Stuck Mic AvCast

For many pilots, one of the biggest questions after earning a certificate—or while building experience—is how to get consistent access to an airplane.

Should you keep renting? Join a flying club? Or take the leap into aircraft ownership?

Each option comes with advantages, tradeoffs, and costs that go well beyond the hourly rental rate or aircraft purchase price.

In this episode of Stuck Mic AvCast, we break down the practical considerations pilots should think about before deciding whether to buy, rent, or join a flying club.

Picks Of The Week:

Carl – MyClipMulti Kneeboard, Universal Phone & Tablet KNEEBOARD – https://link.amazon/B0cVMz4Ur 

Leslie – Pilot Workshops “Pilot’s Legal Guide”

https://pilotworkshop.com/products/pilots-legal-guide-pfm

Alex – https://www.instagram.com/its.heraltitude/

Sponsor Aviation Careers Podcast

Interested in a Full Time or Part Time Career in Aviation?

Book A Coaching Session With Me: https://carlvaleri.youcanbook.me

Stay Inspired and Informed Every Month. Join Our Mentorship Group: https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching

Use the Coupon Code “CoachItForward” for one month of free access.

The post SMAC360 Own, Rent, or Flying Club? appeared first on Stuck Mic AvCast.

You just landed after a challenging flight when the controller says, ‘Possible pilot deviation—advise you contact the facility.’ What should you do next? Should you immediately make the call? Should you explain what happened? And could your pilot certificate be at risk?

A possible pilot deviation does not automatically mean the end of your flying career. Your immediate priority is operating the aircraft safely. After landing, slow down, document what happened, understand your reporting deadlines and obtain qualified guidance before making decisions that could affect your certificate or career.

Links:

https://pilotcounsel.com/ 

One on One Career Coaching:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/

We will help you define your goals and create a plan to land your dream job.

Mentorship:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/mentorship/

Receive one month access to the mentorship community free using the coupon code “CoachItForward”

The post SMAC359 How to Handle a Pilot Deviation with Aviation Attorney Chris Pezalla appeared first on Stuck Mic AvCast.

What does an FAA Flight Inspection Pilot actually do, and how does this specialized work help keep the National Airspace System safe?

In this episode of the Stuck Mic AvCast, Carl Valeri interviews Russ Roslewski about his career as an FAA Flight Inspection Pilot. Russ takes us behind the scenes of flight inspection missions and explains how pilots and mission specialists evaluate the navigational facilities, instrument procedures, and systems used by aircraft throughout the aviation system.

We discuss the qualifications needed to pursue this unique aviation career, the FAA hiring process, the aircraft and equipment used during missions, and what a typical flight inspection assignment may involve.

Russ also shares memorable experiences from his career and offers practical advice for pilots interested in working for the FAA or exploring aviation careers beyond the airlines.

Take the Next Step in Your Aviation Career

Are you trying to determine the best path toward your aviation career goals?

Join our coaching and mentorship programs for personalized career guidance, interview preparation, accountability, and support from experienced aviation professionals.

Learn more:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/

Connect With Stuck Mic AvCast

Website: https://stuckmicavcast.com

Podcast: https://stuckmicavcast.com/podcast-subscription-options/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@StuckMicAvCast

Email: StuckMicAvCast@Gmail.com

Subscribe to the Stuck Mic AvCast and turn on notifications for more general aviation interviews, industry updates, and just plane fun. Learning To Fly, Living To Fly, and Loving To Fly

The post SMAC358 Life Of An FAA Flight Inspection Pilot appeared first on Stuck Mic AvCast.

Today we will discuss aging challenges and provide tools to continue flying as you, your friends, or learners approach and navigate the golden years.

There is no mandatory retirement age for General Aviation (GA) pilots flying non-commercial aircraft in the U.S. While airline pilots face a strict mandatory retirement age of 65, GA pilots simply need to hold a valid medical certificate and maintain proficiency to continue flying.

Medical Considerations: FAA Medical/Basic Med/Transition to Sport Pilot?

Insurance Considerations

Adjusting to the Aging Process (short summary of AOPA’s Aging & the GA Pilot course)

Vision

· Yearly eye exam

· Low-level white light vs red at night

· Haze-cutting prescription sunglasses

· ADSB-in for situational awareness

Hearing

· Noise cancelling headset, hearing aids?

· “Say again”

· LiveATC.net, scripts, role-playing

Endurance

· Regular physicals, lab work, check meds

· Regular exercise and mobility exercises

· Time of day: mornings/late afternoons for smoother air, avoid after lunch

· Eating/drinking: Coffee, hydration, snacks, shorter legs

· Lack of rest = Early onset fatigue

Memory

· Use a notepad/pen especially when talking to ATC

· Mornings are generally best

· Consider flying with friends

Decision Making

· Thorough preflight, think about different scenarios and contingency plans

· Always know where you are at

· Always have a Plan B

Studies show that experience plays a huge role in offsetting cognitive decline in older pilots.

Fly regularly & actively

Adjusting personal minimums as needed

Go above & beyond with recurrent training (yearly flight review and IPC, WINGS, seek out a new rating)

Regularly & honestly assess your skills beyond stick & rudder (memory, information processing, decision making, task saturation)

When should the aging pilot slow down, or call it quits?

How to keep flying even when you must call it quits?

Find a friend to fly with.

Training for another rating to keep sharp even if you can’t use the rating.

Find an instructor who needs to build hours and take them on a cross country flight and buy them lunch.

After Landing Checklist:

Pick Of The Week:

Leslie – AOPA Rusty Pilots Program: In-person seminars, webinars, and online course

https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/lapsed-pilots/rusty-pilots

Carl –

https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/safety-spotlights/aging-gracefully

Alex – The MOSAIC Rule in plain English

Mad Props Aero

https://youtu.be/cfRy6VRcr6w?si=czthhgO06Scu0HsL

Russ – A Higher Call by Adam Makos: https://www.amazon.com/Higher-Call-Incredible-Chivalry-War-Torn-ebook/dp/B0095ZQ36G/

Links

https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/MOSAIC

https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/fact_sheets/MOSAIC_Fact_Sheet.pdf

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/

Coaching, Courses, and Scholarships.

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

https://FlySnf.org 2027 – April 6-11

The post SMAC357 The Aging Pilot appeared first on Stuck Mic AvCast.

What happens when Porsches, airplanes, aviation enthusiasts, young aviators, and community organizations all come together in one hangar?

In this episode of the Stuck Mic AvCast, we visit the Porsche & Planes Morning Social, presented by Jeremy & Kilo Aviation at Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL). The event brought together premium automobiles, aircraft, pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and members of the local community for a morning centered around a shared passion for cars and flying.

We also sit down for several conversations highlighting different sides of the aviation community.

Featured Interviews

Fly With Jeremy

We talk with Jeremy about the idea behind Porsche & Planes, why he created an event combining automobiles and aviation, and how gatherings like this can introduce more people to general aviation. We also discuss building community around the airport and Jeremy’s passion for sharing aviation with others.

Young Aviator Wyatt

One of the highlights of the event is meeting Wyatt, a young aviation enthusiast with big aviation dreams. We talk about what sparked his interest in airplanes, what he hopes to accomplish in aviation, and why exposing young people to aircraft, pilots, and airports can have such an impact on their future.

American Red Cross

We speak with representatives from the American Red Cross about its mission, its role in the community, and opportunities for aviation professionals and volunteers to use their skills to help others.

About Porsche & Planes

The Porsche & Planes Morning Social was held Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Xavier Hangar & Ramp at Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL).

The morning included Porsche displays, premium aircraft, aviation and automotive conversations, networking, cockpit and aircraft viewing, coffee and donuts, giveaways, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Cars. Aviation. Community.

Question for Our Listeners

What aviation event, pilot, or experience first inspired you to become involved in aviation?

Share your story in the comments.

And if you know someone like Wyatt who dreams of flying, invite them to an airport, introduce them to a pilot, or take them flying. You might change the direction of their life.

Sponsor:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/ Coaching, Courses, and Scholarships.

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

http://flysnf.org/  2027 – April 6-11

The post SMAC356 Porsche & Planes appeared first on Stuck Mic AvCast.