Join Hollie Bellino on The Aviator’s Guide as she sits down with Rear Admiral James Gib Godwin III — a U.S. Navy veteran with 33 years of service, missions in Vietnam and Desert Storm, and thousands of hours in two of the Navy’s most legendary aircraft: the A-7 Corsair and the F/A-18 Hornet.

Admiral Godwin shares his incredible journey from fleet pilot and Landing Signal Officer (LSO) to F-18 design contributor and instructor, and now President & CEO of Mercy Medical Angels. Hear first-hand stories of:

• Flying over 2,000 hours in the A-7 Corsair and 2,000 hours in the F/A-18 Hornet
• 34 combat missions during Desert Storm
• Helping design and instruct in the F-18 program
• Serving as an LSO and mentoring the next generation of naval aviators
• His current mission with Mercy Medical Angels, providing life-saving medical transportation to those in need

This is an inspiring conversation for pilots, veterans, and anyone fascinated by naval aviation history.

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Intro music was produced by Jacob Watson.

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This channel is for entertainment purposes only and represents solely my opinion and not the opinion, views, or position of any company, institution or corporation. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.

Thinking about becoming a professional pilot — or already on the path and wondering what’s next? In this 2025 update, we break down the latest changes in pilot hiring, what regional and major airlines are looking for, and the real-world options outside of airline flying that you might not have considered.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• ✍️ The newest pathway and cadet programs in 2025
• ✅ Current hiring requirements (TT, ATP mins, flight hours, etc.)
• 🚁 Unique flying careers outside the airlines: corporate, medevac, charter, cargo, government flying and more
• 💡 Tips straight from recruiters' mouths from the WAI conference
• Details about part 91, 135 and your ATP certificate

Whether you're just starting your training, in the right seat of a regional jet, or looking to pivot your flying career, this episode will give you clear, updated insights to help you make informed decisions.

🎧 Subscribe and follow for more pilot career guidance, interviews with aviation pros, and honest talk about life in the skies.

youraviatorsguide@gmail.com

Find The Aviator’s Guide Video Versions:

https://www.youtube.com/@the_aviatorsguide

Podcast Platforms for Listening to The Episodes:

https://linktr.ee/TheAviatorsGuide

Support The Aviator's Guide:

https://www.patreon.com/c/theaviatorsguide

https://account.venmo.com/u/hollie-bellino

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Find The Aviator's Guide on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/the_aviators_guide/

https://www.tiktok.com/@theaviatorsguide

https://www.facebook.com/theaviatorsguide/

Intro music was produced by Jacob Watson.

This channel is for entertainment purposes only and represents solely my opinion and not the opinion, views, or position of any company, institution or corporation. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.

Flight School Questions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X5XdeA4AhFLvYDzJYEhKEENu9Ox4T-8q/view?usp=sharing

Description:

In this episode, Hollie Bellino reviews some important things you need to be aware of before you decide to jump into the industry of aviation for your career. It’s better to be prepared, and this short episode will help you do just that in getting mentally prepared for your pilot journey!

youraviatorsguide@gmail.com

Podcast Platforms for Listening to The Episodes:

https://linktr.ee/TheAviatorsGuide

Find The Aviator’s Guide Video Versions:

https://www.youtube.com/@the_aviatorsguide

Support The Aviator's Guide:

https://www.patreon.com/c/theaviatorsguide

https://account.venmo.com/u/hollie-bellino

https://cash.app/$holliebellino

Find The Aviator's Guide on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/the_aviators_guide/

https://www.tiktok.com/@theaviatorsguide

https://www.facebook.com/theaviatorsguide/

Intro music was produced by Jacob Watson.

This channel is for entertainment purposes only and represents solely my opinion and not the opinion, views, or position of any company, institution or corporation. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. No copyright infringement intended. All rights belong to their respective owners.

Sources:

ATP pilot privileges (instructing): https://www.faa.gov/media/14031#:~:text=Since%20the%20ATP%20is%20not,be%20counted%20as%20instructional%20time