Plongez dans la liste complète des épisodes de The Aerpod. Chaque épisode est catalogué accompagné de descriptions détaillées, ce qui facilite la recherche et l'exploration de sujets spécifiques. Suivez tous les épisodes de votre podcast préféré et ne manquez aucun contenu pertinent.
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Titre
Date
Durée
Who Makes Aviation Safe? (Not The FAA)
26 Nov 2025
01:28:20
In this episode of The Aerpod, former FAA executive director of aircraft certification Earl Lawrence breaks down how safety, regulation, and innovation actually work inside aviation. Earl shares stories from his time at the FAA, EAA, and Joby Aviation. He reveals how MOSAIC, UAS integration, and eVTOL aircraft are reshaping the industry.
You'll learn: - How aircraft certification and manufacturing are changing under MOSAIC - What it really takes to bring drones and eVTOLs into the national airspace - Why collaboration between regulators, industry, and pilots is key to safety - The future of advanced air mobility with companies like Joby
In this episode of The Aerpod, host Mitchell Banks talks with Julia Rivera, a former KC-10 boom operator and flight engineer whose career bridges both manned and unmanned operations. Julia shares how she found aviation through family influence, why she chose the enlisted route, and what it was like training on one of the most capable refueling platforms ever built.
She breaks down the debate around reducing cockpit crews and human-factors risks behind proposed single-pilot airline operations. Julia offers an inside look at modern ISR and remotely-piloted aircraft, describing how crewed UAS missions work, how “no-blink” 24-hour operations are planned, and why complacency is one of the biggest threats in both manned and unmanned aviation.
Finally, Julia discusses how military aviation opened doors to Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania, and her current master’s work in national security policy at Duke. She offers practical advice for veterans, aspiring aviators, and anyone considering a career in the U.S. Armed Forces.
In this episode of The AirPod, host Mitchell Banks interviews Colin Dunne, a jet broker with experience in both the US and European markets. They discuss the evolving landscape of private jet sales, including the changing demographics of buyers, the differences between first-time and experienced owners, and the unique challenges of selling high-value assets. Colin shares insights on the importance of building a reputation in the industry, the impact of technology on transactions, and the future of aviation with a focus on sustainability. The conversation highlights the significance of networking and personal relationships in achieving long-term success in the aviation sector.
International Cargo Pilot - The Best Job In Aviation?
22 Oct 2025
01:18:38
In this episode, Austin Greenheck shares his journey from learning to fly in Minot, North Dakota, to becoming a first officer on a Boeing 777 freighter. He discusses his diverse flying experiences, including corporate flying and flying warbirds like the P-51 Mustang. Austin emphasizes the importance of quality of life in aviation careers, the challenges of the current pilot market, and the significance of learning from every experience. He also provides insights into the role of designated pilot examiners and the future of single-pilot operations in aviation.
In this episode of the The Aerpod podcast, host Mitchell Banks speaks with Colton Whitesell, a flight instructor and corporate pilot, about his journey in aviation. They discuss the various pathways to becoming a pilot, the importance of flight training, and the challenges faced in the industry. Colton shares his experiences transitioning from flight instruction to corporate aviation, the significance of networking, and the current state of the aviation industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for continuous learning, the impact of the 1500-hour rule, and the importance of humility in aviation.
In this episode of The Aerpod, host Mitchell Banks speaks with Spencer Bailey, a paramedic turned helicopter pilot whose career has spanned emergency medical flights, offshore oil operations, and utility inspection. Spencer shares what it’s really like to fly air medical missions, how EMS pilots balance urgency with safety, and what the public often misunderstands about helicopter operations. He also explains the unique demands of low-level utility flying, the progression from flight school to turbine time, and his advice for anyone looking to build a career in rotorcraft aviation.
Inside The Most Unforgiving Job In Aviation | Coast Guard Search & Rescue
11 Mar 2026
01:49:41
In this episode of The Aerpod, Mitchell sits down with Russ Torgerson, a retired Coast Guard helicopter pilot and rescue swimmer whose career spanned decades of search and rescue missions at sea. Russ shares what it’s really like operating in environments where the weather, the ocean, and the mission itself can all push a crew to the limit.
From ship-based helicopter operations to moments where seconds meant the difference between disaster and survival, Russ walks through the realities of Coast Guard aviation and the responsibility that comes with launching into the unknown.
In this episode: - What Coast Guard aviation actually does day-to-day - The unique challenges of the Coast Guard's operational environment - The importance of Crew Resource Management in high-risk environments - The difference between Coast Guard aviation and other military flight communities - Lessons learned from both great leaders and the leaders who got it wrong - The emotional toll of losing friends in aviation - What civilian and fixed-wing aviators can learn from Coast Guard helicopter operations
About the guest: Russ Torgerson is a retired Coast Guard helicopter pilot, C-130 pilot, and rescue swimmer with decades of experience flying search and rescue missions, maritime patrols, and ship-based helicopter operations. Throughout his career, Russ operated in some of the most demanding environments in aviation, working closely with rescue swimmers and flight crews to conduct lifesaving missions at sea. Russ is also a recipient of the Coast Guard Achievement Medal for superior performance of duty. Today, he shares lessons from leadership, aviation safety, and the realities of flying missions where the outcome is never guaranteed.
Fit to Fly? | Your Health Could Cost You Your Career
25 Feb 2026
01:10:19
Health decline in aviation is common, and most pilots don't notice until it becomes an issue during their medical.
In this episode, I sit down with commercial pilot and pilot fitness coach Josh Ageeb to talk about the biggest health risks facing aviation professionals today.
We break down the slow creep of fatigue, weight gain, and burnout, and why losing your medical is often the result of small habits compounded over time, not one catastrophic event.
We talk about:
- Why 8 hours of sleep doesn’t mean you’re actually recovered - The downward spiral of fatigue and caffeine dependence - Why you don’t need to be 10% body fat to perform at a high level - The connection between physical health and cognitive performance - Why accountability is the missing piece for most pilots - The ego problem that keeps pilots stuck - How small habits compound into career longevity
If you're just starting your aviation journey and want to develop habits for the long haul, or are approaching the end of an illustrious career and want to maintain your medical through retirement, this episode is for you.
Pilot Resumes Matter | Why Qualified Pilots Aren't Being Hired
11 Feb 2026
01:37:03
Airline hiring has shifted and a lot of pilots haven’t caught up.
In this episode, I sit down with resume expert and aviation recruiter Carolynn from pilotresumes.com to talk about what’s really happening behind the scenes in today’s hiring market.
We break down the difference between being qualified on paper and being hireable in practice, and why those are not the same thing.
We talk about:
- Why we’re in a company hiring market, not a candidate market - How airlines actually evaluate checkride failures - What recruiters are screening for beyond flight time - The psychology of interviews (and the answers recruiters hear over and over) - Whether flight school reputation really matters - The truth about 141 vs 61 programs - Why some “qualified” pilots never get a call back - What companies are really trying to avoid in training
If you’re a student pilot, CFI, regional FO, or aiming for a legacy, this conversation is invaluable to your career journey.
777 Pilot & DPE Answers YOUR Questions | The Aerpod Q&A
28 Jan 2026
00:45:06
Austin is back.
After his first appearance became the most-watched full-length episode on The Aerpod, we went straight to the comments and brought him back to answer them.
Austin is a Boeing 777 First Officer at Atlas Air and a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). In this Q&A episode, we dig into checkride pass rates, common DPE myths, Atlas Air schedules and pay, gateway commuting, and more.
In this episode:
- Why the private pilot checkride now has the lowest pass rate - What DPEs really look for on a checkride (and why the ACS matters) - Why “shopping for an easy DPE” usually backfires - How Austin became a DPE at a young age - Atlas Air schedules, minimum guarantee, and reserve life - Gateway travel and living outside base (including internationally) - Why some pilots choose cargo over the majors - The realities of widebody flying, fatigue, and long-range decision-making
A License To Learn | Secrets of Aviation Maintenance
14 Jan 2026
01:01:23
In this episode of The Aerpod, Mitchell sits down with Creighton Johannes, an A&P mechanic and Director of Maintenance who’s worked on everything from light GA aircraft to King Airs, Gulfstreams, and helicopters. Creighton breaks down what aviation maintenance really looks like day to day, what pilots often misunderstand about maintenance, and why an A&P license is often described as a license to learn.
From training pathways and accelerated programs to corrosion, deferred maintenance, and human factors, this conversation offers an inside look at the people who keep aircraft airworthy and the responsibility that comes with it.
In this episode:
What A&P school is actually like—and why hands-on time matters
Why the A&P license lets mechanics work across aircraft types immediately
How aviation maintenance differs from automotive and diesel work
The biggest misconceptions pilots have about maintenance timelines
Why corrosion is one of the most dangerous and overlooked threats in GA
How maintenance culture has evolved around safety and human factors
The realities of parts shortages, salvage yards, and traceability
Differences between Part 91, 135, and 121 maintenance standards
Career paths, pay expectations, and progression for A&P mechanics
Why networking matters just as much for maintainers as it does for pilots
Advice for students, career-changers, and aspiring aircraft mechanics
About the guest:
Creighton Johannes is an A&P mechanic and Director of Maintenance based in Arizona. He has experience across general aviation, charter operations, and helicopters, including factory training on the Bell 407. Creighton brings a practical, safety-first perspective to aviation maintenance and mentorship for the next generation of mechanics.
The Aviation Career You Weren't Told About | Flight Test Engineer
08 Apr 2026
00:57:28
In this episode of The Aerpod, Mitchell sits down with former NASA engineer and Test Pilot School graduate Kate Gunderson to talk about what it actually takes to break into (and succeed in) one of the most competitive and misunderstood fields in aviation.
Kate shares her journey from student to engineer, the surprising culture of NASA, the challenges that test pilots face, and why the stereotype of what a career in engineering looks like is completely wrong. This conversation gives a behind-the-scenes look at the people building and testing the systems that keep aviation moving forward.
In this episode:
- What aerospace engineering actually looks like day-to-day - The biggest misconceptions about becoming an engineer - Why many people feel like they don’t “fit” the industry stereotype - How young engineers are given real responsibility early in their careers - How the landscape of space launches have changed - The importance of honesty and accountability for flight test engineers and pilots - Why small details are often what separate top performers - Lessons from test pilot school - Advice for students and aspiring engineers looking to break into the field
About the guest: Kate Gunderson is a mechanical and aerospace engineer with experience in both government and private-sector aviation programs. She provided engineering support to a fleet of more than 20 aircraft at NASA's Johnson Space Center, flew hundreds of hours aboard two Gulfstream aircraft as NASA’s youngest Flight Science Officer aircrew member, and left her dream career at NASA for a full-ride fellowship at the National Test Pilot School in California. She holds a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology and a Master's in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech.
Kate passionate about breaking down barriers in the field and helping guide others on the pathways into aviation and aerospace careers. She shares her journey on her website, https://katelyngunderson.com/, and her Instagram page, https://www.instagram.com/theplanekate/
The Hidden Science Behind Aviation Accidents | Human Factors Engineering
25 Mar 2026
01:27:37
In this episode of The Aerpod, Mitchell sits down with Vanesa Miksa, a Human Factors engineer at Boeing and pilot, to break down the hidden science behind how pilots interact with aircraft and why many aviation accidents aren’t just “pilot error,” but systematic failures in disguise.
Vanesa shares how cockpit design, automation, and airspace systems are all built around human limitations, and what happens when those systems fail to account for how people actually think, process information, and make decisions under pressure.
From automation and ATC workload to confirmation bias and cockpit design flaws, this conversation dives into the real reasons mistakes happen in aviation and what can be done to prevent them.
In this episode:
- What “human factors” is and why it matters more than ever - How poor system design can lead to “pilot error” accidents - The role of human limitations in ATC workload and airspace congestion - Why more technology can sometimes increase workload instead of reducing it - How automation improves safety and when it can become dangerous - The importance of “human in the loop” testing in aircraft design - Common cognitive errors like confirmation bias and normalization of deviance - Why complacency is one of the biggest threats in general aviation - The debate around single-pilot cockpits and the future of automation - How training, decision-making, and experience shape pilot safety outcomes
About the guest: Vanesa Miksa is a Human Factors engineer at Boeing with a background in psychology and a Master’s degree in Human Factors from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She is also a pilot and flight instructor, combining technical expertise with real-world flying experience to help design systems that align with human capabilities and limitations. Vanesa focuses on improving cockpit design, pilot interaction, and overall aviation safety through human-centered engineering.
The REAL Cost of Private Aviation | A Peek Behind The Curtain
22 Apr 2026
01:32:24
In this episode of The Aerpod, Mitchell sits down with Preston Holland to break down the economics behind private aviation and why so many pilots, owners, and even high-net-worth individuals completely misunderstand how it actually works.
Preston shares how he built one of the most valuable audiences in aviation by sharing a peek behind the curtain of aircraft ownership, operating costs, and charter.
From NetJets and fractional ownership to the psychology behind why people choose to fly private, this conversation challenges the way most people think about cost, value, and decision-making in aviation.
In this episode:
- The biggest misconceptions about private aircraft ownership - How NetJets became the dominant player in fractional aviation - Why even ultra-wealthy individuals struggle to justify private flying - Why “dollars per hour” is the wrong way to evaluate private aviation - How Preston built a high-value audience through transparency - The benefits of fractional ownership vs charter vs full ownership - Why private aviation decisions aren’t purely financial - The "empty leg" problem in charter and how to solve it - How the industry actually works behind the scenes
About the guest: Preston Holland is founder and president of Prestige Aircraft finance, cofounder of FastJets, cohost of The VIP Seat podcast, and author of the Private Jet Insider newsletter. He built a following of over 27,000 on Twitter/X sharing transparent pricing information about private jet ownership and has interviewed some of the industry's biggest players on his podcast.
You can find out more about Preston here: https://prestigefinance.com/ https://www.thevipseat.com/ https://fastjets.com/ https://prestonholland.com/
This Aviation Industry Affects Everything | The Economy of Helicopters
06 May 2026
01:19:42
In this episode of The Aerpod, Mitchell sits down with Halsey Schider, CEO of Sellacopter and North American Aircraft Brokerage, to explore one of the most visible and most overlooked corners of aviation.
Halsey shares what he’s learned from both flying and brokering helicopters, how deals really come together, and where buyers and sellers consistently get it wrong. From pricing psychology to market timing, to the people and equipment that quietly impact every part of the US economy.
In this episode:
- The who and why of buying helicopters - The biggest misconceptions buyers have going into a purchase - Transforming an outdated and broken sales process - Lessons from transitioning from pilot to business owner - How COVID temporarily disrupted supply, demand, and pricing - The impact of global unrest on the helicopter market - Helicopter pilot careers vs fixed wing alternatives - How the industry can improve - Influencer-fueled helicopter renaissance
About the guest: Halsey Schider is the CEO of Sellacopter, an aircraft brokerage focused on buying and selling helicopters across a wide range of missions and operators. A former professional helicopter pilot, Halsey brings firsthand operational experience along with deep insight into aircraft transactions, market dynamics, and client strategy. He has worked with private owners and commercial operators navigating complex aircraft purchases and sales.
Halsey is also the host of The Helicopter Podcast where he digs deep into the people, equipment, and operations behind the helicopter industry.
You can work with Halsey and his team at Sellacopter and North American Aircraft Brokerage (fixed-wing) here: https://sellacopter.com/ https://www.northamericanaircraft.com/
You can listen to The Helicopter Podcast here: https://verticalhelicasts.com/the-helicopter-podcast/