The BreakTurn Podcast

About The BreakTurn Podcast

Welcome to The BreakTurn Podcast, where we soar to new heights in the world of aviation! Join us for engaging conversations with industry leaders, seasoned experts, and trailblazers from every corner of the aviation community. Whether you’re a transitioning Service Member, an aviation enthusiast, or a seasoned professional, this podcast is your co-pilot to explore insights, trends, and opportunities in the ever-evolving aviation industry. From career advice and innovation to the personal stories that inspire, this is your destination for all things aviation!

Publisher

BreakTurn

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Jan 2025

Latest episode

11 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 Oct 2026

   Frontier Airlines | Episode 26.10

   ✈️ From Military Maintainer to Airline Mechanic: Frontier Airlines’ New TMTP Program In this episode of The BreakTurn Podcast, we sit down with Lauren Figueroa, Senior Recruiter at Frontier Airlines, to discuss the airline’s new Transitioning Military Technician Program (TMTP) and how military aviation maintainers can turn their experience into rewarding civilian aviation careers. With the aviation industry facing a growing shortage of qualified mechanics, Frontier is helping transitioning service members earn their FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification and secure employment through an accelerated pathway. Topics Covered: Frontier’s new TMTP program and $10,000 sign-on bonus Accelerated A&P certification and FAA Form 8610-2 Mechanic salaries, benefits, and career advancement Mentorship and employment opportunities at Frontier Why military maintenance experience is in high demand Whether you’re an active-duty maintainer preparing to transition or a veteran exploring your next career, this episode highlights an opportunity to put your military experience to work. 🔗 Learn More: Frontier Airlines: https://www.flyfrontier.com/careers/technical-operations/transitioning-military-technician-pathway-program (https://www.flyfrontier.com/careers/technical-operations/transitioning-military-technician-pathway-program) Email the team: TMTP@flyfrontier.com (mailto:TMTP@flyfrontier.com) BreakTurn: https://breakturn.com (https://breakturn.com) BreakTurn Academy: https://app.breakturn.com (https://app.breakturn.com) 🎙️ Subscribe to The BreakTurn Podcast and share this episode with a military maintainer who could benefit from this opportunity!

2. 

   8 May 2026

   AnywhereATP | Episode 26.5

   This episode features Jon "Gumby" and Loren "Ox" discussing innovative pathways for military veterans and pilots to transition into civilian aviation careers. They cover flight training, maintenance certification, GI Bill utilization, and industry connections, providing valuable insights for veterans planning their next steps.

3. 

   27 Feb 2026

   Logbooks with Nik Fialka | Episode 26.2

   Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you...Sir Nik Fialka. In this episode, hosts discuss recent industry changes, logbook best practices, and strategies for aspiring pilots navigating the airline application process. Featuring insights from Nik Fialka, a seasoned pilot and host of Ready for Pushback, the conversation offers practical advice on time logging, application timing, and contingency planning.00:00 The Importance of Accurate Logbooks01:00 The Role of Rumors in Aviation07:07 Clarifying Logbook Practices14:12 Contingency Planning in Aviation Careers28:17 The Importance of Proper Documentation29:01 Navigating Logbooks: A Personal Journey30:57 The Legalities of Flight Time Logging33:48 Understanding Logbook Requirements36:51 The Value of Digital Logbooks38:29 Best Practices for Flight Time Documentation40:40 Attention to Detail in Aviation42:34 Cross-Country Flight Time Logging44:27 Logging Night Flight Time53:13 Understanding Turbine Time in Aviation55:46 Logging PIC Time Effectively01:00:10 When to Apply for Airline Positions

4. 

   20 Jan 2026

   Catch-up with Dan Podcast | Episode 26.1

   Happy New Year! Our first episode of the year is Landon catching up with Dan. Dan was on another podcast episode 8 months ago where him and Sam went from zero to A320 type complete in only 7 months! This episode goes over where Dan is now, why he made the decisions he made, and how you can strategize to ensure your career is one that fits best for you.

5. 

   13 Nov 2025

   Podcast with Flex Air | Episode 25.8

   Landon interviews Cameron Kenning and Eddie Erdmann from Flex Air, who share insights on aviation training, SkillBridge opportunities, and career pathways for veterans transitioning into aviation as maintainers or pilots.

6. 

   26 Sept 2025

   Podcast with DPS | Episode 25.7

   Rochelle Kanianthra and Jim Leonard discuss Delta Professional Services' ATP-CTP program, highlighting its unique benefits for transitioning military and civilian pilots, in this interview episode.

7. 

   22 Aug 2025

   Podcast with Shawn | Episode 25.6

   Retired Army aviator Shawn Longwell shares his aviation transition from elite military pilot to airline captain, revealing lessons in adaptation and networking.

8. 

   15 Jul 2025

   Podcast with Dustin Foote | Episode 25.5

   Dustin Foote, former Blackhawk maintainer, examines the rising demand for A&P mechanics in aviation and shares insights on thriving in this evolving field in an interview.

9. 

   9 May 2025

   Podcast with Sam and Dan | Episode 25.4

   Zero-to-Type in 7 Months: An Unconventional Flight Training JourneySam and Dan embarked on an ambitious flight training path, starting with zero ratings or hours in airplanes and obtaining all their ratings, including an A320 type rating, in just 7 months. They achieved this remarkable feat while still serving active duty and with minimal personal cost.Discover the strategies and key concepts that made their accelerated journey possible:-- The Power of a Buddy and Networking: Sam and Dan emphasize doing this journey with a partner and the critical role of networking, both for navigating training challenges and connecting with people in the airline industry. -- Planning and Backplanning: Their journey began with a plan, backplanned from the requirements to be eligible for an ATP certificate. They decided against waiting until the end of their military service to start training, opting to mitigate risk early by investing in themselves and seeing if they even enjoyed flying airplanes.-- Mitigating Risk Early: Essential first steps include getting a Class One medical and taking a discovery flight to see if flying is something you like.-- Leveraging SkillBridge: A key motivation for their timeline was the opportunity to fly jets through a SkillBridge program, getting a foot in the door with a 135 carrier before fully separating from service.-- The Importance of Showing Up Prepared: Attending conferences like RTAG with credentials like a CTP written complete was a strategic advantage, making them more competitive and encouraging airlines to talk to them. They accelerated their timeline specifically to be ready for RTAG.-- Navigating Commercial Rating Paths: Learn about their differing decisions regarding the single-engine commercial rating – one skipped it for speed and efficiency, applying hours towards multi-engine and PIC time, while the other pursued it to use GI Bill benefits and log PIC hours. -- Creative Time Building: Hear how they synchronized flights using safety pilots to legally log PIC and cross-country time simultaneously, effectively cutting costs in half and making hours go further. They even used the planes as "ferry birds" for time building.-- ATP Paths: Explore the two main ways to get your ATP: in a light twin or in conjunction with a type rating. Getting a type rating can provide simulator hours that count towards the 50 multi-engine hour requirement, potentially saving money compared to building those hours in a light twin.-- Preparing for the Type Rating: Significant preparation is required before starting a type rating course, including completing the CPAT computer-based training and memorizing emergency procedures and limitations. Resources like One-step prep were instrumental for understanding systems and procedures.-- Normalizing Failure: Dan bravely shares his experience of failing his first type rating check ride maneuver, highlighting the pressure and nerves even experienced aviators face. The conversation underscores that making mistakes is normal on the journey to becoming an expert and can even provide powerful stories about overcoming adversity.-- Seek Counsel and Adapt: The pilot market environment changes, emphasizing the need to seek current counsel from experts like Breakturn counselors and be ready to adapt your plan.-- The Value of a Type Rating: While some say types don't matter, having one serves as a discriminator, showing prospective employers that you are trainable and have "done the thing" in a jet simulator.-- Action Beats Deliberation: The overarching theme is that starting movement and taking action, even small steps, is essential to achieving your goals.Sam and Dan's story is an inspiring example of leveraging resources, strategic planning, and taking decisive action to achieve a seemingly impossible goal.They also discuss the importance of learning civilian interview skills.

10. 

    15 Apr 2025

    Podcast with Daniel O'Neil | Episode 25.3

    From Hueys to the Flight Deck: Daniel O’Neil’s 32-Month Journey from USMC to ATP This week on BreakTurn, Landon sits down with Daniel O’Neil, a Marine Corps veteran who pulled off something truly exceptional: earning his Unrestricted ATP and A320 type rating in just 32 months—all while on active duty. Daniel’s story isn’t just about logging hours. It’s about intentional decision-making, raw discipline, time mastery, and a deep-rooted “why” that kept him driving forward, even when it meant studying at 1 a.m. after a full day in uniform. From recruiting duty in Texas to flying Hueys in Camp Pendleton, Daniel shares how family, resilience, and a chance billboard shaped his transition from Marine to professional aviator. Whether you’re E2A, E2C, a current service member, or just looking for real talk on what it takes to radically change your path—this one is for you. 🎧 In This Episode: • 00:00 – Intro and the viral RTAG post that caught our attention • 01:30 – Daniel’s USMC background and how recruiting duty shaped his passion for helping others • 05:00 – A pivotal CrossFit garage convo with his wife that flipped the switch • 10:00 – Why flying again became the answer and how a literal billboard started it all • 20:00 – Study habits, CFI prep, and how to squeeze 8 hours out of your “free” time • 30:00 – Fighting burnout: the cost of ambition and the importance of family buy-in • 38:00 – Deployment reflections, flying in Okinawa, and the power of finding your “why” • 47:00 – Strategic time building, schedule design, and maximizing the GI Bill • 55:00 – Why Daniel chose to pursue a type rating in the Airbus A320 • 1:15:00 – Staying grounded through pressure and what’s next for Daniel • 1:28:00 – Daniel’s final advice: win the day, don’t end on a zero, and break your goals into battle rhythms 💡 Key Takeaways: • Action beats deliberation—schedule it, and make it real • Know your “why” and let it drive every decision • Communication with your family isn’t optional—it’s critical • If you want it bad enough, you will make time • Use your network, lean into your community, and never end your day on a zero 📱 Connect with Daniel: • LinkedIn: ⁠Daniel O’Neil ⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-o-neil-b0a63a237/) • RTAG Community: Active member—DMs open! • ⁠Facebook Page⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/daniel.oneil.7374480)🎓 Resources Mentioned: • ⁠Ready For Pushback Podcast ⁠ (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ready-4-pushback/id1663950354)(Shoutout to Nick!) • BreakTurn’s Online Courseware for Vets → ⁠The BreakTurn Academy⁠ (app.breakturn.com) • Understanding Part 61 vs. Part 141 • Delta Training Center for ATP-CTP • ATP Jets | Dallas, TX • Avenger Flight Group • AeroGuard Flight School (San Diego) • Okinawa Aero Club 🎉 Thanks for Listening! We appreciate you tuning in to another episode of BreakTurn. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe—and share this episode with anyone navigating the military-to-aviation pipeline. ✈️ Until next time—stay sharp, stay grounded, and keep turning toward your next break.

11. 

    19 Feb 2025

    Everything A&P - BreakTurn x Nick McMillan from Delta Tech Ops

    Episode Summary: In this episode, Landon from BreakTurn interviews Nick McMillan from Delta Tech Ops to discuss the A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) certification and career opportunities for transitioning service members. Nick explains that A&P mechanics are certified to work on anything that flies, including airplanes, helicopters, and spacecraft. He highlights that military maintenance personnel possess valuable problem-solving skills that are highly sought after in the civilian aviation industry. The episode covers: The differences between military and commercial aviation maintenance. The various career paths available with an A&P certification, including opportunities in cruise ships, trains, roller coasters, and even Tesla. The high demand and potential for six-figure jobs in the field. Benefits of A&P jobs, including health benefits, 401k plans, and travel benefits. How to obtain an A&P certification through schools, mentorship programs, or military experience. The steps involved in the certification process, including written, oral, and practical exams. Nick emphasizes that the A&P certification provides a versatile skill set applicable to numerous industries, ensuring job security and opportunities for career advancement. He encourages military members to explore A&P careers and take advantage of available resources to obtain their certifications. The episode aims to educate and inspire viewers to consider A&P careers, highlighting the value and potential of this skilled trade.

12. 

    2 Jan 2025

    Podcast with Raven Careers Founder, James Onieal

    Are You Willing to Be Uncomfortable to Achieve Your Dream Aviation Career? | BreakTurn Podcast In this eye-opening episode of the BreakTurn Podcast, host Landon Cheben sits down with James ONieal, founder of Raven Careers, to discuss the realities of the aviation industry and how to land your dream job. James shares his incredible journey from being laid off during the 2008 financial crisis to building a successful career development company. Discover valuable insights into: * The current state of the aviation market and what to expect in the coming years. * The importance of having a solid career strategy, going beyond just resumes and interview prep. * Why "embracing discomfort" and taking calculated risks can lead to greater opportunities. * "Common pitfalls" military personnel face when transitioning to civilian aviation careers. * Why building a strong support structure is crucial for success. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with practical advice and real-world examples! Whether you're a seasoned pilot or just starting your aviation journey, you'll gain valuable knowledge from James's experience and expertise. Connect with James O'Neal: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesoneal * Raven Careers: https://www.ravencareers.com About BreakTurn: BreakTurn is a podcast dedicated to helping aspiring and current aviation professionals navigate their careers and achieve their goals. #aviation #pilotcareers #careerdevelopment #ravencareers #breakturnpodcast

Who has been a guest on The BreakTurn Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Cameron Kenning
• Eddie Erdmann
• Shawn Longwell
• Dustin Foote

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings