Trent Palmer on Two FAA Investigations, Losing His License and Almost Quitting Flying
The show’s most-requested guest on an engine failure, two FAA investigations and the four-year legal fight that nearly made him quit.
Trent Palmer is the most-requested guest in Pilot to Pilot history. He built a life around flying and filmmaking, and in Episode 354 he talks with Justin about all of it, including the parts that nearly made him walk away.
- 01How RC helicopters and drone cinematography led to a pilot’s license
- 02What happens when the propeller stops over the Nevada backcountry
- 03How close calls change a pilot’s view of risk
- 04The cost of two FAA investigations and a four-year legal fight
- 05How YouTube became a full-time job
- 06Tips for pilots who want to create content
From drones to airplanes
Trent started with RC helicopters and drone cinematography on Hollywood sets. FAA regulations ended up pushing him to get his pilot’s license.
45 seconds to find a field
An engine failure in the Nevada backcountry gave him about 45 seconds to find a field. He says the flight home may have been scarier than the emergency itself. He also talks about watching a close friend crash and survive.
Two FAA investigations
Trent describes two FAA investigations, about $50,000 in legal fees, a four-year court fight that reached the Ninth Circuit, a license suspension he wishes he had simply accepted, and the toll of having his character questioned in public.
What’s next
He explains why he nearly walked away from YouTube, shares advice for pilots who want to create content, and talks about floats, new adventures and possibly a podcast.
Trent Palmer
Trent Palmer is a recreational bush pilot and one of aviation’s most recognizable YouTube creators. He is the most-requested guest in Pilot to Pilot history.
Frequently asked questions
Did Trent Palmer lose his pilot’s license?
In this episode Trent describes two FAA investigations and a license suspension, along with a four-year court fight that reached the Ninth Circuit.
How did Trent Palmer get into flying?
He started with RC helicopters and drone cinematography, and FAA regulations pushed him to get his pilot’s license.
What happened in Trent Palmer’s engine failure?
His engine failed over the Nevada backcountry, giving him about 45 seconds to find a field.
