146. Flying for the Regional vs. Flying for the Border: Which Path to Choose?
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
Release Date: 11/13/2024
160. Want to Fly Biz Jets After Airline Retirement? Here’s the Reality
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
Dylan and Max kick things off with a deep dive into airline wifi, airport food inflation, and Dylan’s latest experiment—testing the Starlink Mini in the cockpit. Max recounts his wild adventure ferrying a Carbon Cub across the country (spoiler: electrical gremlins strike). The mailbag is packed with listener updates and career insights, while Flight Advice gets spicy with a retired airline pilot looking to pick up business jet contract work. Spoiler: It’s not as easy as he thinks. Show Notes 0:00 Intro & Starlink 7:48 Carbon Cub Adventure 20:00 Shoutouts 23:48 Hard Landing Book Club:...
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159. Is Aviation Insurance Finally Getting Cheaper? w/ Tom Hauge
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
Aviation insurance guru Tom Hauge from Wings Insurance is back, and this time, he’s got good news! After years of skyrocketing premiums, the insurance market is finally softening—meaning lower rates and fewer headaches for pilots and operators. Tom breaks down why this is happening, how you can take advantage of it, and what mistakes to avoid when renewing your policy. We also dig into contract pilot coverage, the risks of bush planes, and which aircraft are nightmares to insure. If you own or fly an airplane, you need to hear this one! | Show Notes 0:00 Intro 2:47 Current Premiums &...
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158. What’s Going on with All These Aviation Accidents?
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
Dylan and Max return after a wild week filled with airline rumors, aviation history, and some sobering accident reports. They break down the bizarre (and quickly debunked) Southwest-JetBlue merger rumor and share their experience chasing the final landing of the last Martin Mars flying boat. The guys also discuss the recent streak of high-profile aviation accidents and their impact on the industry. Hard Landing Book Club Chapter 17: United searches for a new CEO. In the Flight Advice segment, a retiring police officer wants to make the jump to professional flying—what’s the best path...
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157. What’s It Really Like Flying the 787 Internationally? w/ Ted
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
Back by popular demand, our favorite widebody-wielding, sleep-deprived, jetlag-conquering airline pilot—Ted—returns! This time, we’re diving deep into the reality of long-haul flying on the Boeing 787. Ted breaks down the pros and cons of international schedules, surviving crew rest, navigating time zone chaos, and why he’s officially done making PAs. Plus, we tackle the never-ending debate: Is international flying the best move for airline pilots? Grab a Tiger beer and join us for some unfiltered Straight Talk with Ted. Show Notes 0:00 Intro 2:26 Parenting as a Pilot 5:15 Flying...
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156. Does an A&P Give You a Leg Up in Business Aviation?
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
Dylan and Max kick things off with a deep dive into the real debates that matter—hotel chain allegiances and the latest pilot hangout in Dallas. Max shares the chaos of nearly missing the birth of his child, a wild Honda Jet radio exchange, and an unexpected submarine sighting. The mailbag is packed with a debate on whether international flying is actually more fatiguing than domestic, a career transition question from an A&P mechanic turned pilot, and a listener with an incredible connection to legendary pilot Harvey Watt. Flight Advice tackles the serious question of what you should do...
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155. The Air National Guard: Is This the ultimate career hack for pilots?
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
Ever wondered what it’s like flying for the Air National Guard? In this episode, Ben joins Dylan and Max to share his journey from high school aviation dreams to the cockpit of a KC-135. We break down the steps to becoming a Guard pilot, how to balance it with a civilian flying career, and why the Guard might be the ultimate flexible gig for pilots. Plus, insider tips on navigating deployments, training, and building a career that works for you. Show Notes 0:00 Intro 2:51 Ben’s Aviation Journey & Opportunities 10:18 Training Path & Pay 20:23 Scheduling & Extended Deployment...
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154. Could You Survive 100 Days in a Falcon 2000?
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
Dylan and Max dive into Mr. Beast's bizarre aviation challenge: could you live on a Falcon 2000 for 100 days? The mailbag is overflowing with listener emails about infrared deicing, regional bases, and crazy career pivots. We also revisit the airline consolidation saga in the Hard Landing book club segment and discuss its lasting impact on the industry. Flight Advice wraps up with an ambitious 18 year old looking for career guidance. Show Notes 0:00 Intro 2:09 Mr. Beast’s Pilot Challenge 17:05 Hard Landing Book Club: Chapter 30:19 Max’s Musings: Addiction to Premium 35:47 Reviews...
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153. From Garage Invention to Aviation Must-Have: The AeroTow Story
21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
We’re joined by Megan Tuttle and Jordan Thieme from AeroTow, part of Amigo Mobility International, to dive into their innovative aircraft tugs. From humble beginnings in a Wisconsin garage to creating tugs that save your back (and your time), their story is as compelling as their products. Hear how they’re redefining aircraft handling for pilots, all while keeping it in the family. Plus, Max shares how AeroTow’s T1 has already transformed his hangar life! Use code "21five" at checkout for $100 off any AeroTow product! Show Notes 0:00 What is AeroTow? 6:51 Features and Experience with T1...
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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 ...
info_outlineDylan 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!
Briggs and Riley SmartLink strap / J Hook replacement
Show Notes
2:09 Max’s Notes
16:57 Hard Landing Book Club: Chapter 12
27:03 David’s Book Demand Update (click here to buy on Amazon)
28:10 Reviews
29:38 Mailbag
45:08 Flight Advice
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