Ep 349 Using the GI Bill to Kickstart Your Career with Pray Aviation

May 18, 2026 · 47 min · Season 2026 · Episode 349

About this episode

Doug Mitchell discusses how veterans can utilize the GI Bill for flight training and shares his personal journey in aviation.

In this episode, Doug Mitchell of Pray Aviation joins Nic to break down how veterans can make the most of the GI Bill for flight training. He explains why earning a private pilot license is a crucial first step to unlocking these benefits, walks through the costs and structure of VA-approved programs, and underscores the importance of securing a VA Certificate of Eligibility. Doug also shares his own unique journey - from a career in insurance and serving as a flight paramedic in the Guard to leading operations at Pray Aviation's Ozark base and pursuing his passion for flying later in life. To learn more about Pray Aviation, visit www.prayaviation.com, email info@prayaviation.com, or call (850) 983-9363. CONNECT WITH US Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don't wait until it's too late. Use the promo code "R4P2026" and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com! If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates! SPONSOR Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the…

People in this episode

Host: Nik Fialka

Guest: Doug Mitchell

Topics covered

GI Bill
flight training
veterans
private pilot license
career development

Keywords

GI Bill
flight training
veterans
private pilot license
VA Certificate of Eligibility

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Pray Aviation, VA, Spitfire Elite