The Tailwinds & Sunshine Podcast

Hold off on the crucifixions! I tip, I swear, but spare me the Mr. Pink nickname, alright? Today, buckle up for a riveting episode where I dive into the latest news, including hair-raising near-misses at three major airports. I'll arm you with crucial mitigation tactics to keep you off the danger radar. Plus, I'm dishing out advice to aspiring aviators and unraveling the mystery behind SkyWest's reluctance to snag those sleek 175 E2s. Stay tuned for all this and more—let's goooo!!EPISODE REFERENCESReservoir Dogs | Mr. Pink Doesn’t TipFAA investigating after Rockies coach plays pilot on United charter flightPratt & Whitney Engine Woes could cost U.S. Airlines $150 MillionScope Clause: The Regional Airlines’ Capacity Cap ExplainedContour Airlines Pilot Pathway ProgramREACH OUT!Submit your questions or aviation stories to the showContact: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

In today's episode, I explore the current trend of airlines slowing their hiring processes and discuss why the challenges faced by some carriers won't necessarily impact the entire aviation industry. But if you're facing a furlough, what's your best course of action? Should you rely on unemployment benefits until your airline recalls you, or should you actively seek alternative employment? Do you find yourself envious of peers progressing while you feel stagnant in your career? Is it worth considering a career change, even if it means compromising your values? Are you willing to prioritize personal advancement, even if it means disadvantaging others?REACH OUT!Submit your questions or aviation stories to the showContact: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

I had so much fun talking with my friend Micah.  In this first part we catch up, talk about Micah’s student pilot journey and the differences between Part 61 and 141 flight training. We also have a little fun with aviation hot takes provided by one of our listeners! About Micah:Micah, a ramp lead for Alaska Airlines in Salt Lake City, UT, caught the aviation bug early on. As a kid in California, he'd gaze up at the sky, dreaming of piloting "family-sized planes" whenever those little Cessnas zoomed overhead. His love for planes soared even higher around 2016 when he discovered flight simulator videos – and let's just say, he hasn't landed since! When Micah got his driver's license, his dad gave him the classic "get a job" talk. So, naturally, Micah took off (pun intended) to the airport for work. Starting off with Prospect, where he rolled with wheelchair service, Micah's journey eventually led him to the Alaska Airlines ramp gig in late 2022. Sure, he's not a big shot mainline employee, but Micah's loving every moment of his job. From wrangling planes to juggling bags, chatting with pilots, and maybe even moving a jet bridge or two, there's never a dull moment. Plus, bonding with coworkers over card games adds an extra bit of fun to his day. Micah's grateful to be living his dream and is always ready to take flight into another awesome workday!Follow Micah!Instagram: kslc_aviatorREACH OUT!Submit your questions or aviation stories to the showContact: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

In today’s episode I answer one of my fellow Army Soldier’s questions.  He wants to make the right choice for his family so I give him some advice in picking the right airlines for them. Also, I tell you what my favorite mode of descent is in the E175 and finally I share some of my favorite overnights and… am I a “slam-clicker?” Come on in and find out! REACH OUT!Submit your questions or aviation stories to the showContact: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

Welcome to this special Eclipse episode; Manny’s in trouble with the Chief! Join me as I bring you up to speed on my latest adventures and take you backstage on a repo flight. Plus, I offer advice for those contemplating a career switch to aviation, covering the good, the bad, and the ugly. Don't miss out – come join the conversation! Oh… and yeah… I’ll tell you why I got in trouble at work. (Sigh) Let’s get it on!REACH OUT!Submit your questions or aviation stories to the showContact: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates  (00:00) - Episode 23

Welcome to today's podcast episode, where I'll be tackling your questions, including strategies for dealing with a challenging captain. Additionally, I'll be offering an exclusive glimpse into my Upgrade Initial Operating Experience (UIOE) trips. We'll dive into why United Airlines opted to divert to Stewart International in New Jersey instead of its intended destination, Newark, amidst windy conditions. Stay tuned as I share my insights and theories on this interesting scenario. LINKS:  The “gas station burger” restaurant in Gunnison, CO: PowerstopUnited flight diverts to Stewart International due to winds: United Flight 85 from Tel AvivREACH OUT!Submit your questions or aviation stories to the showContact: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

Welcome to the grand finale! It's time to delve into the technical aspects and witness Patrick's expertise in air traffic control. He details his use of equipment and tools at TRACON to ensure aircraft safety. We also explore controller training, staying current, and Patrick's role as an instructor guiding new hires through their initial experiences. Join us for this and more!About Patrick:Patrick, an aviation enthusiast, photographer, and Air Traffic Controller, boasts nearly 17 years of experience in the field. He has worked in two different facilities throughout his career: the Honolulu Control Facility and the Salt Lake TRACON. Originally from Utah, Patrick’s love for aviation began in childhood, traveling with his family. At the age of 4, he realized his passion for becoming a controller, a journey he pursued through education at Salt Lake Community College and the University of North Dakota.Outside of work, Patrick treasures spending time with his family, relishing his roles as a husband and father. His hobbies include skiing, paddle boarding, traveling, camping, engaging in flight simulator sessions with friends, and pursuing aviation photography. He lives by the motto “never stop learning,” recognizing the vast knowledge within the aviation industry and cherishing the friendships he has forged along the way.Follow Patrick!Instagram: Patrick “PD”REACH OUT!Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

What an incredible journey it's been! In this episode, I dive into topics that truly ignite my excitement. Overflowing with enthusiasm, I couldn't resist recording this episode using my iPhone. I address listener questions, share encouraging reviews, and invite others to submit their own. For those eager to maximize their non-revenue benefits, this episode is a must-listen. Additionally, I offer my personal take on the current state of airline hiring as a fellow regional pilot eagerly eyeing a position at Delta.  Listen to my guest episode!Ep126: Skywest Airlines: Elevating your Aviation Career at this FANTASTIC Airline!Ready 4 Pushback Podcast with Nik FialkaLINKS: Apple Store: StaffTravelerGoogle Play Store: StaffTravelerREACH OUT!Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

In this episode we continue the conversation from part 1. Patrick highlights the importance of perseverance. He also mentions how dynamic hiring and duty station placement is.  After all was said and done, Patrick ends up working in the most unlikely place, but falls deeply in love with his new duty station before eventually making it back to his native state of Utah. This and more in Part 2.  Let’s go!About Patrick:Patrick, an aviation enthusiast, photographer, and Air Traffic Controller, boasts nearly 17 years of experience in the field. He has worked in two different facilities throughout his career: the Honolulu Control Facility and the Salt Lake TRACON. Originally from Utah, Patrick’s love for aviation began in childhood, traveling with his family. At the age of 4, he realized his passion for becoming a controller, a journey he pursued through education at Salt Lake Community College and the University of North Dakota.Outside of work, Patrick treasures spending time with his family, relishing his roles as a husband and father. His hobbies include skiing, paddle boarding, traveling, camping, engaging in flight simulator sessions with friends, and pursuing aviation photography. He lives by the motto “never stop learning,” recognizing the vast knowledge within the aviation industry and cherishing the friendships he has forged along the way.Follow Patrick!Instagram: Patrick “PD”REACH OUT!Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

Pushing Tin! If you haven’t seen the movie, you gotta go watch it. Patrick never runs out of things to talk about. In this episode we start digging at the surface to get to know how Patrick got to where he is now. You want to find out how to become an air traffic controller? Then stay tuned!About Patrick:Patrick, an aviation enthusiast, photographer, and Air Traffic Controller, boasts nearly 17 years of experience in the field. He has worked in two different facilities throughout his career: the Honolulu Control Facility and the Salt Lake TRACON. Originally from Utah, Patrick’s love for aviation began in childhood, traveling with his family. At the age of 4, he realized his passion for becoming a controller, a journey he pursued through education at Salt Lake Community College and the University of North Dakota.Outside of work, Patrick treasures spending time with his family, relishing his roles as a husband and father. His hobbies include skiing, paddle boarding, traveling, camping, engaging in flight simulator sessions with friends, and pursuing aviation photography. He lives by the motto “never stop learning,” recognizing the vast knowledge within the aviation industry and cherishing the friendships he has forged along the way.Follow Patrick!Instagram: Patrick “PD”REACH OUT!Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

The Grand Finale with Rachel Mason.Rachel and I met serendipitously while I was on a long sit in Denver. I knew her as “Dolly Parkin” as she was a ramp controller in Denver.  When we finally met in person, I was starstruck! Listen to this series to learn about her story!About Rachel:Aviation fell into her lap, starting with Alaska Airlines. After about a year with AS, she craved more and applied to every major airline at STL. One of the big ones called her first and she took the job. With STL being a line station, she rarely got anything larger than a 73 or Airbus. She wanted more, so she knew transferring out was her best choice. She has done almost everything: ramp, customer service, gates, trainer, supervisor, MLB and NHL charters, mail, cargo, ramp tower, BSO, security clearance for WOW. She wasn't mainline as she was with G2, which she's beyond grateful for because she got to do so much with one company.She spent many nights sleeping in her car because she would work 18 and 20-hour days, so a quick nap was necessary, whether in her car, bag cart, or office.She is a self-proclaimed avgeek. Her love for the 747 makes her speechless and Big Poppa (Boeing 777).She has many, many, many nicknames: Ray Ray, Pothole, Ramp Tower Queen, Dolly Parkin, Sweet Tea, just to name a few.She is a runway model.Mental health advocate.Tequila Connoisseur. Loves to travel and hiking.Follow Rachel!Instagram: rwyrachelREACH OUT!Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

This is part two of a three part series with Rachel Mason.Rachel and I met serendipitously while I was on a long sit in Denver. I knew her as “Dolly Parkin” as she was a ramp controller in Denver.  When we finally met in person, I was starstruck! Listen to this series to learn about her story!About Rachel:Aviation fell into her lap, starting with Alaska Airlines. After about a year with AS, she craved more and applied to every major airline at STL. One of the big ones called her first and she took the job. With STL being a line station, she rarely got anything larger than a 73 or Airbus. She wanted more, so she knew transferring out was her best choice. She has done almost everything: ramp, customer service, gates, trainer, supervisor, MLB and NHL charters, mail, cargo, ramp tower, BSO, security clearance for WOW. She wasn't mainline as she was with G2, which she's beyond grateful for because she got to do so much with one company.She spent many nights sleeping in her car because she would work 18 and 20-hour days, so a quick nap was necessary, whether in her car, bag cart, or office.She is a self-proclaimed avgeek. Her love for the 747 makes her speechless and Big Poppa (Boeing 777).She has many, many, many nicknames: Ray Ray, Pothole, Ramp Tower Queen, Dolly Parkin, Sweet Tea, just to name a few.She is a runway model.Mental health advocate.Tequila Connoisseur. Loves to travel and hiking.Follow Rachel!Instagram: rwyrachelREACH OUT!Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

This is part one of a three part series with Rachel Mason.Rachel and I met serendipitously while I was on a long sit in Denver. I knew her as “Dolly Parkin” as she was a ramp controller in Denver.  When we finally met in person, I was starstruck! Listen to this series to learn about her story!About Rachel:Aviation fell into her lap, starting with Alaska Airlines. After about a year with AS, she craved more and applied to every major airline at STL. One of the big ones called her first and she took the job. With STL being a line station, she rarely got anything larger than a 73 or Airbus. She wanted more, so she knew transferring out was her best choice. She has done almost everything: ramp, customer service, gates, trainer, supervisor, MLB and NHL charters, mail, cargo, ramp tower, BSO, security clearance for WOW. She wasn't mainline as she was with G2, which she's beyond grateful for because she got to do so much with one company.She spent many nights sleeping in her car because she would work 18 and 20-hour days, so a quick nap was necessary, whether in her car, bag cart, or office.She is a self-proclaimed avgeek. Her love for the 747 makes her speechless and Big Poppa (Boeing 777).She has many, many, many nicknames: Ray Ray, Pothole, Ramp Tower Queen, Dolly Parkin, Sweet Tea, just to name a few.She is a runway model.Mental health advocate.Tequila Connoisseur. Loves to travel and hiking.Follow Rachel!Instagram: rwyrachelREACH OUT!Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

Hey there, folks! You won't believe the crop of newbies we've got at SkyWest lately. They strut in with chips on their shoulders the size of airplanes! It's starting to mess with our training and putting a real dent in our sky-high culture. But fear not, because as an instructor, I'm here to guard the good vibes and give any culture-disturbers a friendly heads-up.Remember, it's all about humility, my friends! Embrace that and you'll soar through life with a smile. Oh, and guess what? I've got a fun surprise in store...for me, but I can't wait to spill the beans to y'all! Stay tuned! 🎉 REACH OUT!Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

A little early for a Día De Los Muertos celebration, but this guy is back from the dead with another fresh episode! Now I’m going live on Instagram so you can ask your questions live, so keep an eye out for that.  In this episode I’m jabbering about: Travel updatesFavorite overnightsContinuing Qualification (CQ) 2023Training ContractsNew United Airlines pay…. NOT I forgot to talk about it! LolInterviewing Airlines And other none-senseREACH OUT!Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

This podcast episode sheds light on the concerning rise of aviation incidents in recent months and highlights the importance of a collaborative approach towards finding a solution. Factors such as staffing shortages and technological drawbacks have been identified by the FAA during their investigations, but they are still analyzing a critical human factor component. Before the pandemic, the aviation industry was experiencing its safest period in history, but due to lack of investment in infrastructure and staffing, potential issues were masked, resulting in the increase of close calls and more notability the complete meltdown of Southwest Airlines during the 2022 holiday season. With mass layoffs and early retirement offers during the pandemic, the aviation industry has seen a loss of experienced employees, leading to challenges and increased hiring with only SOPs and policies to train new staff. The high turnover rate and lack of experience has made it nearly impossible to handle unusual or potentially hazardous situations efficiently, threatening safety in the skies. Therefore, addressing these issues is crucial for the industry to improve and ensure safety in the skies.REACH OUT!Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

Have you ever wondered what a “buddy pass” is? Well, they don’t exist… hahahaha just kidding, but not really.  Today’s episode is all about non-rev or what it is usually known as, Standby Travel. You’ll learn how to ask your airline employee friend how to get on their benefits, how much it costs, and I give you full-disclosure on what it means to non-rev so you can determine if traveling standby is for you.APPS/SITES I USE FOR TRAVELUnited Airlines AppFlightviewGoogle FlightsFlightawareFlightradar24MINGLE WITH ME Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

This is a very special episode! My friend Daniel Sims joins me in Episode 6 of the show to share his experience as a future cargo pilot. In today’s episode, we chat about the value of good training, the recent close calls and how the FAA plans on handling it. We also dive in on possible solutions of our own and how slowing down during flight operations can help mitigate our current lack of pilot experience at the airlines. Finally we talk about Frontier’s new unlimited travel pass, is it a hard pass or worth the money? ABOUT DANIEL SIMSFollowing in the footsteps of his aviation loving grandmother, Daniel took his first flight in a small aircraft in the San Jose bay area and immediately fell in love. Since then, he has earned many different pilot certificates, graduated from San Jose State University with an Aviation degree, and flown across the country to compete against some of the best pilots in North America. With over five years of flying experience, he currently works as an airline transport pilot flying cargo worldwide. In his free time, Daniel enjoys hiking, snowboarding, travelling (duh!), and spending time with friends!LINK UP WITH DANIEL SIMSWebsite: www.cfidaniel.comInstagram: cfidanielMINGLE WITH ME Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

This is a very special episode! My friend Daniel Sims joins me in Episode 6 of the show to share his experience as a future cargo pilot. In today’s episode, we chat about our favorite airplanes and what Daniel’s experience was going through his first airline pilot training at SkyWest Airlines.ABOUT DANIEL SIMSFollowing in the footsteps of his aviation loving grandmother, Daniel took his first flight in a small aircraft in the San Jose bay area and immediately fell in love. Since then, he has earned many different pilot certificates, graduated from San Jose State University with an Aviation degree, and flown across the country to compete against some of the best pilots in North America. With over five years of flying experience, he currently works as an airline transport pilot flying cargo worldwide. In his free time, Daniel enjoys hiking, snowboarding, travelling (duh!), and spending time with friends!CONNECT WITH DANIEL SIMSWebsite: www.cfidaniel.comInstagram: cfidanielCONNECT WITH ME Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvxBOOK YOUR APPEARANCE ON THE SHOWInterview availability dates 

This is a very special episode! My friend Daniel Sims joins me in Episode 6 of the show to share his experience as a future cargo pilot. In today’s episode, you’ll find out how Daniel and I met as we chat about his time at San Jose State University’s precision flight team.ABOUT DANIEL SIMSFollowing in the footsteps of his aviation loving grandmother, Daniel took his first flight in a small aircraft in the San Jose bay area and immediately fell in love. Since then, he has earned many different pilot certificates, graduated from San Jose State University with an Aviation degree, and flown across the country to compete against some of the best pilots in North America. With over five years of flying experience, he currently works as an airline transport pilot flying cargo worldwide. In his free time, Daniel enjoys hiking, snowboarding, travelling (duh!), and spending time with friends!CONNECT WITH DANIEL SIMSWebsite: www.cfidaniel.comInstagram: cfidanielCONNECT WITH ME Email me at: mannythecfi@gmail.comInstagram: climbvx