Fly the Transition

Flying Midwest Media
  • 4.9 (11)
  • AVIATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Fly the Transition

Welcome to Fly the Transition, where host Jim Schilling explores the inspiring stories of individuals transitioning into new careers within the aviation industry. In a world where more people are pursuing second careers as pilots, air traffic controllers, and mechanics, Jim delves into the intriguing backgrounds and motivations that drive these transitions. Each episode uncovers the diverse pathways and unique experiences that propel individuals towards their aviation dreams. Join Jim on this journey of exploration, gaining insights into the rich tapestry of aviation careers.

  1. 20 MIN. AGO

    Episode 42: FAA Knowledge Test Dos and Don’ts: What Every Student Should Know

    Episode Summary: In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim guides listeners through the essential steps to prepare for the FAA Knowledge Test. Sharing insights from both his own study journey and the FAA Fundamentals of Instructing, Jim covers everything a student pilot needs to know to feel confident on test day. He dives into common anxieties and fears students face, including test-day nerves and the risk of over-studying, while providing practical strategies to manage these challenges. Jim also unpacks the benefits of moving beyond rote memorization to develop a true understanding of test concepts—highlighting why deeper learning is crucial for every aspiring pilot. From structuring effective study sessions to setting the right mindset for test day, this episode is packed with actionable tips and relatable advice. Whether you're a first-time test-taker or refreshing your knowledge, you'll come away with valuable tools to improve your FAA exam experience. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on test prep, embrace productive study habits, and build the confidence you need to ace the FAA Knowledge Test! If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media. Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.flyingmidwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fly the Transition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jim on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@flymidwestjim⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Flythetransition@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible! Lightspeed Headsets:⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Lightspeed⁠⁠⁠⁠ Flying Eyes Sunglasses:⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Flying Eyes⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase! Grab your official podcast gear at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flyingmidwest.com/merch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    16 min

  2. OCT 27

    Episode 41 - From Construction Sites to Captain's Seat: A Pilot's Journey from Masonry to the Flight Deck

    In this episode, we sit down with a captain who transformed his career from building on solid ground to soaring through open skies. After years in construction and masonry, he knew the physical toll the trade was taking on his body would only get harder to bear. With a passion for flying that had started as a hobby, he found himself prepared in ways he hadn’t realized for a life-changing pivot to aviation. But the journey wasn’t easy—between balancing his family’s big move from their peaceful country home to the suburbs, adjusting to a high-stakes training environment, and pushing through the demanding pace of his new career, the challenges came fast and fierce. Now, as an airline captain, he shares what he’s gained from the freedom and satisfaction of the flight deck, and gives us an honest, no-nonsense look at the ups and downs of moving into the airline industry later in life. Whether you’re thinking about a similar leap or simply curious about the transition from a hands-on career to high-flying, this episode offers an inspiring, real-world perspective on making a big change to pursue a lifelong dream. AeroExploration: Check out Jim's new YouTube Channel. ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AeroExploration⁠ Join our Community: If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media. Social Media Handles: Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.flyingmidwest.com⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/flythetranstion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jim on Instagram: ⁠@flymidwestjim⁠ Email: ⁠Flythetransition@gmail.com⁠ Sponsor Information:Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible! Affiliate Links: Lightspeed Headsets: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/?campaign=flyingmidwest23&ref=101⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Flying Eyes Sunglasses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://flyingeyesoptics.com/?ref=Flyingmidwest23⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase Fly the Transition Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠flyingmidwest.com/merch⁠⁠⁠⁠ Contact Information: Do you have questions or comments about the show? Do you have an idea for a future episode? Do you want to be a guest on the podcast? Reach out at flythetransition@gmail.com or connect with Jim through social media or the website.

    54 min

  3. OCT 22

    Episode 40: What I Learned About Flying While Working Towards CFI

    Episode Summary: In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim shares a personal update on his professional journey, balancing the challenges of transitioning into a new role at his full-time job while continuing his pursuit of becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). He dives deep into his CFI journey, reflecting on the key lessons he's learned—patience, a deeper understanding of aerodynamics, and the importance of clear communication with students. Jim also opens up about how the process of teaching has transformed him into a more thoughtful and disciplined pilot. He shares valuable insights about continuous learning that come with being a CFI. Whether you're an aspiring instructor, a pilot in training, or navigating your own professional transition, you'll find plenty of relatable takeaways in this episode. Tune in to hear Jim's candid thoughts on flying, teaching, and what it takes to succeed in both. If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media. Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.flyingmidwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Fly the Transition⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jim on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@flymidwestjim⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Flythetransition@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible! Lightspeed Headsets:⁠⁠⁠Shop Lightspeed⁠⁠⁠ Flying Eyes Sunglasses:⁠⁠⁠Shop Flying Eyes⁠⁠⁠Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase! Grab your official podcast gear at ⁠⁠⁠⁠flyingmidwest.com/merch⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    18 min
  4. Episode 39 - Mastering the Aviation Job Interview: Tips for Career Changers

    OCT 22

    Episode 39 - Mastering the Aviation Job Interview: Tips for Career Changers

    Episode Summary: In this episode of Fly the Transition, we break down everything you need to know about preparing for a job interview. Whether you’re transitioning into aviation or brushing up on your interview skills after years away, Jim shares his best tips from both personal experience and his role as a hiring manager. Learn about handling interview nerves, practicing responses, and standing out in a competitive field like aviation. Key Topics: Managing interview nerves Effective interview preparation 10 common interview questions and responses STAR Method explained Final tips for interview success Aviation-specific interview resources Resources Mentioned: Spitfire Elite – Aviation interview coaching If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media. Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.flyingmidwest.com⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠Fly the Transition⁠⁠⁠ Jim on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@flymidwestjim⁠⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠⁠Flythetransition@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible! Lightspeed Headsets:⁠⁠Shop Lightspeed⁠⁠ Flying Eyes Sunglasses:⁠⁠Shop Flying Eyes⁠⁠Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase! Grab your official podcast gear at ⁠⁠⁠flyingmidwest.com/merch⁠⁠⁠.

    23 min
  5. Episode 38 - The FAA Wants YOU: How to Become an Air Traffic Controller

    OCT 2

    Episode 38 - The FAA Wants YOU: How to Become an Air Traffic Controller

    In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim dives into the exciting career of Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the FAA's Fall 2024 hiring window, which opens soon. If you’re interested in becoming a controller or looking for a rewarding non-pilot role in aviation, this episode is for you. Jim covers everything from qualifications to the application process, and how to prepare for the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (AT-SA). Discover the challenges and rewards of guiding flights safely through the skies and how you can transition into this high-demand career. FAA Fall 2024 Hiring Window: Learn about the fall hiring window and the FAA’s goal to hire 2,000 new controllers. Get the important dates and details to help you apply on time. Basic Qualifications: Find out what qualifications are necessary to apply for an ATC position and what experience or education you’ll need. Air Traffic Skills Assessment (AT-SA): A breakdown of the AT-SA test, what to expect, and where to find the best prep resources. FAA Academy Training: Learn about the training process at the FAA Academy, from classroom lessons to real-world simulations, and how to transition into on-the-job training. Career Change Tips: If you’re transitioning from another field, we discuss the key skills you’ll need, how to manage the application process, and tips to set you up for success as an ATC candidate. Resources: FAA’s Be-ATC Page: https://www.faa.gov/be-atc The official FAA resource on how to become an air traffic controller. Find detailed guidance on qualifications, application steps, and FAQs about the hiring process. AT-SA Test Prep: ATCPrep.com A comprehensive site offering test preparation materials and practice simulations for the AT-SA exam. Highly recommended for anyone preparing to take the test. FAA Academy Information: FAA Academy Training Details Learn what to expect from the FAA Academy training, how long it lasts, and what types of positions you can train for. ATC Video Series: ATC Career Playlist Explore real-life experiences from current air traffic controllers, advice for candidates, and more about life in ATC. Hiring Window & Application Process: Visit the FAA’s Be-ATC Hiring Page for the latest updates on the hiring window and steps to apply for the Fall 2024 window. I Tried ATC Video: https://youtu.be/1hiegWGUDjU?si=r6cFrYuRBC7wCtwb If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media. Website: ⁠⁠www.flyingmidwest.com⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠Fly the Transition⁠⁠ Jim on Instagram: ⁠⁠@flymidwestjim⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠Flythetransition@gmail.com⁠⁠ Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible! Lightspeed Headsets:⁠Shop Lightspeed⁠ Flying Eyes Sunglasses:⁠Shop Flying Eyes⁠Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase! Grab your official podcast gear at ⁠⁠flyingmidwest.com/merch⁠⁠.

    14 min
  6. Episode 37 - Should I FIRE my CFI: Handling Frustrations of a Bad Instructor

    SEP 27

    Episode 37 - Should I FIRE my CFI: Handling Frustrations of a Bad Instructor

    Episode Description: In this solo episode of Fly the Transition, Jim addresses the challenges and frustrations that can arise from working with a less-than-ideal flight instructor. Learn strategies for handling these issues, adapting effectively, and accessing resources to support your flight training journey. Key Topics Covered: Identifying the signs of a bad instructor Strategies for handling and adapting to a challenging instructor Resources for finding and evaluating flight instructors Join our Community:If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media. Social Media Handles: Website: ⁠⁠www.flyingmidwest.com⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/flythetranstion⁠⁠⁠ Jim on Instagram: ⁠@flymidwestjim⁠ Email: ⁠Flythetransition@gmail.com⁠ Sponsor Information: Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible! Affiliate Links: Lightspeed Headsets: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/?campaign=flyingmidwest23&ref=101⁠⁠⁠ Flying Eyes Sunglasses: ⁠⁠⁠https://flyingeyesoptics.com/?ref=Flyingmidwest23⁠⁠ Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase Fly the Transition Merch: ⁠⁠⁠flyingmidwest.com/merch⁠⁠⁠ Contact Information: Do you have questions or comments about the show? Do you have an idea for a future episode? Do you want to be a guest on the podcast? Reach out at flythetransition@gmail.com or connect with Jim through social media or the website.

    16 min

  7. SEP 24

    Episode 36- Grounded in Business, Soaring into Aviation: One Entrepreneur's Bold Leap

    In this episode of Fly the Transition, we sit down with CFII JD Parsons, a helicopter pilot, flight school owner, and the founder of On the Ball Coffee, an aviation-themed coffee company. JD’s journey into aviation is anything but ordinary—before taking to the skies, he was a successful entrepreneur running a trucking company, a street sweeping business, and several gas stations. But despite his accomplishments, JD felt unfulfilled and yearned for something more. Tune in as JD shares how he made the bold decision to leave it all behind for a career in aviation. From flying helicopters to building his own flight school, JD’s passion for flight continues to grow. He also dives into the mission of On the Ball Coffee, which goes beyond just brewing great coffee—it's about giving back to the aviation community through scholarships for aspiring pilots and raising awareness about the world of aviation. Whether you're an aspiring aviator or someone searching for fulfillment through a career change, JD’s story of grit, risk-taking, and chasing dreams will inspire you to chart your own path in aviation. Don’t miss this episode packed with insights on entrepreneurship, aviation training, and how to turn a passion for flying into a business with impact. On the Ball Coffee: https://ontheballcoffee.com AeroExploration: Check out Jim's new YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@AeroExploration Join our Community: If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media. Social Media Handles: Website: ⁠⁠www.flyingmidwest.com⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/flythetranstion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jim on Instagram: ⁠@flymidwestjim⁠ Email: ⁠Flythetransition@gmail.com⁠ Sponsor Information:Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible! Affiliate Links: Lightspeed Headsets: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/?campaign=flyingmidwest23&ref=101⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Flying Eyes Sunglasses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://flyingeyesoptics.com/?ref=Flyingmidwest23⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase Fly the Transition Merch: ⁠⁠⁠flyingmidwest.com/merch⁠⁠⁠ Contact Information: Do you have questions or comments about the show? Do you have an idea for a future episode? Do you want to be a guest on the podcast? Reach out at flythetransition@gmail.com or connect with Jim through social media or the website.

    1h 6m

  8. SEP 18

    Episode 35 - Building a Career in Aviation: Key Non-Pilot Opportunities

    Episode Title: Opportunities in the Aviation Industry for Non-Pilots In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim explores the wide range of career opportunities in the aviation industry for those who aren’t eligible or interested in becoming pilots. From air traffic control to aircraft maintenance, discover the many ways to be part of the aviation world without flying the planes. If you’re passionate about aviation, this episode will open your eyes to the exciting possibilities. Understanding the Broad Scope of Aviation Careers Aviation is more than just pilots—learn about the essential roles that keep the industry running smoothly. Key Non-Pilot Roles in Aviation Explore careers such as Air Traffic Controller, Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Flight Dispatcher, Aviation Safety Inspector, Aviation Management, and Aviation Educator. How to Get Started in a Non-Pilot Aviation Career Discover the education, training, networking, and entry-level opportunities to launch your aviation career. Why Aviation is a Great Career Choice, Even Without Flying Find out why a career in aviation offers excitement, growth, and fulfillment, even if you're not in the cockpit. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA):Visit the AOPA Website for resources on aviation career opportunities and training. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Career Resources:Check out the FAA Website for official guidance on career paths, certifications, and training programs in the aviation industry. Aviation Careers Podcast:Tune in to Aviation Careers Podcast for insights into various aviation careers beyond piloting. If you enjoy Fly the Transition and want to continue the conversation, consider joining our Discord community. To request an invite, simply reach out to Jim by email or social media. Website: ⁠www.flyingmidwest.com⁠ Facebook: ⁠Fly the Transition⁠ Jim on Instagram: ⁠@flymidwestjim⁠ Email: ⁠Flythetransition@gmail.com⁠ Support our sponsors and affiliates who help make this podcast possible! Lightspeed Headsets:Shop Lightspeed Flying Eyes Sunglasses:Shop Flying EyesUse code Flyingmidwest10 for 10% off your purchase! Grab your official podcast gear at ⁠flyingmidwest.com/merch⁠.

    16 min
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4.9
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to Fly the Transition, where host Jim Schilling explores the inspiring stories of individuals transitioning into new careers within the aviation industry. In a world where more people are pursuing second careers as pilots, air traffic controllers, and mechanics, Jim delves into the intriguing backgrounds and motivations that drive these transitions. Each episode uncovers the diverse pathways and unique experiences that propel individuals towards their aviation dreams. Join Jim on this journey of exploration, gaining insights into the rich tapestry of aviation careers.

Information

  • Creator
    Flying Midwest Media
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Flying Midwest Media
  • Show Website
    Fly the Transition

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