Pro-Pilot Playbook Podcast #48 // You Should NOT Be a Pilot

Mike and Sean have a bit of fun in this episode talking about some of the legitimate and some not so legitimate reasons for someone quitting flight training or not pursuing the career of a professional pilot.
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
04:15 Legal
07:40 Attention to detail
09:40 Money
10:35 Work hours
17:23 Medical history
19:25 Knowing your limitations
22:15 Student story
25:40 Instructor problems
27:40 Being dynamic
30:15 Lunken Line Guy
33:10 Listener interation
34:09 Wrap up

[@andrewbonner2342]

Great to see you guys back. I would love to see an episode on different "cadet" programs the airlines have. I myself was just accepted into Delta's Propel program, and I would love to hear you all's opinion the different airlines programs as they are relatively new. :)

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Hi Andrew. We are planning a video on academies/cadet programs. We started putting it together already, it's a lot of information and is changing frequently.

[@JD96893]

I'd just like to say, that regarding being dynamic and being able to take last minute changes... You can learn to go with the flow. I love to plan stuff, but more often than not things change! That is a reality of SO many jobs. I'm not letting that stop me, you can learn to overcome so many things like this.

[@WalidFeghali]

Love it. Keep it up, super interesting! W.

[@alexsze5455]

Great podcasts gents!! Thank you and please keep them coming.

[@so03]

Thanks for the video guys.

[@robbiejax4332]

Great video yall.

[@noahcohen2049]

Great video! Mike, I enjoyed meeting you at St. Augustine a few weeks ago! I have friends that will ask me how to get into this business so I've been sending them to your website. I wish I would have known about this channel when I was going through my flight training.

[@edjarrett3164]

I loved the discussion about IR rating. If you do nothing else in GA, this will be the most important cert. Working on my IR rating, but I’m a rhino pilot. Previous military pilot over 16 years ago, so I can’t transfer the hours. The prerequisites in hours have been easy because I flew predominantly IFR. I haven’t flown in a glass cockpit since retirement. However, I am now accustomed to the 6 pack and its limitations. Flew Gulfstreams and understand the clientele. Agree with instructors. Don’t stick with one that isn’t your flight advocate.

[@Flyingcircustailwheel]

You retired flying super hornets and they won't count the hours? I thought you guys were automatic commerical/instrument?

[@joeauber7239]

I’m currently in the weeds training for instrument. Thank you!

[@micclay]

I'm scared to death to be a CFI. Teaching to land must be terrifying. You have to let them make mistakes. I have my PPL, but I know I don't have the ability to guage the line between what will be a less than stellar landing and what is going to be dangerous. I feel like I'll take the controls the second the approach gets to the point that I know things aren't almost perfect. I know if my instructor had donr that, I'd never have learned to land. I've never heard anyone else talk about this, but Im sure I can't be the only one. I feel I have the ability to make this a career, but this fear of the scenario mentioned above is a major roadblock. Have yall ever known anyone that dealt with this?

[@charlibravo371]

CFI is not the only path to mire hours. They have covered this topic. I wouldn't be abel to either.

[@Ben-em5fc-takeover]

Is there any lot lizards at any airports you fly into?

[@joshuacourtney9266]

I have a DUI and a drunk in public from 10 and 13 years ago, respectively. First thing I did was schedule a consult with local AME, and got my homework assignment for all the docs and everything I would need. I then did a discovery flight and talked to my CFI about it. They both said it shouldn’t be a problem, as long as don’t lie on the form, and have all the appropriate docs it shouldn’t be a problem. I plan to schedule my 3rd class med in July, and then Ground school. I was told not to spend a penny until I have my medical in hand. In the meantime, I have been using Part time pilot podcast for free ground school while I drive to and from work everyday. Cheers boys

[@danzodamanzo8192]

Be honest on your interview, show that you have made better decisions and learned from your mistakes. Something like "Aviation saved my life, I came from background of little to no structure and once I did my discovery flight, I traded the bottle for throttle." Best of luck to you.

[@joshuacourtney9266]

@@danzodamanzo8192 yes sir. 🫡 I have had no law troubles since and I figure the longer ago it was the better

[@topofthegreen]

If you are 60 and wanting to start this as a career, you’re way too late, that and the cost is ridiculous, there may not be a job at the end of this, and as you get old, medical issues happen, and its a shame to spend $100,000 and lose a medical and a career.

[@duniel4427]

Good stuff!

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@OneGold_777]

Great topic! Quick question, my little flight school currently has a very long wait list and only two instructors after losing to the regionals. I have half a mind to attend an accelerated private pilot's license program then possibly an ATP type school. Thoughts? Thanks again for the podcast, these episodes really help!

[@cbinette100]

I'm curious what your opinions would be on the types of people you're likely to encounter in corporate aviation. I want to pursue this career and corporate aviation is the direction I'm leaning towards. To put it in a car person's terms, I'd rather drive the Ferrari than the Rolls. Anyway the one thing that I'm worried about is the type of people I would be flying around. I have a good background in customer service and am generally a very light hearted easy going kind of person. However I don't take well to people talking down to me like I'm beneath them. And there's the stereotype of rich or wealthy people having an heir of entitlement or to put it in layman's, their shit don't stink. Do you find this a big problem in this sector of aviation and would it be better for me to just go airlines and sit behind the locked door? Love the podcast, thanks

[@lakshyasharda]

Hey guys, love the podcast! I want to become a commercial pilot but i have mild color blindness, will it restrict me from becoming one or anything? Should I still pursue this career? Also any skill that I might want to learn before the training in these 2 years (I am currently 16) If there is any please mention it . I am currently working on my english as well as communication skills.

[@mr.jds-_-]

Right now I'm stuck in limbo. I'm doing my training outside of the US and looking forward to continuing my training there. However, I'm wondering if I should get a degree one time like in aeronautical science with a flying component or if I should go to a flight school, get a job and do a degree online or something. What are your thoughts? My parents are pressuring me to get the degree but I want to know what is the best route to take in the long run.

[@joebaorto8062]

What are your thoughts about automation in the airline industry and job outlook due to this ?

[@comradeking_]

Just thought i'd comment that you dont need a private pilots licence to enroll at ATP :)

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Yes, it appears they have changed this requirement. Or, at least created an intro program to get you started at 0 hours.

[@kcjacobs17]

Can confirm this as I am currently in the program and started at 0 hours. First class medical is required to begin though

[@topofthegreen]

Well im almost 60 and no collage degree, so this might be a big waste of money.

[@erzyiel4321]

I just talk to ATP and i was mention i need to get my PPL???

[@jamesburns2232]

@@topofthegreen Just getting a First Class medical every year could be a waste of money for someone who is only 5 years from mandatory pilot retirement age.

[@MrJolppy]

I did my medical sent everything into the FAA told them the truth and I was still denied, so do I go to a local FAA rep in my area? to talk about it and find out 100% sure that I would not be able to be a pilot? Mine was medical history. I gave them my full medical history as surgery that was way over 15 years ago and so now they’re saying that I have to be released by the doctor the day I was released was the day I went back to work.

[@DallasFort1857]

hi I've been following your podcast for a couple of years now thanks for everything... I want to know if I can still become a pilot for my legal matters in which I was convicted but not charged with a third degree felony.. when I went to court the judge ruled it no action which was not guilty nor not Innocent... this was over ten years ago now and it never prevented me from attaining a new job however employers we're aware of my case through a background check?

[@planewire2153]

I finished my degree in mech engineering, and I have a CFI certificate with a multi, but i busted my CFI initial ride twice, what are my chances of working with a legacy?

[@ExtremeRecluse]

When I got discharged from the Army in 96, I was considering staying in flying. I went to a local helicopter charter company. I flew with the owner for a couple of weeks. He wanted to hire me. The caveat; I would be on call 24/7 and he offered me $17K per year. I had already had other job offers producing car parts for 3 times as much. So, that was the last time I would set foot inside a cockpit.

[@arxch126]

I’m diagnosed with major depression and I’ve been to two psychiatric wards (one in 2013 and one in 2022) for suicidal ideation. Never attempted suicide, but obviously I’m worried that the FAA is going to decline my medical certificate. My medical examiner didn’t fail me, but he deferred me, which I think means it’s up to the FAA to decide. I’m still waiting to hear back from them so I stopped paying for flight school just incase. Can someone please chime in on this. Would it help if I hired a lawyer to communicate with the FAA. I’m seeking treatment (going to a psychiatrist and a therapist regularly) taking medication; and I’m no longer suicidal. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@DanTheMentor]

I’m just taking it slow and building my experience and ratings out of pocket. May take longer, but just don’t want the crazy debt and risk not being hired at a desirable wage.

[@Somebaldguy]

Don’t be a goober had me in hysterics! Unfortunately that needs to be said

[@Musiqman76]

ATP now requires a PPL? When did that happen? Their website still says you can start from Zero to hero and get a DISCOUNT IF you already have your PPL. Sean, this is the second time that I have heard you make that claim about ATP. If it is true, they need to update their website.

[@Kalashniky]

You need to come in with a PPL or associates degree, the website says that.

[@JacksonBerger]

You can enter with no previous experience (Zero-Time). This is where ATP gets the slogan "Zero to Hero". All you need for admissions is a high school diploma (Which I was never even asked about), take an admissions flight, first class medical and set up a deposit for a start date. This is just how it was when I enrolled, things may have changed a little.

[@JacksonBerger]

You also have the ability to start with your private license and go straight into your instrument rating. There is also a private finish up as long as you have completed all solo time and solo cross countries.

[@Musiqman76]

@@JacksonBerger Thanks for confirming this. I have never seen ATP require a PPL or degree to attend their training. Not sure what others are seeing on the website, but I have always seen the "Zero to Hero" program available.

[@ProPilotPlaybook]

Hi Michael. Looks like maybe they have ammended the requirements in trying to compete with other flight academies

[@sfee2460]

can you guys do a video on atp flight school ?

[@JacksonBerger]

Id be happy to answer any questions you have on ATP, in my commercial phase with ATP at the moment.

[@alaalsaedi7]

​@JacksonBerger would you recommend ATP? I'm currently part 61 local flight school. Moving pretty quickly in my training.

[@JacksonBerger]

@@alaalsaedi7 I would say it’s case by case, honestly. I truly don’t think it’s for everyone. It’s extremely fast and requires loads of motivation. With that being said, if you have the time/motivation I think it’s a good option and a one stop shop into your aviation career. The program is also advertised as a 7 month program, which most people finish in about 9-10 months. The connections to the airlines is what ultimately makes ATP one step above. I would choose ATP again if I were to restart from zero time.

[@alaalsaedi7]

Is the quality of training good in your opinion? And do they let you reschedule checkrides if you aren't ready? I'm thinking about getting my ppl and starting there.

[@JacksonBerger]

@@alaalsaedi7 Most the instructors are very solid, at least at my location. The instructors will ensure you are up to ACS/PTS standards on your flight portion of things. There are online ground classes you must attended twice a week for private and instrument phases for about 5 weeks, but most ground knowledge will be on you to learn. You don’t get a checkride date until you are endorsed (which won’t happen until both you and your instructor are confident you will pass). There is also a mock checkride you must complete with a lead instructor to see if you are ready for that specific checkride or if you need some more time to train/study.

[@Luisyoung4562]

If I have one weed conviction of 5 grams will that affect me becoming an airline pilot?

[@JayVazquez]

Don't be a Goober! Life advice....

[@jamesburns2232]

If you are risk-averse, you should become an accountant and not a pilot. 🧐