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The Student Pilot Podcast
My name is Simon Kalas, a UK flight school owner. Each week myself and my guests aim to inspire, motivate and support student pilots to achieving their goals of becoming a Private or Commercial Pilot. We discuss, warts and all, what it takes to learn to fly and beyond, sharing our experiences from our team and guests.
Episodes
42 episodes
Your First Solo! | The Student Pilot Podcast #EP41
Myself and Claire talk about the First Solo flight during PPL and LAPL training. What to expect, when it may happen, some tips to make it easier and we also reflect on our own First Solo Experiences.Join the Almat Flying Academy communi...
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15:49
EP40 Licencing Changes Coming? | The Student Pilot Podcast
In this episode myself and Steve Mason talk about the proposed licencing changes that may come into play in 2025. This is a must watch if you are currently training or already hold a valid licence.Ready to embark on your aviation advent...
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15:13
The Exam Trap - How to avoid it | Student Pilot Podcast #39
In this episode myself and Claire talk about the importance of completing the theory exams in a timely manner and the potential trap you can fall into if you don't. Strap in, this episode could save you money!Resources in this episode
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14:47
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My Journey From Student Pilot To Flight School Owner | Student Pilot Podcast #38
In this episode our friend from the USA Chris Gregory interviews Simon on Chris's podcast Final Approach. During the podcast we discuss my journey to becoming a private pilot, the reasons why I quit 3 times along the way, how I ended up owning ...
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28:02
Talking sustainable flight training with Kerry Wilmot | The Student Pilot Podcast #EP 37
In this episode we talk to Kerry Wilmot from Neboair about sustainable flight training and what the future of flight training may look like. We also talk about the Pipistrel range of aircraft, sp...
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37:09
Warning - Don't compare your journey to others! | The Student Pilot Podcast #EP36
Whilst it may be human nature to compare our progress to others, it can be counterproductive.We talk about why others journeys to becoming a licensed pilot can be vastly from your own. The key take away, is to focus on your progress and...
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19:49
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Aviation Acronyms & Mnemonics | The Student Pilot Podcast #EP35
Learning the Acronyms & Mnemonics within aviation can be arduous, so we are creating a series to debunk the most common ones.If you would like to support the channel, you can via Buy Me A Co...
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Episode 35
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17:23
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What Flight Equipment Do I Need? | The Student Pilot Podcast #EP34
One of the things overlooked when first starting flight training, is flight equipment.We go over what the minimum level of equipment required for PPL and LAPL, plus some optional Items. We cover when to get your equipment, how much it costs...
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3:37
HNY 2024 Your Student Pilot Motivation | The Student Pilot Podcast #EP33
Happy New Year! We discuss your motivation as a student pilot, and how the New Year can provide a good time to reflect and re focus, to make better progress in the year ahead.If you would like to support the channel, you can via
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Episode 33
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26:57
Engineer, Airline Pilot And Author - A Fascinating Career | The Student Pilot Podcast #EP32
On this episode we talk to Steve Ford about abut his fascinating aviation career, spanning several decades. From being inspired by his father as a young boy, he shares how his career evolved from engineer, to pilot, test pilot and more re...
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Episode 32
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19:02
Navigating ATPL's Part Time | The Student Pilot Podcast #EP31
Phil Thomas, a former Almat student gives us some feedback on how he passed the ATPL exams on a part time basis, whilst in full time work.He shares some practical advice and tips to help you get through your ATPL's.If you would like...
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Episode 31
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25:21
Instructor Takeover - Perfect Your Circuits |The Student Pilot Podcast #30
As a new feature of the podcast, "Instructor Take Over" episodes feature instructors on our team. This week we invite our Coventry chief flying instructor Claire onto the show, to talk about how you can improve your circuits, giving you safer a...
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32:10
Flight Training On Credit - Good Or Bad Idea?| Episode #29
This week we discuss financing your PPL / LAPL and give you some pros and cons about using credit for training.Please note: this is not financial advice and you should do your own research before considering taking out any form of credi...
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12:53
PPL Before Integrated - A Distinct Advantage? The Student Pilot Podcast #28
In this episode I talk to former PPL student at Almat Flying Academy Cain Goodhand. He is now licensed, recently completed his integrated training and is preparing for a career in commercial aviation. He tells us his experiences going into inte...
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Episode 28
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35:45
Fantasy Wings - Empowering Diversity in Aviation | Episode #27
Today I talk to Jackson Smith, who as a young Black man battled adversity en route to gaining his own Pilot’s Licence and a degree in Aviation. He was determined to make it easier for other young black and minority ethnic people and women to ac...
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Episode 27
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9:18
FRTOL & The RT Exam - Master Radio Telephony and Pass First Time | Episode #26
Good radio telephony is an important part of being a great pilot. Furthermore a UK pilot licence is not much use without a Flight Radio Telephony Operator Licence (FRTOL). Find out why as RT examiner, flight instructor and experienced commercia...
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Episode 26
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28:08
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Check out this announcement to find out about our NEW show, "The Aviator Show"This is available tonight on our YouTube Channel @almatflyingacademy
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1:26
PPL Skills Test - Insider Tips From An Examiner | Episode #25
We sit down with our Head Of Training and Examiner, Steve Mason, to discuss the PPL Skills Test. The thought of your test approaching can be daunting, but Steve shares valuable insight on what to expect and why you shouldn't be worried....
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Episode 25
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19:35
The Secret to Smashing the PPL Skills Test | Episode #24
This week - PPL Fast Track student Archie passed his Skills Test, and joins us to talk about his secrets to success. If you are an aspiring pilot or are approaching your own skills test - this podcast will give you a valuable insight on what to...
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18:51
How to Get A Scholarship | Episode #23
We talk about what scholarships are available currently to PPL students and how to find out more about them. We also catch up with 2022 Amat scholarship winner Leo Turrell. He tells us about how he won his placement and how you coul...
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Episode 23
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21:46
Mental Health In Aviation | Episode #22
Simon And Eman discuss how mental health issues may or may not affect your flight training or ability to hold a pilots licence.If you would like to support the channel, you can via Buy Me A Coff...
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22:39
Aviating With Tech - Pro's And Con's | Episode #21
In this episode we discuss advancement in general aviation technology and the effects of introducing technology into your flights. Also the good and bad from mobile phones, to GPS, Parachute systems and more.If you would like to support...
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Episode 21
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45:05
Keeping your PPL / LAPL Licence Current - Practical Advice | Episode #20
In this episode we discuss what happens if you let your PPL or LAPL lapse. This is a big problem for licence holders as we see a large proportion of pilots flying infrequently after they pass, leading to their ratings lapsing and some never ret...
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Episode 20
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19:42
Creative Ways for Funding Your Flight Training | Episode #19
Finding funds to pay for your flight training can be difficult and lack of progress with your training, usually comes from not flying frequently enough. What if you could find ways to make funding your flight training a little easier?We...
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Episode 19
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22:19
Is Building Your Own Flight Simulator Worth It? | Episode #18
Many of our students use X plane, FS2020 and the like at home and some have even gone to the lengths of building simulators or have professional companies build simulators for them. The question is, is it worth the time and money investment and...
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Episode 18
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33:01