Nate Ehlers, founder of The Backseat Pilot (thebackseatpilot.com)

Nate Ehlers, founder of The Backseat Pilot (thebackseatpilot.com)

Author: The Black Box October 15, 2025 Duration: 1:02:12

In this special episode, Tom & Mike welcome Nate Ehlers, founder of The Backseat Pilot (thebackseatpilot.com), to get behind the scenes of how a small reference-card idea turned into one of the most trusted training platforms for flight instructors and pilots alike.

Nate walks us through:

  • His origin story: how a simple IFR/VFR reference card spawned what’s now a full suite of products and lesson plans dedicated to helping CFIs and students succeed.

  • What The Backseat Pilot offers today: CFI lesson plans, ACS reviews, reference cards, package bundles like “The Whole Shebang,” and how he keeps them updated. buzzsprout.com+3Backseat Pilot+3Behind the Prop+3

  • His aviation path: from flight instructing to regional airlines, Air Force Reserve service, and now work in the major airlines — all while maintaining The Backseat Pilot as a living resource. buzzsprout.com+3Behind the Prop+3Backseat Pilot+3

  • The challenges of keeping content current: when FAA handbooks, regulations, or links change, how he ensures his users don’t get left behind. Behind the Prop+1

  • His vision for the future: ideas for apps, expanding the product line (helicopter lessons?), and how customer feedback fuels his innovation. Behind the Prop+1

  • Tips for students and instructor-hopefuls: what to look for in training materials, how to maximize your study time, and how to choose resources that truly support your flight training journey.

Whether you're a student pilot, a CFI, or just curious about aviation entrepreneurship, this episode offers raw insight into building a brand that supports pilots every day.


🎧 Exclusive Listener Deal:
Nate is offering Black Box Aviation Podcast listeners 15% off all products at TheBackseatPilot.com.
Just use code BLACKBOX at checkout!


📩 Get in Touch:
Email: Theblackbox01@yahoo.com
Instagram / X: @the_black_box01
Hotline: (203) 699-6792 (Leave your name for a shoutout!)

⭐ If you enjoy the show, please leave a 5-star rating & review on Spotify & Apple Podcasts — it helps more pilots find us in search.

#AviationPodcast #CFILessonPlans #FlightTraining #BackseatPilot #PilotResources #AviationEntrepreneur #PilotLife #FlightInstructing #AviationEducation


Ever wondered what it’s really like to sit in the cockpit, not just during a smooth flight but through the challenging moments that define a career in the sky? The Black Box Aviation Podcast pulls back the curtain, offering a rare seat at the table with the people who live and breathe flight. Hosted by The Black Box, each conversation features airline pilots, military aviators, and seasoned industry experts sharing unfiltered stories from their professional journeys. You’ll hear more than just technical discussions; this podcast delves into the human side of aviation-the daily realities, the tough decisions, and the unique culture that comes with a life spent above the clouds. It’s about the airline industry’s inner workings, the transition from military to civilian flying, and the sheer curiosity that drives a passion for aviation. Whether you’re an aspiring pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the stories behind the controls, these discussions provide a genuine, grounded perspective you won’t find in a manual. Tune in for honest reflections and personal experiences that capture the true essence of flying.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 91

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