Passive Income Pilots

In this episode, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson sit down with John Heimlich, Chief Economist for Airlines for America (A4A), to unpack the challenges and wins shaping the airline industry. From air traffic control staffing shortages to the impact of pilot pay increases and aircraft delivery delays, John shares key insights into the state of U.S. airlines. He also discusses A4A's advocacy work and what the future holds for pilots and the broader aviation ecosystem.



John Heimlich is the Vice President and Chief Economist for Airlines for America (A4A), the leading trade group for U.S. airlines. With over 20 years of experience in airline economics and energy policy, John has been instrumental in shaping strategies that support airline profitability, sustainability, and growth. Before joining A4A, he held financial planning roles at United Airlines.

Show notes:

(0:00) Intro

(2:46) Who is John Heimlich and what does A4A do?

(5:52) Big wins for the U.S. airline industry in 2024

(8:15) Air traffic control staffing challenges and solutions

(12:38) Airspace capacity issues and delivery delays

(18:03) Pilot pay increases and airline financial health

(20:30) Revenue growth and sustainability of pilot contracts

(24:20) Industry profitability: Historical context and current outlook

(29:16) Political changes and their impact on airlines

(38:26) John’s advice for pilots and the future of aviation

(38:26) How to access A4A’s economic reports

(39:00) Outro

Connect with John Heimlich:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/econdog
• Website: https://www.airlines.org
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AirlinesforAmerica

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You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.

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Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at [email protected]

See you on the next one!

*Legal Disclaimer*

The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.

In this episode of Passive Income Pilots, hosts Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson talk with Gordon Alvord, Alaska Airlines captain and co-founder of Rainier Flight Service. Gordon shares how a 2008 furlough led to creating Washington State’s largest flight school, with over 70 aircraft and a reputation for innovation. Discover how he and his partner used business acumen, strategic investments, and bonus depreciation to build a scalable operation. Whether you're a pilot seeking side hustles or curious about aviation businesses, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Gordon Alvord is an Alaska Airlines captain and co-founder of Rainier Flight Service, and a leader in aviation business and innovation. With a BS in Aeronautics from the University of North Dakota and over 18 years as an airline pilot, Gordon combines his flying expertise with a commitment to exceptional service, safety, and professionalism. Rainier’s success reflects its client-focused culture and dedication to advancing the aviation industry.

Show notes:

(0:00) Intro

(3:42) Starting Rainier Flight Service

(8:44) Flight school financial breakdown

(17:21) Bonus depreciation for tax savings

(20:10) Balancing airline career and business

(21:25) Expanding to new locations

(23:50) Aircraft leaseback programs explained

(37:48) Flight instructor opportunities

(39:15) Airline interview prep

(42:07) Cost of becoming a pilot

(45:40) Outro

Connect with Gordon Alvord:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonalvord
• Website: https://www.rainierflightservice.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rainierflight
• X: https://twitter.com/rainierflight
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RainierFlight

—

You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.

Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/

Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilots

Check us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/

Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilots

Get our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/

Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at [email protected]

See you on the next one!

*Legal Disclaimer*

The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.

On this episode of Passive Income Pilots, Tait and Ryan interview Billy Withers. Billy Withers, EA, MT, is a financial expert and the owner of Summit Advanced Tax Strategy. He has helped hundreds of real estate investors and business owners organize their financial systems and reduce tax liabilities. With his expertise and the flexibility of a virtual firm, he provides prompt and effective service to ensure the growth and needs of his clients are met. Billy's experience in the field has made him an invaluable asset to those looking to maximize their profits while minimizing their tax liabilities. Billy talks about the intersection of taxes and real estate investments. He discusses optimizing tax situations, qualifying as a real estate professional, tracking deductions, and dealing with late filings. Billy emphasizes treating real estate investments as a business, gathering necessary documents, and working with a tax professional experienced in real estate matters to avoid problems and stay on top of taxes. Enjoy the show!

Timestamped Show Notes

(00:00) Intro

(04:08) Billy's career journey and specialization in real estate taxes

(05:52) The advantages of working with a tax strategist

(07:51) Tax efficiency: planning for taxable events in real estate

(11:31) What a tax strategist does

(13:25) Advisory service fee structure and getting started

(15:40) Quick hit opportunities, tax-advantaged strategies, and changes

(22:42) Qualifying as a real estate professional and hour requirements

(26:16) Keeping track of time spent as a real estate professional

(28:38) Collaboration between spouses to qualify as real estate professionals

(30:54) Caution against taking risks with material participation claims

(32:04) Structuring LLCs for earned and passive income

(34:13) Importance of tracking expenses and using dedicated accounts for real estate

(40:45) The complexity and individuality of tax matters in real estate

(43:57) Concerns about extending tax returns and K-1 forms

(52:46) What is an enrolled agent

(54:30) Outro

Resources Mentioned

#10 - Reduce Your Taxes & Maximize Returns Using PROVEN Investment Strategies with Toby Mathis

#14 - Depreciation Demystified: Cost Segregation and Tax Savings in Real Estate with Toby Mathis

---You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.

Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com!

Join our growing community on Facebook

Check us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots

Follow us on X @IncomePilots

Get our updates on LinkedIn

Have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at [email protected] See you on the next one!

Legal Disclaimer

The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions. The hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, do not necessarily endorse the views of the guests featured on the podcast, nor have the guests been comprehensively vetted by the hosts. Under no circumstances sh...

On this episode of Passive Income Pilots, Tait and Ryan interview David Temko, President of C2 Financial, the nation's leading mortgage broker. David leads a team of expert loan officers and has extensive experience in commercial loans, sales, leasing, and banking. He discusses the impact of rising interest rates on the housing market, the benefits of buying now, tax advantages, potential appreciation, and the critical role of mortgage brokers. David also covers refinancing, leveraging home equity, and the importance of local banks and credit unions. He emphasizes the enduring value of real estate and the necessity of informed decision-making with expert guidance. Enjoy the show!

Timestamped Show Notes

(00:00) Intro

(02:58) Less inventory and homeowners staying put due to low interest rates

(03:36) Shift from underdevelopment to infill and existing homes, then to commercial brokerage

(09:07) Learning from experience and finding specialists in real estate

(13:48) Analyzing the rent vs. buy decision and calculating costs

(16:00) Long-term mortgage strategies and anticipated interest rate trends

(18:29) The risk of rising interest rates and its impact

(20:24) Costs of refinancing, and understanding interest rates and loan percentages

(23:27) Utilizing HELOCs to consolidate debt and reduce interest rates

(27:04) Blended interest rates, benefits in construction projects, and working with a mortgage broker

(29:14) Uncertainty in banks and lending practices affecting loans

(32:23) Importance of matching complexity with the right mortgage broker

(34:18) Pre-approval vs. pre-qualification: What you need to know

(36:22) Expertise and long-term experience in the mortgage business

(39:02) Understanding the factors that affect mortgage rates

(41:08) Potential impact of interest rate changes on housing demand

(44:30) Affordability driving people out of California into metropolitan areas

(47:23) Importance of local banks and small businesses in the economy

(49:11) Empowering homeowners with knowledge and resources

---You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.

Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com!

Join our growing community on Facebook

Check us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots

Follow us on X @IncomePilots

Get our updates on LinkedIn

Have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at [email protected] See you on the next one!

Legal Disclaimer

The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions. The hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, do not necessarily endorse the views of the guests featured on the podcast, nor have the guests been comprehensively vetted by the hosts. Under no circumstances should any material presented in this podcast be used or considered as an offer to sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy, an interest in any investment. Any potential offer or solicitation will be made exclusively through a Confidential Private Offering Memorandum related to the specific investment. Access to detailed information about the investments discussed is restricted to individuals who qualify as accredited investors under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

In this episode, hosts Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson welcome Ramez Fakhoury from IRA Club. This episode dives into how pilots can unlock old 401(k)s, TSPs, and HSAs for real estate and other alternative investments. Hear a detailed story of a Southwest pilot transitioning to American Airlines and learn what decisions made the biggest impact. Whether you're changing airlines or just seeking better returns, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Ramez Fakhoury is the Vice President of IRA Club, a leading self-directed IRA custodian. With a background in hospitality and entrepreneurship, Ramez discovered a passion for alternative investing and now helps individuals unlock their retirement capital for real estate and other private assets. His practical approach and deep knowledge make complex financial strategies accessible for pilots and high-income earners.

Show notes:

(0:00) Intro

(01:07) Introduction to Ramez and IRA Club

(04:49) Three options when leaving an airline

(06:11) True vs. false self-direction explained

(10:27) Why you shouldn't rush rollover decisions

(14:39) What you can't invest in with IRAs

(20:48) Why IRA Club's structure stands out

(27:42) Contribution limits vs. rollover power

(38:56) Partnering personal and retirement funds

(46:59) Real estate in IRAs: tax pros and cons

(51:20) Outro

Connect with Ramez:

Website: https://www.iraclub.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-ira-club/

—

You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.

Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/

Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilots

Check us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/

Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilots

Get our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/

Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at [email protected]

See you on the next one!

*Legal Disclaimer*

The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.