Why Student Pilots and CFIs Should Attend AeroSummit 2026

Why Student Pilots and CFIs Should Attend AeroSummit 2026

Author: Brandon Martini & Carson Vasquez May 16, 2026 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 session lineup to networking opportunities, here's what's in store:

  • Dedicated tracks for student pilots, CFIs, and flight school owners
  • Keynote speaker Stephanie Goats and panels on the future of flight training
  • Sessions covering FAA Part 141 modernization and the Mosaic rule
  • How to fund your flight training, including military VA benefits
  • Airline recruiters on site for resume reviews and career matchmaking
  • Kit Darby's 2026 airline pilot job market and salary data
  • A charity golf tournament benefiting Aviators for Autism
  • The AeroQuest welcome reception featuring aircraft from Cessna, Piper, and more

🚀 Whether you're a student pilot trying to break into the industry, a CFI looking to sharpen your skills, or a flight school owner building airline partnerships, AeroSummit 2026 has a track built for you. This is one of the most valuable networking events in general aviation, and Brandon and Carson are both speaking.

🌎 New episodes drop every Friday. Join us, keep learning, and stay inspired in aviation.

Learn more and register at https://stratusaerosummit.com/


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
How Much Fuel Reserve Do You Actually Need? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:18
Fuel starvation kills more pilots than mechanical failure ever will, so why do so many still skip the fuel stop? ⛽In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down real fuel exhaustion accide…
Can AI Get You Through Your Checkride? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:25
Can an AI really get you through your checkride, or is it setting you up to fail? 🤖✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Carson flies solo to break down the fast-growing wave of AI tools built for checkride…
Buying or Selling a Plane? Here's the $50,000 Mistake to Watch For [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:06
Buying or selling a plane? There's a costly mistake hiding in the logbooks that most people never see coming. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down the real process behind buyin…
What It's Really Like to Fly Into Oshkosh and Camp Under Your Wing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:19
What does it really cost to experience the biggest airshow in the world? ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down everything pilots need to know about EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, from…
Part 107 Drone Rules Every Pilot Needs to Know in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:37
Flying a drone near an airport? The rules might surprise you. 🛸In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down Part 107 and what every pilot, student, and CFI needs to know about sharing th…
You Failed Your Checkride. Now What? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:46
🌍 Failed a checkride? You're not alone, and it's not the end of your aviation journey. ✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson break down what a checkride failure or discontinuance actually…