12 Best Aviation Podcasts Every Enthusiast Should Listen To

How’s your podcast list looking? Could it use a little refresher? An infusion of new content and fresh ideas? Maybe you are just starting to branch out and discover the world of aviation podcasts.

Good – you’ve come to the right place. Today we are going to share our list of the top 12 pilot podcasts that should be on every aviator’s radar.

1.      Pilot to Pilot

The goal of the Pilot to Pilot podcast is to “be a place for aviators to come for inspiration and encouragement.” The podcast was started by ATP pilot Justin Siems in 2017 and it has since become one of the most popular aviation podcasts.

Justin is joined by a wide range of guests from historical legends like Lt. Col. Harry Stewart – one of the WWII Tuskegee Airmen – to pilots with all sorts of unique backgrounds and experiences. Recent guests have included special ops pilots, firefighting pilots, an Air Force AWACS pilot, and a 24-year-old Delta Airlines pilot.

2.      The Fighter Pilot Podcast

Catch all the vicarious excitement of life as a fighter pilot when you listen to an episode of The Fighter Pilot Podcast. Your host, Vincent Aiello – callsign “Jell-O” – grew up fascinated with military jets. He pursued that passion into a career as a U.S. Navy fighter pilot. Vincent piloted the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet, A-4 Skyhawk and F-16 Fighting Falcon during several overseas deployments. He rounded out his career with a stint as an instructor at the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons (TOPGUN) School.

Vincent puts out 3 episodes of The Fighter Pilot Podcast each month. Each episode features a guest who helps explain more about the world of air combat. Learn about the aircraft, the weapons systems and the lives of fighter pilots.

3.      Airline Pilot Guy Show

For private pilots, have you ever wondered what life looks like from the cockpit of a commercial aircraft? Commercial pilots, do you want to get a good laugh and share insights with a fellow airline pilot?

Captain Jeff Nielsen of ACME Airlines puts out a weekly podcast to share his “opinion and perspective as a pilot in the commercial airline industry.” Listen to his take on topics like aviation safety, layovers, weather, aviation industry news and more.

4.      Inspired Pilot

Are you looking for some motivation to keep working on the certifications you need to reach your piloting goals? Do you know a future aviator who could use words of wisdom and mentorship from experienced pilots?

Marvyn Robinson’s Inspired Pilot podcast is a weekly show that features the stories of inspirational pilots from many unique walks of life. Learn life lessons from bush pilots, military pilots, airline pilots, flight instructors and more. Each of these pilots shares their aviation journey – what got them interested in flight, how they first got in the air and where their path has led them. You’re sure to walk away with insight, inspiration and motivation for your own journey.

5.      Aviation Careers Podcast

Speaking of inspiration, if you are looking for a little guidance on taking your aviation career to the next level, the Aviation Careers Podcast is for you. Pilot Carl Valeri has spent the last twelve years helping pilots build networking connections and resources that prepare them to score the next interview and job opportunity.

Each of Carl’s episodes includes career advice, interviews with aviation professionals, answers to listener’s emails and recommendations for aviation career products/services.

Rediscover your focus and career purpose, then gain insight on how to get there with help from the Aviation Careers Podcast.

6.      Airplane Geeks Podcast

Many aviation podcasts are hosted by pilots, so the Airplane Geeks Podcast provides a unique perspective. Max Flight is retired after a 35-year career with a jet engine manufacturer. In 2008 he co-founded the Airplane Geeks Podcast to share his passion for aviation.

Each weekly episode includes information on current aviation events and news, feedback from the Airplane Geeks community and a conversation with a guest. Notable guests have included Lee Human – president and CEO of AeroTEC, Richard Hammond – WWII veteran and tail gunner on the B-17 “Pig Chaser,” and Dick Knapinski – director of communications for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).

7.      The Green Dot

You don’t have to be a pilot to enjoy the Experimental Aircraft Association’s The Green Dot podcast. This podcast is for everyone who is intrigued by aviation and innovation.

Twice a month listen in for the latest aviation news, tidbits of aviation history and great personal experience stories shared by hosts and guests. Recent guests have included F-117 Nighthawk pilots, a Thunderbird pilot and even Col. Mark Tillman who was the pilot of Air Force One on 9/11.

8.      Check 6

Stay abreast of industry news and current issues with the weekly Check 6 podcast brought to you by the Aviation Week Network. This is your one-stop shop for all key issues. Expect content that encompasses commercial airlines, aircraft manufacturers, military, government, legislation, etc.

Recent episodes have focused on the future of Boeing’s Max 737, SpaceX’s recent satellite launches and a modernization push for the U.S. Army’s aviation branch.  Whatever the aviation topic, Check 6 keeps you in the know.

9.      The Finer Points

The hosts of The Finer Points – Jason Miller and Todd Eichel – sum up their podcast’s purpose by saying, “The Finer Points is all about excellence. As pilots we strive to not merely fly, but to become excellent aviators.”

Jason has been a certified flight instructor (CFI) for over 20 years, and he pours that wealth of experience into the bi-monthly podcast. Rather than merely providing entertainment, the purpose of The Finer Points is to provide another avenue for training and education. Jason says that his goals for his students are to pass their check ride on the first try and to never die in an airplane.

Expect high-quality, actionable, educational content. Topics covered on some of the most recent episodes include weather decisions, go arounds, avoiding mountain turbulence, autopilot during instrument training and what makes a good CFI.

10. Pilot Briefing Podcast

The best place for General Aviation (GA) pilots to get all their latest news and industry updates is in one place – the AOPA’s Pilot Briefing Podcast.

Each week, the podcast shares the top five GA news updates and stories. Quick and to the point, all 5 topics are covered in under 5 minutes making this one of the fastest and easiest ways to stay in the loop.

Recent topics have included FAA ADS-B Out privacy technology, modernization of the DPE system, a checklist for pilots flying across international borders and the latest FAA medical news.

11. Never Again

Imagine every scary situation that you hope to never encounter in the cockpit. Do you ever wonder what you would do if…?

The AOPA’s Never Again podcast explores those frightening questions. Each monthly podcast showcases a pilot sharing his/her story of trouble in the cockpit. In less than 10 minutes, you can learn from others’ situations and be more prepared if the same thing ever happens to you.

Topics covered on recent episodes include engine trouble coupled with icing, engine failure over the desert, engine failure due to a parachute wrapped on the prop and partial engine failure on takeoff.

12. There I Was…

If you are a fan of hearing bizarre situations and gaining insight from pilots who have walked away from these improbable scenarios, you will enjoy There I Was….

Highlights include complete electrical failure at night, a parachute landing in the Atlantic Ocean, a dual engine flameout and carbon monoxide poisoning leading to a crash.

Educational, insightful, entertaining – these top 12 pilot podcasts have a little bit of everything to keep you listening and coming back for more.

Bonus. Aviation News Talk

Max Trescott's podcast focuses on General Aviation news, general tips for pilots, technical details on glass cockpits and flying GPS approaches, and an occasional interview.