S02E35: You Know You’re a CFI When… (Part 1)

S02E35: You Know You’re a CFI When… (Part 1)

Author: Brandon Martini & Carson Vasquez April 5, 2025 Duration: 30:38

🎙️ Welcome to Part 1 of a fiery 3-part series where Brandon and Carson dive into the cockpit controversies that CFIs just can’t agree on. From the automation vs. stick-and-rudder smackdown to whether ground school belongs on the ground (spoiler: it does), nothing’s off-limits. Expect bold takes, FAA shade, and plenty of laughs. This isn’t your average flight school chatter—it’s unfiltered, unapologetic, and just getting started.

🚀 We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where we aviators can hang out and enjoy a wide range of conversations about anything aviation. We're aviators, we're mentors, and we're entrepreneurs. Whether you're a student pilot, professional pilot, general aviation enthusiast, or just an AV Geek like us, this is the podcast for you!

🌎 Join us every Friday as we share our passion for flying!

www.aviationmentors.com

AIB Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/45Gx3oFstp6kzSH1gk4L3E?si=9d1267648c4a4cea

AIB Podcast Youtube Channel: @AlternativeIncomeBlueprintPod

Aerosummit Codes:

For Student Pilots: StratusSpecial (Complimentary Ticket)

For CFI's: CFISPECIAL ($50 ticket)

Sponsored by Stratus Financial

www.stratus.finance


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
S02E54: Oshkosh 2025 (Part 3) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:58
🎙️ From humble beginnings to milestone moments. We’re proud to announce Sean Galloway as the winner of our $10,000 Stratus Fly to Success Scholarship. His passion and creativity reminded us why we love supporting the nex…
S02E53: Oshkosh 2025 (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:03
🎙️ The FAA just dropped a game-changer—and we’re diving straight into it. In this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson break down the long-awaited MOSAIC rule and why it’s about to shake up general aviation in…
S02E52: Oshkosh 2025 (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:24
🎙️ From European castles to Oshkosh slip ‘n slides — this episode’s got it all. Brandon spills the highs, lows, and downright bizarre moments from a month-long adventure across Europe, capped off with a wild, rain-soaked…
S02E51: Answering your Questions on Reddit (Part 11) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:44
🎙️ What do student pilots really need—fancy flying clubs or structured schools? How can you build cross-country time without wrecking your wallet? In this high-energy episode, Brandon and Carson tackle the top aviation q…
S02E50: Small Pilot, Big Dreams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:22
🎙️ In this 50th episode, Brandon hands the mic to a surprise guest—11-year-old Rex, son of Stratus’ customer service lead and a long-time flight school regular. From hangar hijinks and airshow thrills to his very first f…
S02E49: You Know You’re a CFI When… (Part 4) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:16
🎙️ Power-on or power-off landings? Mandatory flight following or just a “nice to have”? And should spin training REALLY wait ‘til you’re commercial? In this no-holds-barred episode, Brandon and Carson dive into the great…
S02E48: The Price of Wings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:59
🎙️ Think becoming a pilot means drowning in debt? Think again. In this episode, we break down the real cost of flight training — and how to afford it without selling your soul (or your car).From hidden expenses and smart…
S02E47: Listener Questions (Part 10) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:15
🎙️ Flying into chaos? Brandon and Carson are here to navigate it—with zero oil pressure, surprise coyotes, and some FAA test nightmares along the way. In this no-holds-barred listener Q&A episode, they tackle real pilot…
S02E46: Letter Of Interpretation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:53
🎙️ Ever wondered if you’re logging PIC time the right way—or if your instructor really needs a medical? Buckle up, because in this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson pull back the curtain on FAA Letters of I…
S02E45: Answering your Questions on Reddit (Part 10) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:45
🎙️ Strap in as Brandon and Carson take a nosedive—intellectually—into the wild world of Reddit aviation questions. From mastering radios and taming turbulence to debating AI air traffic controllers and the shocking reali…