In this special Runway Life episode, Craig and Derek take a look back at the journey of launching an aviation podcast — from brainstorming ideas to interviewing industry pros. Whether you’re thinking about starting your own aviation podcast or just curious about what goes on behind the mic, this episode is packed with insight, reflection, and inspiration.

In this episode of Runway Life, Craig Butterworth sits down with Nicholas Burzotta, a recent graduate of First Landings Aviation’s Part 141 program, who earned his Private Pilot License in just 36 hours of flight time. 

Nicholas shares how structured training, focused dedication, and the right instructor support helped him fast-track his aviation journey. Whether you’re a student pilot or considering flight school, this episode gives a firsthand look at how achievable your goals can be with the right plan.

In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with Sunjay, the CEO and founder of AvNav, a bold new aviation app that’s shaking up the general aviation world. Designed as a streamlined, affordable, and modern alternative to ForeFlight, AvNav is gaining traction fast among pilots looking for a powerful tool without the complexity or price tag of bigger apps.

We dive into Sunjay’s inspiration behind the platform, what makes AvNav different, and how it’s helping both student pilots and experienced aviators navigate the skies smarter and simpler. Whether you’re flying VFR cross-country or prepping for an IFR flight, this episode is a must-listen for tech-savvy pilots looking for the next evolution in EFBs.

📱 Learn what makes AvNav tick, and why it just might be the app your flight bag’s been missing.

In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with two longtime tenants of Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM) who are raising serious concerns about how their ADS-B data is being used — not for safety, but to charge unexpected landing fees. With Vector collecting tracking data and invoicing flights without prior coordination or communication, local pilots are pushing back. Is this the future of general aviation? Or is it a misuse of public flight data? We dive deep into the controversy, explore the implications for pilots everywhere, and ask the tough question: what will this do to general aviation

What’s it really like to test fly an all-electric airplane? We sat down with the official test pilots of H55’s revolutionary electric aircraft to hear their unfiltered thoughts. From the silence in the cockpit to the surprising performance, they share what it’s like to fly a plane powered entirely by electricity. 

In this episode of Runway Life, we go behind the scenes at Sun ’n Fun to explore how H55 is shaping the future of general aviation—and what it means for pilots everywhere.

#ElectricAviation #TestPilots #H55 #RunwayLife #SustainableFlight #FutureOfFlight #PilotLife #SunNFun2025 #GreenAviation

We came down to Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo to get an exclusive first look at the future of flight: Bristell's brand-new electric aircraft for general aviation, powered by H55. ⚡✈️

In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with the CEO and CTO of H55 to talk about their revolutionary electric propulsion system, how it’s changing the game for trainers and GA aircraft, and why they’re being recognized as future innovators in sustainable aviation.

Whether you’re a pilot, aviation nerd, or just curious about electric flight, this episode is packed with insights, innovation, and inspiration from the front lines of the green aviation movement.

Ever wonder what happens to retired airplanes? In this episode of Runway Life, Craig sits down with Daniel and the team at AC Shares to dive into the fascinating world of aircraft parting and resale.

AC Shares is a leading airplane parts supplier, specializing in recycling, refurbishing, and reselling aircraft components. They break down:

https://www.acshares.com/

✅ How aircraft are parted out and repurposed
✅ The market for used airplane parts – who buys them and why
✅ Challenges & opportunities in the aviation parts industry
✅ How pilots and mechanics can benefit from quality used parts

🚀 Whether you’re a pilot, mechanic, or just an aviation enthusiast, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at the business of keeping aircraft flying long after retirement!

🔔 Like & Subscribe for more aviation insights!
#AircraftParts #AviationBusiness #RunwayLife #ACShares #PilotLife

🚛✈️ From Trucking to the Sky! Join us on this episode of Runway Life as Daniel Borquez sits down with Craig Butterworth to share his incredible journey from life on the road to life in the cockpit.

Daniel explains why he saved up while trucking to dive headfirst into full-time flight training, what he thinks of his decision so far, and why he chose aviation over other career paths. He also talks about his experience training at First Landings Aviation, how he’s handling the challenges of becoming a pilot, and why he’s loving every moment of it!

🚀 Thinking of making the switch to aviation? This episode is for you!

🔔 Subscribe for more pilot stories, aviation tips, and industry insights!

#TruckerToPilot #FlightTraining #RunwayLife #AviationDreams #FirstLandingsAviation

In this episode of Runway Life, host Craig Butterworth sits down with Andrew Barton, a First Officer at a major airline, to break down pilot salaries, pay structures, and what future pilots can expect throughout their careers.

From flight instructing wages to regional airline pay and the six-figure salaries of major airline captains, Andrew shares his first-hand experience navigating the unique world of pilot compensation. They cover how airline pay scales work, the impact of union contracts, per diem, bonuses, and overtime opportunities, giving both aspiring and current pilots a clear picture of career earnings potential.

✈️ Topics Covered:

✅ How pilots get paid (it’s not just a salary!)

✅ Airline pay scales & how they increase over time

✅ First-year pay vs. senior captain pay

✅ Per diem, bonuses, and extra earning opportunities

✅ What future pilots can expect in terms of pay growth

If you’ve ever wondered how much airline pilots really make, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone considering a career in aviation!

🔔 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more insider aviation content!

#RunwayLife #PilotPay #AirlinePilot #AviationCareers #PilotLife #MajorAirline #AviationPodcast #FlightTraining #FuturePilots #PilotSalary #AirlineIndustry

In this episode of Runway Life, A&P mechanic Adam takes us inside a magneto, breaking down its components and explaining exactly how it works. As he opens one up on camera, Adam walks through each part, from the coil and impulse coupling, to the contact points and distributor gear, showing how they all work together to generate spark for an aircraft engine—without relying on the aircraft’s electrical system.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s inside a magneto, how it produces high-voltage pulses, or why it’s so crucial for aviation engines, this episode is for you!

🔥 Find Out
✔️ What a magneto is & why aircraft use them
✔️ The key components inside a magneto
✔️ How a magneto generates spark
✔️ Common issues & maintenance tips

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more aviation insights from pilots, mechanics, and industry pros!

#RunwayLife #AircraftMaintenance #AviationMechanic #Magneto #HowItWorks #Aviation101 #AandPMechanic #PilotTraining #FlightSafety #EngineIgnition