Pilot to Pilot

In this powerful Thanksgiving episode, host Justin Siems sits down with A320 Captain Jake Tishman to discuss one of the most inspiring aviation journeys you'll hear. Jake shares his decade-long battle with an autoimmune disease that threatened to derail his dream of becoming an airline pilot at every turn—from getting medically disqualified from the Naval Academy to facing multiple surgeries and hospital stays while trying to complete his flight training.

Despite the setbacks, Jake persevered through:

• Multiple hospitalizations during college and flight training
• Completing all his ratings from instrument through CFI/CFII in just 5.5 months
• Taking medical leave from his first airline job
• Navigating the corporate aviation world when airlines rejected his applications
• Finally landing at his current carrier after nearly giving up

This episode goes beyond the typical aviation career story to explore resilience, gratitude, and finding perspective through adversity. Jake's candid discussion about learning to appreciate the smallest victories—even just having the energy to get out of the car—offers valuable lessons for anyone facing challenges in their career or life.

Whether you're a student pilot facing obstacles, an instructor dealing with setbacks, or an airline pilot who rushed through training, Jake's story reminds us all to appreciate where we are and recognize that our unique paths shape who we become.

Plus, there's plenty of good-natured ribbing about Ohio State vs. Florida State football, corporate aviation perks, and the reality of chasing airline seniority numbers.

Former Air Force F-15 pilot Roy “Deacon” Qualls shares incredible stories from a 38-year aviation career that includes scrambling to intercept Air Force One on 9/11, crash-landing a burning OV-10 at McCarran Airport, and taking NFL legend Drew Brees for the ride of his life.

In this episode, Deacon reveals:

• How watching Top Gun literally changed his life in four days—from graduate student to Air Force recruit

• Landing a flaming OV-10 off-runway in Las Vegas after being given the wrong winds

• The Vice President’s authorization to shoot down aircraft on 9/11 and what it was like scrambling to intercept Air Force One

• Transitioning from F-15s to Boeing 777s—his first landing of anything bigger than a fighter was a triple seven at Charles de Gaulle with 290 passengers

• Why Drew Brees asked to pull MORE Gs and what made him such an incredible person to fly with

Deacon just released his book “Pilot’s Edge: Think, Train, and Fly Like a Pro” with 25% of profits funding aviation scholarships for the next generation.

Happy Flying,

Justin

In this state-of-the-industry episode, host Justin Seals sits down with Dr. Jim Higgins, Professor of Aviation at the University of North Dakota, to break down what's really happening in aviation right now.

They cover:

• Why hiring has slowed and what it means for aspiring pilots
• Boeing's production increase from 38 to 42 jets—and why that signals major changes ahead
• Spirit Airlines' double bankruptcy and what it reveals about low-cost carrier economics
• The government shutdown's impact on air traffic control and safety
• Privatization of ATC: Is it the answer?
• The $725 billion backlog of aircraft orders
• What pilot contract negotiations will look like when money's already good

Whether you're considering a pilot career, navigating the current market, or just curious about where the industry is headed, this conversation cuts through the hype to give you the real picture.

Key Topics: pilot hiring, Boeing, Spirit Airlines, government shutdown, ATC staffing, airline economics, contract negotiations

We're diving deep into how to save money in flight training, which is no small feat! In this episode, Jason Miller joins us to share valuable insights on managing the financial burden of becoming a pilot, especially for those of us who are navigating tight budgets. We talk about practical strategies that cater to both novice student pilots and those looking to transition into professional flying, emphasizing the need for a solid foundation in those early hours of training. From leveraging dry time effectively to understanding the importance of consistent practice, we cover how to make every dollar count while ensuring you build the skills necessary for success in the cockpit. So, whether you're dreaming of taking to the skies or already in the air, we've got tips to help keep your training costs in check and your flying aspirations alive!

Takeaways:

• The importance of using the Garmin Pilot app to streamline your flying experience before, during, and after each flight.
• Understanding that the cost of flight training can vary widely, with private pilot licenses costing anywhere from $8,000 to $25,000 depending on location and training methods.
• The necessity of consistent flying to maintain proficiency and reduce overall training costs in the long run, avoiding long gaps between flights.
• Utilizing dry time and procedural training effectively can save significant money, allowing students to practice key skills without incurring aircraft rental costs.
• The value of setting clear objectives for each flight lesson to maximize efficiency and focus during training sessions.
• Emphasizing the importance of standardization in training processes, which can enhance safety and proficiency while also simplifying the flying experience.

Hangar 22 Coffee

In this episode of the Pilot to Pilot podcast, host Justin Siems chats with Thomas, a 737 airline pilot and the founder of Hangar 22 Coffee Roasters. Thomas shares his inspiring journey into aviation starting at age 4, navigating the challenges of COVID-19 right after flight school, and balancing a demanding flying career with building a thriving aviation-themed coffee business. From commuting between Atlanta and Toronto, to roasting coffee in hangars, partnering with Textron and EAA at Oshkosh, and dreaming of an airport coffee shop, Thomas discusses the highs and lows of pilot life in Canada vs. the US, the 1500-hour rule, family sacrifices, and why great coffee fuels every adventure. Whether you're a pilot, coffee lover, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is a perfect blend of passion and perseverance. Tune in for aviation insights, business tips, and a rapid-fire Q&A!