Runway Life

This week, Craig Butterworth is joined by Anthony Hachem, a 1500-hour CFI with a conditional job offer and class date at a 121 airline operation. Anthony’s career is about to take off (literally!), but not without hard work, dedication, and lessons learned along the way.

🎙️ Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

✈️ Advice for student pilots: Practical tips to succeed in flight training and beyond.

✈️ Anthony’s aviation story: From first solo to instructor, and now preparing for the airlines.

✈️ The harsh reality of flying for a living: Why chasing money alone is the wrong reason to become a commercial pilot.

Anthony shares the challenges and triumphs of his journey, offering a raw, honest look at what it really takes to thrive in aviation. Whether you’re a seasoned aviator or just getting started, this episode is packed with actionable insights and motivation.

📡 Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at the life of a pilot—and why passion always beats the paycheck!

🎧 Listen now and let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments!

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This week on Runway Life, we sit down with Anthony Hachem, a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFI-I) who recently crossed the 1,500-hour milestone on his journey toward becoming an airline pilot. Anthony recounts some of the most memorable flights from his time-building experience, including a scenic trip to Key West and a nerve-wracking moment involving parachuters descending during an approach. Tune in to hear his insights, challenges, and advice for aspiring pilots on their path to the skies.

In this episode of Runway Life, Craig sits down with Joe Skurkis, an experienced Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFI-I), to dive into some of the most crucial aspects of flight training. From mastering spin training to understanding emergency procedures, Joe shares his insights on teaching students how to stay prepared and safe in the cockpit.

🚨 They also discuss:

✔️ The most common mistakes students make during training and how to avoid them.

✔️ What to look for in a great flight instructor and how to know if your CFI is helping you succeed.

✔️ Why spin training is so important and how it builds confidence in emergency scenarios.

Whether you’re a student pilot, a flight instructor, or just passionate about aviation, this episode is packed with valuable tips to improve your skills and understanding of flight training.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow aviators!

🎙️ Runway Life is your go-to general aviation podcast, covering everything from training tips to real-world aviation stories.

#GeneralAviation #CFI #SpinTraining #FlightTraining #RunwayLifePodcast

In this episode of Runway Life, Derek shares his journey of tackling the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) checkride! Fresh off the experience, he sits down with Craig to break down how the day went—from the oral exam to the flight portion.

Together, they dive into the CFI Airman Certification Standards (ACS), discussing the key topics every aspiring instructor needs to master, the curveballs Derek encountered, and the importance of preparation and confidence.

Whether you’re preparing for a checkride or just curious about what it takes to become a flight instructor, this episode is packed with insider tips, strategies for staying calm under pressure, and advice on what Derek would do differently if he had to do it all over again.

In this insightful episode of Runway Life, CFII pilot Joe joins us to break down the essential questions and actions every student pilot should consider to make the most of their training journey. From choosing the right instructor to mastering foundational skills, Joe shares tips and strategies for navigating common challenges and staying motivated through the process. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your current training, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you become a confident and proficient pilot. Don’t miss these valuable insights on setting yourself up for success in the cockpit!

In this episode of Runway Life, join Andrew Barton, a First Officer at a major airline, as he pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to transition from 1,500 hours to the right seat of a commercial jet. Andrew takes us step-by-step through the intense experience of simulator training, Initial Operating Experience (IOE), and those nerve-wracking first flights on the line. He shares his firsthand insights into mastering the complex systems of the CRJ, building the confidence to perform under pressure, and the highs and lows of that first day on the job. Whether you’re a new commercial pilot gearing up for your first airline role or a curious enthusiast, this episode is packed with practical advice, candid reflections, and valuable insights on what to expect as you embark on a career in aviation. Tune in to learn how to navigate the path from training to hitting the runway as an airline pilot!

In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with Andrew Barton, a seasoned First Officer at a major airline, to explore one of the most formative stages in any pilot’s career: the 250 to 1500-hour journey as a flight instructor. Andrew dives into how those critical hours spent teaching others not only build essential flying skills but also foster a culture of safety through real-world experience. Tune in as Andrew shares how handling a variety of students, weather conditions, and in-flight situations strengthened his decision-making, refined his technical skills, and ultimately prepared him for a successful airline career. For aspiring airline pilots, this episode highlights the invaluable lessons of the CFI journey and the lasting impact of these early hours.

In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with Andrew Barton, a First Officer at a major airline, as he shares an in-depth look at his early journey through flight training and the crucial first 250 hours. Andrew recounts the challenges, milestones, and memorable moments that shaped his path to becoming an airline pilot. From his initial lessons and the steep learning curve of foundational skills to the insights and habits he developed that stayed with him throughout his career, Andrew offers a candid view into the life of a new pilot and the perseverance it takes to achieve such a rewarding career. Whether you’re an aspiring pilot or simply curious about the world of aviation, tune in for Andrew’s valuable advice, hard-earned lessons, and inspiration for anyone taking their first steps in flight training.

In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with flight school owner Adam Valencic for a special Q&A session! We dive into your most pressing general aviation questions, covering everything from flight training tips to industry insights. Adam also shares his expertise as we answer questions from our listeners, giving you a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the skies. Whether you’re an aspiring pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or a seasoned flyer, this episode is packed with valuable advice, real-world experiences, and answers to the questions you’ve been waiting to hear!

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