Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above!
Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above! is a podcast that explores the world of aviation, from cockpits to control towers. Hosted by Stefan Lorenz, an active Airbus A320 pilot, and Jürgen Reis, a former glider pilot and sports podcaster, the show covers flight training, ATC communication, aircraft maintenance, flight simulation, and more. It features inspiring conversations and expert insights for student pilots, seasoned professionals, sim enthusiasts, and anyone curious about aviation.
Episodes
The State of Aviation in 2026 with A320 First Officer Stefan Lorenz – Pilot Hiring, Opportunities & the Road Ahead
Episode 49 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above
In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis is joined by his co-host and Airbus A320 First Officer Stefan Lorenz for a timely look at the state of the aviation industry and European pilot market in 2026.
Recorded on September 20th, 2026, the conversation brings a firsthand perspective from inside European airlin
Training Future Airline Pilots – Insights from Aimal Sherzoy
Episode 48 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above
In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Aimal Sherzoy, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Aimal Sherzoy, flight instructor, compliance auditor, and mentor.
The conversation begins with a look at Aimal's current role and what a typical week involves as both a flight instructor and compliance auditor. He expla
From Ground Operations to Commercial Pilot – Andersen Indorf's Aviation Journey
Episode 47 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above
In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Andersen Indorf, a 20-year-old commercial pilot, Advanced Ground Instructor, Business Administration student, and aspiring Certified Flight Instructor from Portland, Maine.
Recorded on July 17th, 2026, the conversation follows Andersen's path from discovering
Summer Ops – An A320 First Officer’s Day in Heat and Thunderstorms
Episode 46 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above
Summer may be associated with blue skies, holidays and seemingly perfect flying weather. For airline crews, however, high temperatures and powerful summer weather can create an entirely different operational picture.
Recorded on August 12, 2026, just hours before a solar eclipse passed close to Stefan Lorenz’s home base in Palma de Mallorca, E
From Flight Student to Airline Cadet – The Journey of Pablo Padrón Sanz
Episode 45 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above
In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Pablo Padrón Sanz, commercial pilot, former theoretical knowledge instructor, and one of the youngest guests ever featured on the podcast.
The conversation begins with Pablo's current situation as he prepares for the next phase of his professional aviation jou
Adil Tagnaout – Aircraft Maintenance from the Inside
Episode 44 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above welcomes Adil Tagnaout, a 28-year-old aircraft maintenance engineer from Morocco and the first African guest on the podcast.
Recorded in early June 2026, host Jürgen Reis speaks with Adil about his current work in aircraft maintenance, his professional development, and the responsibilities that come with helping keep commercial aircraft safe an
Dave Samson – Leadership, Professional Standards & Four Decades of Aviation Experience
Episode 43 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above
In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Captain Dave Samson, G650 Captain, former Chief Pilot, and aviation professional with more than 44 years of experience in both military and corporate aviation.
The conversation begins with a look at Captain Samson's current role and what a typical flying week
From Airport Fence to Offshore Captain – Falko Baguhl’s Aviation Journey
Episode 42 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above
Recorded in May 2026, this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above welcomes helicopter pilot, line training captain, instructor, and examiner Falko Baguhl for a broad and highly personal look at his journey through professional aviation.
Host Jürgen Reis begins where the story started: on short final to runway 23 at Hamburg Airport,
From First Flight to 3,000 Hours – James Parks on Building an Aviation Career
Episode 41 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above
In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes James Parks, a 36-year-old professional pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours who is currently pursuing the next chapter of his aviation career.
Recorded on July 7th, 2026, the conversation follows James' path from his first introduction to aviation through
A Lifetime of Precision Flying – In Conversation with Patty Wagstaff
Episode 40 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above welcomes Patty Wagstaff, one of the most respected names in aerobatic aviation, multiple-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion, airshow performer, flight instructor, and advocate for advanced pilot training.
Recorded on June 10, 2026, host Jürgen Reis sits down with Patty for a thoughtful conversation about aviation, airmanship, and the lessons
John Pipkin – Classic Jets, FAA Leadership & Flying Beyond 80
Episode 39 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above brings John Pipkin back into the “podcast cockpit” for a deeper follow-up conversation — recorded on May 9, 2026.
Now 82 years old and still flying almost daily for a Sheriff’s Department in South Carolina, John once again shares the perspective of a pilot whose aviation life spans more than 30,000 flight hours across mission flying, airline op
NOAA Hurricane Hunters with Commander Joshua Rannenberg – Research Aviation, Mission & Public Service
In this 38th episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Commander Joshua Rannenberg, Hurricane Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot at the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center.
Recorded in April 2026, this conversation provides a structured and professional overview of one of the most unique operational environments in aviation: airborne hurricane research missions
From Check-In Desk to Airbus Captain – The Aviation Journey of Captain Josefine Schuhmann
Episode 37 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above
In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, Airbus A320 First Officer and co-host Stefan Lorenz welcomes Captain Josefine Schuhmann for a detailed and highly personal conversation about her unusual and inspiring aviation career.
Recorded on May 17th, 2026, this episode follows Captain Schuhmann’s path from the airline ground env
Aaryan Malik – From Air Cadets to Airline Ambitions
Episode 36 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above features Aaryan Malik, a 20-year-old aspiring commercial pilot from Great Britain currently combining university studies, PPL training, and aviation-focused leadership development through the Oxford University Air Squadron.
Recorded in May 2026, host Jürgen Reis sits down with Aaryan for an open and highly authentic conversation about building
The Craft of Flying – Jason Miller on Teaching, Communication and The Finer Points
Episode 35 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above
In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Jason Miller, flight instructor and founder of The Finer Points.
Recorded in April 2026, this conversation explores Jason’s path into aviation teaching, the instructional philosophy behind his work, and the role of communication in shaping thoughtful pilots. W
Professional Standards in Aviation – Insights from Captain Guido Mezzera
Episode 34 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above
In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Captain Guido Mezzera, an experienced long-haul pilot and type rating instructor (TRI), with a career spanning airline operations, advanced flight instruction, and pilot evaluation.
Recorded on April 9th, 2026, this conversation offers a structured and realisti
From First Cockpit Moments to Cross-Country Soaring – A Young Pilot’s Path
Episode 33 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above features a very special guest: Adrian Roko Hinkelmann, a 16-year-old glider pilot from Germany who is already deep into his flight training journey — combining real-world aviation with advanced flight simulation.
Recording this episode just days before Easter 2026, host Jürgen Reis sits down with Adrian to explore what it means to pursue aviati
Airline Selections in 2026 with Captain Guillaume Debauchez – Preparation, Reality & Professional Standards
Episode 32 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above
In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Captain Guillaume Debauchez, a former British Airways and Emirates long-haul pilot and today the founder of Airline Selection Programme (ASP).
Recorded on April 7th, 2026, shortly after the Easter period, this conversation offers a structured and realistic loo
From World Cup Climber to Aviation Mental Performance Coach: Jürgen Reis
Episode 31 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above
In this special episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, the usual interview structure changes direction: this time, A320 First Officer and FSClips creator Stefan Lorenz takes the lead and speaks with co-host Jürgen Reis about the background, experiences, and performance philosophy that shaped his current work in aviation mental perfo
Ready 4 Pushback with Nik Fialka – Airline Interviews, Career Preparation & Professional Mindset
Episode 30 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above
In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes airline pilot, interview coach, and podcast host Nik Fialka.
Known to many pilots as the voice behind the aviation career podcast Ready 4 Pushback and as an interview consultant with Spitfire Elite Consulting, Nik combines airline flying with mentoring aspirin
John Pipkin – 30,000 Hours of Responsibility
Episode 29 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above takes us to South Carolina — and into the cockpit of one of aviation’s most seasoned professionals.
When this conversation was recorded on February 28, 2026, John Pipkin was 81 years old — on the threshold of his 82nd birthday — and still actively flying law enforcement missions for a sheriff’s department, supporting people on the ground with t
Aviation-Quest.cc – Behind the Scenes, New Directions & What’s Next
Recorded at the end of April, this special housekeeping episode offers a comprehensive and transparent look at the current state and future direction of Aviation-Quest.cc. Hosts Jürgen Reis and Stefan Lorenz take a step back from guest interviews to reconnect with their audience — outlining the mission, structure, and evolving ecosystem of the podcast.
What emerges is a clear picture of a project
Austrian Aviation Heritage with Heinrich Böhm – History, Passion & the Vision for Aviaticum
In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Heinrich Böhm, Deputy Chairman of the Flugmuseum Aviaticum in Wiener Neustadt.
Recorded in April 2026, this conversation offers a personal and grounded look at one of Austria’s most dedicated aviation heritage initiatives—driven not by commercial interests, but by passion, commitment, and a deep respect for histo
Just Flight & Martyn Northall – From Early Simulation Passion to Modern Study-Level Development
In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, Martyn Northall from Just Flight reflects on a career shaped by aviation heritage, early simulation, and a deep commitment to realism.
Growing up with a father who flew for the Royal Air Force, aviation was part of Martyn’s world from an early age. Around the age of twelve, he discovered Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 — a moment that spa
FlightSim Series: Adventures, Part 5 – Lukla Precision, Palma Insider & Seaplane Serenity
Episode 25 continues the expanded FlightSim Adventures series with Part 5 — and adds a special dimension at the very beginning. For the first time in years, host Jürgen Reis and Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz meet in person, recording the opening minutes outdoors near the Aviation-Quest.cc studio in Dornbirn before transitioning back into their familiar remote format. The result is an epi
FlightSim Series: Adventures, Part 4 – Blackbird Speed, Himalayan Altitude & Desert Luxury
After the enthusiastic response to the first FlightSim series episodes, Episode 24 returns with a special follow-up installment. What began in Episode 17 as a nostalgic journey through the history of flight simulation has evolved into a growing collection of unforgettable flying experiences — and in FlightSim Adventures, Part 4, host Jürgen Reis and Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz once aga
Captain Gerhard Gruber – A Life Between Cockpits, Airports & Aviation History
Episode 23 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above features an exceptional guest: Captain Gerhard Gruber (born 1954) — pilot, airport manager, safety expert, and one of Austria’s most experienced voices in aviation.
In this deeply personal conversation, Captain Gruber takes listeners back to his earliest childhood memories of flight and walks through the defining chapters of his career. Beginni
Winter Ops – An A320 First Officer’s Day in Ice and Snow
Winter operations are among the most demanding situations airline crews regularly face. While passengers may simply see snow on the runway or experience a departure delay, pilots must manage a carefully coordinated chain of procedures designed to keep the aircraft safe in freezing conditions.
In Episode 22 of Aviation-Quest.cc, host Jürgen Reis sits down with co-host Stefan Lorenz, who shares his
FlightSim Series – Part 5: Adventures, Part 3 – Around the World, MD-11 Mastery & Air-to-Air Refueling
Episode 21 completes the FlightSim Adventures trilogy and marks Part 5 of the ongoing FlightSim Series. In this final installment, host Jürgen Reis and Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz present six bucket-list experiences that capture the full spectrum of flight simulation — from endurance challenges and iconic aircraft to mountain flying and precision formation work.
Stefan opens with one
FlightSim Series – Part 4: Adventures, Part 2 – 767 Mastery, Alpine Playgrounds & Bay Area Blasts
Episode 20 continues the ongoing FlightSim Series (Part 4) and moves deeper into the dedicated sub-series FlightSim Adventures. In Part 2, Jürgen Reis and Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz each bring three new standout experiences — blending study-level realism with creative exploration.
Stefan opens with a true Flight Team highlight: the legendary Level-D Boeing 767. Still admired years af
FlightSim Series – Part 3: Adventures, Part 1 – Icons, Adrenaline & Aviation Dreams
Episode 19 continues the ongoing FlightSim Series with Part 3 — and marks the beginning of a dedicated three-part sub-series: FlightSim Adventures. In this first installment, Jürgen Reis and Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz each present three unforgettable flight simulation experiences that shaped their aviation journey.
Stefan opens with a professional F-16 simulator session from nearly a
Flight Simulation Evolves, Part 2 – Systems, Study-Level Flying & the Mental Edge
Episode 18 continues the flight simulation journey — this time shifting from nostalgic origins to modern realism. Picking up where Episode 17 left off, host Jürgen Reis and Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz trace the evolution of flight simulation from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 through FS2004, FSX, X-Plane, Aerofly FS, Digital Combat Simulator (DCS) and up to today’s Microsoft Flight S
Flight Simulation Origins, Part 1 – Atari, Amiga & the Birth of a Lifelong Aviation Passion
Episode 17 launches a new multi-part flight simulation special — and goes back to where it all began. Long before glass cockpits, streaming scenery, and powerful PCs, flight simulation meant floppy disks, one megabyte of RAM, and imagination.
Host Jürgen Reis revisits his very first flight simulation experience at a late-1980s trade show, flying an early simulator on an Atari ST — a moment that s
Mentour Pilot with Petter Hörnfeldt – Aviation, Mentorship & the Mentour Group
In this special 16th episode of aviation-quest.cc – Stories from Above, host Jürgen Reis welcomes Petter Hörnfeldt, widely known as the creator of Mentour Pilot, and today the driving force behind a growing aviation media ecosystem.
What started more than ten years ago as a single YouTube channel has evolved into what Petter now calls the Mentour Group — including Mentour Pilot, Mentour Now!, and
20 Years of FSClips – Inside a YouTube Aviation Legend
Episode 15 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above
Few YouTube channels can claim a 20-year history — and even fewer have aged as gracefully as FSClips. In this episode, Stefan joins host Jürgen Reis for a rare, honest, and deeply insightful conversation about what it really means to run a high-quality aviation channel across two decades of constant platform change.
Recorded in January 2026, ah
Seaplane Flying with Christoph Barszczewski – Lakes, Floatplanes & the Call of the Wilderness
Episode 14 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above brings a special guest into the cockpit: Christoph Barszczewski, one of Europe’s most experienced seaplane instructors and the founder of Seaplanes.at.
At 68 years old, he continues to fly — and teach — with the spirit of an explorer, splitting his time between Austria, Poland, and floatplane adventures in Alaska.
Together with host Jürgen Rei
ATPL Insights, Part 3 – From Frozen ATPL to the Right Seat
Episode 13 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above concludes the ATPL Insight Series with the phase every flight student dreams of — and often underestimates: turning a frozen ATPL into a real airline cockpit seat.
Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz takes host Jürgen Reis through the most demanding stretch of his journey: the years after flight school. Recorded with a 2025 industry perspect
ATPL Insights, Part 2 – Flight Training Across Canada, the US & the UK
Episode 12 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above continues the three-part ATPL journey, this time diving into the intense, hands-on flight phase of pilot training. After conquering ground school in Part 1, A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz shares with host Jürgen Reis what it really meant to take his training into the sky — across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Listeners get
ATPL Insights, Part 1 – Inside Europe’s Elite Pilot Training
Episode 11 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above launches a brand-new three-part series exploring how Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz worked his way from student to airline pilot.
In this first chapter, Stefan takes host Jürgen Reis back to the very beginning: his time at the Oxford Aviation Academy, one of Europe’s most respected pilot training institutions. He shares what life in fu
Glider Insights, Part 2 – Landing Without a Go-Around
Episode 10 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above continues the deep dive into gliding — focusing on one of its most fascinating aspects: the landing. How can you touch down safely when a go-around simply isn’t an option?
Former glider pilot and host Jürgen Reis shares how training, energy awareness, and constant planning create multiple safe landing options, even without power. Together with
Glider Insights, Part 1 – Flying Before Driving
Episode 9 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above begins a brand-new series exploring the world of gliding — flight in its most elemental form. This time, the microphones are turned around: Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz interviews his co-host Jürgen Reis, who earned his glider pilot license at just 17, long before getting a driver’s license.
Jürgen shares what it’s like to learn real
FAQ-Session Part 7 – Handling Emergencies & The World of Cargo Flying
Episode 8 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above wraps up the listener-driven FAQ series with two fascinating topics that reveal the depth of a pilot’s profession.
Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz opens up to host Jürgen Reis about how airline pilots are trained to handle emergencies — mentally, technically, and as a team. From simulator sessions to real-life decision-making, discover
FAQ-Session Part 6 – The Other Side of the Cockpit Life
Episode 7 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above takes a candid look behind the glamour of aviation: What are the biggest disadvantages of being a pilot?
Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz joins host Jürgen Reis to explore the less-talked-about realities of cockpit life — from irregular hours, fatigue management and red-eye flights to roster changes, time-zone shifts and the toll these ta
FAQ-Session Part 5 – Cabin Crew vs. Pilot
Episode 6 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above explores one of the most fascinating aviation career questions: Which is more rewarding — working as cabin crew or as a pilot?
With first-hand experience in both roles, A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz reflects on his early years as cabin crew and how that shaped his later career in the cockpit. Together with host Jürgen Reis, he breaks down the
FAQ-Session Part 4 – CRM & Flying Together
Episode 5 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above dives into one of the most overlooked, yet crucial aspects of airline flying: crew dynamics. Do pilots actually know the colleagues they fly with, or is it a new team every trip? And how does working with a familiar captain change the experience?
Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz takes listeners deep into the world of Crew Resource Manageme
FAQ-Session Part 3 – Thunderstorms & Scenic Approaches
Episode 4 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above continues the listener-driven FAQ series with two classic passenger questions: Is turbulence really dangerous? and Do pilots ever get to enjoy the scenery?
Airbus A320 pilot Stefan Lorenz explains how airline crews deal with turbulence, thunderstorms, and weather avoidance — combining cockpit procedures with modern technology to keep flights safe
FAQ-Session Part 2 – Hand-Flying vs. Autopilot
Episode 3 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above continues the special FAQ series with a deep dive into one of the most frequently asked questions airline pilots face: How much hand-flying is left in a modern cockpit?
Airbus A320 pilot Stefan Lorenz shares fascinating insights into how the aircraft is really flown — from autopilot modes to the unique side-stick controls that make the Airbus phi
FAQ-Session Part 1 – Aviation Dreams & Magic Flights
Episode 2 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above takes off with part 1 of a special FAQ-style session, answering questions that curious passengers, friends, and fellow aviation fans have asked over the years. Jürgen Reis interviews Airbus A320 pilot Stefan Lorenz, diving into stories of his early aviation dreams, the magic of first flights, and what keeps him inspired after decades in the cockp
Meet your hosts!
Join hosts Jürgen Reis — former World Cup climber, author, coach, and veteran podcaster with a background in gliding — and Stefan Lorenz, a professional Airbus A320 pilot and flight simulation expert, as they introduce themselves and the mission behind this new audio journey through the skies.
In this launch episode, you’ll get exclusive insight into their aviation backgrounds, podcast goals, and
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