Flight 153 - Putting Aviation First

Flight 153 - Putting Aviation First

Author: Av8rTony January 1, 2026 Duration: 2:18:43

recorded on 28DEC2025

Welcome aboard Flight 153 of the Squawk Ident Podcast - Putting Aviation First


On today’s flight Alex, Terry, and I discuss flat tires, transition schedules, and crew room noise. 

We also welcome to the podcast a featured guest whose journey includes regional, cargo, and mainline experiences.

Together, we explore his journey in aviation and we discuss aviation budgeting, dating as a professional pilot, paying off your student loans, and creating the opportunities to spend time with those you cherish most.

So stick with us as we discuss all this and more on this, the 153rd episode of the Squawk Ident Podcast.


Please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Av8rtony.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more show content, audio archives, cover art, Squawk Ident gear, audio feedback, and more.


Original music & cover art by Av8rTony and produced at Av8r Sound Studios of Arizona.


Ever wondered what it actually takes to build a life in the skies? Squawk Ident-an Aviation Podcast pulls back the curtain on the aviation profession, moving beyond the glamour to the real conversations happening in cockpits and crew rooms. Hosted by Av8rTony alongside a seasoned panel including Captain Roger, Captain Rob, Alex, and Terry, each episode feels like joining a candid hangar chat. You’ll hear firsthand accounts about the diverse and sometimes surprising routes people take to become professional aviators, from traditional training paths to unexpected career shifts. The discussions tackle the practical challenges and realities of today’s industry landscape-the hurdles, the economics, and the day-to-day decisions that define a flying career. But this isn't just a procedural guide; it's a collection of lived experiences. The heart of the podcast lies in the stories shared, those moments of triumph, humility, and sometimes sheer unpredictability that every aviator accumulates. Tuning in offers a sense of community and a genuine look at the human side of aviation, making it a compelling listen for anyone fascinated by flight, whether you're an aspiring pilot, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the world above the clouds. Find this aviation podcast for authentic insights and narratives straight from the source.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 155

Squawk Ident - an Aviation Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Flight 33 - In the Fight of Our Lives! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:58:29
Recorded on March 19th, 2020 On this episode of Squawk Ident, I am joined by two of my fellow aviators that are currently from very different sides of the industry. Returning to Squawk Ident for the third time, you might…
Flight 32 - Stronger Together, an Aviation Couple's Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:00:52
Recorded on 17th of March, 2020 On this episode of Squawk Ident, I am joined by an aviation couple that have shared their journey in aviation together. I first met Jeri in 2017, when she was just getting back into the ai…
Flight 31 - Do Not Panic! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:43
Recorded on 12th of March, 2020 On this episode of Squawk Ident, I have a conversation with my co-host RobD. We discuss what has been spreading around the flight line faster than an infectious disease spreading on a crow…
Flight 30 - Economic Turbulence Ahead? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:47
Recorded on the 4th of March, 2020 On this episode of Squawk Ident, I am joined by my co-host RobD. Together, we discuss some of the factors that continue to adversely affect the aviation profession and how they could po…
Flight 29 - Tupelo, Delta State, & an Acme Bus Driver [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34:44
Recorded on the 28th of February, 2020 On this episode of Squawk Ident, I have the opportunity to speak with young aviator who’s journey intersected with mine early on in the progression of advancements in our respective…
Flight 28 - From Building Airbuses to Flying Them [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:37
Recorded on the 25th of February, 2020 On this episode of Squawk Ident, I have the honor in speaking with a captain that I shared a flight sequence with a few weeks ago. Listening to the tales he shared about his journey…
Flight 027 - Apaches, C-12s, Uc35s, and a Battalion Commander [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:21
Recorded on 20Feb2020 On this episode of Squawk Ident, I have the honor of speaking with an aviator and a Colonel in the United States Army. We discuss the progression and the choices that he has navigated on his persona…
Flight 26 - Disrupting Bias and the 10 Percent [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:04
Recorded on the 18th of Feb, 2020 On this episode of Squawk Ident, RobD and I explore Rob’s upcoming recurrent training and some of his study techniques he uses to ensure a successful training event. We also discuss new…
Flight 25 - Legacy Captain at 35, Civil Air Patrol, and Pearl Harbor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:02:16
Recorded on 16 Feb, 2020 On this episode of Squawk Ident, we will explore a four day sequence that ended with a delayed red-eye flight and the reactions we received from some very nervous passengers. I am also joined by…
Flight 24 - 2019-nCoV Prevention & a Pharmacist’s Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:43
Recorded on the 8th of February, 2020 On this episode of Squawk Ident I am joined by Kellie Miller. She is a doctor of pharmacology, a pilot, and a friend. Together, we will discuss the current risk factors to flight cre…