126. Mailbag Insights: Listener Stories & Flying Wisdom + Should a Junior Spirit FO Bail?
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
Release Date: 05/07/2024
152. 2025 Pilot Hiring: What's Happening And What Should I be Doing About It?
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
James Onieal joins Dylan and Max to unpack the turbulent landscape of pilot hiring in 2025. From overhiring at the majors to regional pilots struggling to stand out, James offers no-nonsense advice on how to stay competitive. Whether you’re a CFI with big dreams or a seasoned military pilot planning your exit, this episode is packed with actionable insights for navigating the year ahead. Tune in for a mix of hard truths, strategies, and a few good laughs! Show Notes 0:00 Intro 2:22 2025 Hiring Forecast 17:46 Too Much Flight Time and No Offer? 30:21 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 36:53...
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151. From Cargo to Carry-Ons: Flying ACMI in a 747 and Building Better Bags
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
In this episode, we chat with 747 captain and Paradox Aviation Luggage co-founder, Derrek Khajavi. He gives us the inside scoop on ACMI flying, what it’s like hauling everything from lithium batteries to cows, and why he’s clinging to the 747 throttles for life. Plus, we dive into his innovative luggage company and how he’s solving everyday pilot problems, one aluminum bag at a time. Check out Show Notes 3:07 All About ACMI 11:41 The 747 & Getting the Position 20:54 Starting Paradox Aviation 40:37 Packing Techniques 50:45 Other Feature Considerations 1:00:15 Story Time ...
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150. Flight Advice Fiesta!
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
In this episode, Dylan and Max dive into the world of pilot tech toys, debating the merits of the Meta Smart Glasses for aviation and everyday life. The mailbag overflows with emails about flying for passion versus practicality, dealing with unexpected VIP TFRs, and updates from listeners taking unique paths in their aviation careers. Finally, the Flight Advice Fiesta tackles navigating military-to-bizav transitions and making career decisions that align with long-term goals. Show Notes 0:00 Meta Glasses 11:26 Microsoft Flight Simulator 18:18 Plane Updates, Snow Broom, and Giant Microwaves...
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149. What’s the Buzz in BizAv? Market Update with Brooks
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
Q4 is crunch time in the business aviation world, and Brooks from Vaerus Jet Sales is back to explain why. From analyzing tax incentives like bonus depreciation to discussing market trends on popular airframes, Brooks shares his insights on what’s hot (and not) in bizjet sales. He even gives us a peek into his DC-3 adventures and drops some hard truths about insurance and personal use compliance. If you're a pro pilot or a bizav enthusiast, you don't want to miss this one! VAERUS MEANS RIGHT, TRUE, AND REAL.Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, using a true partner, to make...
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148. Fuel Leaks, Flight Sims, and Airline Internships—Oh My!
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
This week, Dylan and Max tackle the highs and lows of aviation life, from Max’s fuel leak woes to a surprising guest appearance reviewing the new Microsoft Flight Simulator. In the Mailbag, listeners share experiences from the world of air ambulance flying and tips for mastering cockpit emergencies. Flight Advice takes on a big question for aspiring airline pilots: should you intern with a major airline or focus on building hours? Show Notes 0:00 Realistic Day in the Life 8:14 Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 12:53 Hard Landing Book Club: Chapter 13 20:50 Aviation is a Terrible Hobby 26:03 Listener...
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147. Can Strong Leadership Save Your Flight Department?
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
In this episode, Dylan and Max sit down with Jim Lara of Gray Stone Advisors and Jenny Showalter of Showalter Business Aviation Career Coaching to explore the critical role of leadership in business aviation. They unpack why many flight departments are at risk and how strong leadership can be the difference between thriving or shutting down. From empowering the next generation to navigating small flight departments, Jim and Jenny offer actionable insights for pilots and aviation pros alike. Jenny Showalter | | Jim Lara | | Show Notes 0:00 Intro 1:33 Leadership in Business Aviation...
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146. Flying for the Regional vs. Flying for the Border: Which Path to Choose?
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
Dylan and Max jump right into Max’s “notes,” sharing stories of unique ATC run-ins, surprising speed regulations, and the challenges of keeping a safe cockpit. In the mailbag, listeners chime in on airline pilot influencers and the unique journey of buying an airplane for time-building. Finally, the Flight Advice segment tackles a tough choice: a new regional pilot gig versus a unique CBP opportunity. Plus, some updates from our aviation-themed book club and tips for maintaining CRM in small flight departments! Show Notes 2:09 Max’s Notes 16:57 Hard Landing Book Club: Chapter 12 27:03...
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145. How Much Should You Really Be Earning? Salary Insights from the AirComp Calculator
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
Dr. Broyhill joins us for an in-depth look at the latest pilot compensation data and the shifting landscape of aviation salaries. From surprising increases in maintenance roles to the impacts of training backlogs, we dig into what’s driving today’s pay rates. Plus, we discuss retention tactics, leadership lessons, and how to assess a job offer beyond just the dollar signs. A must-listen for any pilot navigating today’s job market! Employee Compensation Software That Answers "What's the Going Rate?" is business aviation’s only online compensation analysis system. It can provide precise...
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144. 707s, NDBs, and Impossible Interviews (Mailbag & Flight Advice)
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
In this episode, Dylan and Max reminisce about the grueling interview days at American Eagle, where 500 hours landed you in the 707 sim. They compare corporate and airline training styles, from smoke-filled cockpit drills to NDB approaches and trust falls. Mailbag: Reserve Flying, Setting the record straight on the United 570, and more on the Delta sidestep. Flight Advice: A tense relationship with a chief pilot after securing a better compensation package. Show Notes 0:00 Intro & Hot Air Balloons 3:33 Smoke Training & Other Thoughts 24:51 Descend Via Clearance Response 29:34 Ass...
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143. Can Light Sport Training Save You Big Bucks?
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
In this episode, Dylan and Max sit down with Kaity (aka Pilot Kaity) to explore her unconventional journey through light sport flight training. Kaity shares how she found a unique path that kept her out of debt and got her into the cockpit faster than most. Plus, Kaity drops some career advice on balancing cost-saving hacks with quality training. Follow Kaity on | Show Notes 0:00 Intro 6:30 Kaity’s Background 16:01 Instructing Light Sport 22:32 Pilot Path Plans 37:46 Transition to PC-12 & Social Media 47:23 Kaity’s Air Ambulance Story Be sure to subscribe to to see our...
info_outlineMax recounts the complications following his seemingly routine knee surgery, underscoring the precarious nature of pilot health and the implications on flying careers. We cover chapter 2 of Hard Landing for the book club segment plus an actual hard landing of a 747 at LAX. Mailbag: Luggage Review Update, Allegiant Pilot Perspective, and life of a fractional pilot. Flight Advice: Junior FO at Spririt wonders if he should stay or go?
Show Notes
0:00 Intro
2:01 Max’s Torn Meniscus
12:23 Book Club: Hard Landing Chapter 2
22:49 747 Landing
30:51 Reviews
34:12 Mailbag
47:18 Flight Advice
Lufthansa Boeing 747-8i's Dramatic Touch and Go at LAX
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VAERUS MEANS RIGHT, TRUE, AND REAL.
Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, using a true partner, to make your dream of flight real. Connect with Brooks at Vaerus Jet Sales | Learn more about the DC-3 Referral Program
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