The Tailwinds & Sunshine Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Answering Your Questions | Rockie’s Coach as Pilot Monitoring in United 757 | Runway incursion close calls | I refuse to tip the van driver Apr 25, 2024

Show notes

Hold off on the crucifixions! I tip, I swear, but spare me the Mr. Pink nickname, alright? Today, buckle up for a riveting episode where I dive into the latest news, including hair-raising near-misses at three major airports. I'll arm you with crucial mitigation tactics to keep you off the danger radar. Plus, I'm dishing out advice to aspiring aviators and unraveling the mystery behind SkyWest's reluctance to snag those sleek 175 E2s. Stay tuned for all this and more—let's goooo!!

EPISODE REFERENCES

Reservoir Dogs | Mr. Pink Doesn’t Tip

FAA investigating after Rockies coach plays pilot on United charter flight

Pratt & Whitney Engine Woes could cost U.S. Airlines $150 Million

Scope Clause: The Regional Airlines’ Capacity Cap Explained

Contour Airlines Pilot Pathway Program

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Submit your questions or aviation stories to the show

Contact: mannythecfi@gmail.com

Instagram: climbvx

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Check Your Ego to Succeed | You just got furloughed, now what? | The declining ethics of our society Apr 19, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode, I explore the current trend of airlines slowing their hiring processes and discuss why the challenges faced by some carriers won't necessarily impact the entire aviation industry. But if you're facing a furlough, what's your best course of action? Should you rely on unemployment benefits until your airline recalls you, or should you actively seek alternative employment? Do you find yourself envious of peers progressing while you feel stagnant in your career? Is it worth considering a career change, even if it means compromising your values? Are you willing to prioritize personal advancement, even if it means disadvantaging others?

REACH OUT!

Submit your questions or aviation stories to the show

Contact: mannythecfi@gmail.com

Instagram: climbvx

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Professional Bag Stacker: Special Guest | Micah Vobora | Part 1 Apr 15, 2024

Show notes

I had so much fun talking with my friend Micah. In this first part we catch up, talk about Micah’s student pilot journey and the differences between Part 61 and 141 flight training. We also have a little fun with aviation hot takes provided by one of our listeners!

About Micah:

Micah, a ramp lead for Alaska Airlines in Salt Lake City, UT, caught the aviation bug early on. As a kid in California, he'd gaze up at the sky, dreaming of piloting "family-sized planes" whenever those little Cessnas zoomed overhead. His love for planes soared even higher around 2016 when he discovered flight simulator videos – and let's just say, he hasn't landed since!

When Micah got his driver's license, his dad gave him the classic "get a job" talk. So, naturally, Micah took off (pun intended) to the airport for work. Starting off with Prospect, where he rolled with wheelchair service, Micah's journey eventually led him to the Alaska Airlines ramp gig in late 2022.

Sure, he's not a big shot mainline employee, but Micah's loving every moment of his job. From wrangling planes to juggling bags, chatting with pilots, and maybe even moving a jet bridge or two, there's never a dull moment. Plus, bonding with coworkers over card games adds an extra bit of fun to his day. Micah's grateful to be living his dream and is always ready to take flight into another awesome workday!

Follow Micah!

Instagram: kslc_aviator

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Submit your questions or aviation stories to the show

Contact: mannythecfi@gmail.com

Instagram: climbvx

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Answering Your Questions | Army Soldier wants to pick the right airline | Favorite Overnights | Manny the Slam-Clicker? Apr 11, 2024

Show notes

In today’s episode I answer one of my fellow Army Soldier’s questions. He wants to make the right choice for his family so I give him some advice in picking the right airlines for them. Also, I tell you what my favorite mode of descent is in the E175 and finally I share some of my favorite overnights and… am I a “slam-clicker?” Come on in and find out!

REACH OUT!

Submit your questions or aviation stories to the show

Contact: mannythecfi@gmail.com

Instagram: climbvx

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Special Solar Eclipse Episode: My first trip as a Captain | I’m SAD (got in trouble!) | Aviation is your second career, is it worth it? Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to this special Eclipse episode; Manny’s in trouble with the Chief! Join me as I bring you up to speed on my latest adventures and take you backstage on a repo flight. Plus, I offer advice for those contemplating a career switch to aviation, covering the good, the bad, and the ugly. Don't miss out – come join the conversation! Oh… and yeah… I’ll tell you why I got in trouble at work. (Sigh)

Let’s get it on!

REACH OUT!

Submit your questions or aviation stories to the show

Contact: mannythecfi@gmail.com

Instagram: climbvx

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(00:00) - Episode 23

Answering Your Questions | Upgrade IOE Debrief, United KEWR Diversion and handling a prickly captain Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to today's podcast episode, where I'll be tackling your questions, including strategies for dealing with a challenging captain. Additionally, I'll be offering an exclusive glimpse into my Upgrade Initial Operating Experience (UIOE) trips. We'll dive into why United Airlines opted to divert to Stewart International in New Jersey instead of its intended destination, Newark, amidst windy conditions. Stay tuned as I share my insights and theories on this interesting scenario.

LINKS:
The “gas station burger” restaurant in Gunnison, CO: Powerstop
United flight diverts to Stewart International due to winds: United Flight 85 from Tel Aviv

REACH OUT!

Submit your questions or aviation stories to the show

Contact: mannythecfi@gmail.com

Instagram: climbvx

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Pushing Tin: Special Guest | Patrick DeWaal | Part 3 Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to the grand finale! It's time to delve into the technical aspects and witness Patrick's expertise in air traffic control. He details his use of equipment and tools at TRACON to ensure aircraft safety. We also explore controller training, staying current, and Patrick's role as an instructor guiding new hires through their initial experiences. Join us for this and more!

About Patrick:

Patrick, an aviation enthusiast, photographer, and Air Traffic Controller, boasts nearly 17 years of experience in the field. He has worked in two different facilities throughout his career: the Honolulu Control Facility and the Salt Lake TRACON. Originally from Utah, Patrick’s love for aviation began in childhood, traveling with his family. At the age of 4, he realized his passion for becoming a controller, a journey he pursued through education at Salt Lake Community College and the University of North Dakota.

Outside of work, Patrick treasures spending time with his family, relishing his roles as a husband and father. His hobbies include skiing, paddle boarding, traveling, camping, engaging in flight simulator sessions with friends, and pursuing aviation photography. He lives by the motto “never stop learning,” recognizing the vast knowledge within the aviation industry and cherishing the friendships he has forged along the way.

Follow Patrick!

Instagram: Patrick “PD”

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Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.com

Instagram: climbvx

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Answering Your Questions | New Non-Rev Blueprint and some pilot advice for the future Mar 28, 2024

Show notes

What an incredible journey it's been! In this episode, I dive into topics that truly ignite my excitement. Overflowing with enthusiasm, I couldn't resist recording this episode using my iPhone. I address listener questions, share encouraging reviews, and invite others to submit their own. For those eager to maximize their non-revenue benefits, this episode is a must-listen. Additionally, I offer my personal take on the current state of airline hiring as a fellow regional pilot eagerly eyeing a position at Delta.

Listen to my guest episode!

Ep126: Skywest Airlines: Elevating your Aviation Career at this FANTASTIC Airline!

Ready 4 Pushback Podcast with Nik Fialka

LINKS:

Apple Store: StaffTraveler
Google Play Store: StaffTraveler

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Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.com

Instagram: climbvx

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Pushing Tin: Special Guest | Patrick DeWaal | Part 2 Mar 24, 2024

Show notes

In this episode we continue the conversation from part 1. Patrick highlights the importance of perseverance. He also mentions how dynamic hiring and duty station placement is. After all was said and done, Patrick ends up working in the most unlikely place, but falls deeply in love with his new duty station before eventually making it back to his native state of Utah. This and more in Part 2. Let’s go!

About Patrick:

Follow Patrick!

Instagram: Patrick “PD”

REACH OUT!

Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.com

Instagram: climbvx

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Pushing Tin: Special Guest | Patrick DeWaal | Part 1 Mar 16, 2024

Show notes

Pushing Tin! If you haven’t seen the movie, you gotta go watch it.

Patrick never runs out of things to talk about. In this episode we start digging at the surface to get to know how Patrick got to where he is now. You want to find out how to become an air traffic controller? Then stay tuned!

About Patrick:

Follow Patrick!

Instagram: Patrick “PD”

REACH OUT!

Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.com

Instagram: climbvx

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