In this Episode Kelly shares some insight into what it take to be able to make that Go-No Go decision , setting hard rules to protect against operational pressures and the challenges she faced in her career and how exactly she overcome those to get her very first break in aviation.

🎙️ The Pilot Podcast

Aviation. Unfiltered.

In this episode of the Pilot Podcast, Kelly Jane McCauley shares her experiences growing up in a family passionate about all things aviation, how a chance encounter with an aircraft owner opened up a whole new chapter in her life, her very unique and the value of pursuing every opportunity to advance you career.

The Pilot Podcast

Aviation.Unfiltered

Episode 3 · Part 2 — ZS_MK

In Part 2 of our conversation with ZS_MK, we shift focus to what it really takes to build a presence in aviation beyond the cockpit.

We unpack how ZS_MK established himself on social media in an era before aviation content was mainstream, the discipline behind consistency, and why mentorship matters when guiding younger creators entering the space today. He shares his approach to authenticity, responsibility, and maintaining credibility in an industry where trust matters.

We also touch on his deep connection to the Mango Airlines family, reflecting on the culture, people, and community that shaped his aviation journey.

The episode closes with an honest conversation about ambition — his ongoing pursuit of a Commercial Pilot Licence, the realities of funding advanced training, and his open appeal for sponsorship support to help take the next step.

This is a grounded discussion about growth, giving back, and what it means to keep chasing the dream — even when the path isn’t straightforward.

🎙️ The Pilot Podcast
Aviation. Unfiltered.

In Part 1 of Episode 3, we sit down with ZS_MK — private pilot, aviation photographer, and one of South Africa’s earliest aviation creators on Instagram.

We unpack how a fascination with aviation from a young age turned into flying lessons, a solo at 17, and a growing ambition to pursue aviation professionally. ZS_MK shares how photography became a parallel passion, how Instagram played a role in shaping his aviation journey, and what it takes to consistently capture aircraft in some of South Africa’s most challenging environments.

This episode dives into process — from planning shots and positioning, to selecting images, writing captions, and understanding timing — as well as the realities of shooting around major airports like Cape Town International.

This is the story behind the images, the flying, and the discipline required to balance aviation and content creation — long before the followers came.

🎙️ The Pilot Podcast
Aviation. Unfiltered.

Episode 2 Part -2 of The Pilot Podcast, we continue the story behind building and operating a small charter business — and the realities that come with it. We also look at what happens

when things go wrong, handling a gear up landing in the Cessna 414, meeting your favourite Top Gear/Grand your trio, Daven getting detained in South Sudan and his relocation abroad to take up a direct entry Captain role with his new operator.

This episode is about decision-making, trade-offs, and understanding when to scale, pivot, or exit.

🎙️ The Pilot Podcast
Aviation. Unfiltered.

In this episode of The Pilot Podcast, we unpack the realities of starting out in aviation when the job market is tight and options are limited.

Daven Van Heerden unpacks being unemployed with low hours, knocking on doors and weighing up instructing versus opportunity, to the thinking that led to buying an aircraft, forming a charter company, and identifying viable regional routes — this is an honest look at how aviation careers and businesses actually begin.

This is not a highlight reel.
It’s the part of aviation most people never talk about.

🎙️ The Pilot Podcast
Aviation. Unfiltered.

Part 2 of our conversation with David Le Roux from Pilot Insure, covering real-world claims, disclosure consequences, income protection, and protecting a pilot’s long-term financial future.

In this episode

• Why insurers can legally decline “unrelated” claims

• How medical histories are accessed during claims

• The true scale of a pilot’s lifetime earning risk

• Income protection vs lump sums and career progression

• Preparing your family and next of kin for the unexpected

🎙️ The Pilot Podcast
Aviation. Unfiltered.
by The Pilots Company

Part 1 of a two-part conversation with David from Pilot Insure, breaking down how pilot loss of license cover really works — disclosure, exclusions, and why many policies fail when tested.