21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast
A podcast for professional pilots, hosted by Dylan and Max, both experienced pilots with backgrounds in flight instructing, airlines, and business aviation. They discuss industry topics, share stories, and interview experts in various aviation fields. The show aims to help pilots improve as travelers and professionals, with a fresh and often humorous take on aviation.
Episodes
219. Why Is the Business Jet Market So Tight Right Now?
Brooks Pettit of Vaerus Jet Sales joins Dylan and Max to break down what is really happening in the business aircraft market. For professional pilots and flight departments, he covers tight inventory, strong demand, financing, tax-driven transactions, and why planning ahead matters. They also get into Challenger 3500 delivery positions, bonus depreciation, tariffs, AI-driven market research, and t
218. Can You Trust a Pilot on the Road?
Max checks in from a musty Missouri hotel while earning his Light Sport Repairman certificate, and the guys detour through GA maintenance, Starbase, RTA wizardry, and the ongoing decline of 123.45 as a social network. Mailbag covers Sugar Alpha, Qantas' ultra-long-haul A350 plans, where Spirit's pilots and traffic may have landed, and whether 21.Five needs a Discord server. In Flight Advice, Dylan
217. Constant Peg: America's Secret MiG Operation
Rob Zettel joins Dylan and Max to tell the story of flying MiG-21s and MiG-23s with the USAF's secretive Red Eagles under the Constant Peg program. For professional pilots, it's a fascinating look at training, aircraft handling, risk management, and what happens when experienced aviators are handed an airplane with no two-seat trainer and no simulator. Rob gets into fighting frontline U.S. fighter
216. What Don't Professional Pilots Know About Owning a Small Airplane?
Max gets wrecked by a closed mariscos truck, discovers there are still 727 flight engineers in the wild, and goes full test-pilot mode in his Cub after finding Bush Air's backcountry training content. In the Mailbag, we hear about expat pilot furloughs at Cathay, the French art of la bise, Allegiant's bridge agreement, and a couple of excellent Oshkosh run-ins. Flight Advice tackles how a military
215. Are You Pushing Your Pilot Career Too Hard?
James Onieal of Raven Careers returns to break down the current pilot hiring market across the majors, regionals, cargo operators, fractionals, and cadet programs. He explains why hiring remains competitive, why ATP-CTP is becoming a practical minimum for first jet jobs, and why changing lanes can sometimes leave pilots farther behind. The crew also digs into NetJets, Flexjet, FedEx, Alaska-Hawaii
214. Should You Stay for Turbine PIC or Jump to a Regional?
Dylan and Max return from aggressively vacationing with biplane rides, glacier dog sledding, Telluride approaches, and a real single-engine checkride landing at Prescott. They break down United's unusual diversion into Luke Air Force Base, swap diversion war stories, and question whether anyone actually wants a 24-hour Qantas flight. The Mailbag covers Skybus, a Harvey Watt-powered ultramarathon,
213. Are Bizav Pilot Salaries Still Climbing?
Dr. Chris Broyhill returns to talk AirComp Calculator data, pilot compensation trends, and why business aviation leadership still needs some recurrent training. For professional pilots and aviation managers, this one matters because the market is moving faster than the standard "here's your 3% raise" corporate playbook. Dylan, Max, and Chris get into G500/G600 pay, contract rates, compensation sur
212. Would You Trade Seniority for Better Stories?
Summer scheduling chaos is in full swing as Dylan and Max talk vacation bidding wizardry, Teterboro's RNAV to Runway 1, NDB war stories, New York hotel-room misery, and a suspiciously affectionate airline lobby ritual. In the Mailbag, they tackle foreign pilots at U.S. carriers, terrifying hotel van rides, AI app-building tools, and a listener plea to stop stepping on each other's punchlines. For
211. When Does Paying for Training Actually Make Sense?
Dylan and Max talk Alaska dreams, Southwest's new nonstop to Anchorage, lake lodge podcast fantasies, and Max's brave decision to bypass the discounted Marriott burger for Yemeni cuisine. In the Mailbag, listener Elijah checks in with a unique path back into aviation after the Air Force and a decade away from flying. For Flight Advice, the guys break down why using the GI Bill for PC-12 initial tr
210. What Should Pilots Do When the Paycheck Stops?
Timothy P. Pope joins Dylan and Max to talk through the financial side of Spirit's shutdown and what professional pilots can learn from it. For airline and bizav pilots, the big takeaway is simple but not always fun: stabilize first, optimize later. The crew digs into emergency funds, burn rate, 401(k) rollovers, IRA traps, benefits, life insurance, and why raiding retirement money is usually the
209. Should You Trade Quality of Life for Airline Seniority?
Dylan and Max kick things off with DoubleTree cookie restraint, San Diego seafood, 40-plus Vegas strategy, DJ juice, and the emerging menace of the commuter life vest. In the Mailbag, listeners bring dumpster-diving charter pilot stories, bankruptcy bassoon suggestions, skydiving-adjacent book recommendations, and a heavy airline-industry "what if" about another major demand shock. Dylan also reca
208. How Should Pilots Compete After Spirit's Shutdown?
James Onieal from Raven Career Development joins Dylan and Max to unpack Spirit Airlines' wind down and what it means for Spirit pilots, regional pilots, CFIs, and anyone trying to move up the aviation ladder. The conversation gets into why experience alone will not carry you through an interview, especially when 2,000-ish highly qualified pilots suddenly enter the market. James breaks down logboo
207. Would You Sign a Five-Year Non-Prorated Training Contract?
Max recaps a wild GA camping trip involving gale-force winds and a midnight arboreal emergency, while Dylan discusses the "superpower" of vibe-coding your own aviation tools with AI . The Mailbag tackles the dilemma of choosing between a quick class date with a restrictive five-year contract or waiting for a better "wholly owned" offer . Finally, Flight Advice addresses a contract pilot who is bei
206. Is your leadership style actually just manipulation?
Dylan and Max sit down with Kyle Freiberger and Mike Sferrazza from First Class Leaders to bridge the gap between technical proficiency and effective aviation leadership . This episode explores why traditional CRM often fails to address the human element and how pilots at any rank can cultivate influence through self-awareness and emotional intelligence . The guys dive into the "Take the Lead" f
205. Is Airport Parking the Worst Part of Being an Airline Pilot?
This week Dylan and Max kick things off with Atlantic Bucks, the new IRS reporting threshold, and a spirited rant about airport parking, employee lots, and the endless misery of hotel vans. In the mailbag, they dig into helicopter careers, the real risk-versus-reward tradeoffs, and what that path looks like compared with airplanes. Flight Advice gets into career strategy for a maintenance pro tryi
204. What Can We Learn Before the Final Report Arrives?
Juan Browne of the blancolirio YouTube channel joins Dylan and Max to talk about how he breaks down aviation accidents and incidents in near real time. For professional pilots, it's a sharp discussion on separating facts from opinion, finding teachable moments, and managing the gap before the NTSB final report arrives. They get into ADS-B, ATC audio, comment-section corrections, GA repeat offender
203. Is Commuting Worth Three Years of Seniority?
Why is Max recording at night, and why does every aviation headline lately feel like another runway-incursion autopsy? This episode covers TSA chaos at Sky Harbor, a rough New York accident discussion, eVTOL optimism, and Max's descent into experimental-airplane condition inspection misery. In the Mailbag, the guys debate NBAA landing-distance math, hear a loud call to bring back listener stories,
202. Would You Start Over at a Fractional in Your 40s?
This week Dylan and Max dig into the recent Challenger 650 accident in Bangor and the very real pressure corporate crews can feel when winter ops get sporty. In the Mailbag, they hit union negotiations, whether helicopter flying is actually a smart career pivot, a truly elite ripped-pants-in-cruise story, and a listener correction on landing the Osprey. For Flight Advice, they tackle a big mid-car
201. Why Are Wrong-Airport Landings Still Happening?
Dan Boedigheimer from Advanced Aircrew Academy joins Dylan and Max to break down why wrong-airport and wrong-surface landings still happen, and what professional pilots can do to stay ahead of them. For Part 91 and bizav crews especially, it's a practical discussion on building better habits when nobody is spoon-feeding you the safety data. They get into visual approach traps, pilot monitoring dut
200. Live show: James Onieal answers listener questions
Dylan and Max are joined by James Onieal (Raven Careers) for Episode 200, covering everything from conferences and networking to cadet programs, cargo hiring, and fractional life. They also dig into the latest conflict in the Middle East and what rising oil prices could mean for airline pilots—from hiring pressure and route economics to the broader ripple effects across the industry. The conversat
199.5 How Do You Build Fortune 100-Level Flight Ops at your Small Flight Department?
Dylan and Max sit down with Aaron, Software Architect at Airplane Manager, to talk business aviation ops tech and where AI is headed. If you're running lean (two pilots, one tail, no dispatcher), this is the roadmap for reducing busywork without losing operational control. They dig into integrations, offline trip tools, and why "apps" might just become background APIs. Listen in and subscribe for
199. At What Point Should You Just Eat the Hotel Food?
Dylan and Max recap a jet-lagged Japan ski mission, widebody travel wins and fails, and the realities of surviving brutal time zone changes. In the Mailbag, they dig into Saab war stories, Autoland edge cases, NBAA training standards, airline-branded watches, and career wins from listeners making the jump into jets. The Flight Advice segment centers on a sobering accident discussion and the risks
198. What Does "Stay Flexible" Actually Mean for Pilot Spouses?
Late-night musings from Dylan and Max: corrections on "newest airports," a touchdown-point math fix, and Max's Cub antics after an oil change—including a surprise landing on BLM dirt near Lake Pleasant. Then: the inaugural JSX ATR into Scottsdale, a Japan trip preview, a wild "Gleaming the Cube" airport intro, Jepp AMM taxi chart nerd-out, ForeFlight layoff chatter, and Airplane Manager's new AI.
197. What's Changing with Airline Pilot Retirement in 2026?
Financial planner Timothy P. Pope of 360 Aviation Advisors returns to break down 2026 retirement updates that matter to pro pilots. From new Roth catch-up rules to Southwest's bold move on NEC contributions, he digs into the real tax impacts for airline crews. Bonus: comparisons across the majors, advice for CFI's just starting out, and a hangar office update. Listen in and get smarter about your
196. How Much Chaos Can You Fit Into One Runway?
San Diego continues its reign as the busiest single-runway "how is this legal?" airport, plus we nerd out on new terminals, recurrent training wins, and a Challenger sim surprise when Dylan's seat decided to yeet itself at ~90 knots. In the Mailbag, we hit ferry flying as a niche career path, a home-buying reality check from Diamond Dog Tim Pope (mortgage recasts, baby), and a training-center SOP
195. Would You Let the King Air Land Itself?
First show of 2026: we talk Garmin Autoland in a King Air and why internet speculation is the fastest way to sound like a jabroni. We also hit the chaos of international ops (Mexico permits/APIS pain) and tease the Chicago Layover Guide dropping soon. In the Mailbag: Coeur d'Alene layover intel, a legendary lav story, Pilot Pete confusion gets cleaned up, airline-switching "sunk cost" drama, and s
194. What Will Pilot Hiring Really Look Like in 2026?
James Onieal from Raven Career Development returns to break down what pilot hiring is shaping up to look like in 2026. We dig into majors, regionals, corporate paths, and why movement can feel slow right up until it suddenly isn't. From CFI logjams to corporate and furlough realities, this episode is all about timing, strategy, and expectations. Subscribe and listen to stay ahead of the hiring cur
193. Can One Industry-Wide SOP Manual Raise the Bar for Business Aviation?
This episode introduces the new NBAA Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual and why it's a big deal for business aviation. Dylan and Max are joined by Brian Small of FlightSafety International and Tim Schoenauer of CAE to explain how the manual was developed, who it's for, and how operators can actually use it—not just shelf it. They break down the regulatory intent, training implications, and
192. Is $9,000 Worth Missing Christmas Morning With the Kids?
Dylan and Max kick off this PM edition with holiday-on-the-road war stories: Cowboys Thanksgiving trips, O'Hare blizzards, Vegas taxi laps, and that deranged border tether balloon that literally broke loose over Sierra Vista. The mailbag hits everything from FlightSafety's Master Aviator modules and Shorts 360 island hopping, to 50-something career-changers, disc golf and pickleball layover hacks,
191. Should You Sign a $75K Contract Just to Chase PIC Time?
Dylan recaps his brutal post-"ATC meltdown" commute and rants about the GA ban at 12 major airports while Max counters with cub flying and Chicago layover tips (including a dangerously spicy El Chingón). In the mailbag, listeners call the guys out for drifting toward aspiring-pilot advice, recommend MU-2 and airline YouTube channels, drop a credit-card points hack for flight training, and share ho
190. What's Next for BizAv Pilot Compensation?
Dr. Chris Broyhill returns to break down the latest Air Comp Calculator data and what it means for 2025 pilot compensation. Dylan and Max dig into the trends, the slowdown in wage growth, and how bizav departments are navigating post-COVID market corrections. They also talk negotiation strategy, job titles that actually matter, and Broyhill's new 600-page industry textbook, The Business Aviation B
189. Can You Survive 900 Hours a Year on a One-Hour Callout?
Max kicks off his annual training rant—breaking down the highs, lows, and downright absurd moments of recurrent at "the training center." Dylan adds perspective on flight training efficiency and why a great instructor makes all the difference. The mailbag delivers everything from a new layover guide in Portsmouth to a 14-year-old aircraft dealer to a Marine pilot navigating a tricky transition to
188. How Can Pilots Build Wealth Beyond the Flight Deck?
Tim Pope, CFP® and founder of 360 Aviation Advisors, joins Dylan and Max to talk about how pilots can make smarter financial moves—on and off the line. From variable pay to early retirement and crashpad cash flow, Tim breaks down what makes pilot finances uniquely tricky and how to stay ahead of turbulence. The crew also dives into taxes, scheduling volatility, and the "golden handcuff" problem in
187. Is turbine PIC in 91/135 the fastest lane to legacy?
We kick off with Southwest red-eye shenanigans, hot/high GA drama departing PRC in a 150, and Max's backcountry "mesa strip" adventure (with hard data from the STOL-mate). The Mailbag is full: 2,500-hour 135 pilots debating regionals, cockpit sun-shade gear, commuting to MEM in your own A36, first flights post-PPL, time-building without a CFI, and making that first 91/135 SIC→PIC jump. Flight Advi
186. First Officers: How Do You Speak Up Without Getting Shut Down?
Colin and Mara'D—both airline FOs and cast members from The Rehearsal—join Max and Dylan to dissect the tricky dynamics of speaking up in the right seat. Why is it so hard, and what makes it easier? The crew digs into SOP gaps, CRM training, real-world examples like Asiana 214, and the subtle art of being a chameleon in the cockpit. Plus: bizav vs. 121 culture, and how personality plays a bigger r
185. Late-Bloomer Pilot: Fractional, Regional, or Wait It Out?
Dylan opens from an echo chamber (literally) and the guys kick around first impressions of Gulfstream's newly announced G300 versus the G280—windows, avionics, "longest cabin," and whether depreciation and warranty keep the new-metal carousel spinning. Mailbag hits everything from those mysterious skid marks on SNA 20R and whether an RJ type helps more than becoming a check instructor, to Phoenix
184. How Do You Stay Resilient After Career Setbacks? w/ Capt Benny
Benjamin Bailey (@flybenfly) joins Max and Dylan for an honest, hilarious deep dive into aviation's influencer world, airline interview faceplants, and the realism gap on pilot social media. For professional pilots, this episode cuts through the curated BS to talk timing, authenticity, and bouncing back after setbacks. From CRM failures to career detours, Ben brings the real talk with a dose of hu
183. Can a Skydiver Pilot Make the Jump to the Big Leagues?
Max rants about St. Louis still acting like it's O'Hare, but enjoys the accomodations. The mailbag covers creative GA commuting strategies and whether backcountry camping flights belong on a professional resume. Ted calls in on his drive home from the airport to share some bidding tips. Flight Advice closes with a skydiver pilot wondering if it's time to trade jumpers for smokejumpers with the USF
182. When the Flight Department's Broken, Do You Stay or Go?
A listener asks the question every pro pilot eventually faces: should you stay put and try to fix what's broken in your flight department, or cut bait and move on? Dylan and Max bring in Jenny Showalter and Jim Lara to explore the real-world tradeoffs. From career coaching to leadership insights, they share what to weigh before pulling the ripcord—or digging in to make change happen. It's candid t
181. How Many Things Can Go Wrong on in the Idaho Backcountry?
Max returns from the Idaho backcountry with a Cub full of stories—starter failures, in-flight repairs, surprise rafting, wildlife rescues, and nearly becoming the emergency contact for a hiker with a head injury. This standalone episode is a wild tale of aviation adventure, mechanical mayhem, and resourceful fixes. No mailbag or flight advice this time—just pure story time from the sticks. Strap i
180. Is Pilot Hiring Heating Up Again?
Dylan and Max sit down with James Onieal of Raven Careers for a wide-ranging industry update. James breaks down the latest pilot hiring trends across legacies, regionals, and corporate operators—and why networking still beats any resume hack. From CFIs grinding to 1,500 hours to regionals debating upgrade timing, to cadet program uncertainties and the "pilot leverage index," this episode maps out
179. What Happened to Those "Hard Days Off" You Promised Me?
Dylan and Max connect from hotel rooms across the West, with Max prepping for his Cub camping trip to Idaho and Dylan testing out foam ear tips for his ProFlight headset (link in the show notes). In the Mailbag, listeners weigh in on commuting trade-offs, a gear-down hydraulic improvisation involving bottled water, and flying under Bravo airspace with "raw dog radios." Flight Advice tackles a busi
178. What did the Mr Beast Challenge Pilot Do for 100 Days in a Jet?
Corporate pilot (and MrBeast 100-day jet winner) Armando Carrion jumps in to unpack the ops behind living on a Hawker 800 for 100 straight days—no devices, no Netflix, just Part 91 brainpower and a lot of extension cords. We get into air-to-air formation over SoCal and the Grand Canyon (yep, with a Bonanza), CRM, and why Armando turned down the "double-or-nothing" 100-day extension. We also talk p
177. Should You Spend $8K on a Seaplane Rating or a CFI?
This week, Dylan and Max talk Oshkosh FOMO, a rogue taxiway takeoff, and some serious Midwestern rental car struggles. Mailbag highlights a listener mapping out his aviation career path and asking if it's possible to fly both corporate and airline gigs at once (spoiler: not easy). Flight Advice tackles how to best spend $8K of National Guard tuition money—seaplane rating, CFI, backcountry flying,
176. Will a United Internship Trump Turbine Time?
Max sweats through fence repairs in 110 °F while plotting an Idaho back-country Super Cub adventure, and Dylan tries (unsuccessfully) to review a "dad-grade" sun-hoodie. In the Mailbag we read spicy reviews, debate the sanity of commuting, and swap credit-card hacks for pilots living on per-diem. Flight-Advice gets heavyweight help from James Onieal of Raven Careers, who steers a listener through
175. Should You Drop $5 K on an ATP-CTP Now?
Max walks into a 737 cockpit guarded by a five-inch hula girl and promptly invents the "Shakira Scale" for bumps in flight . Listener mailbag hits everything from the best starter credit card for flight instructors to whether a degree really matters and if paying $5 K for ATP-CTP is smart when you're 49 and eyeing the next hiring wave . In Flight Advice, a military helo pilot with only ten working
174. B-17 to F-4: A 102-Year-Old WWII Aviator's Incredible Journey
WWII & Vietnam combat pilot Col. Richard "Dick" Bushong takes us from 155-knot B-17 climbs to Mach 2.1 in the F-4, describing 28 hairy missions, dead-reckoning nav, and sheet-metal patch art. He's 102, still volunteers every Thursday at Tucson's 390th Memorial Museum, and wrote My Wars to capture the stories. Grab a coffee, tighten your formation, and hear a masterclass in staying alive—plus the m
173. Descend Via Phraseology, Aviation YouTube Deep Dive, and CFI Survival Tips
Dylan and Max are recording from hotel rooms across the country and catching up after some time off. They kick things off with a deep dive into aviation YouTube, comparing backcountry flying with ferrying retired Airbuses from Asia. In the mailbag, they respond to listeners with questions about juggling a corporate flying gig while working for a major airline, updates from a newly minted high scho
172. What does it take to reinstate your lapsed CFI?
Dylan and Max are joined (again) by everyone's favorite multi-hyphenate pilot, Seth Lake. This time, he walks them through the process of reinstating their expired CFI certificates—turns out it's not as terrifying as they thought. From FOIs to ACS, Seth breaks it down like a DPE Jedi. If you've let your CFI lapse, or you're just morbidly curious, this one's for you. Seth's Website | 10% Off the AC
171. What's the Right Way to Be a Low-Time SIC in BizAv?
Max shares his PM flying grind and how soft pay is easing the sting—plus a soggy New Orleans beignet run. The Mailbag is loaded this week with tales from a long-haul trucker pilot, NetJets rejection therapy, type rating dilemmas, and the dreaded training contracts making a comeback. In Flight Advice, a low-time pilot lands a dream SIC gig and asks: how do you not screw this up? Max and Dylan break
170. What Should You Do When the FAA Calls?
Forrest Owens, aviation attorney and private pilot, joins Dylan and Max to dive into the often murky waters of FAA enforcement, pilot liability, and what every professional and private pilot needs to know before picking up the phone. From NASA reports to ADS-B nightmares, this episode is your legal safety briefing—with a side of GoPro caution. Pilots, take notes… and maybe double-check your insura
169. Should You Bet Your Career on an Aviation Degree?
Dylan and Max kick off with hotel room hacks and tire maintenance DIYs (bed liner on bush wheels, anyone?). In the mailbag, listeners chime in on cicadas, bar recs, AI dolls, and a heartfelt shoutout to a rockstar CFI. Flight Advice features a double header: first, whether to stick with an aviation degree or pivot, and second, a pilot blindsided by a mysterious 135 termination—and the training con
168. Should You Chase Turbine Time in Dubai?
Dylan and Max debut their slick new intro track, give a proper welcome to their AI assistant "Reginald Sage," and swap tales from off-airport landings and Vegas tire goo mysteries. The Mailbag is packed with listener feedback on etiquette videos, bird segments, and even a nighttime trucking dispatch. In Flight Advice, a 26-year-old CFI wonders if a gig flying in Dubai is a golden ticket or a trap.
167. What Happens When the Market and Your Airline Career Both Stall?
Tim Pope returns to the 21.Five cockpit with a fresh instrument rating and a new venture—360 Aviation Advisors. He breaks down Q1's market turbulence, political biases in financial behavior, and how pilots can prep for leaner flying days. Plus, Dylan and Max dive into "Captain Lifestyle Syndrome" and how to navigate financial FOMO with some flight advice. Visit Tim's website for more information o
166. Why Aren't More Pilots Talking About Healthspan?
This episode kicks off with Dylan and Max diving into pilot health: UV exposure, compression socks, and the harsh truth about retirement and quality of life. In the Mailbag, listeners share wild MU-2 stories, dream trips, and thoughts on skipping the CFI route. The Flight Advice segment checks in with a second-career pilot trying to break into corporate aviation, revealing how timing, networking,
165. Should You Really Jump Ship for 15 Grand More?
Dr. Chris Broyhill is back with updates on pilot compensation, market shifts in 2025, and a sneak peek at his upcoming leadership book for bizav professionals. We dig into the real value of the AirComp Calculator, how to use salary data without tanking your next negotiation, and what separates the professionals from the job-hoppers. Plus, Dr. Broyhill drops some spicy takes on military-to-civilian
164. How Do You Network in Aviation If You're an Introvert?
Dylan and Max kick things off with stories of Cub flights and musing about GLS approaches and Starlink's newest data plans. The Mailbag's international flair includes a heartfelt message from a UK pilot and some simmering debate on career paths and sim setups. Flight Advice dives into the looming specter of single-pilot airline operations and how to future-proof your career (hint: maybe dust off t
163. Should You Panic or Prep? James Onieal Breaks It Down
In this episode, Dylan and Max sit down with James Onieal, founder of Raven Career Development, to discuss the current state of pilot hiring and effective strategies for advancing your aviation career. James shares his journey from the cockpit to career coaching, offering invaluable insights for pilots navigating today's job market. Tune in for a candid conversation filled with practical advice an
162. Can You Really Plan for an Unplannable Career?
Max shares a wild story involving VFR ops in a jet and a last-minute divert to Deer Valley when Scottsdale Tower ghosted them. We cover the final chapter of Hard Landing in the book club and reflect on takeaways from the book. In the mailbag, we talk about MU-2s doing angel work, the A&P to pilot career path, and the latest 737 LRD drama. Flight Advice: Should I keep my survey job or finish my CFI
161. Is This the Craziest Warbird Recovery Attempt Ever?
In 1995, a team of aviation cowboys set out on a mission that sounds too crazy to be real: fly a WWII B-29 bomber out of the Arctic after 50 years of abandonment. But as guest Vernon Rich tells us, things did not go as planned. From rigging up fuel pumps with trash equipment to landing a Caribou with propane-inflated tires, this story has it all—engineering ingenuity, brutal cold, and a heartbreak
160. Want to Fly Biz Jets After Airline Retirement? Here's the Reality
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 l
159. Is Aviation Insurance Finally Getting Cheaper? w/ Tom Hauge
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 pi
158. What's Going on with All These Aviation Accidents?
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
157. What's It Really Like Flying the 787 Internationally? w/ Ted
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 in
156. Does an A&P Give You a Leg Up in Business Aviation?
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 tr
155. The Air National Guard: Is This the ultimate career hack for pilots?
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, tr
154. Could You Survive 100 Days in a Falcon 2000?
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
153. From Garage Invention to Aviation Must-Have: The AeroTow Story
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 share
152. 2025 Pilot Hiring: What's Happening And What Should I be Doing About It?
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 f
151. From Cargo to Carry-Ons: Flying ACMI in a 747 and Building Better Bags
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 Par
150. Flight Advice Fiesta!
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-t
149. What's the Buzz in BizAv? Market Update with Brooks
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.
148. Fuel Leaks, Flight Sims, and Airline Internships—Oh My!
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 a
147. Can Strong Leadership Save Your Flight Department?
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
146. Flying for the Regional vs. Flying for the Border: Which Path to Choose?
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 opportun
145. How Much Should You Really Be Earning? Salary Insights from the AirComp Calculator
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 pi
144. 707s, NDBs, and Impossible Interviews (Mailbag & Flight Advice)
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 wit
143. Can Light Sport Training Save You Big Bucks?
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 Instagram | YouTube Show Notes 0:00
142. What happens when pilots strike?
In this episode, Dylan shares his recent experience flying Southwest and reflects on the airline's unique in-flight culture. The guys also discuss the lessons from United's pilot strike and its impact on the industry as recounted in Hard Landing. The Mailbag includes a listener's take on sidestep maneuvers and the challenges of operational compliance. For Flight Advice, a listener asks whether it'
141. Thriving in Tough Times w/ James Onieal
In this episode, Dylan and Max welcome back career expert James Onieal from Raven Career Development to discuss the state of the aviation industry and how pilots can navigate these turbulent times. From ULCC pilots feeling stuck to legacies that aren't hiring as quickly, James dives deep into how pilots can strategize their next move. If you're wondering whether it's time to jump ship or stay put,
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