JOJ Ep. 48 - "Wings of Wisdom: Cole Berube’s Journey in the Skies"

Date: April 5, 2025
Guest: Cole Berube, Pilot and Captain
Hosts: Ben and Jack

 

Description: In this episode of the JOJ Podcast, hosts Ben and Jack sit down with Cole Berube, a young and accomplished pilot who shares his fascinating journey in aviation. From his first solo flight at 16 to becoming a captain flying private jets, Cole dives into the realities of the airline industry, his experiences with clients, and the challenges of staying sharp in the cockpit. The trio also explores misconceptions about flying, the impact of AI, and even wild theories like the Bermuda Triangle. Packed with insights, humor, and a peek into the pilot’s life, this episode is a must-listen for aviation enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

 

Show Notes

• Guest Bio: Cole Berube is a 22-year-old pilot and captain who began flying before he could drive. Now flying private jets under Part 91, he’s navigated everything from solo flights at 16 to commanding high-performance Citations for business clients.
• Key Moments:
  • Cole’s first solo flight next to F-15s at 16 (06:45).
  • Transitioning to captain and single-pilot certification (12:00).
  • Debunking Flight and Top Gun myths (24:15).
  • Handling bird strikes and cloud flying (35:45 & 40:20).
  • Theories on MH370 and the Bermuda Triangle (1:50:00).
  • Advice for aspiring pilots: avoid debt-heavy schools (2:03:00).
• Fun Facts:
  • Cole collects Zen cans that could stack to the ceiling.
  • He once flew in khaki shorts and flip-flops for a chill client.
  • Favorite FBO perk: zero-gravity massage chairs at Sugar Land.
• Quotable:
  • “I soloed before I got my driver’s license—nervous, sweating, pit stains and all.”
  • “AI won’t take over flying. If the computer dies, who’s plugging it back in?”
  • “Flying’s liberating—1% of the world has a pilot’s license, and I’m making decisions at 45,000 feet.”
• Stay tuned for Episode 49—details coming soon!

 

• [00:00] Introduction
  • Ben and Jack welcome back Cole Berube for his second appearance.
• [00:55] Catching Up with Cole
  • Cole talks nicotine (Zen vs. Velo), staying awake on flights, and collecting rewards.
• [03:20] Aviation Updates Since Last Episode
  • Cole reflects on industry changes, recent crashes, and his career progress.
• [05:00] First Solo Flight at 16
  • Cole shares his nerve-wracking solo flight before getting a driver’s license, with F-15s nearby.
• [09:00] From First Officer to Captain
  • Cole discusses becoming a captain and earning single-pilot jet certification in California.
• [11:45] Flying Private Clients
  • Insights into Part 91 flying, client interactions, and an open cockpit policy.
• [15:30] Handling Weather and Passengers
  • Cole explains communicating weather issues and keeping passengers comfortable.
• [18:45] Movie Myths vs. Reality
  • Cole debunks aviation scenes in Top Gun and Flight.
• [22:00] Critical Phases of Flight
  • Takeoffs, landings, and Cole’s pre-flight checklist process.
• [27:00] Birds and Planes
  • Cole on bird strike risks and a friend’s goose encounter.
• [31:00] Flying Through Clouds
  • Flying in clouds, relying on instruments, and vertical development.
• [35:15] Night Flying Preferences
  • Why Cole prefers night flights: calmer weather and less traffic.
• [39:00] Ideal Flying Conditions
  • Cole’s perfect scenario: sunny, 75°F, high pressure, no clouds.
• [42:00] High-Performance Planes
  • Comparing Citation CJ1 to CJ4 performance and avionics.
• [45:30] Staying Sharp as a Pilot
  • Cole’s methods for mental clarity, from prep to manual reviews.
• [49:00] Apocalypse Hypothetical
  • Could Cole fly a 747 in an emergency? He weighs the challenges.
• [51:45] Spiritual Side of Flying
  • Cole on the liberating feeling of flying and passenger trust at 45,000 feet.
• [55:00] Calming Nervous Passengers
  • Tips for soothing first-time flyers, including cockpit invites.
• [60:00] Boeing Issues and Pilot Shortage
  • Boeing’s quality control woes and the shifting pilot shortage.
• [65:00] Pilot Personalities
  • Gambling and drinking trends, plus FAA drug testing policies.
• [70:00] Healthy Eating on the Road
  • Cole seeks Ben’s advice on nutrition; protein powder and jerky recommended.
• [75:00] FBOs: Pilot Lounges
  • Cole ranks top (Sugar Land) and worst lounges, loving massage chairs.
• [80:00] Pilot Beef and Uniforms
  • Generational pilot differences and Cole’s casual uniform style.
• [84:30] Misconceptions and AI in Aviation
  • Debunking easy landings and doubting AI’s role in flying.
• [88:00] Bermuda Triangle and MH370
  • Theories on Bermuda (weather) and Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 (pilot intent?).
• [92:00] 9/11 and Lasers
  • Cole on 9/11 crash dynamics and laser pointer disruptions.
• [95:30] Advice for Aspiring Pilots
  • Cole warns against debt-heavy schools, suggests independent instructors.
• [97:00] Wrap-Up
  • Ben and Jack thank Cole, closing out Episode 48.