Stuck Mic AvCast

Aviation may operate some of the most technologically advanced machines in the world, but when an aircraft breaks far from home, finding help can still come down to one question:

“Who do you know?”

In this episode of Stuck Mic AvCast, Carl Valeri sits down with aviation maintenance and operations veteran Doug Taylor to explore why our industry remains so dependent on personal relationships, recommendations, phone calls, Facebook groups, LinkedIn, and word of mouth.

Doug brings more than 35 years of aviation experience as an A&P technician, Director of Maintenance, aircraft operator, business owner, and aviation executive. That experience has given him a unique view of the disconnects that continue to exist between pilots, maintenance professionals, flight departments, operators, and service providers.

Rather than simply discussing another aviation startup, we look at a much bigger question:

Can we make aviation more connected without losing the trusted relationships that make this industry special?

Links:

https://avtopia.com/

The post SMAC361 Why Aviation Still Runs on “Who You Know” — Doug Taylor appeared first on Stuck Mic AvCast.

For many pilots, one of the biggest questions after earning a certificate—or while building experience—is how to get consistent access to an airplane.

Should you keep renting? Join a flying club? Or take the leap into aircraft ownership?

Each option comes with advantages, tradeoffs, and costs that go well beyond the hourly rental rate or aircraft purchase price.

In this episode of Stuck Mic AvCast, we break down the practical considerations pilots should think about before deciding whether to buy, rent, or join a flying club.

Picks Of The Week:

Carl – MyClipMulti Kneeboard, Universal Phone & Tablet KNEEBOARD – https://link.amazon/B0cVMz4Ur 

Leslie – Pilot Workshops “Pilot’s Legal Guide”

https://pilotworkshop.com/products/pilots-legal-guide-pfm

Alex – https://www.instagram.com/its.heraltitude/

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The post SMAC360 Own, Rent, or Flying Club? appeared first on Stuck Mic AvCast.

You just landed after a challenging flight when the controller says, ‘Possible pilot deviation—advise you contact the facility.’ What should you do next? Should you immediately make the call? Should you explain what happened? And could your pilot certificate be at risk?

A possible pilot deviation does not automatically mean the end of your flying career. Your immediate priority is operating the aircraft safely. After landing, slow down, document what happened, understand your reporting deadlines and obtain qualified guidance before making decisions that could affect your certificate or career.

Links:

https://pilotcounsel.com/ 

One on One Career Coaching:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/

We will help you define your goals and create a plan to land your dream job.

Mentorship:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/mentorship/

Receive one month access to the mentorship community free using the coupon code “CoachItForward”

The post SMAC359 How to Handle a Pilot Deviation with Aviation Attorney Chris Pezalla appeared first on Stuck Mic AvCast.

What does an FAA Flight Inspection Pilot actually do, and how does this specialized work help keep the National Airspace System safe?

In this episode of the Stuck Mic AvCast, Carl Valeri interviews Russ Roslewski about his career as an FAA Flight Inspection Pilot. Russ takes us behind the scenes of flight inspection missions and explains how pilots and mission specialists evaluate the navigational facilities, instrument procedures, and systems used by aircraft throughout the aviation system.

We discuss the qualifications needed to pursue this unique aviation career, the FAA hiring process, the aircraft and equipment used during missions, and what a typical flight inspection assignment may involve.

Russ also shares memorable experiences from his career and offers practical advice for pilots interested in working for the FAA or exploring aviation careers beyond the airlines.

Take the Next Step in Your Aviation Career

Are you trying to determine the best path toward your aviation career goals?

Join our coaching and mentorship programs for personalized career guidance, interview preparation, accountability, and support from experienced aviation professionals.

Learn more:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/

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The post SMAC358 Life Of An FAA Flight Inspection Pilot appeared first on Stuck Mic AvCast.

Today we will discuss aging challenges and provide tools to continue flying as you, your friends, or learners approach and navigate the golden years.

There is no mandatory retirement age for General Aviation (GA) pilots flying non-commercial aircraft in the U.S. While airline pilots face a strict mandatory retirement age of 65, GA pilots simply need to hold a valid medical certificate and maintain proficiency to continue flying.

Medical Considerations: FAA Medical/Basic Med/Transition to Sport Pilot?

Insurance Considerations

Adjusting to the Aging Process (short summary of AOPA’s Aging & the GA Pilot course)

Vision

· Yearly eye exam

· Low-level white light vs red at night

· Haze-cutting prescription sunglasses

· ADSB-in for situational awareness

Hearing

· Noise cancelling headset, hearing aids?

· “Say again”

· LiveATC.net, scripts, role-playing

Endurance

· Regular physicals, lab work, check meds

· Regular exercise and mobility exercises

· Time of day: mornings/late afternoons for smoother air, avoid after lunch

· Eating/drinking: Coffee, hydration, snacks, shorter legs

· Lack of rest = Early onset fatigue

Memory

· Use a notepad/pen especially when talking to ATC

· Mornings are generally best

· Consider flying with friends

Decision Making

· Thorough preflight, think about different scenarios and contingency plans

· Always know where you are at

· Always have a Plan B

Studies show that experience plays a huge role in offsetting cognitive decline in older pilots.

Fly regularly & actively

Adjusting personal minimums as needed

Go above & beyond with recurrent training (yearly flight review and IPC, WINGS, seek out a new rating)

Regularly & honestly assess your skills beyond stick & rudder (memory, information processing, decision making, task saturation)

When should the aging pilot slow down, or call it quits?

How to keep flying even when you must call it quits?

Find a friend to fly with.

Training for another rating to keep sharp even if you can’t use the rating.

Find an instructor who needs to build hours and take them on a cross country flight and buy them lunch.

After Landing Checklist:

Pick Of The Week:

Leslie – AOPA Rusty Pilots Program: In-person seminars, webinars, and online course

https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/lapsed-pilots/rusty-pilots

Carl –

https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/safety-spotlights/aging-gracefully

Alex – The MOSAIC Rule in plain English

Mad Props Aero

https://youtu.be/cfRy6VRcr6w?si=czthhgO06Scu0HsL

Russ – A Higher Call by Adam Makos: https://www.amazon.com/Higher-Call-Incredible-Chivalry-War-Torn-ebook/dp/B0095ZQ36G/

Links

https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/MOSAIC

https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/fact_sheets/MOSAIC_Fact_Sheet.pdf

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/

Coaching, Courses, and Scholarships.

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

https://FlySnf.org 2027 – April 6-11

The post SMAC357 The Aging Pilot appeared first on Stuck Mic AvCast.