Aviation Mentors12 Loka 2025

S02E60: Back in the Left Seat – Carson’s First Flight in Two Years

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson Vasquez share an inspiring story of resilience, rediscovery, and passion for flight as Carson takes to the skies again after more than two years away from the cockpit.

Join Brandon and Carson as they relive Carson’s first flight back on September 19, 2025, in a Cessna 182, marking his return to flying since February 12, 2023. From preflight jitters and rusty radio calls to picture-perfect landings, this episode is packed with lessons for student pilots and general aviation enthusiasts alike.

Brandon, speaking from his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) perspective, shares valuable insights on how instructors can help returning pilots rebuild their confidence, while Carson reflects on the emotions, muscle memory, and satisfaction of regaining proficiency after time away.

Whether you’re a student pilot taking your first steps, a lapsed aviator thinking about getting current again, or just someone who loves the journey of flight, this episode reminds us that once aviation is in your heart—it never truly leaves.

🚀 We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where aviators can hang out and talk all things aviation. We’re aviators, we’re mentors, and we’re entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a student pilot, professional pilot, general aviation enthusiast, or just an AvGeek like us, this is the podcast for you!

🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—join us and be part of the journey.

🔗 www.aviationmentors.com

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Mayday in a Warzone: When ATC Can't Save You

Mayday calls, closed airspace, and no place to land — what do you do when ATC tells you "I don't know what to tell you"? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break dow...

21 Maalis 28min

From $7,300 in 9 Months to $100K: The Real Airline Pilot Salary Story

From $7,300 in 9 months to breaking $100K. What does the real airline pilot career path actually look like? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon sits down with Chad Freeman, a ma...

7 Maalis 38min

The Real Reason 80% of Student Pilots Never Finish Training

Flight training is tough — but are student pilots set up to fail before they even start? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle the most pressing student pilot co...

28 Helmi 27min

Do You Actually Need an ATP to Fly Commercially? The Answer Might Surprise You

Do you actually need an ATP to fly commercially? The answer depends on how you're flying — and it might surprise you. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down o...

21 Helmi 27min

Is the DPE Shortage a Myth? PilExOS CEO Adam Shimmens Reveals What's Really Happening

Is there really a DPE shortage, or is aviation facing an efficiency problem? And how is technology transforming flight training and check rides? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Bran...

14 Helmi 43min

You Know You're A CFI When... (Part 5)

Should CFIs stay silent or intervene? Paper charts or electronic flight bags? When's the right time for turning stalls? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson debate the...

31 Tammi 40min

Listener Questions (Part 13)

Should student pilots pay extra for glass cockpit trainers, or stick with steam gauges to save money? What about learning Class Bravo procedures early? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcas...

24 Tammi 32min

FAA Medical Certification with Dr. Daniel Monlux: What Every Student Pilot Needs to Know

FAA medical certification—what every pilot needs to know before their first (or next) aviation medical exam. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson welcome Dr. Daniel Mo...

18 Tammi 45min