Debrief /

Bob Pittman was bit by the flying bug early. At 15, he walked into the local radio station in rural Mississippi looking for a job to pay for his flying lessons. He became a radio DJ, reading wire copy. By 23 he was in New York City programming WNBC-AM. He launched the MTV Networks, the first all-music video channel. Today he is chairman and CEO of iHeart Media, a media, digital, and entertainment company that includes iHeart Radio and Clear Channel Outdoor.

Who: Bob Pittman
Age: 61
Occupation: Chairman and CEO iHeart Media Inc.
Hours: 6,000-plus
Certificates and ratings: PPSEL, ATP, helicopter certificates, and three jet type ratings
Extra: "Flying takes my mind off work. It makes for a better life."

GETTING STARTED…I had two early flying experiences. My grandfather worked at a sawmill that had an aircraft, and in the fifth grade I took a ride in an Ercoupe. At 15 I told my parents I wanted to take flying lessons and they told me I had better get a job.

EARLY CHALLENGES…I built time by flying for business. Once you have a baby, there's no more time for flying for fun, so I flew for business. It allows me to compress time and flying clears my head.

AVIATION ACTIVITY…I took the kids on a trip to circumnavigate the globe. I really want to see the world, and flying allows me and my family to do that. I like to stop at weird places if I can. I also attend "Burning Man" every year.

FAVORITE AIRPLANE…Currently flying the Falcon 900 EX but I have owned a Cessna 310, Cherokee, Bonanza A36, and B36, Cessna 340, Cheyenne II, and 400. I also have owned three Robinson helicopters and now am in a partnership in an Agusta 109. I like anything that goes fast. I like motorcycles and airplanes and helicopters. I am a machine guy; I like to be the brain.

ADVICE FOR STUDENTS…Keep learning. I go to FlightSafety every year and I read a lot.

Pittman is blind in one eye; he lost his eye at age 6 in a horse-riding accident.