Fly the Transition

Flying Midwest Media
  • 4.9 (12)
  • 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. 1 DAY AGO

    Episode 45 - Soaring for a Cause: How Volunteer Flying Helps You Build Time, Connections, and Purpose

    n this episode of Fly the Transition, we dive into the powerful impact volunteer flying can have on your aviation career. Whether you're looking to build flight hours, expand your network, or simply give back to the community, flying for charity offers unique opportunities to achieve all three. From disaster relief missions to medical transport and veteran assistance, volunteer pilots are at the forefront of making a difference. We explore the key organizations involved in volunteer flying, such as Pilots N Paws, Angel Flight, and Aerobridge, highlighting the mission and requirements for each. Plus, we'll discuss the essential benefits of these flying opportunities, including the invaluable connections you’ll make with fellow pilots, aviation professionals, and those in need. In addition to the personal and professional rewards, we’ll cover the tax-deductible side of volunteer flying, offering insights into what you can claim, what documentation you’ll need, and why it’s crucial to consult with a tax professional. Join us as we navigate the world of volunteer flying, and learn how you can soar for a cause, build your hours, and make a real difference in the world. Don’t miss out on this inspiring and informative episode that combines aviation passion with giving back. Freedom Aviation Network: ⁠https://www.freedomaviationnetwork.org⁠ Veterans Airlift Command: https://veteransairlift.org Pilots N Paws: https://www.pilotsnpaws.org AeroBridge: https://aerobridge.org/ Angel Flight: https://www.angelflight.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=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.

    18 min

  2. 5 DAYS AGO

    Episode 44 - Breaking the Cycle: Behind Freedom Aviation Network’s Mission - With Stephanie Lamar

    Episode Description In this episode, we explore how pilots are stepping into a new kind of mission: fighting human trafficking from the skies. Our guest, Stephanie Lamar, shares her journey from a 15-year hiatus in aviation to becoming a regional airline first officer and the driving force behind Freedom Aviation Network. Stephanie share her journey from an extended break in aviation, to CFI, and eventually a regional carrier. She will also talk about some of the barriers and challenges she faced along the way. Then, we hear the incredible story of how Freedom Aviation Network is mobilizing pilots to provide transportation for survivors of trafficking, connecting them with safety and recovery resources. We dive into the challenges of building this impactful nonprofit, the logistics of rescue missions by air, and the vital role pilots can play in this mission of hope. If you’ve ever wondered how your love of flying could serve a higher cause, this episode is a must-listen! Freedom Aviation Network: https://www.freedomaviationnetwork.org 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.

    1h 12m

  3. NOV 11

    Episode 43 - Building a New Career: A Realtor’s Path to Becoming a Corporate Pilot

    Episode Description In this episode of Fly the Transition, we sit down with Corporate Pilot Sean Crow, whose unique journey from real estate to aviation will resonate with anyone considering a career change. Sean’s passion for flying began in his teens, but life initially took him down a different path into real estate. Years later, with his customer service expertise and problem-solving skills, Sean decided to take another look at aviation as a profession. Through networking with friends in the industry and learning what was possible, he discovered a way to transition his skills into a successful career as a corporate charter pilot. Today, Sean is not only flying high in a field he loves, but he’s also dedicated to helping others do the same—coaching and mentoring aspiring pilots who want to make their career dreams a reality. Whether you’re interested in leveraging your existing skills in a new field or looking for inspiration to follow your own path to the cockpit, Sean’s story is filled with insights on the power of passion, adaptability, and the value of having a mentor. Tune in for this episode packed with tips and real-life lessons on breaking into aviation from a whole new angle. 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.

    56 min

  4. NOV 5

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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4.9
out of 5
12 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
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Flying Midwest Media
  • Show Website
    Fly the Transition

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