The ultimate podcast for aviation! Join us as we dive into the world of aviation, with each episode featuring candid conversations with real students and pilots from Thrust Flight! From sharing invaluable advice to recounting thrilling tales from their journeys in the sky, our guests offer unique perspectives on the challenges of becoming or being a pilot!If you're interested in becoming a pilot, visit our website: Thrustflight.com! We will get you there!Social ChannelsYouTube: @ThrustFlightInstagram: @ThrustFlightTikTok: @ThrustFlight
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Nov 13, 2026 · 50:20
In Episode 136 of Pilots Say What?, Zach sits down with Thrust Flight student William, who has experienced collegiate flight training, Part 61 training, and accelerated Part 141…
Nov 6, 2026 · 40:31
What do donuts have to do with becoming an airline pilot? For Thrust Flight graduate Steven Johnson, quite a lot. In this episode of Pilots Say What?, Zach sits down with Steven,…
Oct 30, 2026 · 52:02
What really changes when you go from student pilot to certified flight instructor (CFI)? Ian returns to Pilots Say What? to share his experience becoming a flight instructor at…
Oct 23, 2026 · 1:17:21
What does it actually take to go from flight school student to airline captain? Tanner shares his journey from starting flight training at Thrust Flight to becoming a…
Oct 16, 2026 · 1:04:53
Can pilots go to therapy without risking their FAA medical certificate? Mental health in aviation has been a difficult topic for years, and many pilots still hesitate to seek…
Oct 9, 2026 · 50:27
Can someone who's afraid of flying actually become a pilot? In this episode of Pilots Say What?, Zach sits down with Thrust Flight student Troy Kirk to talk about his unexpected…
Oct 2, 2026 · 53:08
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with aerobatic national champion and Thrust Flight aerobatic instructor Kurt Richmond to talk about what aerobatic flying can…
Sep 25, 2026 · 42:06
Becoming a CFI requires a completely different mindset than being a flight student. In this episode, we sit down with a Thrust Flight student who recently completed her CFI…
Sep 18, 2026 · 40:13
Landon Haynes started flight training part-time while finishing high school and beginning college. After spending about nine months earning his Private Pilot License, he realized…
Sep 11, 2026 · 59:42
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, Ashley and Cheyenne look back on their paths into aviation and talk about why they didn’t start flying sooner. From college degrees and…
Sep 4, 2026 · 51:05
Can you use VA benefits for flight training? In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with Thrust Flight’s Tracy Copeland to break down how veterans may be able to use…
Aug 28, 2026 · 44:36
Between aircraft availability, maintenance cancellations, instructor availability, finances, and inconsistent flying, nearly a year went by without earning his Private Pilot…
Aug 21, 2026 · 1:01:31
Falling behind in flight school can make you question whether you’re cut out for it at all. In this episode of Pilots Say What, Matthew talks about struggling through private…
Aug 14, 2026 · 40:18
Zach sits down with new Thrust Flight CFI Guy Bassett to talk about what actually changes when you go from being the student to being the instructor. Guy shares what surprised…
Aug 7, 2026 · 49:48
Caleb went from working at Apple to completely changing careers and becoming a flight instructor at Thrust Flight. In this episode of Pilots Say What, Caleb talks about what…
Jul 31, 2026 · 1:04:46
Lan returned to aviation after spending 13 years away from flying, completed his CFI training at Thrust Flight, and later became a flight instructor at the school. Today, he is…
Jul 24, 2026 · 1:01:26
Brock went from working 90-hour weeks as a band director to completing his professional pilot training in roughly nine months. Along the way, he became the student other Thrust…
Jul 17, 2026 · 44:59
Melanie Hill joins us from Australia to discuss how Air Cadets helped launch her lifelong aviation journey, the wide range of careers available throughout the industry, and why…
Jul 10, 2026 · 34:49
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, Halley Bowers is back, this time, we’re going beyond her story and getting into practical flight training advice from her first few months as…
Jul 2, 2026 · 45:32
Julie Cable recently joined Thrust Flight as our Career Services Liaison, helping students and CFIs better understand what comes after flight training. In this episode of Pilots…
Jun 26, 2026 · 45:43
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, Zach sits down with Andrew Sowers at Thrust Flight’s Mesa location on Falcon Field Airport to talk about training in Arizona, the advantages…
Jun 19, 2026 · 53:45
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with John Duluth, a board member at the National Transportation Safety Board, retired American Airlines pilot, former 787…
Jun 12, 2026 · 51:37
Will Garrison started at Thrust Flight with zero time, worked his way through flight training, became a CFI, later became an Assistant Chief Instructor, joined the Envoy cadet…
Jun 5, 2026 · 1:02:34
In this episode of Pilots Say What , Tim sits down with Zach to talk about what it was really like starting flight training from zero time, moving across the country, taking on…
May 29, 2026 · 46:00
In this episode of Pilots Say What, Zach sits down with Jackson, a brand-new CFI at Thrust Flight, to talk about his path from Part 61 training, medical delays, and the…
May 22, 2026 · 50:54
In this episode of Pilots Say What, we sit down with Joe Johnson, an active American Airlines 777 Captain, check airman, DPE, and founder of the Ashton Johnson Memorial…
May 15, 2026 · 55:05
Halley Bowers didn’t grow up around aviation. She was a first-generation pilot, originally pursuing college and marketing, until one discovery flight changed the direction of her…
May 8, 2026 · 52:13
Connor Emmett spent years chasing baseball at a high level, playing through college and eventually professionally in Detroit, Missoula, Montana, and Colorado Springs. But after…
May 1, 2026 · 48:07
Nick Bowman started out working as a welder in the Texas heat. After years in blue collar construction, he realized he wanted a different future and decided to give aviation a…
Apr 24, 2026 · 49:02
In this episode of Pilots Say What, Zach talks with Jackson Howard about becoming a CFI at just 20 years old, what the transition from student to instructor was really like, and…
Apr 17, 2026 · 53:55
Jeremiah grew up around pilots, but for years he still had a fear of flying. In this episode of Pilots Say What, he shares how one discovery flight changed everything and set him…
Apr 10, 2026 · 52:08
In this episode of Pilots Say What, Cole Collins shares what it was like to start flight training, deal with the stress of checkrides, push through tough days, and eventually…
Apr 3, 2026 · 53:06
In this episode of Pilots Say What, Zach talks with Wil Black about becoming an Envoy Cadet Instructor while still working as a CFI at Thrust Flight. One of the biggest surprises…
Mar 27, 2026 · 1:01:07
In this episode of Pilots Say What, Travis shares how he left the corporate world and committed to becoming a pilot. He talks about what pushed him to finally make the change,…
Mar 20, 2026 · 51:19
What happens when the path to becoming a pilot gets way harder than expected? In this episode of Pilots Say What?, Zach talks with Mike, a Thrust Flight student who went from…
Mar 13, 2026 · 43:40
In this episode of Pilots Say What, we talk with Adrian, a student pilot at Thrust Flight who recently completed his Private Pilot License (PPL) and is now starting instrument…
Mar 6, 2026 · 56:44
What does a 38-year career at American Airlines actually teach you about becoming a pilot? In this special 100th episode of Pilots Say What, we sit down with Bill Peterson, a…
Feb 27, 2026 · 44:51
What does it actually look like to start flight training later than most students? In Episode 99 of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with Tim — a newly minted CFI who made the…
Feb 20, 2026 · 41:59
Ashley didn’t grow up planning to be a pilot. She was on track for a business and healthcare degree — until one discovery flight completely changed her life. In this episode of…
Feb 13, 2026 · 26:14
What if high school wasn’t just about checking boxes… but actually launching careers? In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with Scott Meehan, founder of Rising…
Feb 6, 2026 · 53:00
Jordan shares her journey from college classrooms to the cockpit as she works through commercial pilot training. In this episode, we talk honestly about choosing aviation over a…
Jan 30, 2026 · 39:47
Most pilots think learning stops once you pass a checkride — but the real understanding often begins when you start teaching. In this video, we talk with a flight instructor…
Jan 23, 2026 · 55:12
What is it really like interviewing for a regional airline once you hit 1,500 hours? In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with a Thrust Flight CFI who recently…
Jan 16, 2026 · 53:10
We sit down with Casey Talbot, a flight instructor at Thrust Flight, to talk about her journey from working as a flight attendant at Delta to becoming a certified flight…
Jan 9, 2026 · 1:00:13
Getting stuck in the FAA medical process is one of the most frustrating—and least talked about—parts of becoming a pilot. In this episode, Tyler shares what it was really like…
Jan 2, 2026 · 46:06
There’s a moment in flight training when things finally click—when you stop second-guessing and start trusting what you’ve been taught. In this episode of Pilots Say What?, Zach…
Dec 26, 2025 · 41:16
What does flight training really look like once the honeymoon phase is over? In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with Zane, who started flight training from zero…
Dec 19, 2025 · 45:04
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, Zach sits down with Justin, a former mechanical engineer who spent years working in the oil field before making the leap into full-time,…
Dec 12, 2025 · 57:14
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with Sean — a former high school teacher and coach who completely changed careers at 32 to pursue aviation. Sean opens up about…
Dec 7, 2025 · 53:01
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with Tyler Brown, a Thrust Flight CFI whose path into flying wasn’t traditional — but it proves something every new pilot needs…
Dec 6, 2025 · 35:21
Today on Pilots Say What? we sit down with Don to hear a pilot story with a totally different perspective — one that shows just how meaningful flying can be, even outside the…
Dec 5, 2025 · 1:01:10
In today’s episode, we sit down with Nate — a pilot whose aviation path is one of the most unconventional we’ve ever featured. He started as a CFI, moved into the regional…
Nov 14, 2025 · 42:07
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with Caitlin, who started flight training under Part 61, stalled out at 80 hours, and then transformed her entire training…
Nov 7, 2025 · 53:59
In this episode of Pilot’s Say What?, Austin shares his incredible journey from pursuing veterinary school to becoming a Certified Flight Instructor at Thrust Flight. He talks…
Oct 31, 2025 · 1:04:42
This week, we sit down with Jamail, the FAA’s Ambassador for Aviation and Space Education and founder of AviationStart.org , to talk about the growing aviation workforce crisis —…
Oct 24, 2025 · 49:25
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we talk with a Thrust Flight student who’s progressed through instrument, commercial, and CFI training on his way to becoming an instructor.…
Oct 17, 2025 · 53:54
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with Drew to hear how he went from high school graduate to private pilot in just a few months. Drew opens up about nearly going…
Oct 10, 2025 · 52:44
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, Zach talks with a Thrust Flight student pilot who was born in Brazil and came to the U.S. through an exchange program—long before she ever…
Oct 3, 2025 · 52:49
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with Ian, a former Tesla and Lucid Motors employee who left the car industry behind to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. Ian…
Sep 26, 2025 · 1:04:24
What happens when your dream of becoming a pilot almost ends before it begins? In this episode, Mac shares his journey from working at Lockheed Martin to pursuing flight…
Sep 19, 2025 · 39:01
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with Kobe Evans, Operations Manager at Thrust Flight’s Denison campus, who’s not only helping run the school but also training to…
Sep 12, 2025 · 45:30
What makes someone choose flight school over college? In this episode of Pilot’s Say What?, Zach sits down with Jaxton, a recent high school graduate who decided to pursue…
Sep 5, 2025 · 56:41
What does the future of flight training really look like? In this episode of "Pilots Say What?", Thrust Flight CEO Patrick Arnzen shares his perspective on where pilot training…
Aug 29, 2025 · 45:27
Ever wondered what airline pilot life is really like behind the scenes? In this episode of Pilots Say What? , we sit down with retired Captain Philip Stromer to uncover the highs…
Aug 22, 2025 · 53:33
Is becoming a pilot really about the paycheck — or the passion? In this episode of Pilots Say What?, Gregory shares his journey from theater to aviation, and why he believes…
Aug 15, 2025 · 47:32
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we talk with Nick about his journey from a long training delay at his first flight school to completing ratings faster through Thrust…
Aug 15, 2025 · 49:24
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, AJ shares his powerful story of walking away from flight training for two years—then risking everything to come back. From ministry to the…
Aug 1, 2025 · 40:29
What's it really like flying into the world's biggest aviation event for the first time? In this episode, Assistant Chief Flight Instructor Chisholm Brewer shares his first…
Jul 25, 2025 · 32:52
Hayden started his flight training at a classic “mom-and-pop” flight school — but quickly realized he needed more structure, more support, and a faster path. In this episode, he…
Jul 18, 2025 · 47:36
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, CFI Ryan Whitaker returns to share what he’s learned since stepping into the right seat as an examiner. From the mental battles of imposter…
Jul 11, 2025 · 54:25
This episode pulls back the curtain on how aviation scholarships really work in 2025. Guest Jamal Larkins has spent nearly two decades traveling the country connecting future…
Jul 4, 2025 · 49:08
In this episode of Pilots Say What? , we welcome back Hayden Hayes—one of Thrust Flight’s own CFIs—for a real and raw conversation about what life is actually like as a flight…
Jun 27, 2025 · 37:30
Meet Hamilton Grant—one of the youngest Certified Flight Instructors at Thrust Flight. In this episode, Hamilton walks us through his accelerated path from high school to the…
Jun 20, 2025 · 52:22
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with CFI Nick, who specializes in training new flight instructors. Nick shares powerful tips for student pilots and future CFIs,…
Jun 13, 2025 · 20:19
In this episode, we welcome back a familiar face — a former Thrust Flight student who appeared on one of our earliest podcast episodes. Now, she's returned as a Certified Flight…
Jun 6, 2025 · 1:03:39
In this special episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with aviation industry expert Kit Darby for a deep dive into the pilot shortage, airline hiring trends, and what 2025…
May 30, 2025 · 37:44
We sit down with a seasoned Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) whose primary role involves conducting stage checks. He shares invaluable insights into the stage check process,…
May 23, 2025 · 35:08
They started as student pilots and now they’ve finished flight school and are just days away from becoming certified flight instructors. In this episode, we sit down with 2 of…
May 16, 2025 · 35:03
Are you thinking about moving up the ranks from flight instructor to Assistant Chief? In this video, we break down exactly what it takes to earn the title of Assistant Chief at a…
May 9, 2025 · 27:01
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with one of our Assistant Chief CFIs to talk about what it really takes to become a successful Certified Flight Instructor—and…
May 2, 2025 · 38:18
We chat with a CFI about the different paths to becoming a pilot—college programs, Part 61, Part 141—and what might work best depending on your goals. It’s a down-to-earth…
Apr 25, 2025 · 34:04
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with one of our students who's not only learning to fly—but also shreds tires as a professional drifter in his free time. We talk…
Apr 18, 2025 · 32:05
In this episode, we sit down with a Navy veteran who went from flying jets for the military to becoming a captain at American Airlines. He shares what it was like transitioning…
Apr 11, 2025 · 21:30
Most pilots focus on their technical skills, but the real secret to success in the airlines is something else—soft skills. From how you interact with flight attendants to the way…
Apr 4, 2025 · 39:35
One year of Pilots Say What?! In this special episode, we sit down with the VP of our flight school to discuss what it takes to run a successful flight school and the current…
Mar 28, 2025 · 46:52
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with an experienced Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) to discuss what you really need to know before your checkride. We cover the…
Mar 21, 2025 · 27:43
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we talk to two pilots who played a key role in helping an aircraft during a critical electrical failure emergency landing. While they were a…
Mar 14, 2025 · 36:13
Choosing the right flight school is one of the biggest decisions future pilots face. In this episode, we sit down with a brand-new CFI who trained at one flight school and now…
Mar 7, 2025 · 40:53
Flight training isn’t always what you expect. In this episode, we sit down with a student who just finished all of his ratings to talk about the realities of flight school. From…
Feb 28, 2025 · 33:54
Getting your aviation medical exam can feel confusing, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, we sit down with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to answer the most common…
Feb 21, 2025 · 24:59
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with a newly certified CFII to talk about his journey from student to instructor. He shares what it’s like to swap seats, the…
Feb 14, 2025 · 40:33
Ever wondered what it's really like to be an airline captain? In this episode of Pilots Say What?, an American Airlines captain answers your biggest questions about airline life,…
Feb 7, 2025 · 29:43
Thinking about going to flight school but not sure if it's the right path for you? In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we break down everything you need to know before making…
Jan 31, 2025 · 24:27
Which path is better for aspiring pilots—a traditional 4-year college flight program or a fast-paced Part 141 flight school? In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we break down…
Jan 17, 2025 · 34:09
Are you preparing for your checkride? This episode dives into the most common checkride mistakes students make and how to avoid them. Plus, we share tips to help you impress your…
Jan 10, 2025 · 24:24
In Episode 41 of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with a CFI who shares his journey in aviation and his unique career aspirations. Unlike most CFIs who aim for the airlines, he has…
Jan 3, 2025 · 31:52
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we dive into the inspiring journey of a career changer who left it all behind to pursue their dream of becoming a pilot. We discuss the…
Dec 27, 2024 · 34:00
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with an experienced CFI to talk about the journey to building flight hours and advancing in aviation. He shares insights into…
Dec 20, 2024 · 41:50
In this episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with a former Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) from our school who is now flying as a First Officer at American Airlines. He…
Dec 13, 2024 · 43:32
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)? In this episode, we sit down with an experienced DPE to explore the ins and outs of this critical aviation…
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