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
Episodes
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 pu...
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 o...
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 ta...
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.
ďż˝...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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 Tr...
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 wit...
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, reti...
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 ...
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 curre...
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 n...
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 stu...
đď¸ From European castles to Oshkosh slip ân slides â this episodeâs got it all. Brandon spills the highs, lows, and downright bizarre moments from a month-long adventure across Europe, capped off with a wild, rain-soaked return to the worldâs biggest aviation gathering. Just when you think itâs over, a huge Oshkosh announcement looms⌠but youâll have to wait for Part 2 to find out.
đ We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicate...
đď¸ What do student pilots really needâfancy flying clubs or structured schools? How can you build cross-country time without wrecking your wallet? In this high-energy episode, Brandon and Carson tackle the top aviation questions from Reddit, challenge conventional wisdom, and drop gold nuggets on discovery flights, syllabi, and digital vs. paper logbooks (spoiler: green ink might be involved). Whether youâre just taxiing into trai...
đď¸ In this 50th episode, Brandon hands the mic to a surprise guestâ11-year-old Rex, son of Stratusâ customer service lead and a long-time flight school regular. From hangar hijinks and airshow thrills to his very first flight in a Cessna 172, Rex recounts his aviation adventures with charm and surprising clarity. Itâs part nostalgia, part inspirationâand fully delightful. Tune in to witness the joy of flight through the eyes of a ...
đď¸ Power-on or power-off landings? Mandatory flight following or just a ânice to haveâ? And should spin training REALLY wait âtil youâre commercial?
In this no-holds-barred episode, Brandon and Carson dive into the great aviation training debatesâwith a dash of sarcasm, golf course confessions, and the occasional jab at Piper aircraft. Whether youâre a student pilot or a seasoned flyer, this episode might just challenge what you t...
đď¸ Think becoming a pilot means drowning in debt? Think again. In this episode, we break down the real cost of flight training â and how to afford it without selling your soul (or your car).From hidden expenses and smart budgeting to co-borrowers, scholarships, and why âpay as you goâ might just ruin your dream â weâre laying it all out. Plus, the truth about pilot salaries, logging hours the right way, and how Stratus Financial i...
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