S.2 Ep.2 - The Aviation Shortcut Nobody Talks About: Glider Flying - with Eric Tellmann

What do Marine Corps aviation maintenance, flying 747s, Spirit Airlines, skydiving operations, and glider racing all have in common? This week on the MO-Air Podcast, we sit down with Eric Tellmann, a former Spirit Airlines captain, Marine Corps veteran, and passionate glider instructor who is helping shape the next generation of pilots. Eric shares his journey from soloing an airplane the day before boot camp to flying Beech 1900s through the Rocky Mountains, operating King Airs and Falcons, Captain seat in the Boeing 747, and eventually discovering a passion for soaring. We dive deep into the world of gliders, discussing how soaring develops superior stick-and-rudder skills, emergency decision-making, situational awareness, and why it may be one of the most affordable paths into aviation. Eric also explains how young pilots can build flight time, earn ratings, and even get paid flying tow planes much earlier than most people realize. Whether you're an airline pilot, student pilot, aviation enthusiast, or someone who's never considered gliders before, this episode offers a unique perspective on flying and the aviation industry. Topics Covered:  Marine Corps aviation support and maintenance  Flying Beech 1900s through the Rocky Mountains  Flying the Boeing 747  Corporate aviation and skydiving operations  The benefits of glider training  How gliders make better pilots  Glider racing and cross-country soaring  Affordable pathways into aviation  Building flight time as a tow pilot  Advice for aspiring airline pilots If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow aviation enthusiast. TikTok - @FlyBoyzSoaring http://SSA.ORG http://Glidertracker.de http://Puretrack.io http://Weglide.org #aviation #flying #glider #podcast #pilot