Pilot to Pilot

Latest Episodes:

E350: Inside Air Traffic Control: What Controllers Really See, Think, and Want Pilots to Know Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

Ever wondered what air traffic controllers actually see on their screens when you check in? Or why they sometimes seem frustrated with certain pilot behaviors? In this eye-opening conversation, Marcus Miller (aka Prop Hat Cat) from Houston Center pulls back the curtain on the world of ATC.

Marcus shares his unique journey from controlling virtual aircraft in his mom's bakery at age 14 to managing real traffic at one of the nation's busiest centers. We dive deep into:

What Controllers Actually See:

Breaking down the data block: what all those numbers and symbols mean
Why TRACON controllers don't know your destination
The technology behind the scope (and why it's from the 1960s)

Making Controllers' Lives Easier:

Why you should WAIT before checking in (it's not a race!)
The cross-coupling problem that causes frequency chaos
How CPDLC is changing everything

Demystifying Phone Numbers (Brasher Warnings):

What actually happens when you get "the number"
Why 90% of pilot deviations are learning opportunities, not punishments
Marcus reveals he's never had to give out a phone number

Controller Pet Peeves & Favorites:

The weather question epidemic
Pilots trying to "outsmart the system"
What makes a controller's day great (hint: your attitude matters)

The Future of ATC:

New technology coming to centers
Why consolidation might be on the horizon
How the Enhanced CTI program is changing controller training

Plus: Academy training secrets, the personality test you never knew existed, why Florida is the "wild west" of aviation, and the real reason controllers need your help with flight following.

Whether you're a student pilot, airline captain, or aviation enthusiast, this episode will transform how you communicate with ATC and understand the critical work happening on the other end of the frequency

Pilot to Pilot Magazine

Follow prophatcat on Instagram

E349: Building Time as a CFI: Luke's Journey from ATP to 900 Hours Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, I sit down with Luke, a flight instructor based in Utah who's currently at around 900 hours and grinding his way toward the airlines. Luke shares his experience going through ATP Flight Training in just 8.5 months, the reality of being a CFI without the guaranteed job he expected, and how social media helped him land his current position as chief instructor at a flight school in Provo.

We discuss the challenges of building time in today's aviation environment, the pros and cons of the ATP route, and what it's really like to be in the trenches as a CFI. Luke opens up about his ultimate goal of flying for Delta, his concerns about being an aviation influencer while job hunting, and the valuable lesson he's learned about building relationships in this industry.

Whether you're currently grinding toward 1,500 hours, considering flight training, or just finished your ratings, Luke's honest perspective on the realities of early career aviation will resonate with you. This is the grind—unfiltered and real.

Topics covered:

Why Luke chose ATP and if he regrets it
The hidden costs and realities of accelerated flight training
Finding CFI work without the ATP guarantee
Building time through aerobatics and upset recovery training
Balancing social media presence with professional aviation career
The importance of mentorship and networking in aviation

E348: Nick Fialka's Unconventional Path and Interview Secrets Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

Not every pilot's journey starts with dreams of flight—some begin with a challenge and a bottle of Eagle Rare bourbon.

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Fialka, captain at a major airline, host of the Ready for Pushback podcast, and interview coach at Spitfire Elite. Nick's path to the cockpit is anything but conventional. From attending The Citadel (not exactly known for churning out pilots) to flying helicopters in the Navy, then leaving it all to build a successful RV park in Florida—Nick thought the airlines weren't in his future.

That changed when a retired Delta captain rolled into his RV park with a $700,000 rig and convinced him over whiskey that he belonged at 35,000 feet.

We dive deep into what it really takes to land a job at a major airline in today's market. Nick pulls back the curtain on the interview process, sharing the mistakes that sink applications before they're even read, the logbook disasters that cost pilots their dream jobs, and why spending $600 on interview prep for a $22 million career is the easiest decision you'll ever make.

We also tackle the reality of aviation's boom-and-bust cycles, what the 2026 hiring landscape looks like, and why even the most senior pilots need to keep one eye on their next move. Whether you're building hours at a regional, prepping for your first major airline interview, or just trying to figure out if this career is right for you—this conversation is packed with real talk and actionable advice.

Plus, Nick shares why leading with empathy beats canned answers every time, and how your attitude might matter more than your flight time.

E347: Fractional Pilot vs Airline Pilot Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

THE PILOT TO PILOT MAGAZINE HAS LANDED!!!!!

Thirteen articles + thirteen companion podcasts.

Read. Listen. Share.

Thinking about making the jump from fractional to the airlines—or wondering which path is right for you? In this episode, I break down my personal experience going from flying the Citation Latitude at a fractional operation to flying a 737 as a major airline pilot.

We cover the real pros and cons of each career path: the seven-day work weeks and FBO life of fractional flying versus the "turn left and you're done" simplicity of airline operations. From quality of life changes after becoming a parent to the grind of short-call reserve, I try to give an honest, no-holds-barred comparison of both worlds.

Whether you're chasing Garmin avionics and owner interactions or looking for longer overnights and schedule predictability, this episode will help you understand what to expect from each side of the professional pilot world.

Topics covered:

Quality of life: 7 on 7 off vs. airline scheduling
Customer service and crew dynamics
The reality of short-call reserve
Making the decision that's right for your family

E346: Inside Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 with Jorg Neumann & Sebastian Wloch Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

Podcast Title:

Building the Ultimate Flight Simulator: Inside Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 with Jorg Neumann & Sebastian Wloch

Podcast Description:

Join host Justin Seams as he sits down with Jorg Neumann (Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator) and Sebastian Wloch (CEO of Asobo Studio) for an in-depth look at one of aviation's most influential training tools. Discover how Microsoft Flight Simulator has evolved since its 2020 release, with groundbreaking additions like career mode, wake turbulence simulation, and photorealistic graphics that even fool experienced pilots.

In this episode, Jorg and Sebastian share behind-the-scenes stories about:

Working with real test pilots from Boom Supersonic, Red Bull Air Race, and Boeing
The painstaking process of achieving 99.9% realism in atmospheric lighting
Simulating complex airport ground operations with thousands of moving parts
How Flight Simulator inspires the next generation of pilots (an estimated 50% of all pilots started with the sim!)
Partnerships with manufacturers like Boeing for virtual airplane training programs
The future of flight simulation as a legitimate pilot training tool

Whether you're a seasoned pilot, aspiring aviator, or passionate sim enthusiast, this conversation reveals the incredible dedication and innovation behind the game that continues to spark the aviation bug in millions worldwide.

E345: Three Surgeries, Multiple Rejections, One Dream: Jake Tishman's Journey to the Airlines Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful Thanksgiving episode, host Justin Siems sits down with A320 Captain Jake Tishman to discuss one of the most inspiring aviation journeys you'll hear. Jake shares his decade-long battle with an autoimmune disease that threatened to derail his dream of becoming an airline pilot at every turn—from getting medically disqualified from the Naval Academy to facing multiple surgeries and hospital stays while trying to complete his flight training.

Despite the setbacks, Jake persevered through:

Multiple hospitalizations during college and flight training
Completing all his ratings from instrument through CFI/CFII in just 5.5 months
Taking medical leave from his first airline job
Navigating the corporate aviation world when airlines rejected his applications
Finally landing at his current carrier after nearly giving up

This episode goes beyond the typical aviation career story to explore resilience, gratitude, and finding perspective through adversity. Jake's candid discussion about learning to appreciate the smallest victories—even just having the energy to get out of the car—offers valuable lessons for anyone facing challenges in their career or life.

Whether you're a student pilot facing obstacles, an instructor dealing with setbacks, or an airline pilot who rushed through training, Jake's story reminds us all to appreciate where we are and recognize that our unique paths shape who we become.

Plus, there's plenty of good-natured ribbing about Ohio State vs. Florida State football, corporate aviation perks, and the reality of chasing airline seniority numbers.

E344: Fighter Pilot to 777 - Emergencies, 9/11 Scrambles and Flying Drew Brees Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

Former Air Force F-15 pilot Roy “Deacon” Qualls shares incredible stories from a 38-year aviation career that includes scrambling to intercept Air Force One on 9/11, crash-landing a burning OV-10 at McCarran Airport, and taking NFL legend Drew Brees for the ride of his life.

In this episode, Deacon reveals:

• How watching Top Gun literally changed his life in four days—from graduate student to Air Force recruit

• Landing a flaming OV-10 off-runway in Las Vegas after being given the wrong winds

• The Vice President’s authorization to shoot down aircraft on 9/11 and what it was like scrambling to intercept Air Force One

• Transitioning from F-15s to Boeing 777s—his first landing of anything bigger than a fighter was a triple seven at Charles de Gaulle with 290 passengers

• Why Drew Brees asked to pull MORE Gs and what made him such an incredible person to fly with

Deacon just released his book “Pilot’s Edge: Think, Train, and Fly Like a Pro” with 25% of profits funding aviation scholarships for the next generation.

Happy Flying,

Justin

E343 - When Will Pilot Hiring Boom Again? Industry Trends & Airline Strategy Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

In this state-of-the-industry episode, host Justin Seals sits down with Dr. Jim Higgins, Professor of Aviation at the University of North Dakota, to break down what's really happening in aviation right now.

They cover:

Why hiring has slowed and what it means for aspiring pilots
Boeing's production increase from 38 to 42 jets—and why that signals major changes ahead
Spirit Airlines' double bankruptcy and what it reveals about low-cost carrier economics
The government shutdown's impact on air traffic control and safety
Privatization of ATC: Is it the answer?
The $725 billion backlog of aircraft orders
What pilot contract negotiations will look like when money's already good

Whether you're considering a pilot career, navigating the current market, or just curious about where the industry is headed, this conversation cuts through the hype to give you the real picture.

Key Topics: pilot hiring, Boeing, Spirit Airlines, government shutdown, ATC staffing, airline economics, contract negotiations

How You Can Save Money in Flight Training Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

We're diving deep into how to save money in flight training, which is no small feat! In this episode, Jason Miller joins us to share valuable insights on managing the financial burden of becoming a pilot, especially for those of us who are navigating tight budgets. We talk about practical strategies that cater to both novice student pilots and those looking to transition into professional flying, emphasizing the need for a solid foundation in those early hours of training. From leveraging dry time effectively to understanding the importance of consistent practice, we cover how to make every dollar count while ensuring you build the skills necessary for success in the cockpit. So, whether you're dreaming of taking to the skies or already in the air, we've got tips to help keep your training costs in check and your flying aspirations alive!

Takeaways:

The importance of using the Garmin Pilot app to streamline your flying experience before, during, and after each flight.
Understanding that the cost of flight training can vary widely, with private pilot licenses costing anywhere from $8,000 to $25,000 depending on location and training methods.
The necessity of consistent flying to maintain proficiency and reduce overall training costs in the long run, avoiding long gaps between flights.
Utilizing dry time and procedural training effectively can save significant money, allowing students to practice key skills without incurring aircraft rental costs.
The value of setting clear objectives for each flight lesson to maximize efficiency and focus during training sessions.
Emphasizing the importance of standardization in training processes, which can enhance safety and proficiency while also simplifying the flying experience.

E341 - Brewing Success in the Skies - Thomas of Hangar 22 Coffee Roasters Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

Hangar 22 Coffee

In this episode of the Pilot to Pilot podcast, host Justin Siems chats with Thomas, a 737 airline pilot and the founder of Hangar 22 Coffee Roasters. Thomas shares his inspiring journey into aviation starting at age 4, navigating the challenges of COVID-19 right after flight school, and balancing a demanding flying career with building a thriving aviation-themed coffee business. From commuting between Atlanta and Toronto, to roasting coffee in hangars, partnering with Textron and EAA at Oshkosh, and dreaming of an airport coffee shop, Thomas discusses the highs and lows of pilot life in Canada vs. the US, the 1500-hour rule, family sacrifices, and why great coffee fuels every adventure. Whether you're a pilot, coffee lover, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is a perfect blend of passion and perseverance. Tune in for aviation insights, business tips, and a rapid-fire Q&A!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected