In this exciting episode of The Runway Life Podcast, host Craig Butterworth sits down with Stuart Lankester, a rising star in aviation who’s carving out his path as both an A&P mechanic and a pilot. Together, they dive into the unique advantages of combining these two skill sets in the aviation industry, exploring how being both a mechanic and a pilot offers career flexibility, valuable technical insight, and a deeper connection to the aircraft you fly.Stuart shares his experiences on the...
runwaylifegiveaway.comIn this episode of Runway Life, host Craig Butterworth sits down with 1500-hour CFI Anthony Hachem, who’s on his way to a major airline with a conditional job offer and a set class date. Anthony dives into the nitty-gritty of the airline interview process with a 121 operation, sharing the most common questions to prepare for, what surprised him during his own interview, and the advice he has for aspiring pilots looking to make the leap into the airlines.Whether you’re ge...
This week, Craig Butterworth is joined by Anthony Hachem, a 1500-hour CFI with a conditional job offer and class date at a 121 airline operation. Anthony’s career is about to take off (literally!), but not without hard work, dedication, and lessons learned along the way.🎙️ Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:✈️ Advice for student pilots: Practical tips to succeed in flight training and beyond.✈️ Anthony’s aviation story: From first solo to instructor, and now preparing for the airlines.✈️...
Subscribe and Sign Up for a chance to Win 5 Free Flight Hours!https://runwaylifegiveaway.com/This week on Runway Life, we sit down with Anthony Hachem, a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFI-I) who recently crossed the 1,500-hour milestone on his journey toward becoming an airline pilot. Anthony recounts some of the most memorable flights from his time-building experience, including a scenic trip to Key West and a nerve-wracking moment involving parachuters descending during an approac...
In this episode of Runway Life, Craig sits down with Joe Skurkis, an experienced Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFI-I), to dive into some of the most crucial aspects of flight training. From mastering spin training to understanding emergency procedures, Joe shares his insights on teaching students how to stay prepared and safe in the cockpit.🚨 They also discuss:✔️ The most common mistakes students make during training and how to avoid them.✔️ What to look for in a great flight inst...
In this episode of Runway Life, Derek shares his journey of tackling the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) checkride! Fresh off the experience, he sits down with Craig to break down how the day went—from the oral exam to the flight portion.Together, they dive into the CFI Airman Certification Standards (ACS), discussing the key topics every aspiring instructor needs to master, the curveballs Derek encountered, and the importance of preparation and confidence.Whether you’re preparing for a che...
In this insightful episode of Runway Life, CFII pilot Joe joins us to break down the essential questions and actions every student pilot should consider to make the most of their training journey. From choosing the right instructor to mastering foundational skills, Joe shares tips and strategies for navigating common challenges and staying motivated through the process. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your current training, this episode is packed with practical advice t...
In this episode of Runway Life, join Andrew Barton, a First Officer at a major airline, as he pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to transition from 1,500 hours to the right seat of a commercial jet. Andrew takes us step-by-step through the intense experience of simulator training, Initial Operating Experience (IOE), and those nerve-wracking first flights on the line. He shares his firsthand insights into mastering the complex systems of the CRJ, building the confidence to perform...
In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with Andrew Barton, a seasoned First Officer at a major airline, to explore one of the most formative stages in any pilot’s career: the 250 to 1500-hour journey as a flight instructor. Andrew dives into how those critical hours spent teaching others not only build essential flying skills but also foster a culture of safety through real-world experience. Tune in as Andrew shares how handling a variety of students, weather conditions, and in-flight si...
In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with Andrew Barton, a First Officer at a major airline, as he shares an in-depth look at his early journey through flight training and the crucial first 250 hours. Andrew recounts the challenges, milestones, and memorable moments that shaped his path to becoming an airline pilot. From his initial lessons and the steep learning curve of foundational skills to the insights and habits he developed that stayed with him throughout his career, Andrew offe...
In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with flight school owner Adam Valencic for a special Q&A session! We dive into your most pressing general aviation questions, covering everything from flight training tips to industry insights. Adam also shares his expertise as we answer questions from our listeners, giving you a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the skies. Whether you’re an aspiring pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or a seasoned flyer, this episode is packed wit...
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In this episode of Runway Life, hosts Craig and Caitlyn sit down with Stacey Heaton, southern manager for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), to discuss the rising issue of landing fees and how ADS-B technology is being used to track aircraft movements and charge pilots at Florida airports. These fees, once reserved for commercial hubs, are now increasingly appearing at smaller general aviation airports, creating unexpected costs for pilots.Stacey explains how airports and thir...
In this episode, we sit down with FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) Dr. Bruce Weaver to dive deep into the world of aviation medicine. Dr. Weaver shares invaluable insights into the ever-changing landscape of medical standards for pilots, how to navigate the complexities of FAA medical certifications, and what pilots need to know to stay fit for flying. Whether you’re an experienced pilot or just starting your journey, this episode covers it all—from common medical pitfalls that can ...
In this inspiring episode of Runway Life, Caitlyn and Craig are joined by Neha Chaudhary, the Indian representative for First Landings Aviation and one of the few trailblazing Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) in India. Neha takes us through her remarkable journey, detailing the challenges and triumphs she faced while navigating the demanding and competitive world of aviation training. As a pioneer in a field where women and Indian instructors are underrepresented, Neha’s story is one of re...
Join us on this compelling episode of ‘Runway Life’ as we delve into the remarkable career of Jim Williams. From piloting the A-10 Thunderbolt II in the military to flying for United Airlines, and now serving as the chief pilot of First Landings Aviation, Jim has amassed over 36,000 flight hours. In this episode, Jim shares his insights on the 1500-hour airline pilot rule, the training challenges facing today’s pilots, and the industry’s rush to bring new pilots into the workforce. Whether yo...
In this episode of Runway Life, Craig dives into the nuts and bolts of aviation maintenance with Adam Valencic, an esteemed A&P IA (Airframe and Powerplant Inspection Authorization) mechanic. Adam brings a wealth of experience and insight into the world of aircraft maintenance, offering a comprehensive guide for those interested in becoming a licensed mechanic.Join Craig and Adam as they explore the various pathways to earning your mechanic’s license, including the essential training, cer...
Join us in this episode of Runway Life, where we sit down with Derek, a determined commercial pilot in training, as he shares his insights and strategies on accelerating through flight training from private pilot to Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Derek discusses his experiences, challenges, and the efficient techniques he employed to navigate the training process swiftly and effectively. Whether you're a student pilot aiming for rapid progression or an aviation enthusiast curious about th...
Join Caitlyn and Craig in this exciting episode of Runway Life, where they dive deep into the world of instrument rating. Whether you're a seasoned pilot or just starting your journey in general aviation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the complexities of instrument flying.Caitlyn and Craig will walk you through the essentials of instrument rating, discussing everything from the necessary training and certifications to the challenges and ...
In this exciting episode of "Runway Life," hosts Adam and Caitlyn take listeners on a comprehensive journey through the private pilot track. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast dreaming of soaring the skies or a curious listener wanting to know what it takes to become a private pilot, this episode is packed with insights and information.