Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above!

From Atari Booths to IFR on a Megabyte Episode 17 launches a new multi-part flight simulation special — and goes back to where it all began. Long before glass cockpits, streaming scenery, and powerful PCs, flight simulation meant floppy disks, one megabyte of RAM, and imagination. Host Jürgen Reis revisits his very first flight simulation experience at a late-1980s trade show, flying an early simulator on an Atari ST — a moment that sparked a lifelong fascination with aviation. From there, the conversation moves into the Amiga 500 era, where 880-kilobyte floppy disks powered legendary titles like F-18 Interceptor and, later, the groun...

Mentour Pilot, Mentour Now! & The Captain’s Speaking – Inside the Mentour Group In this special 16th episode of aviation-quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Petter Hörnfeldt, widely known as the creator of Mentour Pilot, and today the driving force behind a growing aviation media ecosystem. What started more than ten years ago as a single YouTube channel has evolved into what Petter now calls the Mentour Group — including Mentour Pilot, Mentour Now!, and The Captain’s Speaking – An Aviation Podcast. Behind these projects stands a dedicated team, clearly defined roles, and countless hours of preparation, research, and...

Calm Professionalism in a Fast-Moving YouTube World Episode 15 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above Few YouTube channels can claim a 20-year history — and even fewer have aged as gracefully as FSClips. In this episode, Stefan joins host Jürgen Reis for a rare, honest, and deeply insightful conversation about what it really means to run a high-quality aviation channel across two decades of constant platform change. Recorded in January 2026, ahead of FSClips’ 20th anniversary in early July, this episode also serves as a small piece of YouTube history: Stefan explains how the platform worked in its early days, why FSClips didn’t...

Seaplanes, Alaska & the Spirit of Adventure Episode 14 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above brings a special guest into the cockpit: Christoph Barszczewski, one of Europe’s most experienced seaplane instructors and the founder of Seaplanes.at. At 68 years old, he continues to fly — and teach — with the spirit of an explorer, splitting his time between Austria, Poland, and floatplane adventures in Alaska. Together with host Jürgen Reis, Christoph dives into: - His remarkable journey into the world of seaplanes - Water flying from Europe to Africa to Alaska - How pilots can obtain the EASA SEP(sea) rating - What land...

ATPL Insights, Part 3 – From Flight School to Airline Cockpit: Reality, Resilience & Selection Episode 13 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above concludes the ATPL Insight Series with the phase every flight student dreams of — and often underestimates: turning a frozen ATPL into a real airline cockpit seat. Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz takes host Jürgen Reis through the most demanding stretch of his journey: the years after flight school. Recorded with a 2025 industry perspective, Stefan explains why today’s pilot shortage offers unprecedented opportunities — while airlines remain as selective as ever when it comes to screening and selection. Drawing from his own car...

ATPL Insights, Part 2 – From First Solo to Multi-Crew: The Realities of International Flight Training Episode 12 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above continues the three-part ATPL journey, this time diving into the intense, hands-on flight phase of pilot training. After conquering ground school in Part 1, A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz shares with host Jürgen Reis what it really meant to take his training into the sky — across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Listeners get a vivid look at: - Winter operations in Canada — low jetstream, freezing temperatures, and the unique challenges they bring - High-temperature flying in the U.S...

ATPL Insights, Part 1 – Ground School, Discipline & The Path to Professional Flying Episode 11 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above launches a brand-new three-part series exploring how Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz worked his way from student to airline pilot. In this first chapter, Stefan takes host Jürgen Reis back to the very beginning: his time at the Oxford Aviation Academy, one of Europe’s most respected pilot training institutions. He shares what life in full-time ATPL training really looks like — from strict uniforms, long study nights, and 14 demanding theoretical subjects to the discipline, focus, and mindset needed to succeed. Listeners...

Glider Insights, Part 2 – Precision, Planning & the Art of the Engine-Off Landing Episode 10 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above continues the deep dive into gliding — focusing on one of its most fascinating aspects: the landing. How can you touch down safely when a go-around simply isn’t an option? Former glider pilot and host Jürgen Reis shares how training, energy awareness, and constant planning create multiple safe landing options, even without power. Together with A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz, he contrasts glider approaches with those of modern airliners, revealing surprising overlaps and crucial differences. Jürgen also offers hands-on advice for flight...

Glider Insights, Part 1 – The Purest Way to Fly Episode 9 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above begins a brand-new series exploring the world of gliding — flight in its most elemental form. This time, the microphones are turned around: Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz interviews his co-host Jürgen Reis, who earned his glider pilot license at just 17, long before getting a driver’s license. Jürgen shares what it’s like to learn real stick-and-rudder flying at a young age, take full responsibility for the aircraft and the airspace, and experience the thrill of silent flight powered only by nature. Together, th...

FAQ Part 7 – Emergencies & Cargo Flying Episode 8 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above wraps up the listener-driven FAQ series with two fascinating topics that reveal the depth of a pilot’s profession. Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz opens up to host Jürgen Reis about how airline pilots are trained to handle emergencies — mentally, technically, and as a team. From simulator sessions to real-life decision-making, discover how preparation turns potential crisis into controlled professionalism. In the second half, the discussion shifts to the world of cargo operations: Would Stefan ever trade passengers for freight? What are the differences, pros and cons, and...

FAQ Part 6 – The Hidden Challenges of a Pilot’s Life Episode 7 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above takes a candid look behind the glamour of aviation: What are the biggest disadvantages of being a pilot? Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz joins host Jürgen Reis to explore the less-talked-about realities of cockpit life — from irregular hours, fatigue management and red-eye flights to roster changes, time-zone shifts and the toll these take on body and mind. Stefan shares how he balances work, rest and family life, turns standby time into productivity, and keeps his health and nutrition on track despite a demandi...

FAQ Part 5 – Cabin Crew vs. Pilot Life Episode 6 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above explores one of the most fascinating aviation career questions: Which is more rewarding — working as cabin crew or as a pilot? With first-hand experience in both roles, A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz reflects on his early years as cabin crew and how that shaped his later career in the cockpit. Together with host Jürgen Reis, he breaks down the real pros and cons of each profession, what it takes to succeed in either role, and who might be best suited for them. The conversation also highlig...

FAQ Part 4 – Crew Resource Management & Flying Together Episode 5 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above dives into one of the most overlooked, yet crucial aspects of airline flying: crew dynamics. Do pilots actually know the colleagues they fly with, or is it a new team every trip? And how does working with a familiar captain change the experience? Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz takes listeners deep into the world of Crew Resource Management (CRM) — showing how multi-crew coordination shapes every airline flight, and how it fundamentally differs from single-pilot general aviation or flight sim flying. Together with host Jürgen Reis, t...

FAQ Part 3 – Turbulence, Thunderstorms & Scenic Approaches Episode 4 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above continues the listener-driven FAQ series with two classic passenger questions: Is turbulence really dangerous? and Do pilots ever get to enjoy the scenery? Airbus A320 pilot Stefan Lorenz explains how airline crews deal with turbulence, thunderstorms, and weather avoidance — combining cockpit procedures with modern technology to keep flights safe. Together with co-host Jürgen Reis, the conversation also turns to the beauty of flying into “paradise destinations” and challenging airports such as Innsbruck, where mountains and scenery add both complexity and magic to the approach. As always, the discuss...

How much hand-flying is left in a modern cockpit? Episode 3 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above continues the special FAQ series with a deep dive into one of the most frequently asked questions airline pilots face: How much hand-flying is left in a modern cockpit? Airbus A320 pilot Stefan Lorenz shares fascinating insights into how the aircraft is really flown — from autopilot modes to the unique side-stick controls that make the Airbus philosophy so distinct. Together with co-host Jürgen Reis, he compares the “two worlds” of flying: from the simplicity and raw stick-feel of gliders and small GA aircraft to the co...

Episode 2 of Aviation-Quest.cc – A Pilot’s Life Episode 2 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above takes off with part 1 of a special FAQ-style session, answering questions that curious passengers, friends, and fellow aviation fans have asked over the years. Jürgen Reis interviews Airbus A320 pilot Stefan Lorenz, diving into stories of his early aviation dreams, the magic of first flights, and what keeps him inspired after decades in the cockpit. You’ll hear tales from Stefan’s time as both cabin crew and commercial pilot, including the unforgettable moments that shaped his career and mindset. Plus, gain insights into life as a c...

Welcome aboard the very first episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above! Join hosts Jürgen Reis — former World Cup climber, author, coach, and veteran podcaster with a background in gliding — and Stefan Lorenz, a professional Airbus A320 pilot and flight simulation expert, as they introduce themselves and the mission behind this new audio journey through the skies. In this launch episode, you’ll get exclusive insight into their aviation backgrounds, podcast goals, and what listeners can expect from future episodes: honest conversations, expert voices, and a unique mix of real-world aviation and flight sim passion. From flight schools to cockpits...