the age of glass cockpits. In the Ready to Copy segment, he talks about his favorite fly-in destination in New England, his pre-show playlist, and golf.SHOW LINKS:* Mike Goulian Aviation: <a href="https://mikegoulianaviation.com/">https://mikegoulianaviation.com/</a>* Goulian Aerosports: <a href="https://mikegoulian.com/">https://mikegoulian.com/</a>* PJ2 GPS Radio: <a href="https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html">https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html</a>

As one of the few people to ever fly an airshow at Oshkosh, a competition aerobatic routine, and a Red Bull Air Race, Michael Goulian has a unique perspective on flying at the edge of the envelope. In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes to share how he prepares both physically and mentally for a performance, what’s unique about modern aerobatic airplanes, and what his favorite maneuver is. Michael is also a longtime flight instructor and flight school owner, so he connects the intense focus of the airshow world to the job of a primary flight instructor, with tips for improving stick and rudder skills in the age of glass cockpits. In the Ready to Copy segment, he talks about his favorite fly-in destination in New England, his pre-show playlist, and golf. SHOW LINKS: * Mike Goulian Aviation: https://mikegoulianaviation.com/ * Goulian Aerosports: https://mikegoulian.com/ * PJ2 GPS Radio: https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html

As one of the few people to ever fly an airshow at Oshkosh, a competition aerobatic routine, and a Red Bull Air Race, Michael Goulian has a unique perspective on flying at the edge of the envelope. In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes to share how he prepares both physically and mentally for a performance, what’s unique about modern aerobatic airplanes, and what his favorite maneuver is. Michael is also a longtime flight instructor and flight school owner, so he connects the intense focus of the airshow world to the job of a primary flight instructor, with tips for improving stick and rudder skills in the age of glass cockpits. In the Ready to Copy segment, he talks about his favorite fly-in destination in New England, his pre-show playlist, and golf.SHOW LINKS:* Mike Goulian Aviation: <a href="https://mikegoulianaviation.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://mikegoulianaviation.com/</a>* Goulian Aerosports: <a href="https://mikegoulian.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://mikegoulian.com/</a>* PJ2 GPS Radio: <a href="https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html</a>

The pursuit of perfection, with Michael Goulian

What happens when you take a former high school chemistry teacher, turn her into a CFI, and send her back into the high school classroom to run a full-semester private pilot ground school? In this episode, high school educator, medical professional, and flight instructor Kailee Calder explains how she is reshaping youth aviation outreach through CTE partnerships in Utah. She also shares lessons she’s learned as a teacher that work for flight instructors and takes on misconceptions about today’s youth. In the Ready to Copy segment, Kailee shares her favorite flight simulator scenario for kids, why social media isn’t always the best marketing channel for flight schools, and the weather tips she learned from sailing.SHOW LINKS:* Kailee’s website: <a href="https://www.kaileecalder.com/">https://www.kaileecalder.com</a>* Aviation class at Davis Catalyst: <a href="https://catalyst.davis.k12.ut.us/o/cace/page/pilot-aviation">https://catalyst.davis.k12.ut.us/o/cace/page/pilot-aviation</a>* PilotWorkshops Premier: <a href="https://pilotworkshop.com/products/premier/">https://pilotworkshop.com/products/premier/</a>

What happens when you take a former high school chemistry teacher, turn her into a CFI, and send her back into the high school classroom to run a full-semester private pilot ground school? In this episode, high school educator, medical professional, and flight instructor Kailee Calder explains how she is reshaping youth aviation outreach through CTE partnerships in Utah. She also shares lessons she’s learned as a teacher that work for flight instructors and takes on misconceptions about today’s youth. In the Ready to Copy segment, Kailee shares her favorite flight simulator scenario for kids, why social media isn’t always the best marketing channel for flight schools, and the weather tips she learned from sailing. SHOW LINKS: * Kailee’s website: https://www.kaileecalder.com * Aviation class at Davis Catalyst: https://catalyst.davis.k12.ut.us/o/cace/page/pilot-aviation * PilotWorkshops Premier: https://pilotworkshop.com/products/premier/

What happens when you take a former high school chemistry teacher, turn her into a CFI, and send her back into the high school classroom to run a full-semester private pilot ground school? In this episode, high school educator, medical professional, and flight instructor Kailee Calder explains how she is reshaping youth aviation outreach through CTE partnerships in Utah. She also shares lessons she’s learned as a teacher that work for flight instructors and takes on misconceptions about today’s youth. In the Ready to Copy segment, Kailee shares her favorite flight simulator scenario for kids, why social media isn’t always the best marketing channel for flight schools, and the weather tips she learned from sailing.SHOW LINKS:* Kailee’s website: <a href="https://www.kaileecalder.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.kaileecalder.com</a>* Aviation class at Davis Catalyst: <a href="https://catalyst.davis.k12.ut.us/o/cace/page/pilot-aviation" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://catalyst.davis.k12.ut.us/o/cace/page/pilot-aviation</a>* PilotWorkshops Premier: <a href="https://pilotworkshop.com/products/premier/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://pilotworkshop.com/products/premier/</a>

Bringing aviation to high school, with Kailee Calder

As a former airline pilot and industry analyst for more than four decades, Kit Darby has seen a lot of job market cycles. In this episode he shares his wisdom, with plenty of practical advice for aspiring professional pilots, including an honest assessment of the job market right now, what airline pilots actually make over a 30-year career, and what COVID changed about the airline business. Kit also talks about some lessons learned from his airline and military career, including mastering full motion airline simulators and flying the unique OV-1 Mohawk in the Army. and In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear about preparing for job interviews, under-appreciated airlines, and helicopters vs. airplanes.SHOW LINKS:* Kit’s website: <a href="https://kitdarby.com/">https://kitdarby.com/</a>* Airline hiring resources: <a href="https://www.fapa.aero/job-hunting-pilots">https://www.fapa.aero/job-hunting-pilots</a>* PilotWorkshops Mastery: <a href="http://sportys.com/mastery">https://sportys.com/mastery</a>

As a former airline pilot and industry analyst for more than four decades, Kit Darby has seen a lot of job market cycles. In this episode he shares his wisdom, with plenty of practical advice for aspiring professional pilots, including an honest assessment of the job market right now, what airline pilots actually make over a 30-year career, and what COVID changed about the airline business. Kit also talks about some lessons learned from his airline and military career, including mastering full motion airline simulators and flying the unique OV-1 Mohawk in the Army. and In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear about preparing for job interviews, under-appreciated airlines, and helicopters vs. airplanes. SHOW LINKS: * Kit’s website: https://kitdarby.com/ * Airline hiring resources: https://www.fapa.aero/job-hunting-pilots * PilotWorkshops Mastery: https://sportys.com/mastery

As a former airline pilot and industry analyst for more than four decades, Kit Darby has seen a lot of job market cycles. In this episode he shares his wisdom, with plenty of practical advice for aspiring professional pilots, including an honest assessment of the job market right now, what airline pilots actually make over a 30-year career, and what COVID changed about the airline business. Kit also talks about some lessons learned from his airline and military career, including mastering full motion airline simulators and flying the unique OV-1 Mohawk in the Army. and In the Ready to Copy segment, you’ll hear about preparing for job interviews, under-appreciated airlines, and helicopters vs. airplanes.SHOW LINKS:* Kit’s website: <a href="https://kitdarby.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://kitdarby.com/</a>* Airline hiring resources: <a href="https://www.fapa.aero/job-hunting-pilots" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.fapa.aero/job-hunting-pilots</a>* PilotWorkshops Mastery: <a href="http://sportys.com/mastery" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://sportys.com/mastery</a>

What an airline pilot job is worth, with Kit Darby

Why is flight training so strong, even after a pandemic that stopped airline pilot hiring? What do flight instructors wish students knew about learning to fly? Eric Radtke answers these questions and many more, in the first episode of Sporty's Fast Five Podcast. Eric and host John Zimmerman also talk about what it's like to be an airline pilot, why flying with family is the best, and whether YouTube is good or bad for student pilots. In the "ready to copy" segment, Eric talks about the best Cincinnati chili restaurants, whether he prefers steam gauges or glass cockpits, and his favorite airplane.
Host: John Zimmerman (@jtzim), Sporty's Pilot Shop
Guest: Eric Radtke, President - Sporty's Academy (SportysAcademy.com)
 
Try Sporty's Learn to Fly Course: Sportys.com/Demo

Why is flight training so strong, even after a pandemic that stopped airline pilot hiring? What do flight instructors wish students knew about learning to fly? Eric Radtke answers these questions and many more, in the first episode of Sporty's Fast Five Podcast. Eric and host John Zimmerman also talk about what it's like to be an airline pilot, why flying with family is the best, and whether YouTube is good or bad for student pilots. In the "ready to copy" segment, Eric talks about the best Cincinnati chili restaurants, whether he prefers steam gauges or glass cockpits, and his favorite airplane. Host: John Zimmerman (@jtzim), Sporty's Pilot Shop Guest: Eric Radtke, President - Sporty's Academy (SportysAcademy.com) Try Sporty's Learn to Fly Course: Sportys.com/Demo

1. Flight training trends with Eric Radtke, Sporty's Academy

Pilot's Discretion brings you authentic conversations with some of aviation's most interesting people. From honest discussions about flight training to fascinating stories from airshow pilots, this podcast is for anyone who loves to fly. Stay tuned for our rapid-fire "ready to copy" segment at the end of every episode, where we go beyond the cliches to find out what each guest really thinks. Brought to you by Sporty's Pilot Shop, training and equipping pilots worldwide since 1961. Have a comment? Email us: podcast@sportys.com

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