🎙️In this episode of The Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson flip the script, get a little heartfelt, and crack each other up while diving into another round of listener questions! From mastering night flight like a ninja in the dark to turning road trips into ATC drills using phonetic license plates, this is one wild and surprisingly educational ride.

They'll share how to stay sharp during flight downtimes, geek out over pilot-controlled lighting, and even toss in a few life-saving (and laugh-inducing) tips along the way. Stay tuned for a bonus mini ground school and the most random yet memorable compliment exchange you’ve ever heard on a podcast. Strap in—this episode’s as unpredictable as runway lights blinking at 3... no, 5... wait, 7 clicks!

🚀 We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where we aviators can hang out and enjoy a wide range of conversations about anything aviation. We're aviators, we're mentors, and we're entrepreneurs. Whether you're a student pilot, professional pilot, general aviation enthusiast, or just an AV Geek like us, this is the podcast for you!

🌎 Join us every Friday as we share our passion for flying!

www.aviationmentors.com

Sponsored by Stratus Financial

www.stratus.finance

#NightFlying #PilotTalk #AviationDiscussion #DidYouKnow #PhoneticAlphabet #PilotGoals #MentorshipMatters #FlightSimulator #StayProficient #AviationMentors

🎙️Looking for the best aviation headset for your cockpit?In this episode of AviationMentors, Brandon and Carson unbox the Lightspeed Delta Zulu and give you a pilot’s-eye view of its most talked-about features — from built-in carbon monoxide detection to in-app audio recording. They also compare it head-to-head with popular models from Bose and David Clark, breaking down comfort, clarity, tech innovations, and TSO certification.

Whether you’re a student pilot or a seasoned pro, this episode helps you decide if the Delta Zulu is worth the investment — and how it stacks up when it comes to durability, price, and long-term maintenance.

🚀 We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where we aviators can hang out and enjoy a wide range of conversations about anything aviation. We're aviators, we're mentors, and we're entrepreneurs. Whether you're a student pilot, professional pilot, general aviation enthusiast, or just an AV Geek like us, this is the podcast for you!

🌎 Join us every Friday as we share our passion for flying!

www.aviationmentors.com

www.stratusaerosummit.com

Aerosummit Codes:

For CFI's: CFISPECIAL ($50 ticket)

Sponsored by Stratus Financial

www.stratus.finance

#AviationMentors #LightspeedDeltaZulu #PilotHeadsets #AviationGear #HeadsetReview #PilotTech #FlyingComfort #FlightDeckEssentials #StudentPilotTips #CockpitGear #AviationPodcast #TSOCertified

Is America’s air traffic control system stuck in the past?

🎙️In this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson take a grounded look at the challenges facing U.S. air traffic control — from outdated technology (yes, floppy disks are still in use) to ongoing staffing shortages, especially at contractor-run facilities like those operated by Serco.

They break down the Department of Transportation’s newly proposed $12.5 to $18.5 billion modernization plan, which includes building six new ATC centers, upgrading radar at over 600 airports, and rolling out advanced systems like fiber optics and ground-based radar.

Drawing from their experience in the cockpit, the hosts offer insights into what these changes mean for pilots, controllers, and the safety of the national airspace. They also touch on the pressures of the ATC environment and why better training, staffing, and compensation matter now more than ever.

Plus, a quick preview of Aero Summit 2025 in Las Vegas — including panel discussions, career-building opportunities, and giveaways from sponsors like Lightspeed and Aircraft Spruce.

Perfect for pilots, controllers, aviation students, and anyone concerned about airspace safety.

🚀 We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where we aviators can hang out and enjoy a wide range of conversations about anything aviation. We're aviators, we're mentors, and we're entrepreneurs. Whether you're a student pilot, professional pilot, general aviation enthusiast, or just an AV Geek like us, this is the podcast for you!

🌎 Join us every Friday as we share our passion for flying!

www.aviationmentors.com

www.stratusaerosummit.com

Aerosummit Codes:

For CFI's: CFISPECIAL ($50 ticket)

Sponsored by Stratus Financial

www.stratus.finance

#AirTrafficControl #ATCModernization #FAAReform #AviationSafety #PilotLife #AviationNews #AirspaceUpgrades #AeroSummit2025 #ATCStaffingCrisis #AviationMentorsPodcast #FlyingSafe