Pilot to Pilot

• E335 - State of the Industry and Your Finances with Jim Higgins & Elise Dominguez

  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!JustinTakeaways: 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.

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• E334 - The Role of Technology in Modern Aviation with Skypath

  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.

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• Backcountry Flying Adventures: Embracing the Freedom

  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

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• Flying High: The Transformation from Engineer to Aviator

  welcome back to episode 332 of the Pilot to Pilot podcast. In todays podcast episode we talk about the journey of Tom, a commercial pilot transitioning from a successful engineering career to pursue his lifelong aspiration of becoming a professional pilot. Throughout the discussion, we delve into Tom's experiences with aircraft ownership, specifically his acquisition of a Cessna 150 and subsequently a Mooney, highlighting the financial aspects and the unique challenges associated with each. Tom shares valuable insights into his training process, which includes both traditional flight instruction and self-driven initiatives, underscoring the importance of perseverance in the face of uncertainty within the aviation industry. We also explore the emotional dynamics of pursuing such a significant career change, particularly regarding family support and the inherent risks involved in aviation. This episode serves as an inspiration for those contemplating a similar path, reinforcing the notion that dedication and passion can ultimately lead to the fulfillment of one's dreams in aviation.Companies mentioned in this episode: Garmin Sirius XM Aviation Ground School Southern Illinois University NetJets Flexjet Mooney Cessna Paradigm Aerobatics

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• E331 - Enhancing Flight Safety: The Turbulence Detection Revolution

  SkyPath Free Trial - https://skypath.io/start_a_trial/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=SkyPath&utm_id=Pilot2Pilot&utm_content=GuypodcastThe salient point of this podcast episode centers on the innovative advancements in turbulence detection and management provided by Skypath, as articulated by its Chief Product Officer, Guy. Throughout our dialogue, we explore Guy's fascinating journey from flying fighter jets to developing software solutions that enhance aviation safety. The conversation delves into the critical role of data in improving real-time turbulence reporting, which significantly contributes to passenger and crew safety. Additionally, we discuss the evolution of Skypath from a basic turbulence data app to a comprehensive platform that integrates multiple data sources, thereby ensuring a safer flight experience. This episode offers a profound insight into how technology is reshaping the aviation landscape, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of flight and ensure the well-being of all aboard.

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