Aviation Mentors

Winter flying, icing, fog, and cold-weather decision-making—how do pilots actually manage the risks when temperatures drop? ❄️✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dive deep into winter flying realities, sharing real-world stories, hard lessons learned, and practical guidance every pilot should know. From scraping frost off windshields to flying IFR through icing conditions, this episode covers:• The dangers of frost, ice, and snow on aircraft before takeoff• Real pilot experiences with in-flight icing and how to escape it safely• The difference between FIKI-certified aircraft and non-approved airplanes• Deicing systems explained: boots, heated wings, fluids, and carb heat• Why “just a little ice” can quickly become a life-threatening problem• How cold weather affects engines, oil viscosity, and aircraft starting• Fog types, winter METARs, ceilings, and visibility considerations• Decision-making, get-there-itis, and winter risk management for pilots🎯 Whether you’re a student pilot, private pilot, or instrument-rated aviator, this episode provides clear answers and actionable insights to help you fly smarter—and safer—during winter operations.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday. Join Aviation Mentors and stay confident, informed, and prepared for real-world flying challenges.

Navigating thunderstorms, aircraft maintenance, and in-flight decision-making—what really happens behind the controls when things get tense? ⚡✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dig into real-world scenarios that every pilot can learn from. From forecasting convective weather to navigating point-of-no-return decisions over the Rockies, the hosts break down:• How to determine if a forecasted thunderstorm is safe to navigate around• What really happens when you get too close to convective activity• Brandon’s intense near-storm experience with family onboard—and what he’d do differently today• Key external pressures that quietly influence your aeronautical decision-making• The most overlooked pre-buy inspection items for first-time aircraft owners• How to handle aircraft logbooks, AD compliance, and title/registration pitfalls• Recovering from radio mistakes (and why ATC isn’t as scary as new pilots think)Whether you’re a student pilot, a new aircraft owner, or a seasoned flyer looking to sharpen your safety mindset, this episode is packed with practical, experience-based aviation insights.🚀 Tune in and elevate your pilot decision-making, weather awareness, and maintenance knowledge—one episode at a time.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday. Stay inspired, stay safe, and keep chasing your aviation dreams.

Pearl Harbor, aviation history, and real lessons for today’s pilots—how does a two-hour attack from 1941 still shape the way we fly today? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dive into the aviation side of the Pearl Harbor attack, exploring how 353 Japanese aircraft caught the U.S. by surprise and what modern pilots can learn from the event. From warbirds like the P-40 Warhawk, B-17 Flying Fortress, the Dauntless, and the Japanese Zero, to breakdowns in communication and readiness, the hosts connect one of history’s most significant aviation-driven moments to general aviation today.They discuss:• How the attack unfolded and the timeline of the first and second waves• Why only a handful of U.S. aircraft were able to get airborne• The roles of Zeros, Kates, and Vals—and their impact on the fleet• Situational awareness lessons student pilots can apply today• Communication breakdowns, ATC parallels, and traffic awareness• Aircraft limitations, density altitude, V_NE, and pilot decision-making• How warbirds demonstrate performance, energy management, and aircraft handling• Personal insights, travel stories, and the importance of readiness in GA🚀 Whether you’re a student pilot, history buff, or general aviation enthusiast, this episode blends real aviation knowledge with one of the most dramatic moments in military history—offering practical flying insights, safety takeaways, and a fascinating warbird breakdown.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—join us, learn, and stay inspired on your aviation journey.

What’s the right way to tell your CFI you’re confused? Should student pilots buy their own headset early? And is it normal to feel like you’re getting worse before you get better? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dive into real student-pilot frustrations and answer top questions pulled from Reddit and listeners, including:• Why regressing during flight training is completely normal—and how to push through it• How to stop overthinking your landings and build true pilot instinct• Whether to trust school-provided headsets or invest in Bose, Lightspeed, or David Clarks early• How to confidently tell your CFI you don’t understand something (without feeling embarrassed)• The best weekly flight-training schedule for faster progress and lower overall costThey also share personal stories—from Brandon learning instrument scan embarrassingly late to Carson’s early headset upgrade and even a tangent about parachutes, spins, burnout, and staying healthy enough to stay current.🚀 If you’re a student pilot, a new private pilot, or someone trying to learn smarter—not harder—this episode is packed with practical tips, relatable training struggles, and humor from the cockpit.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—follow, subscribe, and keep leveling up your aviation journey.— Sponsored by Stratus Financial, supporting the next generation of pilots.

Keeping an airplane clean isn’t just about appearance—it’s a key part of aviation safety, professionalism, and building trust with students and passengers. ✈️✨In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dive into the critical but often overlooked world of aircraft cleanliness. They break down why a clean airplane matters, how it impacts safety and perception, and what every pilot, renter, CFI, and aircraft owner should expect from a well-maintained fleet.They cover:• Why aircraft cleanliness directly affects safety, visibility, and first impressions• Which parts of an airplane are neglected most—and why they matter• Proper techniques for cleaning windshields, belly panels, static ports, and leading edges• The best products, tools, and materials for safely cleaning general aviation aircraft• What high-quality flight schools do to maintain their airplanes• Major red flags in aircraft care—and when it’s time to switch schools🚀 Whether you’re a student pilot, private pilot, or aircraft owner, this episode is packed with practical, real-world insights to help you fly safer, protect your aircraft, and uphold the standards of aviation professionalism.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—learn, improve, and stay inspired with Aviation Mentors.

Flying for currency, reconnecting with your flight school roots, and keeping safety at the center of aviation growth—this episode covers it all. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson kick things off with fresh flying stories: short-approach fun in the ICON A5, a post-office moment that turned into an impromptu A5 fanboy encounter, and getting the RV back in the air after months on the ground. From taxiing tips to hangar-shuffling adventures, the hosts share what real general aviation days look like.Then, they dive into the featured topic: scaling a flight school without sacrificing safety standards. Drawing from years of experience running a busy training environment, they break down:• Why a solid operational foundation matters before you scale• What preflight, post-flight, and cleanliness standards should never be skipped• How safety documents and clear minimums protect pilots and schools• The role of a dedicated safety manager as student numbers grow• Real-world examples of training deficiencies—and how to fix them early• The hidden costs schools face, from insurance to maintenance cyclesWhether you’re a student pilot, an instructor, a flight school operator, or simply passionate about safe flying, this episode delivers practical insights on building aviation programs the right way—without cutting corners.🚀 Perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about flight school operations, aviation safety systems, and what it truly takes to run a high-quality training environment.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.

In this special milestone episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson Vasquez celebrate 200 episodes of inspiring stories, mentorship, and aviation community growth. 🥂From humble beginnings recording in a noisy RV at Oshkosh to becoming one of aviation’s most engaging podcasts, Brandon and Carson reflect on their journey, share behind-the-scenes stories, and revisit their favorite moments and guests.💬 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:• How the podcast started — from scripted beginnings to genuine hangar talk• The inspiration behind Aviation Mentors and the power of mentorship in aviation• Favorite moments, guests, and community stories from the past 200 episodes• Lessons learned about podcasting, persistence, and connection• A heartfelt message to listeners and fellow aviators around the world🎙️ Aviation Mentors Podcast is where pilots, student pilots, and aviation enthusiasts come together to learn, laugh, and share their passion for flying. Whether you’re just starting flight training or deep into your aviation career, there’s always something new to discover.🌎 Join us every Friday as we share real stories from the cockpit, the classroom, and beyond.Subscribe, leave a comment, and celebrate 200 episodes with us!🛫 Listen to more episodes:www.aviationmentors.com🎟️ Check out Stratus AeroSummit:www.stratusaerosummit.com💼 Sponsored by Stratus Financialwww.stratus.finance

Flying VFR? Understanding IFR traffic is critical for safety even at non-towered airports.In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon Martini and Carson explore IFR approaches, shared airspace, and practical VFR safety tips. Using examples from Corona Airport (KAJO) and nearby VORs, they explain how VFR and IFR operations coexist, how to anticipate faster instrument traffic, and what to watch for when flying in general aviation environments.Key topics include:IFR approaches and handoff procedures for VFR pilotsRecognizing speed and pattern differences between aircraftAirspace awareness and safety strategies for student pilots🚀 Aviation Mentors Podcast is dedicated to helping pilots and aviation enthusiasts improve skills, safety, and career growth. Whether you’re a student pilot, professional pilot, or GA enthusiast, this podcast is for you!🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—tune in and elevate your pilot awareness!www.aviationmentors.comwww.stratusaerosummit.comSponsored by Stratus Financialwww.stratus.finance

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson catch up in their brand-new studio to talk about Brandon’s long-hidden Cessna 120 and the challenges of bringing it back to life.They share stories about aircraft maintenance, the true cost of airplane ownership, and why so many planes end up sitting idle in hangars. Brandon dives into his personal experience with maintenance delays, expensive repairs, and how quickly costs can add up—even for a vintage tailwheel like his.The hosts also discuss risk tolerance, flight readiness, and decision-making when returning to flying after time away. Packed with humor, personal insight, and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for any pilot thinking about owning, maintaining, or reviving their own aircraft.🚀 The Aviation Mentors Podcast is your space to connect with passionate aviators, learn practical insights, and stay inspired in aviation. Whether you’re a student pilot, professional pilot, general aviation enthusiast, or AvGeek, this episode is packed with knowledge and perspective.🌎 Join us every Friday as we share our passion for flying!www.aviationmentors.comwww.stratusaerosummit.comSponsored by Stratus Financialwww.stratus.finance

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson discuss aviation news, insights, and trends shaping the general aviation industry. ✈️From Brandon’s flight to Camarillo to the Burbank Tower’s temporary ATC shutdown, they cover what pilots need to know to stay safe and confident in non-towered operations. They also break down public reactions to the Mosaic rule changes, debunk cost misconceptions in flight training, and discuss how new regulations could make flying more accessible and affordable.🚀 The Aviation Mentors Podcast is your space to connect with passionate aviators, learn practical insights, and stay inspired in aviation. Whether you’re a student pilot, professional pilot, general aviation enthusiast, or AvGeek, this episode is packed with knowledge and perspective.🌎 Join us every Friday as we share our passion for flying!www.aviationmentors.comwww.stratusaerosummit.comSponsored by Stratus Financialwww.stratus.finance

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.comSponsored by Stratus Financial💻 www.stratus.finance

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon Martini is joined by two incredible guests: Jacob Peed, founder of AviNation Magazine, and Sean Starker, host of the Future in Flight Podcast.They dive into the power of aviation publishing, podcasting, and youth mentorship programs. Learn how Jacob and Sean are inspiring the next generation of aviators through community engagement, storytelling, and hands-on programs like Tram Talk and American Dream Tours.From the birth of AviNation Magazine to podcasting as a tool for aviation growth, this episode is packed with insights on networking, mentorship, and opportunities in aviation. Brandon also shares personal stories highlighting how relationships in aviation often lead to lifelong partnerships and career growth.🚀 We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where aviators can hang out and enjoy a wide range of conversations about anything aviation. We're aviators, mentors, and entrepreneurs. Whether you're a student pilot, professional pilot, general aviation enthusiast, or just an AV geek like us, this is the podcast for you!🌎 Join us every Friday as we share our passion for flying!Connect with our guests:• AviNation Magazine: www.AviNationUSA.com• Future in Flight Podcast: futureinflight.comSponsored by Stratus Financialwww.stratus.financewww.stratusaerosummit.com

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson dive into Sport Pilot Certificates and the recent MOSAIC rule changes that are making them more accessible than ever. ✈️They cover everything from eligibility requirements and medical options to flight training minimums and checkride expectations. With MOSAIC updates, Sport Pilots can now fly four-seat aircraft like Cessna 172s, enjoy night flying with endorsements, and expand their privileges—offering a cost-effective, flexible, and approachable path into aviation.Whether you’re a student pilot, recreational flyer, or exploring aviation for the first time, this episode provides practical insights into how Sport Pilot certification can open doors to flying while reducing barriers and costs.🚀 We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space for aviators to hang out and explore all things aviation. Whether you’re a student pilot, professional pilot, or aviation enthusiast, this is the podcast for you!🌎 New episodes drop every Friday!www.aviationmentors.comwww.stratusaerosummit.comSponsored by Stratus Financialwww.stratus.finance

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson Vasquez break down Boeing’s latest 20-year aviation industry forecast—and the numbers are staggering.The industry will need:660,000 new pilots710,000 new technicians1 million cabin crew worldwideFrom the true cost of pilot training (around $81,000 in the U.S.) to airline signing bonuses of $50K–$150K, Brandon and Carson discuss the market forces, retirements, and global trends shaping aviation careers. They also share why now is one of the best times in history to pursue your dream of becoming a pilot.🚀 Whether you’re a student pilot, professional aviator, or exploring a career in aviation, this episode offers valuable insights into opportunities, challenges, and why demand for pilots is stronger than ever.We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where aviators can hang out and enjoy a wide range of conversations about anything aviation. We’re aviators, mentors, and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a student pilot, professional pilot, general aviation enthusiast, or just an AV geek like us, this is the podcast for you!🌎 Join us every Friday as we share our passion for flying!www.aviationmentors.comwww.stratusaerosummit.comSponsored by Stratus Financialwww.stratus.finance

In Episode 56 of the Aviation Mentors Podcast 🎙️, Brandon Martini celebrates being named one of NBAA’s 2025 “40 Under 40” award recipients, an incredible milestone for Brandon and the Stratus Financial team!Brandon and Carson reflect on the journey to this recognition, the importance of networking and mentorship, and exciting opportunities at NBAA-BACE 2025. They also highlight Stratus Financial’s continued growth and the role of persistence and connections in building a successful aviation career.👏Huge congratulations to Brandon and all the 2025 NBAA “40 Under 40” honorees shaping the future of business aviation! This year’s honorees include, Stephanie Alexander, Lance Bagnoff, Joshua Bell, Kody Bjork, Mike Bradfield, Kyle Canna, Mikael Cardinal, Cynthia Comer, Sierra Marie Curtis, Theresa Daly, Rachel Douglass, Antonio Ferrara, Jamie Harder, Cole Hartfiel, Emily Herron, Nikki Higgins, Joseph “Jesse” Hipp, Michael James, Tom Lelyo, Linda Li, Shawna Livingston, Kyle Long, Steve Loree, John Markoski, Brandon Martini, Jacob Mergler, Patrick O’Brien, Ryan O’Rear, Amanda Ochs, Myles Parris, Mitch Patterson, Maria “Majo” Perdomo Cuevas, Kelly Pryor, Josh Reckley, Brandi Rector, Christian Schuster, Miller Stallings, Andrew Stylianou, Joseph Michael Toomey, and Kara Wolf. Congratulations to all for shaping the future of business aviation!🚀 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, mentors, and 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.#aviationmentors #NBAA #pilotnetworking #aviationpodcast #studentpilot #businessaviation #aviationcareers #pilotmentorship #aviationcommunity #stratusfinancial #aviationleaders #pilotgrowth

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast 🎙️, Brandon and Carson share their recent flying adventures and the lessons that came with them. From splash-and-go landings in an Icon A5 near Long Beach Harbor to touch-and-gos at Chino and Riverside, they dive into what it really means to be a current—and proficient—pilot.This isn’t just about logging the FAA’s minimums. Brandon and Carson explore the real difference between currency and proficiency, and why staying sharp with regular practice is essential for safe, confident flying.Along the way, they discuss: How getting current again builds both skill and confidence The joy of flying as a “happy place” Digitizing logbooks for modern pilots Brandon’s goal of earning his ATP multi rating Carson’s anticipation (and nerves!) about getting back to flyingAnd to top it off, we’re celebrating a huge milestone: 100,000 downloads of the Aviation Mentors podcast! 🎉 Thank you for flying with us every week.🚀 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.comSponsored by Stratus Financial 💻 www.stratus.finance

🎙️ From humble beginnings to milestone moments. We’re proud to announce Sean Galloway as the winner of our $10,000 Stratus Fly to Success Scholarship. His passion and creativity reminded us why we love supporting the next generation of aviators. In this episode, Brandon reflects on his first podcast recording at Oshkosh in 2016, the same year he also started his flight school. What began under the wing of a Cessna has grown into nearly 200 episodes of Aviation Mentors. In these simple moments, we’re reminded why we do this: to give back to the aviation community. As we always say, "by pilots, for pilots". You are the reason we keep going, and we hope this story inspires you as much as it inspires us.Catch the latest episode of Aviation Mentors on every podcast platform, and be part of the journey with us.🚀 We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where we aviators can hang out and enjoy a wide range of conversations about anything 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 AV Geek like us, this is the podcast for you!🌎 Join us every Friday as we share our passion for flying!www.aviationmentors.comSponsored by Stratus Financialwww.stratus.finance#AviationMentors #Aviation #StratusFinancial #AviationCommunity #AVGeek #AviationPodcast #GeneralAviation #PilotLife #PilotTraining #StudentPilot #CFI #Podcasts #GAPilots #FuturePilot

🎙️ The FAA just dropped a game-changer—and we’re diving straight into it. In this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson break down the long-awaited MOSAIC rule and why it’s about to shake up general aviation in the best way possible. From flying a 172 with just a driver’s license to new privileges that make becoming a pilot easier (and cheaper!) than ever, this isn’t just another update—it’s a revolution. If you’re a student pilot, weekend warrior, or just aviation-curious, buckle up—because the sky just got a whole lot closer.🚀 We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where we aviators can hang out and enjoy a wide range of conversations about anything 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 AV Geek like us, this is the podcast for you!🌎 Join us every Friday as we share our passion for flying!www.aviationmentors.comSponsored by Stratus Financialwww.stratus.finance#generalaviation #aviationmentors #podcast #gapilots #flyGA #aviationnews #oshkosh2025 #pilotlife #aviationupdate #lightsportaircraft #mosaicrule #aviationrevolution #aviationcommunity #studentpilot #futurepilot #sportpilot #seanduffy

🎙️ From European castles to Oshkosh slip ‘n slides — this episode’s got it all. Brandon spills the highs, lows, and downright bizarre moments from a month-long adventure across Europe, capped off with a wild, rain-soaked return to the world’s biggest aviation gathering. Just when you think it’s over, a huge Oshkosh announcement looms… but you’ll have to wait for Part 2 to find out.🚀 We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where we aviators can hang out and enjoy a wide range of conversations about anything 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 AV Geek like us, this is the podcast for you!🌎 Join us every Friday as we share our passion for flying!www.aviationmentors.comSponsored by Stratus Financialwww.stratus.finance#AviationMentors #AviationPodcast #PilotLife #Oshkosh2025 #AirVenture #TravelAndFlight #EuropeToOshkosh #GeneralAviation #FlySafe #AviationStories #PilotTalk #AviationCommunity #SlipAndSlideOshkosh #AviationFun #AviationAdventures #FlyWithUs #StratusFinancial #PartTwoComing #StratusFinancial #Sling #FlyingMagazine #WhyWeFlyPodcast

🎙️ What do student pilots really need—fancy flying clubs or structured schools? How can you build cross-country time without wrecking your wallet? In this high-energy episode, Brandon and Carson tackle the top aviation questions from Reddit, challenge conventional wisdom, and drop gold nuggets on discovery flights, syllabi, and digital vs. paper logbooks (spoiler: green ink might be involved). Whether you’re just taxiing into training or deep in the flight path, this episode will have you laughing, learning, and double-checking your endorsements.🚀 We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where we aviators can hang out and enjoy a wide range of conversations about anything 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 AV Geek like us, this is the podcast for you!🌎 Join us every Friday as we share our passion for flying!www.aviationmentors.comSponsored by Stratus Financialwww.stratus.finance#AviationMentors #PilotLife #StudentPilot #DiscoveryFlights #CrossCountryFlight #LearnToFly #FlightEndorsement #PilotLogBook #AviationCommunity #TimeBuilding #PaperVsDigital