FORTNIGHT ISA MULTIMEDIA DOCUMENTARY PROJECT ON THE MILLENNIAL GENERATION: THE LAST GENERATION TO REMEMBER A TIME WITHOUT THE INTERNET. |
the flying business
the flying business
FLYING IS ABOUT MORE THAN LIFT AND THRUST.
PILOT BEN DELVES INTO THE NATURE OF THE BUSINESS.
listen to the podcast now >>
FLYING IS ABOUT MORE THAN LIFT AND THRUST.
PILOT BEN DELVES INTO THE NATURE OF THE BUSINESS.
listen to the podcast now >>
 In this podcast, Pilot Ben Watsky speaks with editor Ian Campbell about the business of aviation. The aviation industry has undergone dramatic changes since its deregulation in 1978. No longer does it resemble the romantic world of flight as depicted in old films and TV shows. In fact, simply put, today's airline industry is struggling. This is in no small part due to rising fuel costs, as well as new technologies disrupting the old model of operation. "Since the 'recently canceled' show Pan Am has come out," says Ben, "all of us pilots laugh and say, wouldn't it be awesome if it was still like that." Deregulation, coupled with a fleet of aging aircraft (which are still operational), have created a cluttered airspace that today sees a flight from New York to Chicago time in at three hours, when it once took only two. Ben begins his time with Fortnight with a frank discussion of the challenges faced by the next generation of aviators, as well as what it’s like to live the life of a pilot in these challenging times. |
(If you are having trouble listening, use the flash player below.)
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Ben Watsky was born in California and was raised in New York. He has a Bachelor of Science from Daniel Webster College in Aviation Flight Operation and is currently earning his MBA in Aviation Business. He started flying at the age of 11, soloed at 16, and earned his Private Pilot's Certificate at 17, the minimum age. He has worked as a flight instructor, personal pilot and currently is commercial pilot with the largest regional airline in the United States.
