Episodes
It’s a new year, and many are thinking of goals ahead. Pilots are goal oriented, but a new year brings on a whole new meaning to completing the mission. In this podcast, we’ll talk about how to make this YOUR year for success.In this podcast we will: * Discuss Goals and Steps in Aviation * How your mind keeps getting in the way, and will hold you back this year if you let it * SMART GOALS * Some examples of how to breakdown certain aviation ratings * What the end of your year will look...
Published 01/08/22
Have you seen the classic movies series Rocky? It's incredibly motivational. What makes this story the most compelling of all is the wrestle with that inner struggle we all have -- pain vs gain. When a pilot goes through flight training, self doubt, destructive inner voices, victimhood and excuses are abound. There are absolutely things that will get in your way, barriers to break through. On this episode we'll pump you up with a round of motivation through those hard times. It's the...
Published 12/18/21
A few weeks ago I would have never envisioned myself in the ER a few times, in pain for weeks. Along the way, I learned a lesson or two that helps we as pilots recognize the incredible responsibility we have. A recent medical event that had me out of action, the result of that medical event and how it relates to aviation The fear of the unknowing in aviation our duty as aviators Come join us for this episode of the AviatorCast Podcast.
Published 12/10/21
All too often I get student pilots that succumb to self doubt. That is, not believing they can make it through flight training or that they don't have what it takes. This is a VERY common occurrence that we all face, so we're going to tackle it head on in today's podcast. In this podcast we will discuss: Enter the mind of a student pilot (you?)  Discuss the self doubt we all face The CFI Perspective on Student Progress  What to do with that self doubt If you're...
Published 12/03/21
What a year it's been! There's much to look back on and be grateful for. Not only on a personal level, but throughout the aviation industry at large. In this podcast we will discuss: A perspective on today’s aviation What we have to be thankful for as a community at large A few things I’m thankful for Thank a mentor challenge (#aviatorcast #flying #aviation)
Published 11/27/21
The future is here. It's actually been here for a while, but it's here. That is the EFB, or Electronic Flight Bag. With all the data a pilot needs to manage into today's data rich world, you NEED ForeFlight as a pilot. So, let's talk about WHY you need it, and some of the features of ForeFlight. In this podcast we will discuss: -- General overview of EFBs -- Where we’ve been, and where we’re going -- The "Modern Aviator" -- ForeFlight as a platform -- The features I love -- When...
Published 09/24/21
They say "build your time" and "pay your dues". But in aviation, is it worth giving EVERYTHING up for that ultimate dream? Or are there limits to the insanity we should put ourselves through? In this podcast we will discuss: The typical path followed in an aviation career The Good part of growing in a career The bad or dark side of building time, hours, and experience Is everything really everything, and nothing else matters? What a successful and meaningful...
Published 09/17/21
For some, aviation is a religion. Not sure that's good or bad, but it is what it is. There is something spiritual about flying, so it makes sense. I came up with 10 Aviation Commandments, most of them fairly 'serious' and spot on. They're mostly safety-related, but many are related to growing and improving as an aviator. Without spoiling too much, they are... THOU SHALT BE SAFE THOU SHALT AVIATE, NAVIGATE, COMMUNICATE — IN ORDER THOU SHALT FIGHT HAZARDOUS ATTITUDES ...
Published 09/03/21
Flight training is a load of fun if you're lined up with the right instructor and school. But even then, eventually it'll get difficult. Not because it isn't fun, but because it's a lot of work. That's why you need to be committed to "The Grind". In this podcast we will: Discover how making up your mind is the most important step And by doing what it takes, you’ll have the personal determination to get there But then you’ve gotta take it one step at a time… Then, the real work starts....
Published 08/13/21
AirVenture takes place in Oshkosh, Wisconsin every July. It's a theme park for aviators and aviation enthusiasts. Everywhere you look, rare planes of all varieties are flying. It's an aviation Mecca. In this episode,  I share 10 of the standout memories I have from AirVenture. This could be an exhaustive list, though, as there's so much more that's happened over the years. Heck, I could share 10 from just this year!
Published 08/06/21
3000+ miles, 36+ hours, a whole lot of snacks, and a whole lot of pretty scenery. But Alaska and Canada are unforgiving in the winter, and this journey shouldn't be taken lightly. Relive our transport of 23U, our flight school 172, from Alaska to Wisconsin for upgrades. In this podcast we will: Discuss my journey from Alaska to Wisconsin for upgrades The intense preparation with paperwork and planning Leg-by-leg replay and the challenges we faced
Published 07/09/21
Aviation Safety is a choice? Yes, it is. You're not subject to the winds like you think, and ultimately have a say in your safe passage through a long career.
Published 07/03/21
Well, it's been a minute since I've posted a podcast. But, I want to get back into it and share all the things going on. I'll hit the high points on this episode, including: Busy 2020 Summer Flying Commercial Seaplane Rating Got a Hangar! Bought an Airplane! Flew to Wisconsin Upgraded Airplane Sun n Fun 21 Oversaw Final Install Flew Home to Alaska
Published 06/14/21
  PilotAnnie aka Anna Rusinowski joins us on today’s episode of AviatorCast. If you’re curious about the differences between Canadian aviation and that of the FAA way in the United States. Anna has an awesome Instagram and is a very active member of the aviation community. In the podcast we discuss her aviation journey and how she went from wanting to fly, picking a flight school, and eventually deciding to pursue a career as a pilot after some pretty big life events. “Annie” talks about...
Published 06/01/20
I’m a sucker for up and coming YouTube channels. Ryan has one, called SuperAero. Seriously some funny, funny and entertaining flying videos. A breath of fresh air among a lot of the serious stuff out there. Ryan is a dad of 2 young kids, has a full time job, is a part time owner of a Cessna 172, runs this great YouTube channel, and is a real force for good in aviation. He learned to fly in a Piper J3 Cub at a very unique spot in Wisconsin called CubAir. They can do your private pilot...
Published 05/22/20
On today’s episode of AviatorCast we speak with Rose Dorcey and her sidekick (husband) John. John was my instructor for my CFI and I got to know the both of them very well over the few weeks we spent together. Rose is a walking miracle, and this podcast revolves around that miracle. Just days from her commercial checkride, Rose suffered a very dangerous and life threatening ruptured aneurysm. It was only minutes earlier that John and Rose were landing at KOSH after a training...
Published 05/15/20
  There are many different corners of aviation. Many look at the airlines as the pinnacle of a career. Yet, there is a whole network for private jets, turboprops and even smaller aircraft that are used to support many executives and businesses. Today we speak with Cory Schow about his career as a corporate pilot. We go through the hardships of building time, experience, and eventually landing a dream job. Cory also creates a lot of great content on YouTube and Instagram to give you an...
Published 05/08/20
The truth is, some people just go through more than others in life. Jake saw this first hand as he worked hard to achieve his aviation dream of being an airline pilot. With many medical challenges in the way, Jake found himself having to work really hard and fast in the good times, because he knew he couldn’t take a moment for granted. Now a newly minted airline pilot, Jake is completely enjoying his pilot life. He’s worked hard to get where he is, and doesn’t take even the simple stuff for...
Published 05/01/20
When you think of service for your country, with a backdrop of incredible flying, you think of a fighter pilot like John “Rain” Waters. Join signed up for the Air Force, wanting to give back to his country in a big way after the events of 9/11. We go through his journey of ROTC both in High School and in College as he worked hard in academics, athletics and more to qualify for a flying track in the Air Force. From there, it only continued to get more difficult. He started in the T6 Texan...
Published 04/24/20
Questions on this episode: 1:43 As a very new student, what do you recommend I do to learn/study both towered and non-towered airport communications? 5:16 Which online course do you recommend for ground school refresher? 5:51 What is the procedure to come over to Alaska and finish my commercial license? 6:21 If I wanted to get into flight sim, what are the basics I would need for a home setup? 6:49 When descending from cruise say at 8500 ft, and leaned, do you mixture rich as per landing...
Published 04/20/20
  Questions on this episode: 1:21 Having a hard time with my power off stall. Any tips? 4:40 I’m about 10 hours away from my checkride. Do you have any tips or any podcast episodes I should listen to leading up to it? 6:11 Best way to memorize airspace dimensions, etc? 8:49 Thoughts on ATP flight school and other fast paced programs? 10:50 What do you think about the situation in the aviation industry for new CPL pilots? 12:42 In case of engine failure after take off what is the best...
Published 04/13/20
Today on AviatorCast we are joined by Josh Flowers from Aviation101. You may know Josh from his popular YouTube channel, where over the past 10 years he has chronicled his growth in aviation from teenager to CFI/I. You may also remember Josh from the series he and I collaborated on in Alaska. During our time together we had some very epic adventures, and are all viewable through some beautiful material on the YouTube Channel. Josh and I discuss many things from his beginning and training in...
Published 04/10/20
Questions on this episode: 1:40 Can you explain the ceiling for class G? Books say 14,500 sections 1,200 unless marked? 3:48 As a student, how do you ensure no stall spin on base to final? 7:23 Slow flight – should we hear the stall horn or not? ACS says no but shouldn’t we be used to the controls at that AOA? 10:29 What’s the best thing a student pilot can be doing in these uncertain times? 12:26 What is difference between POH, AFM, and PIM? 14:19 I’m working on my private and doing...
Published 04/06/20
What do you do with this available time, while not flying? This podcast will outline a handful of tips that can help you “line up and wait” for that time when you can get flying again. I’m using the analogy of powering up on the runway, holding the brakes… engine roaring and ready to go, the airplane is begging for the sky. THAT is what you can do RIGHT NOW in your aviation journey. Power up, prepare, and get READY! Because soon enough, tower will call and say “cleared for takeoff”. What...
Published 04/04/20