The Tailwinds & Sunshine Podcast

Manny Ramirez
  • 4.5 (34)
  • AVIATION

Welcome to an aviation podcast that caters to all aviation enthusiasts, ranging from pilots to airplane spotters. Our show covers a wide range of topics, including private pilot training, airline operations, and the latest aviation news. Our knowledgeable host, an experienced airline pilot with eight years of flying under his belt, is thrilled to share his own experiences and offer valuable advice to help you pursue your aviation dreams. We are here to support you on your journey, constantly wishing you Tailwinds & Sunshine!

  1. Flying Chickens: Special Guest | Mike Strasser | Part 2

    06/17/2024

    Flying Chickens: Special Guest | Mike Strasser | Part 2

    Part two is here, y’all! Mike is an exceptionally talented and fascinating individual. In addition to being an airline pilot, he and his brother Stefan run a cartoon series called Chicken Wings—featuring chickens that fly, though not in the way you'd expect. Mike also operates a retail store selling Chicken Wings merchandise and a variety of aviator-related items, such as patches, airplane models, and gifts. Join us, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! ABOUT MIKE Mike's fascination with aviation dates back to his earliest memories. Every spare moment was devoted to building model aircraft, flying RC planes, or working part-time at the local airport, where he washed, fixed, and fueled aircraft. After completing an engineering degree in Electronics, he promptly pursued his dream of becoming a commercial pilot. He began with motor gliders and single-engine planes before discovering his passion for helicopters. This led to a 20-year career in Wildland Firefighting Helicopters, where he flew everything from a Bell Ranger to a massive Boeing Chinook. After what he describes as "having had a good run," Mike transitioned to flying for the airlines and is now a captain of a regional jet. His flying adventures have taken him around the globe. While he has forgotten most of what he learned about electronics, he has collected numerous stories and ideas for his aviation-themed cartoon, "Chicken Wings Comics," which he creates with his brother Stefan whenever he's not flying. www.chickenwingscomics.com www.aviatorwebsite.com Instagram: mikeystrasser | chickenwingscomics Contact: info@chickenwingscomics.com REACH OUT! Submit your questions or aviation stories to the show Contact: mannythecfi@gmail.com Instagram: climbvx BOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOW Interview availability dates

    34 min
  2. Flying Chickens: Special Guest | Mike Strasser | Part 1

    06/10/2024

    Flying Chickens: Special Guest | Mike Strasser | Part 1

    Mike and I were sim partners during our upgrade training at SkyWest Airlines. His awesome Austrian accent and diverse background led to many captivating stories during training. Today, sit back and meet Mike as we catch up after training and jump into his aviation journey, beginning with helicopters and firefighting. ABOUT MIKE Mike's fascination with aviation dates back to his earliest memories. Every spare moment was devoted to building model aircraft, flying RC planes, or working part-time at the local airport, where he washed, fixed, and fueled aircraft. After completing an engineering degree in Electronics, he promptly pursued his dream of becoming a commercial pilot. He began with motor gliders and single-engine planes before discovering his passion for helicopters. This led to a 20-year career in Wildland Firefighting Helicopters, where he flew everything from a Bell Ranger to a massive Boeing Chinook. After what he describes as "having had a good run," Mike transitioned to flying for the airlines and is now a captain of a regional jet. His flying adventures have taken him around the globe. While he has forgotten most of what he learned about electronics, he has collected numerous stories and ideas for his aviation-themed cartoon, "Chicken Wings Comics," which he creates with his brother Stefan whenever he's not flying. www.chickenwingscomics.com Instagram: mikeystrasser | chickenwingscomics Contact: info@chickenwingscomics.com EPISODE REFERENCES SkyWest Airlines LogTen Pro REACH OUT! Submit your questions or aviation stories to the show Contact: mannythecfi@gmail.com Instagram: climbvx BOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOW Interview availability dates

    40 min
  3. Wait ‘til I get my money right…

    06/07/2024

    Wait ‘til I get my money right…

    In today's episode, I climb back on my soapbox to discuss an important issue: money. Stop wasting your money! While it’s easier said than done, many Americans live far beyond their means in a futile attempt to maintain appearances and project a superficial image of success. Stop! It’s not about making more money; if you have an unhealthy relationship with money, no amount will bring you financial freedom. Let’s go!! REACH OUT! Submit your questions or aviation stories to the show Contact: mannythecfi@gmail.com Instagram: climbvx BOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOW Interview availability dates

    27 min
  4. From Coffee Spills to Cockpit Thrills: Special Guest | Vanessa Montaño | Grand Finale

    06/03/2024

    From Coffee Spills to Cockpit Thrills: Special Guest | Vanessa Montaño | Grand Finale

    Welcome back! This is the grand finale. We close out our conversation talking about non-rev travel, Vanessa’s icks with pilots which turns into a full blown conversations about Crew Resource Management (CRM) Let’s go! ABOUT VANESSA Vanessa is a passionate aviation enthusiast, she shares her journey from being a flight attendant for over five years to becoming a student pilot with dreams of flying professionally. Despite facing challenges and coming from humble beginnings, she remains determined to achieve her goal of becoming a licensed pilot. Through laughter, inspiration, and advocacy for self-belief, she encourages listeners to embrace life's wild journeys and overcome obstacles. Join her as she navigates the skies and share her experiences, reminding us all that with perseverance and humor, we can conquer any challenge. Instagram: VeeDiddyTheMini Contact: veemontano@gmail.com REACH OUT! Submit your questions or aviation stories to the show Contact: mannythecfi@gmail.com Instagram: climbvx BOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOW Interview availability dates

    55 min
  5. Thunder From Down Under | Our Non-Rev Journey to Sydney | Reading your reviews and emails | Keep your seatbelt fastened! Like, really!

    05/30/2024

    Thunder From Down Under | Our Non-Rev Journey to Sydney | Reading your reviews and emails | Keep your seatbelt fastened! Like, really!

    Wow! Can I say I performed at the Sydney Opera House? Probably not, huh? Had me a little vacation in Australia and I can’t wait for you to listen to today’s episode. I catch up on some emails and reviews, which by the way, thank you thank you so much. What are you still doing reading this?? Go and download today’s episode and while you’re at it, download all of the episodes! EPISODE REFERENCES Turbulence induced death:  Singapore Airlines SQ321 REACH OUT! Submit your questions or aviation stories to the show Contact: mannythecfi@gmail.com Instagram: climbvx BOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOW Interview availability dates

    31 min
  6. From Coffee Spills to Cockpit Thrills: Special Guest | Vanessa Montaño | Part 2

    05/13/2024

    From Coffee Spills to Cockpit Thrills: Special Guest | Vanessa Montaño | Part 2

    Welcome back, nerds! Thank you for joining me today. In this episode, we talk about the differences between Part 61 and Part 141 schools to help you make the best choice for your needs. We also discuss the ethical dilemma of compromising values for career advancement, sharing our perspectives on integrity in the workplace. In our fast-paced industry, timing is crucial, but maintaining resilience is key. And finally, join me as I quiz Vee on some FAA private pilot questions—test your knowledge alongside her! ABOUT VANESSA Vanessa is a passionate aviation enthusiast, she shares her journey from being a flight attendant for over five years to becoming a student pilot with dreams of flying professionally. Despite facing challenges and coming from humble beginnings, she remains determined to achieve her goal of becoming a licensed pilot. Through laughter, inspiration, and advocacy for self-belief, she encourages listeners to embrace life's wild journeys and overcome obstacles. Join her as she navigates the skies and share her experiences, reminding us all that with perseverance and humor, we can conquer any challenge. Instagram: VeeDiddyTheMini Contact: veemontano@gmail.com EPISODE REFERENCES Book:  Going Pro The Deliberate Practice of Professionalism  by Tony Kern REACH OUT! Submit your questions or aviation stories to the show Contact: mannythecfi@gmail.com Instagram: climbvx BOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOW Interview availability dates

    49 min
  7. United Jumpseater Sparks Conflict with SWA, Igniting a Battle for the jumpseat 2024 | Listener in airline training wants advice to manage stress | How to ACE your LOE

    05/09/2024

    United Jumpseater Sparks Conflict with SWA, Igniting a Battle for the jumpseat 2024 | Listener in airline training wants advice to manage stress | How to ACE your LOE

    I'm thrilled about today's episode! Get ready for an intense showdown between United and SouthWest Airlines in an all-out jumpseat war. I'll dive into the gripping story of a FedEx crew's daring landing of a 767 in Turkey without its nose gear. Plus, a listener seeks advice on navigating the challenges of airline training. And don't miss out on my expert tips for acing your airline check ride, also known as a Line Oriented Evaluation (LOE). Tune in for all this excitement and more in today's episode! REACH OUT! Submit your questions or aviation stories to the show Contact: mannythecfi@gmail.com Instagram: climbvx BOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOW Interview availability dates

    57 min
  8. From Coffee Spills to Cockpit Thrills: Special Guest | Vanessa Montaño | Part 1

    05/06/2024

    From Coffee Spills to Cockpit Thrills: Special Guest | Vanessa Montaño | Part 1

    Welcome to The Tailwinds & Sunshine Podcast! In today's episode, we explore how minority families can unknowingly impact our aspirations. Vanessa shares insights into the SkyWest Pathway program, offering a unique opportunity for non-pilot employees to ascend into the flight deck. Plus, we discuss the vital task of selecting the right flight instructor, uncovering the financial and personal costs of choosing poorly or sticking with the wrong match for too long. Join us as we navigate through the intricate dynamics of familial influence, career aspirations, and the pivotal role of the right flight instructor in achieving our goals. ABOUT VANESSA Vanessa is a passionate aviation enthusiast, she shares her journey from being a flight attendant for over five years to becoming a student pilot with dreams of flying professionally. Despite facing challenges and coming from humble beginnings, she remains determined to achieve her goal of becoming a licensed pilot. Through laughter, inspiration, and advocacy for self-belief, she encourages listeners to embrace life's wild journeys and overcome obstacles. Join her as she navigates the skies and share her experiences, reminding us all that with perseverance and humor, we can conquer any challenge. Instagram: VeeDiddyTheMini Contact: veemontano@gmail.com REACH OUT! Submit your questions or aviation stories to the show Contact: mannythecfi@gmail.com Instagram: climbvx BOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOW Interview availability dates

    42 min
See All (35)

4.5
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

Welcome to an aviation podcast that caters to all aviation enthusiasts, ranging from pilots to airplane spotters. Our show covers a wide range of topics, including private pilot training, airline operations, and the latest aviation news. Our knowledgeable host, an experienced airline pilot with eight years of flying under his belt, is thrilled to share his own experiences and offer valuable advice to help you pursue your aviation dreams. We are here to support you on your journey, constantly wishing you Tailwinds & Sunshine!

Information

  • Creator
    Manny Ramirez
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Manny Ramirez