Aviation Mentors
đ We are The Aviation Mentors, a weekly podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where we aviators can hang out and enjoy a wide range of conversations about anything aviation. We're aviators, we're mentors, and we're entrepreneurs. Whether you're a student pilot, professional pilot, general aviation enthusiast, or just an AV Geek like us, this is the podcast for you! đ Join us every Friday as we share our passion for flying! Sponsored by Stratus Financial www.stratus.finance
Cirrus Is a Chinese Company? Plus CO Risk and DPE Shortage
Is Cirrus secretly owned by a Chinese company, and could carbon monoxide be hiding in your training aircraft right now? âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle a stacked listener Q&A covering the biggest questions general aviation pilots are asking right now. Carson also catches Brandon off guard with breaking news about Cirrus. They cover:
Carson asks Brandon if he's heard the news: the Pentagon just added Cirrus to its list of Chinese military companies, and Brandon's reaction says it allWhether carbon monoxide poisoning is a real risk in training airc...The State of Flight Training in 2026: Hiring, Pipeline, and What the Data Actually Shows
Flight training in 2026 â is it still worth it, and what do the numbers actually say? âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Carson delivers a data-driven state of the union for flight training in 2026. Real numbers pulled from FAA records, industry surveys, and airline hiring reports. Carson breaks down:
The real state of airline hiring in 2026, with actual numbers from American, United, and DeltaWhy 2025 was a pause and not a collapse, and what the rebound looks like right nowStudent pilot pipeline data, CFI supply, and what the competition actually looks likeThe true cost of flight traini...Can You Fly Without Aviation Insurance? Skywatch Answers for Students, CFIs, and Flight Schools
Can you fly without aviation insurance and what happens if you do? âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson sit down with Tomer Kashi, CEO and co-founder of Skywatch, and Stephanie Kleeberg, head of sales and customer service, to break down everything pilots need to know about aviation insurance. They discuss:
What renters insurance actually covers and why every student pilot needs it before their first soloHow flight school fleet policies work and why schools require students and CFIs to carry their own coverageThe difference between renter policies, CFI policies, and aircraft owne...AeroSummit 2026 Recap: AI Caught the Instructor Breaking Planes and a $10,000 Scholarship Is Open Now
Putting all your squawks into Claude and comparing it with flight data and seeing who's breaking the planes. âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson just got back from AeroSummit 2025 in Miami and break down everything that happened, from a heated on-stage FAA debate to a live $10,000 scholarship announcement. The hosts discuss:
How AI is now being used in flight schools to identify which instructors are damaging aircraftWhy over-speeding flaps is a serious problem and what it does to an airplaneThe heated on-stage debate over FAA Part 141 modernization and what it means for...Why Student Pilots and CFIs Should Attend AeroSummit 2026
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down everything you need to know about AeroSummit 2026, happening May 20 through 22 at the JW Marriott Turnberry in Aventura, Florida. From the session lineup to networking opportunities, here's what's in store:
Dedicated tracks for student pilots, CFIs, and flight school ownersKeynote speaker Stephanie Goats and panels on the future of flight trainingSessions covering FAA Part 141 modernization and the Mosaic ruleHow to fund your flight training, including military VA benefitsAirline recruiters on site for resume reviews and career matchmakingKit Darby's 2026 airline pilot job market and salary dataA charity...Runway Incursions and Airline Collapses: What Happens to Your Pilot Career?
Runway incursions, airline bankruptcies, and what it all means for your future in the cockpit. âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down the latest aviation headlines and what student pilots and aspiring airline professionals need to understand about a rapidly shifting industry. From a shocking runway collision at LaGuardia to Spirit Airlines ceasing operations, the hosts cover:
The LaGuardia runway incursion where a commercial aircraft struck an airport fire truck on takeoffWhy PAPI lights and situational awareness are non-negotiable skills for every pilotSpirit Airlines shutting down and the financial mismanagement behi...Is an Aviation Degree Still Worth It? Plus Drones and Flight Fear
Do you really need a degree to fly for a major airline, or is that advice completely outdated? âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle a packed listener Q&A covering some of the most common questions student pilots are asking right now. From airline hiring requirements to managing fear between lessons, this one hits close to home for anyone in flight training:
Whether an aviation degree is still required to get hired at a major airlineSolo study vs. group study: which approach works best for student pilotsThe best flight training apps...The Smelly Cockpit Problem
Hygiene in the cockpit â it's the conversation nobody wants to have, but every pilot, CFI, and flight school owner eventually faces. đŠď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle the awkward, hilarious, and surprisingly serious topic of cockpit hygiene â and it goes both ways. From smelly students to unprofessional instructors, the hosts break down:
How smelly students AND smelly CFIs affect trust and performance in the cockpitHow to have a difficult hygiene conversation without crushing a student's love of flyingThe "compliment sandwich" technique for addressing hygiene at the flight school levelWhy a student w...War, Fuel Prices, and GPS Spoofing
War, fuel prices, and GPS threatsâhow is global conflict reshaping general aviation right now? âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down the real-world impact of rising fuel costs and geopolitical conflict on pilots, flight training, and the GA community. From Middle East airspace closures to GPS jamming over the US, this episode connects the headlines to your cockpit:
How sustained fuel price spikes are driving up flight training costs and what to budget for in 2026Which aircraft and engine types actually make sense to fly when fuel stays expensiveWhether Middle...Are Pilots AI-Proof? Answering Your Biggest Flight Training Questions
Are pilots truly safe from AI replacing their jobs â and how do you actually make flight training work in real life? âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle some of the most pressing questions student pilots are asking right now. From the debate over AI and automation in aviation to the real costs of learning to fly, the hosts cover:
Why pilots remain AI-proof and the timeline challenges of autonomous aircraftHow to handle flight training fuel surcharges and what's a fair rateThe guilt of spending big money on flight training â and how to r...Pizza Delivery to Phenom 300: Shaun Dawson's Pilot Story
From delivering pizzas as a teenager to earning a Phenom 300 type rating â Shaun Dawson's pilot journey is one every GA pilot needs to hear. âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon sits down with San Diego-based software engineer, GA pilot, and NFlight owner Shaun Dawson to talk about what it really takes to grow from student pilot to type-rated aviator. The conversation covers:
How Microsoft Flight Simulator helped Shaun solo in just 4.5 hours (and the bad habits it created)A near-midair collision during his first solo flight outside the airport environment and the mental reset...Flight Training Is Hard: Here's How to Handle the Obstacles Most Students Face
Flight training costs, location choices, and bouncing back from bad lessonsâyour biggest questions, answered. âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle a fresh round of listener questions for student pilots navigating the realities of flight training today. From rising instructor rates to post-lesson frustration, the hosts share honest advice and real-world perspective on:
How to afford flight training when CFI rates have climbed past $100 an hourWhy location matters more than you think when choosing where to trainThe smartest ways to stay productive when weather cancels your lessonHow to mentally bounce back a...Mayday in a Warzone: When ATC Can't Save You
Mayday calls, closed airspace, and no place to land â what do you do when ATC tells you "I don't know what to tell you"? âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down a real-world airline crew's nightmare flight during the Middle East airspace crisis triggered by the Iran conflict. A routine 30-minute trip turned into a fuel emergency with nowhere to land, and the lessons apply to every pilot at every level. The hosts cover:
How a flight crew added 2.5 tonnes of extra fuel â and still nearly ran outWhat happens when UAE, Kuw...From $7,300 in 9 Months to $100K: The Real Airline Pilot Salary Story
From $7,300 in 9 months to breaking $100K. What does the real airline pilot career path actually look like? âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon sits down with Chad Freeman, a major airline pilot with 7 type ratings and founder of MHP Investors, a mobile home park investment company focused on building passive income and financial stability outside the cockpit. Chad shares his unfiltered journey from scraping by at a regional airline to flying the Boeing 787 internationally, and why he turned to real estate to protect himself from aviation's unpredictability. They discuss:
What it's really like flyi...The Real Reason 80% of Student Pilots Never Finish Training
Flight training is tough â but are student pilots set up to fail before they even start? âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle the most pressing student pilot concerns of 2026, answering real listener questions about the financial and practical challenges of learning to fly. The hosts break down:
Why 80% of student pilots quit â and why funding may be the real deciding factorHow to protect yourself financially if your flight school goes out of business mid-trainingThe truth about CFI turnover and how to pick an instructor who won't leave you strandedWhat checkride pass rat...Do You Actually Need an ATP to Fly Commercially? The Answer Might Surprise You
Do you actually need an ATP to fly commercially? The answer depends on how you're flying â and it might surprise you. âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down one of the most misunderstood regulatory questions in aviation after a real JSX flight from Scottsdale sparks the debate. They cover:
Why Part 121 requires both pilots to hold an ATP, Part 135 requires only the captain, and Part 91 requires neitherHow JSX uses Part 380 and Delux Public Charter to legally operate 30-seat jets under Part 135 instead of Part 121 â and why Southwest is fighting to shut it...Is the DPE Shortage a Myth? PilExOS CEO Adam Shimmens Reveals What's Really Happening
Is there really a DPE shortage, or is aviation facing an efficiency problem? And how is technology transforming flight training and check rides? âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson sit down with Adam Shimmens, CEO of PilExOS and 20-year private pilot, to explore the intersection of aviation technology and flight training. From the DPE scheduling crisis to AI-powered cockpit tools, this conversation digs into what's really happening behind the scenes in general aviation:
The DPE shortage mythâwhy roughly 400 examiners are doing over 80% of check rides nationwide, and why the real issue...You Know You're A CFI When... (Part 5)
Should CFIs stay silent or intervene? Paper charts or electronic flight bags? When's the right time for turning stalls? âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson debate the most controversial topics in flight training. From stall techniques to tailwheel timing, the hosts challenge conventional wisdom and share strong opinions about how pilots should really learn to fly, including:
When students should learn turning stalls vs. level flight stalls in primary trainingWhy spin training should (or shouldn't) be required for private pilots againThe case for introducing tailwheel flying during private pilot trainingânot afterA...Listener Questions (Part 13)
Should student pilots pay extra for glass cockpit trainers, or stick with steam gauges to save money? What about learning Class Bravo procedures early? âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson answer critical listener questions that every student pilot and low-time pilot faces during their first 250 hours. The hosts tackle real-world training decisions and share lessons learned about:
Whether modern glass cockpit trainers are worth the premium cost vs. traditional six-pack aircraftWhat pilots wish they'd done differently in their first 250 hoursâfrom saving money to logging PIC time strategicallyAre used avionics upgrades worth...FAA Medical Certification with Dr. Daniel Monlux: What Every Student Pilot Needs to Know
FAA medical certificationâwhat every pilot needs to know before their first (or next) aviation medical exam. âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson welcome Dr. Daniel Monlux, FAA Senior HIMS AME, board-certified in family medicine and aerospace medicine, and former F-18 naval aviator with 3,500+ flight hours. Dr. Monlux, medical director of Wingman Med, breaks down the FAA medical certification process and dispels common myths that keep pilots grounded:
The truth about medical denials: 90%+ of pilots get certified on the spotWhy transparency and honesty are your best strategy on MedXPress applicationsHow to handle...Garmin Autoland's First Real Emergency: Right Decision or Dangerous Precedent?
Aviation history was madeâbut should it have been? The first real emergency Autoland sparks massive debate. âď¸
On December 20, 2025, Garmin's Emergency Autoland system completed its first-ever real-world emergency landing when a Beechcraft King Air 200 experienced rapid depressurization at 23,000 feet. But here's the controversy: the two pilots were fully conscious, wearing oxygen masks, and capable of flyingâyet they chose to let the computer land the plane.
In Episode 208 of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Carson breaks down this groundbreaking and controversial event that's dividing the aviation community:
What happened: The complete timeline from depressurization to autonomo...Captain Curt's Journey: From Working 3 Jobs to Flying Gulfstreams | Aviation Success Story
Flight training costs, career timelines, and generational wisdomâwhat does it really take to make it as an airline pilot? âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon sits down with Captain Curt, a third-generation airline pilot and current Gulfstream captain, in Curt's brand-new podcast studio. They dive deep into the realities of building an aviation career, including:
Why every year you delay flight training costs you $500,000+ in lost career earningsThe $2 million impact of seniority numbers on your lifetime airline salaryCaptain Curt's journey: working 3 jobs, paying cash for flight school, and surviving the 2008 financial crisisWhy studen...Winter Flying Safety for Pilots: Frost, Icing, FIKI Aircraft, and IFR Considerations
Winter flying, icing, fog, and cold-weather decision-makingâhow do pilots actually manage the risks when temperatures drop? âď¸âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dive deep into winter flying realities, sharing real-world stories, hard lessons learned, and practical guidance every pilot should know. From scraping frost off windshields to flying IFR through icing conditions, this episode covers:
⢠The dangers of frost, ice, and snow on aircraft before takeoff
⢠Real pilot experiences with in-flight icing and how to escape it safely
⢠The difference between FIKI-certified a...
Listener Questions (Part 12)
Navigating thunderstorms, aircraft maintenance, and in-flight decision-makingâwhat really happens behind the controls when things get tense? âĄâď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dig into real-world scenarios that every pilot can learn from. From forecasting convective weather to navigating point-of-no-return decisions over the Rockies, the hosts break down:
⢠How to determine if a forecasted thunderstorm is safe to navigate around
⢠What really happens when you get too close to convective activity
⢠Brandonâs intense near-storm experience with family onboardâand what heâd do differently tod...
The Aviation Side of Pearl Harbor: Surprises, Warbirds, and GA Takeaways
Pearl Harbor, aviation history, and real lessons for todayâs pilotsâhow does a two-hour attack from 1941 still shape the way we fly today? âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dive into the aviation side of the Pearl Harbor attack, exploring how 353 Japanese aircraft caught the U.S. by surprise and what modern pilots can learn from the event. From warbirds like the P-40 Warhawk, B-17 Flying Fortress, the Dauntless, and the Japanese Zero, to breakdowns in communication and readiness, the hosts connect one of historyâs most significant aviation-driven moments to...
Listener Questions (Part 11)
Whatâs the right way to tell your CFI youâre confused? Should student pilots buy their own headset early? And is it normal to feel like youâre getting worse before you get better? âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dive into real student-pilot frustrations and answer top questions pulled from Reddit and listeners, including:
⢠Why regressing during flight training is completely normalâand how to push through it
⢠How to stop overthinking your landings and build true pilot instinct
⢠Whether to trust school-pr...
Overlooked Aircraft Cleaning Tips That Improve Safety
Keeping an airplane clean isnât just about appearanceâitâs a key part of aviation safety, professionalism, and building trust with students and passengers. âď¸â¨
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dive into the critical but often overlooked world of aircraft cleanliness. They break down why a clean airplane matters, how it impacts safety and perception, and what every pilot, renter, CFI, and aircraft owner should expect from a well-maintained fleet.
They cover:
⢠Why aircraft cleanliness directly affects safety, visibility, and first impressions
Ep 201 - The Hidden Risks in Flight Schoolsâand How to Fix Them Before You Scale
Flying for currency, reconnecting with your flight school roots, and keeping safety at the center of aviation growthâthis episode covers it all. âď¸
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson kick things off with fresh flying stories: short-approach fun in the ICON A5, a post-office moment that turned into an impromptu A5 fanboy encounter, and getting the RV back in the air after months on the ground. From taxiing tips to hangar-shuffling adventures, the hosts share what real general aviation days look like.
Then, they dive into the fe...
Celebrating 200 Episodes â Aviation Mentors Reflect on Growth, Stories & the Journey Ahead
In this special milestone episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson Vasquez celebrate 200 episodes of inspiring stories, mentorship, and aviation community growth. đĽ
From humble beginnings recording in a noisy RV at Oshkosh to becoming one of aviationâs most engaging podcasts, Brandon and Carson reflect on their journey, share behind-the-scenes stories, and revisit their favorite moments and guests.
đŹ What Youâll Hear in This Episode:
⢠How the podcast started â from scripted beginnings to genuine hangar talk
⢠The inspiration behind Aviation Mentors and the power of mentorship in aviation
â˘...
S02E63: VFR Safety & IFR Traffic Awareness â Non-Towered Airport
Flying VFR? Understanding IFR traffic is critical for safety even at non-towered airports.
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon Martini and Carson explore IFR approaches, shared airspace, and practical VFR safety tips. Using examples from Corona Airport (KAJO) and nearby VORs, they explain how VFR and IFR operations coexist, how to anticipate faster instrument traffic, and what to watch for when flying in general aviation environments.
Key topics include:
IFR approaches and handoff procedures for VFR pilots
Recognizing speed and pattern differences between aircraft
Airspace awareness...
S02E62: Hidden Airplanes, Tailwheel Flying & The Real Cost of Aircraft Ownership
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson catch up in their brand-new studio to talk about Brandonâs long-hidden Cessna 120 and the challenges of bringing it back to life.
They share stories about aircraft maintenance, the true cost of airplane ownership, and why so many planes end up sitting idle in hangars. Brandon dives into his personal experience with maintenance delays, expensive repairs, and how quickly costs can add upâeven for a vintage tailwheel like his.
The hosts also discuss risk tolerance, flight readiness, and decision-making when returning to f...
S02E61: Reacting to Your Comments Part 1: MOSAIC, GA Costs & Burbank Tower
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson discuss aviation news, insights, and trends shaping the general aviation industry. âď¸
From Brandonâs flight to Camarillo to the Burbank Towerâs temporary ATC shutdown, they cover what pilots need to know to stay safe and confident in non-towered operations. They also break down public reactions to the Mosaic rule changes, debunk cost misconceptions in flight training, and discuss how new regulations could make flying more accessible and affordable.
đ The Aviation Mentors Podcast is your space to connect with passionate aviators, learn practical i...
S02E60: Back in the Left Seat â Carsonâs First Flight in Two Years
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson Vasquez share an inspiring story of resilience, rediscovery, and passion for flight as Carson takes to the skies again after more than two years away from the cockpit.
Join Brandon and Carson as they relive Carsonâs first flight back on September 19, 2025, in a Cessna 182, marking his return to flying since February 12, 2023. From preflight jitters and rusty radio calls to picture-perfect landings, this episode is packed with lessons for student pilots and general aviation enthusiasts alike.
Brandon, speaking from his Certified Flight In...
S02E59: Mentorship, Aviation Publishing & Inspiring the Next Generation
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon Martini is joined by two incredible guests: Jacob Peed, founder of AviNation Magazine, and Sean Starker, host of the Future in Flight Podcast.
They dive into the power of aviation publishing, podcasting, and youth mentorship programs. Learn how Jacob and Sean are inspiring the next generation of aviators through community engagement, storytelling, and hands-on programs like Tram Talk and American Dream Tours.
From the birth of AviNation Magazine to podcasting as a tool for aviation growth, this episode is packed with insights on networking, mentorship, and...
S02E58: Sport Pilot Certificates & MOSAIC Updates â Making Aviation More Accessible
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson dive into Sport Pilot Certificates and the recent MOSAIC rule changes that are making them more accessible than ever. âď¸
They cover everything from eligibility requirements and medical options to flight training minimums and checkride expectations. With MOSAIC updates, Sport Pilots can now fly four-seat aircraft like Cessna 172s, enjoy night flying with endorsements, and expand their privilegesâoffering a cost-effective, flexible, and approachable path into aviation.
Whether youâre a student pilot, recreational flyer, or exploring aviation for the first time, this episode...
S02E57: Pilot Demand Is Soaring â Boeingâs 20-Year Forecast and What It Means for Aspiring Aviators
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson Vasquez break down Boeingâs latest 20-year aviation industry forecastâand the numbers are staggering.
The industry will need:
660,000 new pilots
710,000 new technicians
1 million cabin crew worldwide
From the true cost of pilot training (around $81,000 in the U.S.) to airline signing bonuses of $50Kâ$150K, Brandon and Carson discuss the market forces, retirements, and global trends shaping aviation careers. They also share why now is one of the best times in history to pursue your dream...
S02E56: Brandon Martini Named NBAA 40 Under 40 â Celebrating Aviation Milestones
In Episode 56 of the Aviation Mentors Podcast đď¸, Brandon Martini celebrates being named one of NBAAâs 2025 â40 Under 40â award recipients, an incredible milestone for Brandon and the Stratus Financial team!
Brandon and Carson reflect on the journey to this recognition, the importance of networking and mentorship, and exciting opportunities at NBAA-BACE 2025. They also highlight Stratus Financialâs continued growth and the role of persistence and connections in building a successful aviation career.
đHuge congratulations to Brandon and all the 2025 NBAA â40 Under 40â honorees shaping the future of business aviation! This yearâs honorees include, Stephanie Alexander, Lance Bagnoff, Joshua Bell...
S02E55: Pilot Currency vs. Proficiency: What Every Pilot Should Know
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast đď¸, Brandon and Carson share their recent flying adventures and the lessons that came with them. From splash-and-go landings in an Icon A5 near Long Beach Harbor to touch-and-gos at Chino and Riverside, they dive into what it really means to be a currentâand proficientâpilot.
This isnât just about logging the FAAâs minimums. Brandon and Carson explore the real difference between currency and proficiency, and why staying sharp with regular practice is essential for safe, confident flying.
Along the way, they discuss: How getting current again...
S02E54: Oshkosh 2025 (Part 3)
đď¸ From humble beginnings to milestone moments.
Weâre proud to announce Sean Galloway as the winner of our $10,000 Stratus Fly to Success Scholarship. His passion and creativity reminded us why we love supporting the next generation of aviators.
In this episode, Brandon reflects on his first podcast recording at Oshkosh in 2016, the same year he also started his flight school. What began under the wing of a Cessna has grown into nearly 200 episodes of Aviation Mentors.
In these simple moments, weâre reminded why we do this: to give back to the aviation community...
S02E53: Oshkosh 2025 (Part 2)
đď¸ The FAA just dropped a game-changerâand weâre diving straight into it. In this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson break down the long-awaited MOSAIC rule and why itâs about to shake up general aviation in the best way possible. From flying a 172 with just a driverâs license to new privileges that make becoming a pilot easier (and cheaper!) than ever, this isnât just another updateâitâs a revolution. If youâre a student pilot, weekend warrior, or just aviation-curious, buckle upâbecause the sky just got a whole lot closer.
đ We are the Aviation Mentor...
