logo
episode-header-image
Sep 8
48m 1s

The power of the aviation community, wit...

Sporty's Pilot Shop
About this episode

Professional pilot and podcast host Justin Siems says aviation is “a welcoming community that feels like it's not.” He explains why, based on his experience interviewing nearly 400 pilots. Justin also talks about making the transition from fractional flying to the major airlines, why he launched a print magazine in a world dominated by short-form video, and how his background as a Big Ten college football player translated directly to the flight deck. In the Ready to Copy segment, he shares the best advice he’s received from a guest, his humbling experience landing the Boeing 737, and his routine for early morning trips.

SHOW LINKS:

* Pilot to Pilot podcast and magazine: https://www.pilottopilothq.com/

* Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilottopilot/

* PJ2 GPS Radio: https://www.sportys.com/pj2-gps-radio.html

Up next
Oct 6
From Mission Control to Homebuilt Airplanes, with Paul Dye
Former NASA Flight Director and experimental aircraft expert Paul Dye explains how high-stakes spaceflight principles can translate to the world of single-pilot GA flying. He reflects on decision-making at Mission Control, the art of evaluating risk versus uncertainty, and why pi ... Show More
44m 39s
Sep 22
The pursuit of perfection, with Michael Goulian
As one of the few people to ever fly an airshow at Oshkosh, a competition aerobatic routine, and a Red Bull Air Race, Michael Goulian has a unique perspective on flying at the edge of the envelope. In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes to share how he prepares both physi ... Show More
41m 39s
Aug 25
What an airline pilot job is worth, with Kit Darby
As a former airline pilot and industry analyst for more than four decades, Kit Darby has seen a lot of job market cycles. In this episode he shares his wisdom, with plenty of practical advice for aspiring professional pilots, including an honest assessment of the job market right ... Show More
44m 8s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2023
Rock Collector (October 2023)
A student pilot learns whose job it is to preflight the airplane. (By William Satterburg) For questions or comments about this podcast, email jill.tallman@aopa.org Send us your Never Again and we may publish it in an issue of AOPA Pilot and share it on this podcast. Email pilo ... Show More
8m 16s
Sep 2023
Episode 19: The Current State of Aviation Training (w/ Joe Gonzalez)
Joe Gonzalez is an aviation instructor at Tarrant County College. In this conversation, we’ll examine the current state of aviation education. What new challenges do advancements in technology, such as ForeFlight, present to fledgling aviators? Joe will tell us about the landscap ... Show More
1h 3m
Mar 2023
Episode 9: Air Traffic Control and the Art of Speaking in the Sky (w/ Steve Phillips)
This episode of “Push to Talk” examines a pilot’s relationship with Air Traffic Control. What common mistakes do we make when communicating with the tower? I spoke with Steve Phillips, an Air Traffic Controller of over forty years, to help demystify the voice in our headset. 
45m 44s
Oct 2022
Episode 3: A Better Approach to Flight Training (w/ Scott Boughton)
Scott Boughton is the founder of Palisade Aviation, a Colorado-based company looking to refine flight training. We'll speak with Scott about his education philosophy, and how we can equip the next generation of pilots with the skills they need for success. Hosted by Bruce Webb. W ... Show More
56m 31s
Feb 2024
Episode 23: No Secrets In Safety (w/ J Heffernan)
Those of us who have enjoyed a life in aviation need to face a simple truth; that all the safety knowledge in the world is useless if we don’t successfully pass it down. Our guest today is J Heffernan. J is a lifelong aviator with a wide variety of experience, from flying in pres ... Show More
57m 57s
Aug 2023
Checklist Discpline (September 2023)
An overheated iPad, an unfamiliar aircraft, a missed checklist item, and convective weather at the destination airport. Sounds like a chain of events. Find out how quick decision making saved the day--but not the stomach contents--of a King Air full of nervous fliers. By Chris Po ... Show More
7m 52s
Aug 2025
861 Floatplane
We talk with a floatplane pilot who flies the de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver commercially. In the news, we look at strategies for modernizing the air traffic control system, striking flight attendants and some who wish they could, and a wingsuit accident takes the life of an IC ... Show More
1h 32m
Feb 2023
Six-Right Surprise (February 2023)
Don't land on taxiways. Just don't. Find out what led a pilot to do just that. (By Doug Magill) Got a Never Again scenario you'd like to share with others? Email pilot@aopa.org and we may publish your story in AOPA Pilot magazine and record it on this podcast. 
8m 31s
Jan 2025
7. Inside the Cockpit: Alex El Khawaja on the Life of a Pilot and Questions that Keep Us Curious
This week's Muse is Alex El Khawaja, commercial pilot for the Middle East Airlines.In this episode, Alex takes us behind the cockpit doors to uncover the realities of a pilot’s life, from the rigorous training and discipline required to reach the skies to the rare experiences tha ... Show More
45m 36s