The Fly Media Podcast

How to Become a Pilot ep. 9

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2386486/open_sms] We sat down with firefighter and and new student pilot Tiffany Walls-forte, who drove straight to the studio after her discovery flight. She shares her experience, excitement, and readiness to begin flight training. Tiffany took off from Oakland airport enjoyed beautiful and unique views of the bay.  If you are interested in becoming a Pilot or curious of what to expect then this episode is for you! Here are my recommendation on the process. 1. Discovery/ Introductory Flight 2. Medical - Choose the one that aligns with your goals 3. Online Ground school/ FAA Written 4. Start Flight Training!!! If you are on the fence, then start with step and go from there don't be overwhelmed. This is fun, incredible, challenging, but on the other side you will find yourself in amazement with what you have achieved! Here is my recommendation for online ground school: I used part time pilot for my PPL ground and am using them for Instrument Ground as well. Part-Time Pilot Online Ground School: (10%off ) https://parttimepilot.com/private-pilot-online-ground-school/?campaign=PTPPrivatePilotGround&ref=227 Best  Private Pilot Checkride Prep Book:  Pass your Private Pilot Checkride by Jason Schappert https://amzn.to/4kFDfPt Book of prep Questions: Private Pilot Oral Exam Guide https://amzn.to/4kFDfPt Gear Recommendations: Flight Bags: (5% off with code Fly Media) My favorite bag is the Bush Pilot Duffle , perfect if you mainly fly with passengers: https://www.flightoutfitters.com/product/bush-pilot-bag/?aff=Flymedia Best Bag for Student Pilots: https://www.flightoutfitters.com/product/lift-2-0-flight-bag/?aff=Flymedia Headset: My Favorite Headset (Lightspeed Delta Zulu) https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/product/lightspeed-delta-zulu-anr-headset/?campaign=Delta%20Zulu&ref=138 Best Mid-tier Headset (Lightspeed Zulu 3) https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/product/zulu-3-anr-headset/?campaign=Zulu%203%20ANR&ref=138 Best Budget Headset: David Clark H10-13S https://amzn.to/40Ug7Sp Sunglasses: Flying Eyes Sunglasses (10% off):  flyingeyesoptics.com/FLYMEDIA23 Foreflight/ipad acessories Ipad cases and mounts: Links Below or use code “Fly Media” at checkout to save 10% Pivot iPad mini case:  https://flyboys.com/products/pivot-a20a?ref=Flymedia&variant=33001410789476 Pivot Ram Suction mount:  https://flyboys.com/products/pivot-single-suction-cup-mount?ref=Flymedia Pivot Leg Strap Mount:  https://flyboys.com/collections/efb-leg-mounts/products/pivot-leg-strap-1?ref=Flymedia LINKS USED IN THE DESCRIPTION MAY OR MAY NOT BE AFFILIATE LINKS As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Fly Media is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Listen to the Fly Media Podcast on all major streaming platforms and catch the video version on YouTube. Don't forget to leave a review and share this episode with fellow aviation enthusiasts! Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Officialflymedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofficialflymedia/ Thank you for tuning in, may there always be wind beneath your wings! #aviation #storytelling #pilot #pilotlife #exploretheskies #fun #airplanes #flyingadventures #$100burger #flying #flight #aviationpodcast #podcast

From Childhood Dreams to Checkride: Ali’s PPL Journey | ep. 8

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2386486/open_sms] In this episode of the Fly Media podcast, we interview student pilot Ali Chokr, who shares his journey from childhood fascination with aviation to preparing for his checkride. They discuss the challenges of flight training, the importance of choosing the right flight school, and flight instructor. Ali shares his experiences flying in busy airspace, the costs associated with training, and his aspirations for a career in corporate aviation. The conversation also touches on memorable flights, future goals, and the joy of sharing flying experiences with loved ones. Make sure you Like, Comment and Subscribe to join us for the next one! Comment down below and let us know, What was your most memorable moment during flight training? Takeaways Ali's childhood fascination with aviation led him to pursue flying. Choosing the right flight school is crucial for success. Maintenance and availability of aircraft are key factors in flight training. The cost of flying can be significant, making scheduling important. Having a supportive and knowledgeable instructor is essential. Training in busy airspace enhances communication skills and confidence. Preparation and self-study are vital for success in flight training. Memorable flights and experiences shape a pilot's journey. Networking and building connections can open doors in aviation careers. Enjoying every aspect of flying, both good and bad, is important.  Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:40 How Ali Got into Aviation  03:37 Choosing a Flight School 10:06 WHAT to Look for in a Flight Instructor 12:59 Training at a Busy Charlie 18:24 Biggest Challenge in Flight Training 19:27 The Importance of Preparation in Flight Training 22:47 Favorite Maneuvers: What Pilots Enjoy 24:19 Memorable Cross-Country Flights 28:25 Aviation Bucket List: Dream Destinations 33:42 After the Checkride: What's Next 35:41 Who's your First Passenger? 38:54 Exploring Weekend Getaways and Aviation Goals 39:32 Aspirations in Corporate Aviation 41:50 Navigating the Path to 1500 Flight Hours 45:29 Building a Community and Sharing Experiences 46:39 Rapid Fire Round: Fun Aviation Insights 52:57 Where to Find Ali 54:40 Shooting a Podcast the Day Before your Checkride Listen to the Fly Media Podcast on all major streaming platforms and catch the video version on YouTube. Don't forget to leave a review and share this episode with fellow aviation enthusiasts! Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Officialflymedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofficialflymedia/ Thank you for tuning in, may there always be wind beneath your wings! #aviation #storytelling #pilot #pilotlife #exploretheskies #fun #airplanes #flyingadventures #$100burger #flying #flight #aviationpodcast #podcast

A Lifetime in the Sky: American Eagle Captain Sue Clark | ep.7

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2386486/open_sms] Get ready for an inspiring episode featuring aviation legend Sue Clark—a retired American Eagle Airlines captain, one of the first female Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs), and the founder of RV to the Rescue, a nonprofit that saves animals through aviation.   Sue shares her incredible journey, from breaking barriers as a female pilot when airlines weren’t hiring women, to her experiences flying Metroliners, Jetstreams, and the Saab 340, and her passion for giving back—both to the aviation community and animals in need.   In this episode, we cover:   ✈️ How a $5 introductory flight sparked Sue’s aviation career   🔥 The*challenges of being a female pilot in a male-dominated industry   👩‍✈️ Becoming one of the first female Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs)   🐶 How she started RV to the Rescue to transport rescue animals   📚 Advice for aspiring pilots & how YOU can get involved in aviation or animal rescue   Sue’s trailblazing story will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take action! If you love aviation, animals, or just a great success story, this is an episode you can’t miss.   🚀 Watch, like, and subscribe for more powerful aviation stories!   🎧 Listen now! And don’t forget to share with your fellow pilots and animal lovers!   --- Show Notes: 00:00 Welcome & Introduction   - Meet Sue Clark—aviation pioneer and nonprofit founder   - Her journey as a retired airline captain and DPE   05:30 The Early Aviation Spark 🚀  - The childhood memory that inspired her love for flying   - How a $5 discovery flight changed everything   - Learning to fly while juggling work & financial challenges   15:45 Breaking Barriers as a Female Pilot ✈️   - Airlines weren’t hiring women—how Sue paved her own path   - Becoming a ground school instructor to fund her training   - Her transition to airline flying in the ‘70s and ‘80s   28:00 From Flight Instructor to Airline Captain 👩‍✈️   - Becoming a chief pilot and multi-engine instructor  - Joining Wings West (American Eagle) and logging 27,000+ hours   - Flying turboprops and finally upgrading to captain in just 3 months!   42:15 RV to the Rescue: Flying for a Cause 🐾 - The birth of RV to the Rescue—saving animals through aviation   - How Sue and her team transport pets to loving homes   - The Kids Can Fly program—introducing youth to aviation through rescue flights   55:30 Advice for Aspiring Pilots & Final Thoughts   - How to start your aviation journey with scholarships & networking   - The power of mentorship and surrounding yourself with pilots   - How YOU can volunteer—fly, drive, or support RV to the Rescue   01:05:00 Rapid Fire Round 🔥 💭 Dream airplane? P-51 Mustang   🎧 Landing song? Something from Top Gun   📍 Favorite fly-in meal? Harris Ranch   🎯 Best advice for pilots? "Never stop learning. Always chase your dreams." [01:10:00] Closing Remarks & Next Episode Preview - Next guest: A student pilot preparing for his checkride!  - How to follow & support Sue’s mission at RV2TheRescue.com. https://www.rv2therescue.com  Listen to the Fly Media Podcast on all major streaming platforms and catch the video version on YouTube. Don't forget to leave a review and share this episode with fellow aviation enthusiasts! Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Officialflymedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofficialflymedia/ Thank you for tuning in, may there always be wind beneath your wings! #aviation #storytelling #pilot #pilotlife #exploretheskies #fun #airplanes #flyingadventures #$100burger #flying #flight #aviationpodcast #podcast

Becoming a Private Pilot after a 20 Year Gap in Training ep.6

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2386486/open_sms] In this first episode of The Fly Media Podcast for 2025, Osa kicks off the year by sitting down with Manny Ruiz, a fellow Bay Area pilot. Manny shares his aviation journey, from learning to fly at Tradewinds Aviation to his goals of aircraft ownership. We explore his flying club experiences, the joy of flying G1000-equipped planes, and his preference for the classic six-pack instrument layout. Manny’s passion for aviation shines through as he reflects on his training and his dreams of one day owning his own aircraft. If you're considering flying or are already a pilot, this episode offers insights into flight training, the flying community, and what it takes to get started and stay motivated in the skies. Tune in for: * Manny’s journey from training to being a member of a flying club * Thoughts on the benefits of flight simulators * Inspiration for aspiring pilots and those interested in Aviation If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe, Leave a Review, and share it with fellow aviation enthusiasts. We have many more inspiring aviation stories to share in 2025! Listen to the Fly Media Podcast on all major streaming platforms and catch the video version on YouTube. Don't forget to leave a review and share this episode with fellow aviation enthusiasts! Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Officialflymedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofficialflymedia/ Thank you for tuning in, may there always be wind beneath your wings! #aviation #storytelling #pilot #pilotlife #exploretheskies #fun #airplanes #flyingadventures #$100burger #flying #flight #aviationpodcast #podcast

In-Flight Emergency over Mountainous Terrain Ep. 5

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2386486/open_sms] Join me and special guest Nathan, an experienced Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), as we dive into real-life aviation stories, critical pilot training lessons, and expert tips for aspiring aviators. From managing an engine failure at night over mountainous terrain to navigating the journey from student pilot to airline-ready professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Enjoy this deep dive into the world of aviation! Subscribe to The Fly Media Podcast for more inspiring stories and essential tips for pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Rate and review the episode on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media for more aviation adventures! Aviation Tips for Success: Study ground school topics thoroughly—flying starts with solid knowledge. Stay IFR-current to boost employability in the competitive aviation market. Remember, persistence pays off in this ever-changing industry. Topics Covered: Aviation Beginnings: Nathan's early passion for flying sparked by the Blue Angels. How flight simulators helped build foundational skills before formal training. Flight Training Journey: The challenges of earning a Private Pilot Certificate. Why comparing solo flight hours can be misleading. Overcoming instrument training hurdles like complex ATC communications. Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): The intense preparation required for the CFI checkride. Key tips for effective flight instruction. Emergency Management in the Sky: A harrowing engine failure story at night over mountainous terrain. Critical aeronautical decision-making and lessons learned. Advanced Pilot Insights: Multi-engine training in the rare Grumman Cougar. Understanding turbine engine concepts and airline interview prep. Pilot Lifestyle & Recommendations: Best airport diners and unforgettable cross-country food adventures. Must-have pilot gear like iPad setups and the essential Pivot Case. Listen to the Fly Media Podcast on all major streaming platforms and catch the video version on YouTube. Don't forget to leave a review and share this episode with fellow aviation enthusiasts! Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Officialflymedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofficialflymedia/ Thank you for tuning in, may there always be wind beneath your wings! #aviation #storytelling #pilot #pilotlife #exploretheskies #fun #airplanes #flyingadventures #$100burger #flying #flight #aviationpodcast #podcast