In this episode, we welcome back a familiar face — a former Thrust Flight student who appeared on one of our earliest podcast episodes. Now, she's returned as a Certified Flight Instructor. We talk about her journey from brand-new student pilot to full-fledged CFI, the challenges she faced along the way, and what it’s like being on the other side of the cockpit now.

In this special episode of Pilots Say What?, we sit down with aviation industry expert Kit Darby for a deep dive into the pilot shortage, airline hiring trends, and what 2025 could look like for aspiring and current pilots. Is the shortage still real? Are airlines still desperate to hire? What do pilot retirements mean for your future career? Kit brings decades of insight and data to help you understand where the industry is headed—and whether now is the right time to start flight training.

We sit down with a seasoned Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) whose primary role involves conducting stage checks. He shares invaluable insights into the stage check process, offering tips to help student pilots prepare effectively. From understanding common pitfalls to mastering the mindset needed for success, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating their flight training journey.