Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above!

From Military Service to the Cockpit – Colton Sedlak on Changing Careers and Building a Future in Aviation Episode 53 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above Recorded on July 19, 2026 In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Colton Sedlak, Certified Flight Instructor, commercial pilot, and former U.S. Navy officer. The conversation begins with Colton describing what a typical flying week currently looks like before reflecting on the journey that brought him into professional aviation. Unlike many pilots who dreamed of flying from childhood, Colton discovered his passion for aviation later in life while serving in the U.S...

Wanele Dlamini – Professional Drone Aviation & Wildlife Conservation Episode 52 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Wanele Dlamini, Senior Conservation Pilot, Team Leader, RPAS (Drone) Instructor Rating Candidate, and licensed Remote Maintenance Technician from South Africa. The conversation begins with Wanele explaining how aviation first entered his life, what fascinated him about drone flying, and the path that led him to earning both his Remote Pilot Licence and his Remote Maintenance Technician Licence. Wanele discusses the skills required of a professional drone pilot, the importance of thorough mission prepara...

Law Enforcement, EMS Flying & a Life-Saving Mission with Steve C. Powell Episode 51 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Steve C. Powell, ATP helicopter pilot, veteran air medical aviator, and former Texas Department of Public Safety police pilot. Recorded on June 24th, 2026, this conversation follows the major chapters of an extraordinary aviation career spanning more than five decades, over 10,000 flight hours, law enforcement aviation, electronic news gathering, aviation management, and EMS helicopter operations. Steve begins by guiding listeners through his aviation journey, including how he first entered flyin...

Pablo Padrón Sanz – Communication, Confidence & The Human Side of Aviation Episode 50 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes back Pablo Padrón Sanz for a practical discussion focused on radio communication, confidence building, and learning from mistakes in aviation. Recorded on June 22, 2026, the conversation explores one of the most common challenges faced by student pilots: becoming comfortable on the radio. Pablo reflects on his own training journey, the communication difficulties he encountered, and the lessons that helped him develop confidence and competence over time. A major part of t...

The State of Aviation in 2026 – Inside the European Pilot Market with A320 First Officer Stefan Lorenz Episode 49 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis is joined by his co-host and Airbus A320 First Officer Stefan Lorenz for a timely look at the state of the aviation industry and European pilot market in 2026. Recorded on September 20th, 2026, the conversation brings a firsthand perspective from inside European airline operations to a market that has become increasingly competitive for pilots seeking their next opportunity. Stefan shares his view of where the industr...

Aimal Sherzoy – Flight Training, Safety Culture & Developing Future Airline Pilots Episode 48 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Aimal Sherzoy, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Aimal Sherzoy, flight instructor, compliance auditor, and mentor. The conversation begins with a look at Aimal's current role and what a typical week involves as both a flight instructor and compliance auditor. He explains what he enjoys most about flight instruction and reflects on the decision that led him to leave medical studies and pursue a career in aviation. The discussion then explores...

From Ground Operations to Commercial Pilot – Andersen Indorf's Aviation Journey Episode 47 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Andersen Indorf, a 20-year-old commercial pilot, Advanced Ground Instructor, Business Administration student, and aspiring Certified Flight Instructor from Portland, Maine. Recorded on July 17th, 2026, the conversation follows Andersen's path from discovering aviation at a young age to earning his Commercial Pilot License. He shares the challenges of flight training, memorable flights, lessons learned from outstanding instructors, and how working as a ramp agent and aircraft deicing technician has influenced the way...

Summer Operations – Flying the A320 When Heat, Thunderstorms and Holiday Traffic Meet Episode 46 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above Summer may be associated with blue skies, holidays and seemingly perfect flying weather. For airline crews, however, high temperatures and powerful summer weather can create an entirely different operational picture. Recorded on August 12, 2026, just hours before a solar eclipse passed close to Stefan Lorenz’s home base in Palma de Mallorca, Episode 46 of Aviation-Quest.cc reunites host Jürgen Reis with his co-host and Airbus A320 First Officer for the seasonal counterpart to Episode 22, “Winter Ops.” This time, the focus is heat rather...

Pablo Padrón Sanz – Passion, Training & Building an Aviation Career Episode 45 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Pablo Padrón Sanz, commercial pilot, former theoretical knowledge instructor, and one of the youngest guests ever featured on the podcast. The conversation begins with Pablo's current situation as he prepares for the next phase of his professional aviation journey after successfully completing the assessment process for a major European airline. Looking ahead to airline training, he reflects on the steps that brought him to this point at only 21 years of...

Adil Tagnaout – Aircraft Maintenance from the Inside Episode 44 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above welcomes Adil Tagnaout, a 28-year-old aircraft maintenance engineer from Morocco and the first African guest on the podcast. Recorded in early June 2026, host Jürgen Reis speaks with Adil about his current work in aircraft maintenance, his professional development, and the responsibilities that come with helping keep commercial aircraft safe and airworthy. The conversation begins with a look at Adil's current week and working environment, offering listeners an authentic glimpse into the realities of shift work and day-to-day operations in modern aircraft maintenance. Together, they discuss: - A t...

Four Decades of Professional Aviation – Insights from Captain Dave Samson Episode 43 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Captain Dave Samson, G650 Captain, former Chief Pilot, and aviation professional with more than 44 years of experience in both military and corporate aviation. The conversation begins with a look at Captain Samson's current role and what a typical flying week involves today, both inside and outside the cockpit. He reflects on what continues to motivate him after more than four decades in aviation and how his perspective has evolved through...

From Hamburg’s Short Final to Professional Helicopter Operations Episode 42 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above Recorded in May 2026, this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above welcomes helicopter pilot, line training captain, instructor, and examiner Falko Baguhl for a broad and highly personal look at his journey through professional aviation. Host Jürgen Reis begins where the story started: on short final to runway 23 at Hamburg Airport, where Falko grew up surrounded by aircraft, aviation noise, and the unmistakable smell of Jet A-1. What began as childhood fascination gradually evolved into a clear professional goal. The conversation explores Falko's early y...

From First Flight to 3,000 Hours – James Parks on Building an Aviation Career Episode 41 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes James Parks, a 36-year-old professional pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours who is currently pursuing the next chapter of his aviation career. Recorded on July 7th, 2026, the conversation follows James' path from his first introduction to aviation through Caravan operations, cargo flying, skydiving flying, and even movie work. Along the way, he shares lessons learned from challenging years in aviation, demanding flying jobs, wind drops, professional decision-making, and the...

Precision, Airmanship & the Spirit of Flying Episode 40 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above welcomes Patty Wagstaff, one of the most respected names in aerobatic aviation, multiple-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion, airshow performer, flight instructor, and advocate for advanced pilot training. Recorded on June 10, 2026, host Jürgen Reis sits down with Patty for a thoughtful conversation about aviation, airmanship, and the lessons learned from decades spent flying at the highest levels of precision. Together, they discuss: - How aviation evolved from an early fascination into a lifelong profession and passion - Why she chose a very different path from the tra...

82 Years Old — And Still Flying Episode 39 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above brings John Pipkin back into the “podcast cockpit” for a deeper follow-up conversation — recorded on May 9, 2026. Now 82 years old and still flying almost daily for a Sheriff’s Department in South Carolina, John once again shares the perspective of a pilot whose aviation life spans more than 30,000 flight hours across mission flying, airline operations, corporate aviation, FAA leadership, and law-enforcement work. Following the strong listener response to Episode 29, co-host and A320 First Officer Stefan Lorenz listened closely to the original interview and forwarded a detailed set of follow-up topics to ho...

NOAA Hurricane Hunters – Research Missions, Training & Leadership with Commander Joshua Rannenberg In this 38th episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Commander Joshua Rannenberg, Hurricane Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot at the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center. Recorded in April 2026, this conversation provides a structured and professional overview of one of the most unique operational environments in aviation: airborne hurricane research missions in direct support of forecasting models and public safety. Commander Rannenberg begins by outlining the mission and role of the Aircraft Operations Center and how its crews contribute to the broader system of atmospheric data...

From Check-In Desk to the Left Seat – Captain Josefine Schuhmann on Persistence, Aviation Culture & a Late Start into Flying Episode 37 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, Airbus A320 First Officer and co-host Stefan Lorenz welcomes Captain Josefine Schuhmann for a detailed and highly personal conversation about her unusual and inspiring aviation career. Recorded on May 17th, 2026, this episode follows Captain Schuhmann’s path from the airline ground environment into the cockpit—showing how determination, curiosity, and persistence can gradually open doors within aviation. The conversation begins with her early years after school and...

From Air Cadets to ATPL Training – A Young Pilot’s Aviation Journey Episode 36 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above features Aaryan Malik, a 20-year-old aspiring commercial pilot from Great Britain currently combining university studies, PPL training, and aviation-focused leadership development through the Oxford University Air Squadron. Recorded in May 2026, host Jürgen Reis sits down with Aaryan for an open and highly authentic conversation about building an aviation career step by step — not only through flying itself, but also through discipline, structure, teamwork, and long-term commitment. Together, they explore: · What daily life currently looks like between university, flying training, and aviation-f...

The Craft of Flying with Jason Miller – Teaching, Understanding and The Finer Points Episode 35 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Jason Miller, flight instructor and founder of The Finer Points. Recorded in April 2026, this conversation explores Jason’s path into aviation teaching, the instructional philosophy behind his work, and the role of communication in shaping thoughtful pilots. What begins with his own early career direction soon opens into a broader discussion about what strong flight instruction really looks like, what is still often missing, and why aviation...

Professional Standards, Instruction & Long-Term Mindset with Captain Guido Mezzera Episode 34 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Captain Guido Mezzera, an experienced long-haul pilot and type rating instructor (TRI), with a career spanning airline operations, advanced flight instruction, and pilot evaluation. Recorded on April 9th, 2026, this conversation offers a structured and realistic perspective on the professional standards that define a pilot’s career—both in the cockpit and in training environments. The episode begins with Captain Mezzera’s current professional setup, balancing active line flying with responsibilities as an instr...

Young, Driven & Already Airborne: Adrian Roko Hinkelmann Episode 33 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above features a very special guest: Adrian Roko Hinkelmann, a 16-year-old glider pilot from Germany who is already deep into his flight training journey — combining real-world aviation with advanced flight simulation. Recording this episode just days before Easter 2026, host Jürgen Reis sits down with Adrian to explore what it means to pursue aviation at such an early stage — with determination, honesty, and a clear long-term vision. Together, they dive into: - His early inspiration — from sitting in the captain’s seat of an Airbus A320 as a child - A...

Airline Selections in 2026 – Inside the Process with Captain Guillaume Debauchez (ASP) Episode 32 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Captain Guillaume Debauchez, a former British Airways and Emirates long-haul pilot and today the founder of Airline Selection Programme (ASP). Recorded on April 7th, 2026, shortly after the Easter period, this conversation offers a structured and realistic look at one of the most critical—and often underestimated—steps in a pilot’s career: airline selections. Drawing on both cockpit and recruitment experience, Captain Debauchez provides detailed insight into how modern airlin...

Jürgen Reis's unusual journey from elite sport climbing to aviation mental performance coaching Episode 31 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above In this special episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, the usual interview structure changes direction: this time, A320 First Officer and FSClips creator Stefan Lorenz takes the lead and speaks with co-host Jürgen Reis about the background, experiences, and performance philosophy that shaped his current work in aviation mental performance coaching. What begins as the story of a physically weak and initially sport-uninterested teenager gradually develops into a long-term journey through elite sport, mental training, structured performance system...

Ready 4 Pushback – Airline Interview Preparation with Nik Fialka Episode 30 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes airline pilot, interview coach, and podcast host Nik Fialka. Known to many pilots as the voice behind the aviation career podcast Ready 4 Pushback and as an interview consultant with Spitfire Elite Consulting, Nik combines airline flying with mentoring aspiring pilots navigating today’s hiring environment. At the beginning of the conversation, Nik gives a glimpse into his busy weekly routine — balancing airline flying, interview consulting, podcast production, and family life. He also takes...

30,000 Hours — And Still on Duty Episode 29 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above takes us to South Carolina — and into the cockpit of one of aviation’s most seasoned professionals. When this conversation was recorded on February 28, 2026, John Pipkin was 81 years old — on the threshold of his 82nd birthday — and still actively flying law enforcement missions for a sheriff’s department, supporting people on the ground with the same discipline that has defined his 30,000-hour career. Predominantly a fixed-wing pilot across decades of airline, mission, and corporate aviation, his path also included significant professional helicopter operations — among them flying the iconic Sikorsky S-61. I...

Aviation-Quest.cc – Behind the Scenes, New Directions & What’s Next Recorded at the end of April, this special housekeeping episode offers a comprehensive and transparent look at the current state and future direction of Aviation-Quest.cc. Hosts Jürgen Reis and Stefan Lorenz take a step back from guest interviews to reconnect with their audience — outlining the mission, structure, and evolving ecosystem of the podcast. What emerges is a clear picture of a project that has grown into exactly what it set out to be: a long-form aviation platform combining depth, authenticity, and a steadily expanding range of perspectives. Together, they ex...

Austrian Aviation History Up Close – Inside the Aviaticum with Heinrich Böhm In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Heinrich Böhm, Deputy Chairman of the Flugmuseum Aviaticum in Wiener Neustadt. Recorded in April 2026, this conversation offers a personal and grounded look at one of Austria’s most dedicated aviation heritage initiatives—driven not by commercial interests, but by passion, commitment, and a deep respect for history. Heinrich Böhm shares how he became involved in the Aviaticum and why he chose to invest his time and energy into preserving aviation history rather than pursuin...

From RAF Roots to Study-Level Simulations – Inside Just Flight In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, Martyn Northall from Just Flight reflects on a career shaped by aviation heritage, early simulation, and a deep commitment to realism. Growing up with a father who flew for the Royal Air Force, aviation was part of Martyn’s world from an early age. Around the age of twelve, he discovered Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 — a moment that sparked a lasting fascination with flight simulation. As a teenager, he became a customer himself, flying and enjoying Just Flight products long before any professional connecti...

FlightSim Adventures, Part 5 – Real-World Insight, Mountain Precision & Tropical Escapes Episode 25 continues the expanded FlightSim Adventures series with Part 5 — and adds a special dimension at the very beginning. For the first time in years, host Jürgen Reis and Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz meet in person, recording the opening minutes outdoors near the Aviation-Quest.cc studio in Dornbirn before transitioning back into their familiar remote format. The result is an episode that blends technical depth with spontaneous humor and a unique live atmosphere. Stefan opens with an extraordinary behind-the-scenes experience: contributing to the creation of a highly detailed Palma de Ma...

Adventures, Part 4 – Extreme Altitude, Supersonic Legends & Virtual Reality Cockpits After the enthusiastic response to the first FlightSim series episodes, Episode 24 returns with a special follow-up installment. What began in Episode 17 as a nostalgic journey through the history of flight simulation has evolved into a growing collection of unforgettable flying experiences — and in FlightSim Adventures, Part 4, host Jürgen Reis and Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz once again present six remarkable flights that every simulator enthusiast should consider adding to their bucket list. Jürgen opens with one of the most extreme destinations available in modern flight simulation: Daocheng Yading Airpor...

From Gliders to Jets – A Life in Aviation Episode 23 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above features an exceptional guest: Captain Gerhard Gruber (born 1954) — pilot, airport manager, safety expert, and one of Austria’s most experienced voices in aviation. In this deeply personal conversation, Captain Gruber takes listeners back to his earliest childhood memories of flight and walks through the defining chapters of his career. Beginning as a glider pilot — even having to add weight to meet center-of-gravity limits — he traces his path through private and commercial flying, flight instruction, and jet operations around the world. Alongside his flying career, Captain Gruber joine...

Flying the A320 When Ice, Snow and Time Pressure Meet Winter operations are among the most demanding situations airline crews regularly face. While passengers may simply see snow on the runway or experience a departure delay, pilots must manage a carefully coordinated chain of procedures designed to keep the aircraft safe in freezing conditions. In Episode 22 of Aviation-Quest.cc, host Jürgen Reis sits down with co-host Stefan Lorenz, who shares his professional experience as an Airbus A320 First Officer. Guided by Jürgen’s questions, Stefan takes listeners through a realistic winter operations day on the flight deck — from early...

Adventures, Part 3 – Endurance, Precision & The Ultimate Sim Challenges Episode 21 completes the FlightSim Adventures trilogy and marks Part 5 of the ongoing FlightSim Series. In this final installment, host Jürgen Reis and Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz present six bucket-list experiences that capture the full spectrum of flight simulation — from endurance challenges and iconic aircraft to mountain flying and precision formation work. Stefan opens with one of the most ambitious undertakings imaginable in a simulator: flying around the world using only short-haul legs. Departing Europe eastbound, the challenge quickly evolves into a complex logistical puzzle as geography, range limits, and route...

Adventures, Part 2 – Precision, Playground & Partnership Episode 20 continues the ongoing FlightSim Series (Part 4) and moves deeper into the dedicated sub-series FlightSim Adventures. In Part 2, Jürgen Reis and Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz each bring three new standout experiences — blending study-level realism with creative exploration. Stefan opens with a true Flight Team highlight: the legendary Level-D Boeing 767. Still admired years after its release, the aircraft remains a benchmark for immersive 3D cockpits and system depth. From a real-world pilot’s perspective, the 767 stands out as a masterpiece of airliner engineering — responsive, elegant, and rewarding to fly even by today’s standards. ...

Episode 19 continues the ongoing FlightSim Series with Part 3 — and marks the beginning of a dedicated three-part sub-series: FlightSim Adventures. In this first installment, Jürgen Reis and Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz each present three unforgettable flight simulation experiences that shaped their aviation journey. Stefan opens with a professional F-16 simulator session from nearly a decade ago — one of the early virtual reality setups that brought immersive fighter flying to a new level. The discussion explores how modern VR can recreate that classic “fighter pilot spirit” inside your own office — and why that fascination remains timeless. Jürgen returns to a deeply...

From FS2000 to the Edge of Reality Episode 18 continues the flight simulation journey — this time shifting from nostalgic origins to modern realism. Picking up where Episode 17 left off, host Jürgen Reis and Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz trace the evolution of flight simulation from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 through FS2004, FSX, X-Plane, Aerofly FS, Digital Combat Simulator (DCS) and up to today’s Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The conversation explores what changed — and what didn’t. While graphics and performance took enormous leaps, the true value of flight simulation has always lived elsewhere: in procedures, systems thinking, and disciplined flying. Stefan sh...

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...