Description

In Episode 1 of Aviator Edge, Bud and John sit down with Chris Collins—former Blue Angels #4, USMC F/A-18 pilot, carrier LSO, and current FedEx captain—for a deep dive into elite military aviation and how those skills translate to airline and corporate flying. Chris shares his path from Pensacola primary, to jets in the Marine Corps, to 350 aircraft-carrier landings (200+ at night), and ultimately to the Blue Angels demonstration team. We break down formation flying within inches, why centerline precision matters, the ACLS/ILS tech behind night carrier approaches, how LSOs manage deck pitch and wave-offs, and what it takes to pass the Blues’ rigorous selection process.

For aspiring pilots comparing airline vs. corporate vs. military careers, this conversation offers rare insight into decision-making under pressure, recurrent training, and lifestyle tradeoffs (from 320 travel days with the Blues to a balanced 12-day FedEx schedule). Chris explains how discipline, CRM, and standardization from the Marines map directly to civilian cockpits, plus candid stories about Topgun, supersonic operations, turbulence management, and the realities of show-day performance.

If you’re researching flight schools in Mesa, AZ or considering an accelerated “zero to CFI” program, Episode 1 doubles as a masterclass in mindset: how to build habits, study efficiently, handle go-around decisions without ego, and prepare for high-stakes checkrides. At Venture West Flight School (Falcon Field KFFZ, Mesa, Arizona), we bring that same high-standards culture to private pilot training, instrument rating, commercial multi-engine, and CFI training—with mentorship that keeps you progressing toward your airline or corporate goals.

Ready to get started? Book a Discovery Flight and see why Venture West is Mesa’s choice for accelerated flight training, career-focused pilot programs, and real-world preparation.

Key topics we cover

• Blue Angels selection, training blocks, and why “perfection” is the daily standard

• Carrier ops: ACLS vs. ILS, night minimums, deck pitch, hook-skip physics, LSO calls

• Formation flying within inches: control mods, HUD cues, paint references, turbulence tactics

• Marine Corps → airline transition: CRM, safety culture, schedule/lifestyle differences

• Topgun takeaways, supersonic rules, and international airshow operations

• Fitness & consistency on the road: sustainable routines for pilots

• Why Falcon Field (KFFZ) and Mesa, AZ offer an ideal training environment year-round