Pilots Say What?

Pilots Say What?

by Thrust Flight

Careers Aviation

Season 1

Ep. 61: Kit Darby on the Future of Airline Hiring – Pilot Shortage in 2025?

In this special episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with aviation industry expert Kit Darby for a deep dive into the pilot shortage, airline hiring trends, and what 2025 could look like for aspiring and current pilots. Is the shortage still real? Are airlines still desperate to hire? What do pilot retirements mean for your future career? Kit brings decades of insight and data to help you understand where the industry is headed—and whether now is the right time to start flight training.

Ep. 60: How to Pass Your Stage Check and Be Checkride Ready

We sit down with a seasoned Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) whose primary role involves conducting stage checks. He shares invaluable insights into the stage check process, offering tips to help student pilots prepare effectively. From understanding common pitfalls to mastering the mindset needed for success, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating their flight training journey.

Ep. 59: They Just Finished Flight School

They started as student pilots and now they’ve finished flight school and are just days away from becoming certified flight instructors. In this episode, we sit down with 2 of our students to talk about their full journey through flight training, the highs and lows, what surprised them the most, and what it really takes to make it all the way to CFI.

Ep. 58: How to Become an Assistant Chief at a Flight School

Are you thinking about moving up the ranks from flight instructor to Assistant Chief? In this video, we break down exactly what it takes to earn the title of Assistant Chief at a flight school. From the responsibilities you’ll take on, to the leadership qualities schools look for, we’ll cover the path, the challenges, and why it matters. Whether you're a CFI looking to grow your aviation career or just curious about the structure behind a flight school, this episode will give you insight into the next big step.

Ep. 57: Examining Authority and What It's Like Training the Flight Instructors

In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with one of our Assistant Chief CFIs to talk about what it really takes to become a successful Certified Flight Instructor—and what it means to have examining authority. From mentoring students to evaluating checkride readiness, this is a behind-the-scenes look at a leadership role in flight training.

Ep. 56: How to Choose the Best Path to Become a Pilot

We chat with a CFI about the different paths to becoming a pilot—college programs, Part 61, Part 141—and what might work best depending on your goals. It’s a down-to-earth conversation with practical tips for future pilots and current students alike.

Ep. 55: Meet the Student Pilot Who Drifts Cars

In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with one of our students who's not only learning to fly—but also shreds tires as a professional drifter in his free time. We talk about the adrenaline of flying vs. drifting, what it's like balancing intense hobbies with flight training, and how high-speed focus carries over from the racetrack to the runway. This one’s a wild ride.

Ep. 54: What It Takes to Be an American Airlines Captain

In this episode, we sit down with a Navy veteran who went from flying jets for the military to becoming a captain at American Airlines. He shares what it was like transitioning from military to civilian flying, how his training carried over, and the advice he has for students looking to build a successful aviation career. Whether you're a student pilot or just curious about military-to-airline transitions, this one's packed with insight.

Ep. 53: Secrets Airlines Won't Tell You: How Soft Skills Land Your Dream Job!

Most pilots focus on their technical skills, but the real secret to success in the airlines is something else—soft skills. From how you interact with flight attendants to the way you communicate with passengers, these skills can make or break your career. In this video, we break down why soft skills matter, how they impact your career, and what you can do to improve before you ever set foot in an airline cockpit.

Ep. 52: The State of Aviation & Running a Flight School

One year of Pilots Say What?! In this special episode, we sit down with the VP of our flight school to discuss what it takes to run a successful flight school and the current state of the aviation industry. From student trends to hiring challenges, we cover what pilots need to know right now.

8 of 14