The Aerpod

Mitchell Banks
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Aviation professionals discussion professionals in aviation.

Episodes

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Pilot Resumes Matter | Why Qualified Pilots Aren't Being Hired

    Airline hiring has shifted and a lot of pilots haven’t caught up. In this episode, I sit down with resume expert and aviation recruiter Carolynn from pilotresumes.com to talk about what’s really happening behind the scenes in today’s hiring market. We break down the difference between being qualified on paper and being hireable in practice, and why those are not the same thing. We talk about: - Why we’re in a company hiring market, not a candidate market - How airlines actually evaluate checkride failures - What recruiters are screening for beyond flight time - The psychology of interviews (and the answers recruiters hear over and over) - Whether flight school reputation really matters - The truth about 141 vs 61 programs - Why some “qualified” pilots never get a call back - What companies are really trying to avoid in training If you’re a student pilot, CFI, regional FO, or aiming for a legacy, this conversation is invaluable to your career journey. Support the show

    1h 37m

  2. 28 JAN

    777 Pilot & DPE Answers YOUR Questions | The Aerpod Q&A

    Austin is back. After his first appearance became the most-watched full-length episode on The Aerpod, we went straight to the comments and brought him back to answer them. Austin is a Boeing 777 First Officer at Atlas Air and a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). In this Q&A episode, we dig into checkride pass rates, common DPE myths, Atlas Air schedules and pay, gateway commuting, and more. In this episode: - Why the private pilot checkride now has the lowest pass rate - What DPEs really look for on a checkride (and why the ACS matters) - Why “shopping for an easy DPE” usually backfires - How Austin became a DPE at a young age - Atlas Air schedules, minimum guarantee, and reserve life - Gateway travel and living outside base (including internationally) - Why some pilots choose cargo over the majors - The realities of widebody flying, fatigue, and long-range decision-making

    45 min

  3. 14 JAN

    A License To Learn | Secrets of Aviation Maintenance

    In this episode of The Aerpod, Mitchell sits down with Creighton Johannes, an A&P mechanic and Director of Maintenance who’s worked on everything from light GA aircraft to King Airs, Gulfstreams, and helicopters. Creighton breaks down what aviation maintenance really looks like day to day, what pilots often misunderstand about maintenance, and why an A&P license is often described as a license to learn. From training pathways and accelerated programs to corrosion, deferred maintenance, and human factors, this conversation offers an inside look at the people who keep aircraft airworthy and the responsibility that comes with it. In this episode: What A&P school is actually like—and why hands-on time mattersWhy the A&P license lets mechanics work across aircraft types immediatelyHow aviation maintenance differs from automotive and diesel workThe biggest misconceptions pilots have about maintenance timelinesWhy corrosion is one of the most dangerous and overlooked threats in GAHow maintenance culture has evolved around safety and human factorsThe realities of parts shortages, salvage yards, and traceabilityDifferences between Part 91, 135, and 121 maintenance standardsCareer paths, pay expectations, and progression for A&P mechanicsWhy networking matters just as much for maintainers as it does for pilotsAdvice for students, career-changers, and aspiring aircraft mechanicsAbout the guest: Creighton Johannes is an A&P mechanic and Director of Maintenance based in Arizona. He has experience across general aviation, charter operations, and helicopters, including factory training on the Bell 407. Creighton brings a practical, safety-first perspective to aviation maintenance and mentorship for the next generation of mechanics.

    1h 1m
  4. Helicopter Careers: From EMT to Oil Rigs

    10/12/2025

    Helicopter Careers: From EMT to Oil Rigs

    In this episode of The Aerpod, host Mitchell Banks speaks with Spencer Bailey, a paramedic turned helicopter pilot whose career has spanned emergency medical flights, offshore oil operations, and utility inspection. Spencer shares what it’s really like to fly air medical missions, how EMS pilots balance urgency with safety, and what the public often misunderstands about helicopter operations. He also explains the unique demands of low-level utility flying, the progression from flight school to turbine time, and his advice for anyone looking to build a career in rotorcraft aviation.

    51 min

  5. 26/11/2025

    Who Makes Aviation Safe? (Not The FAA)

    In this episode of The Aerpod, former FAA executive director of aircraft certification Earl Lawrence breaks down how safety, regulation, and innovation actually work inside aviation. Earl shares stories from his time at the FAA, EAA, and Joby Aviation. He reveals how MOSAIC, UAS integration, and eVTOL aircraft are reshaping the industry. You'll learn: - How aircraft certification and manufacturing are changing under MOSAIC - What it really takes to bring drones and eVTOLs into the national airspace - Why collaboration between regulators, industry, and pilots is key to safety - The future of advanced air mobility with companies like Joby

    1h 28m

  6. 19/11/2025

    The Hidden Job That Keeps Fighter Jets Flying

    In this episode of The Aerpod, host Mitchell Banks talks with Julia Rivera, a former KC-10 boom operator and flight engineer whose career bridges both manned and unmanned operations. Julia shares how she found aviation through family influence, why she chose the enlisted route, and what it was like training on one of the most capable refueling platforms ever built. She breaks down the debate around reducing cockpit crews and human-factors risks behind proposed single-pilot airline operations. Julia offers an inside look at modern ISR and remotely-piloted aircraft, describing how crewed UAS missions work, how “no-blink” 24-hour operations are planned, and why complacency is one of the biggest threats in both manned and unmanned aviation. Finally, Julia discusses how military aviation opened doors to Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania, and her current master’s work in national security policy at Duke. She offers practical advice for veterans, aspiring aviators, and anyone considering a career in the U.S. Armed Forces.

    1h 17m

  7. 05/11/2025

    Inside The High-Stakes World of Private Jet Sales

    In this episode of The AirPod, host Mitchell Banks interviews Colin Dunne, a jet broker with experience in both the US and European markets. They discuss the evolving landscape of private jet sales, including the changing demographics of buyers, the differences between first-time and experienced owners, and the unique challenges of selling high-value assets. Colin shares insights on the importance of building a reputation in the industry, the impact of technology on transactions, and the future of aviation with a focus on sustainability. The conversation highlights the significance of networking and personal relationships in achieving long-term success in the aviation sector.

    1h 1m

  8. 22/10/2025

    International Cargo Pilot - The Best Job In Aviation?

    In this episode, Austin Greenheck shares his journey from learning to fly in Minot, North Dakota, to becoming a first officer on a Boeing 777 freighter. He discusses his diverse flying experiences, including corporate flying and flying warbirds like the P-51 Mustang. Austin emphasizes the importance of quality of life in aviation careers, the challenges of the current pilot market, and the significance of learning from every experience. He also provides insights into the role of designated pilot examiners and the future of single-pilot operations in aviation.

    1h 19m

  9. 08/10/2025

    Is It Still A Good Time To Become A Pilot?

    In this episode of the The Aerpod podcast, host Mitchell Banks speaks with Colton Whitesell, a flight instructor and corporate pilot, about his journey in aviation. They discuss the various pathways to becoming a pilot, the importance of flight training, and the challenges faced in the industry. Colton shares his experiences transitioning from flight instruction to corporate aviation, the significance of networking, and the current state of the aviation industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for continuous learning, the impact of the 1500-hour rule, and the importance of humility in aviation.

    1h 1m
  • 9 Episodes

About

Aviation professionals discussion professionals in aviation.

Information

  • Creator
    Mitchell Banks
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Aerpod
  • Show Website
    The Aerpod

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