From Childhood Dreams to Checkride: Ali’s PPL Journey | ep. 8

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03/04/25 • 56 min

In this episode of the Fly Media podcast, we interview student pilot Ali Chokr, who shares his journey from childhood fascination with aviation to preparing for his checkride. They discuss the challenges of flight training, the importance of choosing the right flight school, and flight instructor. Ali shares his experiences flying in busy airspace, the costs associated with training, and his aspirations for a career in corporate aviation. The conversation also touches on memorable flights, future goals, and the joy of sharing flying experiences with loved ones.
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Comment down below and let us know, What was your most memorable moment during flight training?
Takeaways
Ali's childhood fascination with aviation led him to pursue flying.
Choosing the right flight school is crucial for success.
Maintenance and availability of aircraft are key factors in flight training.
The cost of flying can be significant, making scheduling important.
Having a supportive and knowledgeable instructor is essential.
Training in busy airspace enhances communication skills and confidence.
Preparation and self-study are vital for success in flight training.
Memorable flights and experiences shape a pilot's journey.
Networking and building connections can open doors in aviation careers.
Enjoying every aspect of flying, both good and bad, is important.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:40 How Ali Got into Aviation
03:37 Choosing a Flight School
10:06 WHAT to Look for in a Flight Instructor
12:59 Training at a Busy Charlie
18:24 Biggest Challenge in Flight Training
19:27 The Importance of Preparation in Flight Training
22:47 Favorite Maneuvers: What Pilots Enjoy
24:19 Memorable Cross-Country Flights
28:25 Aviation Bucket List: Dream Destinations
33:42 After the Checkride: What's Next
35:41 Who's your First Passenger?
38:54 Exploring Weekend Getaways and Aviation Goals
39:32 Aspirations in Corporate Aviation
41:50 Navigating the Path to 1500 Flight Hours
45:29 Building a Community and Sharing Experiences
46:39 Rapid Fire Round: Fun Aviation Insights
52:57 Where to Find Ali
54:40 Shooting a Podcast the Day Before your Checkride

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Previous 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

Next Episode

How to Become a Pilot ep. 9

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We sat down with firefighter and and new student pilot Tiffany Walls-forte, who drove straight to the studio after her discovery flight. She shares her experience, excitement, and readiness to begin flight training. Tiffany took off from Oakland airport enjoyed beautiful and unique views of the bay.
If you are interested in becoming a Pilot or curious of what to expect then this episode is for you!
Here are my recommendation on the process.
1. Discovery/ Introductory Flight
2. Medical - Choose the one that aligns with your goals
3. Online Ground school/ FAA Written
4. Start Flight Training!!!
If you are on the fence, then start with step and go from there don't be overwhelmed. This is fun, incredible, challenging, but on the other side you will find yourself in amazement with what you have achieved!
Here is my recommendation for online ground school:
I used part time pilot for my PPL ground and am using them for Instrument Ground as well.
Part-Time Pilot Online Ground School: (10%off )
https://parttimepilot.com/private-pilot-online-ground-school/?campaign=PTPPrivatePilotGround&ref=227
Best Private Pilot Checkride Prep Book:
Pass your Private Pilot Checkride by Jason Schappert
https://amzn.to/4kFDfPt
Book of prep Questions:
Private Pilot Oral Exam Guide
https://amzn.to/4kFDfPt
Gear Recommendations:
Flight Bags: (5% off with code Fly Media)
My favorite bag is the Bush Pilot Duffle , perfect if you mainly fly with passengers:
https://www.flightoutfitters.com/product/bush-pilot-bag/?aff=Flymedia
Best Bag for Student Pilots:
https://www.flightoutfitters.com/product/lift-2-0-flight-bag/?aff=Flymedia
Headset:
My Favorite Headset (Lightspeed Delta Zulu) https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/product/lightspeed-delta-zulu-anr-headset/?campaign=Delta%20Zulu&ref=138
Best Mid-tier Headset (Lightspeed Zulu 3) https://www.lightspeedaviation.com/product/zulu-3-anr-headset/?campaign=Zulu%203%20ANR&ref=138
Best Budget Headset: David Clark H10-13S https://amzn.to/40Ug7Sp
Sunglasses:
Flying Eyes Sunglasses (10% off):
flyingeyesoptics.com/FLYMEDIA23
Foreflight/ipad acessories
Ipad cases and mounts: Links Below or use code “Fly Media” at checkout to save 10%
Pivot iPad mini case:
https://flyboys.com/products/pivot-a20a?ref=Flymedia&variant=33001410789476
Pivot Ram Suction mount:
https://flyboys.com/products/pivot-single-suction-cup-mount?ref=Flymedia
Pivot Leg Strap Mount:
https://flyboys.com/collections/efb-leg-mounts/products/pivot-leg-strap-1?ref=Flymedia
LINKS USED IN THE DESCRIPTION MAY OR MAY NOT BE AFFILIATE LINKS
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