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What does it take to walk away from a two-decade law enforcement career — including 13 years on SWAT — and start over as a pilot? Josh Schirard did exactly that, and in this episode he breaks down every step of the journey.

Josh is now a corporate pilot flying Hawker 800s and Lear 60s, a professional skydiver with the REMAX Skydive team, and the author of the upcoming book Burn Your Boats. He's also one of the most thoughtful guests we've had on the show when it comes to the mindset side of aviation.

In this episode we talk about:

• How skydiving pulled him back into aviation after years away
• His ATP flight training experience — the good, the hard, and what he'd do differently
• How SWAT-level decision-making and crew resource management overlap more than you'd think
• Building flight time as a jump pilot and why he skipped the CFI route
• How he landed his first corporate gig through pure networking
• Whether the airlines are in his future — and why he keeps his options open
• His philosophy on personal minimums, comfort zones, and why you need to push the gap between the two

Whether you're thinking about a career change into aviation, grinding through your ratings, or already flying professionally and wondering what's next — this episode is for you.

Happy Flying, 
Justin

Most pilots dream of smooth 10,000-foot runways.

Tyler Flagg trained to land a 30,000-pound aircraft on a 25-foot dirt strip… in total darkness.

After 9/11 changed his life trajectory, Tyler went from zero aviation background to flying Special Operations missions around the globe. With minimal information and maximum responsibility, he deployed into multiple combat theaters — moving elite teams into places most people will never see on a map.

In this episode:

1. The unconventional path into Air Force Special Ops
2. What it feels like to deploy with barely 250 flight hours
3. Flying through Saharan fuel-risk zones and Pacific icing
4. The culture differences inside military aviation
5. Why humility matters more than ego in elite units
6. Building a company after walking away from a “dream job”

This one is raw, honest, and packed with perspective.

Sign up today The Flying Company

Podcast Title:

Building the Ultimate Flight Simulator: Inside Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 with Jorg Neumann & Sebastian Wloch

Podcast Description:

Join host Justin Seams as he sits down with Jorg Neumann (Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator) and Sebastian Wloch (CEO of Asobo Studio) for an in-depth look at one of aviation's most influential training tools. Discover how Microsoft Flight Simulator has evolved since its 2020 release, with groundbreaking additions like career mode, wake turbulence simulation, and photorealistic graphics that even fool experienced pilots.

In this episode, Jorg and Sebastian share behind-the-scenes stories about:

• Working with real test pilots from Boom Supersonic, Red Bull Air Race, and Boeing
• The painstaking process of achieving 99.9% realism in atmospheric lighting
• Simulating complex airport ground operations with thousands of moving parts
• How Flight Simulator inspires the next generation of pilots (an estimated 50% of all pilots started with the sim!)
• Partnerships with manufacturers like Boeing for virtual airplane training programs
• The future of flight simulation as a legitimate pilot training tool

Whether you're a seasoned pilot, aspiring aviator, or passionate sim enthusiast, this conversation reveals the incredible dedication and innovation behind the game that continues to spark the aviation bug in millions worldwide.

Avination welcome back to episode 255 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today is the last re run as we have new content coming next week! Today is a rerelease or two of my least favorite people on IG 😂. They are some cool people living everyone’s dream of owning a vintage Cessna 182!

Avination, welcome back to episode 254. Amy just recently was hired as a regional pilot. Listen to her story to see how she got to where she is today.

Episode 253 Takes off now! Avination, welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Todays episode is with Pietro who was the first pilot to receive his first class medical with Type 1 Diabetes

Avination, welcome back to episode 251 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast! Todays episode is with, Anthony Pentz Anthony and I graduated from Ohio State together and it’s been so cool to see him build up Foxtrot Aviation! To learn more about Anthony check out todays episode.

Pilot to Pilot episode 251. So you’re an Instrument pilot and want to know what to do next? Well this episode is for you! https://1stphorm.com/collections/meal-replacement-proteins/products/power-pro-bar/?A_AID=Jsiems

Avination, welcome back to episode 250 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Todays episode is a State of the Industry podcast with Jim Higgins!

Avination! Today is an AMA episode, where I answer your questions! Make sure you’re following Pilot to Pilot on Instagram so you can have your question answered on the next AMA. https://1stphorm.com/products/vegan-power-pro-bar/?a_aid=JSiems

Best protein bars https://1stphorm.com/products/vegan-power-pro-bar/?a_aid=JSiems Episode 248 with Captain Moonbeam! Kitchen chronicles is still upon us. New content coming soon!

Check out the best Protein Bars of all time https://1stphorm.com/products/vegan-power-pro-bar/?a_aid=JSiems Avination, welcome back to episode 247 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast! Todays episode is with Jace Brennan, a 19 year old PC12 pilot. This is a re release and Jace has since moved to Hawaii where he is still flying a PC12!

Avination, welcome back to episode 246 of the Pilot o Pilot podcast. Todays episode is with Jeremy Grodin. Jeremy built his time by flying corporate in hopes to land his dream flying job.

In this powerful Thanksgiving episode, host Justin Siems sits down with A320 Captain Jake Tishman to discuss one of the most inspiring aviation journeys you'll hear. Jake shares his decade-long battle with an autoimmune disease that threatened to derail his dream of becoming an airline pilot at every turn—from getting medically disqualified from the Naval Academy to facing multiple surgeries and hospital stays while trying to complete his flight training.

Despite the setbacks, Jake persevered through:

• Multiple hospitalizations during college and flight training
• Completing all his ratings from instrument through CFI/CFII in just 5.5 months
• Taking medical leave from his first airline job
• Navigating the corporate aviation world when airlines rejected his applications
• Finally landing at his current carrier after nearly giving up

This episode goes beyond the typical aviation career story to explore resilience, gratitude, and finding perspective through adversity. Jake's candid discussion about learning to appreciate the smallest victories—even just having the energy to get out of the car—offers valuable lessons for anyone facing challenges in their career or life.

Whether you're a student pilot facing obstacles, an instructor dealing with setbacks, or an airline pilot who rushed through training, Jake's story reminds us all to appreciate where we are and recognize that our unique paths shape who we become.

Plus, there's plenty of good-natured ribbing about Ohio State vs. Florida State football, corporate aviation perks, and the reality of chasing airline seniority numbers.

Avination, what is going on and welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Todays episode is with James Heath. James is a regional pilot who left to become an air traffic controller!

Avination, welcome to episode 244 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today we are announcing a new podcast called, PilotCheckride. Hosted by DPE, Stuart Cory! Today, Stuart tells us his five best tips for a successful Checkride

Avination, we have some exciting news. We are launching a new podcast under the Pilot to Pilot Brand. Here is the first episode of the State of the Industry podcast, featuring Jim Higgins!

Avination, welcome back to episode 242 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today is a re release of Kim Kissh. Check out her path to becoming a corporate Pilot!

The award winning Autoland technology gets an in-depth interview. Find out what Autoland means for General Aviation and the future of aviation.

Avination, welcome back to episode 240 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Todays episode is with CFI and content creator, Rich Rafferty. Rich didn’t know he wanted to become a pilot until a google search of high paying jobs without a degree. He then took an intro flight and was hooked. Learn more about Rich in todays episode. Make sure to follow him on Instagram @rich__rafferty. Happy flying!

Avination, this is episode 239 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today we are answering all of your questions about Fractional aviation from pay to schedule to QOL.

Avination, welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast, this is episode 238. Todays podcast is an AMA. I answer all your questions!

Avination, welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast episode 237. Todays episode was supposed to be released last Tuesday. But we had technical difficulties and it is not just being released. Maybe it works out for the best. Because my dad has shared his September 11th story.

Avination, welcome to episode 150 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast featuring, Diane Dollar. Find why Diane decided to join the Coast Guard, become a helicopter pilot, fixed wing pilot, sky diver. As you are listening to this episode you will fully understand why her Instagram name is Foreveronthefly and its safe to say, if it can fly, Diane can fly it. Happy Flying, Justin 2021 is the year of Patreon! Join today patreon.com/pilottopilot

Former Air Force F-15 pilot Roy “Deacon” Qualls shares incredible stories from a 38-year aviation career that includes scrambling to intercept Air Force One on 9/11, crash-landing a burning OV-10 at McCarran Airport, and taking NFL legend Drew Brees for the ride of his life.

In this episode, Deacon reveals:

• How watching Top Gun literally changed his life in four days—from graduate student to Air Force recruit

• Landing a flaming OV-10 off-runway in Las Vegas after being given the wrong winds

• The Vice President’s authorization to shoot down aircraft on 9/11 and what it was like scrambling to intercept Air Force One

• Transitioning from F-15s to Boeing 777s—his first landing of anything bigger than a fighter was a triple seven at Charles de Gaulle with 290 passengers

• Why Drew Brees asked to pull MORE Gs and what made him such an incredible person to fly with

Deacon just released his book “Pilot’s Edge: Think, Train, and Fly Like a Pro” with 25% of profits funding aviation scholarships for the next generation.

Happy Flying,

Justin

Avination, welcome back to episode 236 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Todays episode is a day in the life for my companies training. I explain what AQP is and how and why my company is able to use it being a 135, 91/91k operation!

Avination, welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast. This is episode 235 featuring Captain Joe. Joe made the trip all the way from Germany to check out EAA AirVenture for the first time! S/O to Cirrus for letting us use their booth to record

Avination, episode 234 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast takes off now. Todays episode is with AOPAs ne training initiative AFTA. AFTA aka AOPA Flight Training Advantage is a structured training program for part 61 schools!

Avination, welcome back to episode 233 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Todays episode is with Cirrus CEO, Zean Nielsen. It was so great to talk with Zean and learn more about his story, and his plans for Cirrus.

Avination welcome back to the Pilot to Pilot podcast. This episode is the very first live podcast we have done. And I promise you it won’t be the last! AirVenture was a success, met some great new people and of course great to see old friends. Hope you enjoy this episode.

Avination, what is going on and welcome to episode 232 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Todays episode is with Ty Burlingham. Ty has an awesome story and has flown some amazing equipment and had crazy schedules. Think being gone for 330 days a year crazy.

Avination, have you ever wanted to know what it’s like to fly ag planes? Todays archived episode is for you. My buddy Reed Keahey comes on the podcast to share his story.

Avination, welcome to episode 230 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Todays episode is a State of the Industry podcast with, Dr. Jim Higgins. In this episode we cover pay rates, future mergers and much more.

Avination, welcome back to episode 229 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today, is an AMA episode make sure you follow Pilot to Pilot on Instagram so you can have your question answered next time!

Avination, welcome back to the pilot to pilot podcast. This is episode 228, a day in the life of a fractional pilot. Today I talk about a trip to the Bahamas and a trip to Costa Rica.

In this state-of-the-industry episode, host Justin Seals sits down with Dr. Jim Higgins, Professor of Aviation at the University of North Dakota, to break down what's really happening in aviation right now.

They cover:

• Why hiring has slowed and what it means for aspiring pilots
• Boeing's production increase from 38 to 42 jets—and why that signals major changes ahead
• Spirit Airlines' double bankruptcy and what it reveals about low-cost carrier economics
• The government shutdown's impact on air traffic control and safety
• Privatization of ATC: Is it the answer?
• The $725 billion backlog of aircraft orders
• What pilot contract negotiations will look like when money's already good

Whether you're considering a pilot career, navigating the current market, or just curious about where the industry is headed, this conversation cuts through the hype to give you the real picture.

Key Topics: pilot hiring, Boeing, Spirit Airlines, government shutdown, ATC staffing, airline economics, contract negotiations

Avination, welcome back to episode 227 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Todays episode is with my buddy, Jason McDowell. You might know Jason by his IG profile, Cessnateur. No one is better at writing and presenting aviation facts and stories, I was honored to share his story and talk Aviation with him.

Avination, welcome back to episode 226 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Todays episode is with, Gulfstream and seaplane pilot, Chris Turner. Chris has an awesome story and one you won’t want to miss.

Avination, welcome back to episode 225 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Todays episode is with air show pilot, Kevin Coleman. This is a re release episode from a few years ago. Good news! The pod has been unloaded, Wi-Fi installed so here’s to some new episodes coming soon!

Driving from IL to NC will update later

Avination, welcome back to episode 223 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today, we are talking with Airport Manager, Emily. You might know Emily from her IG account Emilyattheairport! This episode was a great one and it was so awesome to hear more about what it’s like to manage an airport.

Avination welcome back to episode 222 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Todays podcast is with Nick aka Jazz Pilot on Instagram. Find out why Nick left his dream corporate job for the airlines.. only to leave the airlines to come right back to corporate.

Ask me anything is live!!!

Avination, episode 220 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast takes off now! Today, I’m talking with Canadian corporate pilot and aviation photographer, Jan Jasinski!

Avination, welcome back to episode 219 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Todays episode is with Corporate Pilot, Claire Schindler. Find out how Claire build her hours and landed her dream job flying a Falcon all over the world!

Avination, welcome back to episode 218 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Today we are talking with Maggie. Maggie is a current major airline pilot. Find out her path to becoming a major airline pilot!

We're diving deep into how to save money in flight training, which is no small feat! In this episode, Jason Miller joins us to share valuable insights on managing the financial burden of becoming a pilot, especially for those of us who are navigating tight budgets. We talk about practical strategies that cater to both novice student pilots and those looking to transition into professional flying, emphasizing the need for a solid foundation in those early hours of training. From leveraging dry time effectively to understanding the importance of consistent practice, we cover how to make every dollar count while ensuring you build the skills necessary for success in the cockpit. So, whether you're dreaming of taking to the skies or already in the air, we've got tips to help keep your training costs in check and your flying aspirations alive!

Takeaways:

• The importance of using the Garmin Pilot app to streamline your flying experience before, during, and after each flight.
• Understanding that the cost of flight training can vary widely, with private pilot licenses costing anywhere from $8,000 to $25,000 depending on location and training methods.
• The necessity of consistent flying to maintain proficiency and reduce overall training costs in the long run, avoiding long gaps between flights.
• Utilizing dry time and procedural training effectively can save significant money, allowing students to practice key skills without incurring aircraft rental costs.
• The value of setting clear objectives for each flight lesson to maximize efficiency and focus during training sessions.
• Emphasizing the importance of standardization in training processes, which can enhance safety and proficiency while also simplifying the flying experience.

Life of a Freight Dog

Welcome back to episode 216 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Todays is a look into what it was like flying Aerial Survey! If you’re interested in how pilots build their time, or want to skip CFI and fly Aerial Survey than this podcast is for you!

Avination, welcome back to episode 2-5 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. Todays episode is a gear episode. All about the gear I use on a daily basis with pros and cons. Linking full details later!