Runway Life

What happens when an airport becomes the target of development pressure, local government decisions, or changing community priorities? In this episode of Runway Life, we sit down with Stacey Heaton from AOPA to discuss the growing challenges facing airports across America and the efforts underway to protect them. We take a closer look at the story of Everglades Airpark and explore how AOPA works with local pilots, airport advocates, and communities to identify and respond to threats that could impact the future of general aviation. Stacey also shares insights into the many ways AOPA supports pilots through advocacy, education, safety initiatives, and resources designed to strengthen and preserve aviation access nationwide. Whether you’re a student pilot, aircraft owner, flight instructor, or aviation enthusiast, this conversation highlights why protecting airports matters and how pilots can get involved in shaping the future of general aviation. Learn more about AOPA: https://www.aopa.org #AOPA #GeneralAviation #AirportClosures #RunwayLifePodcast #StudentPilot #FlightTraining #PilotLife #AviationNews #AirportAdvocacy #Flying

For years, general aviation pilots have fought back against efforts to use ADS-B data to track and bill aircraft for airport operations. Few people have been more involved in that fight than Don Frano. In this episode of Runway Life Podcast, Don joins us to discuss the latest developments in the ADS-B billing battle, why recent victories may signal a major turning point, and what it took to bring national attention to an issue that impacts pilots across the country. Checkout Don's Channel: https://youtube.com/@gawatchtower?si=1uyv-dg7C9V0RFG9

Florida pilots and aircraft owners just received major news for general aviation. Both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate have unanimously passed legislation that halts the use of ADS-B data for airport landing fee billing. The bill now heads to the desk of Ron DeSantis to be signed into law. This move comes after growing concerns across the aviation community that ADS-B tracking data was being used to automatically bill pilots for airport landings, creating major privacy concerns and financial burdens for general aviation pilots.

In this episode of Runway Life , Craig sits down with Pete Lankester, co-owner of First Landings Aviation , for an in-depth, honest conversation about one of the biggest decisions a future pilot will make: Part 61 or Part 141 flight training? If you’re considering flight school — or already enrolled and wondering if you chose the right path — this episode breaks down the real-world pros and cons of each training structure. From flexibility and cost to syllabus structure, VA benefits, airline hiring perceptions, and training efficiency, Craig and Pete go beyond the textbook definitions and talk about what actually matters in today’s aviation industry.

In this episode of Runway Life, Craig sits down to break down one of the biggest purchases a new flight student will make—their aviation headset. From the legendary Bose A20 and A30, to Lightspeed Zulu, David Clark, and other Quiet Technologies headsets, we cover the real differences in price, comfort, noise reduction, and value so you can make an informed decision before spending hundreds (or thousands) of dollars. Whether you’re just starting flight training or upgrading your gear, this video will help you understand: ✔️ ANR vs passive noise reduction ✔️ Comfort and fatigue on long flights ✔️ What instructors and airline pilots actually use ✔️ Price vs performance (what you REALLY get for your money) ✔️ The best headset for student pilots vs career pilots Aviation headsets aren’t just about comfort—they impact communication, safety, and learning efficiency. Craig shares real-world pilot insights to help you avoid common mistakes and pick the right headset for your flying journey. ⸻ 🛫 Subscribe to Runway Life for real pilot advice, training tips, aviation news, and behind-the-scenes airline and GA content. 👍 Like, comment, and share to help other pilots make smarter training decisions! Sponsored by: https://www.firstlandings.com/

In this episode of Runway Life, we break down the latest development on the ADS-B billing issue — the proposed bill has passed committee and is now moving forward toward the U.S. Senate! This is a major step in the effort to protect general aviation pilots from unfair billing practices using ADS-B data. But the fight isn’t over — we still need YOUR voice. Even as the bill advances, pilot involvement is crucial to make sure our concerns are heard and meaningful solutions are enacted. That’s why we’re spotlighting a petition that’s gaining traction within the GA community. 👉 Sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/calling-to-halt-the-use-of-adsb-data-for-billing

In this episode of Runway Life, Craig sits down with Andrew Barton, a legacy airline First Officer soon upgrading to Captain, to talk honestly about what airline pilot work-life balance is really like. We cover the topics pilots and their families care about most: What airline schedules look like early vs later in your career How seniority directly affects quality of life The reality of marriage and family life as an airline pilot Flying on holidays, weekends, and birthdays How upgrading to Captain changes schedule flexibility What aspiring airline pilots don’t realize about long-term lifestyle This is a candid conversation for: Pilots considering the airline career path Spouses and families wanting to understand the lifestyle CFIs and commercial pilots thinking long-term about quality of life If you’ve ever wondered whether the airline job is “worth it” beyond the paycheck, this episode gives you a real-world look from someone living it.

In this episode of Runway Life, Craig sits down with Alyshia of the AeroStar Training Services team to break down what pilots really need to know about ATP CTP courses, type ratings, and the current airline hiring environment. We discuss: What ATP CTP is and who actually needs it The ATP CTP courses AeroStar offers and how they differ Aircraft type ratings available through AeroStar Why some pilots are choosing to complete ATP CTP or a type rating before an airline interview How today’s pilot hiring market is influencing training decisions Common misconceptions about getting typed early What recruiters are actually looking for right now Whether you’re a commercial pilot building time, preparing for your ATP, or deciding if additional training makes sense before an interview, this episode gives you real-world insight straight from a training provider working directly with today’s airline pipeline.

In this episode of Runway Life , Craig sits down with Chief Pilot Jim Williams for a deep dive into one of the most debated topics in aviation: the 1500 Hour Rule . We break down where the rule came from , how the Colgan Air 3407 crash directly influenced the legislation, and how today’s airline industry applies (and debates) the rule when hiring and training new pilots. Whether you’re a student pilot, a flight instructor, or an aspiring airline pilot, this conversation gives you the real history , the facts behind the safety changes , and how the rule impacts pilot training, hour-building, regional airlines, and the pilot shortage .

In this episode of Runway Life, host Craig Butterworth sits down with First Landings Aviation Chief Pilot James Williams to break down the recent WestJet incident at St. Maarten (SXM). A viral video led many to believe it was a “hard landing,” but the truth is far more complex. James explains what actually happened on short final, why the aircraft reacted the way it did, and how a specific equipment failure caused the dramatic touchdown seen across social media. Whether you’re a student pilot, a commercial pilot, or an aviation enthusiast, this episode will help you better understand real-world aircraft systems failures, pilot decision-making, and how media often mischaracterizes aviation events. www.firstlandingsaviation.com James Williams – Chief Pilot, First Landings Aviation 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes of Runway Life featuring real pilots, mechanics, and flight school experts. #pilot #aviation #westjet #stmaarten #SXM #planespotting #runwaylife #aviationsafety #pilotpodcast #firstlandingsaviation

Craig sits down with pilot Adam Barney to hear his unbelievable survival story after experiencing dual engine failure and being forced to ditch his aircraft in the ocean off Key West. What started as a routine flight quickly turned into a fight for survival as Adam lost both engines and had no choice but to attempt a water landing. From the moment he called Mayday to the dramatic rescue by the U.S. Coast Guard, local police, and the involvement of the FAA and NTSB, Adam recounts the harrowing details of what it’s like to face the unthinkable — a forced ocean landing. This episode of Runway Life takes you inside the cockpit during one of aviation’s most feared emergencies and shows how preparation, training, and sheer willpower can make the difference between life and death. ✈️ If you’re a pilot, aviation enthusiast, or just love survival stories, you won’t want to miss this one. #Aviation #PilotStory #ForcedLanding #KeyWest #RunwayLifePodcast #EngineFailure #SurvivalStory #AviationPodcast #FlightTraining #GeneralAviation

In this episode of Runway Life , Adam Barney shares the unforgettable night when his airplane lost power over a dark runway. With his wife in the back seat and a flight instructor beside him, Adam had to circle over a grass strip with no margin for error. Hear what went through his mind, how training prepared him for the moment, and what every pilot can learn from this real-life emergency. Whether you’re a student pilot, a seasoned aviator, or just curious about what happens when an engine quits in flight, this is a must-watch story of quick decision-making, teamwork, and survival in the cockpit. #Aviation, #PilotStory, #EmergencyLanding, #EngineFailure, #RunwayLife, #FlightTraining, #GeneralAviation, #FlyingStories, #PilotLife, #AviationPodcast

In this episode of Runway Life, Craig Butterworth sits down with flight school owner and president Adam Valencic to break down everything you need to know about aircraft leasebacks. They dive into the positives and negatives, what to consider if you’re thinking about a leaseback to offset the cost of flight training, the different styles of leasebacks, and all the details on how the process actually works. If you’ve ever wondered whether a leaseback could be the right financial strategy for you as a pilot or aircraft owner, this is a must-watch conversation packed with real-world insights from the flight school side of the business. 🎥 A great watch for student pilots, aircraft owners, and anyone curious about the economics of aviation! #Aviation #FlightTraining #Leaseback #RunwayLifePodcast #AircraftOwnership #PilotLife #FlightSchool

In this episode of Runway Life, host Craig Butterworth sits down with Alex Howell — a former U.S. Navy F/A-18 Top Gun pilot who transitioned to the airlines and is now stepping into an instructor role on the Airbus A350 at a major legacy carrier. Alex opens up about his path from flying fighters off carriers to life as an airline pilot, what the transition really looked like, and how he built a successful career without coming from a “legacy” aviation background. He also shares valuable advice for aspiring pilots who are working toward their own aviation goals. Whether you’re aiming for the airlines, curious about the military-to-civilian transition, or just want to hear firsthand lessons from someone who’s flown at the top levels of both military and airline aviation, this episode delivers insights you won’t want to miss. #Aviation, #TopGun, #AirlinePilot, #PilotLife, #FighterPilot, #RunwayLifePodcast, #FuturePilots, #FlightTraining, #AirbusA350, #PilotAdvice

In this episode of Runway Life, host Craig Butterworth sits down with Adam Valencic, president and owner of First Landings Aviation, to break down the FAA’s new MOSAIC rules and what they mean for light sport aviation. Together, they explore how the updated regulations could reshape pilot training, expand opportunities for aspiring aviators, and potentially re-open the sport pilot pathway for those looking for a more affordable entry into aviation. If you’ve ever considered becoming a pilot or want to understand how these changes impact the future of flight training, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. #Aviation #PilotTraining #SportPilot #LightSport #MOSAIC #FAARules #FlightSchool #FuturePilots #FirstLandingsAviation #RunwayLifePodcast #LearnToFly #FlightTraining #GeneralAviation #AviationPodcast #PrivatePilot #AviationNews

In this episode of Runway Life, Craig sits down with James Williams — former A-10 pilot, United Airlines captain, and Boeing 787 instructor — to break down the preliminary report on the recent Air India 787 crash. James brings his unique perspective as both a combat veteran and current airline instructor to explain what we know so far, highlight the complexities of the 787, and share insights from his own training that shed light on the accident. Whether you’re a pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or just curious about how modern airliners operate, this conversation offers a rare insider’s look at the aircraft, the procedures, and the human factors involved. #AirIndia787Crash #AirIndiaDreamlinerCrash #Boeing787CrashReport #Boeing787Training #AirlineAccidentAnalysis #PreliminaryCrashReport #AirIndia787Investigation #JamesWilliamsPilot #A10Pilot #UnitedAirlinesPilot #RunwayLifePodcast #AviationAccidentAnalysis #DreamlinerCrashExplained #AviationNews #AviationPodcast

In this episode of Runway Life, we take you behind the scenes with the pilots of Orlando Health’s brand-new medevac helicopter. From advanced avionics to lifesaving mission capabilities, we get an inside look at what it takes to fly critical care patients safely and efficiently. Hear firsthand from the pilots about their training, the challenges of EMS flying, and the rewarding moments that make the job worth it. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, an aspiring EMS pilot, or just curious about what happens in the air during a medical emergency, this episode puts you in the cockpit of one of the most important aircraft in Central Florida. 📌 Subscribe to Runway Life for more real-world aviation stories, interviews, and behind-the-scenes looks at the people who make aviation happen. #RunwayLife #AviationPodcast #Medevac #HelicopterEMS #OrlandoHealth ⸻

In this powerful episode of Runway Life , host Craig Butterworth sits down with Ryan, a Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor who refused to let cancer take away his dream of flying. After losing his medical during treatment, Ryan fought to get it back — and not only returned to the skies, but became a Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFI-I) at First Landings Aviation. Ryan shares his journey through diagnosis, recovery, and the long process of regaining his FAA medical. Now serving as both a CFI-I and the flight school coordinator, his story is an inspiring look at resilience, determination, and what it really takes to pursue your passion in aviation against all odds. Ryan also discusses some of the intricacies of flight training, and the questions you should ask before beginning!

In this episode of Runway Life, host Craig Butterworth sits down with Daniel Gunther, a former JetBlue flight attendant who is making the jump from the cabin to the cockpit. Daniel shares what life was like working as a flight attendant, why he decided to pursue flying, and what it’s been like transitioning into pilot training. Now in the early stages of timebuilding, Daniel offers a unique perspective on seeing aviation from both sides of the flight deck and talks about his ultimate goal of flying for the airlines as a pilot. If you’ve ever dreamed of changing careers or wondered what it’s like to go from serving passengers to commanding the controls, this episode is for you. Come Learn to Fly at https://www.firstlandings.com/

In this episode of Runway Life, host Craig Butterworth sits down with Jonathan, a passionate student pilot who recently began his aviation journey at First Landings Aviation. Jonathan shares why he chose to start flight training, what his experience has been like so far, and how the supportive training environment at First Landings helped him grow. Jonathan is now joining the Runway Life team! Hear about his motivation to get involved behind the scenes, his creative background, and how he plans to contribute to the podcast as we continue to tell the stories of aviators, mechanics, and dreamers across the industry.