Ep.13: Airline, U.S.A.F. & GA, Flight Training — Nate’s Journey Across Aviation
In this episode, we talk with Nate Ehlers — founder of Backseat Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor, United Airlines Pilot, and C-17 Instructor Pilot in the Air Force Reserve.
Nate shares how his aviation career began and evolved across General Aviation, the Airline world, and the Air Force Reserve, and how each environment shaped his skills, mindset, and perspective as an aviator. We discuss the interaction between pilots and maintenance in both military and civil aviation, the importance of proper defect reporting, risk assessment, and SMS.
Nate also dives into flight training, the creation of Backseat Pilot, how he helps students prepare for their CFI exams, and how he built the platform entirely on his own. This compelling episode explores the similarities and differences between military and civil aviation, and reflects on how mentorship, collaboration, and striving to be your best are essential to moving aviation forward — and to developing and supporting the aviators of the future.
Enjoy! 🔧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews and aviation insights!
***USE CODE CAC20 FOR 20% DISCOUNT ON THE BACKSEAT PILOT COURSES***
Disclaimer: Backseat Pilot courses are offered independently by Nate Ehlers. C.A.C. Global Solutions is not affiliated with, nor responsible for, the delivery, management, or content of the courses. We’re simply sharing this opportunity with our community.
About Nate:
NATE EHLERS is the founder of Backseat Pilot, whose lesson plans are trusted by over 30,000 flight instructors worldwide. A Certified Flight Instructor, United Airlines pilot, and C-17 instructor pilot in the Air Force Reserve, Nate has logged more than 8,000 flight hours across general aviation, regional airlines, military airlift, and major airline operations. His career spans every major training pipeline - civilian, regional, military, and airline - giving him a unique, full-spectrum perspective on pilot development. After watching new CFIs burn hundreds of unpaid hours rewriting lesson plans before their CFI checkrides, Nate transformed his own battle-tested curriculum into a scalable platform that saves instructors months of prep time. Today, Backseat Pilot is a founder-led micro-SaaS platform, growing 100%+ year over year, with a mission to raise training standards, free instructors to focus on flying and teaching, and accelerate the path to the airlines for the next generation of aviators.
Discover our Book "Introduction to Aircraft Management":
Website: https://www.cacglobalsolutions.com/books
Amazon: https://a.co/d/dyz7zEB
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=4dgEEQAAQBAJ
Discover our Workshops & Training: https://www.cacglobalsolutions.com/training
Let's connect:
Monthly Newsletter: https://www.cacglobalsolutions.com/contact
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@C.A.C.GlobalSolutionsLtd.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cac-global-solutions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570524506535
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacglobal/
Our Services: Aircraft Management / Aviation Training / Transition Aircraft / Helicopter Ship-board Operations Management / Aircraft Registration & Delivery / AOC Start up / Maintenance Organization Start up / Aircraft Representation / Sales & Acquisitions / Technical Records Review / Manual Development / Auditing & Consulting
DISCLAMER: The information provided in this video is for informational purposes only and is not meant to take the place of professional legal, technical, accounting or financial advice. If you have any questions about this video or the subject discussed, or any other legal matter, you should consult with an attorney or a professional in your jurisdiction. The views and opinions expressed in these videos are those of the guests and are for entertainment purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of C.A.C. Global Solutions Ltd., subsidiaries, or any corporate entities they represent.
