Podcast Archives - Aviation Careers Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: Carl Valeri

A Podcast about Achieving Your Aviation Career Goals

ACP452 Cleared for Takeoff! IHart Flying. Supporting Women In Flight.
04/20/2026

I Hart flying scholarships have been in our scholarships guide since their inception. Don’t forget through the generous support of our listeners and sponsors you can get a scholarship guide for free by visiting https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/. Rachelle from I Hart is joining us today to announce a new initiative to support women in flight. As many … Continue reading ACP452 Cleared for Takeoff! IHart Flying. Supporting Women In Flight. →

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ACP451 Brooke Campbell Falcon 50 Pilot at 24 years old.
04/13/2026

Today we have a special guest who is living her dream flying a Falcon 50 to exotic and exciting airports. Talking Points: What fueled her passion for aviation? Schools attended including college Funny story from her training. Tips for student pilots. Why did you choose corporate aviation? Advice for those looking to get into corporate … Continue reading ACP451 Brooke Campbell Falcon 50 Pilot at 24 years old. →

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ACP450 Is Becoming A PIlot Still Worth It?
04/06/2026

Trying To Decide What Direction You Should Take In Your Career? Contemplating Changing Your Career? Preparing For An Airline Interview? Can’t Decide If A Career Is Right For You? We can help with our career coaching: https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/ Our Career Coaching Services Will Help You: Define Your Goals. Create An Action Plan. Guide You Towards Your … Continue reading ACP450 Is Becoming A PIlot Still Worth It? →

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ACP449 Is Flying Safe As A Career?
03/23/2026

Is flying safe as a career? Due to recent news I have received questions from people in our coaching community asking if flying is safe. First, if you have reached this video and are wanting to discover if flying is safe as a mode of transportation the answer is yes. Flying is the safest mode … Continue reading ACP449 Is Flying Safe As A Career? →

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ACP448 Career Update FlyGirl Detailing Obtains Commercial Pilot Certificate
03/09/2026

In episode ACP406 FLYGIRL DETAILING : HOW A PASSION FOR AVIATION TURNED INTO A LUCRATIVE BUSINESSwe spoke with Claire Maher about her entrepreneurial journey into the aviation business. Now, over a year later, she has accomplished an important aviation milestone, the commercial pilot certificate. To give us a career update and discuss the journey is … Continue reading ACP448 Career Update FlyGirl Detailing Obtains Commercial Pilot Certificate →

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ACP447 2026 Instructor Job Projections with Spartan CEO Rob Polston
02/23/2026

Today we discuss the workforce projections for 2026 from an aviation training perspective with CEO of Spartan College Of Aeronautics and Technology, Rob Polston. https://www.spartan.edu Mentorship: https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use the coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free. One-On-One Coaching: https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching Special: One month of free access when you sign up for one-on-one coaching. Pay It … Continue reading ACP447 2026 Instructor Job Projections with Spartan CEO Rob Polston →

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ACP446 What Airline Pilots Really Make
01/26/2026

What Airline Pilots Really Make and Why Sharing Your Pilot Paystub Is A Bad Idea We have seen an increase in pilots sharing their end of year paystubs online. Let me tell you why I think this is a bad idea with both good and bad intentions. Talking Points: What pilots really make: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm#tab-5 $239,200 … Continue reading ACP446 What Airline Pilots Really Make →

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ACP445 Pilot Hiring Outlook 2026
01/19/2026

Should you become a pilot in 2026? Today we dive deeper into the hiring outlook for 2026 and beyond. If you want monthly updates and access to the pilot interview course and mentorship community visit https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Pilot Hiring Outlook 2026 Questions: feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com Mentorship: https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use the coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free. One-On-One … Continue reading ACP445 Pilot Hiring Outlook 2026 →

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ACP443 Are Accelerated Flight Programs The Best Option In 2026?
01/05/2026

I am currently touring flight schools with the intent of becoming an airline pilot. I came across your podcast on YouTube. I listened to a great episode on the benefits of becoming an airline pilot in 2025. Thanks for sharing such valuable information. I’m reaching out with question/s regarding flight schools. Like many, the expense … Continue reading ACP443 Are Accelerated Flight Programs The Best Option In 2026? →

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ACP443 The Pilot’s Bookshelf: Master Your Career & Safety (2026 Edition)
12/30/2025

Take one step today to enhance your career goal with the gift card you received this holiday! Welcome to our annual recommendation on how to spend your Gift Card and Enhance your career! Questions, comments, or inspirational stories; please write to us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com. Our latest video: https://www.youtube.com/@AviationCareersPodcast Stick and Rudder: An Explanation of the … Continue reading ACP443 The Pilot’s Bookshelf: Master Your Career & Safety (2026 Edition) →

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ACP442 How To Pass IOE
12/22/2025

Recently hired or simply wondering if you can pass IOE at an airline? Today joining me is Derek Lagasse, a former check chairman with a regional carrier and now 737 first officer at a major airline. We’ll discuss how to successfully pass your Initial Operating Experience (IOE). Introduction What is IOE? What is different and … Continue reading ACP442 How To Pass IOE →

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ACP441 Professional Balloon Pilot with Craig Elliott
12/15/2025

Have you ever looked skyward at the floating bubble of peaceful artwork and wondered what it would be like to be a balloon pilot? Well today we have with us Craig Elliott, author of The Balloonatics – Memoir of a Professional Hot Air Balloon Pilot. Talking Points: How Craig got involved in ballooning in 1976 … Continue reading ACP441 Professional Balloon Pilot with Craig Elliott →

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ACP440 Land Your Dream Job
12/08/2025

Are you dreaming of landing your ideal pilot job in 2026, but feel overwhelmed by the competition and changing hiring landscape? We’re breaking down exactly what it takes to stand out, offering insider insights and a clear roadmap to secure those highly sought-after positions. Don’t let your dream remain a dream. The 2026 Pilot Landscape: … Continue reading ACP440 Land Your Dream Job →

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ACP439 Paying For Flight Training
11/24/2025

There are many ways you can pay for your flight training, but what is best for you? In today’s episode, we will dive into the many methods of funding your flight training with a few hacks you may never have thought of. Pay Cash Family and friends. https://www.nerdwallet.com/taxes/learn/gift-tax-rate Scholarships It is worth the work. If … Continue reading ACP439 Paying For Flight Training →

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ACP438 The Elusive Airline Interview: Pilot Persistence Pays
11/10/2025

Ever wonder what it really takes to land that dream airline pilot job? It’s far more than just flying skills. Join me as I pull back the curtain on the grueling, often frustrating, yet ultimately rewarding journey of the airline interview – a test of dedication and resilience that few truly understand. Mentorship: https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use … Continue reading ACP438 The Elusive Airline Interview: Pilot Persistence Pays →

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ACP437 Debunking the Myth: It’s NOT Too Late For An Aviation Career Past 30
10/28/2025

I was sold on the myth that you could not have an aviation career in your 30’s,boy where are they wrong! I did it and so can you. Now I help people of all ages transition to a career in aviation whether they are in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and more. Are you wondering if … Continue reading ACP437 Debunking the Myth: It’s NOT Too Late For An Aviation Career Past 30 →

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ACP436 The Wealthy Pilot
10/20/2025

During our coaching sessions we discuss a financial plan towards reaching your goal as a pilot. But now that you have achieved success in your career what is next? How do we have a more fulfilling life as an airline pilot but also how do we build wealth to help our family and others. This … Continue reading ACP436 The Wealthy Pilot →

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ACP435 Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Dream
10/13/2025

Social media and our friends can be full of negativity and bad advice so how do we navigate our way through this gauntlet of adversity? In this episode we will discuss how to prevent people you don’t even know or care about from stealing your aviation dream. Mentorship: https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching Use the coupon code “CoachItForward” for … Continue reading ACP435 Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Dream →

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ACP434 Is A Jet Charter Broker Career Right For You?
09/29/2025

Ever dreamed of a high-flying career that doesn’t involve piloting a plane? Imagine a world of private jets, exclusive clients, and limitless possibilities. But is the glamorous life of a jet charter broker truly for you? Joining me today is Lindsey Begnaud of https://justlandedjets.com/ to discuss the realities of this demanding yet rewarding aviation career. … Continue reading ACP434 Is A Jet Charter Broker Career Right For You? →

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ACP433 MRO Career Opportunities And Why Choosing The Right Culture Is Important.
09/22/2025

With a looming shortage of qualified mechanics, how will MROs and potential employees navigate the future hiring environment. You will be surprised by what you will discover as we discuss this and more with Elliott Aviation CEO Michael Parrish. Elliott Aviation has successfully been providing aircraft solutions including sales, FBO services, and more. Today we … Continue reading ACP433 MRO Career Opportunities And Why Choosing The Right Culture Is Important. →

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ACP432 Should I Send My Child To A Top Aviation University If They Want To Become a Pilot?
09/15/2025

Hi Carl, We truly enjoy your excellent podcasts and have learned a great deal about the aviation industry through them. As parents, we greatly value your expert insights, which have helped us better understand the pilot career path. Do you feel that airline recruiters value an aviation management degree from a UND, Embry-Riddle type aviation … Continue reading ACP432 Should I Send My Child To A Top Aviation University If They Want To Become a Pilot? →

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ACP431 Why Professional Pilot Is A Great Career with CEO of Thrust Flight Academy Patrick Arnzen
09/08/2025

With pilot demand still surging and college alternatives gaining traction, professional flight training has quietly become one of the highest-upside career paths in America as people are rethinking what a “good career” looks like. Joining me today to discuss this is Patrick Arnzen, CEO of Thrust Flight Academy. Patrick is a former airline pilot, and … Continue reading ACP431 Why Professional Pilot Is A Great Career with CEO of Thrust Flight Academy Patrick Arnzen →

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ACP430 Low-Cost Airline Flight Attendant: A Day In The Life
08/25/2025

Today Jill Fergusen joins us to discuss a day in the life of a low-cost flight attendant, showcasing the unique challenges and rewards of working for a budget airline. Jill Ferguson provides a realistic glimpse into the demanding yet often fulfilling world of flight attendants. Questions e-mail me us: feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com Talking Points: A Day Begins: … Continue reading ACP430 Low-Cost Airline Flight Attendant: A Day In The Life →

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ACP429 Pilot Shortage or Hiring Spree: Here’s the Truth.
08/18/2025

Are pilots truly facing a shortage, or is the aviation industry actually on a hiring spree in 2025? Forget what you think you know about flying careers. We’re cutting through the noise to reveal the surprising truth about pilot jobs and what it means for your future in the cockpit. Question from our Group Coaching … Continue reading ACP429 Pilot Shortage or Hiring Spree: Here’s the Truth. →

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ACP428 What To Do If You Are Pulled Over For A DUI?
08/11/2025

As a career pilot, we try to protect our job through prudent planning, budgeting, and training. I often get asked questions about what to do when pulled over by the police to protect our pilot certificate and career. Should I take the sobriety test or not? To help me answer this question Chris Pezalla is … Continue reading ACP428 What To Do If You Are Pulled Over For A DUI? →

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ACP427 Did I Make the Right Choice going to a regional after furlough from a major?
08/04/2025

I went direct to a LCC after instructing, had two years of little flying and then furlough… after 9 months furloughed managed to get on with a regional. I have a young family so I wasn’t too keen on cargo as an option, yet didn’t quite have the resume for mainline. Was a regional the … Continue reading ACP427 Did I Make the Right Choice going to a regional after furlough from a major? →

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ACP426 Should I Pay For The ATP CTP course at 700 hours?
07/28/2025

Question from our Group Coaching Mentorship. https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/mentorship/ Get one month free using the coupon “CoachItForward” I am currently a CFI, sitting at around 700 TT. I have a friend whom I trained and studied with in flight school, and he wants me to take an ATP CTP course soon with him. My question is, is … Continue reading ACP426 Should I Pay For The ATP CTP course at 700 hours? →

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ACP425 Deferred Medical: What Next?
07/16/2025

Your dream of becoming a pilot has been put on hold due to a deferred medical. This video explores the different paths you can take, from reapplying for your medical to pursuing alternative aviation careers.The experiences I relate in this video come from my over 2 decades of helping pilots navigate an aviation career path … Continue reading ACP425 Deferred Medical: What Next? →

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ACP424 Pilot Jobs 2025 Mid-Year Review
07/04/2025

During our last group coaching mentorship I gave a mid-year hiring update and in today’s episode I wanted to share some information from that session and also give you an update and advice on what you can do to get hired in 2025 and beyond. https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/mentorship/ Talking Points: The State of Pilot Hiring in 2025 … Continue reading ACP424 Pilot Jobs 2025 Mid-Year Review →

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ACP423 Is Airline Captain Pay Worth the Stress?
06/17/2025

Are you thinking of becoming an airline captain either as a career or if you are you considering upgrading to Captain this episode is for you. I will explore the pros and cons of being an airline captain, focusing on the financial compensation and the challenges and stresses associated with the role. This video helps … Continue reading ACP423 Is Airline Captain Pay Worth the Stress? →

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ACP422 The Future Of Luxury Personal Travel with Eric Zipkin Co-Founder Of Tradewind Aviation
05/19/2025

Welcome to the Aviation Careers Podcast. Today we have a special guest Eric Zipkin to discuss trends in aviation with a focus on luxury travel experiences and how these experiences will affect the future of air travel. Questions e-mail us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com Talking Points: Eric Zipkin and his humble start in aviation. How he helped … Continue reading ACP422 The Future Of Luxury Personal Travel with Eric Zipkin Co-Founder Of Tradewind Aviation →

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ACP421 Avoiding A Three Million Dollar Mistake In Your Pilot Career
05/07/2025

Ten years ago, I discussed avoiding making a two-million-dollar mistake in your career. Today, we need to update that number and discuss how things have changed so you can avoid making a three-million-dollar mistake in your pilot career. Simple Answer…Keep flying, and don’t stop! Send us your accomplishments and a photo if you want us … Continue reading ACP421 Avoiding A Three Million Dollar Mistake In Your Pilot Career →

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ACP420 10 Reasons You Should NOT Become An Air Traffic Controller
04/28/2025

In our last episode, we discussed the 10 reasons you should become an air traffic controller. Joining me again today is George Harper, an air traffic control manager, to discuss 10 reasons you may not want to become an air traffic controller. Send us your accomplishments and a photo if you want us to share … Continue reading ACP420 10 Reasons You Should NOT Become An Air Traffic Controller →

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ACP419 10 Reasons You Should Become An Air Traffic Controller
04/21/2025

With a shortage of air traffic controllers, there has been a renewed interest in the career. I have with me George Harper, an air traffic control manager, who will discuss the 10 reasons why you should become an Air Traffic Controller. George joined us on the show 5 years ago when we had a great … Continue reading ACP419 10 Reasons You Should Become An Air Traffic Controller →

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ACP418 Surviving The Next Recession
03/17/2025

An aviation career spans a lifetime, and you will experience a recession at some point. With all the talk in the news about a recession, I figured it was time to discuss how to survive a recession in your aviation career. I have discussed this topic often over the past decade, but we need a … Continue reading ACP418 Surviving The Next Recession →

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ACP417 What Flight School Is Best For You?
03/10/2025

If you are thinking of becoming a pilot, choosing the right flight school is important. In today’s video we will discuss how to find the flight school that is best for you. Although this list of items are for those who are considering a career in aviation many of these items apply to pilots who … Continue reading ACP417 What Flight School Is Best For You? →

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ACP416 Don’t Let Social Media Negativity Steal Your Dreams
03/03/2025

Don’t let people on social media steal your dreams! Research shows that negative comments outnumber positive comments almost 2 for one and when someone posts something negative there are many more comments. Therefore it is easier to find negativity online than positivity. Today I am going to give you tools on how to combat negativity … Continue reading ACP416 Don’t Let Social Media Negativity Steal Your Dreams →

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ACP415 Guide To Successful Airline Pilot Training in 2025.
02/24/2025

Hiring is on the uptick and many of you are headed for training at your first airline, here are the things you should do to prepare for your first airline job. I am Carl Valeri, an A320 captain and instructor with a major airline. Send us your accomplishments and a photo if you want us … Continue reading ACP415 Guide To Successful Airline Pilot Training in 2025. →

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ACP414 Addressing Mechanic Turnover Rates with Suresh Narayanan- CEO of JETS MRO
02/17/2025

The aviation industry has grown and is on a continued trajectory leading to a shortage of mechanics and pilots.. A challenge to aviation both today and for the foreseeable future is keeping quality mechanics and trying to slow the high turnover rates. Taking a unique approach to the problem of retention is CEO of JETS … Continue reading ACP414 Addressing Mechanic Turnover Rates with Suresh Narayanan- CEO of JETS MRO →

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ACP413 Become An Aviation Mechanic For Less Than 60k.
02/03/2025

Aircraft fleets are growing and the number of hours flown keeps increasing. To fly these airplanes we need more mechanics both now and in the future. The prospects are good for an annual growth rate of 5% per year according to government statistics. Joining me today is an aircraft mechanic who helps mechanics reach their … Continue reading ACP413 Become An Aviation Mechanic For Less Than 60k. →

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