Aviation Mentors

Why Student Pilots and CFIs Should Attend AeroSummit 2026

16 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down everything you need to know about AeroSummit 2026, happening May 20 thr...

Runway Incursions and Airline Collapses: What Happens to Your Pilot Career?

09 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Runway incursions, airline bankruptcies, and what it all means for your future in the cockpit. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, ...

Is an Aviation Degree Still Worth It? Plus Drones and Flight Fear

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Do you really need a degree to fly for a major airline, or is that advice completely outdated? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, ...

The Smelly Cockpit Problem

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Hygiene in the cockpit — it's the conversation nobody wants to have, but every pilot, CFI, and flight school owner eventually faces. 🛩️In this ...

War, Fuel Prices, and GPS Spoofing

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

War, fuel prices, and GPS threats—how is global conflict reshaping general aviation right now? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast...

Are Pilots AI-Proof? Answering Your Biggest Flight Training Questions

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Are pilots truly safe from AI replacing their jobs — and how do you actually make flight training work in real life? ✈️In this episode of the Av...

Pizza Delivery to Phenom 300: Shaun Dawson's Pilot Story

03 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

From delivering pizzas as a teenager to earning a Phenom 300 type rating — Shaun Dawson's pilot journey is one every GA pilot needs to hear. ✈️I...

Flight Training Is Hard: Here's How to Handle the Obstacles Most Students Face

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Flight training costs, location choices, and bouncing back from bad lessons—your biggest questions, answered. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation ...

Mayday in a Warzone: When ATC Can't Save You

21 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Mayday calls, closed airspace, and no place to land — what do you do when ATC tells you "I don't know what to tell you"? ✈️In this episode of th...

From $7,300 in 9 Months to $100K: The Real Airline Pilot Salary Story

07 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

From $7,300 in 9 months to breaking $100K. What does the real airline pilot career path actually look like? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Ment...

The Real Reason 80% of Student Pilots Never Finish Training

28 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Flight training is tough — but are student pilots set up to fail before they even start? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Bran...

Do You Actually Need an ATP to Fly Commercially? The Answer Might Surprise You

21 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Do you actually need an ATP to fly commercially? The answer depends on how you're flying — and it might surprise you. ✈️In this episode of the A...

Is the DPE Shortage a Myth? PilExOS CEO Adam Shimmens Reveals What's Really Happening

14 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Is there really a DPE shortage, or is aviation facing an efficiency problem? And how is technology transforming flight training and check rides? ✈️...

You Know You're A CFI When... (Part 5)

31 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Should CFIs stay silent or intervene? Paper charts or electronic flight bags? When's the right time for turning stalls? ✈️In this episode of the A...

Listener Questions (Part 13)

24 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Should student pilots pay extra for glass cockpit trainers, or stick with steam gauges to save money? What about learning Class Bravo procedures early...

FAA Medical Certification with Dr. Daniel Monlux: What Every Student Pilot Needs to Know

18 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

FAA medical certification—what every pilot needs to know before their first (or next) aviation medical exam. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation M...

Garmin Autoland's First Real Emergency: Right Decision or Dangerous Precedent?

03 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Aviation history was made—but should it have been? The first real emergency Autoland sparks massive debate. ✈️On December 20, 2025, Garmin's Eme...

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...