How Curt Marker Balances Jets, Real Estate, and Reputation

Guest: Curt Marker, Pilot & Real Estate Investor

Host: Dan Harris, IronBird Partners Podcast

Not every pilot sticks to the cockpit.

In this episode, Dan Harris sits down with Curt Marker — a third-generation pilot, experienced Gulfstream captain, and thriving real estate investor — to talk about what it really means to build a sustainable and flexible aviation career.

Curt shares how he’s managed to fly for both airlines and private jet owners, all while growing a portfolio of investments and building a reputation as one of the most personable, service-driven pilots in the business. From funding his own type ratings to navigating the jump from G3s to G600s, this conversation is part flight path, part masterclass in long-game thinking.

Inside this episode:

✦ Why flying is only 10% of the job — and what actually builds loyalty

✦ What owners should really ask when hiring a pilot

✦ How Curt funded his own $100K+ type ratings — and why it paid off

✦ The difference between being a good pilot and being a great partner

✦ How personal branding and presentation affect pilot opportunity

✦ Smart ways pilots can network, upskill, and earn trust in a tight market

Whether you’re an aircraft owner looking to hire better crew — or a pilot thinking bigger than flight hours — Curt’s story will give you something to fly with.

🔧 Sponsored by:

Charter Flight Support — The only solution that protects owners when mechanical issues strike. charterflightsupport.com

Video Valet — Custom inflight iPads preloaded with movies, magazines, and entertainment. Mention Iron Bird for a free setup. videovalet.io

✈️ The Iron Bird Podcast is where aviation’s sharpest minds share what really matters — behind the scenes, in the air, and on the ramp.

Catch every episode at: flyironbird.com