The Aspiring Pilot Podcast - Aviation Podcast

Hayden King
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The Aspiring Pilot Podcast, hosted by Hayden King, is dedicated to helping future aviators go from zero experience to professional pilot with confidence and clarity. Listen in as Hayden explores the aviation industry by interviewing pilots, aviation business owners, content creators, and everyone in between — providing entertaining, educational, and inspiring content. More than just stories, this podcast serves as a mentorship resource for those without immediate guidance, offering practical advice to improve the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and enjoyment of pilot training. From study strategies and training pathways to career progression and employment options, our mission is to help you navigate the aviation world smarter, faster, and with purpose. 

Episodes

  1. 09/01/2025

    #9 - Bush Flying, Bombers, and Business Jets: Angus Forsyth’s Aviation Journey

    In this episode, Hayden sits down with Angus Forsyth — a pilot whose career path spans some of the most challenging and rewarding corners of aviation. From flying light aircraft on floats and skis in Northern Ontario, to water bombing in aerial firefighting, medevac operations, and corporate flying in light jets, Angus has built a remarkably versatile career defined by adaptability and purpose. He shares the story of his early beginnings, the realities of flight training, and how he managed to break into the industry during a time when jobs were scarce. Angus also offers practical advice for aspiring aviators — from standing out in a competitive job market to deciding which sector of aviation best matches their personality and lifestyle. Perhaps most importantly, Angus emphasizes the value of enjoying the day-to-day flying experience, reminding pilots not to miss the journey by hyper-fixating on some “mythical destination” where happiness finally arrives. Support the show

    57 min
  2. #8 - Taking the Path Less Traveled W / Jamie Brooks (aka One Nut Nightmare)

    06/12/2025

    #8 - Taking the Path Less Traveled W / Jamie Brooks (aka One Nut Nightmare)

    In this episode of The Aspiring Pilot Podcast, Hayden sits down with Jamie Brooks—better known online as One Nut Nightmare—to unpack his unconventional and inspiring journey into aviation. Before earning his wings, Jamie spent years teaching English in South Korea and skydiving. That skydiving passion eventually opened the door to his first flying gig—jump flying—which led to flight instructing, and later, float planes, aerial survey, and remote bush flying. Jamie reflects on the winding road that brought him here, sharing why he initially spent too much time focused on future goals instead of enjoying the process. He offers advice on what he would have done differently in flight training, especially for those eyeing their first float job. We also dive into what it really takes to succeed in aviation training—touching on the importance of self-study, self-motivation, discipline, and accountability. Jamie shares actionable tips for landing your first pilot job and setting realistic expectations as you move through the training pipeline. On a more personal note, Jamie opens up about his battles with ulcerative colitis and testicular cancer, and how those experiences shaped his mindset and priorities. We explore the connection between physical and mental health and how pilots can better care for both while pursuing demanding flying careers. This episode is packed with honest insights, hard lessons, and practical advice for anyone looking to forge their own path in aviation. Website: https://www.onenutnightmare.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@onenutnightmare  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onenutnightmare/ Support the show

    1h 8m
  3. #7 - Redefining the Pilot Pathway W / John Crawford of Wild Blue Aviation

    04/25/2025

    #7 - Redefining the Pilot Pathway W / John Crawford of Wild Blue Aviation

    In this episode, Hayden is joined by John Crawford — a seasoned commercial pilot whose aviation journey spans from ramp agent to Chief Pilot. Drawing from a wealth of hands-on experience, John recognized a need for a more efficient path to the cockpit for aspiring aviators. That realization led to the creation of Wild Blue Aviation, a coaching platform dedicated to helping student and low-time pilots bypass the traditional instructing route and land their first flying job.  In this conversation, John shares why a commercial license is really just a license to learn, why blue-collar backgrounds give pilots an edge, and why it’s crucial to see yourself as the client in your own training. He shines a light on what makes a great flight instructor, breaks down the difference between simply becoming a pilot and becoming a good pilot, and explains how structured debriefing can level up your skills. We also dig into the importance of talking with your AME, knowing your aircraft inside and out, and the fulfillment that comes from mentorship — all while emphasizing the power of networking and connections in shaping your aviation career. https://www.wbaviation.com/ - Websitehttps://www.youtube.com/@wildblueaviation9500 - YouTubehttps://www.instagram.com/wildblueaviation/?hl=en - Instagramhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1gq9Y2U3Zk - "Flying the Legendary DHC-2 Beaver on Floats | The Stunning Coastline of the Gulf Islands"Support the show

    1h 21m

  4. 01/26/2023

    #6 - Grant Gladych AKA @grants_aviation: 15 Year Old Published Aviation Photographer

    Welcome to Episode #6 of The Aspiring Pilot Podcast. This episode features published aviation photographer, enthusiast and aspiring pilot Grant Gladych. In this episode, Grant shares how he got into aviation photography, what gear he uses, his reaction to being published for the first time and much more!  Grants' Instagram: https://instagram.com/grants_aviation?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM= Grants' YouTube: https://youtube.com/@grants_aviation Grants' Jet Photos: https://www.jetphotos.com/photographer/186958 Grants' Website: http://grantsaviation.com/ Sunset 737 MAX photo: https://www.instagram.com/p/CTlPECiFLAN/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Connect Airlines photo: https://www.instagram.com/p/ChdfrfUMyEa/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Global 7500 photo: https://www.instagram.com/p/CMZ24dfhJXU/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Tracking Services Grant utilizes: http://flightradar24.com/ http://radarbox.com/ http://globe.adsbexchange.com/ Support the show

    30 min
  5. #5 - Conrad Hatcher: Content Provider & Co-Founder for Hangaaar.com

    01/19/2023

    #5 - Conrad Hatcher: Content Provider & Co-Founder for Hangaaar.com

    Welcome to Episode #5 of The Aspiring Pilot Podcast.  This episode features aviation enthusiast, flight instructor and co-founder of "Hangaaar" online ground school Conrad Hatcher.  In this episode we look at Conrad's pathway throughout aviation, how Hangaaar came to fruition and so much more! Hangaaar.com :  https://hangaaar.com/ Support the show

    1h 23m

  6. 01/12/2023

    #4 - Luc Arsenault: CRJ Training Pilot

    Welcome to Episode #4 of The Aspiring Pilot Podcast. Episode # 4 features CRJ training pilot Luc Arsenault. In this episode, Luc takes us from a star-struck passenger on a 747 to a training pilot for a major Canadian airline.  Support the show

    1h 12m

  7. 12/22/2022

    #3 - Rob Burrell: Bombardier Challenger 604 Pilot

    Welcome to Episode #3 of The Aspiring Pilot Podcast. Episode #3 features Bombardier Challenger 604 pilot Rob Burrell. In this episode, we explore Robs' aviation career pathway, the economics of private aviation, stories of flying in the vicinity of an active volcano and much more! Support the show

    1h 18m

  8. 12/08/2022

    #2 - Graeme Wellburn: Airbus Pilot

    Welcome to Episode #2 of The Aspiring Pilot Podcast. Episode #2 features Airbus pilot Graeme Wellburn. In this episode, we navigate Graemes' journey from ramp agent to first officer on the Airbus A321 and everything in between including his experience chartering NHL teams and stories of close calls with Polar Bears.  Support the show

    1h 15m

  9. 12/08/2022

    #1 - Barry Andruschak: Charter Pilot Turned Businessman

    Welcome to Episode #1 of The Aspiring Pilot Podcast. Episode #1 features general aviator and business owner/entrepreneur Barry Andruschak. Barry is the owner of a financial services agency as well as a graduate of Selkirk College holding a diploma in Aviation Technology.  In this episode, we navigate Barry’s experience as a student pilot attending Selkirk College, life as a charter pilot in southern California and so much more!  Support the show

    1h 7m
  • 9 Episodes

About

The Aspiring Pilot Podcast, hosted by Hayden King, is dedicated to helping future aviators go from zero experience to professional pilot with confidence and clarity. Listen in as Hayden explores the aviation industry by interviewing pilots, aviation business owners, content creators, and everyone in between — providing entertaining, educational, and inspiring content. More than just stories, this podcast serves as a mentorship resource for those without immediate guidance, offering practical advice to improve the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and enjoyment of pilot training. From study strategies and training pathways to career progression and employment options, our mission is to help you navigate the aviation world smarter, faster, and with purpose. 

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