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Aviation has its own language—and for a new student pilot, mechanic, or aviation professional, that language can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Today we talk with Daniel Bezden, private pilot and founder of Keynomen Aviation, a platform designed to help aviation students develop a deeper understanding of the words, terms, and abbreviations they encounter throughout their training.

Daniel has an especially interesting aviation story. He earned his first pilot certificate at 17 years old in South Africa, stepped away from flying while raising a family and building businesses, and returned to aviation in his mid-50s after moving to the United States. His experience relearning aviation ultimately helped inspire Keynomen.

https://keynomen.com/

Aviation Career Coaching and Mentorship

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

https://flysnf.org/ 2027 – April 6-11

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“Am I too old to change careers and become a professional pilot?”

Sometimes that question comes from someone in their 30s. Sometimes in their 40s. Sometimes in their 50s.

But underneath the question is usually something deeper:

Can I really leave the career and life I’ve already built and start over in aviation?

Our guest today, Anita Ammon, has actually done it.
Before aviation, Anita was an entrepreneur and business owner and spent approximately 15 years working in property management.
Then aviation became more than simply an interest.
It became the career she wanted to pursue.
Instead of simply talking about making a change someday, Anita and her husband David made a major commitment. They sold their house and rental properties in Maryland and moved to Texas.
David left a successful career in architecture to become an FAA-certified aircraft mechanic, and Anita committed herself to becoming a professional pilot.

Since then, Anita has earned her commercial pilot certificate, CFI and CFII, aircraft dispatcher certificate, and most recently her multiengine rating. Today she is flying the Cessna Caravan and recently celebrated logging 300 hours of turbine time.

We discuss:

BEFORE AVIATION

DISCOVERING AVIATION

BUYING AN AIRPLANE AND DIVING INTO AVIATION

THE DECISION TO CHANGE CAREERS

TWO CAREER CHANGES AT ONCE

THE TRAINING JOURNEY

MENTORSHIP AND THE AVIATION COMMUNITY

WHY BECOME AN AIRCRAFT DISPATCHER?

GETTING THE FIRST PROFESSIONAL FLYING JOB

FROM GENERAL AVIATION TO THE CESSNA CARAVAN

100 HOURS OF TURBINE TIME IN 30 DAYS

STARTING AN AVIATION CAREER LATER IN LIFE

THE FINANCIAL REALITY

WHAT ENTREPRENEURSHIP TAUGHT YOU ABOUT FLYING

WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?

WHAT COMES NEXT?

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Aviation Career Coaching and Mentorship

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

https://flysnf.org/ 2027 – April 6-11

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Jessica Chrismer has traveled to all 50 states and at least 30 countries during a career that has included more than a decade as a corporate flight attendant. But somewhere along the journey, aviation led her toward another career she never expected—becoming an award-winning children’s author.

Today we’re going to talk about two careers you don’t normally hear discussed together:
Corporate Flight Attendant and Children’s Book Author.

We’ll learn what life is really like working aboard corporate aircraft, how someone gets started in this side of aviation, and how Jessica transformed her experiences traveling the world into stories designed to inspire children to explore, learn, and dream big.

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One on One 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”

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LINKS:

Miso & Kili’s Adventures:

https://www.misokili.com/
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Aviation Career Coaching and Mentorship

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/
We will help you define your goals and create a plan to land your dream job.

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/mentorship/
Receive one month access to the mentorship community free using the coupon code “CoachItForward”

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

https://flysnf.org/ 2027 – April 6-11

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Today we have a special guest Kevin McDermott Author of Flight Path: An Irreverent Aviation Tale. Kevin encourages pilots and non-pilots alike to persevere through setbacks, appreciate the mentors who shape our lives, and never lose their sense of humor along the way.

Affiliate Link to book: https://amzn.to/4zjCd2W

Coaching and Mentorship:

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

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

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/mentorship/
Receive one month access to the mentorship community free using the coupon code “CoachItForward”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Coaching, Courses, and Scholarships.

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/

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When most people hear the phrase “remote career,” they picture someone working from a laptop at home, sitting in a coffee shop, or answering emails from a beach. But there is another kind of remote career. A career where your office might be 35,000 feet above the ground. A career where you can live hundreds—or even thosands—of miles away from the place where you actually work. A career that may allow you to arrange your schedule so you are home for extended stretches of time. That career is being a professional pilot. Being a pilot may not be remote work in the traditional sense, but it might be one of the ultimate remote careers. Today, we are going to discuss why.

YOUR HOME AND YOUR JOB DO NOT HAVE TO BE IN THE SAME CITY
PILOTS WORK IN BLOCKS OF TIME
YOUR OFFICE TRAVELS WITH YOU
YOU MAY BE ABLE TO LIVE WHERE THE COST OF LIVING IS LOWER
SENIORITY CREATES FLEXIBILITY
That is why choosing the right company is about more than starting pay.
DIFFERENT PILOT CAREERS OFFER DIFFERENT TYPES OF FREEDOM
THE REALITY OF COMMUTING
PILOTING CAN CREATE TIME FREEDOM
DESIGN YOUR CAREER AROUND YOUR LIFE

Do you currently commute to your pilot job?
Or would you prefer to live in the city where you are based?
Share your experience in the comments.
Your perspective may help another pilot make an important career decision.
If you found this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone considering a career in aviation.
Remember, your aviation career is a journey.
Take one step today toward your aviation career goal.

Coaching, Courses, and Scholarships.

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

FlySnf.org 2027 – April 6-11

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Today we have a returning guest Elliot Mintzer to discuss Building the Right Hours.

Sponsor:

https://pilotcounsel.com/

Talking Points:

1. Every Hour Is Not Created Equal
2. Chase Responsibility Before You Chase Aircraft
3. Learn the Business, Not Just the Airplane
4. Seek Mentors Who Challenge You
5. Think Like a Future Chief Pilot From Day One

Links

One On One 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”

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

https://FlySnf.org 2027 – April 6-11

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Is it too late to become a professional pilot in your 50s?

Today’s guest, Doug Wolfe, proves that age does not have to prevent you from pursuing your aviation dreams. Doug changed careers in his 50s and is now living his dream as a corporate pilot.

In this episode of the Aviation Careers Podcast, Doug shares his career-change journey, the challenges he faced, and the steps he took to transition into professional aviation. His story is an encouraging reminder that there is no single path to the cockpit—and that persistence, preparation, and a willingness to take the next step can open new opportunities at any age.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why Doug retired and changed careers in his 50s
How he began working toward a professional flying career
The challenges of entering aviation later in life
How Doug built the experience needed to become employable
What helped him successfully transition into corporate aviation
The realities of working as a corporate pilot
Advice for aspiring pilots considering a midlife career change
Why it may not be too late to pursue your aviation dream
Doug’s journey demonstrates that your previous career and life experience can become valuable assets in aviation. Whether you are 25, 45, or 55, the most important step may be deciding to begin.

Resources

✈️ Aviation Careers Podcast:
https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/

🎓 Pilot Career and Interview Resources:

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

📞 Aviation Career Coaching:
https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/

📧 Questions or feedback:
Feedback@AviationCareersPodcast.com

Support the Podcast
Subscribe to the Aviation Careers Podcast for inspirational, informational, and transparent conversations designed to help you achieve your aviation dreams.

Please like this video, share it with someone considering an aviation career, and leave a comment:

What is one step you can take today toward your aviation career goal?

#AviationCareers #CorporatePilot #CareerChange #PilotCareer #BecomeAPilot #AviationPodcast #ProfessionalPilot #MidlifeCareerChange #CorporateAviation #PilotTraining
Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

https://FlySnf.org 2027 – April 6-11

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Most 15-year-olds are just beginning to think about their future careers. Today’s guest says he is already working in aircraft sales and representing a Polish light-sport aircraft in California

Sponsor:

https://PIlotCounsel.com 

Links

https://linktr.ee/ekolotcalifornia

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/ 

Coaching, Courses, and Scholarships.

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

FlySnf.org 2027 – April 6-11

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One year ago I sat in my car outside the urgent care knowing I should go due to my medical condition but also knew that my career as a pilot may end. This is the story of what I did and what I learned one year later.

Before I get started, full disclosure: my attorney did not want me releasing this video to the public. Therefore, the version I release to the public on YouTube is for educational purposes and does not include the personal version I am releasing to the youtube members and our mentorship group.

Let’s get started.

June 27 2025 walking out the door my neighbor asked me if I was having a problem with my eye. I thought nothing of it.

I went to the office and recorded an episode of ACP my 2025 mid year update.

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/acp424-pilot-jobs-2025-mid-year-review/

After watching the recording of myself I realized it was time to head to hospital, knowing I may never fly again.

Episode Infographic:

Want to help the next generation of pilots then consider paying it forward:
https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/

Coaching, Courses, and Scholarships.

Upcoming Events and Air Shows:

FlySnf.org 2027 – April 6-11