Aviation Mentors12 Okt 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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From Glider Pilot to Flight Test Engineer: Adriana on Soaring Records, Gulfstream, and the FlyORKA App

✈️ What does it take to flight test a brand-new aircraft before it's ever earned its wings?In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson sit down with flight test engineer and gl...

22 Aug 29min

Can AI Get You Through Your Checkride?

Can an AI really get you through your checkride, or is it setting you up to fail? 🤖✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Carson flies solo to break down the fast-growing wave of AI tools...

8 Aug 19min

When There's No Runway: Beaches, Golf Courses, and the Huntington Beach Mayday

Mayday, Mayday, Mayday — what really happens when the engine quits and there's no runway in sight? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down the real Huntington ...

1 Aug 19min

Buying or Selling a Plane? Here's the $50,000 Mistake to Watch For

Buying or selling a plane? There's a costly mistake hiding in the logbooks that most people never see coming. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down the real ...

25 Juli 23min

What It's Really Like to Fly Into Oshkosh and Camp Under Your Wing

What does it really cost to experience the biggest airshow in the world? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down everything pilots need to know about EAA AirVe...

17 Juli 24min

Part 107 Drone Rules Every Pilot Needs to Know in 2026

Flying a drone near an airport? The rules might surprise you. 🛸In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down Part 107 and what every pilot, student, and CFI needs to ...

11 Juli 34min

You Failed Your Checkride. Now What?

🌍 Failed a checkride? You're not alone, and it's not the end of your aviation journey. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down what a checkride failure or dis...

3 Juli 21min

What Is the Pentagon's 1260H List and Why Is Cirrus On It?

A Chinese-owned aircraft maker just landed on the Pentagon's radar, and Cirrus pilots want to know what it means for them.In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down...

26 Juni 17min