Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above!

Episode 12 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above continues the three-part ATPL journey, this time diving into the intense, hands-on flight phase of pilot training. After conquering ground school in Part 1, A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz shares with host Jürgen Reis what it really meant to take his training into the sky — across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Listeners get a vivid look at:

- Winter operations in Canada — low jetstream, freezing temperatures, and the unique challenges they bring
- High-temperature flying in the U.S. — density altitude, aircraft performance, and staying sharp under physical stress
- The “eat, fly, study, sleep, repeat” lifestyle — months dedicated entirely to aviation
- The transition from PPL to multi-engine IFR — mastering complexity step by step
- Entering the multi-crew world — CRM, airline-style procedures, and preparing for real cockpit environments

Stefan describes how these intense months shaped his airmanship, discipline, and mindset — and why the international training environment was invaluable preparation for an airline cockpit.
Packed with guidance and real-world insight, this episode is a must-listen for anyone dreaming of a professional pilot career or curious about what ATPL flight training truly feels like behind the scenes.

Episode 11 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above launches a brand-new three-part series exploring how Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz worked his way from student to airline pilot.
In this first chapter, Stefan takes host Jürgen Reis back to the very beginning: his time at the Oxford Aviation Academy, one of Europe’s most respected pilot training institutions. He shares what life in full-time ATPL training really looks like — from strict uniforms, long study nights, and 14 demanding theoretical subjects to the discipline, focus, and mindset needed to succeed.
Listeners get a rare behind-the-scenes look at how high-pressure ground school shapes future pilots, why mentorship matters, and how to decide whether a professional pilot path is truly the right choice. Stefan also explains how he managed social life, stress, and expectations while staying motivated and finishing as one of his class’s top students.
Packed with practical insights for aspiring aviators, this episode offers a realistic, inspiring, and highly informative guide to what awaits behind the doors of Europe’s big aviation academies — before a single engine even starts turning.

Episode 10 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above continues the deep dive into gliding — focusing on one of its most fascinating aspects: the landing. How can you touch down safely when a go-around simply isn’t an option?
Former glider pilot and host Jürgen Reis shares how training, energy awareness, and constant planning create multiple safe landing options, even without power. Together with A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz, he contrasts glider approaches with those of modern airliners, revealing surprising overlaps and crucial differences.
Jürgen also offers hands-on advice for flight sim enthusiasts on how to configure simulators like FSX or Microsoft Flight Simulator for a realistic glider setup — including the art of coordinated flight with the yaw string and mastering the side-slip.
This episode celebrates the discipline and finesse behind every silent landing — where judgment, skill, and calm decision-making define true airmanship.

Episode 9 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above begins a brand-new series exploring the world of gliding — flight in its most elemental form. This time, the microphones are turned around: Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz interviews his co-host Jürgen Reis, who earned his glider pilot license at just 17, long before getting a driver’s license.
Jürgen shares what it’s like to learn real stick-and-rudder flying at a young age, take full responsibility for the aircraft and the airspace, and experience the thrill of silent flight powered only by nature. Together, they discuss how gliding builds strong foundations for a professional aviation career, the steps to get started today, and why this path remains one of the most affordable, inspiring entries into aviation.
Whether you’re a teenager dreaming of flight or a seasoned pilot nostalgic for your first thermals — this episode captures the freedom, discipline, and beauty of flying without an engine.

Episode 8 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above wraps up the listener-driven FAQ series with two fascinating topics that reveal the depth of a pilot’s profession.
Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz opens up to host Jürgen Reis about how airline pilots are trained to handle emergencies — mentally, technically, and as a team. From simulator sessions to real-life decision-making, discover how preparation turns potential crisis into controlled professionalism.
In the second half, the discussion shifts to the world of cargo operations: Would Stefan ever trade passengers for freight? What are the differences, pros and cons, and does flying cargo mean more “hands-on” flying time? Naturally, the iconic Boeing 747 — the Queen of the Skies — also makes an appearance.
Balancing adrenaline, insight, and a touch of aviation nostalgia, this episode is a powerful finale to the FAQ series — and a must-listen for anyone curious about the challenges, choices, and character of real-world airline flying.