If you're an aspiring aviator, today's guest Jessica Ortega talks about mentoring and scholarship opportunities that will help you flourish as a professional pilot during your training and beyond. Join us today to boost your career and open more doors for yourself in the aviation industry. 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE 

• A beginner's guide to choosing the right flight school

• Part 141 vs. Part 61 flight schools

• The advantage of mentorship in flight instruction 

• How to overcome struggles of the flight training plateau

• Benefits of Professional Pilots of Tomorrow (PPOT) membership

• The life-changing power of the aviation scholarship program

Tim Pope Interview:

• Do’s and Dont's a pilot should follow in their tax plans

• Factors that affect your tax planning strategies 

• Things a single guy can do on his tax strategies 

• Important advice on accepting bonuses 

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

• Airline Career Pilot Program 

• National Gay Pilots Association 

• Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals 

• Female Aviators Sticking Together

• Latino Pilots Association 

• Professional Asian Pilots Association

• Coradine Aviation Systems 

ABOUT JESSICA ORTEGA

Jessica has been a Republic First Officer based in New York City’s LaGuardia airport for the last three years and is currently training to become a Captain.  Described as her “passion project,” Jessica serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Professional Pilots of Tomorrow, a volunteer Non-Profit that provides structured mentoring and networking opportunities to aspiring aviators.

CONNECT WITH JESSICA ORTEGA

• Website: Professional Pilots of Tomorrow 

• Instagram: @professionalpilots

• Facebook: Professional Pilots of Tomorrow

• LinkedIn: Professional Pilots of Tomorrow

CONNECT WITH US 

Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “PODCAST” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!

If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at [email protected], and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates! 

SPONSOR

If you’re a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call 704-717-8900 ext 120 to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP® 

For today’s episode, we will dive into what hinders pilot applications and how honesty can help overcome them. Join us to learn how to articulate previous DUIs, misdemeanors, and other law violations to your future application with honesty and maturity.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE 

• Why you should include your law violations in your application 

• A reason to talk about your past mistakes

• Testimonials from people who had bad experiences with pilots

• How airlines approach checkride failures to solve the pilot shortage

• The importance of keeping your story straight and transparent 

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

• Alcoholic Anonymous 

• HIMS Program

• National Transportation Safety Board 

CONNECT WITH US

For any questions, exciting people to be on the show, or if you want free coaching about the aviation industry, send Nik an email at [email protected]!

Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “PODCAST” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com! 

In this episode, we invited renowned aviatrix and author Erika Armstrong to share her struggle as a woman in aviation, her insights on the changes in the industry, and a snippet from her book A Chick in the Cockpit.  Keep listening to acquire expert tips from a woman navigating the aviation industry!

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE 

• A reason to start your aviation dream at an early age

• Pilot’s family life challenges

• The motivation behind Erika Armstrong’s book

• How the aviation industry is performing in terms of bringing in pilot women 

• Possible educational changes to fast-pace the process of becoming a pilot

• A powerful tip to thrive in the aviation industry as a pilot

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

• A Chick in the Cockpit by Erika Armstrong | Kindle and Paperback 

• Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert | Kindle, Paperback, and Hardcover 

ABOUT ERIKA ARMSTRONG

Erika Armstrong is the chick in the cockpit. From the front desk of a busy FBO at the Flying Cloud Airport, to the captain's seat of a commercial airliner, Erika has experienced everything aviation has to offer. She has worked on both sides of the cockpit door  (Part 91, 135, and 121), is an aviation professor at MSU Denver (specialty is Aircraft Systems and Propulsion, Instrument Fundamentals, Commercial Operations, Aviation Fundamentals), Instructional Designer, and VP of Business Development at Advanced Aircrew Academy and professional pilot columnist with 450,000 passionate, aviation-geek followers. Her flight training is from Flight Safety, SimuFlite, NATCO, CAE, Pan Am, and Aviation Charter, and has flown 28 different types of aircraft. Erika earned her hours as an international corporate, airline, Red Cross, and 24-hour air ambulance pilot/captain. She also owns Leading Edge Aviation Consulting, is a pilot recruiter, a Fellow at the Royal Aeronautical Society, and high profile keynote speaker in addition to an expert witness in high-profile aviation cases (kept both sides out of court!).  To back her experience with education, Erika attended the University of Minnesota’s Journalism program as an undergraduate before being lured into the world of aviation. To round out her education, she attended Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University and has a B.A. degree in International Business, Economics, and Culture with National Honor Society recognition from the University of Denver.

CONNECT WITH ERIKA

• Website: A Chick in the Cockpit

• Linkedin: Erika Armstrong

CONNECT WITH US 

Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “PODCAST” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!

If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at [email protected], and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates! 

SPONSOR

If you’re a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call 704-717-8900 ext 120 to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP® 

Waiting for a response to your application can be stressful and harrowing, and we get it. So today, Nik shares valuable tips to keep yourself inspired and move toward your desire to be part of commercial aviation. 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE

• Simple techniques to relieve stress and tension as a pilot applicant 

• Avenues to reach and network with the right people for your aviation career

• How to make yourself well-rounded for your application

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

• United Airlines

• American Airlines

• Delta Airlines

CONNECT WITH US

For any questions, exciting people to be on the show, or if you want free coaching about the aviation industry, send Nik an email at [email protected]!

Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “PODCAST” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com! 

Check out this conversation with Kenny Hyman as we detail the process of hiring aviators and share some actionable interview-answering tips. Plus, a brief discussion on transitioning to commercial flying with US Air Force C17 pilot Aaron. Take advantage of the chance to enhance your speaking abilities and confidently answer questions through this episode.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE 

Kenny’s

• The fulfillment and satisfaction of being an aviator 

• Common pilot hiring processes

• How to maintain composure during an interview

• Interview code-switching tips

Aaron’s

• The US Air Force aviator’s requirements before flying commercial airlines

• A way to trigger an invite for an interview

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

Kenny’s

• Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals

• Skywest Airlines 

• TPNx - The Pilot Network Conference

• American Airlines

• United Airlines

• Delta Airlines

Aaron’s

• FedEx

• Ups

• NGPA Industry Expo

• Corner Conference

CONNECT WITH US

Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “PODCAST” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!

Discover the most sought-after skills in a resume by tuning in to today’s episode as we discuss volunteering and its humbling effects. Listen until the end to learn how to utilize your passion for giving back in getting your dream job today! 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE 

• Volunteering and its effect on pilot hiring

• What self-sacrifice can do and earn

• Why it’s necessary for pilots to stay mentally fit

• 3 things you could offer as a person

• The fulfillment of volunteering in a convention

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

• Why Volunteering Is The Single Most Overlooked Skill On Resumes by Fast Company

• FedEx

• UPS

• The Co-existence of Sacrifice and Self-Stewardship with Jeffrey Frey

• Envoy Air

• Professional Pilots of Tomorrow 

• National Gay Pilot's Association

• Latino Pilots Association 

• Professional Asian Pilots Association

• Rotary To Airline Group

• Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals 

• Women in Aviation International

• Delta Airlines

• United Airlines

• American Airlines 

CONNECT WITH US

Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “PODCAST” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!

Cory Glenn is back for the second installment of this series to walk us through the American Airlines' interview process and what it takes for a pilot to represent their brand and culture. Opportunity only knocks once. Listen carefully, Cory leaves no stone unturned when he discusses how to successfully become an American Airlines pilot.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE 

• Practical ways to polish your application

• Why American Airlines wants to know who you authentically are 

• How to put your best foot forward

• American Airlines’ solution to address the pilot shortage

• The qualities American looks for in a candidate

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

• National Gay Pilots Association 

• Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals

• Rotary To Airline Group

ABOUT CORY GLENN

Cory Glenn is the Director of Pilot Recruiting and Development at American Airlines. He is an Expert Aviation consultant of industry Pilot Supply and Demand. An experienced Pilot Instructor with a demonstrated history of safety in commercial and military aviation. Also skilled in Enterprise Risk Management, Operations Management, Readiness, Operational Planning, and leading Youth Programs. He is a strong operations professional with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) focused in Communications from Portland State University.

CONNECT WITH CORY

• Website: American Airlines

• LinkedIn: Cory Glenn

CONNECT WITH US 

Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “PODCAST” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!

If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at [email protected], and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates! 

SPONSOR

If you’re a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call 704-717-8900 ext 120 to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP® 

This episode will help you develop a clear resolve to be in the cockpit of your dream airline. Stay tuned and embrace the effects of a compelling story and how an impactful WHY can help you get hired. Be sure not to miss this one!

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE 

• Practical ways to learn about the airlines you want to be part of 

• Tim Jefferson’s ‘Why Delta Airlines’ story

• The importance of having a genuine story and an impactful purpose

RESOURCE/LINK MENTIONED

• Delta Airlines

CONNECT WITH US

Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “PODCAST” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com! 

In this episode, Cory Glenn will dive deep and answer everything you ever wanted to know about the American Airlines hiring process.  He also discusses how American Airlines values its pilots' culture. This is the first time Cory has ever sat down for a long-form interview and he provides unbelievable value. If you’re a pilot who dreams to be at American Airlines, this is your primary source. There may be a pilot shortage, but Cory helps us understand how being agile helps American achieve its hiring goals.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE

• The pilot recruitment process

• 2 things every American Airlines pilot must have

• How a diverse pilot group is the best pilot group

• Dealing with failures 

• Succeeding in training

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

• National Gay Pilots Association 

• Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals

• Rotary To Airline Group

ABOUT CORY GLENN

Cory Glenn is the Director of Pilot Recruiting and Development at American Airlines. He is an Expert Aviation consultant of industry Pilot Supply and Demand. An experienced Pilot Instructor with a demonstrated history of safety in commercial and military aviation. Also skilled in Enterprise Risk Management, Operations Management, Readiness, Operational Planning, and leading Youth Programs. He is a strong operations professional with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) focused in Communications from Portland State University.

CONNECT WITH CORY

• Website: American Airlines

• LinkedIn: Cory Glenn

CONNECT WITH US 

Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “PODCAST” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!

If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at [email protected], and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates! 

SPONSOR

If you’re a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call 704-717-8900 ext 120 to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP®. 

Invest in your ability to resonate and be intentional with people in this episode as Nik tells a story of him engaging with his RV park customers. Learn how to converse with empathy and absorb his experience to be a pilot who knows how to serve his customers mid-flight. Dive in and add this enhancement to your tool belt!

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE

• A look into Nik’s RV Park business and his ways to serve his customers
• What true customer service is all about
• The importance of being genuine in every conversation with customers
• How to create a lifelong customer relationship

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

• Chick-fil-A
• Southwest Airlines
• Delta Airlines

CONNECT WITH US

For any questions, exciting people to be on the show, or if you want free coaching about the aviation industry, send Nik an email at [email protected]!

Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “PODCAST” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!