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Brandon Martini & Carson Vasquez

🚀 We are The Aviation Mentors, a weekly 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! Sponsored by Stratus Financial www.stratus.finance

Aviation Mentors

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson Vasquez share an inspiring story of resilience, rediscovery, and passion for flight as Carson takes to the skies again after more than two years away from the cockpit.

Join Brandon and Carson as they relive Carson’s first flight back on September 19, 2025, in a Cessna 182, marking his return to flying since February 12, 2023. From preflight jitters and rusty radio calls to picture-perfect landings, this episode is packed with lessons for student pilots and general aviation enthusiasts alike.

Brandon, speaking from his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) perspective, shares valuable insights on how instructors can help returning pilots rebuild their confidence, while Carson reflects on the emotions, muscle memory, and satisfaction of regaining proficiency after time away.

Whether you’re a student pilot taking your first steps, a lapsed aviator thinking about getting current again, or just someone who loves the journey of flight, this episode reminds us that once aviation is in your heart—it never truly leaves.

🚀 We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where aviators can hang out and talk all things 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 AvGeek like us, this is the podcast for you!

🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—join us and be part of the journey.

🔗 www.aviationmentors.com

Sponsored by Stratus Financial

💻 www.stratus.finance

S02E60: Back in the Left Seat – Carson’s First Flight in Two Years

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon Martini is joined by two incredible guests: Jacob Peed, founder of AviNation Magazine, and Sean Starker, host of the Future in Flight Podcast.

They dive into the power of aviation publishing, podcasting, and youth mentorship programs. Learn how Jacob and Sean are inspiring the next generation of aviators through community engagement, storytelling, and hands-on programs like Tram Talk and American Dream Tours.

From the birth of AviNation Magazine to podcasting as a tool for aviation growth, this episode is packed with insights on networking, mentorship, and opportunities in aviation. Brandon also shares personal stories highlighting how relationships in aviation often lead to lifelong partnerships and career growth.

🚀 We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where aviators can hang out and enjoy a wide range of conversations about anything aviation. We're aviators, mentors, and 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!

Connect with our guests:

• AviNation Magazine: www.AviNationUSA.com

• Future in Flight Podcast: futureinflight.com

Sponsored by Stratus Financial

www.stratus.finance

www.stratusaerosummit.com

S02E59: Mentorship, Aviation Publishing & Inspiring the Next Generation

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson dive into Sport Pilot Certificates and the recent MOSAIC rule changes that are making them more accessible than ever. ✈️

They cover everything from eligibility requirements and medical options to flight training minimums and checkride expectations. With MOSAIC updates, Sport Pilots can now fly four-seat aircraft like Cessna 172s, enjoy night flying with endorsements, and expand their privileges—offering a cost-effective, flexible, and approachable path into aviation.

Whether you’re a student pilot, recreational flyer, or exploring aviation for the first time, this episode provides practical insights into how Sport Pilot certification can open doors to flying while reducing barriers and costs.

🚀 We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space for aviators to hang out and explore all things aviation. Whether you’re a student pilot, professional pilot, or aviation enthusiast, this is the podcast for you!

🌎 New episodes drop every Friday!

www.aviationmentors.com

www.stratusaerosummit.com

Sponsored by Stratus Financial

www.stratus.finance

S02E58: Sport Pilot Certificates & MOSAIC Updates – Making Aviation More Accessible

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson Vasquez break down Boeing’s latest 20-year aviation industry forecast—and the numbers are staggering.

The industry will need:

660,000 new pilots

710,000 new technicians

1 million cabin crew worldwide

From the true cost of pilot training (around $81,000 in the U.S.) to airline signing bonuses of $50K–$150K, Brandon and Carson discuss the market forces, retirements, and global trends shaping aviation careers. They also share why now is one of the best times in history to pursue your dream of becoming a pilot.

🚀 Whether you’re a student pilot, professional aviator, or exploring a career in aviation, this episode offers valuable insights into opportunities, challenges, and why demand for pilots is stronger than ever.

We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where aviators can hang out and enjoy a wide range of conversations about anything aviation. We’re aviators, mentors, and 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

Sponsored by Stratus Financial

www.stratus.finance

S02E57: Pilot Demand Is Soaring – Boeing’s 20-Year Forecast and What It Means for Aspiring Aviators

In Episode 56 of the Aviation Mentors Podcast 🎙️, Brandon Martini celebrates being named one of NBAA’s 2025 “40 Under 40” award recipients, an incredible milestone for Brandon and the Stratus Financial team!

Brandon and Carson reflect on the journey to this recognition, the importance of networking and mentorship, and exciting opportunities at NBAA-BACE 2025. They also highlight Stratus Financial’s continued growth and the role of persistence and connections in building a successful aviation career.

👏Huge congratulations to Brandon and all the 2025 NBAA “40 Under 40” honorees shaping the future of business aviation! This year’s honorees include, Stephanie Alexander, Lance Bagnoff, Joshua Bell, Kody Bjork, Mike Bradfield, Kyle Canna, Mikael Cardinal, Cynthia Comer, Sierra Marie Curtis, Theresa Daly, Rachel Douglass, Antonio Ferrara, Jamie Harder, Cole Hartfiel, Emily Herron, Nikki Higgins, Joseph “Jesse” Hipp, Michael James, Tom Lelyo, Linda Li, Shawna Livingston, Kyle Long, Steve Loree, John Markoski, Brandon Martini, Jacob Mergler, Patrick O’Brien, Ryan O’Rear, Amanda Ochs, Myles Parris, Mitch Patterson, Maria “Majo” Perdomo Cuevas, Kelly Pryor, Josh Reckley, Brandi Rector, Christian Schuster, Miller Stallings, Andrew Stylianou, Joseph Michael Toomey, and Kara Wolf. Congratulations to all for shaping the future of business aviation!

🚀 We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where aviators can hang out and talk all things aviation. We’re aviators, mentors, and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a student pilot, professional pilot, general aviation enthusiast, or just an AvGeek like us, this is the podcast for you!

🌎 New episodes drop every Friday, join us and be part of the journey.

#aviationmentors #NBAA #pilotnetworking #aviationpodcast #studentpilot #businessaviation #aviationcareers #pilotmentorship #aviationcommunity #stratusfinancial #aviationleaders #pilotgrowth

S02E56: Brandon Martini Named NBAA 40 Under 40 – Celebrating Aviation Milestones

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast 🎙️, Brandon and Carson share their recent flying adventures and the lessons that came with them. From splash-and-go landings in an Icon A5 near Long Beach Harbor to touch-and-gos at Chino and Riverside, they dive into what it really means to be a current—and proficient—pilot.

This isn’t just about logging the FAA’s minimums. Brandon and Carson explore the real difference between currency and proficiency, and why staying sharp with regular practice is essential for safe, confident flying.

Along the way, they discuss: How getting current again builds both skill and confidence The joy of flying as a “happy place” Digitizing logbooks for modern pilots Brandon’s goal of earning his ATP multi rating Carson’s anticipation (and nerves!) about getting back to flying

And to top it off, we’re celebrating a huge milestone: 100,000 downloads of the Aviation Mentors podcast! 🎉 Thank you for flying with us every week.

🚀 We are the Aviation Mentors, a podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where aviators can hang out and talk all things 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 AvGeek like us, this is the podcast for you!

🌎 New episodes drop every Friday—join us and be part of the journey.

🔗 www.aviationmentors.com

Sponsored by Stratus Financial 

💻 www.stratus.finance

S02E55: Pilot Currency vs. Proficiency: What Every Pilot Should Know

🎙️ From humble beginnings to milestone moments. 

We’re proud to announce Sean Galloway as the winner of our $10,000 Stratus Fly to Success Scholarship. His passion and creativity reminded us why we love supporting the next generation of aviators. 

In this episode, Brandon reflects on his first podcast recording at Oshkosh in 2016, the same year he also started his flight school. What began under the wing of a Cessna has grown into nearly 200 episodes of Aviation Mentors. 

In these simple moments, we’re reminded why we do this: to give back to the aviation community. As we always say, "by pilots, for pilots". You are the reason we keep going, and we hope this story inspires you as much as it inspires us.

Catch the latest episode of Aviation Mentors on every podcast platform, and be part of the journey with us.

🚀 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

#AviationMentors #Aviation #StratusFinancial #AviationCommunity #AVGeek #AviationPodcast #GeneralAviation #PilotLife #PilotTraining #StudentPilot #CFI #Podcasts #GAPilots #FuturePilot

S02E54: Oshkosh 2025 (Part 3)

🎙️ The FAA just dropped a game-changer—and we’re diving straight into it. In this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson break down the long-awaited MOSAIC rule and why it’s about to shake up general aviation in the best way possible. From flying a 172 with just a driver’s license to new privileges that make becoming a pilot easier (and cheaper!) than ever, this isn’t just another update—it’s a revolution. If you’re a student pilot, weekend warrior, or just aviation-curious, buckle up—because the sky just got a whole lot closer.

🚀 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

#generalaviation #aviationmentors #podcast #gapilots #flyGA #aviationnews #oshkosh2025 #pilotlife #aviationupdate #lightsportaircraft #mosaicrule #aviationrevolution #aviationcommunity #studentpilot #futurepilot #sportpilot #seanduffy

S02E53: Oshkosh 2025 (Part 2)

🎙️ From European castles to Oshkosh slip ‘n slides — this episode’s got it all. Brandon spills the highs, lows, and downright bizarre moments from a month-long adventure across Europe, capped off with a wild, rain-soaked return to the world’s biggest aviation gathering. Just when you think it’s over, a huge Oshkosh announcement looms… but you’ll have to wait for Part 2 to find out.

🚀 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

#AviationMentors #AviationPodcast #PilotLife #Oshkosh2025 #AirVenture #TravelAndFlight #EuropeToOshkosh #GeneralAviation #FlySafe #AviationStories #PilotTalk #AviationCommunity #SlipAndSlideOshkosh #AviationFun #AviationAdventures #FlyWithUs #StratusFinancial #PartTwoComing #StratusFinancial #Sling #FlyingMagazine #WhyWeFlyPodcast

S02E52: Oshkosh 2025 (Part 1)

🎙️ What do student pilots really need—fancy flying clubs or structured schools? How can you build cross-country time without wrecking your wallet? In this high-energy episode, Brandon and Carson tackle the top aviation questions from Reddit, challenge conventional wisdom, and drop gold nuggets on discovery flights, syllabi, and digital vs. paper logbooks (spoiler: green ink might be involved). Whether you’re just taxiing into training or deep in the flight path, this episode will have you laughing, learning, and double-checking your endorsements.

🚀 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

#AviationMentors #PilotLife #StudentPilot #DiscoveryFlights #CrossCountryFlight #LearnToFly #FlightEndorsement #PilotLogBook #AviationCommunity #TimeBuilding #PaperVsDigital

S02E51: Answering your Questions on Reddit (Part 11)

First solo flight is an exciting milestone for a student pilot, but it can also be a little nerve-wracking. Join Carson and Brandon as they share with you the unique experiences during their first solo flights and what advice they can give to those aspiring student pilots.

🚀 We are The Aviation Mentors, a weekly 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 weekly every Wednesday and Friday as we share our passion for flying!

Sponsored by Stratus Financial

www.stratus.finance

Tags: podcast, new podcast, aviation, first episode, solo flight, intro, introduction, first solo flight, aviation mentors, podcast, aviation podcast, solo flyer, flying, students, student pilot, pilot training, flight training, flight training mentorship

S0101: The First Solo Flight Makes You A Pilot

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