Aviation Mentors

Captain Curt's Journey: From Working 3 Jobs to Flying Gulfstreams | Aviation Success Story

27 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Flight training costs, career timelines, and generational wisdom—what does it really take to make it as an airline pilot? ✈️In this episode of t...

Winter Flying Safety for Pilots: Frost, Icing, FIKI Aircraft, and IFR Considerations

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Winter flying, icing, fog, and cold-weather decision-making—how do pilots actually manage the risks when temperatures drop? ❄️✈️In this epis...

Listener Questions (Part 12)

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Navigating thunderstorms, aircraft maintenance, and in-flight decision-making—what really happens behind the controls when things get tense? ⚡✈️...

The Aviation Side of Pearl Harbor: Surprises, Warbirds, and GA Takeaways

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pearl Harbor, aviation history, and real lessons for today’s pilots—how does a two-hour attack from 1941 still shape the way we fly today? ✈️I...

Listener Questions (Part 11)

29 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the right way to tell your CFI you’re confused? Should student pilots buy their own headset early? And is it normal to feel like you’re g...

Overlooked Aircraft Cleaning Tips That Improve Safety

22 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Keeping an airplane clean isn’t just about appearance—it’s a key part of aviation safety, professionalism, and building trust with students and ...

Ep 201 - The Hidden Risks in Flight Schools—and How to Fix Them Before You Scale

15 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Flying for currency, reconnecting with your flight school roots, and keeping safety at the center of aviation growth—this episode covers it all. ✈...

Celebrating 200 Episodes – Aviation Mentors Reflect on Growth, Stories & the Journey Ahead

08 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special milestone episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson Vasquez celebrate 200 episodes of inspiring storie...

S02E63: VFR Safety & IFR Traffic Awareness – Non-Towered Airport

02 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Flying VFR? Understanding IFR traffic is critical for safety even at non-towered airports.In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon Mar...

S02E62: Hidden Airplanes, Tailwheel Flying & The Real Cost of Aircraft Ownership

25 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson catch up in their brand-new studio to talk about Brandon’s long-hi...

S02E61: Reacting to Your Comments Part 1: MOSAIC, GA Costs & Burbank Tower

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson discuss aviation news, insights, and trends shaping the general avia...

S02E60: Back in the Left Seat – Carson’s First Flight in Two Years

12 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson Vasquez share an inspiring story of resilience, rediscovery, and pas...

S02E59: Mentorship, Aviation Publishing & Inspiring the Next Generation

05 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon Martini is joined by two incredible guests: Jacob Peed, founder of AviNation Magazine, and Se...

S02E58: Sport Pilot Certificates & MOSAIC Updates – Making Aviation More Accessible

27 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson dive into Sport Pilot Certificates and the recent MOSAIC rule change...

S02E57: Pilot Demand Is Soaring – Boeing’s 20-Year Forecast and What It Means for Aspiring Aviators

20 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson Vasquez break down Boeing’s latest 20-year aviation industry forec...

S02E56: Brandon Martini Named NBAA 40 Under 40 – Celebrating Aviation Milestones

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 56 of the Aviation Mentors Podcast 🎙️, Brandon Martini celebrates being named one of NBAA’s 2025 “40 Under 40” award recipients,...

S02E55: Pilot Currency vs. Proficiency: What Every Pilot Should Know

30 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast 🎙️, Brandon and Carson share their recent flying adventures and the lessons that came with them. ...

S02E54: Oshkosh 2025 (Part 3)

23 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ From humble beginnings to milestone moments. We’re proud to announce Sean Galloway as the winner of our $10,000 Stratus Fly to Success Schol...

S02E53: Oshkosh 2025 (Part 2)

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ The FAA just dropped a game-changer—and we’re diving straight into it. In this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson break down ...

S02E52: Oshkosh 2025 (Part 1)

09 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ From European castles to Oshkosh slip ‘n slides — this episode’s got it all. Brandon spills the highs, lows, and downright bizarre momen...

S02E51: Answering your Questions on Reddit (Part 11)

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ What do student pilots really need—fancy flying clubs or structured schools? How can you build cross-country time without wrecking your wall...

S02E50: Small Pilot, Big Dreams

19 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this 50th episode, Brandon hands the mic to a surprise guest—11-year-old Rex, son of Stratus’ customer service lead and a long-time fli...

S02E49: You Know You’re a CFI When… (Part 4)

12 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Power-on or power-off landings? Mandatory flight following or just a “nice to have”? And should spin training REALLY wait ‘til you’re ...

S02E48: The Price of Wings

06 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Think becoming a pilot means drowning in debt? Think again. In this episode, we break down the real cost of flight training — and how to aff...

S02E47: Listener Questions (Part 10)

28 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Flying into chaos? Brandon and Carson are here to navigate it—with zero oil pressure, surprise coyotes, and some FAA test nightmares along t...

S02E46: Letter Of Interpretation

21 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Ever wondered if you’re logging PIC time the right way—or if your instructor really needs a medical? Buckle up, because in this episode of...

S02E45: Answering your Questions on Reddit (Part 10)

14 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Strap in as Brandon and Carson take a nosedive—intellectually—into the wild world of Reddit aviation questions. From mastering radios and ...

S02E44: Taxi Here, But Not There

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️Ever wonder what really happens behind the badge at big airports? ✈️ In this episode, Brandon shares his first-hand adventure getting SIDA ...

S02E43: Aviation Without Limits

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, host Carson flies solo as he interviews Ryan Bliss—commercial pilot, certified flight instru...

S02E42: Listener Questions (Part 9)

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️In this episode of The Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson flip the script, get a little heartfelt, and crack each other up while diving into ...

S02E41: Headset Showdown: Lightspeed Delta Zulu vs. Bose & David Clark

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️Looking for the best aviation headset for your cockpit?In this episode of AviationMentors, Brandon and Carson unbox the Lightspeed Delta Zulu a...

S02E40: From Outdated to Upgraded: The $18B ATC Transformation Plan

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is America’s air traffic control system stuck in the past?🎙️In this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson take a grounded look at the...

S02E39: Listener Questions (Part 8)

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors podcast, we dive into another round of listener questions—and things get entertaining fast. From nav...

S02E38: Listener Questions (Part 7)

26 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon dives into three of the biggest questions pilots are asking: How can you finance your flight trai...

S02E37: You Know You’re a CFI When… (Part 3)

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Strap in for the thrilling conclusion of our CFI debate trilogy! In Part 3, Brandon and Carson dive into the eternal battle between FAA minimu...

S02E36: You Know You’re a CFI When… (Part 2)

12 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️Buckle up for another round of aviation arguments as Brandon and Carson dive 🛬 headfirst into the go-around gospel, engine-out realism, and ...

S02E35: You Know You’re a CFI When… (Part 1)

05 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Welcome to Part 1 of a fiery 3-part series where Brandon and Carson dive into the cockpit controversies that CFIs just can’t agree on. From ...

S02E35: You Know You’re a CFI When… (Part 1)

05 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Welcome to Part 1 of a fiery 3-part series where Brandon and Carson dive into the cockpit controversies that CFIs just can’t agree on. From ...

S02E34: Listener Questions (Part 6)

29 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this episode, Brandon and Carson dive headfirst into four of the most asked questions in aviation: What are the most common checkride mista...

S02E33: Pilot Deviation

22 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Think a “ticket in the sky” sounds dramatic? Wait till the FAA gives you that phone number to call. 📞 In this episode, Brandon and Cars...

S02E32: F.I.R.C

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️🚀 CFI renewal just got a makeover! Whether you’re a seasoned flight instructor or a student pilot wondering what happens if your instructo...

S02E31: The Get-There-Itis Trap: A Real-Life Aviation Story

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ A perfect weekend, a smooth flight, ✈️ and a well-planned trip—what could go wrong? In this episode, Brandon shares a real-life aviation...

S02E30: AI and Digital Marketing with Tim Jedrek

22 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Ever wondered how some flight schools dominate the digital space while others struggle to get noticed? 🤔 In this episode, we sit down with ...

S02E29: Flying With Confidence with Tammy Barlette

15 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Struggling with perfectionism in flight training? Ever wondered how fighter pilot mindset can boost your flying skills? In this powerhouse epi...

S02E28: Planes Need Homes Too

08 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Ever thought about what goes into building a hangar—let alone 300 of them? In this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon pulls back the hanga...

S02E27: No Mission, Just Fun

01 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon shares his experience of getting back into flying for pure enjoyment. 🎉 After a period away fr...

S02E26: California Fires

25 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle the devastating California wildfires 🔥🚒 and the critical role...

S02E25: Listener Questions (Part 5)

18 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this installment of the Aviation Mentors Listener Questions segment, Brandon and Carson tackle your aviation dilemmas with expert advice an...

S02E24: Crossing the Line

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson explore the ins and outs of FAR violations—what they mean, how they happen, and ...

S02E23: Listener Questions (Part 4)

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson take on your top listener questions with their signature blend of humor and expertise!...

S02E22: Listener Questions (Part 3)

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors podcast, Brandon and Carson dive into your burning🔥 questions! From conquering mental blocks and mo...

S02E21: Christmas In The Skies

21 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this special holiday episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, we’re all about Christmas cheer and making an impact through aviation. Bran...

S02E20: From Training to Takeoff: How Pilot Salaries Stack Up

14 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors podcast, we’re soaring ✈️ through some exciting topics! First, we’ll share all the details abo...

S02E19: How Airlines Make Money (Part 2)

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In Part 2 of this Aviation Mentors Podcast episode, Brandon and Carson continue their deep dive into the economics of airlines, focusing on ho...

S02E18: How Airlines Make Money (Part 1)

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dive into the fascinating economics of the airline industry, ✈️ explor...

S02E17: Breaking Barriers: How Disabled Pilots Take Flight

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Prepare to be inspired! In this episode of Aviation Mentors, ✈️ we’re breaking barriers and diving into the world of disabled pilots—w...

S02E16: Pilot Professionalism

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Ready to elevate your standards in the cockpit? In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, ✈️ we’re uncovering the secrets of true...

S02E15: Skies To Cellars

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this special Aviation Mentors episode, we take off with guest Jonathan Bastien, whose unexpected journey led him from the cockpit to the vi...

S02E14: Listener Questions (Part 2)

26 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors podcast, Brandon and Carson dive into listener questions that cover everything from finding the ideal f...

S02E13: Joe Conley - Stories Of One Of The Greatest Airmen (Part 2)

19 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In Part 2 of our special series, we continue our conversation with Dave Granville, as he shares more thrilling and emotional stories of his fa...

S02E12: Joe Conley - Stories Of One Of The Greatest Airmen (Part 1)

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this special two-part series of the Aviation Mentors podcast, we welcome Dave Granville, a long-time family friend and son of Vietnam War h...

S02E11: What’s A Dirigible?

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this thrilling episode of the Aviation Mentors podcast, Brandon and Carson are back with more banter, big news, and a topic they've never c...

S02E10: Ruff Skies, Smooth Landings

28 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder what it’s like to take a dog flying? In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, join Brandon and Carson as they improv their way t...

S02E09: Aviation Insurance: Is Age Just a Number?

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this episode of Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle the hot 🔥 topic of SkyWatch’s new insurance solution for pilots 70...

S02E08: Reckless Aviation (Part 2)

13 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this roller coaster episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, ✈️ Brandon and Carson dive headfirst into a jaw-dropping aviation story wh...

S02E07: Reckless Aviation

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, ✈️ we’re taking a second look at the infamous Trevor Jacob case that rocked the aviatio...

S02E06: Back in the Saddle

31 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, after a break from the cockpit, Carson is back and ready to take to the skies once more! ✈️...

S02E05: Student Finance, Tragedy, and Military to Pro Pilot

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors podcast, we dive deep into the essentials of student finance, reflect on the tragic aviation accident ...

S02E04: Oshkosh 2024 Highlights

10 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Buckle up, aviators! 🛫 In our latest episode of the Aviation Mentors podcast, 🎙️ we’re diving into the epicness that was Oshkosh 2024. From ...

S02E03: Scare in the Air

03 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Aviation Mentors, the podcast where we dive into all things aviation! ✈️ Get ready for a captivating journey into the skies as we unrav...

S02E02: From Student Pilot to 10 Years in the Sky: Q&A with Brandon Martini

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Join Brandon and Carson for Episode 2 of the new season of Aviation Mentors! This week, they celebrate Brandon's impressive 10-year anniversar...

S02E01: Father-Son Pilot Duo

13 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for a thrilling father-son aviation adventure in this special episode of Aviation Mentors! We're diving into unforgettable flights, from cloud...

S01E136: Fit to Fly

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to soar ✈️ through your next aviation medical exam? 🏥 Join Brandon and Carson on Aviation Mentors Podcast for a high-flying adventure int...

S01E135: Interview with Tait Duryea

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this exciting episode of Aviation Mentors, ✈️ hosts Brandon and Carson sit down with Tait Duryea, the CEO of Turbine Capital. Discover Tait's i...

S01E134: Scholarships and Stories from the Sky

04 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for an engaging flight through the latest episode of Aviation Mentors. ✈️ In this enlightening session, we delve into the intricate detail...

S01E133: Aviation News

27 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to this week’s episode of Aviation Mentors, ✈️🛫 where we take flight with the latest headlines in the aviation world. Tune in as we d...

S01E132: I'm Spinning

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dive into the thrilling world of aviation with this episode of Aviation Mentors, where we tackle the complex maneuver known as the spin. ✈️ Unders...

S01E131: Listener Questions (Part 1)

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this enlightening episode of Aviation Mentors, ✈️ we dive deep into the curious minds of our aviation community, addressing the questions you'v...

S01E130: First Real XC

23 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Gear up for an exhilarating episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast as we take you on your First Real Cross Country journey! ✈️ This episode is yo...

S01E129: Common Pilot Misconceptions

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Embark on a journey through the skies ✈️ with the latest episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast,🎙️ where we dispel the clouds of doubt surro...

S01E128: Answering your Questions on Reddit! (Part 9)

16 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for a captivating journey through the skies in the latest episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast ✈️ as we dive into Part 9 of answering R...

S01E127: Answering your Questions on Reddit! (Part 8)

02 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Gear up for another exhilarating dive 🛬 into the depths of aviation curiosity as the Aviation Mentors returns with Part 8 of our Reddit Questions s...

S01E126: Why You Should Runup

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Strap in for an enlightening episode on the Aviation Mentors Podcast ✈️ as we discuss the essential pre-flight ritual – the Runup. Join us as we...

S01E125: Interview with Dave Rohee

24 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Prepare for a captivating journey through the skies ✈️ as we sit down with our guest Dave Rohee in this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast. 🎙...

S01E124: Emergency Procedures

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Aviation Mentors Podcast! 🎙️✈️ In this episode, we delve into the critical topic of Emergency Procedures❗. Join Brandon and ...

S01E123: Answering your Questions on Reddit! (Part 7)

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ready for an exhilarating flight through the corridors of curiosity? ✈️ Join us in the latest episode of the Aviation Mentors as we dive into the ...

S01E122: Spatial Disorientation

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Get ready to strap in for a mind-bending ride on this week's Aviation Mentors episode! In this episode, Carson emphasizes the critical importance of ...

S01E121: Answering your Questions on Reddit (Part 6)

27 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Buckle up for an exhilarating ride in our latest episode of Aviation Mentors, ✈️ where we dive into the vast realm of Reddit to answer YOUR burnin...

S01E120: PIREP

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🛫 Embark on a high-flying adventure with our latest episode, as we soar into the world of aviation mentors and explore the crucial realm of PIREPs ...

S01E119: Old vs New

20 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Fasten your seat belts in this riveting episode of Aviation Mentors. ✈️🛫 We're taking you on a time-travel journey through the skies. ☁️☁...

S01E118: Noise Pollution

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Get ready to soar to new heights with Aviation Mentors as we tackle a topic that's as subtle as a gentle breeze and as pervasive as a jet engine roar—...

S01E117: Unbelievable Aviation Incidents

13 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to Aviation Mentors, where we navigate the skies and share tales from the cockpit! ✈️🛩️ Today's episode takes an unexpected turn...

S01E116: Inside the Student Pilot Experience

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome aboard Aviation Mentors! 🛫 In this high-flying episode, we're taking a trip back to the exhilarating beginnings of joining the aviation com...

S01E115: New Year's Resolution

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

✈️🛩️ Hoist the aviation flags high and fasten your resolution seat belts because in this episode of Aviation Mentors, we're soaring into the ...

S01E114: Facing the FSDO

30 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

✈️🛩️ In this high-flying episode of Aviation Mentors, buckle up as we embark on a journey into the intriguing world of facing the FSDO (Fligh...

S01E113: Airport Security

27 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

🛫 Join us on Aviation Mentors as we unravel the mysterious world of airport security! 👮 In this high-flying episode, we're fastening our seat be...

S01E112: Christmas Special

22 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

🎄✈️ Welcome aboard the festive skies with Aviation Mentors for a jolly Christmas episode! Whether you're tuning in during the holiday buzz or c...

S01E111: Fear of Flying

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Strap in for an exhilarating journey through the clouds on this episode of Aviation Mentors! ✈️🚀 Join us as we take on the turbulence of the mi...

S01E110: Making Flying A Priority

08 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to Aviation Mentors, where we're about to turn your aviation dreams into a first-class reality! 🌟✈️In this episode, we're strappin...

S01E109: Ungrounded: Bringing the Icon Home

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Get ready to soar into the unexpected skies with Aviation Mentors! ✈️ Join us in this episode as we lift the veil on Brandon's to-do list and unra...