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.

🔗 www.aviationmentors.com

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: 50

Aviation Mentors
Podcast Episodes
What Is the Pentagon's 1260H List and Why Is Cirrus On It? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:57
A Chinese-owned aircraft maker just landed on the Pentagon's radar, and Cirrus pilots want to know what it means for them.In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down the news that Cirru…
Cirrus Is a Chinese Company? Plus CO Risk and DPE Shortage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:08
Is Cirrus secretly owned by a Chinese company, and could carbon monoxide be hiding in your training aircraft right now? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle a stacked listener Q&A…
Why Student Pilots and CFIs Should Attend AeroSummit 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:04
In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down everything you need to know about AeroSummit 2026, happening May 20 through 22 at the JW Marriott Turnberry in Aventura, Florida. From the se…
Is an Aviation Degree Still Worth It? Plus Drones and Flight Fear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:53
Do you really need a degree to fly for a major airline, or is that advice completely outdated? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle a packed listener Q&A covering some of the most…
The Smelly Cockpit Problem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:45
Hygiene in the cockpit — it's the conversation nobody wants to have, but every pilot, CFI, and flight school owner eventually faces. 🛩️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle the awkwar…
War, Fuel Prices, and GPS Spoofing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:37
War, fuel prices, and GPS threats—how is global conflict reshaping general aviation right now? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down the real-world impact of rising fuel costs a…