S02E55: Pilot Currency vs. Proficiency: What Every Pilot Should Know

S02E55: Pilot Currency vs. Proficiency: What Every Pilot Should Know

Author: Brandon Martini & Carson Vasquez August 30, 2025 Duration: 22:58

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast 🎙️, Brandon and Carson share their recent flying adventures and the lessons that came with them. From splash-and-go landings in an Icon A5 near Long Beach Harbor to touch-and-gos at Chino and Riverside, they dive into what it really means to be a current—and proficient—pilot.

This isn’t just about logging the FAA’s minimums. Brandon and Carson explore the real difference between currency and proficiency, and why staying sharp with regular practice is essential for safe, confident flying.

Along the way, they discuss: How getting current again builds both skill and confidence The joy of flying as a “happy place” Digitizing logbooks for modern pilots Brandon’s goal of earning his ATP multi rating Carson’s anticipation (and nerves!) about getting back to flying

And to top it off, we’re celebrating a huge milestone: 100,000 downloads of the Aviation Mentors podcast! 🎉 Thank you for flying with us every week.

🚀 We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where aviators can hang out and talk all things 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 AvGeek like us, this is the podcast for you!

🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—join us and be part of the journey.

đź”— www.aviationmentors.com

Sponsored by Stratus Financial

đź’» 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: 220

Aviation Mentors
Podcast Episodes
S01E59: Sun N Fun - Day 5 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:42
Welcome to Aviation Mentors, the podcast where we explore the world of aviation with experts in the field. In this episode, Carson Vasquez takes you to Sun N Fun - Day 5 with Jake in his A-10 Warthog, and give you an ins…
S01E58: Sun N Fun - Day 4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:46
Welcome to Aviation Mentors, the podcast where we explore the world of aviation and bring you the latest news and insights from industry experts. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Mike Harris, an aviation enthusias…
S01E57: Sun N Fun - Day 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:48
Welcome to Aviation Mentors, the podcast that takes you on a journey through the world of aviation! Join us as we explore the highlights of Sun N Fun Day 3, one of the most highly anticipated events in the aviation world…
S01E56: Sun N Fun - Day 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:08
In this episode, we're taking you to one of the most exciting events in aviation - the Sun N Fun expo (Day 2) at Lakeland Linder International Airport. We'll be exploring the latest and greatest airplanes on display, and…
S01E55: Sun N Fun - Day 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:31
Welcome to Aviation Mentors, the podcast where we discuss all things aviation and offer valuable insights to help you become a better pilot. In this episode, we dive into the exciting world of aviation as we take you on…
S01E54: Pilot Shortage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:16
In today's episode, we tackle a hot topic in the industry: the pilot shortage.As the demand for air travel continues to grow, the aviation industry is facing a critical shortage of qualified pilots. Our guests today are…
S01E53: Ferrying Airplanes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:33
Join us on this episode of Aviation Mentors as we explore the fascinating world of ferrying airplanes. We'll dive into the logistics of hiring the right pilots and safely transporting aircraft to their destinations. Have…
S01E52: Ask A CFI #2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:55
Welcome to the Aviation Mentors Podcast, the show where we dive into the world of aviation and hear from experts in the field. In this episode, we will be interviewing Brandon Martini, a certified flight instructor, wher…
S01E51: Declaring an Emergency [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:46
Welcome to Aviation Mentors, the podcast that dives deep into the world of aviation. In this episode, Brandon and Carson take on the topic of emergencies - one of the biggest concerns for every pilot.Together, they discu…
S01E50: CEO and Pilot Anthony Geraci [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:55
Welcome to the 50th episode of Aviation Mentors! To celebrate this incredible milestone, we've got a very special guest today, Anthony Geraci, the CEO of Stratus Financial.In this episode, Anthony will be sharing with us…