Hey man, you helped push me to make the decision to pursue my commercial license. I’m 27 and stopped flying after my private because I felt like you, didn’t like the idea of commercial aviation. Not to be rude or judgmental but I felt like I didn’t fit in aviation. A lot of straight laced types with their clean shaves. It’s cool to see someone who doesn’t come off so preppy. And to see you can make a career in a space where it’s a bit more free spirited.
You have to understand that Gear Down is an anomaly in the business aviation community. He is a unique case and a combination of businessman and pilot. If you showed up to 95% of jobs looking like him, you would be cast aside. In his case, he has found a niche, no doubt capitalizing on music and entertainment industry friends. It IS all about networking and this is his turf. Unless you have an established network in a niche market, you better be the clean-cut, straight-laced type you disdain. In my career, I did the major airline gig, didn't like it, moved into corporate, didn't like the rigidity of it and eventually ended up with a family flying them and hope it sees me to the end of my career. They treat you like a person and a family member, much like two tours I did with a rock band. But the other 95% is clean-cut, uniform-wearing conforming pilots who look like what the average business jet client expects to see. Fortunately, there is a happy place in aviation for every personality and no two jobs in your career progression will be the same. You will be doing yourself a great favor if you always do your best, move along rather than being a whiner and enjoy every step of your journey whether it is good or bad. Pilots and owners do tend to be brand loyal. For Americans, that is Gulfstream, for Canadians, Bombardier and for pilots, Dassault. :).
Dude, you you nailed the Q&A. All great advice and super inspirational. Love how you put your nose to the grindstone and carved out your own unique path. Well done, my man.
Outstanding Q&A for pilots. As I let you know, last week I'm an A&P and retired now. Retired life is not as good as it's let on to believe. Anyway, I tell people, "The Aviation Industry is one of the largest industries in the world but the smallest Communities". There are people in this industry that I've known for 30-plus years, and I have worked for and have worked for me. One reason you dont burn bridges. For those out there that watch your videos for your knowledge, they should know that you are 100% correct, Networking is very helpful in the Aviation Industry if you are new to it or have been in it. Again, outstanding video. Thanks for your videos, as I look forward to them.
Found you thru some of Owens videos. I like your fresh take on aviation. I really appreciate how you literally respond to every comment. That shows what kind of character you have!!!
You’re a likable guy and very smart so that’s why you’re so successful. I’m 66 now and to me even though I don’t have near what you have I feel I’m very successful and pay it forward by volunteering full time as a Veterans Service Officer helping disabled Veterans get the benefits they deserve. Success is in the eyes of the beholder so even though I have chronic pain and PTSD issues because of the pain I live with I feel as successful as you. Keep up the great work of informing the next generation of pilots behind you. You are truly a good person to me by watching your videos. So after being in the service and then being a Police Officer I enjoy what I do by volunteering. I love aviation but only got about 10 hours at about 25 years old and then couldn’t afford it anymore while trying to grow a family. Again thank you for what you do for the up and coming behind you. Ken
A good friend of mine that's been flying for United for about 20 years now said the exact same thing about networking. This is great advice, thanks so much for doing this. That resort looks amazing, happy flying!
As a flight student, please make sure you can handle a fast-paced training program because it is intense, and learning to fly looks easier than it actually is. There will be concepts that you may not understand, and you might have to repeat lessons again, and that's ok because it is so worth it when you get your wings.
Great Channel! I love to watch people who just know their shit! And who don't use it to talk down to people. Your passion is palpable and what every "subject matter expert" regardless of subject should aspire to. Cheers!
I am an A&P in training right now in Highschool in Phoenix, AZ and after some research about different pilot careers and after the NBAA spoke to our A&P class I knew that I wanted to pursue business aviation. This video answered a lot of my questions so thank you for taking your time to make it. I got a scholarship from my local EAA chapter to go to Oshkosh from the 18th to the 26th of July attending the EAA Air Academy camp and I hope to meet you there.
Very open and honest Q&A. Thanks. Wannabes have to make the effort - its achievable. I started loading bags and recently retired as a 744 Captain. Airline and corporate are indeed very different, each having their pros and cons.
When I moved from airline to corporate 30 years ago, I knew I would take a massive hit when it came to pension. I found flying business jets fit my lifestyle a lot better and have enjoyed my career. At 64 though, I wish I was facing a pension. :)
I only just discovered your channel today, but I gotta say thank you for putting out these awesome videos. I'm a 20 year old A&P who is flying right seat on Falcon 20's and working on my 3 years for IA and building time for upgrading to captain. I've never had the interest of going airlines; from day one my end goal was to end up where you are now. All this time I've felt like I was blazing a new trail taking the unconventional route, so it is refreshing to come across your videos and listen to someone who went that way as well. Thank you for sharing your story, and you know I'll be tuned in for your advice from here on out! Thank you!
Thanks this video is really great! I want to get into corporate flying soon as I'm still very young and just got my CPL and will have to wait quite some time to get my ATP. After I get my CFI and do that for a year or two, I want to try and transition over to corporate if possible and have some fun in that world and maybe stay there full time instead of going to the airlines!
Happy Birthday bud! Thanks for doing this and being transparent. It means a lot and your success is a big motivation for me. I'd work with you any day. Be safe, take care. See you on the next one
Not many other videos like this on this platform, very rich with information and clear cut, given me a lot to aspire to. I hope there's similar pathways in the UK. Great video.
Just came across your video and it definitely gave me more confidence in making a career switch. In my mid 20’s and also coming from the music industry (corporate and touring production). As much as I love what I do, I think I’ve always had a passion for aviation!
Your exactly right. You have to network and market yourself!!! You'd be surprised how far knowing and meeting new people can take you. You'll find that it's such a small world. Probably the best advice you could give anyone!!! Great channel. I enjoy watching you. You proved with this video nothing comes easy. You have to work for it. You did it right and you deserve the success.
Hey man! just recently found your channel and love the content. Im currently 31 and about to take me knowledge test for my private and then start my flying. Your content is both inspirational and has helped in my motivation as well to knuckle down and put in the work. I have been on the commercial vibe for a while but never knew what cooperate flying had to offer. You are the man and look out for me in your comment section Happy birthday bro
Just found your channel - love it. Thanks for dedicating the time, it's invaluable info and insight. I'm ex-military helicopter guy converting over to planes and was torn between Commercial vs Corporate but I think you've just swung it for me. Thanks man!
Thanks for sharing this, as someone based in Aus who is looking to get into the corporate industry, it definitely helps understanding all the work that you've put in and experiences you've had to make it possible.
You’re awesome. You are someone I look up to and not just because I want to start my flight training. Who you are as a person is inspiring. I don’t have any male figures to look up to in my life so thank you for putting yourself out here on UA-cam. Happy birthday and cheers to 26k!
Loved this video, and honestly all of your videos. I am a student pilot in a part 141 school, currently working on instrument as we speak and excited for commercial. Your videos are so helpful and beneficial, thank you!! I continuously look forward to your videos, keep it up brother!!!
Another great video brother! Would love to hear more about your previous career in music that basically allowed you to retire at ~30 and pick up aviation as a hobby that led to another great career. Enjoy paradise bro!
Got my A&P at 22 after dropping out of college. Worked at a major, and got my IA. Saved a third of my income every year, bought a Mooney J at 27 for 165k. Flew it for 1500 hours, and did a little instructing in it. Got my multi. and got my ATP at 29. Got hired onto the same major with a large bonus. Finished my bachelors collected my bonus after a couple years, then bounced over to UPS because Louisville is my hometown. Flying internationals now making more than I ever thought I would. That income let me build some aviation related and unrelated businesses. There are a million paths to those 1500 hours. I paid for every penny of my training and expenses, all and all around 300k to my ATP including the plane. While starting a family, and trying to be an attentive husband. Aviation is only easy if you're already a millionaire.
Love the channel. I used to work for Go rentals in Houston and that got me obsessed with planes. Overall, so cool and thanks for giving us that inside look.
Dude! That’s Awesome!! My son and I started at FunOutside last year as well. We now own a Cessna 150 which he is getting his PPL on, and a Cherokee 140, which I am getting my Instrument and Commercial Ratings on….. Looking forward to getting to your level soon!! Keep up the Great Work! 🛩️
Very interesting and informative. You should also mention that networking is integral in most industries and aspects of life.Everybody is more comfortable working/dealing with people they know.
Very open and honest Q&A. Thanks. I was curious about the corporate world. Wannabes have to make the effort - its achievable. I started loading bags and recently retired as a 744 Captain. Airline and corporate are indeed very different, each having their pros and cons.
Good stuff. I’m local to your area and hope to bump into you some day at an event or airport! Keep up the good work and don’t forget to share the progress with the Arrow! It’s gonna be sick- especially when you slap a new alternator in it!
Forgot to mention my dad's j -3 cub had what was called heel brakes but I can't find anyone with a. J-3 giving instructions in it lol it was my dream as a boy to be a corporate pilot my dad was for a while I'm just interested now on my light sport there's an A. T. P at Riverside municipal airport it's a great school that's great advice
Awesome video! If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you? Seems like you’ve accomplished so much in life already. Can you talk more about your past career in music and what your retired from?
I prefer to keep my personal information, not part of this channel as well as my previous endeavors maybe in the future I will do a video on it but for now I prefer to keep this channel Aviation based
I love that you are having great success in aviation. I flew for a living for over 20 plus years. ATP /jet, rotorcraft, mechanic. I’ve gotta say for me personally corporate can be really tough depending on where you live. Keep in mind that not all places are as busy as Ca. It can be very, very political at smaller airports and not always in a good way. Keep in mind the tow on your family while you a gone all the time. A lot of pilots I know have have marital issues from the strain on travel all the time. If you have small kids be prepared to miss birthdays, ballgames, anniversaries etc…. As a young single man, this was cool for a while. After marriage and family, it really grew old for me. The fun was no longer there. Keep this in mind when considering aviation as a career field. I have to say, I wouldn’t have lived a fulfilled life not having done it. But there is a time for everything. My family came first and that’s why I got out of full time flying. It did however afford me other opportunities that I continue to this day, but I would never go back. Not trying to be negative at all, just giving a heads up on what to expect. Blue skies to you!
That’s all definitely true! Congrats on a great career! Luckily for me, this is all just for fun, the minute it stops being fun or affects my family time, I’m out. Cheers man, great advice for some of these up and coming guys for sure!!!
I have to go light sport at first I lost my leg below the knee saving a girls life on the freeway and got hit I tried cessna's and pipers I can't consistently brake properly but I flew a Remos and it's perfect you don't brake with your feet but the flight school I was in went out of business from COVID another fantastic video I look forward to these I have learned so much thank you seriously thanks brother
I like Remo’s, liberty XL2’s also use thumb brakes, also early cherokees use a hand brake under the dash, even my arrow has one in addition to the toe brakes.
On your next video, talk more about any monies you made as an A&P and then how much you use your IA. I am a 310+ Mooney owner working on my A&P plus commercial ratings.
I spent 2 decades mainly as a news photog. Saw the legit folks versus the network of folks who fit in a groups of people. I’ve seen legit photogs with talent from small/mid market move up fast on sheer ability, but seen group of folks move up just by being in a group but little ability. Not a pilot but av interested since a kid…but have been around knowledge/circle of folks and all the drama related…also met many celebs… The best of the best will find a path that pays well. Never stop learning. Knowledge is near free now…experience is costly.
It's Eric Brovich. I spoke to Garret again on Saturday and he's just working on lining up one of their CFI's for me. After speaking to a few different flight schools he has the best vibe by a longshot, it's not even close. Excited to get rockin'.
I wouldn’t have any of the jobs I have if someone else paid for my training. I’d be stuck in some miserable 135 job on min rest 14 days out of each month. 🤮 I pay my trainings, I make my own rules. Easy peasey
Great Tommy, excellent video, I took the time to watch it in its entirety and I thank you for sharing some of your great experience in the field. I would like you to tell us how the area of mechanics earns good money and what are the job prospects, thanks..!!!
Not sure if you'll see this but what company were you flying for when you were flying for the DOD/ State Dept, if you're even allowed to say. You were talking about it at 13:00. I would honestly love to do that after I get out of the Navy. Love the content!
I'm retired from the military, was an aviation mechanic on fighter jets for well over a decade. Have my A & P and my private pilot. That being said, all you military aviation mechanics you literally have a get out of jail free card...get your A & P asap because you have the hours automatically through military contract ESPECIALLY AIR FORCE (the Air Force training schools are college accredited). Looking forward to going back to flight school and finishing. My preferred "want" is to fly freighters instead of passenger if I go airline. Like you said networking is everything and at a flight school that is a good start. I still have contact with every flight instructor that I know.
Which A&P school did you go to? I’m in OC and looking to go a similar direction. I fly for fun at the moment and am effectively retired but way too young to be actually retired. I always thought about doing the flight school and or a&p thing but keep telling myself it’s a dumb idea. Was pumped to hear you talk about doing exactly that.
I went to a local A&P school in socal. I dont want to be more specific than that right now. That being said, anything involving airplanes is a good time and can provide tons of extra income.
@@gear_down hey man. Loved the video, you’ve done absolutely amazing! Kudos to yourself & yes I’m studying like mental Shepard air is brilliant. Keep going dude. It’s great to see people achieving stuff. ✈️✈️
I've started networking with other fellow CFIs and students that may have connections. No bites anywhere I've been asking. At 700 hours all I keep getting is "get to 1500, get to 1500, get more hours, this and that". With all of these people dangling a 6 figure salary in front of me when I can barely afford rent every month as a CFI it's taking the wind out of my sails.
That’s BS, the operators are out there. You need to look at the off the beaten path airports!!! Mid west has tons of operators with a low cost of living!
Love your videos man. Been an A&P since 18. Working on my IFR now and plan on Flying corporate. How does one get into flying for a celeb? I’m assuming networking. Company I work for bought Taylor Swifts falcon, and it was awesome seeing the hangar and setup they have. After her concert last night, I would love to be able to fly around on tour.
Being a celeb pilot is definitely a network thing. Doubtful it would ever happen to a “newer” pilot as their insurance requirements are pretty steep hour wise
A lot of people ask how to network. What I’ve found best is learning about different types of aircraft. Especially if you’re low time like me and in GA. Ever since I started paying more attention to what the cool plane I saw was or what those avionics I saw were it started opening a lot of doors. Even as a cfi everytime I see some cool shit pull up to the airport I go and talk to the owner about it. Unless they’re a complete dick they don’t mind giving you some info on it. Maybe nothing happens but maybe sometimes they need a cfi to get there comm or a ii to safety pilot or whatever it is. When you meet people that own aircraft odds are they know a guy with something bigger and better. The hardest part to this isn’t learning about what types of planes there are it’s about carrying yourself respectfully and with some confidence and being willing to just go say what’s up and shoot the shit. There’s been so much cool aircraft I’ve flown just by doing this that I never thought I’d get a chance to. I’m not rich nor do I have a plane. I just love aviation and other aviators will respect your passion. Get out there and shoot your shot. Hope this helps ✌🏻
My regular clients on their and Aircraft and call me when it’s time to fly. The rest of the trips come from companies that need a pilot to fill-in on Jets that are either Owned or managed by them
Hey bro, awesome video. Any advice for a 16 year old living in new zealand? I eventually want to get into contracting but not sure theres much of a market for it over here.
What did you plan / accomplish to put yourself into your current position as to retire and pursue the aviation dream you had? Video had great detail on current position and aviation networking , curious to know the beginning of your journey !
My Grandson wants to make a career as a commercial pilot. He just got his pilots license the Fullerton Airport. He is planning to attend training classes in SoCal to grow his knowledge. He is 19 years old and has a great work ethic owning a small business since 10. He wants to work his way up to jet pilot in globally. Any suggestions for a raw talent.
This was a great video and I know nothing about flying a plane!! Clearing $600k a year is a lot of cake and proof the American Dream is very much alive!!!
Yep that's where I'm atin terms of my end goal, in part thanks to your channel, what you're doing is alot more chilled out and just fun... There's just no way as I've indicated before that I could fit in to the strict and very controlled ATPL atmosphere,not like private pilot work is a bed of roses either, but man that's not me dressed in black and white unhappy underpaid and jet lagged all the time
@@gear_down well thanks brother, it's interesting that you say you retired from the music industry, what type of music was that? We're you a performing artist? Or a manager, or producer, I'd reckon you were probably in some kind of organizational position, cos vectoring in n shit ain't rapping! I went to Los Angeles on Dec 31st 1990 to make it big playing the blues... I never did make it big, I play good guitar but I'm like a three chord wonder... I washed car windscreens on Lincoln and Venice, from like 5 or 6am, and recycled cans and bottles for food vouchers to survive.. I I basically traveled playing didjeriduu,,and guitar, also making sculptures and selling them and paintings San Francisco, Venice Beach, Arizona, Flagstaff, Sedona, Santa Fe and Taos New Mexico, New York, Miami, France, Italy Spain, Denmark, Norway Sweden, up till this day... So that line of work we are discussing would be a great way to travel and also get paid... As I have always loved adventure and traveling. I've been over to India six times since 1998 to learn Indian Flute, and meditation, India is so vast and one amazing place to travel in... You have over there train journeys from say Pune to Patankhot at the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains that last three days
I had to become a truck driver and grind to save the money for flight school. Now im about to start training. i don't even like trucks but i had to do it. Good idea for that 17 year old trying to find funds. (Future gear down pilot).
Hey man, you helped push me to make the decision to pursue my commercial license. I’m 27 and stopped flying after my private because I felt like you, didn’t like the idea of commercial aviation. Not to be rude or judgmental but I felt like I didn’t fit in aviation. A lot of straight laced types with their clean shaves. It’s cool to see someone who doesn’t come off so preppy. And to see you can make a career in a space where it’s a bit more free spirited.
THIS IS WHY I MAKE VIDEOS! Congratulations! Good luck on your journey
You have to understand that Gear Down is an anomaly in the business aviation community. He is a unique case and a combination of businessman and pilot. If you showed up to 95% of jobs looking like him, you would be cast aside. In his case, he has found a niche, no doubt capitalizing on music and entertainment industry friends. It IS all about networking and this is his turf. Unless you have an established network in a niche market, you better be the clean-cut, straight-laced type you disdain.
In my career, I did the major airline gig, didn't like it, moved into corporate, didn't like the rigidity of it and eventually ended up with a family flying them and hope it sees me to the end of my career. They treat you like a person and a family member, much like two tours I did with a rock band. But the other 95% is clean-cut, uniform-wearing conforming pilots who look like what the average business jet client expects to see. Fortunately, there is a happy place in aviation for every personality and no two jobs in your career progression will be the same. You will be doing yourself a great favor if you always do your best, move along rather than being a whiner and enjoy every step of your journey whether it is good or bad.
Pilots and owners do tend to be brand loyal. For Americans, that is Gulfstream, for Canadians, Bombardier and for pilots, Dassault. :).
How are things now?
Same here. Turning 28 soon. It's a huge investment to dive back into it again, though.
Same here - at 46 :D (but already long time private Pilot)
My Dad always told me. The more you expose yourself to opportunities, the more opportunities will present themselves
You’re day was very very correct!!! Thanks for watching
Dude, you you nailed the Q&A. All great advice and super inspirational. Love how you put your nose to the grindstone and carved out your own unique path. Well done, my man.
Outstanding Q&A for pilots. As I let you know, last week I'm an A&P and retired now. Retired life is not as good as it's let on to believe. Anyway, I tell people, "The Aviation Industry is one of the largest industries in the world but the smallest Communities". There are people in this industry that I've known for 30-plus years, and I have worked for and have worked for me. One reason you dont burn bridges. For those out there that watch your videos for your knowledge, they should know that you are 100% correct, Networking is very helpful in the Aviation Industry if you are new to it or have been in it. Again, outstanding video.
Thanks for your videos, as I look forward to them.
Thanks so much for the great comment! I agree on ALL points!!! Which is why I’m unretired again lol
❤
“Largest industry, smallest community” is spot on… I’m lawyer in the industry and I see this every day.
“Largest industry, smallest community” is spot on… I’m lawyer in the industry and I see this every day.
Found you thru some of Owens videos. I like your fresh take on aviation. I really appreciate how you literally respond to every comment. That shows what kind of character you have!!!
Cheers man! Glad u found the channel!
Your inspirational man. I’m not a pilot or even considering it but I like where your heads at and your attitude about life. Keep crushing it!
Thats s bummer. I love AA. I agree
You’re a likable guy and very smart so that’s why you’re so successful. I’m 66 now and to me even though I don’t have near what you have I feel I’m very successful and pay it forward by volunteering full time as a Veterans Service Officer helping disabled Veterans get the benefits they deserve. Success is in the eyes of the beholder so even though I have chronic pain and PTSD issues because of the pain I live with I feel as successful as you. Keep up the great work of informing the next generation of pilots behind you. You are truly a good person to me by watching your videos. So after being in the service and then being a Police Officer I enjoy what I do by volunteering. I love aviation but only got about 10 hours at about 25 years old and then couldn’t afford it anymore while trying to grow a family. Again thank you for what you do for the up and coming behind you. Ken
Thanks, I appreciate that so much, big ups to you for all youve done and thanks for your service.
A good friend of mine that's been flying for United for about 20 years now said the exact same thing about networking. This is great advice, thanks so much for doing this. That resort looks amazing, happy flying!
Thanks for watching!!! Cheers!
As a flight student, please make sure you can handle a fast-paced training program because it is intense, and learning to fly looks easier than it actually is. There will be concepts that you may not understand, and you might have to repeat lessons again, and that's ok because it is so worth it when you get your wings.
You hit the nail on the head!
do you need good eye sight? I wear glasses.
@@assassin7250 I wear glasses, too, but an AME will do several eye test.
Great Channel! I love to watch people who just know their shit! And who don't use it to talk down to people. Your passion is palpable and what every "subject matter expert" regardless of subject should aspire to. Cheers!
Wow thanks for the compliment man!
I am an A&P in training right now in Highschool in Phoenix, AZ and after some research about different pilot careers and after the NBAA spoke to our A&P class I knew that I wanted to pursue business aviation. This video answered a lot of my questions so thank you for taking your time to make it. I got a scholarship from my local EAA chapter to go to Oshkosh from the 18th to the 26th of July attending the EAA Air Academy camp and I hope to meet you there.
Very open and honest Q&A. Thanks. Wannabes have to make the effort - its achievable. I started loading bags and recently retired as a 744 Captain. Airline and corporate are indeed very different, each having their pros and cons.
That’s what I’m taking about!!! Congrats on the retirement captain!!!
When I moved from airline to corporate 30 years ago, I knew I would take a massive hit when it came to pension. I found flying business jets fit my lifestyle a lot better and have enjoyed my career. At 64 though, I wish I was facing a pension. :)
I only just discovered your channel today, but I gotta say thank you for putting out these awesome videos. I'm a 20 year old A&P who is flying right seat on Falcon 20's and working on my 3 years for IA and building time for upgrading to captain. I've never had the interest of going airlines; from day one my end goal was to end up where you are now. All this time I've felt like I was blazing a new trail taking the unconventional route, so it is refreshing to come across your videos and listen to someone who went that way as well. Thank you for sharing your story, and you know I'll be tuned in for your advice from here on out! Thank you!
Thanks this video is really great! I want to get into corporate flying soon as I'm still very young and just got my CPL and will have to wait quite some time to get my ATP. After I get my CFI and do that for a year or two, I want to try and transition over to corporate if possible and have some fun in that world and maybe stay there full time instead of going to the airlines!
I think social media is a great way for up and coming pilots to network! Looking forward to that shop tour of your cars!!
Definitely!!
Happy Birthday bud! Thanks for doing this and being transparent. It means a lot and your success is a big motivation for me. I'd work with you any day. Be safe, take care. See you on the next one
I appreciate that! Thanks for supporting the channel!! 🍻
Not many other videos like this on this platform, very rich with information and clear cut, given me a lot to aspire to. I hope there's similar pathways in the UK. Great video.
I hope so too! Best of luck man!!! Cheers!
Just came across your video and it definitely gave me more confidence in making a career switch. In my mid 20’s and also coming from the music industry (corporate and touring production). As much as I love what I do, I think I’ve always had a passion for aviation!
Probably one of your best videos yet. Enjoy your vacation!
Wow, thanks! I honestly hated it lol, but I want to help out as much as I can out here!
Great insight into the industry - real and compelling. Thanks so much for sharing . Belated Happy Birthday ! Hello from London, UK : - )
Thanks for watching! Cheers man!
Your exactly right. You have to network and market yourself!!! You'd be surprised how far knowing and meeting new people can take you. You'll find that it's such a small world. Probably the best advice you could give anyone!!! Great channel. I enjoy watching you. You proved with this video nothing comes easy. You have to work for it. You did it right and you deserve the success.
Hey man! just recently found your channel and love the content. Im currently 31 and about to take me knowledge test for my private and then start my flying. Your content is both inspirational and has helped in my motivation as well to knuckle down and put in the work. I have been on the commercial vibe for a while but never knew what cooperate flying had to offer. You are the man and look out for me in your comment section Happy birthday bro
Welcome aboard! Best of luck with your training. You made the right move hitting the written before starting.
@@gear_down Thanks man! Yeah all of my pilot buddies suggested completing the written first. Looking forward to your new videos
Thanks for a little insight to the question I asked. Keep the videos coming. 🤙🏽🤙🏽
No problem 👍 cheers man!
Just found your channel - love it. Thanks for dedicating the time, it's invaluable info and insight. I'm ex-military helicopter guy converting over to planes and was torn between Commercial vs Corporate but I think you've just swung it for me. Thanks man!
Thanks for sharing this, as someone based in Aus who is looking to get into the corporate industry, it definitely helps understanding all the work that you've put in and experiences you've had to make it possible.
Glad it was helpful!
You’re awesome. You are someone I look up to and not just because I want to start my flight training. Who you are as a person is inspiring. I don’t have any male figures to look up to in my life so thank you for putting yourself out here on UA-cam. Happy birthday and cheers to 26k!
Loved this video, and honestly all of your videos. I am a student pilot in a part 141 school, currently working on instrument as we speak and excited for commercial. Your videos are so helpful and beneficial, thank you!! I continuously look forward to your videos, keep it up brother!!!
Awesome man!!! Good luck on those rating and keep up the great work
Another great video brother! Would love to hear more about your previous career in music that basically allowed you to retire at ~30 and pick up aviation as a hobby that led to another great career. Enjoy paradise bro!
Thanks!! I’ll do one of those videos one of these days!
@@gear_down thanks bro, looking forward to it. BTW, how did you enjoy Thailand? I go quite often and love the country and people.
@@gear_down Cool, I'd love to hear about that as well.
Got my A&P at 22 after dropping out of college. Worked at a major, and got my IA. Saved a third of my income every year, bought a Mooney J at 27 for 165k. Flew it for 1500 hours, and did a little instructing in it. Got my multi. and got my ATP at 29. Got hired onto the same major with a large bonus. Finished my bachelors collected my bonus after a couple years, then bounced over to UPS because Louisville is my hometown. Flying internationals now making more than I ever thought I would. That income let me build some aviation related and unrelated businesses.
There are a million paths to those 1500 hours. I paid for every penny of my training and expenses, all and all around 300k to my ATP including the plane. While starting a family, and trying to be an attentive husband. Aviation is only easy if you're already a millionaire.
Love the channel. I used to work for Go rentals in Houston and that got me obsessed with planes. Overall, so cool and thanks for giving us that inside look.
subscribed when you said "get outside your circle" that's gold
Thanks for sharing your story. It’s always interesting to hear how people got to where they are. Love the video content you post.
Thank you so much. Shoutout to YOU for supporting the channel!!!
Dude! That’s Awesome!! My son and I started at FunOutside last year as well. We now own a Cessna 150 which he is getting his PPL on, and a Cherokee 140, which I am getting my Instrument and Commercial Ratings on….. Looking forward to getting to your level soon!!
Keep up the Great Work! 🛩️
Awesome man! Keep it up! See u up here soon!
Appreciate this video bro ! Real inspiration, especially for people like me wanting to get into the corporate world. Looking forward to the next one 👌
Appreciate it!! See u her next weekend!
Great video! Thanks for sharing! I never had a pilot license but at 60 have loved aviation for my entire life. I enjoy hearing your stories!
Thank so much for the support! Cheers!
Very interesting and informative. You should also mention that networking is integral in most industries and aspects of life.Everybody is more comfortable working/dealing with people they know.
Definitely, however I can’t really speak on industries I’m not involved in. Thanks for supporting the channel! Cheers
Great video man, i’m going to a university to get all my rating this fall. Your videos are definitely motivating to watch.
Awesome! Thank you! I’m glad they’re helpful!
Thanks Geardown for answering my question. Both are cool answers 🤙
Any time! Cheers man!
Very open and honest Q&A. Thanks. I was curious about the corporate world. Wannabes have to make the effort - its achievable. I started loading bags and recently retired as a 744 Captain. Airline and corporate are indeed very different, each having their pros and cons.
Happy birthday dude!
Thanks!
Good stuff. I’m local to your area and hope to bump into you some day at an event or airport!
Keep up the good work and don’t forget to share the progress with the Arrow! It’s gonna be sick- especially when you slap a new alternator in it!
Hahah definitely! Thanks for watching!
This is the content I've been looking for, i see myself in similar shoes as you once I start flying
Happy Birthday brother. Great content.
Thank you so much 😀 see ya next weekend!
Great video as always and have a good birthday or a happy late birthday 😊
Thank you and thank you!!!
Morning dude! looking forward to the video!
Thank you. It’s live now let’s goo!
Forgot to mention my dad's j -3 cub had what was called heel brakes but I can't find anyone with a. J-3 giving instructions in it lol it was my dream as a boy to be a corporate pilot my dad was for a while I'm just interested now on my light sport there's an A. T. P at Riverside municipal airport it's a great school that's great advice
I’m glad you found it helpful!!
Awesome video! If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you? Seems like you’ve accomplished so much in life already. Can you talk more about your past career in music and what your retired from?
I prefer to keep my personal information, not part of this channel as well as my previous endeavors maybe in the future I will do a video on it but for now I prefer to keep this channel Aviation based
Totally understand, no worries. Thanks for responding!
I love that you are having great success in aviation. I flew for a living for over 20 plus years. ATP /jet, rotorcraft, mechanic. I’ve gotta say for me personally corporate can be really tough depending on where you live. Keep in mind that not all places are as busy as Ca. It can be very, very political at smaller airports and not always in a good way. Keep in mind the tow on your family while you a gone all the time. A lot of pilots I know have have marital issues from the strain on travel all the time. If you have small kids be prepared to miss birthdays, ballgames, anniversaries etc…. As a young single man, this was cool for a while. After marriage and family, it really grew old for me. The fun was no longer there. Keep this in mind when considering aviation as a career field. I have to say, I wouldn’t have lived a fulfilled life not having done it. But there is a time for everything. My family came first and that’s why I got out of full time flying. It did however afford me other opportunities that I continue to this day, but I would never go back. Not trying to be negative at all, just giving a heads up on what to expect. Blue skies to you!
That’s all definitely true! Congrats on a great career! Luckily for me, this is all just for fun, the minute it stops being fun or affects my family time, I’m out. Cheers man, great advice for some of these up and coming guys for sure!!!
so what opportunities did it afford u that you're doing now?
hey ray, how much do you spent total on training and certs?
Great video and explanations. Currently working on my SIC for the citation 500 series. Always have been trying to expand my network!
Super cool!!!!!
GOAT UA-camr rn 💯
Thanks so much, means a lot! Ur the goat!
I’m starting my ATPL Integrated in august, my dream is to fly the Gulfstream some day. This Q&A was amazing and so informative🙏🏼love your stuff
Thank you for the videos! Hope to see u at Oshkosh!
I hope so too! Cheers!
Loved this Video. Thank you for all of your knowledge. I aspire to have the lifestyle that you currently have.
Hell yeah! God bless, brotha. Great QnA
I have to go light sport at first I lost my leg below the knee saving a girls life on the freeway and got hit I tried cessna's and pipers I can't consistently brake properly but I flew a Remos and it's perfect you don't brake with your feet but the flight school I was in went out of business from COVID another fantastic video I look forward to these I have learned so much thank you seriously thanks brother
I like Remo’s, liberty XL2’s also use thumb brakes, also early cherokees use a hand brake under the dash, even my arrow has one in addition to the toe brakes.
On your next video, talk more about any monies you made as an A&P and then how much you use your IA. I am a 310+ Mooney owner working on my A&P plus commercial ratings.
I only work on my own aircraft & aircraft I manage. :)
I spent 2 decades mainly as a news photog. Saw the legit folks versus the network of folks who fit in a groups of people. I’ve seen legit photogs with talent from small/mid market move up fast on sheer ability, but seen group of folks move up just by being in a group but little ability.
Not a pilot but av interested since a kid…but have been around knowledge/circle of folks and all the drama related…also met many celebs…
The best of the best will find a path that pays well. Never stop learning. Knowledge is near free now…experience is costly.
Super cool and very true!!!!
Awesome video as always dude, thank you for the sick content! What days are you gonna be at Oshkosh, I’d love to meet you! Keep killing the game 👊🛩️💨
Not too sure, just keep an eye out for happy dad hat/shirt 😁
Dude! I start my flight training at FunOutside next week! Garret is an awesome human!
Super Cool. Whats your name?
It's Eric Brovich. I spoke to Garret again on Saturday and he's just working on lining up one of their CFI's for me. After speaking to a few different flight schools he has the best vibe by a longshot, it's not even close. Excited to get rockin'.
Great Video. Thanks for candid answers. Enjoy your time on the beach !
Absolutely! Thank you so much! 🍻
Gotta say…. I was down on you for paying for training until you pulled out the 600k a year. Good for you dude. Awesome story……
I wouldn’t have any of the jobs I have if someone else paid for my training. I’d be stuck in some miserable 135 job on min rest 14 days out of each month. 🤮 I pay my trainings, I make my own rules. Easy peasey
Most valuable video so far, thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks for the Vidja. Love the rawness too. Great info. Slowtation!!! lol
Hahah it’s definitely slow! Fun, but slow
@@gear_down That's awesome. I am going to use that. 😂
Great Tommy, excellent video, I took the time to watch it in its entirety and I thank you for sharing some of your great experience in the field. I would like you to tell us how the area of mechanics earns good money and what are the job prospects, thanks..!!!
Thanks for making this video on Vacay my man
Not sure if you'll see this but what company were you flying for when you were flying for the DOD/ State Dept, if you're even allowed to say. You were talking about it at 13:00. I would honestly love to do that after I get out of the Navy. Love the content!
I'm retired from the military, was an aviation mechanic on fighter jets for well over a decade. Have my A & P and my private pilot. That being said, all you military aviation mechanics you literally have a get out of jail free card...get your A & P asap because you have the hours automatically through military contract ESPECIALLY AIR FORCE (the Air Force training schools are college accredited). Looking forward to going back to flight school and finishing. My preferred "want" is to fly freighters instead of passenger if I go airline. Like you said networking is everything and at a flight school that is a good start. I still have contact with every flight instructor that I know.
Which A&P school did you go to? I’m in OC and looking to go a similar direction. I fly for fun at the moment and am effectively retired but way too young to be actually retired. I always thought about doing the flight school and or a&p thing but keep telling myself it’s a dumb idea. Was pumped to hear you talk about doing exactly that.
I went to a local A&P school in socal. I dont want to be more specific than that right now. That being said, anything involving airplanes is a good time and can provide tons of extra income.
Fantastic recap. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video. Thanks for your transparency. Refreshing.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for supporting the channel
Great video dude!! Excellent, im really looking forward to getting my FAA license.
Best of luck! Let me know when you get it so I can congratulate you!!!
@@gear_down hey man. Loved the video, you’ve done absolutely amazing! Kudos to yourself & yes I’m studying like mental Shepard air is brilliant. Keep going dude. It’s great to see people achieving stuff. ✈️✈️
Keep up the great Success . Your video inspired me to go A&P school . In San Antonio Texas . Make more videos please .
I've started networking with other fellow CFIs and students that may have connections. No bites anywhere I've been asking. At 700 hours all I keep getting is "get to 1500, get to 1500, get more hours, this and that". With all of these people dangling a 6 figure salary in front of me when I can barely afford rent every month as a CFI it's taking the wind out of my sails.
That’s BS, the operators are out there. You need to look at the off the beaten path airports!!! Mid west has tons of operators with a low cost of living!
Don’t let anyone discourage you. Take your CFI ticket to a more affordable area!!!
Great insight Bro. Semper Fi🫡
Love your videos man. Been an A&P since 18. Working on my IFR now and plan on Flying corporate. How does one get into flying for a celeb? I’m assuming networking. Company I work for bought Taylor Swifts falcon, and it was awesome seeing the hangar and setup they have. After her concert last night, I would love to be able to fly around on tour.
Being a celeb pilot is definitely a network thing. Doubtful it would ever happen to a “newer” pilot as their insurance requirements are pretty steep hour wise
Very helpful video, keep it up man!
Appreciate it! Hope you picked up a Tidbit or two :)
Yes! yes ! One of the best careers out there !!
Thanks! It is fun!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Senor
Thank you!!!
A lot of people ask how to network. What I’ve found best is learning about different types of aircraft. Especially if you’re low time like me and in GA. Ever since I started paying more attention to what the cool plane I saw was or what those avionics I saw were it started opening a lot of doors. Even as a cfi everytime I see some cool shit pull up to the airport I go and talk to the owner about it. Unless they’re a complete dick they don’t mind giving you some info on it. Maybe nothing happens but maybe sometimes they need a cfi to get there comm or a ii to safety pilot or whatever it is. When you meet people that own aircraft odds are they know a guy with something bigger and better. The hardest part to this isn’t learning about what types of planes there are it’s about carrying yourself respectfully and with some confidence and being willing to just go say what’s up and shoot the shit. There’s been so much cool aircraft I’ve flown just by doing this that I never thought I’d get a chance to. I’m not rich nor do I have a plane. I just love aviation and other aviators will respect your passion. Get out there and shoot your shot. Hope this helps ✌🏻
All of this is very true! Good luck with your journey friend!
This is 🔥 got my private checkride at the end of this month
Thank you for this. It's too late for me but I hope to guide my 14 yo son to become a pilot (if he shows interest of course). THIS IS THE WAY
Very interesting. So I am confused on one thing. Do client’s contact you to fly them or do they contact a company that owns the Gulf Stream jets?
My regular clients on their and Aircraft and call me when it’s time to fly.
The rest of the trips come from companies that need a pilot to fill-in on Jets that are either Owned or managed by them
Are you G650ER type rated as well? And how come no more concert tour flight videos?
Thanks for sharing, super interesting and informative :D
Love the advice dude!
Glad it was helpful! Cheers!
Hey bro, awesome video. Any advice for a 16 year old living in new zealand? I eventually want to get into contracting but not sure theres much of a market for it over here.
That’s a tough one for me. I’ve never been to NZ, but I think my advice in this video works worldwide! 🤙
I'll see you at Oshkosh Grear Down!! S.O.S Bros. beer tent, first one on me!
Sounds good!
cool video man, thanks for sharing
Very helpful thanks Capt!
Thanks glad you enjoyed it!
Great stuff. Thanks for your info.
Glad it was helpful!!!
Great video as always 👊
Appreciate it! Thanks for supporting the channel!!!!!!
Why did you bring up math regarding the ATP question? I wasn’t aware there was math involved in receiving that certification?
Better go read up on the question bank
What did you plan / accomplish to put yourself into your current position as to retire and pursue the aviation dream you had? Video had great detail on current position and aviation networking , curious to know the beginning of your journey !
Good question! I’ll address it in a future video!
My Grandson wants to make a career as a commercial pilot. He just got his pilots license the Fullerton Airport. He is planning to attend training classes in SoCal to grow his knowledge. He is 19 years old and has a great work ethic owning a small business since 10. He wants to work his way up to jet pilot in globally. Any suggestions for a raw talent.
This was a great video and I know nothing about flying a plane!! Clearing $600k a year is a lot of cake and proof the American Dream is very much alive!!!
Have a great birthday. Cheers from Germany
Thanks man! Cheers!!
Yep that's where I'm atin terms of my end goal, in part thanks to your channel, what you're doing is alot more chilled out and just fun... There's just no way as I've indicated before that I could fit in to the strict and very controlled ATPL atmosphere,not like private pilot work is a bed of roses either, but man that's not me dressed in black and white unhappy underpaid and jet lagged all the time
This is the best comment ever!
@@gear_down well thanks brother, it's interesting that you say you retired from the music industry, what type of music was that? We're you a performing artist? Or a manager, or producer, I'd reckon you were probably in some kind of organizational position, cos vectoring in n shit ain't rapping! I went to Los Angeles on Dec 31st 1990 to make it big playing the blues... I never did make it big, I play good guitar but I'm like a three chord wonder... I washed car windscreens on Lincoln and Venice, from like 5 or 6am, and recycled cans and bottles for food vouchers to survive.. I I basically traveled playing didjeriduu,,and guitar, also making sculptures and selling them and paintings San Francisco, Venice Beach, Arizona, Flagstaff, Sedona, Santa Fe and Taos New Mexico, New York, Miami, France, Italy Spain, Denmark, Norway Sweden, up till this day... So that line of work we are discussing would be a great way to travel and also get paid... As I have always loved adventure and traveling. I've been over to India six times since 1998 to learn Indian Flute, and meditation, India is so vast and one amazing place to travel in... You have over there train journeys from say Pune to Patankhot at the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains that last three days
I had to become a truck driver and grind to save the money for flight school. Now im about to start training. i don't even like trucks but i had to do it. Good idea for that 17 year old trying to find funds. (Future gear down pilot).
Hey, you did what you had to do to make it happen. Period. Now you’re on the path!! Good luck with the training. It WILL be worthwhile!
@@gear_down thank you 🤙
How did you end up as a civilian contractor for the government? Can you talk more about that process?
Hi I am a retiring airline pilot but would like to continue flying as a corporate pilot. Would people hire me at 65?
Absolutely!