Do You Actually Need an ATP to Fly Commercially? The Answer Might Surprise You

Do You Actually Need an ATP to Fly Commercially? The Answer Might Surprise You

Author: Brandon Martini & Carson Vasquez February 21, 2026 Duration: 27:52

Do you actually need an ATP to fly commercially? The answer depends on how you're flying — and it might surprise you. ✈️

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down one of the most misunderstood regulatory questions in aviation after a real JSX flight from Scottsdale sparks the debate. They cover:

  • Why Part 121 requires both pilots to hold an ATP, Part 135 requires only the captain, and Part 91 requires neither
  • How JSX uses Part 380 and Delux Public Charter to legally operate 30-seat jets under Part 135 instead of Part 121 — and why Southwest is fighting to shut it down
  • What the ATP-CTP course actually covers — proper checklist usage, proper crew management in a 121 setting, and passenger comfort — and why having it early might give you a slight leg up, though Brandon and Carson agree you'd need to ask a recruiter for a real answer
  • Why Part 135 and Part 91 pilots have no mandatory retirement age and can legally fly as long as they can pass a medical

🛩️ Looking to charter a private jet, turboprop, or aircraft? Connect with Antonio Ferrara, a trusted Part 135 broker featured in this episode: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-ferrara-161103170/

🚁 Also check out XPCE — the innovative drone company Brandon is advising, specializing in waterproof and fishing drones: https://xpece.com

✈️ Is your flight school looking for new branding? Check out Parallel Marketing — now officially live and specializing in aviation industry branding: 🌐 https://parallelmarketingcompany.com 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/company/parallel-marketing-company/

🚀 Whether you're a student pilot, private pilot, or general aviation enthusiast trying to make sense of the FARs, Brandon and Carson break it all down in plain language — straight from a real conversation that started on a JSX flight home.

🌎 New episodes drop every Friday — join us, learn, and stay inspired in aviation.


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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Aviation Mentors
Podcast Episodes
S02E04: Oshkosh 2024 Highlights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:58
Buckle up, aviators! 🛫 In our latest episode of the Aviation Mentors podcast, 🎙️ we’re diving into the epicness that was Oshkosh 2024. From jaw-dropping aircraft and legendary night air shows to behind-the-scenes party s…
S02E03: Scare in the Air [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:49
Welcome to Aviation Mentors, the podcast where we dive into all things aviation! ✈️ Get ready for a captivating journey into the skies as we unravel the "Scare in the Air"! In this episode, we tackle the very expected ch…
S02E01: Father-Son Pilot Duo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:10
Join us for a thrilling father-son aviation adventure in this special episode of Aviation Mentors! We're diving into unforgettable flights, from cloud-soaring escapades to nerve-wracking seaplane landings. Expect tales o…
S01E136: Fit to Fly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:47
Ready to soar ✈️ through your next aviation medical exam? 🏥 Join Brandon and Carson on Aviation Mentors Podcast for a high-flying adventure into the essentials of staying fit to fly. ✈️ Discover insider tips on navigatin…
S01E135: Interview with Tait Duryea [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:54
In this exciting episode of Aviation Mentors, ✈️ hosts Brandon and Carson sit down with Tait Duryea, the CEO of Turbine Capital. Discover Tait's inspiring journey to becoming a pilot, ✈️ why he chose Hawaiian Airlines, h…
S01E134: Scholarships and Stories from the Sky [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:49
Join us for an engaging flight through the latest episode of Aviation Mentors. ✈️ In this enlightening session, we delve into the intricate details of the Cessna 120 and helicopter accident. 🚁 We also shine a spotlight o…
S01E133: Aviation News [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:04
Welcome to this week’s episode of Aviation Mentors, ✈️🛫 where we take flight with the latest headlines in the aviation world. Tune in as we dive into the exhilarating Sun 'n Fun Event, exploring the highlights and what m…
S01E132: I'm Spinning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:04
Dive into the thrilling world of aviation with this episode of Aviation Mentors, where we tackle the complex maneuver known as the spin. ✈️ Understand what triggers a spin, the aerodynamics behind it, and the essential r…
S01E131: Listener Questions (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:30
In this enlightening episode of Aviation Mentors, ✈️ we dive deep into the curious minds of our aviation community, addressing the questions you've been eager to ask. From spotting red flags during your discovery flight,…