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  • ATPL Insights, Part 3 – From Frozen ATPL to the Right Seat

    ATPL Insights, Part 3 – From Frozen ATPL to the Right Seat
    Feb 1 2026
    Episode 13 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above concludes the ATPL Insight Series with the phase every flight student dreams of — and often underestimates: turning a frozen ATPL into a real airline cockpit seat. Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz takes host Jürgen Reis through the most demanding stretch of his journey: the years after flight school. Recorded with a 2025 industry perspective, Stefan explains why today’s pilot shortage offers unprecedented opportunities — while airlines remain as selective as ever when it comes to screening and selection. Drawing from his own career during the financial crisis of 2008–2009, Stefan shares how he faced hundreds of applications, long periods without job offers, and the financial pressure of maintaining licenses. Instead of giving up, he kept his skills sharp through networking, simulator work on aircraft like the Boeing 737 and even the iconic 747, and relentless preparation. The episode offers rare first-hand insight into high-end airline assessments — including psychological testing, simulator evaluations, and the mindset required to succeed at elite selection centers such as the DLR. Stefan explains why finishing flight school is often just the beginning, why persistence matters more than talent, and why global mobility can be a decisive factor in a pilot’s career. Honest, motivating, and grounded in real-world experience, this episode is essential listening for anyone aiming for an airline career — revealing what it truly takes to move from frozen ATPL to the right seat of an Airbus.
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    40 Min.
  • ATPL Insights, Part 2 – Flight Training Across Canada, the US & the UK

    ATPL Insights, Part 2 – Flight Training Across Canada, the US & the UK
    Jan 25 2026
    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.
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    37 Min.
  • ATPL Insights, Part 1 – Inside Europe’s Elite Pilot Training

    ATPL Insights, Part 1 – Inside Europe’s Elite Pilot Training
    Jan 18 2026
    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.
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    40 Min.
  • Glider Insights, Part 2 – Landing Without a Go-Around

    Glider Insights, Part 2 – Landing Without a Go-Around
    Jan 11 2026
    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.
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    39 Min.
  • Glider Insights, Part 1 – Flying Before Driving

    Glider Insights, Part 1 – Flying Before Driving
    Jan 4 2026
    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.
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    36 Min.
  • FAQ-Session Part 7 – Handling Emergencies & The World of Cargo Flying

    FAQ-Session Part 7 – Handling Emergencies & The World of Cargo Flying
    Dec 28 2025
    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.
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    36 Min.
  • FAQ-Session Part 6 – The Other Side of the Cockpit Life

    FAQ-Session Part 6 – The Other Side of the Cockpit Life
    Dec 21 2025
    Episode 7 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above takes a candid look behind the glamour of aviation: What are the biggest disadvantages of being a pilot? Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz joins host Jürgen Reis to explore the less-talked-about realities of cockpit life — from irregular hours, fatigue management and red-eye flights to roster changes, time-zone shifts and the toll these take on body and mind. Stefan shares how he balances work, rest and family life, turns standby time into productivity, and keeps his health and nutrition on track despite a demanding schedule. This episode offers an honest, experience-based insight into why being a pilot is as much a lifestyle as it is a career — and what it really takes to stay sharp, safe and fulfilled while living life above the clouds.
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    38 Min.
  • FAQ-Session Part 5 – Cabin Crew vs. Pilot

    FAQ-Session Part 5 – Cabin Crew vs. Pilot
    Dec 14 2025
    Episode 6 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above explores one of the most fascinating aviation career questions: Which is more rewarding — working as cabin crew or as a pilot? With first-hand experience in both roles, A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz reflects on his early years as cabin crew and how that shaped his later career in the cockpit. Together with host Jürgen Reis, he breaks down the real pros and cons of each profession, what it takes to succeed in either role, and who might be best suited for them. The conversation also highlights the deeper responsibilities of cabin crew — far beyond serving drinks — and how cockpit and cabin teams rely on synergy and mutual respect to make every flight safe and smooth. This episode offers candid insights into two distinct yet connected aviation careers, inspiring for anyone curious about life in the skies — whether behind the trolley or the yoke.
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    30 Min.