It’s not often that AFCS’s civilian flight instructors make headlines. But one thing they do make regularly is some of the best pilots the skies have ever known.
In fact, without civilian pilot simulator instructors and the important role they play, many of the Air Force’s best would’ve never earned their wings. In episode 39 of Aim Hire: “Taking It to the Skies,” host Ryan Schneider gives these unsung heroes their well-deserved due, as he shines a spotlight on their indispensable roles and the personal satisfaction that comes from helping the careers of the Air Force’s next generation of pilots take flight.
In this episode, host Ryan Schneider introduces you to Mike Stevens and Bill Foster, two instructors with impeccable character and exceptional stories. Mike, a former airline pilot, found his true calling teaching at Laughlin Air Force Base. Bill, a Navy veteran, has spent 25 years shaping pilots at Vance Air Force Base. Together, they guide you through their routines and share advice on what you can do to land a pilot instructor seat of your own.
If you’ve served as a military pilot, spent time as a civilian flight instructor, or are simply curious about the fascinating role civilians play in helping Air Force pilots not just take to the skies but own them, this episode is for you.
If you’re in a hurry or have a flight to catch, you might want to skip ahead:
4:56 The two pilots describe what led them to pursue careers as simulator pilot instructors.
8:35 Mike and Bill walk you through what a typical day looks like in their roles as simulator instructors.
10:23 Mike and Bill share what they find to be most rewarding about their jobs.
13:07 Mike tells how advances in technology have impacted simulator instruction.
14:25 When asked the same question, Bill emphasizes the need to focus on the basics first while acknowledging the growing role of technology in flight training.
16:25 The pilots share what it is about the career that has led them to devote so many years to it.
25:29 The pilots answer a question from the audience about what keeps them upbeat and positive as leaders.
27:56 Bill and Mike share their “aha!” moment, where they just knew they’d made the right career choice.
30:36 The flight instructors offer the one piece of advice they’d give to a newly minted student pilot.
32:22 An audience member asks, “What do you do when you have dozens of students and a short period of time to train them? Does that happen, or is it much more structured than that?”
We’d like to extend a special thanks to our panelists for sharing their time and giving us a glimpse into their incredible work. Clearly, the Air Force mission couldn’t be in better hands. Also, be sure to stay in the loop by subscribing to our automatic email notifications at https://roa.afciviliancareers.com/. That way, you’ll be alerted to every Aim Hire before it takes to the air.