Best Carson Vasquez Podcasts (2026)

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Garmin Autoland's First Real Emergency: Right Decision or Dangerous Precedent? 0:55

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3d ago0:55

0:55

Aviation history was made—but should it have been? The first real emergency Autoland sparks massive debate. ✈️ On December 20, 2025, Garmin's Emergency Autoland system completed its first-ever real-world emergency landing when a Beechcraft King Air 200 experienced rapid depressurization at 23,000 feet. But here's the controversy: the two pilots wer…

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Captain Curt's Journey: From Working 3 Jobs to Flying Gulfstreams | Aviation Success Story 38:37

10d ago38:37

38:37

Flight training costs, career timelines, and generational wisdom—what does it really take to make it as an airline pilot? ✈️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon sits down with Captain Curt, a third-generation airline pilot and current Gulfstream captain, in Curt's brand-new podcast studio. They dive deep into the realities of b…

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Winter Flying Safety for Pilots: Frost, Icing, FIKI Aircraft, and IFR Considerations 31:06

17d ago31:06

31:06

Winter flying, icing, fog, and cold-weather decision-making—how do pilots actually manage the risks when temperatures drop? ❄️✈️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dive deep into winter flying realities, sharing real-world stories, hard lessons learned, and practical guidance every pilot should know. From scraping f…

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Listener Questions (Part 12) 26:40

24d ago26:40

26:40

Navigating thunderstorms, aircraft maintenance, and in-flight decision-making—what really happens behind the controls when things get tense? ⚡✈️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dig into real-world scenarios that every pilot can learn from. From forecasting convective weather to navigating point-of-no-return decis…

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The Aviation Side of Pearl Harbor: Surprises, Warbirds, and GA Takeaways 28:57

29d ago28:57

28:57

Pearl Harbor, aviation history, and real lessons for today’s pilots—how does a two-hour attack from 1941 still shape the way we fly today? ✈️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dive into the aviation side of the Pearl Harbor attack, exploring how 353 Japanese aircraft caught the U.S. by surprise and what modern pilo…

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Listener Questions (Part 11) 22:09

1M ago22:09

22:09

What’s the right way to tell your CFI you’re confused? Should student pilots buy their own headset early? And is it normal to feel like you’re getting worse before you get better? ✈️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dive into real student-pilot frustrations and answer top questions pulled from Reddit and listeners…

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Overlooked Aircraft Cleaning Tips That Improve Safety 17:52

2M ago17:52

17:52

Keeping an airplane clean isn’t just about appearance—it’s a key part of aviation safety, professionalism, and building trust with students and passengers. ✈️✨ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dive into the critical but often overlooked world of aircraft cleanliness. They break down why a clean airplane matters, h…

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Ep 201 - The Hidden Risks in Flight Schools—and How to Fix Them Before You Scale 25:02

2M ago25:02

25:02

Flying for currency, reconnecting with your flight school roots, and keeping safety at the center of aviation growth—this episode covers it all. ✈️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson kick things off with fresh flying stories: short-approach fun in the ICON A5, a post-office moment that turned into an impromptu A5 fa…

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Celebrating 200 Episodes – Aviation Mentors Reflect on Growth, Stories & the Journey Ahead 43:34

2M ago43:34

43:34

In this special milestone episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson Vasquez celebrate 200 episodes of inspiring stories, mentorship, and aviation community growth. 🥂 From humble beginnings recording in a noisy RV at Oshkosh to becoming one of aviation’s most engaging podcasts, Brandon and Carson reflect on their jour…

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S02E63: VFR Safety & IFR Traffic Awareness – Non-Towered Airport 23:44

2M ago23:44

23:44

Flying VFR? Understanding IFR traffic is critical for safety even at non-towered airports. In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon Martini and Carson explore IFR approaches, shared airspace, and practical VFR safety tips. Using examples from Corona Airport (KAJO) and nearby VORs, they explain how VFR and IFR operations coexist, how…

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S02E62: Hidden Airplanes, Tailwheel Flying & The Real Cost of Aircraft Ownership 12:04

2M ago12:04

12:04

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson catch up in their brand-new studio to talk about Brandon’s long-hidden Cessna 120 and the challenges of bringing it back to life. They share stories about aircraft maintenance, the true cost of airplane ownership, and why so many planes end up sitting idle in hangars.…

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S02E61: Reacting to Your Comments Part 1: MOSAIC, GA Costs & Burbank Tower 25:11

3M ago25:11

25:11

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson discuss aviation news, insights, and trends shaping the general aviation industry. ✈️ From Brandon’s flight to Camarillo to the Burbank Tower’s temporary ATC shutdown, they cover what pilots need to know to stay safe and confident in non-towered operations. They also …

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S02E60: Back in the Left Seat – Carson’s First Flight in Two Years 27:05

3M ago27:05

27:05

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson Vasquez share an inspiring story of resilience, rediscovery, and passion for flight as Carson takes to the skies again after more than two years away from the cockpit. Join Brandon and Carson as they relive Carson’s first flight back on September 19, 2025, in a Cessna…

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S02E59: Mentorship, Aviation Publishing & Inspiring the Next Generation 31:31

3M ago31:31

31:31

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon Martini is joined by two incredible guests: Jacob Peed, founder of AviNation Magazine, and Sean Starker, host of the Future in Flight Podcast. They dive into the power of aviation publishing, podcasting, and youth mentorship programs. Learn how Jacob and Sean are inspiring the next generation…

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S02E58: Sport Pilot Certificates & MOSAIC Updates – Making Aviation More Accessible 22:13

3M ago22:13

22:13

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson dive into Sport Pilot Certificates and the recent MOSAIC rule changes that are making them more accessible than ever. ✈️ They cover everything from eligibility requirements and medical options to flight training minimums and checkride expectations. With MOSAIC updates…

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S02E57: Pilot Demand Is Soaring – Boeing’s 20-Year Forecast and What It Means for Aspiring Aviators 20:00

4M ago20:00

20:00

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, hosts Brandon Martini and Carson Vasquez break down Boeing’s latest 20-year aviation industry forecast—and the numbers are staggering. The industry will need: 660,000 new pilots 710,000 new technicians 1 million cabin crew worldwide From the true cost of pilot training (around $81,000 in the U.S.) to…

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S02E56: Brandon Martini Named NBAA 40 Under 40 – Celebrating Aviation Milestones 22:56

4M ago22:56

22:56

In Episode 56 of the Aviation Mentors Podcast 🎙️, Brandon Martini celebrates being named one of NBAA’s 2025 “40 Under 40” award recipients, an incredible milestone for Brandon and the Stratus Financial team! Brandon and Carson reflect on the journey to this recognition, the importance of networking and mentorship, and exciting opportunities at NBAA…

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S02E55: Pilot Currency vs. Proficiency: What Every Pilot Should Know 22:58

4M ago22:58

22:58

In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast 🎙️, Brandon and Carson share their recent flying adventures and the lessons that came with them. From splash-and-go landings in an Icon A5 near Long Beach Harbor to touch-and-gos at Chino and Riverside, they dive into what it really means to be a current—and proficient—pilot. This isn’t just about log…

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S02E54: Oshkosh 2025 (Part 3) 13:58

5M ago13:58

13:58

🎙️ From humble beginnings to milestone moments. We’re proud to announce Sean Galloway as the winner of our $10,000 Stratus Fly to Success Scholarship. His passion and creativity reminded us why we love supporting the next generation of aviators. In this episode, Brandon reflects on his first podcast recording at Oshkosh in 2016, the same year he al…

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S02E53: Oshkosh 2025 (Part 2) 15:03

5M ago15:03

15:03

🎙️ The FAA just dropped a game-changer—and we’re diving straight into it. In this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson break down the long-awaited MOSAIC rule and why it’s about to shake up general aviation in the best way possible. From flying a 172 with just a driver’s license to new privileges that make becoming a pilot easier (and ch…

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S02E52: Oshkosh 2025 (Part 1) 21:24

5M ago21:24

21:24

🎙️ From European castles to Oshkosh slip ‘n slides — this episode’s got it all. Brandon spills the highs, lows, and downright bizarre moments from a month-long adventure across Europe, capped off with a wild, rain-soaked return to the world’s biggest aviation gathering. Just when you think it’s over, a huge Oshkosh announcement looms… but you’ll ha…

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S02E51: Answering your Questions on Reddit (Part 11) 24:44

5M ago24:44

24:44

🎙️ What do student pilots really need—fancy flying clubs or structured schools? How can you build cross-country time without wrecking your wallet? In this high-energy episode, Brandon and Carson tackle the top aviation questions from Reddit, challenge conventional wisdom, and drop gold nuggets on discovery flights, syllabi, and digital vs. paper lo…

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S02E50: Small Pilot, Big Dreams 16:22

6M ago16:22

16:22

🎙️ In this 50th episode, Brandon hands the mic to a surprise guest—11-year-old Rex, son of Stratus’ customer service lead and a long-time flight school regular. From hangar hijinks and airshow thrills to his very first flight in a Cessna 172, Rex recounts his aviation adventures with charm and surprising clarity. It’s part nostalgia, part inspirati…

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S02E49: You Know You’re a CFI When… (Part 4) 14:16

6M ago14:16

14:16

🎙️ Power-on or power-off landings? Mandatory flight following or just a “nice to have”? And should spin training REALLY wait ‘til you’re commercial? In this no-holds-barred episode, Brandon and Carson dive into the great aviation training debates—with a dash of sarcasm, golf course confessions, and the occasional jab at Piper aircraft. Whether you’…

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S02E48: The Price of Wings 24:59

6M ago24:59

24:59

🎙️ Think becoming a pilot means drowning in debt? Think again. In this episode, we break down the real cost of flight training — and how to afford it without selling your soul (or your car).From hidden expenses and smart budgeting to co-borrowers, scholarships, and why “pay as you go” might just ruin your dream — we’re laying it all out. Plus, the …

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S02E47: Listener Questions (Part 10) 18:15

6M ago18:15

18:15

🎙️ Flying into chaos? Brandon and Carson are here to navigate it—with zero oil pressure, surprise coyotes, and some FAA test nightmares along the way. In this no-holds-barred listener Q&A episode, they tackle real pilot dilemmas: What to do when your gear won’t go up (or down), how to survive the busiest uncontrolled fly-ins, and why ChatGPT might …

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S02E46: Letter Of Interpretation 17:53

7M ago17:53

17:53

🎙️ Ever wondered if you’re logging PIC time the right way—or if your instructor really needs a medical? Buckle up, because in this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson pull back the curtain on FAA Letters of Interpretation (LOIs). These hidden gems are the FAA’s way of saying, “Here’s what we actually meant…” From spin training without a…

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S02E45: Answering your Questions on Reddit (Part 10) 15:45

7M ago15:45

15:45

🎙️ Strap in as Brandon and Carson take a nosedive—intellectually—into the wild world of Reddit aviation questions. From mastering radios and taming turbulence to debating AI air traffic controllers and the shocking realities of multi-engine training (yes, you actually turn the engine off mid-air), this episode is a rollercoaster of pilot wisdom, re…

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S02E44: Taxi Here, But Not There 12:58

7M ago12:58

12:58

🎙️Ever wonder what really happens behind the badge at big airports? ✈️ In this episode, Brandon shares his first-hand adventure getting SIDA badged at Long Beach — from intimidating security tests to why you might get stuck behind a gate (yikes!). Tune in and get the inside scoop on taxiing, security zones, and what GA pilots need to know before wa…

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S02E43: Aviation Without Limits 20:27

7M ago20:27

20:27

🎙️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, host Carson flies solo as he interviews Ryan Bliss—commercial pilot, certified flight instructor, and founder of the Vermont Aviators Association. Ryan shares his inspiring journey into aviation, which began at age 40, and how he turned his passion into a mission to make flying more accessible in V…

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S02E42: Listener Questions (Part 9) 19:44

8M ago19:44

19:44

🎙️In this episode of The Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson flip the script, get a little heartfelt, and crack each other up while diving into another round of listener questions! From mastering night flight like a ninja in the dark to turning road trips into ATC drills using phonetic license plates, this is one wild and surprisingly educational …

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S02E41: Headset Showdown: Lightspeed Delta Zulu vs. Bose & David Clark 22:22

8M ago22:22

22:22

🎙️Looking for the best aviation headset for your cockpit?In this episode of AviationMentors, Brandon and Carson unbox the Lightspeed Delta Zulu and give you a pilot’s-eye view of its most talked-about features — from built-in carbon monoxide detection to in-app audio recording. They also compare it head-to-head with popular models from Bose and Dav…

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S02E40: From Outdated to Upgraded: The $18B ATC Transformation Plan 19:58

8M ago19:58

19:58

Is America’s air traffic control system stuck in the past? 🎙️In this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson take a grounded look at the challenges facing U.S. air traffic control — from outdated technology (yes, floppy disks are still in use) to ongoing staffing shortages, especially at contractor-run facilities like those operated by Serc…

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S02E39: Listener Questions (Part 8) 19:34

8M ago19:34

19:34

🎙️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors podcast, we dive into another round of listener questions—and things get entertaining fast. From navigating unexpected weather to decoding ATC conversations, Brandon and Carson share real-life stories, expert tips, and one hilarious email involving a bald eagle and some unexpected radio banter. It’s part p…

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S02E38: Listener Questions (Part 7) 18:12

9M ago18:12

18:12

🎙️ In this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon dives into three of the biggest questions pilots are asking: How can you finance your flight training without racking up overwhelming debt? Are flight simulators really worth the hype—or do they cause more harm than good? And what are the best ways to manage cockpit workload during solo flights? It’s …

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S02E37: You Know You’re a CFI When… (Part 3) 14:18

9M ago14:18

14:18

🎙️ Strap in for the thrilling conclusion of our CFI debate trilogy! In Part 3, Brandon and Carson dive into the eternal battle between FAA minimums and true proficiency, debate scenario-based vs. maneuver-based training, and settle the score on whether being a CFI is a career or just a stepping stone. With sharp insights, laughs, and a few strong o…

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S02E36: You Know You’re a CFI When… (Part 2) 24:34

9M ago24:34

24:34

🎙️Buckle up for another round of aviation arguments as Brandon and Carson dive 🛬 headfirst into the go-around gospel, engine-out realism, and the age-old question: when should a CFI actually take the controls? From sneaky gear failures to simulated chaos mid-flight, this episode balances edge-of-your-seat scenarios with big laughs and sharp wisdom.…

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S02E35: You Know You’re a CFI When… (Part 1) 30:38

9M ago30:38

30:38

🎙️ Welcome to Part 1 of a fiery 3-part series where Brandon and Carson dive into the cockpit controversies that CFIs just can’t agree on. From the automation vs. stick-and-rudder smackdown to whether ground school belongs on the ground (spoiler: it does), nothing’s off-limits. Expect bold takes, FAA shade, and plenty of laughs. This isn’t your aver…

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S02E34: Listener Questions (Part 6) 18:06

9M ago18:06

18:06

🎙️ In this episode, Brandon and Carson dive headfirst into four of the most asked questions in aviation: What are the most common checkride mistakes? How do you find a trustworthy flight instructor? When are you really ready to carry passengers? And how do you plug into the aviation community without being that airport bum? It’s candid, it’s packed…

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S02E33: Pilot Deviation 20:54

10M ago20:54

20:54

🎙️ Think a “ticket in the sky” sounds dramatic? Wait till the FAA gives you that phone number to call. 📞 In this episode, Brandon and Carson unpack what pilot deviations really are, how to avoid them (hint: fewer iPads, 📱 more common sense), and what to do when you mess up. It’s fast, fun, and full of tips every GA pilot needs—plus, a couple of sto…

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S02E32: F.I.R.C 23:13

10M ago23:13

23:13

🎙️🚀 CFI renewal just got a makeover! Whether you’re a seasoned flight instructor or a student pilot wondering what happens if your instructor forgets their renewal (spoiler: it’s not pretty), this episode unpacks the latest FAA changes, sneaky pitfalls, and the easiest ways to stay certified. Plus, we dive into the FAA Wings program, drone pilot re…

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S02E31: The Get-There-Itis Trap: A Real-Life Aviation Story 23:29

10M ago23:29

23:29

🎙️ A perfect weekend, a smooth flight, ✈️ and a well-planned trip—what could go wrong? In this episode, Brandon shares a real-life aviation dilemma that put his decision-making skills to the test 😱. From a suspicious gauge reading to a shocking voicemail, this is a classic case of ‘get-there-itis’ knocking at the cockpit door. Did he push forward o…

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S02E30: AI and Digital Marketing with Tim Jedrek 37:37

11M ago37:37

37:37

🎙️ Ever wondered how some flight schools dominate the digital space while others struggle to get noticed? 🤔 In this episode, we sit down with Tim Jedrek of Right Rudder Marketing to uncover the marketing magic that helps flight schools soar! From Google’s latest ad shake-ups to AI-driven marketing trends, Tim reveals the game-changing strategies fl…

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S02E29: Flying With Confidence with Tammy Barlette 39:43

11M ago39:43

39:43

🎙️ Struggling with perfectionism in flight training? Ever wondered how fighter pilot mindset can boost your flying skills? In this powerhouse episode, Tammy Barlette—retired USAF fighter pilot, mental performance expert, and founder of Crosscheck Mental Performance Training—joins us to dive deep into the mental game of aviation ✈️. Plus hear Tammy’…

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S02E28: Planes Need Homes Too 18:50

11M ago18:50

18:50

🎙️ Ever thought about what goes into building a hangar—let alone 300 of them? In this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon pulls back the hangar doors (literally) to share his ambitious journey of trying to develop 300 aircraft hangars, an FBO, and even a restaurant. From wild ideas to real-world roadblocks, we’re diving into the highs, the lows, a…

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S02E27: No Mission, Just Fun 19:22

11M ago19:22

19:22

🎙️ In this episode of Aviation Mentors, Brandon shares his experience of getting back into flying for pure enjoyment. 🎉 After a period away from multi-engine flying, ✈️ he takes a refresher flight in the Beechcraft Duchess, performing maneuvers, air starts, and refining his skills. From spontaneous flights with friends to a creative in-air lesson o…

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S02E26: California Fires 25:20

12M ago25:20

25:20

🎙️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson tackle the devastating California wildfires 🔥🚒 and the critical role aviation played in combating the crisis ✈️. From heroic firefighting missions 🧯 to drone-related challenges, they share firsthand insights and bold opinions on how aviation helps save lives and homes 🏠 . This h…

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S02E25: Listener Questions (Part 5) 18:12

12M ago18:12

18:12

🎙️ In this installment of the Aviation Mentors Listener Questions segment, Brandon and Carson tackle your aviation dilemmas with expert advice and a dash of humor! 😂 From proving you're ready to solo and navigating the best college options for aspiring pilots to mastering turbulence like a pro, 🌩️ this episode is packed with actionable insights and…

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S02E24: Crossing the Line 19:30

12M ago19:30

19:30

🎙️ In this episode of the Aviation Mentors, Brandon and Carson explore the ins and outs of FAR violations—what they mean, how they happen, and what they can do to your insurance and career. With personal anecdotes, tips for handling those dreaded calls from the FAA, and a few laughs along the way, this episode offers a candid look at turning mistak…