All episodes

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Episode 5 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above dives into one of the most overlooked, yet crucial aspects of airline flying: crew dynamics. Do pilots actually know the colleagues they fly with, or is it a new team every trip? And how does working with a familiar captain change the experience?
Airbus A320 first officer Stefan Lorenz takes listeners deep into the world of Crew Resource Management (CRM) — showing how multi-crew coordination shapes every airline flight, and how it fundamentally differs from single-pilot general aviation or flight sim flying. Together with host Jürgen Reis, the episode also explores how...

Episode 4 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above continues the listener-driven FAQ series with two classic passenger questions: Is turbulence really dangerous? and Do pilots ever get to enjoy the scenery?
Airbus A320 pilot Stefan Lorenz explains how airline crews deal with turbulence, thunderstorms, and weather avoidance — combining cockpit procedures with modern technology to keep flights safe. Together with co-host Jürgen Reis, the conversation also turns to the beauty of flying into “paradise destinations” and challenging airports such as Innsbruck, where mountains and scenery add both complexity and magic to the approach.
As always, the discussion bridges the gap...