PODCAST FOR PILOTS’ Post

Growing up like many people, I always had the picture perfect image or end state of whatever I was doing. An examples was when I was selected for pilot training. Expectedly, I was thrilled. I had imagined myself decked in the sage green pilot coveralls, wearing all the badges and embodying the prestige. Training began in Greece, starting with ground school and then moving into the practical phase. Initially, things went well, feeling each movement of the R44 helicopter and loving it. But then came the hover phase. Hell was let loose, keeping the helicopter steady at an altitude over a specific spot on the ground, was a challenge. Suddenly, nothing seemed to go right, the helicopter was all over the place. After multiple failed attempts, I asked my instructor if we could skip this part, but he was firm: “You need to master hovering to move forward. You’ll always need to hover before take-off and during landing, so there’s only one option, to learn.” It was tough. There were moments when I felt like giving up, convinced flying wasn’t for me. But here I am today. So how did I get through it? I faced reality and trusted the process, knowing that learning to hover was essential for flying safely. I learned the helicopter’s behavior and built the habit of consistent gentle  inputs. I adapted to different flight conditions considering factors like wind direction and the characteristics of the operating area. I saw each failed attempt as a learning opportunity, reflecting on mistakes to improve. With each small win, my confidence grew, allowing me to take on bigger challenges and lessons. Continuous self-improvement, reflection, and learning from others' experiences were also key to my progress in pilot training. Persistence and resilience are essential in overcoming challenges and achieving one's goals. Each small step, each challenge faced, builds the victories and transformations we seek. They might be painful or uneventful, but they collectively shape an experience that enhances the satisfaction of every win. As the year gradually comes to an end, you may not be where you want to be but believe in the process, take every step seriously, and celebrate small wins. Embrace each day as a progression towards your dream, making you better than you were yesterday. #Progress #Growth #Motivation

💼 Why is learning from failure more powerful than getting everything “right” the first time? Here’s a personal lesson from my journey to become a private pilot. At age 50, I embarked on a dream I’d held since my early twenties: learning to fly. Taking off and soaring through the skies? Surprisingly manageable. But landings? That was a different story. And as anyone who’s flown can attest, successful flights depend on matching your landings to your takeoffs! ✈️ Starting my training in July 2015, I quickly learned that most student pilots make their first solo flight after about 25 takeoffs and landings. For me? That milestone took over 250 practice landings, finally happening on October 12, 2016 or on this very day 8 years ago. It wasn’t immediate, but my instructor Hans Kühnle taught me that patience and resilience are keys to success. He encouraged me to keep practicing, to be as patient with myself as he was with me, and most importantly, not to give up. The truth is, I gained so much more than just the ability to land an aircraft. I learned the value of persistence, the importance of embracing failure, and the power of lifelong learning. Thanks to Hans Kühnle and Hermann Arend, I achieved my dream of flying. So if you’re struggling, remember: the journey is as important as the destination. Every failure is just another step towards eventual success. Keep going – you’ll get there. #lifelonglearning #resilience #persistence #aviation #dreamscometrue #embracefailure #weekendreflection

✈️ Flight Training Fumbles: Navigate the Skies Like a Pro ✈️ So, you're on your way to becoming a pilot? 🌟✨ The journey is thrilling, but the skies can get a bit bumpy! Here's how to dodge the most common missteps and soar smoothly through your flight training: 1️⃣ Overconfidence: Flying high in more ways than one? Confidence is crucial, but overconfidence can lead to dangerous decisions. Stay grounded and vigilant. 💡 Pro Tip: Regularly revisit safety protocols and never skip those all-important pre-flight checks. 2️⃣ Skipping Ground School: Think it’s all about time in the cockpit? Think again! Ground school is your foundation—understand the theory, and your flights will be all the smoother. 💡 Pro Tip: Treat ground school with the same respect as flight hours. Knowledge is your co-pilot! 3️⃣ Weather Ignorance: The sky might look friendly, but the weather can turn on a dime. Ignoring the forecast could make your flight more exciting than you bargained for. 💡 Pro Tip: Always check the latest weather updates before you take off. Safety starts on the ground! 4️⃣ Communication Gaps: Fumbling with your radio calls? In the cockpit, clear communication is not just a skill—it’s a lifesaver. 💡 Pro Tip: Practice those standard aviation phrases until they’re second nature. Precision matters! 5️⃣ Fitness Fail: Flying is a full-body workout! Physical fitness isn’t just a bonus—it’s a necessity for those long, demanding flights. 💡 Pro Tip: Keep a regular exercise routine. A fit body means a sharp mind in the cockpit. 📢 Every pilot faces challenges on their journey. Learn from the mistakes of others, stay sharp, and enjoy every moment of your training! 💼🌐 Ready to elevate your flight training? At Marigold Aviation Academy, we’ll help you master the skies. Join us, and let’s reach new heights together! 🚀✈️ #FlightTraining #PilotLife #AviationTips #FlyingHigh #AviationJourney #PilotInTraining #AviationAcademy #FlightSchool #FuturePilot #PilotGoals #AviationSafety #LearnToFly #AviationCommunity #AviationLovers #SoarHigher

Navigating Your Path to the Flight Deck: Insights from Experts 🧭 Last weekend, I attended my third session with Fantasy Wings and Mohammad Taher, and it was definitely worth the wait! ⏳ Our guest speaker was Keno Mario-Ghae, an experienced flight instructor and examiner, who shared a wealth of knowledge and stories from his extensive flight hours. The topic for this session was "Navigating your path to the flight deck," which I’m sure many of us had been eagerly awaiting. We explored various career pathways into aviation, including microlights, LAPL's (Light Aircraft Pilot Licenses), PPL's (Private Pilot Licenses), and CPL's (Commercial Pilot Licenses). The conversation was enlightening, showing us the many options available as we work towards becoming professional pilots. What stood out most was the importance of planning your journey and understanding the different routes to the flight deck. There’s no single path, and each one comes with its own set of challenges, costs, and rewards. From the freedom of flying smaller aircraft in microlight training to the rigorous structure of commercial training, every step is a learning experience that shapes you as a pilot. 🧑✈️ For anyone considering aviation as a career or hobby, this session was a great reminder that while the road may not always be easy, it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s all about persistence, dedication, and embracing the journey—no matter which path you choose. The dream of becoming a pilot is within reach. The key is navigating it with the right knowledge, mentors, and a clear vision of where you want to go. 🔭🗺️ A big thank you to Mohammad Taher — it was great catching up! Also, a huge shoutout to Fantasy Wings for hosting such a fantastic session, and to our guest speaker, Keno Mario-Ghae (We are hiring), for your eloquent insights and expertise. It was also wonderful meeting Charles Pelayo and Shannon Harrington—looking forward to staying connected and continuing our aviation journeys together! Can't wait for next session already! #AviationTraining #PilotPath #FlightDeck #AviationCommunity #PilotTraining #FantasyWings #Mentorship #AviationDreams #FlightInstructor #PPL #CPL #AviationCareer

Soaring to New Heights: My Journey to Becoming a Pilot As I sit in the cockpit, preparing for another training flight, I'm reminded of how far I've come on this incredible journey to becoming a commercial pilot. 🚀 🛩️ Training for My Private Pilot License (PPL): Earning my Private Pilot License was an exhilarating and challenging experience. From mastering the fundamentals of flight to performing solo flights, each moment was a blend of excitement and responsibility. I learned to navigate through clear skies and stormy weather, and the thrill of taking off and landing on my own is something I will never forget. 🌐 Instrument Rating Training: Currently, I'm working towards my Instrument Rating, which is a whole new level of precision and skill. Flying solely by reference to instruments requires intense focus and dedication. It's about trusting your training, your instruments, and yourself. This phase has taught me the importance of meticulous planning and the ability to make quick, informed decisions even when visibility is zero. 👩✈️ Being a Woman in Aviation: As a woman aspiring to be a pilot, and the first in my family to do so, this journey holds special significance. Breaking into a traditionally male-dominated field comes with its own set of challenges, but it also brings immense pride. I hope to inspire other young women to pursue their dreams fearlessly and to see the skies as their limit. ✨ Embracing the Journey: Every flight, every lesson, and every challenge has shaped me into a more confident and skilled pilot. I am grateful for the support of my instructors, family, and friends who believe in my dream as much as I do. The sky is calling, and I am ready to answer. I look forward to the day when I can officially say, "Welcome aboard, this is your Captain speaking." Until then, it's all about learning, growing, and flying higher. #Aviation #WomenInAviation #PilotTraining #PrivatePilot #InstrumentRating #BreakingBarriers #FlyingHigh I’d love to connect with fellow aviation enthusiasts and professionals. Share your experiences and let’s inspire each other to reach for the skies! ✈️

We've all heard it before: quality beats quantity. But for pilots, there's a crucial truth to consider: attaining that top-notch skillset often requires racking up some serious flight hours. Here's the breakdown: Quantity Builds the Foundation: Those initial training hours aren't just about ticking boxes. They're the building blocks of muscle memory, situational awareness, and honing your decision-making under pressure. The more you fly, the more comfortable you become in different conditions, building that critical foundation for quality flying. Quality Takes Flight: Experience alone doesn't guarantee mastery. With each flight, actively seek opportunities to refine your skills. Analyze your landings, practice emergency procedures, and debrief with colleagues. It's about turning those hours into continuous improvement. The Sweet Spot: The ideal scenario? Finding the balance between quantity and quality. As your experience grows, prioritize flights that push your boundaries and expose you to new situations. That way, you're constantly learning and elevating your piloting skills. It's a journey, not a destination. Every takeoff adds another valuable chapter to your logbook. Keep soaring high! #pilotlife #futurepilot #aviation #pilottraining #flying #avgeek #studentpilot #careergoals #dreamjob #technicalcertification #pilotintraining #aviationstudent

Today, I am thrilled to share a significant milestone in my life—I've officially become a commercial pilot at the age of 41! This journey has been anything but conventional, and I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the path that led me here. 🔹 Early Dreams: When I was young my parents took me on many vacations often via an aeroplane. Watching planes take off and land filled me with a sense of wonder and a desire to someday be at the controls. I always remember the excitement of smelling the jet fuel. 🔹 Life's Detours: Like many, life took me on a different course. I pursued a career, and put my aviation dreams on hold. These years were filled with valuable experiences and personal growth, but the dream of flying never left my heart. 🔹 Taking the Leap: At 40, I decided it was time to turn my lifelong passion into reality. I enrolled in flight school, and dedicated myself to the rigorous training required. There were many challenges along the way, but each one only strengthened my resolve. 🔹 Support System: I couldn't have achieved this without the unwavering support of my family, friends, and mentors. Their encouragement kept me going, especially during the toughest moments. 🔹 New Horizons: Now, as a certified commercial pilot, I am excited to embark on this new chapter. It's a reminder that it's never too late to pursue your dreams, no matter how big they are. To anyone out there feeling like it's too late to chase your dreams, I hope my story serves as a reminder that perseverance, dedication, and a bit of courage can make the impossible possible. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this incredible journey. Here's to new adventures in the skies, and my next goal of becoming a flight instructor! 🌤️✈️ #NeverTooLate #DreamsComeTrue #AviationJourney #CommercialPilot #CareerChange #Inspiration

🛫✨ Embracing Preparation: Lessons from Flight Training to IT ✨🖥️ As I progress through my Flight Instructor Course, one principle stands out above all: the importance of preparation. A part of our training involves "spin-training", a scenario where we intentionally place ourselves in a situation we never wish to be surprised with. We do it safely and gives ourselves all the margins we can imagine, so a simulated problem will not become a real one. We do it to understand how the aircraft responds and, crucially, how we react. It's about being ready for the unexpected, knowing that preparedness can be the difference between a smooth flight and turbulence. When flying with students, we never intend to enter a spin; in fact, we do everything we can to prevent it. But as pilots, we understand that it's better to be prepared for any eventuality. Just as in IT, where thorough testing and preparation are key before any major deployment. This approach instills a confidence that the plan will work when it counts. It's not just about ticking boxes; it's about knowing, without a doubt, that we've done everything in our power to ensure success. The parallels between these two seemingly disparate fields are striking. Whether it's understanding how an aircraft responds to a sudden wing drop or ensuring every line of code is rigorously tested, the message is clear: preparation breeds confidence. So, as I navigate the skies and the digital realm alike, I'm reminded of the invaluable lesson I've learned: the importance of being prepared. Because when we're ready for anything, we can soar to new heights. 🚀✈️ #Preparation #FlightTraining #IT What about you? Have you encountered situations in your field where preparation made all the difference? Share your experiences in the comments below! Let's learn from each other's insights. 👇🗨️

Lessons I learned throughout the turbulent process of becoming a commercial pilot: "Success is a marathon, not a sprint—keep moving forward." I started my journey in aviation as a young adult with no background or experience in the field, and I learned many valuable lessons along the way. 1. Having a clear vision of your end goal: A commercial pilot license holder can have various end goals. For instance, being a flight instructor, a theoretical instructor, an airline pilot, or flying business jets! The possibilities are endless. Having an end goal for which you are passionate helps you stay motivated. 2. Importance of being patient: I started my flight training amid the unfortunate COVID pandemic. I had a number of long waiting periods which taught me that the journey to success isn’t linear. There will be ups and downs, the important thing is to stay consistent and updated with your knowledge during those periods. 3. Avoid comparing your achievements to others: In my opinion, this is the most important lesson one needs to learn to be successful in any field. Everyone’s pace of learning, experiences and journey is different so avoid comparing it to others in the process. Staying consistent will eventually lead you to your end goal. 4. Learning from Setbacks: Every setback was viewed as a lesson, not a failure. I used each challenge as an opportunity to grow and refine my skills. 5. Celebrating Small Wins: Celebrating every achievement, no matter how small, gave me the confidence and motivation to keep moving forward. In the end, it was my unwavering passion for aviation, combined with resilience and a clear vision of my goal, that helped me navigate the turbulence and stay motivated on the journey to becoming a commercial pilot.

"Self-motivation is the engine that drives success. 🚀 In aviation—and in life—progress doesn’t happen by waiting for the perfect moment or external push. It comes from an inner fire, a commitment to keep moving forward no matter the obstacles. Every milestone I’ve reached in flight school, from earning my PPL to navigating the challenges of my IRA, has reminded me that persistence beats perfection. Mistakes become lessons, and setbacks become fuel to go even further. To anyone chasing a dream—whether in the skies or on the ground—remember this: The journey is yours. Set your course, believe in your ability, and stay driven. The rewards are worth every challenge you face. 🌟✈️ #Motivation #SelfDriven #StudentPilot #AviationJourney"