The salient point of this episode revolves around the remarkable journey of Marco Bouw, who transitioned from a career in regional airlines to becoming a major airline pilot while also pursuing his passion for aerobatics. Throughout our discourse, we delve into Marco's early inspirations, including his experiences at the Oshkosh Airshow, which ignited his desire to fly. We share insights into the challenges and triumphs associated with our respective aviation paths, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and perseverance in the face of adversity. Notably, Marco recounts a harrowing inciden ..read more

Avination, welcome back to episode 329 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast today’s episode is with my buddy, Mike Pardillo. Mike and I were in the same class at our major airline and were a day apart in our 737 training. In this episode, Mike, talks about why he went the military route, what the Growler life was like and how the transition to 121 life has been ..read more

The Pilot to Pilot Podcast dives deep into the current state of the aviation industry, with host Justin Seams engaging in a thorough discussion with Dr. Jim Higgins, a professor of aviation. The conversation begins with a candid update on the challenges faced by the podcast team, including illness and scheduling difficulties, setting a relatable tone for listeners. As they transition into the heart of the episode, Justin and Jim address the evolving landscape of pilot hiring, particularly focusing on regional airlines. Jim shares insights into how hiring practices have shifted, highlighting a ..read more

Caroline Blaze Jensen, a former Thunderbird pilot and accomplished fighter pilot, shares her incredible journey through aviation, including her experiences flying combat missions and performing in air shows. She emphasizes the importance of determination and resilience, highlighting that success often comes from overcoming failures and learning from them. Caroline discusses the unique pressures of being a military pilot, transitioning from combat to the Thunderbirds, and the significance of teamwork in high-stakes environments. She also reflects on her role as a mentor and inspiration for the ..read more

Zean Nielsen, the CEO of Cirrus, joins Justin on the Pilot to Pilot podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of general aviation and the exciting innovations at Cirrus, including the recently launched G7. Nielsen emphasizes the significant investment Cirrus is making in research and development to enhance safety and customer experience. He shares insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by the current aviation market, particularly in light of regional travel needs exacerbated by the pandemic. The conversation also touches on the potential of electric vertical takeoff and landi ..read more

Bob Werderich, a professional pilot and executive vice president of Spartan Flight Operations, shares his inspiring journey into aviation, emphasizing the importance of personal connections in flight training. He discusses how his early experiences with his father, a pilot for North Central Airlines, shaped his love for flying, leading him to a career he never initially intended to pursue. As he reflects on his transition from sports to aviation, Bob highlights the significance of adapting to challenges and the value of teaching in a personalized manner. The conversation delves into the evolut ..read more

Bob Wardorek, a professional pilot and executive vice president of Spartan Flight Operations, shares his inspiring journey into aviation, emphasizing the importance of personal connections in flight training. He discusses how his early experiences with his father, a pilot for North Central Airlines, shaped his love for flying, leading him to a career he never initially intended to pursue. As he reflects on his transition from sports to aviation, Bob highlights the significance of adapting to challenges and the value of teaching in a personalized manner. The conversation delves into the evoluti ..read more

Darren Byrd, a dedicated airline pilot with nearly two decades of experience, recounts his inspirational journey into the aviation industry, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Starting with a childhood fascination for flight simulators, Darren's desire to become a pilot was initially stifled by self-doubt regarding his math skills and eyesight. It wasn't until his wife pushed him to pursue his dream that he embarked on the rigorous training required to become a commercial pilot. The discussion covers the intricacies of his flight training experience, emphasizing the need ..read more

Maya Shpak, CEO of SkyPath, shares her journey from a military helicopter pilot to leading an innovative aviation technology company focused on turbulence reporting. With a unique app likened to "Waze for turbulence," SkyPath empowers pilots by harnessing real-time data to enhance flight safety and comfort. Maya discusses her passion for flying, the thrill of helicopter aviation, and the importance of teamwork in the cockpit. The conversation also highlights the challenges of introducing new technology to the traditional aviation industry, emphasizing the need for collaboration among airlines ..read more

Tom Heidema, an experienced American Airlines pilot, shares his incredible journey from becoming a flight instructor to navigating the highs and lows of his aviation career, including a life-altering cardiac arrest. He discusses the importance of maintaining health and fitness as a pilot, emphasizing that flying is just one part of a more significant identity. The episode details his near-death experience and the profound insights he gained about family and life beyond aviation. Tom also highlights essential qualities sought in pilot candidates during the hiring process, such as technical prof ..read more