Pilots Say What?

Pilots Say What?

por Thrust Flight

Carreras Aviación

Temporada 1

Ep. 71: Why I Switched Flight Schools & Finished Faster

In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we talk with Nick about his journey from a long training delay at his first flight school to completing ratings faster through Thrust Flight’s Finish Line Program. Nick shares why he made the tough decision to switch schools, the challenges of transferring hours, and how our in-house check rides and accelerated training helped him move forward without losing momentum.

Ep. 70: Is It Too Late to Become a Pilot?

In this episode of Pilots Say What?, AJ shares his powerful story of walking away from flight training for two years—then risking everything to come back. From ministry to the cockpit, AJ talks through the fear, the finances, and the fire that never went away. We get into what it’s like to take out a huge loan, restart flight training after years off, and why he believes it’s never too late if you love flying enough to fight for it.

Ep. 69: First Time at Oshkosh Changed Everything

What's it really like flying into the world's biggest aviation event for the first time? In this episode, Assistant Chief Flight Instructor Chisholm Brewer shares his first experience at Oshkosh — from landing at the legendary Fisk Arrival to representing Thrust Flight at our first-ever booth. He breaks down why Oshkosh is called the “Woodstock of Aviation,” what makes it so powerful for pilots, and how it reignited his passion for aviation. Whether you’re a seasoned flyer or just dreaming of the cockpit, this insider look at Oshkosh will get you fired up.

Ep. 68: Why I Left Part 61 Flight Training

Hayden started his flight training at a classic “mom-and-pop” flight school — but quickly realized he needed more structure, more support, and a faster path. In this episode, he shares why he switched to a Part 141 school, what the transition was like, and what he’s learned now that he’s instructing students making that same move.

Ep. 67: How This CFI Beat Imposter Syndrome and Nailed His Checkrides

In this episode of Pilots Say What?, CFI Ryan Whitaker returns to share what he’s learned since stepping into the right seat as an examiner. From the mental battles of imposter syndrome to the practical techniques for nailing a power-off 180, Ryan opens up about his growth, setbacks, and how he's preparing for the next big step in his aviation career.

Ep. 66: The Truth About Aviation Scholarships in 2025

This episode pulls back the curtain on how aviation scholarships really work in 2025. Guest Jamal Larkins has spent nearly two decades traveling the country connecting future pilots with financial opportunities—and he’s not sugarcoating anything.

Ep. 65: What’s It Really Like Being a CFI at Thrust?

In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we welcome back Hayden Hayes—one of Thrust Flight’s own CFIs—for a real and raw conversation about what life is actually like as a flight instructor. Host Zach digs into how Hayden’s perspective has evolved since becoming a full-time CFI, what it’s like working with students daily, and the biggest technical and emotional challenges of the job. Whether you're a student thinking about instructing or a current CFI looking for a relatable voice, Hayden's insights hit home.

Ep. 64: Youngest CFI We've Ever Hired? Hamilton's Fast-Track Journey

Meet Hamilton Grant—one of the youngest Certified Flight Instructors at Thrust Flight. In this episode, Hamilton walks us through his accelerated path from high school to the right seat as a CFI. We talk about his time at Rising Aviation High School, how he got started at just 16, the challenges of commercial training, and what it’s like teaching students while still being early in his own career.

Ep. 63: Mastering CFI Training & Conquering Cross-Control Stalls

In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with CFI Nick, who specializes in training new flight instructors. Nick shares powerful tips for student pilots and future CFIs, including how to overcome the challenges of cross-control stalls, switching to the right seat, and building confidence with complex maneuvers. We also explore the mindset and discipline needed to thrive in aviation. Whether you’re early in flight training or prepping for your CFI checkride, this episode is packed with actionable advice!

Ep. 62: She Trained Here. Now She Teaches Here.

In this episode, we welcome back a familiar face — a former Thrust Flight student who appeared on one of our earliest podcast episodes. Now, she's returned as a Certified Flight Instructor. We talk about her journey from brand-new student pilot to full-fledged CFI, the challenges she faced along the way, and what it’s like being on the other side of the cockpit now.

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