Becoming a Private Pilot after a 20 Year Gap in Training ep.6

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01/23/25 • 66 min

In this first episode of The Fly Media Podcast for 2025, Osa kicks off the year by sitting down with Manny Ruiz, a fellow Bay Area pilot. Manny shares his aviation journey, from learning to fly at Tradewinds Aviation to his goals of aircraft ownership.

We explore his flying club experiences, the joy of flying G1000-equipped planes, and his preference for the classic six-pack instrument layout. Manny’s passion for aviation shines through as he reflects on his training and his dreams of one day owning his own aircraft.

If you're considering flying or are already a pilot, this episode offers insights into flight training, the flying community, and what it takes to get started and stay motivated in the skies.

Tune in for:

Manny’s journey from training to being a member of a flying club
Thoughts on the benefits of flight simulators
Inspiration for aspiring pilots and those interested in Aviation

If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe, Leave a Review, and share it with fellow aviation enthusiasts. We have many more inspiring aviation stories to share in 2025!

Listen to the Fly Media Podcast on all major streaming platforms and catch the video version on YouTube. Don't forget to leave a review and share this episode with fellow aviation enthusiasts!
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Thank you for tuning in, may there always be wind beneath your wings!
#aviation #storytelling #pilot #pilotlife #exploretheskies #fun #airplanes #flyingadventures #$100burger #flying #flight #aviationpodcast #podcast

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If you're considering flying or are already a pilot, this episode offers insights into flight training, the flying community, and what it takes to get started and stay motivated in the skies.

Tune in for:

Manny’s journey from training to being a member of a flying club
Thoughts on the benefits of flight simulators
Inspiration for aspiring pilots and those interested in Aviation

If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe, Leave a Review, and share it with fellow aviation enthusiasts. We have many more inspiring aviation stories to share in 2025!

Previous Episode

In-Flight Emergency over Mountainous Terrain Ep. 5

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Join me and special guest Nathan, an experienced Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), as we dive into real-life aviation stories, critical pilot training lessons, and expert tips for aspiring aviators. From managing an engine failure at night over mountainous terrain to navigating the journey from student pilot to airline-ready professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Enjoy this deep dive into the world of aviation! Subscribe to The Fly Media Podcast for more inspiring stories and essential tips for pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Rate and review the episode on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media for more aviation adventures!
Aviation Tips for Success:
Study ground school topics thoroughly—flying starts with solid knowledge.
Stay IFR-current to boost employability in the competitive aviation market.
Remember, persistence pays off in this ever-changing industry.
Topics Covered:
Aviation Beginnings:
Nathan's early passion for flying sparked by the Blue Angels.
How flight simulators helped build foundational skills before formal training.
Flight Training Journey:
The challenges of earning a Private Pilot Certificate.
Why comparing solo flight hours can be misleading.
Overcoming instrument training hurdles like complex ATC communications.
Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI):
The intense preparation required for the CFI checkride.
Key tips for effective flight instruction.
Emergency Management in the Sky:
A harrowing engine failure story at night over mountainous terrain.
Critical aeronautical decision-making and lessons learned.
Advanced Pilot Insights:
Multi-engine training in the rare Grumman Cougar.
Understanding turbine engine concepts and airline interview prep.
Pilot Lifestyle & Recommendations:
Best airport diners and unforgettable cross-country food adventures.
Must-have pilot gear like iPad setups and the essential Pivot Case.

Next Episode

A Lifetime in the Sky: American Eagle Captain Sue Clark | ep.7

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Get ready for an inspiring episode featuring aviation legend Sue Clark—a retired American Eagle Airlines captain, one of the first female Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs), and the founder of RV to the Rescue, a nonprofit that saves animals through aviation.
Sue shares her incredible journey, from breaking barriers as a female pilot when airlines weren’t hiring women, to her experiences flying Metroliners, Jetstreams, and the Saab 340, and her passion for giving back—both to the aviation community and animals in need.
In this episode, we cover:
✈️ How a $5 introductory flight sparked Sue’s aviation career
🔥 The*challenges of being a female pilot in a male-dominated industry
👩‍✈️ Becoming one of the first female Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs)
🐶 How she started RV to the Rescue to transport rescue animals
📚 Advice for aspiring pilots & how YOU can get involved in aviation or animal rescue
Sue’s trailblazing story will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take action! If you love aviation, animals, or just a great success story, this is an episode you can’t miss.
🚀 Watch, like, and subscribe for more powerful aviation stories!
🎧 Listen now! And don’t forget to share with your fellow pilots and animal lovers!
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Show Notes:
00:00 Welcome & Introduction
- Meet Sue Clark—aviation pioneer and nonprofit founder
- Her journey as a retired airline captain and DPE
05:30 The Early Aviation Spark 🚀
- The childhood memory that inspired her love for flying
- How a $5 discovery flight changed everything
- Learning to fly while juggling work & financial challenges
15:45 Breaking Barriers as a Female Pilot ✈️
- Airlines weren’t hiring women—how Sue paved her own path
- Becoming a ground school instructor to fund her training
- Her transition to airline flying in the ‘70s and ‘80s
28:00 From Flight Instructor to Airline Captain 👩‍✈️
- Becoming a chief pilot and multi-engine instructor
- Joining Wings West (American Eagle) and logging 27,000+ hours
- Flying turboprops and finally upgrading to captain in just 3 months!
42:15 RV to the Rescue: Flying for a Cause 🐾
- The birth of RV to the Rescue—saving animals through aviation
- How Sue and her team transport pets to loving homes
- The Kids Can Fly program—introducing youth to aviation through rescue flights
55:30 Advice for Aspiring Pilots & Final Thoughts
- How to start your aviation journey with scholarships & networking
- The power of mentorship and surrounding yourself with pilots
- How YOU can volunteer—fly, drive, or support RV to the Rescue
01:05:00 Rapid Fire Round 🔥
💭 Dream airplane? P-51 Mustang
🎧 Landing song? Something from Top Gun
📍 Favorite fly-in meal? Harris Ranch
🎯 Best advice for pilots? "Never stop learning. Always chase your dreams."
[01:10:00] Closing Remarks & Next Episode Preview
- Next guest: A student pilot preparing for his checkride!
- How to follow & support Sue’s mission at RV2TheRescue.com. https://www.rv2therescue.com

The Fly Media Podcast - Becoming a Private Pilot after a 20 Year Gap in Training ep.6

Transcript

01:00:03.849

Well, good morning and welcome back to the Fly Media podcast. We're here shooting our first episode of 2025. Super excited to be here. I've got Manny Ruiz here with me today. He's another Bay Area pilot and Manny actually flew out from his airport, Reed Hillview, which is what?

01:00:20.115

25 or so nautical