Pilot to Pilot

Evan Luft joins us on the podcast today, and he's here to share his unique journey through the world of aviation as a contract pilot. One of the standout points we discuss is that you don't have to follow the traditional path of becoming an airline pilot to enjoy a fulfilling and lucrative career in aviation. Evan's experiences flying over the stunning landscapes of Canada, from the Rocky Mountains to sunny Mexico, showcase the adventures that await outside the airline cockpit. We dive into the importance of networking, building relationships, and how being personable can open doors to incredible opportunities in the flying world. Whether you're just starting out or looking to carve your own niche in aviation, Evan's insights will inspire you to embrace the journey and explore the vast possibilities that come with it.

Takeaways:

• Evan Luft emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships in aviation, as many opportunities arise from personal connections.
• He shares that flying in Canada offers unique adventures, with stunning scenery and diverse flying experiences not typically found in the U.S.
• The podcast highlights that you don't need to be an airline pilot to have a fulfilling and financially rewarding career in aviation.
• Evan discusses the flexibility of contract flying, allowing pilots to enjoy their work while exploring incredible destinations like Banff and Mexico.
• Justin and Evan agree that being a personable and friendly pilot can significantly impact job opportunities and client relationships.
• The episode showcases how technology, particularly Garmin avionics, enhances safety and efficiency for pilots flying in challenging weather conditions.

Erin and Paul, the dynamic husband-wife pilot duo, have taken their passion for aviation to new heights by building their very own Bearhawk 5. In this episode, they share the incredible journey of finding the perfect aircraft, navigating the world of airplane kits, and the challenges of construction, all while balancing their personal and professional lives. Their story is not just about the mechanics of building a plane; it's also about the adventures that flying brings, including their recent experience at Oshkosh, where they celebrated the culmination of their hard work. Along the way, they discuss the importance of community and support in aviation, the exciting features of their new plane, and their plans for a nomadic lifestyle in the skies. Join us as we dive into their inspiring journey and discover the joys and challenges of becoming owners of a custom-built aircraft.

Takeaways:

• Building your own airplane can be a rewarding experience, especially with a supportive builder assist program to guide you through the process.
• The journey of becoming pilots has opened up new adventures and opportunities for Erin and Paul, allowing them to explore their passion for aviation.
• Their Bearhawk 5 is designed to be versatile, capable of fast cruising and slow landings, making it suitable for various flying experiences.
• The couple plans to transform their Bearhawk into a modular camping setup, allowing for a nomadic lifestyle filled with travel and exploration.
• Leveraging advanced avionics like Garmin and Sirius XM enhances safety and situational awareness when flying, particularly during challenging weather conditions.
• Support from the aviation community, including mentors and friends, plays a crucial role in navigating the challenges of building and flying an aircraft.

Avination, welcome back to Episode 335 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast! Host Justin Siems sits down with aviation expert Jim Higgins, a former airline pilot and University of North Dakota professor, and Elise Dominguez, a Certified Financial Planner at Allworth Airline Advisors, for a deep dive into the airline industry and pilot financial planning. They unpack the cyclical nature of pilot hiring—citing 12,000–13,000 pilots hired in 2023–2024, now leveling to a still-strong 4,000–4,500 annually, per FAPA data. Justin shares his journey from a fractional company to a major airline, facing a $120,000 pay cut, while Jim reflects on his wife’s choice to stay a senior FO for schedule flexibility. Elise offers actionable advice for pilots at every stage: new hires like a 24-year-old check airman should start saving early to leverage time, mid-career pilots should max out 401(k) contributions (increasing by 1% yearly) and diversify with Roth IRAs or taxable accounts, and those nearing 65 should explore catch-up contributions ($7,500 at 50, $11,250 super catch-up at 60–63). They also tackle the pilot retirement age debate—will it hit 67?—and how it impacts young pilots’ seniority or senior pilots’ earnings. From avoiding lifestyle creep to planning for “what if” scenarios like furloughs or early retirement, this episode is packed with insights to keep your aviation career soaring. Visit Allworth Airline Advisors for a free consultation to build your personalized financial plan!

I hope you enjoy this podcast and if you're interested in reaching out for more financial information make sure you check out Allworth Airline Advisors!

Hope to see you all at EAA Ariventure!

Justin

Takeaways:

• The state of the airline industry is currently experiencing a hiring slowdown compared to the record-high years of 2023 and 2024, but opportunities still exist.
• Elise emphasizes the importance of starting financial planning early in a pilot's career to build a solid foundation for retirement and future investments.
• It’s crucial for pilots to diversify their investments outside of 401(k)s to avoid over-relying on employer-sponsored plans for retirement income.
• Discussing the emotional aspects of financial decisions is important, as pilots often need guidance to navigate the ups and downs of their careers and personal finance.
• Investing in a health savings account can provide significant tax advantages, especially for pilots with high deductible plans, making it a smart move for long-term financial health.
• Addressing the potential changes in the retirement age from 65 to 67, it's essential for pilots to consider the impact on their career plans and future earnings potential.

The episode features an engaging discussion with Hagai Makov, the Vice President of Business Development at Skypath, a revolutionary application designed to enhance the aviation experience through innovative technology. Makov shares his personal journey, revealing how his aspirations shifted from joining Special Forces to becoming an attack helicopter pilot in the Israeli Air Force. This transition laid the foundation for his subsequent endeavors in the aviation industry, ultimately leading him to Skypath. The conversation provides a compelling narrative on the importance of resilience and adaptability in pursuing one’s passions, as Makov reflects on the pressures and challenges he faced during his military training.

The dialogue transitions into a detailed exploration of Skypath's functionalities, particularly its ability to provide real-time turbulence alerts to pilots. Makov elucidates how this feature greatly enhances flight safety and passenger comfort, allowing pilots to proactively manage turbulence during flights. The discussion underscores the significance of effective communication among flight crews and the role technology plays in facilitating these interactions. Makov emphasizes the app’s unique capability to integrate seamlessly into existing aviation workflows, ensuring that pilots, dispatchers, and cabin crew are all aligned in their efforts to create a safe and enjoyable flying experience for passengers.

As the episode draws to a close, Makov offers insights into the future of Skypath and its aspirations for growth within the aviation sector. He expresses a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, highlighting the company's dedication to addressing the evolving needs of the industry. This episode serves not only as an exploration of Skypath’s technological advancements but also as a reflection on the broader implications of personal growth, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the aviation field.

The focus of this episode revolves around the captivating journey of Steve, a former F15 pilot and now an accomplished airline pilot, who shares his remarkable experiences, including a harrowing incident involving a forced water landing that tested his mettle and resilience. Steve recounts his transition from military aviation to civilian flying, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and the invaluable lessons gleaned from both successes and failures throughout his career. He articulates the profound influence of early aviation experiences, particularly the initial inspiration garnered from a neighbor's airplane construction project, which ignited his passion for flight. The discussion further delves into the nuances of backcountry flying, underscoring the freedom it affords compared to the structured environment of commercial aviation. Ultimately, Steve's narrative serves as a testament to the spirit of adventure, the significance of continuous learning, and the enduring bonds formed within the aviation community.

Takeaways:

• The importance of utilizing advanced avionics and mobile applications for enhanced flight safety and efficiency cannot be overstated, particularly in today's aviation landscape.
• The conversation highlights the profound connection between athleticism and aviation, underscoring the necessity for rigorous training and practice in both domains to ensure peak performance and safety.
• The episode recounts a harrowing personal experience involving an emergency landing in a river, illustrating the critical nature of situational awareness and decision-making in aviation.
• Listeners are reminded of the significance of mentorship in aviation, as experienced pilots can profoundly influence the next generation by sharing knowledge and fostering passion for flying.
• The discussion emphasizes the need for humility, approachability, and credibility as essential traits for pilots, which contribute to a safer and more collaborative flying community.
• The narrative reveals the evolution of personal ambitions and the transformative nature of aviation experiences, advocating for pursuing one's passion even in the face of adversity.

follow Steve on YouTube and Instagram