Step into the cockpit with Randall Brooks as we explore the life-saving techniques of advanced pilot training, including upset recovery and the critical role of aerobatics. This episode delves into how specialized training combats the leading cause of aviation fatalities: loss of control incidents. Benefit from Randall's vast experience in aerobatic flight and learn how these essential practices prepare airline pilots for the most unexpected situations.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE

• Why upset recovery training is crucial in aviation

• How practicing crosswind and short-field landings sharpens pilots’ manual skills

• Expert ways of handling aircraft in unusual attitudes and stall scenarios

• The critical role of simulator and real aircraft training in building a pilot’s response

• Lessons from APS’s collaboration with major airlines

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

• United Aviate

ABOUT RANDALL BROOKS

Randall "Random" Brooks, Executive VP of Flight Operations at Aviation Performance Solutions (APS), brings over 25 years of flight operations and training expertise. He specializes in Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT). He has held multiple roles in aviation safety, including president of the UPRT Association and a leader in international aviation training analysis. Randall, a Master CFI–Aerobatic with 14,000 flight hours across 100+ aircraft, has performed 500+ airshow displays and led aerobatic teams, notably with the Red Baron Squadron. He holds an Aerospace Engineering degree from the University of Colorado and has earned the NBAA Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism Award for his dedication to aviation safety.

CONNECT WITH RANDALL

• Website: Aviation Performance Solutions

CONNECT WITH US

Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “R4P” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!

If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!

SPONSOR

Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US.

If you’re a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call ‭704-717-8900 x120‬ to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP®.

Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order.

Achieving success in aviation requires more than just skill; it takes the courage to ask for more and the determination to push beyond the ordinary. Grit, hustle, and embracing the hard work that others avoid are what set you apart. If you're ready to break barriers, rise above the rest, and make 2025 the year you conquer your goals, this episode is for you!

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE

• How taking risks early in your career can open doors to unexpected opportunities

• What are the key habits that make pilots successful?

• Proven advice to keep achieving major breakthroughs in your career

• How taking one bold step today can shift your entire career trajectory

• Ways embracing adversity can help you stand out in a competitive industry
  
  

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

• We Are One Composites

CONNECT WITH US

Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “R4P” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!

If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!

SPONSOR

Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US.

If you’re a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call ‭704-717-8900 x120‬ to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP®.

Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order.

What happens when an airline pilot, air racer, and social media powerhouse collide? Meet Tommy Suell, a man whose passion for flight takes him from the cockpit of United Airlines planes to the thrill of the Reno Air Races. In this episode, he opens up about how his aviation journey began, his family's deep ties to flying, and the rush of low-altitude air racing. Tune in and catch all the action!

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE

• How Tommy Suell transformed from a self-described shy kid to a social media sensation, using his passion for aviation to build an Instagram following of tens of thousands.

• Explore how obtaining a seaplane rating has unlocked new possibilities for Tommy, allowing him to land on beaches and fly over water, adding a whole new dimension to his aviation pursuits.

• How homeschooling his four daughters has created the flexibility for spontaneous international travel, hands-on learning, and a lifestyle of freedom that blends adventure with education.

• How Tommy transformed his flying passion into a thriving social media presence, inspiring thousands with his adventurous aviation posts.

• Inside look at the intense world of air racing, from pylon schools to racing at 50 feet off the ground.

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

• Pylon Racing Seminar at the National Championship Air Races

ABOUT TOMMY SEULL

Tommy is a passionate aviator and commercial airline pilot who showcases his love for aviation through his popular Instagram account, @planejunkies. Growing up in a military family, Tommy was immersed in the world of flight from an early age, and he now shares his thrilling experiences in aerobatics, air racing, and seaplane flying. With a deep-rooted commitment to aviation, he has cultivated a dynamic social media presence that inspires fellow pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Beyond the cockpit, Tommy involves his family in his flying adventures, creating unforgettable moments that reflect his lifelong passion for the skies.

CONNECT WITH TOMMY

• Instagram: @planejunkies

CONNECT WITH US

Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “R4P” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!

If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!

SPONSOR

Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US.

If you’re a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call ‭704-717-8900 x120‬ to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP®.

Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order.

What can a family argument teach you about leadership? In this episode, we’ll uncover surprising lessons from a simple disagreement that will transform how you handle challenges. Discover how empathy, humility, and clear communication can elevate your leadership and strengthen your connections. Tune in and start applying these powerful insights today!

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE

• How to apply humility and empathy when managing passenger delays and frustrations

• The importance of communication and being present in both professional and personal situations

• How to build trust and connection with passengers or loved ones through authentic apologies

• Insights on emotional responsibility, whether in aviation or family life

• The power of leadership through emotional awareness and humility

CONNECT WITH US

Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “R4P” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!

If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!

SPONSOR

Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US.

If you’re a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call ‭704-717-8900 x120‬ to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP®.

Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order.

Ever wondered what it’s like to go from piloting Predator drones in the Air Force to flying cargo under the stars? Jonathan Songer shares an epic journey of resilience, high-stakes decisions, and surprising lessons learned from life in the sky. From unconventional career moves to his unique take on mentorship, this conversation will change how you view the aviation world. Tune in and get ready to see flying from a whole new perspective!

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE

• Strategies for navigating challenging work schedules as a pilot

• Life adjustments to make your dream of flying a reality

• Unique challenges of flying in non-radar airspace and the adrenaline rush of low-level cargo runs

• What it’s like to fly just above the ground with complex maneuvers in tight airspaces

• How Jonathan transitioned from Air Force drones to a 737 cockpit

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

• The Citadel

• JetBlue

• OBAP Ace Academy

• Delta Professional

• SkyWest Airlines

• Envoy Air

ABOUT JONATHAN SONGER

Jonathan is a Boeing 737 First Officer with Kalitta Charters II, a Part 121 Supplemental Airline Carrier. With over 1,600 hours in crewed aircraft and 4,000 hours in remotely piloted aircraft, Jonathan is an expert in flight safety, aviation decision-making, and crew resource management. He previously served as a subject matter expert in unmanned systems and as the Senior Manager for Advanced Air Mobility with MassDOT Aeronautics and MassAutonomy.

Jonathan’s experience in the defense industry includes working with medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft as an instructor, evaluator/check airman, and lead pilot. He also served in the United States Air Force as an Air Mobility pilot on the KC-135 Stratotanker and as a Squadron Commander and Director of Operations for MQ-1 and MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft. During his tenure in the USAF, he was Chief of Unmanned Intelligence Systems at US Air Forces Central Command. Jonathan holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate and an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. He earned a B.S. in Physics from The Citadel and an M.S. in Military Operations from Air University.

CONNECT WITH JONATHAN

• LinkedIn: Jonathan Songer

CONNECT WITH US

Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “R4P” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!

If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!

SPONSOR

Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US.

If you’re a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call ‭704-717-8900 x120‬ to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP®.

Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order.

Aviation isn't just about flying high; it's about the connections that lift you along the way. Join us as we explore the ‘Art of Ascending,’ sharing why authentic relationships are the real fuel for a lasting career. Learn how to approach each interaction with a mindset of giving, not just taking, and watch as your career and personal growth soar to new heights.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE

• Why building authentic relationships is as important as technical skills in aviation

• How to foster long-term professional connections based on trust and mutual respect

• Tips for attending aviation recruiting events and connecting with the right people

• Dangers of treating relationships as transactions and how to avoid them

• The role of mutual respect and shared passion in building a trusted network within the aviation community

CONNECT WITH US

Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “R4P” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!

If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!

SPONSOR

Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US.

If you’re a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call ‭704-717-8900 x120‬ to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP®.

Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order.

Starting a flight school is no easy feat, as Cara Kirkland can attest. From finding the right aircraft and instructors to navigating school partnerships and unexpected equipment challenges, she shares the real-world obstacles she's faced and how she's creating opportunities for the next generation of pilots.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE

• The power of leveraging partnerships and non-profit organizations for aviation training

• Actionable ways to sustain a flight training business during periods of slow airline hiring

• Key challenges in ensuring students understand the rigor of aviation training

• Financial challenges Cara faced during flight training and how she balanced her obligations while pursuing her passion for teaching

RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

• ATP Flight School

ABOUT CARA KIRKLAND

Cara is a dedicated Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFI-I, MEI) and co-founder of the Aviator Academy of Texas. With a background as a licensed nurse, Cara brings a unique skill set to her instruction, prioritizing both safety and education in her teaching style. Her journey in aviation began in 2022 when she completed her training at ATP Flight School. Cara is passionate about mentoring aspiring pilots and creating pathways for young people to enter the world of aviation. She co-founded Aviator Academy of Texas to provide high school and middle school students with opportunities to explore aviation careers through a nonprofit flight school program.

CONNECT WITH CARA

• Website: Aviator Academy of Texas

• LinkedIn: Cara (Paige) Kirkland

• Email: carakirkland95@gmail.com

CONNECT WITH US

Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “R4P” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!

If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!

SPONSOR

Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US.

If you’re a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call ‭704-717-8900 x120‬ to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP®.

Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order.

Discover the critical skills and mindset that separate good pilots from true aces as Nik pulls back the curtain on the importance of situational awareness, comprehensive planning, and the willingness to execute a go-around when necessary. This episode is a must-listen for mastering the art of navigating the unexpected. Dive in!

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE

• The importance of planning for the go-around, not just the landing

• How to maintain situational awareness in case of an alternate landing or unexpected conditions

• Why effective communication with crew vital for go-arounds

• A vital mindset a pilot should have when choosing a safe approach during flight

• The power of learning from experiences to improve approach planning and flight execution

CONNECT WITH US

Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “R4P” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!

If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!

SPONSOR

Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US.

If you’re a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call ‭704-717-8900 x120‬ to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP®.

Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order.