Episode Description In this episode, we explore how pilots are stepping into a new kind of mission: fighting human trafficking from the skies. Our guest, Stephanie Lamar, shares her journey from a 15-year hiatus in aviation to becoming a regional airline first officer and the driving force behind Freedom Aviation Network. Stephanie share her journey from an extended break in aviation, to CFI, and eventually a regional carrier. She will also talk about some of the barriers and challenges she...

Episode Description In this episode of Fly the Transition, we sit down with Corporate Pilot Sean Crow, whose unique journey from real estate to aviation will resonate with anyone considering a career change. Sean’s passion for flying began in his teens, but life initially took him down a different path into real estate. Years later, with his customer service expertise and problem-solving skills, Sean decided to take another look at aviation as a profession. Through networking with friends...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim guides listeners through the essential steps to prepare for the FAA Knowledge Test. Sharing insights from both his own study journey and the FAA Fundamentals of Instructing, Jim covers everything a student pilot needs to know to feel confident on test day. He dives into common anxieties and fears students face, including test-day nerves and the risk of over-studying, while providing practical strategies to manage these...

In this episode, we sit down with a captain who transformed his career from building on solid ground to soaring through open skies. After years in construction and masonry, he knew the physical toll the trade was taking on his body would only get harder to bear. With a passion for flying that had started as a hobby, he found himself prepared in ways he hadn’t realized for a life-changing pivot to aviation. But the journey wasn’t easy—between balancing his family’s big move from their peaceful...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim shares a personal update on his professional journey, balancing the challenges of transitioning into a new role at his full-time job while continuing his pursuit of becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). He dives deep into his CFI journey, reflecting on the key lessons he's learned—patience, a deeper understanding of aerodynamics, and the importance of clear communication with students. Jim also opens up about how the...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Fly the Transition, we break down everything you need to know about preparing for a job interview. Whether you’re transitioning into aviation or brushing up on your interview skills after years away, Jim shares his best tips from both personal experience and his role as a hiring manager. Learn about handling interview nerves, practicing responses, and standing out in a competitive field like aviation. Key Topics: Managing interview nerves Effective...

In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim dives into the exciting career of Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the FAA's Fall 2024 hiring window, which opens soon. If you’re interested in becoming a controller or looking for a rewarding non-pilot role in aviation, this episode is for you. Jim covers everything from qualifications to the application process, and how to prepare for the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (AT-SA). Discover the challenges and rewards of guiding flights safely through...

Episode Description: In this solo episode of Fly the Transition, Jim addresses the challenges and frustrations that can arise from working with a less-than-ideal flight instructor. Learn strategies for handling these issues, adapting effectively, and accessing resources to support your flight training journey. Key Topics Covered: Identifying the signs of a bad instructor Strategies for handling and adapting to a challenging instructor Resources for finding and evaluating flight...

In this episode of Fly the Transition, we sit down with CFII JD Parsons, a helicopter pilot, flight school owner, and the founder of On the Ball Coffee, an aviation-themed coffee company. JD’s journey into aviation is anything but ordinary—before taking to the skies, he was a successful entrepreneur running a trucking company, a street sweeping business, and several gas stations. But despite his accomplishments, JD felt unfulfilled and yearned for something more. Tune in as JD shares how...

Episode Title: Opportunities in the Aviation Industry for Non-Pilots In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim explores the wide range of career opportunities in the aviation industry for those who aren’t eligible or interested in becoming pilots. From air traffic control to aircraft maintenance, discover the many ways to be part of the aviation world without flying the planes. If you’re passionate about aviation, this episode will open your eyes to the exciting possibilities. ...

Episode Title: Financing Your Flight Training: Managing Costs and Avoiding Financial Pitfalls Episode Description: In this solo episode of Fly the Transition, Jim addresses the fear of financial instability and the significant costs associated with flight training and a midlife career change into aviation. Learn practical strategies for budgeting, saving, and financing your aviation journey while managing the psychological impact of financial uncertainty. Key Topics Covered: ...

Episode Title: Description:In this episode of Fly the Transition, we sit down with Nick Antilla, a first officer at a major airline, who shares his inspiring journey from metal fabrication and welding to the cockpit. After losing his job during the Covid cutbacks, Nick transitioned into aviation, overcoming misinformation and learning the importance of communication with his partner. Tune in to hear how every flight has been a learning opportunity for Nick and his advice for others looking...

Episode Title: Balancing Flight Training with Life: Strategies for Success Episode Description: In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim tackles the challenge of balancing flight training with work, family, and other responsibilities, especially for those making a midlife career change into aviation. Jim shares personal strategies and practical tips to help you find that elusive balance, ensuring that your aviation dreams don’t get lost in the shuffle of everyday life. Key Topics...

Episode Title:Navigating Career Change Challenges in Aviation Episode Description:In this special solo episode of Fly the Transition, Jim introduces the concept of solo episodes, where he dives deep into the unique challenges and opportunities of pursuing a midlife career in aviation. Jim shares his personal journey, including his 10 years as a private pilot, his current pursuit of a CFI rating, and the impact of a medical condition that limits his flying career. Drawing on 24 years of...

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"! On this episode, we talk about another area of aviation that is facing a shortage in workers, aviation maintenance. We will talk with Steven, a former scuba instructor and paramedic who now teaches A&P courses in florida. We talk about his career path, his love of aviation, and how to get on the aviation maintenance career path. www.faa.gov/mechanics/become Join our Community: If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to...

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"! On this episode, I am welcome Tyler Smith, former police officer turned CFI. Tyler had early dreams of aviation, but the finances of college and training put that dream out of reach. He would become a police officer, training officer, and SWAT Operator with his department. His exposure to a nearby airport reignited his passion. He would work in Airport Operations while working on his ratings, and ultimately became a flight...

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"! On this episode, I am so excited to welcome Dan Millican of the YouTube channel Taking Off. Dan made his career in television, film, and corporate media production. At the rise of the age of drone systems, Dan was able to incorporate his interest in aviation into his job. Dan began to chase a number of pilot certificates, to include his CFI/CFII, and bought into a Cessna 210 named "Lola." As a way to learn YouTube for a client, he...

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"! On this episode, I am thrilled to welcome my good friend Seth Bunker, a First Officer with a major US Carrier. Seth got his start in aviation as an enlisted aircrew member in the United States Air Force. He served as a boom operator and a flight engineer. He leveraged his flight engineer hours and experience to work his way into a regional carrier, and ultimately making the move to a major airlines. Don't miss this engaging...

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"! In this episode, we are joined by AZ CFI Richard Donaldson. Richard spent over 25 years working in Silicon Valley Tech, building start ups, working in supply chain, and more. As tech took a turn and the world faced a global pandemic, Richard moved to one of the hotbeds of aviation training, Arizona. A discovery flight got Richard hooked and he took the leap into aviation at 53. Today, Richard has helped build a flight school in the...

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"! In this episode, we are joined by Cory Palm, an innovative agricultural drone spray pilot. Cory originally dreamed of becoming a crop duster pilot but instead pursued a career path in agriculture as an agronomist as well as work as a paramedic. After working as a medic and facing long hours, low pay, and disruptions to his family schedule, Cory sought a new direction. Attending seminars on drones in agriculture reignited a...

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"! In this episode, we're joined by Jason Reynolds, a multi-faceted individual who has traversed careers in real estate, ministry, and aviation. Jason shares his unique journey, from answering a calling of faith and building a congregation to discovering a new passion in aviation as he transitioned from ministry to a fresh career path. He shares how a chat with a friend over coffee, led to a passion for flight. Jason also dives into...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Fly the Transition! We are joined by Aaron, a pilot with one of the major airlines. He talks to us about early dreams of aviation that were curbed by the events of 9/11, a successful tech consulting career, and breaking the golden handcuffs to chase his dreams of flying. Join our Community: If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Fly the Transition! We're back for another new episode of Fly the Transition I'm so excited to welcome Trent Dyrsmid of the YouTube channel Fly with Trent. We talk about his success with his content creation, his work as a CFI, and his journey to a career in commercial aviation. Fly with Trent: https://flywithtrent.com/ Join our Community: If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our discord...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Fly the Transition! After a couple of weeks off, Fly the Transition is back with a new episode. This time around we talk with Legacy Airline Pilot and aviation mentor Kenny Thomas. Kenny grew up in the Bronx with limited access to aviation. After a stint as an Air Force Maintainer, Kenny went back to college, earned his commission and became an Air Force Navigator. He would eventually make his way to flying with a major airlines. Hear his story...