Pilot Careers Episodes

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the challenges professional pilots face—from the technical demands of transitioning to wide-body aircraft to the high-stakes reality of FAA medical certification. Tom kicks things off with an update on his latest travels and the start of his Boeing 777 (B777) ground school and systems training. He shares the logistical hurdles of the transition, including the realities of frequent commuting, adjusting back to crash pad life, and the intense study r...

The major airlines are on a hiring spree in 2026, but are you prepared for the "scrub"? In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, Tom and Mike break down the current pilot hiring landscape. We go deep into the Southwest Airlines pilot application—from the initial screener to the high-stakes supplemental questionnaire. Whether you’re a military pilot navigating "green folders" or a civilian pilot worried about a past checkride failure, we’re cracking the code on what recruiters are...

Can virtual flying prepare you for a real-world Navy checkride? This week, Tom and Mike sit down with Wide-body Captain and simulation pro Jovan J. to explore the high-stakes world of online flight simulation. From the technical nuances of MSFS 2024 and VATSIM to how these tools are revolutionizing pilot training for the Navy, we’re breaking down the bridge between the desktop and the flight deck. Inside the Episode: The Pilot Code: We finally explain those shoulder boards—what do the 1, 2, ...

How do you balance an airline career, a social media brand, and a healthy lifestyle? In this episode of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, we sit down with Ava Almquist (@pilot.avabelle) to discuss the modern path to the flight deck. From navigating the flight training "hamster tunnels" at the University of North Dakota (UND) to the realities of sitting on airport reserve, Ava provides a transparent look at the industry. In this episode, we cover: The 1,000-hour Restricted ATP and why your degr...

Welcome back to the Black Box Aviation Podcast with Tom & Mike—and this one is special. This episode marks our 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY, celebrating one full year of conversations about aviation, travel, career paths, and the realities of life in and around the flight deck. Our very first show aired on January 12th, and this episode reflects on how far we’ve come and where the industry is headed. We open the show talking about what the last year has meant, why these conversations matter, and how li...

In this special episode, Tom & Mike welcome Nate Ehlers, founder of The Backseat Pilot (thebackseatpilot.com), to get behind the scenes of how a small reference-card idea turned into one of the most trusted training platforms for flight instructors and pilots alike. Nate walks us through: His origin story: how a simple IFR/VFR reference card spawned what’s now a full suite of products and lesson plans dedicated to helping CFIs and students succeed. What The Backseat Pilot offers to...

This week the Black Box Aviation Podcast brings you something special — our first live guest, Air Traffic Controller Ian! Tom & Mike sit down with Ian for a candid look behind the mic at the people who keep airplanes moving safely through the skies. Ian shares his path to ATC, from school and training timelines to life inside the radar room. We talk about the stress myths vs. reality, favorite movie scenes about controllers, how clearances work over voice vs. CPDLC, and what pilots say that s...

What really happens after the jet parks at the gate? In Episode 29 of the Black Box Aviation Podcast, we bring back the “Day in the Life” series — but this time we go beyond the cockpit and deep into hotel layovers, crew routines, unexpected travel perks (like free bacon!), and the realities of life on the road as an airline pilot. Tom & Mike open up about: ✈️ Navigating FAA Part 117 rest rules 🥓 Free bacon and late-night pizza 🏊 Swimming laps at Ala Moana in Hawaii 🏁 NASCAR’s ARCA Menards Se...

Strap in for Hot Topic #7 on the Black Box Aviation Podcast with Tom & Mike! This week, we’re going back to basics with a beginner-friendly walkthrough of a standard traffic pattern—something every pilot in training will experience on their first flight toward earning a Private Pilot License (PPL). With Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Mike sharing real-world insights from thousands of instructional hours, we break down the entire first flight experience—from taxiing out, taking off, and ent...

Buckle up for a hilarious and unforgettable ride in this week's episode of the BlackBox Aviation Podcast! We kick off answering a fantastic listener question from our text line about how high school students can best prepare for aviation careers, including the difference between Part 61 and Part 141 flight schools, discovery flights, and early steps toward a pilot license. Mike trained in both of these types of training. Whether you're just starting or guiding someone who dreams of flying, th...

In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, we're joined by a special guest who started his aviation journey as a P-3 sensor operator in the military, worked his way up through the ranks, and is now a major airline captain and airline interviewer. But before the stripes and interviews, the three of us were just broke pilots sharing a crashpad at the infamous Clarion Hotel in Detroit. We share hilarious crashpad memories, including how the hotel's "free" breakfast became a lifeline—beca...

In this episode, we tackle the dangers of mistaken runways for takeoff. We break down the Southwest Flight 3278 incident in Orlando, where the crew mistook a taxiway for a runway—leading to an aborted takeoff after a critical intervention from ATC. Then, we compare it to the tragic Comair Flight 5191 crash in Lexington, where a takeoff from a closed, unlit runway ended in disaster. What causes these errors, and what safeguards can prevent them? We explore real-world lessons from these cases. ...

In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, we break down the intense moment when Delta Flight 4814, a CRJ operated by Endeavor Air, experienced a wing strike at LaGuardia Airport. What went wrong, and what can pilots learn from this incident? Plus, for those looking to break into the cockpit, we dive into expert tips on securing a pilot interview—covering networking, resume strategies, and standout interview techniques. Tune in for insights, analysis, and aviation wisdom! 📩 Connect wi...

Ever dreamed of becoming a pilot? In this episode of The Black Box Aviation Podcast, we break down the path to the cockpit—what it takes to earn your wings and the challenges along the way. We also dive into a pilot’s worst nightmare: what actually happens when a door opens mid-flight? Plus, the ins and outs of jumpseating as a commuting pilot, and the ultimate debate—is it McDonald's or Mac Donald’s? Tune in for aviation insights, pilot stories, and some unexpected turbulence in the fast-food w...