In this episode of The Aspiring Pilot Podcast, Hayden sits down with Jamie Brooks—better known online as One Nut Nightmare—to unpack his unconventional and inspiring journey into aviation.

Before earning his wings, Jamie spent years teaching English in South Korea and skydiving. That skydiving passion eventually opened the door to his first flying gig—jump flying—which led to flight instructing, and later, float planes, aerial survey, and remote bush flying.

Jamie reflects on the winding road that brought him here, sharing why he initially spent too much time focused on future goals instead of enjoying the process. He offers advice on what he would have done differently in flight training, especially for those eyeing their first float job.

We also dive into what it really takes to succeed in aviation training—touching on the importance of self-study, self-motivation, discipline, and accountability. Jamie shares actionable tips for landing your first pilot job and setting realistic expectations as you move through the training pipeline.

On a more personal note, Jamie opens up about his battles with ulcerative colitis and testicular cancer, and how those experiences shaped his mindset and priorities. We explore the connection between physical and mental health and how pilots can better care for both while pursuing demanding flying careers.

This episode is packed with honest insights, hard lessons, and practical advice for anyone looking to forge their own path in aviation.

Website: https://www.onenutnightmare.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@onenutnightmare 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onenutnightmare/

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In this episode, Hayden is joined by John Crawford — a seasoned commercial pilot whose aviation journey spans from ramp agent to Chief Pilot. Drawing from a wealth of hands-on experience, John recognized a need for a more efficient path to the cockpit for aspiring aviators. That realization led to the creation of Wild Blue Aviation, a coaching platform dedicated to helping student and low-time pilots bypass the traditional instructing route and land their first flying job. 

In this conversation, John shares why a commercial license is really just a license to learn, why blue-collar backgrounds give pilots an edge, and why it’s crucial to see yourself as the client in your own training. He shines a light on what makes a great flight instructor, breaks down the difference between simply becoming a pilot and becoming a good pilot, and explains how structured debriefing can level up your skills.

We also dig into the importance of talking with your AME, knowing your aircraft inside and out, and the fulfillment that comes from mentorship — all while emphasizing the power of networking and connections in shaping your aviation career.

• https://www.wbaviation.com/ - Website
• https://www.youtube.com/@wildblueaviation9500 - YouTube
• https://www.instagram.com/wildblueaviation/?hl=en - Instagram
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1gq9Y2U3Zk - "Flying the Legendary DHC-2 Beaver on Floats | The Stunning Coastline of the Gulf Islands"

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Welcome to Episode #6 of The Aspiring Pilot Podcast. This episode features published aviation photographer, enthusiast and aspiring pilot Grant Gladych. In this episode, Grant shares how he got into aviation photography, what gear he uses, his reaction to being published for the first time and much more! 

Grants' Instagram: https://instagram.com/grants_aviation?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=

Grants' YouTube: https://youtube.com/@grants_aviation

Grants' Jet Photos: https://www.jetphotos.com/photographer/186958

Grants' Website: http://grantsaviation.com/

Sunset 737 MAX photo: https://www.instagram.com/p/CTlPECiFLAN/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Connect Airlines photo: https://www.instagram.com/p/ChdfrfUMyEa/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Global 7500 photo: https://www.instagram.com/p/CMZ24dfhJXU/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Tracking Services Grant utilizes:
http://flightradar24.com/
http://radarbox.com/
http://globe.adsbexchange.com/

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Welcome to Episode #5 of The Aspiring Pilot Podcast.  This episode features aviation enthusiast, flight instructor and co-founder of "Hangaaar" online ground school Conrad Hatcher.  In this episode we look at Conrad's pathway throughout aviation, how Hangaaar came to fruition and so much more!

Hangaaar.com :  https://hangaaar.com/

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Welcome to Episode #4 of The Aspiring Pilot Podcast. Episode # 4 features CRJ training pilot Luc Arsenault. In this episode, Luc takes us from a star-struck passenger on a 747 to a training pilot for a major Canadian airline. 

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Welcome to Episode #3 of The Aspiring Pilot Podcast. Episode #3 features Bombardier Challenger 604 pilot Rob Burrell. In this episode, we explore Robs' aviation career pathway, the economics of private aviation, stories of flying in the vicinity of an active volcano and much more!

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Welcome to Episode #2 of The Aspiring Pilot Podcast. Episode #2 features Airbus pilot Graeme Wellburn. In this episode, we navigate Graemes' journey from ramp agent to first officer on the Airbus A321 and everything in between including his experience chartering NHL teams and stories of close calls with Polar Bears. 

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 Welcome to Episode #1 of The Aspiring Pilot Podcast. Episode #1 features general aviator and business owner/entrepreneur Barry Andruschak. Barry is the owner of a financial services agency as well as a graduate of Selkirk College holding a diploma in Aviation Technology.  In this episode, we navigate Barry’s experience as a student pilot attending Selkirk College, life as a charter pilot in southern California and so much more! 

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