Introduction: Meet Ryan Huber

The episode opens with Bud and John welcoming Ryan Huber to the Aviator Edge podcast. Ryan is a corporate pilot flying a Gulfstream G650 and joins the show to discuss his aviation journey, compare his experiences with airline flying, and share insights into building a career in corporate aviation. Ryan traveled from Florida to join the recording and immediately sets the tone with enthusiasm about aviation.

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Early Passion for Aviation

Ryan’s passion for aviation began at a young age. He grew up near PDK airport in Atlanta, Georgia, where his grandmother regularly took him to watch airplanes. By the time he was three, he was already obsessed with flying. His passion grew when he received Microsoft Flight Simulator 10 at age 11, spending countless hours flying on the computer. At 10, Ryan took his first introductory flight—an experience that solidified his dream of becoming a pilot. When he learned he couldn't start training seriously due to his age, he cried—but the dream never left him.

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Educational Path & Early Training

Although aviation was always in the back of his mind, Ryan took a break from it during high school. But by senior year, he reignited the dream, earned his private pilot certificate, and initially enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. There, he debated whether to pursue a pilot career or explore aviation business roles like aircraft sales.

His time at Embry-Riddle exposed him to peers already flying contract trips in jets like Lears and Citations by age 19, making great money. That inspired him—he knew if he didn’t fly a jet, he’d regret it. Despite having a scholarship to Embry-Riddle, Ryan decided the traditional college route wasn’t for him.

He left after freshman year and enrolled at ATP Flight School in Lawrenceville, Georgia (LZU). The structured, accelerated program was a perfect fit. Ryan had already completed his private, so at ATP he went from Instrument to CFI/MEI in just five months, which he documented through a YouTube series.

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ATP Experience and YouTube Presence

Ryan speaks highly of ATP. He explains that consistent instructors, good weather, and efficient examiner availability made the accelerated pace possible. His documentation of his training experience on YouTube gained traction, helping other aspiring pilots understand what to expect from the program. He also created a Facebook group for ATP students and alumni that became a valuable resource.

While Ryan did not instruct for ATP after completing the program, he began his CFI career at CAE Oxford in Arizona, then later at Sawyer Aviation in Scottsdale, a small Part 61 school. His decision to work at Sawyer was strategic—it was connected to a charter certificate, which allowed him to network in the corporate space.

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First Corporate Jet Opportunity & Leap to International Flying

Ryan's break into corporate flying came when he joined Alante Air Charter flying a CJ3. But the real turning point came through a friend from Embry-Riddle who offered him a spot on a Gulfstream G650 operating out of Cairo, Egypt.

For three years, Ryan flew internationally under a rotational 45-days-on, 45-days-off schedule. He was based in Cairo but flew to and from Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The aircraft, an N-registered G650, had a four-pilot rotation. Ryan describes Cairo as chaotic but fascinating, a cultural shock compared to Western cities, yet an unforgettable experience.

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Life in Cairo & Lifestyle in Corporate Aviation

Living in Cairo had its perks and challenges. Ryan stayed at the Four Seasons during his rotations, a luxurious lifestyle for a young pilot in his 20s. When not flying, he spent time in cities like London, Nice, and Dubai. Despite the glamour, the job was demanding, especially when the company tried to reduce pilot staffing, increasing workload and time away from home.

Ryan eventually chose to leave the position to be with his now-wife and return to the U.S. He did some real estate on the side, including wholesaling, which he pursued more heavily between flying jobs. His social media following helped a bit with exposure, but real estate was also a personal passion and a second career avenue.

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Current Role and Corporate Flight Life

Today, Ryan is a G650 captain based out of FXE (Fort Lauderdale Executive), flying under Part 91 for a private owner. He enjoys a more flexible and balanced lifestyle compared to the rotation system in Egypt. Scheduling in corporate aviation varies widely—from rotational schedules to more fluid team-based structures depending on the operator.

On his Egypt rotation, Ryan would only fly around 150 hours per year. Corporate pilots might fly twice a week and spend a lot of time waiting for trips. It wasn’t always flying—it was also about being available. His downtime often felt like a mix between a luxury vacation and standby duty.

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The Importance of Networking in Aviation

Ryan emphasizes the critical role of networking in aviation. He got most of his jobs through referrals, not through resumes. He shares how one of his mentors from his instrument training days hired him six years later. That led to the key takeaway: the people in your class, your CFIs, and the connections you build early in training can define your career trajectory.

He notes that one pilot he flies with now owns multiple Jersey Mike’s franchises. Others own flight schools or buy and sell jets on the side. Having free time in corporate aviation often allows pilots to pursue secondary income or business ventures.

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Contrast with Airlines & Operational Demands

Bud and Ryan contrast corporate and airline flying. Airlines offer structure and stability, but the routine can feel monotonous. In corporate aviation, the pilot is responsible for flight planning, fuel calculations, checking runway suitability, international permits, and handling last-minute changes—such as a client wanting to divert to Iraq in the middle of the night.

This level of responsibility can be stressful but also engaging. You're not just a pilot—you're part dispatcher, part flight planner, part concierge. That can include loading luggage, stocking snacks, cleaning the cabin, and arranging ground transportation. In corporate aviation, the pilot is part of the VIP experience.

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Fitness and Wellness on the Road

Ryan is known for his fitness and regularly receives questions on how he stays in shape during trips. His advice is simple: consistency, sustainability, and simplicity. Use hotel gyms even if they only have a few dumbbells. Do something, even if it’s light. Walk on the treadmill, do a few curls, and stay consistent.

He avoids fad diets and instead focuses on protein intake, minimal sugar, and frequent small workouts rather than rare intense sessions. On the road, he combines hotel workouts with visits to local gyms offering day passes. He views health as a foundational pillar, and consistency as the key to long-term success.

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Training and Recurrent Type Ratings

Ryan completed his G650 initial training at CAE in Dubai and has since done recurrent training at several locations including FlightSafety in Savannah and CAE in Dallas. He shares that recent changes to recurrent training have made it more checkride-style, with actual pass/fail assessments rather than progressive training. His most recent training was in March.

Bud echoes that he experienced a similar rigorous checkride in Montreal, noting that the training environment is becoming more formal and structured.

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International Travel and Global Perspective

Ryan has visited 38 countries—25 to 30 of which were through work. Destinations have included nearly all of Western Europe, parts of the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North Africa. He shares how aviation helped him become more grateful for life in the U.S., having witnessed everything from poverty in Egypt to luxury in Dubai.

He and his wife Shay travel frequently during time off, with recent trips to Malaysia and Singapore for their honeymoon. Other personal travel spots include Thailand, Bali, Montenegro, and Croatia. Ryan enjoys experiences over material possessions and sees global travel as a key benefit of his aviation career.

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Reflections, Gratitude, and Final Thoughts

As the podcast wraps up, Ryan reflects on how blessed he’s been. From ATP to flying a G650 around the world, his career has been fast-paced and full of opportunity. His advice to aspiring pilots is to build relationships, stay consistent, pursue fitness, and remain humble.

He reminds listeners that flying is a service industry at the corporate level—it's not about ego but about taking care of people, being a team player, and ensuring a positive experience for the client.

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Conclusion

Ryan’s episode is an inspiring deep dive into the life of a young corporate pilot who’s made the most of opportunities, connections, and hustle. From Georgia to Cairo, from ATP to the Gulfstream flight deck, he shows what’s possible when passion meets discipline and networking. His story offers valuable insight for any aspiring aviator, whether aiming for the airlines, corporate jets, or global adventure.

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