James Onieal joins us to unpack the rollercoaster of recent airline developments—from unexpected furlough announcements to hiring surges at major carriers like UPS. We explore the emotional and professional impacts of such turbulent times on pilots, emphasizing the critical importance of resilience and strategic career planning. 

Show Notes

0:00 Breaking News

6:06 Advice For Pilots Being Furloughed

23:20 Information Without Context

They guys check in with their college buddy Ted to get the real story on what it's like to fly the 787. Plus: Mailbag and Flight Advice

Show Notes

0:00 Intro & Updates

7:53 Hard Landing Book Club

14:29 Straight Talk With Ted

23:19 Trip Scheduling & Crew Positions

44:49 Listener Reviews

48:21 Mailbag: Audio / Non Rev / 141 Program / Tim Pope

1:02:45 Flight Advice: Pilot Job Regardless of Salary

Timothy P. Pope, CFP, joins the guys to discuss the significant financial implications of the new Southwest Airlines contract for pilots, focusing on pay raises, bonuses, and enhanced retirement contributions. Pope emphasizes strategic financial planning to navigate these changes, including tax considerations and the benefits of market-based cash balance plans. The conversation highlights Tim's expertise in financial planning for p...

The guys recap their vacations and Max talks about playing the non-rev game // The latest PJP drama (recorded prior to the release of JC's rebuttal video) // We've both performed go-arounds recently, Dylan and Max both reflect // Mailbag: Clarity Aloft vs. Bose Proflight, More jumpseat headset observations, EVTOL thoughts // Flight Advice: #1 - College student asks for advice on applying for internships. #2 - Should I sign a traini...

Billy Nolen, Chief Safety Officer for Archer and former FAA Administrator, joins us to update us on the EVTOL space. Billy gets us up to speed on the latest regulator news as well as technology EVTOLs are operating. We ask Billy everyone's burning question: will I be able to fly one with my fixed wing certificate?

The guys discuss the NTSB report on the Challenger 604 crash in Naples // Mailbag: What's our opinion on Meowing on Guard, More comments on the headset in the jumpseat discussion, Feedback on training episode, Listener meets Dylan at PHX // Flight Advice, Texas Style: San Antonio based Medivac pilot loves his job but wonders if he's missing out? Plus: Houston corporate pilot has a great gig but is still experiencing FOMO.

In this episode, we're joined by Seth Lake, SWA Pilot and an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), who shares invaluable insights into the life of a DPE and its potential as a side gig for professional pilots. Seth delves into the current dynamics of the flight training industry, outlines the qualifications necessary to become a DPE, and offers strategic advice to make your application stand out. Beyond the intricacies of becoming a...

Challenger 350 vs. Gulfstream G280: with limited knowledge and poorly researched facts, Dylan and Max try to settle the debate on which super-mid is better // Mailbag: Listener shares crop dusting story, should I plug in headset in the jumpseat, Listener Rick offers to match donations to PMHC up to $1000! // Flight Advice: Ben Fuller from International Trip Planning Services joins us to explain the new Mexican Permit process.

In this episode, we delve into the world of aviation training with Dave from Advanced Air Crew Academy. As the Director of Instructional Design, Dave shares innovative approaches to enhancing recurrent training for 135 pilots, moving beyond traditional, formulaic methods to scenario-based learning. This technique aims to shift pilots' attitudes towards training, making it more engaging and effective by simulating real-world challen...

The guys catch up on their recent adventures including a vist to St. Maarten and a backcountry trip in the Murphey Moose // Failed JetBlue/Spirit merger fallout // Dylan has a Top Gun moment // Mailbag: Listener shares a story of flying with an unprofessional captain, Marriott points follow-up, ground-breaking new beer idea // Flight Advice: Starting your aviation career at 50 years old: what's the fastest way to get to the majors?

We are joined by Brian Bomhoff, founder and executive director of the Pilot Mental Health Campaign. Brian shared his journey from being a pilot and political organizer to spearheading an advocacy group focused on revising FAA regulations related to mental health in aviation. Key discussions included the importance of coherent policy advocacy, the role of personal experiences in shaping policy, and the need for a generational shift ...

New episode format: we're cutting the birthday cake in half! // Mailbag: Should I take the Junior Captain Upgrade at Delta, How can airline pilots earn points and hotel stays [15:00] // Flight Advice: Sir Nik Fialka joins us to advise an Army Rotor Wing pilot on his civilian job strategy [29:30] 

Airplane Management 101 and YouTuber impersinations // Mailbag: 36 year old listener wants to switch careers, What is a Financial Planner, More layover guide updates,  [12:00] // Is pilot hiring slowing down? Why have the cargo airlines stopped hiring? Plus: I have the minimums, why won't the regionals hire me? James Onieal is back to give us the latest state of the job market [22:50] Double Flight Advice: #1 I have a CJO with Spir...

Max is trying to create a bar out of an old wing and battles get-there-itis in his personal airplane // Mailbag: Dylan's Dad explains Control Line Flying, Listener shares some study tips, Updates to TEB Layover Guide, Crewise Starup Company, G280 FPA, More comments on training [19:50] // Chad Bland, Senior Production Test Pilot at Gulfstream, joins us to explore the ways in which Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) data is ...

Dylan and Max recap the fire handle incident, discuss strategies for successfully completing pilot training, and reflect on one of Max's previous flying jobs // Mailbag: Perspective from a high time pilot, Is going to a cargo feeder a good move, and strategies for disabled pilots [56:41] // Flight Advice: I have 4 failed checkrides, will the airlines still hire me? [1:21:30]

Dylan and Max catch up after a few weeks off and play a Louis CK clip // Mailbag: Kind reviews, Next step for CFI, LEO Pilot perspective, Jetstream 31 schedule [14:00] // Tim Pope is back to help pilots avoid mistakes and create a strategy for their retro check. Tim shares a tips for benefits enrollment and transitioning military aviators. [26:30] // Flight Advice: ULCC Pilot has it made...but still wonders if he's missing out [1:0...

Dylan and Max talk about their recent aviation adventures // Mailbag: Listener shares an old XJT Schedule, Hotel restaurants vs Chain Restaurants, The joys of commuting, flight advice follow up [14:30] // Brooks Pettit from Vaerus Jet Sales joins us to discuss the current business aircraft marketplace. Brooks gives us a DC-3 update and shares his philosophy on paint and interior for pre-owned airplanes. [27:30] // Flight Advice: La...

Max updates on the joys of aircraft ownership  // Mailbag: Listeners suggest different suitcases for us to review, several listeners submit feedback on the Takeoff performance episode [6:00] // Flight Advice: James Onieal joins us to answer listener questions: Will I move up the seniority list faster at Delta or American / FO doesn't enjoy narrow-body flying, what do I need to know before switching to the wide-bodies / 500 Hour pil...

The importance of sleep and being a professional pilot  // Mailbag: Angel Flights, Vegas Ramp, Taking an Aussie Pilot to Outback, and Flight Advice follow up [9:30] // Jim Deuvall, aircraft performance expert, joins us to explain a potential short-coming in takeoff performance products that many pilots use [23:00] //  Flight Advice: Airline or Corporate? [56:00]