By Brandon Martini, Co-CEO, Stratus Financial
In aviation, learning never really stops. Whether you’re logging your first hours as a student pilot or commanding a wide-body jet across the Atlantic, there’s always more to master. One of the most powerful ways to accelerate your growth and avoid costly mistakes is to learn from someone who’s already walked the path you’re on. That’s the power of aviation mentorship.
Why Aviation Mentorship Matters
Flying is both a technical skill and a mindset. While you can learn procedures from textbooks and instructors, aviation mentorship gives you access to the real-world wisdom that only comes from experience. A mentor can help you:
Navigate Career Choices – From deciding whether to instruct, fly charter, or go straight to the airlines, a mentor can share the pros and cons of each path based on firsthand experience.
Avoid Pitfalls – Every pilot makes mistakes. A good mentor will share theirs, so you don’t have to make the same ones.
Stay Motivated – Flight training and early career stages can be challenging. A mentor’s encouragement can help you push through the tough days.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Research across industries shows that people with mentors advance faster, earn more, and report greater job satisfaction. In aviation, where career progression is tied to seniority and flight hours, having someone to guide your decisions early through aviation mentorship can have a compounding effect for years to come.
Finding the Right Mentor
The best mentorship relationships are built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to growth. Start by looking within your existing network:
- Flight Instructors – Many CFIs are willing to stay connected long after you’ve moved on from their training.
- Fellow Pilots – More experienced pilots at your flight school, FBO, or airline can be great resources.
- Professional Organizations – Groups like AOPA, Women in Aviation International, and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals often have structured mentorship programs.
When reaching out, be specific about what you’re looking for. A simple, “I admire your career path and was wondering if you’d be open to sharing some advice from time to time” can go a long way.
Being a Good Mentee
A mentorship isn’t a one-way street. You get the most out of aviation mentorship by showing up prepared, respecting your mentor’s time, and acting on the guidance you’re given. Here are a few tips:
- Come with Questions – Don’t just ask, “What should I do?” Bring specific scenarios or decisions you’re facing.
- Follow Through – If your mentor suggests you read a resource, talk to someone, or try a new approach, do it and report back.
- Show Appreciation – A simple thank-you goes a long way in keeping the relationship strong.
Paying It Forward
One of the beautiful things about mentorship is that it comes full circle. As you gain experience, you’ll have the opportunity to mentor others. Not only is it rewarding, but teaching and guiding others also deepens your own understanding of the craft.
A Story from the Cockpit
When I was early in my career, I had a mentor who’d flown everything from bush planes in Alaska to heavy jets overseas. He once told me, “Every decision you make as a pilot has a ripple effect. A mentor just helps you make those ripples the right kind.” That advice has stuck with me—and I’ve tried to pass it on to every new pilot I’ve worked with.
Final Approach
Mentorship is one of the most valuable tools you can have in your aviation career. It shortens your learning curve, builds your confidence, and connects you to a network that can open doors you didn’t even know existed. So seek out those who’ve gone before you—and when the time comes, be the mentor who helps the next generation of aviators take flight.