#7 - Redefining the Pilot Pathway W / John Crawford of Wild Blue Aviation

In this episode, Hayden is joined by John Crawford — a seasoned commercial pilot whose aviation journey spans from ramp agent to Chief Pilot. Drawing from a wealth of hands-on experience, John recognized a need for a more efficient path to the cockpit for aspiring aviators. That realization led to the creation of Wild Blue Aviation, a coaching platform dedicated to helping student and low-time pilots bypass the traditional instructing route and land their first flying job.

We dive into how John’s coaching program — featuring personalized mentorship, a comprehensive online course, resume building, group calls, and interview prep — is transforming how pilots launch their careers. He also shares how he uses platforms like Instagram and TikTok to motivate and educate the next generation of pilots.

Whether you're just starting out in aviation or looking for a new route to take off, this episode is packed with actionable insight and inspiration.

• https://www.wbaviation.com/ - Website
• https://www.youtube.com/@wildblueaviation9500 - YouTube
• https://www.instagram.com/wildblueaviation/?hl=en - Instagram
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1gq9Y2U3Zk - "Flying the Legendary DHC-2 Beaver on Floats | The Stunning Coastline of the Gulf Islands"

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction
• 1:39 Meet John Crawford: His Journey into Aviation
• 6:24 The Canadian Tradition
• 12:13 “A Commercial License Is A License To Learn”
• 15:24 Why Blue-Collar Workers Succeed in Aviation
• 20:37 "You’re the Client"
• 36:00 Shining a Light on Great Flight Instructors
• 42:33 “Becoming Not Just A Pilot, But A Good Pilot”
• 54:29 Debrief Like a Pro: Post-Flight & Pre-Flight Insights
• 1:04:13 Talk to Your AME & Know Your Aircraft
• 1:10:40 The Fulfillment of Mentorship & John’s Mission
• 1:19:13 Connections Matter: The Power of Networking
• 1:23:47 Hard Truths of the Aviation Industry
• 1:26:16 Closing Thoughts