The Inspired Pilot Podcast

What does it take to become a pilot? Jeff Simon's love of aviation is taking him on a journey well beyond the cockpit. Jeff is a pilot, an aircraft owner, an FAA certified A & P mechanic and inspector, writer, and inventor. Jeff has spent the last 18 years promoting owner-assisted aircraft maintenance, holds several STCs (Supplemental Type Certificates) for aircraft modification and recently certified the FlexAlert multifunction annunciator to increase flight safety. Driven by a mission to get people flying more, Jeff is also the creator of SocialFlight.com and the free Social Flight mobile app which maps over 20,000 aviation events, destinations, and hundred dollar hamburgers to support the GA (General Aviation) community in the US and beyond. Most recently, Jeff and his two teenage boys have begun building a Titan T-51 aircraft kit in the living room of their home. Join us as Jeff gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey. Listen to Jeff’s episode here: https://www.inspiredpilot.com/podcast/jeff-simon-social-flight-faa-ia/ ============================= SOCIAL MEDIA Connect With The Podcast On: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/inspiredpilot/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/InspiredPilot INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredpilot/

Jeremy Robertson started flying at age 15 in Canberra, Australia, completing his PPL at the end of high school and gaining his commercial licences via the University of New South Wales Bachelor of Aviation program. Jeremy has worked as a flying instructor, bush pilot, and an airline pilot. Accumulating 7,500 flying hours across aircraft ranging from ultralights to B747s before a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in 2010 ended his commercial flying career. Jeremy has recently graduating from The University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery and is currently working as a junior doctor, and aiming for a career in general practice and aerospace medicine. Now holding an unrestricted Class 2 medical, Jeremy continues to instruct for his local ultralight club, maintains a current Multi-Engine Instrument Rating and will fly anything that is put in front of him. Visit The Show Notes Page For Patrick’s Episode And For More Recommended Pilot & Aviation Resources here: http://www.inspiredpilot.com/podcast/jeremy-robertson-former-airline-pilot-private-pilot-diabetes-junior-doctor .

Patrick Smith is an airline pilot and the host of the popular website askthepilot.com. Patrick is also a published author and his book, COCKPIT CONFIDENTIAL is a New York Times bestseller. He has appeared on hundreds of radio and television outlets, and his work is cited on a regular basis in print publications worldwide. He currently works as a first officer on the Boeing 767 and 757, flying both domestic and overseas routes. As well as aviation Patrick travels extensively in his spare time and so far has visited more than eighty countries. Visit The Show Notes Page For Patrick’s Episode And For More Recommended Pilot & Aviation Resources here:http://www.inspiredpilot.com/podcast/patrick-smith-ask-the-pilot/ .

Robert DeLaurentis, the “Zen Pilot”, is a noted aviation speaker and author with over 1400 flight hours. Robert has his Visual, Instrument and Multi-engine Ratings and holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate as well as an advanced graduate degree in Spiritual Psychology. Robert completed a circumnavigation of the planet in August 2015 where he visited 23 countries and 5 continents crossing 12 oceans and seas. This record setting flight in the Spirit of San Diego is the topic of his Amazon best seller called, "Zen Pilot, Flight of Passion and the Journey Within." Join us as Robert gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey.   Visit The Show Note Notes Page For Robert's Episode here: http://www.inspiredpilot.com Check out Robert's book "Zen Pilot, Flight of Passion and the Journey Within." on Amazon

Join us as Karen Kahn gives us insight into her inspiring pilot journey. Karen Kahn piloted her first flight at the age of 19 and then 9 years later, in 1977, was one of the first woman hired by a major airline. Karen now retired from a thirty six-plus year airline pilot career with Continental now United Airlines.A speaker and author of the self-help book "Flight Guide for Success: Tips and Tactics for the Aspiring Airline Pilot", Karen is committed to excellence. She is a Master CFI, FAA aviation safety counselor, director of the California Pilot's Association and a current four-term Airport commissioner in her hometown of Santa Barbara, California in the United States. Listen to Karen's Episode Here: Episode 24 - Karen Kahn

Join us as Richard Graham gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey After his first solo flight in 1962, with his father as the instructor, Rich Graham was hooked on a flying career. After 25 years in the United States Air Force flying the T-37/T-33/T-38/F-4/SR-71/U-2/KC-135Q aircraft he retired in 1989. He flew at American Airlines for 13 years and was a Captain on the MD-80. With a total flying time of 14,437 hours, Rich is currently an instructor pilot at McKinney Airport in Texas, United States and is a member of the Dallas FAAST team. Listen to Richard's Interview Here: Episode 23: Richard Graham    

What does it take to become a pilot? Join us as Brent Blue gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey. Brent Blue is a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner who introduced Digital Pulse Oximetry to general aviation in 1995. He has been the team doctor for the US Unlimited Aerobatic team at the world competition in Hungary and lectures extensively on Hypoxia and carbon monoxide at altitude. Dr. Blue flies a Cessna 340, a Cessna 185, and a 450 Stearman out of his home airport near Jackson Hole in the United States. Listen to Brent's Interview Here: Episode 22: Brent Blue

Andrew Underwood gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey.   Andrew Underwood was born in the UK but has called New Zealand home for the past 13 years, learning to fly at Ardmore airfield in Auckland.    Since gaining his commercial licence, he has been employed as a skydive drop pilot, international aerial survey pilot before more recently moving into scheduled passenger operations.   Listen to Andrew's Interview Here: Episode 21: Andrew Underwood

Colleen Mondor is a freelance writer and the author of The Map of My Dead Pilots: The Dangerous Game of Flying in Alaska. Colleen contributes regularly to Alaska Dispatch News, writing about Alaska aviation, and owns an aircraft leasing company with her husband.

John Laity is a pilot Engineer & pilot with over 18 years flying experience in ultralights.   He co-founded Flying for Freedom in 2010 in response to the large number of injured and wounded veterans who applied to be part of the British Antarctic Microlight Expedition.   Flying for Freedom is now funded and supported by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, via their Endeavour Fund. Further supporting the cause Both Prince Harry and Prince George are proud owners of special Flying for Freedom flying suits.   Visit www.inspiredpilot.com to listen to John's inspiring story.   To donate and support the Flying For Freedom Ultralight/Microlight Antarctica expedition click here: http://bit.ly/flyingforfreedom

Rick Durden started flying in junior high school. He became a flight instructor during his first year of college and helped pay for college and law school by flight instructing and hauling air freight.  Holding an ATP with type ratings in the Douglas DC-3 and Cessna Citation 500 series. Rick splits his time between practicing aviation law and as an editor of Aviation Consumer magazine and AVweb, the Internet aviation magazine.  Rick has been a volunteer pilot for LightHawk, a public benefit flying organization that supports conservation efforts in North and Central America for 25 years and is also the author of the book The Thinking Pilot's Flight Manual or, How to Survive Flying Little Airplanes and Have a Ball Doing It, Vol I. Volume 2 will be released shortly.   You can also leave a comment for Rick , just below the show notes for this episode and for the other guests, on their pages at http://www.inspiredpilot.com

Owen Zupp gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey. Owen Zupp’s passion for flight began in childhood and now he possesses over 17,000 hours on a wide range of aircraft.  Owen’s career has included remote region charter flying and flight instruction, international ferry flights, flight testing and the airlines.  He holds a Masters Degree in Aviation and his writings on the subject have been widely published.  Beyond the cockpit Owen has also authored four books and the popular website, ‘The Pilot’s Blog’ @ www.thepilotsblog.com You can also leave a comment for Owen , just below the show notes for this episode and for the other guests, on their pages at http://www.inspiredpilot.com

Rod Rakic shares his inspiring pilot journey. Rod Rakic is committed to helping aviation work better. He’s a co-founder at OpenAirplane, which makes renting an airplane as easy as renting a car. Rod’s career spans 20 years of building experiences as tools to enhance and manage brands. A digital strategist, professional pilot, and user experience nerd with a mission.

Dean Siracusa Shares His Inspiring Pilot Journey. Dean Siracusa is a 2000hr FAA Single Engine Land and instrument rated   pilot, Inventor and Serial Entrepreneur based in Austin, Texas in the U.S. In 2006 Dean purchased a rare 1966 Meyers 200D which to this day is still one of the fastest and safest single engine piston aircraft ever built. The Meyer 200D still holds speed records to this day for production aircraft. Dean is also the President and Founder of Transtock, Inc. which is The leading licensing agency that specializes in transportation imagery and footage. In 2012 Dean Invented Flying Eyes Sunglasses and in 2014 received a patent with more pending.  Summer Hawk Optics, Inc. is still the only option for comfortable sunglasses while wearing a headset or helmet and available at www.flyingeyes.biz.

Kathy McCullough shares her inspiring pilot journey. At the age of age 16 Kathy McCullough Flying career choice, was not wholly supported by her parents.  However by the end of college, Kathy had purchased her first airplane, a Cessna 140 “taildragger”. Over the next few years a lot of change followed aviation wise for Kathy, including working as a flight attendant on Vickers Viscounts, flying Cessna 206’s to and from Mines and even helping fighting fires in Boise, Idaho. Kathy joined Northwest Airlines in 1981 which was the start of fantastic 26 year career. Starting on the 727 and DC-10s, Kathy finally retired as a Captain on the prestigious Boeing 747. Now retired Kathy is following and enjoying her other passion, photography and also does motivational speaking to at-risk kids and school groups.

Mike Lesser gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey. Mike Lesser was a frustrated pilot his whole life, but after completing his university degree there was nothing else he wanted to do except fly. Training full time, within about a year and a half Mike had his commercial license, instrument rating and ATPL subjects completed. After 8 years of hard work, Mike now has both Australian and New Zealand ATPL licenses and flies internationally as a First Officer on the Boeing 737.

Maria Langer gives us insight into her inspiring pilot journey. Maria Langer is a commercial helicopter pilot and the owner/operator of Flying M Air, LLC based in Washington State in the United States. Flying is her third career and she’s been at it now for 15 years. Maria blogs about flying, building her new home, recovering from an ugly divorce and a variety of other things at www.MariaLanger.com.

Join us as Lauren Richardson gives us insight into her inspiring pilot journey. Lauren has been flying since she waved goodbye to her teens and is enjoying her fifth season of flying aerobatics along with her third as a display pilot. Self-funded, Lauren has flying in her blood as she is now living the dream her younger self conjured up. It’s clear she has talent alongside the passion as she has won many competitions including the British Female Aerobatic Champion of 2012. Lauren never stops pursuing her dream as she admits she’s still got further to go and is always finding new ways to fall in love with flying every single day.

Join us as Polly Vacher gives us insight into her inspiring pilot journey. It may have been over 20 years since Polly Vacher MBE gained her pilots licence but she’s packed a lot of flying into those years. Polly achieved incredible feats as she’s circumnavigated the Austraila, the United States and the entire globe. In 2004 she became the first solo woman to fly over the Polar Regions and she did all of this to gain scholarships for the disabled In 2007 she completed the Wings Around Britain Challenge where she landed at all the airfields in the UK Jeppesen VFR Manual. An admirable achievement that has seen Polly rewarded with an MBE for her services to charity.

Join us as Mike Weeks gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey. Mike Weeks is a Cadet First Officer with Monarch Airlines, based out of Luton Airport in the UK. An Airbus A320 & A321 pilot, flying mainly to various destinations around Europe, to the Canary Islands, Egypt & Turkey. Mikes journey to the right hand seat has been via the ATPL Modular route and fully self funded.

Join us as Don Sebastian gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey. Don Sebastian’s interest in aviation as with many,  started as a young boy building model aeroplanes. Through many twists and turns Don’s Career to date includes being drafted into the Army where his primary job was to actually to jump out of aircraft. A Mechanic for a commuter airline, CFI for hundreds of students, an expert witness in numerous court cases and almost every rating imaginable, Don’s career has been as varied as it gets. Today ss President of Aviation Consulting Services Incorporated,  from J3 Cubs to Boeings, Don enjoys helping buyers and pilots acquire safe aircraft.

Join us as Patty Wagstaff gives us insight into her inspiring pilot journey. Patty Wagstaff’s achievements, awards and recognition in aviation is literally the stuff legends are made of. A six-time member of the U.S. Aerobatic Team &  competing at Olympic level, Patty is a three-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion and the first woman to EVER achieve this title. She flies as a "stunt pilot" for major motion picture and television projects, supports worthy causes in Africa, a demo pilot and has even turned her flying skills to fighting fires in California USA. Patty is one of the world’s top airshow pilots, demonstrating before millions of people each year and now teaches others 'how to do it' at the “Patty Wagstaff Aerobatic School” in St. Augustine, Florida. Patty has earned her position as one of modern aviation’s most recognised trailblazers and ambassadors, a woman dedicated to the sport and art of aerobatics.  

Join us as Karlene Petitt gives us insight into her inspiring pilot journey. After eight airlines, Karlene Petitt is flying strong on the Airbus A330. She holds 7-type ratings, two masters degrees, and is working on her PhD in Aviation, focused on safety. As a mother, grandmother, international airline pilot and successful blog owner..  Karlene has written aviation thrillers, a motivational book, and also children’s books.

Join us as MayCay Beeler gives us insight into her inspiring pilot journey. A vivacious American fly girl, MayCay Beeler is a record breaking pilot, award-winning television personality, veteran TV Host/Journalist, award winning true crime author,  Certified Flight Instructor, mom, world traveler, and dynamic woman with a passion for all things flying. As on-camera talent, MayCay has worked for every major US Network TV affiliate in News and Entertainment. She is a champion of aviation, who knows firsthand that a woman's place is in the cockpit!

Join us as Timothy Nathan gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey. Timothy Nathan started flying training when he was fourteen, initially funding it through washing cars. He went on through the University Air Squadron to a Private Instrument Rated Pilot, and then climbed the professional ladder from night mail flights to flying the former UK Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.  After losing his job in the 1993 recession, he returned to private flying. Timothy has a Piper Aztec, which he flies to silly (mainly very cold) places, is an Instrument Rating Instructor and lobbies extensively for General Aviation.  

What does it take to become a pilot?  Join us as Darren Fuller gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey. Living under the flight path of a local training aerodrome in New South Wales, Australia, Darren Fuller was bitten by the flying bug early, managing to solo before the legal driving age. Now at 29, he holds both the Australian and Canadian ATPLs, has been a flight instructor, a bush pilot and now flies a Citation Encore for the air ambulance based in Vancouver, Canada.

What does it take to become a pilot?  Join us as Chris Puddy gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey. After originally first going solo in Australia back in 1965, Chris finished his flying training back in England.  Flying mainly Twin Otters and King Airs, Chris’ Professional Career has been extensive, flying for various companies working in the Far East, all over the UK and also in Africa.  After a 12 year break he started Flying Instructing again in 2008.  Today, student pilots continue to benefit from Chris’ vast experience and relaxed style of training.

What does it take to become a pilot?  Join us as Matt Dearden gives us insight into his inspiring pilot journey. After originally catching the flying bug as a teenage cadet, Matt Dearden, switched working a  normal 9-5 IT job in England to flying around the jungles of Indonesia in the ultimate bush plane.  Not only is he a Commercial Pilot with 1000s of hours in command Pilatus PC-6 aircraft with Susi Air, flying in the mountains of Papua, Indonesia. Matt is also a Successful Blog blog owner and guest blogger, Magazine Column writer and Star of the recent Channel 4 docu-series, “Worst Place to be a Pilot”.

The Inspired Pilot Podcast is an audio podcast hosted by Marvyn Robinson.  A weekly show interviewing pilots with inspiring journeys from all around the world. Each week we will highlight the flying life of our featured pilot, follow their aviation journey, experiences gained and lessons learned.  Every episode will be packed with actionable advice and resources to INSPIRE seasoned pilots, low hour pilots, wannabe pilots and pilot enthusiasts alike.  Wherever you are on your pilot journey, be prepared to be inspired!