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The Advancing Pilot Podcast

The Advancing Pilot Podcast

Written by: Advancing Pilot
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The Advancing Pilot Podcast is a discussion of aviation and flight training topics for the aspiring Commercial pilot, flight instructor, or any pilot looking to go beyond the minimum requirements for a certificate and become the safest and most capable pilot that they can be!

© 2026 The Advancing Pilot Podcast
Episodes
  • Episode 2: Taming your Commercial night cross-country, and other night flying tips.
    Feb 23 2026

    Welcome to the Advancing Pilot Podcast!

    This is the podcast for aspiring Commercial pilots and flight instructors — or anyone interested in becoming a safer, more capable, and more confident pilot. Our goal is to help fill in the knowledge gaps that often exist between required training and real-world flying.

    Before we begin, a quick reminder:
    The ideas discussed here are not a substitute for training with a qualified flight instructor. Use them as a starting point for discussion with your CFI.

    Today’s Topic: Taming your Commercial night cross-country, and other night flying tips.

    Night flying can be some of the most rewarding time you’ll spend in an airplane — smoother air, less traffic, incredible views — but it also introduces risks and challenges that many pilots underestimate or fail to plan for.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Key regulations related to logging time, carrying passengers, using aircraft lights, and staying current at night.
    • Why the Commercial night cross-country is so valuable, and how to get the most out of it
    • How weather, terrain, and aircraft issues become more consequential after dark
    • Common night illusions and physiological limitations
    • Practical tips to make your night flights safer and more comfortable

    This episode will give you actionable strategies to approach night flying with greater confidence, competence, and safety.

    Stay Connected!

    If you enjoyed this episode:

    • Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen
    • Leave a 5-star rating
    • Sign up for the free newsletter at AdvancingPilot.com
    • Follow along on Instagram @AdvancingPilot

    Thanks for listening — and fly safe! 🛩️

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    13 mins
  • Episode 1: Five unexpected ways to improve your flying.
    Feb 12 2026


    Welcome to the Advancing Pilot Podcast!

    This is the podcast for aspiring Commercial pilots and flight instructors — or anyone interested in becoming a safer, more capable, and more confident pilot. Our goal is to help fill in the knowledge gaps that often exist between required training and real-world flying.

    Before we begin, a quick reminder:
    The ideas discussed here are not a substitute for training with a qualified flight instructor. Use them as a starting point for discussion with your CFI.

    Today’s Topic: 5 Unexpected Ways to Improve Your Flying

    We're all familiar with the most common advice for improving aviation skills and knowledge — but today’s episode focuses on less obvious strategies that can have a big impact on performance and safety.

    Preview of the tips discussed:

    1. Be Intentional About Your Inner (and Outer) Dialogue

    2. Consider Spin / Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT)

    3. Find (or Create) a Learning Cohort

    4. Consider Becoming a Ground Instructor

    5. Don’t Forget to Breathe

    Stay Connected!

    If you enjoyed this episode:

    • Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen

    • Sign up for the free newsletter at AdvancingPilot.com

    • Follow along on Instagram @AdvancingPilot

    Thanks for listening — and fly safe! 🛩️


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    11 mins
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