Ep. 354: Trent Palmer | FAA Called On Me Twice, Lost My License, and Almost Quit Flying

He's the most-requested guest in Pilot to Pilot history — and the wait was worth it. Trent Palmer, recreational bush pilot and one of aviation's most recognized YouTube creators, finally sits down with Justin for a raw, unfiltered conversation about the highs and lows of a life built around flying and filmmaking.

Trent opens up about his journey from RC helicopters and drone cinematography in Hollywood to becoming a full-time content creator — including how FAA regulations ironically pushed him into getting his pilot's license in the first place. But this episode goes far deeper than flying cool places and making beautiful videos.

Trent shares the gut-wrenching details of his engine failure in the Nevada backcountry, what it actually feels like when the prop stops and you have 45 seconds to find a field, and why the flight home may have been scarier than the emergency itself. He talks candidly about watching a close friend crash — and somehow survive — and how each close call reshapes your relationship with risk.

Then there's the FAA battle that nearly broke him. Trent walks through both investigations, the $50,000 in legal fees, the four-year court fight that went all the way to the Ninth Circuit, the license suspension he wishes he'd just accepted, and the personal toll of having your character questioned publicly.

This one is honest, emotional, and packed with lessons — whether you're a pilot, a content creator, or just someone who loves a great story.

What you'll hear:

1. From drones on Hollywood sets to bush pilot YouTuber
2. Engine failure over remote Nevada — the full story
3. Watching a friend crash and survive a "unsurvivable" impact
4. Two FAA investigations, $50K in legal fees, and hard lessons learned
5. How YouTube became his full-time career (and why he almost walked away)
6. Advice for pilots who want to start creating content
7. What's next: floats, new adventures, and maybe finally starting that podcast