Pilots Say What?

In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with Drew to hear how he went from high school graduate to private pilot in just a few months. Drew opens up about nearly going to college instead of flight school, the moment he realized aviation was for him, and how learning to network completely changed his confidence.

In this episode of Pilots Say What?, Zach talks with a Thrust Flight student pilot who was born in Brazil and came to the U.S. through an exchange program—long before she ever thought about aviation. After her first flight at 21 years old, she realized she wanted to be in the cockpit, not just a passenger. Now she’s in Texas, working through her instrument rating and sharing how she discovered a passion for flight she never saw coming.

In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with Ian, a former Tesla and Lucid Motors employee who left the car industry behind to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. Ian shares his journey from being passionate about engines and design to making the leap into aviation. He talks about the spark that pushed him toward flight training, the challenges of financing and medical requirements, and what it’s like to start training in a Part 141 program.

What happens when your dream of becoming a pilot almost ends before it begins? In this episode, Mac shares his journey from working at Lockheed Martin to pursuing flight training—despite a year-long struggle to get his FAA medical approved. Whether you’re curious about FAA medicals, exploring flight training, or just want to hear an inspiring story of perseverance, this conversation is packed with insights.

In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with Kobe Evans, Operations Manager at Thrust Flight’s Denison campus, who’s not only helping run the school but also training to become a pilot himself. Kobe shares his unique perspective as both a student and leader in flight training. From the challenges of balancing long days of work and flying, to lessons learned about aviation medicals, connecting with instructors, and navigating different flight school environments, this episode offers a rare inside look at the realities of becoming a pilot.

What makes someone choose flight school over college? In this episode of Pilot’s Say What?, Zach sits down with Jaxton, a recent high school graduate who decided to pursue aviation instead of a traditional degree. Jaxton shares his journey from taking a discovery flight to completing his multi-engine checkride, the challenges of accelerated training, and how Thrust Flight’s Zero Time to Airline program stacked up against the cost of a four-year aviation university.

What does the future of flight training really look like? In this episode of "Pilots Say What?", Thrust Flight CEO Patrick Arnzen shares his perspective on where pilot training is headed, the challenges schools face, and how innovation is reshaping aviation education. Whether you’re considering becoming a pilot, currently in training, or just curious about the industry’s future, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how flight schools are preparing the next generation of aviators.

Ever wondered what airline pilot life is really like behind the scenes? In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with retired Captain Philip Stromer to uncover the highs and lows of an aviation career. From the excitement of getting hired to the burnout that comes later, Philip shares raw, unfiltered stories from decades in the cockpit.

Is becoming a pilot really about the paycheck — or the passion? In this episode of Pilots Say What?, Gregory shares his journey from theater to aviation, and why he believes passion, not money, is the only way to survive flight training and succeed as a pilot. We dive into the challenges of private pilot training, strategies for avoiding burnout, and the mindset needed to truly enjoy the grind of becoming a pilot. Gregory explains why chasing passion leads to success, and why money alone won’t get you through.

In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we talk with Nick about his journey from a long training delay at his first flight school to completing ratings faster through Thrust Flight’s Finish Line Program. Nick shares why he made the tough decision to switch schools, the challenges of transferring hours, and how our in-house check rides and accelerated training helped him move forward without losing momentum.