welcome back to episode 332 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. In todays podcast episode we talk about the journey of Tom, a commercial pilot transitioning from a successful engineering career to pursue his lifelong aspiration of becoming a professional pilot. Throughout the discussion, we delve into Tom's experiences with aircraft ownership, specifically his acquisition of a Cessna 150 and subsequently a Mooney, highlighting the financial aspects and the unique challenges associated with each. Tom shares valuable insights into his training process, which includes both traditional flight instruction and self-driven initiatives, underscoring the importance of perseverance in the face of uncertainty within the aviation industry. We also explore the emotional dynamics of pursuing such a significant career change, particularly regarding family support and the inherent risks involved in aviation. This episode serves as an inspiration for those contemplating a similar path, reinforcing the notion that dedication and passion can ultimately lead to the fulfillment of one's dreams in aviation.
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Garmin
- Sirius XM Aviation
- Ground School
- Southern Illinois University
- NetJets
- Flexjet
- Mooney
- Cessna
- Paradigm Aerobatics