Aviation News Talk podcast

Full disclosure, I’ve listened to the show for a couple of years and I haven’t financially contributed. So, maybe my opinion does not have much value… However, I just wanted to say that I was thrown off by Max’s snarkiness in episode #353. Max has always seemed to me like an even keeled, confident but not arrogant, wholeheartedly supportive mentor with sweet grandpa-like vibes that resonate through his voice. I’ve felt this way until this week when Max spent the entire cringy episode defending his actions to a listener who accused him of get-there-itis. It wasn’t what Max said in episode 353 (because it was very obvious that Max was in the right), it was how he said it. His tone seemed to show how offended he was by the accusation of being a hypocrite, instead of his normal “teaching moment” tone. Still giving 5 stars because the show is great, and this man has taught us all so much. I imagine it is incredibly difficult to always keep your cool when you’re a public figure. I just hope he loses the snark and brings back my favorite grandpa. Maybe that’ll be what encourages me to become a patron ;)

Max, I'm humbled that you took time to respond to my review. Your response was thoughtful, professional, and illuminating--as is everything that you do on your podcast. I understand your perspective now on the use of "customer" and my preferred term "student pilot." I think my use comes from my military experience. In the military, at least when I was on active duty, we used the term "student" but there was nothing negative associated with it. Anytime we changed aircraft and underwent training, even when highly experienced pilots transition from one aircraft to another, we took on the moniker of "student" during training. However, I completely understand your reasoning, as well as that of your guest in that episode. Max, you are a gem, and a true leader in aviation. You remain the consummate professional, you have the best radio voice, and your demeanor reflects positively on all pilots. I don't fly anymore, yet I anxiously await each new episode you create. Thank you Max!

Fantastic podcast, I learn something new every episode. And he’s not pretentious like so many other aviation “content creators”. Max also has a great radio voice, sounds like he could be on NPR.

It is easy to understand why Max has been recognized as flight instructor of the year. His insights are an education. Max is serving the aviation community and listeners vote with they donations.