Podcast

Episode 89- The Backseat Pilot Story: From C-17 Instructor to Aviation Innovator

Episode 89- The Backseat Pilot Story: From C-17 Instructor to Aviation Innovator

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Leadership at Altitude: Creating a Culture of Safety

In this episode of the LD Aviation Podcast, host Lindsay Dyer talks with Nate Ehlers, an airline pilot, former C17 instructor, and founder of Backseat Pilot. Nate shares his story of starting on the ramp, moving into the cockpit, and eventually building a business that helps the next generation of flight instructors and students. His journey shows how hard work, curiosity, and saying yes to opportunities can completely change a career.

✈️ This conversation is about more than aviation. It’s about growth, mentorship, and finding purpose in every stage of the journey. Whether you are just getting started in aviation or already flying at the highest level, Nate’s story is a reminder that every flight path begins with persistence and passion for the skies.

Check out backseatpilot.com

Major Themes & Concepts

  • Every Journey Starts Somewhere
    Nate’s path is a reminder that every career begins with small steps and a willingness to learn. Working on the ramp taught him to value every person and every job that keeps aviation moving.
  • Growth Through Every Chapter
    From teaching students to flying the C17 and later joining the airlines, each chapter of Nate’s story brought lessons about leadership, patience, and staying open to what comes next.
  • Turning Passion Into Purpose
    What started as a simple idea to help flight instructors became a business that now supports pilots around the world. Nate shows how passion, hard work, and belief in your vision can open new doors.

Chapter Breakdown

00:00 – Intro: Behind the Scenes of LD Aviation 

01:15 – Meet Nate Ehlers: Pilot, Instructor & Entrepreneur 

03:40 – Early Beginnings in Aviation 

06:10 – Discovering the Air Force Path 

09:55 – The Military Selection Maze 

13:05 – From Civilian CFI to C-17 Pilot 

15:30 – How Military Training Shapes Civilian Flying 

17:25 – Lessons from Teaching Across Fields 

19:10 – Why Ground Operations Matter for Every Pilot 

21:25 – Real-World Maintenance & Flight Stories 

23:40 – Learning the Other Side: Dispatch & Ops Perspective 

26:05 – The Power of a Plan B in Aviation Careers 

28:10 – Furloughs, the 2020 Impact & the Reserve Advantage 

30:30 – Networking on the Ramp & Building Connections 

32:20 – Unexpected Detours that Shaped Nate’s Career 

35:00 – How to Build Meaningful Aviation Relationships 

36:20 – Turning an Idea into a Business: Backseat Pilot 

38:50 – How a Simple Idea Took Off Mid-Flight 

41:00 – Building Lesson Plans for Flight Instructors 

43:15 – From Side Hustle to Aviation Brand 

45:20 – Marketing Without Ads: The Power of Word of Mouth 

47:10 – The Long Road: Patience in Building a Brand 

50:05 – AI in Aviation Training: What’s Possible Now 

54:20 – The Future of Learning for CFIs 

57:00 – Building the Next Generation of Flight Training Tools 

1:00:25 – From Lesson Plans to Full Training Systems 

1:04:10 – Final Advice: Persistence in the Sky & Business 

1:06:15 – Where to Find Backseat Pilot & Wrap-Up

Guest Info:

Host Information:

Production, Distribution, and Marketing

For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email jeanette@ldaviation.net