#250 SA Aviation on the Brink: 12-Year Engine Rule Chaos & Global MD-11 Shutdowns
Bryan Air
🎙️ EPISODE SNAPSHOT Welcome to the Bryan Air Podcast come for the cockpit chatter, stay for the galley banter… and as always, we’re holding short of Taxiway Serious. In Episode 250, Bryan and Ryan unpack the biggest stories shaking aviation right now: the fallout from the 12-year engine rule in South Africa, the MD-11 cargo crisis, SAA’s regional push, FlySafair labour tension, and the never-ending ATC chaos. Plus: a hard-hitting Captain’s Announcement with real travel hacks, and a full round of rugby, F1 and UFC cockpit chatter. Straight talk, sharp...
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South African Aviation in Turbulence | ATNS Failures, Eastern Airways Collapse & Global Headlines
Bryan Air
🎙️ EPISODE SNAPSHOT After a short break, Bryan and Ryan return with a power-packed episode dissecting South Africa’s ongoing ATNS meltdown and its impact on aviation safety, airline operations, and tourism. They unpack how regulatory chaos is crippling the system and what it means for airlines like Airlink, Cemair and FlySafair. The crew also covers major global headlines: Eastern Airways’ insolvency, Riyadh Air’s rapid rise, and Saudi Arabia’s next-level aviation ambitions. To close, Bryan shares two game-changing AI tools Huxe and the ChatGPT Browser that are reshaping how...
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Alien Mothership Panic, AI Deepfakes & Major Aviation Shake-Ups | Bryan Air Podcast
Bryan Air
🎙️ EPISODE SNAPSHOT In Episode 248, Bryan and Ryan break down the viral rumors of the “3I Atlas” alien mothership, exposing how AI-generated deepfakes fuel panic online. They link the hype to bigger risks of misinformation while delivering crucial aviation updates: Lufthansa’s job cuts, Boeing’s certification changes, new E-Jets in South Africa, and Emirates’ power bank ban. The hosts also weigh in on SA Express legacy battles, Airlink’s expansion, and the latest on global sports from Springboks rugby dominance to UFC fireworks. This is your weekly flight plan...
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Airlink’s New Embraer E195-E2 Lands in SA: Why This Jet Fits Africa
Bryan Air
🎙️ EPISODE SNAPSHOT This week we break down Airlink’s fleet upgrade as the Embraer E195-E2 makes its South African debut. Bryan and Ryan unpack why the E2 is such a strong fit for Africa’s operating reality, how it stacks up against the Airbus A220, and what it means for Airlink’s future. Plus, we cover major global aviation stories, from cyberattacks on European airports to drone disruptions and regulatory chaos. ⏱️ TIME-STAMPED FLIGHT PLAN 00:00 - Welcome to the Bryan Air Podcast 00:49 - Discussing Airlink's New E2 Aircraft 01:34 - Embraer's...
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Investigating Durban Airshow Crash What REALLY Happened
Bryan Air
🎙️ EPISODE SNAPSHOT This week, the Bryan Air Podcast takes a hard look at the preliminary accident report into the tragic Extra 300 crash at the Durban Airshow — breaking down key findings, safety gaps, and lessons for the aviation community. We also dig into the bizarre case of a South African-registered Sling 4 shot down in South America, and debate the global push to raise the pilot retirement age. Plus, we round up major aviation headlines from engine failures to eVTOL progress, airline policies, and the world’s longest direct flight. ⏱️ TIME-STAMPED...
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#245 Assassination Shock, Pilot Scandals & Boeing’s Latest Crisis
Bryan Air
🎙️ EPISODE SNAPSHOT This week’s Bryan Air Podcast hits hard with breaking news and aviation industry shake-ups. From the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk to Alaska Airlines’ off-duty pilot scandal, we unpack the headlines shaping aviation safety, regulation, and trust. Expect insights on Qantas’ cyber attack fallout, Lufthansa’s pension strikes, Boeing’s union battles, and FAA production limits. We also spotlight American Airlines’ bizarre “empty” transatlantic flights, the retirement of Rolls Royce’s iconic 747 test bed, and Swiss’ new fine-dining...
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Should Pilots Fly Past 65? IATA’s Retirement Age Push Explained
Bryan Air
🎙️ EPISODE SNAPSHOT IATA’s proposal to raise the pilot retirement age from 65 to 67 takes centre stage this week. We unpack the safety, staffing, and mentorship implications then cover key industry moves, a Colorado mid-air, Boeing/WestJet orders, 787 engine returns, Joby’s stock surge, and what pilots really carry in their flight bags. We close with rugby and F1. ⏱️ TIME-STAMPED FLIGHT PLAN 00:00 - Welcome to the Bryan Air Podcast 01:13 - Community Spotlight: Fly Africa 03:40 - Debate: Raising pilot retirement age (65 → 67) 07:19 - Africa’s aviation outlook...
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Mango Airlines is Dead | Why Airline Startups Keep Failing
Bryan Air
🎙️ EPISODE SNAPSHOT This week on the Bryan Air Podcast, we put the Mango Airlines saga to rest and unpack what it really takes to start an airline in today’s aviation environment. From bureaucracy to branding, we reveal why reviving a failed carrier is nearly impossible. We also break down aviation headlines including VistaJet’s Saudi breakthrough, Alaska Airlines’ brand shake-up, and Qatar’s regional partnerships. Plus, Bryan introduces his brand-new project 'Kaizen and the Art of Command' in collaboration with Laurie Graham, designed to sharpen leadership and decision-making...
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Durban’s Comeback, Airshow Tragedy & FAA Evacuation Reality Check
Bryan Air
🎙️ EPISODE SNAPSHOT From world-class beachfronts to a shocking aviation incident, this week’s episode takes you from the sunny shores of Durban to the hard truths of aviation safety. We unpack the last-minute airshow that ended in tragedy, explore why evacuations remain one of the most poorly executed flight deck procedures, and question whether the FAA’s 90-second evacuation rule is grounded in reality. Plus: sports pride, airline bans, eVTOL funding moves, and why South Africa must value its current aviators as much as the next generation. ⏱️ TIME-STAMPED FLIGHT PLAN ...
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Inside the Flight Deck: Command, Leadership & What No One Teaches You with Laurie Graham
Bryan Air
🎙️ EPISODE SNAPSHOT In this exclusive Bryan Air Podcast episode, Bryan sits down with aviation legend Laurie Graham, former SAA Senior Check Captain, Airbus and Boeing commander, and leadership strategist to unpack the missing piece in pilot training: leadership. We trace Laurie’s journey from his days in Zimbabwe to directing professional standards at a major airline, and reveal how a lack of leadership training is creating unnecessary risk in the industry. From reputation to self-evaluation and team dynamics, this episode is a masterclass in what it really takes to lead in and...
info_outlineHere is the full document version of the show notes with updated time stamps, ready for export and distribution:
🚨The Truth About Pilot Burnout, Money & Mental Health Nobody Talks About
🎙️ EPISODE SNAPSHOT
Main discussion topic
Discover the untold truth about pilot burnout, financial stress, and the emotional toll of aviation—and what you can actually do about it. In this deeply personal episode, Franz Smit, founder of Pilot Insure and creator of the Captain’s Circle, joins Bryan in studio to unpack the financial and emotional realities facing pilots today. From career transitions and financial planning to mental health tools designed for pilots and their families, this is a no-fluff conversation that brings real support to the flight deck and beyond.
✈️ AVIATION NEWS OVERVIEW
Franz and Bryan don’t just explore the current challenges facing pilots—they map out practical tools for taking back control:
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South African Flight Instruction Crisis – How the instructor shortage is threatening the future of general aviation.
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Middle East Boom – What pilots moving to Emirates and FlyDubai need to know about smart financial planning and hidden costs.
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Global Mental Health Gap – Why pilot mental health remains taboo—and how Captain’s Circle is helping change that.
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The Family Impact – The emotional toll of being a pilot’s spouse and how Franz’s new “Sky Wives” project is breaking new ground.
⏱️ TIME-STAMPED FLIGHT PLAN
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00:00 Introduction and Welcome – Setting the tone for a high-impact conversation
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00:50 Meet Franz Smit: A Supportive Colleague – A powerful story of peer-to-peer support in aviation
-
03:11 The Captain Circle and Social Media Influence – How authentic effort creates industry-wide ripple effects
-
06:18 The Evolution of Pilot Insure – Why Franz had to think bigger than traditional financial services
-
09:51 Challenges in South African Aviation – Instructor shortages, GA struggles, and future risks
-
13:16 Opportunities in the International Market – Why the Middle East is pulling pilots from SA
-
14:49 Financial Planning for Pilots – How to turn bonuses into long-term freedom
-
21:40 The Importance of Experience in Aviation – Why time in the seat still matters in both money and flying
-
23:10 Navigating Financial Challenges for Pilots – Understanding the “specialist trap” and breaking free
-
24:06 Embracing AI and Side Projects – Why pilots are perfectly positioned to build digital leverage
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25:55 Introducing Captain’s Circle – The platform addressing both financial and emotional health
-
26:54 Pilot Mental Health: A Personal Journey – Franz opens up about burnout, therapy, and the male stigma
-
34:34 The Role of Spouses in Pilot Well-being – Launching “Sky Wives” and why the other half matters
-
37:39 Building a Community with Captain’s Circle – From newsletters to a global trust-based network
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39:05 Generous Offer and Future Plans – Free access to the mental, financial, and bootcamp courses
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43:42 Final Thoughts and Farewell – Building legacy through impact and support
💼 RESOURCES MENTIONED
Access the tools and systems discussed to implement these strategies immediately:
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Captain’s Circle – Mental and financial health courses built specifically for pilots
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Sky Wives Community – A support initiative for aviation spouses
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Pilot Insure – Global financial services dedicated to the aviation community
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Bryan Air Podcast Newsletter – Stay updated on exclusive pilot tools and future giveaways
🚀 ACCELERATE YOUR OWN SCALABLE JOURNEY: NEXT STEPS
PRIORITY ACTION: Join our Interstellar Echo Accelerator Program—built to help pilots build digital assets that scale and last.
👉 Visit flightdeck.bryanroseveare.com
Quick Win Opportunities:
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Score App Assessment – Find out if you’re future-ready with our pilot-specific leverage score tool.
-
Weekly Systems Builder: Subscribe to the “Beyond the Flight Deck” newsletter. SUBSCRIBE →
🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE
❤️ SUPPORT THE SHOW
Join our community of forward-thinking aviation professionals:
-
Patreon – Get exclusive access, templates, and early content drops
Special thanks to our community builders: Craig Wood, Bradley Stephenson, Alan Macaulay, Catharine, Alewyn Burger, Gavin Hitzeroth, ACE, Gerg, Caroline Koll, Jared Le Roux, Iain, Martin Lockyer, William Barwise, Mike Mason, Jaco, Franziska, Dale Williams, Duncan Gillespie USA, Imre Kurucz, George Bramley
🔗 STAY CONNECTED
Let me know if you’d like this formatted into a downloadable .docx or .md file as well!
Here is the full document version of the show notes with updated time stamps, ready for export and distribution:
🚨The Truth About Pilot Burnout, Money & Mental Health Nobody Talks About
🎙️ EPISODE SNAPSHOT
Discover the untold truth about pilot burnout, financial stress, and the emotional toll of aviation—and what you can actually do about it. In this deeply personal episode, Franz Smit, founder of Pilot Insure and creator of the Captain’s Circle, joins Bryan in studio to unpack the financial and emotional realities facing pilots today. From career transitions and financial planning to mental health tools designed for pilots and their families, this is a no-fluff conversation that brings real support to the flight deck and beyond.
⏱️ TIME-STAMPED FLIGHT PLAN
-
00:00 Introduction and Welcome – Setting the tone for a high-impact conversation
-
00:50 Meet Franz Smit: A Supportive Colleague – A powerful story of peer-to-peer support in aviation
-
03:11 The Captain Circle and Social Media Influence – How authentic effort creates industry-wide ripple effects
-
06:18 The Evolution of Pilot Insure – Why Franz had to think bigger than traditional financial services
-
09:51 Challenges in South African Aviation – Instructor shortages, GA struggles, and future risks
-
13:16 Opportunities in the International Market – Why the Middle East is pulling pilots from SA
-
14:49 Financial Planning for Pilots – How to turn bonuses into long-term freedom
-
21:40 The Importance of Experience in Aviation – Why time in the seat still matters in both money and flying
-
23:10 Navigating Financial Challenges for Pilots – Understanding the “specialist trap” and breaking free
-
24:06 Embracing AI and Side Projects – Why pilots are perfectly positioned to build digital leverage
-
25:55 Introducing Captain’s Circle – The platform addressing both financial and emotional health
-
26:54 Pilot Mental Health: A Personal Journey – Franz opens up about burnout, therapy, and the male stigma
-
34:34 The Role of Spouses in Pilot Well-being – Launching “Sky Wives” and why the other half matters
-
37:39 Building a Community with Captain’s Circle – From newsletters to a global trust-based network
-
39:05 Generous Offer and Future Plans – Free access to the mental, financial, and bootcamp courses
-
43:42 Final Thoughts and Farewell – Building legacy through impact and support
🚀 ACCELERATE YOUR OWN SCALABLE JOURNEY: NEXT STEPS
PRIORITY ACTION: Join our Interstellar Echo Accelerator Program—built to help pilots build digital assets that scale and last.
👉 Visit flightdeck.bryanroseveare.com
-
Weekly Systems Builder: Subscribe to the “Beyond the Flight Deck” newsletter. SUBSCRIBE →
🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE
❤️ SUPPORT THE SHOW
Join our community of forward-thinking aviation professionals:
-
Patreon – Get exclusive access, templates, and early content drops
Special thanks to our community builders: Craig Wood, Bradley Stephenson, Alan Macaulay, Catharine, Alewyn Burger, Gavin Hitzeroth, ACE, Gerg, Caroline Koll, Jared Le Roux, Iain, Martin Lockyer, William Barwise, Mike Mason, Jaco, Franziska, Dale Williams, Duncan Gillespie USA, Imre Kurucz, George Bramley
🔗 STAY CONNECTED
Let me know if you’d like this formatted into a downloadable .docx or .md file as well!