Aero Exploration
The AeroExploration Podcast explores aviation’s past and the paths people are taking in the industry today. Join host Jim Schilling for stories of historic flights, modern aviation careers, and the passion that keeps us looking to the skies.
Aviation has a past worth remembering, destinations worth exploring, and people worth meeting.
This is AeroExploration.
- Update frequency
- every 10 days
- Average duration
- 45 minutes
- Episodes
- 66
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
Episode 42: FAA Knowledge Test Dos and Don’ts: What Every Student Should Know
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim guides listeners through the essential steps to prepare for the FAA Knowledge Test. Sharing insights from both his own study journey and th…
Episode 41 - From Construction Sites to Captain's Seat: A Pilot's Journey from Masonry to the Flight Deck
In this episode, we sit down with a captain who transformed his career from building on solid ground to soaring through open skies. After years in construction and masonry, he knew the physical toll …
Episode 40: What I Learned About Flying While Working Towards CFI
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim shares a personal update on his professional journey, balancing the challenges of transitioning into a new role at his full-time job while …
Episode 39 - Mastering the Aviation Job Interview: Tips for Career Changers
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Fly the Transition, we break down everything you need to know about preparing for a job interview. Whether you’re transitioning into aviation or brushing up on your…
Episode 38 - The FAA Wants YOU: How to Become an Air Traffic Controller
In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim dives into the exciting career of Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the FAA's Fall 2024 hiring window, which opens soon.
If you’re interested in becoming a con…
Episode 37 - Should I FIRE my CFI: Handling Frustrations of a Bad Instructor
Episode Description:
In this solo episode of Fly the Transition, Jim addresses the challenges and frustrations that can arise from working with a less-than-ideal flight instructor. Learn strategies f…
Episode 36- Grounded in Business, Soaring into Aviation: One Entrepreneur's Bold Leap
In this episode of Fly the Transition, we sit down with CFII JD Parsons, a helicopter pilot, flight school owner, and the founder of On the Ball Coffee, an aviation-themed coffee company.
JD’s journ…
Episode 35 - Building a Career in Aviation: Key Non-Pilot Opportunities
Episode Title:
Opportunities in the Aviation Industry for Non-Pilots
In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim explores the wide range of career opportunities in the aviation industry for those who …
Episode 34: Financing Your Flight Training: Managing Costs and Avoiding Financial Pitfalls
Episode Title:
Financing Your Flight Training: Managing Costs and Avoiding Financial Pitfalls
Episode Description:
In this solo episode of Fly the Transition, Jim addresses the fear of financial ins…
Episode 33- From Welding to the Cockpit: Nick Antilla’s Journey to Becoming an Airline Pilot
Episode Title:
Description:In this episode of Fly the Transition, we sit down with Nick Antilla, a first officer at a major airline, who shares his inspiring journey from metal fabrication and weldi…
Episode 32: Balancing Flight Training with Life: Strategies for Success
Episode Title:
Balancing Flight Training with Life: Strategies for Success
Episode Description:
In this episode of Fly the Transition, Jim tackles the challenge of balancing flight training with wor…
Episode 31: Navigating Career Change Challenges in Aviation (An Introduction to Solo Episodes)
Episode Title:
Navigating Career Change Challenges in Aviation
Episode Description:
In this special solo episode of Fly the Transition, Jim introduces the concept of solo episodes, where he dives deep …
From Paramedic to Aircraft Mechanic and Instructor
Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"!
On this episode, we talk about another area of aviation that is facing a shortage in workers, aviation maintenance. We will talk with Stev…
Transitioning from Police Instructor to Flight Instructor
Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"!
On this episode, I am welcome Tyler Smith, former police officer turned CFI. Tyler had early dreams of aviation, but the finances of coll…
Taking Off into Aviation Media - With Dan Millican
Enlisted Aircrew to Major Carrier Pilot: With Seth Bunker
Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"!
On this episode, I am thrilled to welcome my good friend Seth Bunker, a First Officer with a major US Carrier. Seth got his start in aviat…
From Silicon Valley to High Flying CFI - With Richard Donaldson
Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"!
In this episode, we are joined by AZ CFI Richard Donaldson. Richard spent over 25 years working in Silicon Valley Tech, building start ups…
Agricultural Innovation: How Drones Fulfilled One Agronomist’s Aviation Dream
Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"!
In this episode, we are joined by Cory Palm, an innovative agricultural drone spray pilot. Cory originally dreamed of becoming a crop dust…
Ministry, Real Estate, and Aviation: A Triad of Transitions (Ep 25)
Welcome to another exciting episode of "Fly the Transition"!
In this episode, we're joined by Jason Reynolds, a multi-faceted individual who has traversed careers in real estate, ministry, and aviat…
From Tech Consulting to the Cockpit: Escaping the Golden Handcuffs for a Life in the Skies
Welcome back to another exciting episode of Fly the Transition! We are joined by Aaron, a pilot with one of the major airlines. He talks to us about early dreams of aviation that were curbed by th…