How Flight Training Shaped Me/Q&A | Welcome To The Sky Podcast EP. 1

In the first episode of the Welcome To The Sky Podcast I talk about my flight training experiences and how the good and the bad ones shaped me into the pilot and CFI that I am today. Then I answer your questions!
Do you have a question for the next episode? Ask it in the comments section!
Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/7amOYyR...
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LewDix Aviation videos are edited to be as entertaining as possible. This may remove context. Many procedures, situations, explanations and flight phases have been edited out. Do not use for instructional purposes. This video is for entertainment purposes only.
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[@chesterfield5704]

My instructor early on pre-solo routinely said look, if you want to go we can go, but honestly with the wind/weather you're wasting your time . I really respected that, he was after his hours for the airlines and was losing out on cash and could have easily taken me and watch me learn nothing. Great bloke

[@mikebailey9998]

You’re an excellent story teller and very articulate. I’m glad you’re doing thee again. Thank you Lewis!

[@LewDixAviation]

Ah thank you so much, Mike. Still have some improving to do but each episode will get better and better!

[@GrimshawAviation]

I agree with Mike, I actually loved listening to your stories because they closely reflect what I also went through lol…. Just on the opposite coast!

[@jon4739]

As a physician who teaches medical students and residents I can attest that positive reinforcement is so much better than negative/ neutral reinforcement. You already know this and teaching in the best way there is :)

[@melvinelder3587]

Hold up hold up….. you got put in a VOR sim session as a discovery flight student….. lol.

[@LewDixAviation]

Mind boggling isn’t it? 😂

[@isaacfriedman1698]

​@LewDix Aviation you can't make this $hit up 😢

[@RandoCommando]

One thing that happened repeatedly, was I was charged for ground school, even when no ground school was conducted. There have been times I preflighted the plane myself, sat in it waiting for the instructor, the instructor came out, we started the plane up, went to the practice area for maneuvers,, retuned, and shut the plane down. Yet I was being charged a half hour plus or minus for ground school. Instructors always seem to pad their pay by charging for ground school, even when none was done. New students need to be aware of this. If they do it once and aren't confronted, they will do it again. I would say to do all the ground school training before hand, take the written test, and get it out of the way. Do it before even getting an instructor or applying to a school.

[@peterbrown6224]

If they ever drop the vaccine mandate, I'd love to visit you and have a few hours up there with you. I love flying, and I'm usually bad at it, so there'll be plenty of "My controls". Your discussion of instructors resonates with me. My main instructor was a top bloke, but two 6'2" guys in a 152 doesn't work, and we weren't in tune. I did an hour with a chap who was much smaller, and flew like Winkle Brown. I was too embarrassed to change instructors, and gave up. The message you gave about instructors is extremely important. If you are in training, don't make the mistake that I made.

[@GRID1-Motorsports]

Just saw this, I had a pretty terrible experience with my first flight school as well, happy to talk about it anytime.

[@humptydumpty3345]

Kinda crazy how similar our experiences are so far… I’m about halfway done with my PPL and am close to soloing.

[@jsfree1646]

Great to see the podcast is back! I have two questions for the next episode: Why did you move from Britain to the US? Would you ever move back to take your flying career to europe? What are your goals for the future? Captain at Silver? Be head of your own flight school? Flying Jets? I‘d love to know what you aim for or dream of! Great video as always! I laughed out loud when you shared the VOR-discovery-session. I hope today you can laugh about it too. Cheers!

[@revampmobilesolutions8851]

"Aviation grade oil"😂 deadly 😂 subscribed

[@LewDixAviation]

😂 welcome to the channel

[@mikeperry2814]

Dude, I've been watching your videos for over a year and have put your teachings into practice! I just passed my check ride yesterday!!!!!!! WHOO-HOOOO! Thanks for your inspiration and instructional videos. "Welcome to the sky!" 👊

[@sptomase]

I think the two things that stuck with me the most was an instructor back in 2001 was showing me a forward slip but she didn’t really tell me what was going to happen and I remember looking at the ground and almost shitting myself. Then another one pulled the yoke really hard and I thought I was going to go right through the bottom of the plane. I only had a few hours logged at the time and never finished. I’m going back in a few months (doing online ground school now) and hope I get a better instructor.

[@spelldaddy5386]

The OGs will remember that this is Lewis's second attempt at a podcast, after Lewdixcast ran for 9 episodes or so at the beginning of 2020. Sadly those were taken down from the channel, but they were quite exciting, so I look forward to seeing the developments over the last three years Edit: totally wrote that before actually listening to any of the content, didn't expect Lewis to actually explain that lol

[@LewDixAviation]

😂 at least we know you’re a true fan! Legend!

[@masonhenslee5905]

Wow Lew, that is one heck of a situation you went through with all of your flight training. But as you said, it shows how your love for aviation and the love for your students succeeding has overtaken all of the bad stuff you went through. Through your content, you have taught me a lot about what it means to be a caring CFI, but also how to make every student enjoy it and look forward to the next flight. When I become a CFI in the next 1-2 years, I will always keep your philosophy of being a caring and enjoyful CFI at the for front of my instructing. Thanks for all you do, can't wait for more of these episodes!

[@spencermadden6910]

Loved this format to hear your aviation journey! Here’s a question for you to maybe answer on your next episode…how old were you when you got your CFI? I’m 27 now about to start commercial and feeling like I may have started my journey too late in life. Now that I’m stable and have bills it’s hard to quite my day job to pursue my true passion of flying. Thanks in advance and please keep doing what you’re doing!

[@vincentcarbonara3589]

That was actually enjoyable to hear and in some ways made me reminisce of my flight training. Like you I had multiple instructors and just like you said I had to show them how proficient I was. It was like starting over. I also got my PPL at around 80 hrs. Then again I just fly for fun so it wasn’t too bad. Now I’m working on my instrument. Looking forward to more podcasts. Thanks!

[@gveduccio]

I really appreciated hearing your perspective...I moved to the south side of Atlanta and in two years I flew with 5 different schools or clubs before finding the two that I feel work with my quirky personality... One flies out of KPDK which is busy as fck with parallel Runways and the other is at Peach State which is half mile bumpy turf... Get used to those two airports all others seem easy... Working on CFI in between my work and family life...love the way you teach and I hope to tune up rusty pilots like I used to do as safety pilot

[@JVDFlyingDrummer]

Thank you for this. As we had talked about before I had a decision to make and you had offered me some advice. This brings that advice a little deeper. The decision has been made and look forward to training at my home airport hopefully in May. On another note when I did my Private Pilot Glider the 2 CFI’s that worked with me made me feel like family. So, so far a great experience on my flight training journey. On to the next.

[@TheBrennan90]

The road may be long with many twists and turns but damn if we won't do what we need to get there in the end. Took me 8nyears to get to cfi. I'm loving it.

[@trevorporritt2938]

Well speaking first hand, I think your an excellent instructor and if anything you confirmed that this an amazing adventure, and I am glad I could share albeit a small portion thus far with you... Thank you again for helping me start my training off right.

[@Samellis20]

Ive Flown with Lew and this all holds true! He is the most genuine and fun person to fly with! Keep doing you lew you are the best! You probably dont remeber our flight in the cheerokee but it was on of the best ive had -Sam

[@trbeme1346]

Great video. You are a great pilot and furthermore a great instructor. When I watch your videos, I seem to learn something new all the time and then I go out and practice what you have shown in your video. I have struggled to some degree with stalls. Early on in my flying I would lose quite a bit of altitude because I was not coordinated along with just a slow response. Now after watching your videos where you do show stalls, I am able to keep my plane coordinated and can do the falling leaf. It is amazing at how well you can control a stalled plane by being very coordinated. As for training, that is a tough one. It is hard for one to know what they should be getting in regards to training along with the proper course of action to get a pilots license. For myself, I was fortunate where I could use my Dad's plane and my CFI and my Dad worked out a deal where he could hanger his plane at my Dad's property (my Dad had his own hanger and 2500 grass strip). So for me I was able to get training at a very huge discount compared to most. But what I found and feel that if you have the same instructor (who fits with you) is the key. Anyways, I could go on and on here. Just wanted to offer up my experience.

[@jesster777]

So happy to see this pop up and can’t wait to see where it goes in the future! Question for next week/episode: I’m a (relatively) new CFI, around 100 dual given. What are some tips for instructing you’d give new CFI’s? Seems like as much as I emphasize/repeat things, the same mistakes continue to be made. Leveling off from climbs and forgetting to reduce power or adjust trim, flaring too early, using ailerons during stalls, ect… Every flight and debrief we discuss these issues but they continue to happen. Should I be doing something differently or just give it time? Sent one guy through so far but have 3 pre solos and trying to assess how to go forward

[@edjarrett3164]

Lew, what a great history and story. I love your super positive attitude as an instructor. I also went through 4-5 instructors before I finished PPL. I spoke to the owners with my displeasure at the hours I was paying for. As a retired military aviator with 5500 TT, I assumed this process wouldn’t take long. This got lead out to almost 80 hrs because of instructors, just like you experienced. The CFII have all been good as I work to complete my IR rating (I flew IFR almost exclusively, but the rules for instruments haven’t changed much). The weather information today is unbelievable. I chose to cancel a xcountry flight nearly 24 hrs out with concurrence with my instructor. Having planes without deicing capability limits your options. Wonderful video.

[@BreeandEthan]

Appreciate the honesty, as someone who is in the industry as well and had very similar experiences. It’s something that should be more regulated, instructors take advantage of students all the time.

[@alk672]

The date story is the best. I'm a bit of a collector of crazy bad CFI stories on the internet, but that takes it to a whole different level.

[@Stephan352]

Love this! I'm so glad i bought my own plane to learn to fly and never had to deal with a flight school. Your story resonates with me and I'm also glad i listened to a friend and avoided flight schools. Now, I'm fortunate to be able to buy an aircraft to train in, but i want to give back and let others learn to fly in my plane (not sure insurance will let me...). I'll find a way to give back!

[@ryanclandening2117]

Great content!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@LewDixAviation]

Thank you!

[@nicholasSdugan]

I’ve been looking for Aviation Podcast’s for a WHILE…Great stuff!

[@LewDixAviation]

Sweet!

[@coleyoung912]

Really, really enjoyed this podcast Lew. Seriously appreciate you sharing about your early days of flight training. I forwarded it to a former student that just became a newly minted CFI-I and started this week at a flight school. I think this contained a lot of really good perspective!

[@LewDixAviation]

Thank you so much man! Spurs me on to make more!

[@grantsmiley1467]

So refreshing to hear your story, Lew. I had a great instructor, but my school did not hire me after getting my CFI, no doubt because I was clear about my disapproval of some of their practices. 400 hours in to instructing, I’m glad I did it as an independent CFI at the same airport. Hours would have probably come quicker at the school, but I’d rather do things right and not squeeze money out of students and make it fun. You’re an inspiration mate!

[@alanjwalker249]

Great stories Lew. I was listening in the office, when you said VORs I laughed out loud! 😂

[@LewDixAviation]

😂 great stuff! Thanks man!

[@joshirymc8556]

Great episode, keep making podcasts!!! Really related to this story.

[@LewDixAviation]

I’m glad you liked it!

[@keeganarnold9511]

I think personally, the what you listed as good qualities in a pilot are 100% correct. I would add, being an effective communicator, and having good critical thinking skills to that list. Both of which lead to effectively solving any problems you may encounter in the air

[@coasternut3091]

I had a terrible flight instructor twice. It was the same guy for PPL and Com Single. He made me hate flying and dread heading to the airport. I had three others that were great. Never keep an instructor who makes flying suck. You're flying in the air. That's flipping awesome. I had an instructor that did a steep spiral around a pillar of cloud. One of the coolest experiences ever. Get one of those

[@nimbapilot6925]

Dude! I went through the exact experience with my first flight school ( Middle Georgia State University). Left the school after 2 years with about 90 hours , 6 instructors and with no ppl; went to another school and got my PPL within 20 hours. mind you, I had to learn a new airframe ( from piper warrior to DA20 and still managed to get my ppl within 20hrs. Now that I'm a CFI, Ive vow to truth even if it is going to take money out of the school or my pocket! I appreciate this post!

[@snowman100]

I have watched for a while..and subscribed. This is one of the few videos from that makes me bow down for you highness! It's always good to hear others experiences to realize most of us go through a lot of sh*t while trying to enjoy flight this training and it's not easy for everyone else. Thank you so much for sharing, greatly greatly appreciate this

[@LewDixAviation]

Ahh that’s such a nice comment man. Thank you so much! Our struggles build character and shape us. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@1abc219]

This is so true, I thought it was just me that had a hard time...

[@drewhour]

I know exactly what Kissimmee school you’re talking about “flying with the enemy guy”. The owner screwed me over out of a ton of money with nothing to show. He is still the owner today. I have a nightmare story to share about this place, don’t want to put it online in fear of retaliation.

[@camdenlink5244]

Listening to the horror stories of the flight schools makes me thankful I was a part 61 student at a mom and pop school. I did online ground school and passed PPL checkride with no issues in 41 hours. Also I was only 17 years old, now I’m in college and still fly

[@papapapalima_scotland]

On the topic of switching instructors. I fully understand where you are coming from, but for me it was a godsend. I was “happy” enough with my instructor, but he then got a job at an airline and left and I was left to change instructors. I went with the only other guy I had flown with ( that had been for a progress check) and this guy was on another level. He made it fun and he taught so much more, correcting a lot of the things the other guy had said wrong. I ended up spending a few more hours to get my PPL in total, but man From that point on. i loved everything about it and I respected every feedback from the new guy. The old guy would say things like ( bear in mind Had like 5 hours at the time ) “;oh this is wrong but we do this anyway” or once when I did a go around early on I pulled flaps up without the speed and he took controls but his reaction was to PULL UP like WTH. Anyway, for anyone reading, do not be afraid of changing instructors early on. See if you click with them, if at any point you get any bad feeling bring it up and gauge the reaction. It is night and day. And remember, you cannot always get a Lewis Level instructor.

[@slp1111]

Great podcast see you at Sun and Fun Fri or Sat

[@LewDixAviation]

Thank you! See you there 😁

[@d_kortman]

Just starting my PPL-H training. So excited to be in the sky!

[@LewDixAviation]

It’s amazing!

[@nickkremer8162]

Currently working on my CPL and love learning from one of my favorite Pilots on the platform to utilize in my flight instruction that is soon to come!

[@LewDixAviation]

That’s amazing thank you so much man!

[@dfantelli]

Fantastic. Love the videos and now the podast. Appreciate you taking the time to do this. I am on my fourth CFI. After the first two im now like whatever! No hurry here as i am almost fifty and its not for my career

[@LewDixAviation]

Thank you so much! Remember never to settle for anything less than what you deserve: a caring/supportive CFI

[@jmg1403]

The way you described your flight school is exactly how pilot paradise in Florida is run. Myself and several other students had loads of issues there

[@LewDixAviation]

That’s a shame to hear. I had recommended people to go there before. I won’t anymore 🧐

[@SoCalFlights]

When I can't fall asleep, I put on your podcast and I'm out in less than 5 minutes. Kidding Brother. Very much enjoy your content, whether watching or listening. Keep the ball rolling. 😁👍

[@LewDixAviation]

😂 What if I fell asleep editing it? What would that mean? Hahaha thanks!

[@TheFlyingStampede]

Well done man. The one thing I tell people who are interested in flight training is make sure you find an instructor you truly gel with. I had a few bad experiences myself but also developed some amazing friendships with two of my instructors.

[@Celiko99]

Hi Lewis greetings from the UK, I've just came across your channel and it's nice to hear your story. I'm planning to do my discovery flight sometime this year. Subscribed

[@LewDixAviation]

Welcome to the channel mate!

[@nlandman1]

Nice job Lewis:)

[@LewDixAviation]

Thanks Nick 🥹

[@Uncommon_Sense01]

Brilliant video mate! At first i saw it was 32 minutes and thought hmm that's a bit long, ended up not being able to stop watching. Thanks for the honesty with the highs and lows of aviaition. I'm looking at starting my CFI training soon and this has massively inspired me to keep going.

[@LewDixAviation]

Ah that’s so kind of you! Thank you so much. Keep pushing my friend! The struggles make us who we are!

[@Uncommon_Sense01]

@@LewDixAviation most welcome and yea i definitely agree! Thanks

[@Jakefromdd]

Thanks for sharing your journey! I had a frustrating experience with a flight school too which made my training take a lot longer than I originally wanted. What’s funny is the main problem with this school is they were trying to rush me through all my ratings, originally it was supposed to be a 0 to CFI program which in retrospect was never going to work for me as I’ve had a full time job the whole time. Now I’m working with an independent instructor on my CFI and things are going much better. I appreciate you sharing your story because throughout this 5 year journey there’s been so many times that I’ve felt down because it’s taken me so much longer than I originally wanted . I’ve seen so many other students that started well after me make it to the airlines while I’m still sitting here. In the grand scheme of it all I’m grateful it happened this way, watching this helped me realize that I’ve changed so much as a person in that time and now I’m not just focused on the end goal but I’m actually really excited about being an instructor and helping people learn to fly, not just looking at it as just a stepping stone. Keep the podcasts coming! Also, the CFI skit video made me laugh so much that it hurt. I had all of the three and it felt good that it’s not just me who’s experienced that

[@LewDixAviation]

Thanks man. When I moved to using my instructor when he was independent and also when I started my own instructing independently, things got so much better for me too. Thanks for watching and listening man!

[@desmit6]

I’m only 9 minutes into this and I can’t believe you ever made it as a private pilot! Back in the early 90s I found an FBO that was primarily a service and jet charter operation. They had 2 172s and four instructors under part 61. Spent my whole training with one instructor who became a friend. As far as running out of money in your story, I had an amount set aside for PPL (back then about $4k) and had wasn’t wealthy. After doing my written and within 1 more xcountry and a night flight or two, my roommate moved out the day before rent was due. That wrecked that month and the months after… and I never got to take the practical. That’s my sob story. Lol

[@HA-mz2sg]

Nice one! keep em coming, also stop fiddling with the bloody Rode dude! lol

[@LewDixAviation]

😂 My hands do weird things when I’m thinking 😂🫣

[@rickr5875]

Awesome podcast! Any chance you could talk more about freelance instructing? How to get started, what type of insurance…all the boring details?!?

[@malloyneil40]

Sadly, I hear this story all the time. Bad flight instructors ruin aviation and students. CFI was brutal. 8 hour oral 3 1/2 flight. I failed my first CFI flight, don't feel bad.

[@jameswadsley3165]

Loved the history lesson. Would love to know why you chose Silver vs another regional. Also can't wait to hear about your move from ORL.

[@LewDixAviation]

All shall be revealed soon. Trying to tell the story respectfully but getting an important point across.

[@N1611n]

Excellent podcast LewDix, thank you.😁👍

[@LewDixAviation]

Thank YOU!

[@N1611n]

@@LewDixAviation Back in my day I had different instuctors all the time. But I was lucky as most of them were pilots for a major British Airline and ex- WW2 pilots.

[@LewDixAviation]

@@N1611n 😂😂

[@N1611n]

@@LewDixAviation 🤣👍

[@rileysaviation]

I’m gonna see you there at s&f!

[@LewDixAviation]

Sweet!

[@motogirlz101]

Luckily for me, I’ve only had one CFI and he’s great. But the airlines have stolen him away and I’m only halfway through my training. I’m older, in my 40’s though and just doing this for fun so not in a huge hurry but I eventually want to finish. Oh, I also want to go to Sun n Fun. I live in Northern California though but have family that lives near Lakeland. When you have your own plane but can’t fly it across the country yet.😂

[@xwb8678]

14:40 that sounds like Epic Flight Academy

[@tomatoflyplane]

Yeah something similar happened with me, I was in a flight school and I had a different instructor every time and they cancelled on me several times and after 5 hours I knew that that wasnt a good sign and left to a wayy better flight school. They care and appreciate my money, and I enjoy flying with them.

[@grega8961]

Great podcast mate. 👏

[@LewDixAviation]

Cheers mate!

[@grega8961]

I only had the 2 instructors during my ppl, even then I found it took a few hours to get used to the new guy. 6 is mad. Must have burned through a ton of hours getting used to each other. 😢

[@WX4CB]

i had a similar thing with my first school back in 2015... eventually they screwed me out of 2grand and i never went back.. im currently preparing for my check ride at a place in kded doing sport pilot and it's great... did my written friday and got 90%.... will try and find you at sun n fun, will be there with the school at paradise city (aerosport/bushcat/kanardia)

[@frankgordonsmith4795]

Nice

[@jbeverything4159]

Hey Lewdix I love your videos! What is your honest review of ATP flight school as well as BlueLine flight school in NC?

[@user-mm4od5tc6e]

I had an ok flight school but they wouldn't' sign me off for my checkride until the money in my account was all spent. I was paying in chunks as I went so it was only a couple of extra "checkride prep" sessions, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. Fast forward to 2 years later for my IR and I didn't wanna use any flight schools so a friend who was also a CFII agreed to do it while he was not flying for the airlines during covid. Unfortunately he had to go back to work before we finished and I was really hesitant to reach out to my local flight school. Thankfully a buddy turned me on to PIC for their finish up course and it was awesome! They booked me for 5 days and after the 4th the instructor was like "yeah you're ready, we don't need to do tomorrow." Just having them respect my wallet like that and refund me some money back made such a difference for me.

[@fenixx8710]

Everything that you said is truth I’m a student now and yesterday did my first solo cross country at this time I had third instructor a good one but he left this week for another job, so right now I have to finish my PPL but again I will have to deal with a new CFI this totally frustrated me a lot. So any advise or encourage from you thank you!

[@Fellowtraveller2]

Hi Lewis, thanks for a very interesting, honest and transparent account of your path to becoming a CFI. I,m on my 7th instructor at my 14th lesson. Two were good but it is hard to get repeat lessons with them because they are always in demand. The others are very critical, or offer no comment , but leave negative remarks on my file for me to read. I wonder if I should change to another Flying Club, or persevere with this one and hope it gets better. Anyways, I always enjoy your videos, and I suppose I can only hope to meet a local version of your "Josh". All the best,

[@LewDixAviation]

7 instructors in 14 lessons?! That’s surely a record! I would say it’s time to change schools based on that. So sorry to hear about your struggle but you have the power to change it!

[@scoross3215]

You literally touched or manipulated your boom and mic at least once every 10-15 seconds. LOL. Little nervous energy coming through? Awesome first show, I will definitely keep watching! :)

[@LewDixAviation]

Absolutely uncontrolled movements 😂 Thinking about everything I wanted to say. Thanks so much! 🙌🏻

[@samuelmatthews7012]

Q. scariest part of flight training

[@GrimshawAviation]

Simulators give the sight picture and feel for what you’re looking for. I also had 6 instructors during my training…as well as some really shady instructors that lied and cheated me in so many ways.

[@flightpathproductions5579]

Hi Lew, I did my PPL and hours in KISM with OFT 2007/2008😅 with cabair (until they went bust) missed it wish I could work as an FI there again

[@PilotFarooq]

Loved the video man. Im in the process of leaving a life sucking flight school thats partnered with my college. Im finishing my IR and they switched my instructor 6 times and Im just done. They only allow me to come into school 3x a week and I wasted so much time like this. I wanted to come to Florida and do some accelerated training, do you know any good flight schools out there maybe part 141?

[@TheUlrick]

Q/A Do you have any studying tips like did you use an online course or just straight books. Also I’m 10 hours into flying and I’m having so much fun just the studying is hard. There is so much idk where to start or how to take notes!!

[@topofthegreen]

I m 59 in good health, I gave up a car, rent a room and am divorced. I’m cleared for takeoff!

[@tharakalahiru3029]

Something like this happened to me too. They start to eat your hours telling you that your performance is bad.

[@LewDixAviation]

Absolutely

[@topofthegreen]

I agree, you earn the right to wear a uniform with applets. I always thought that flight schools that do this we’re stupid.

[@LewDixAviation]

I agree!

[@paulhoulden]

Ay up mate, im at a time where im going to start doing lessons soon, but really dont know which school to pick, and I dread getting some instructor i dont get on with so not sure what to do!

[@jj6457]

Wish I could have you as my CFI... American Flyers is only about money, could careless about your training. Currently put my PPL on pause until I can find another flight school

[@lukekirk7487]

Hey Lewis, I’ll be taking my initial CFI checkride in 2-3 weeks. What was the hardest part of getting your CFI? Any tips are much appreciated👍👍

[@m.landicho3692]

I’m going to flight school next year when I get out of the Army. Do you recommend reading a book about aviation prior to flight school? And if you do, which book? Thank you.

[@technicalactivity]

I had a terrible terrible flight instructor named Aria Davenport. Not only was he rude, unprofessional, but also entitled and only interested in building hours for himself. When I didn't understand concepts, he would just take it personally and talk back to me. Oh yeah and just for sending him a message he would charge me 0.2hrs of ground which was around $40 , that affected my mental heavily as I would often skimp on meals that day to make up for the $40. Terrible experience! I am going to try to get back into the swing of starting and finishing my commercial rating, many years after my initial training after IFR. I think it just comes from a lot of pilots being in only operator based roles without any clue on customer service and how in fact being a CFI involves a lot of relationship skills. Interesting to see how widespread bad CFI/CFIIs are! I will change this once I become a CFI and make sure no gets the same treatment I received.

[@williamursery2554]

At 18:33 you said “do do” hehehe 💩

[@michaelgradanski8577]

one of my first super gusty x-wind landings, i had it pretty stable until about 50 feet, winds were kicking my ass and it got super unstable, i applied full power, said the words “going around” to cfi, start climbing. cfi goes “NO!” , smacks my hand, chops the power down to idle and lands… we taxi back and he goes, “ i thought you said you were gonna be able to handle the winds today”. i left 1 month later. honest thoughts?

[@joeangiello9784]

I have a question regarding the rotation of instructors at fight school. Do you think there is any benefit t getting used to different instructors considering while flying on the line at a commercial airline you will be flying with several different copilots with unique personalities?

[@ockett7047]

Ohh no that VOR thing was cooked. Enjoyed the podcast though.

[@topofthegreen]

I was wanting to pursue a professional flying career, however, the problem is the new rule on part 135 and part 91 state that operators have the option of forcing retirement of pilots of age 65 just like the part 121 pilots, it’s too bad they decided to do this because now being that I am 59 years old and in great health, it still would make spending a small fortune to pursue a career that is uncertain at best would not be worth it, yet they say there is a pilot shortage right?

[@alk672]

A random thought went through my mind while I was listening to this. Maybe... just maybe... if a person can learn to apply proper wind correction while hand-flying an unpublished hold off of a VOR radial - they would also be able to learn a whole bunch of other things that result in much higher paid careers and infinitely better quality of life. And then they can buy their own airplane and fly around for fun. How 'bout that.

[@JVDFlyingDrummer]

The flight school at Exec you mentioned, is that the same one that has expanding into KISM? Orlando Flight School?

[@LewDixAviation]

No it’s not them. I have no experience with them so cannot comment.

[@billye1789]

The instructor you really liked… Josh. Josh Flowers????😂

[@LewDixAviation]

Not even close lol

[@jeremyanderson651]

Great podcast Lew! I ordered my shirt off your website. Silver flies out of KPNS Hit me up if you ever have some time.

[@LewDixAviation]

Thanks man!

[@luisamariazuluaga1049]

I have a question , I’m interested in becoming a pilot , I’m graduating this year but I have a question regarding height requirements, does airlines have any height requirements? Because I’m 1.54 and I’m not sure if that would be a problem

[@Timemachine429]

I wish I had that accent I will be a movie star

[@thepurplesmurf]

24:13 "Do you want to deal with passengers or deal with boxes?" If you put a human body in a box (human remains in a coffin), is this considered cargo? (serious question)

[@LewDixAviation]

I cannot express properly how much I love this comment

[@samuelmatthews7012]

I'm not scared of heights just when I realize I'm 8,000 feet in the air in a tin can that could fall at any moments (just a trust issue)

[@FernvalleyFarm]

I had an instructer put me in a spin dident tell me he was going to do that scared the shit out of me and really pissed me off !! i wound up going to someone else

[@LewDixAviation]

As you should. That’s a terrible instruction method to throw someone into something like that

[@FernvalleyFarm]

@@LewDixAviation Yea he was like let me show you what could happen i think we were doing stalls i had no idea he was going to do that

[@kingairbae]

Where did you get your mic from?

[@nocluewhatimdoing4543]

Any plans to put this on Apple Podcasts as well?

[@LewDixAviation]

I am looking into that 🙌🏻

[@chrissams7517]

Do you do discovery flights ? If so, I’m very interested in taking one!! Contact info?

[@chrissams7517]

And lessons too!

[@flyhalf2]

Stop fiddling with the mic Lew 😃

[@LewDixAviation]

😂