Aviation Mentors

Aviation Mentors

Author: Brandon Martini & Carson Vasquez Language: English Episodes: 220
Every Friday, Brandon Martini and Carson Vasquez settle in for a conversation that feels like hanging out in the best kind of pilot lounge. Their Aviation Mentors podcast is built on the idea that the world of flight is vast, connecting everything from engineering and history to personal stories and global culture. They bring their own perspectives as active aviators, mentors, and entrepreneurs to each discussion, creating a space that’s as welcoming to a first-time student pilot as it is to a seasoned airline captain or someone who just loves the sound of a radial engine. You’ll hear episodes that dive into the nuances of technique, the stories behind iconic aircraft and airports, and the broader ways aviation shapes our society and sense of place. It’s a weekly exploration driven by genuine passion, moving far beyond textbook talk to capture the real conversations aviators have when they’re just sharing their love for flying. Tune in for thoughtful, wide-ranging dialogues that remind you why the aviation community is so uniquely compelling.
Episodes
Are Pilots AI-Proof? Answering Your Biggest Flight Training Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:15
Are pilots truly safe from AI replacing their jobs — and how do you actually make flight training work in real life? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle some of the most pressing…
Pizza Delivery to Phenom 300: Shaun Dawson's Pilot Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:07
From delivering pizzas as a teenager to earning a Phenom 300 type rating — Shaun Dawson's pilot journey is one every GA pilot needs to hear. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon sits down with San D…
Mayday in a Warzone: When ATC Can't Save You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:42
Mayday calls, closed airspace, and no place to land — what do you do when ATC tells you "I don't know what to tell you"? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down a real-world airli…
From $7,300 in 9 Months to $100K: The Real Airline Pilot Salary Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:19
From $7,300 in 9 months to breaking $100K. What does the real airline pilot career path actually look like? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon sits down with Chad Freeman, a major airline pilot wi…
The Real Reason 80% of Student Pilots Never Finish Training [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:17
Flight training is tough — but are student pilots set up to fail before they even start? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle the most pressing student pilot concerns of 2026, answ…
You Know You're A CFI When... (Part 5) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:08
Should CFIs stay silent or intervene? Paper charts or electronic flight bags? When's the right time for turning stalls? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson debate the most controversial…
Listener Questions (Part 13) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:58
Should student pilots pay extra for glass cockpit trainers, or stick with steam gauges to save money? What about learning Class Bravo procedures early? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carso…