The Pilot to Pilot podcast is a place for aviators to come for inspiration and encouragement. We aim to help all types of aviators to continue pursuing their av...
Flying and Dying: A Pilot's Journey from Cardiac Arrest to Recovery
Tom Heidema, an experienced American Airlines pilot, shares his incredible journey from becoming a flight instructor to navigating the highs and lows of his aviation career, including a life-altering cardiac arrest. He discusses the importance of maintaining health and fitness as a pilot, emphasizing that flying is just one part of a more significant identity. The episode details his near-death experience and the profound insights he gained about family and life beyond aviation. Tom also highlights essential qualities sought in pilot candidates during the hiring process, such as technical proficiency, interpersonal skills, and the ability to advocate for others. As he promotes his book, "Flying and Dying," he aims to inspire and educate others on the importance of mental health and resilience in the aviation community.Tom Heidema, a seasoned pilot with American Airlines and author of the book *Flying and Dying*, shares his compelling journey from aspiring aviator to airline captain. He recounts his early fascination with flying, sparked at the age of four when he first boarded an airplane. This passion propelled him to begin flight lessons at 14, despite initial skepticism from his family about his commitment to aviation. As he narrates his journey, Heidema reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his experiences as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and his subsequent transition to flying for commuter airlines before finally joining American Airlines. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of having a supportive network, including mentors who inspired him and colleagues who have become friends over the years.The episode also delves into Heidema's near-death experience due to cardiac arrest, which occurred in November 2020. He vividly describes the harrowing moments as he lost consciousness and was revived through CPR and an AED, emphasizing the critical importance of being prepared for emergencies. This experience not only reshaped his view on life and health but also inspired him to advocate for the installation of AEDs in public spaces. Heidema discusses how he transformed his ordeal into a mission to save lives, pledging a portion of the book's proceeds to support cardiac arrest awareness and education. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the impact one can have on others by sharing their story.Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own passions and the importance of pursuing them, while also understanding the significance of health and community. Heidema's story is one of resilience, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, there is an opportunity to grow and give back. The episode wraps up with Heidema discussing his book, which not only chronicles his life and experiences in aviation but also seeks to inspire and educate others about the realities of being a pilot and the importance of mental health in aviation. By sharing his journey, Heidema hopes to motivate aspiring pilots and remind current aviators of the importance of connection, health, and the legacy they leave behind.
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E321 The Good, the Bad, and the Bumpy: Debriefing a Hair-Raising Flight
Josh Flowers and Justin Seams reflect on their recent flight adventure to Olathe, Kansas, highlighting critical lessons learned from navigating challenging weather conditions. The main takeaway emphasizes that a good outcome does not equate to good decision-making, as they encountered severe turbulence and convective weather that tested their flying skills and judgment. As they delve into their pre-flight planning mistakes and the complexities of flying a small aircraft in a busy airspace, the discussion underscores the importance of humility and thorough preparation in aviation. The pair share their personal experiences, revealing the value of debriefing and learning from every flight, even the ones that don't go as planned. With humor and camaraderie, they reminisce about their time together, reinforcing the bond formed through shared challenges in the cockpit.Takeaways: Effective flight planning is crucial for a safe and smooth flying experience, particularly with unpredictable weather. Pilots should communicate their intentions clearly with air traffic control to ensure safe navigation through busy airspaces. Flying in a single-engine aircraft at night should be carefully evaluated against the risks involved, including weather conditions. Debriefing after flights and learning from mistakes is essential for personal growth and safety in aviation. Using reliable weather data, such as SiriusXM, can significantly enhance situational awareness during flights. Good outcomes do not always equate to good decision-making; it's vital to analyze and learn from each flight.
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E320 - Mastering IFR: Insights from Jason Miller on Becoming an Instrument Pilot
GROUND SCHOOL APP - 10% offThis episode of the Pilot the Pilot Podcast features Jason Miller as he delves into the essentials of becoming an IFR pilot. The discussion emphasizes the importance of preparation, stressing that aspiring instrument pilots should complete their written exams early and be ready for the complexities of IFR flying. Miller shares valuable insights on the significance of understanding the “why” behind instrument flying procedures and the need for pilots to recognize their saturation points during training. The conversation also touches on the differences between flying light aircraft versus larger jets, highlighting how these distinctions impact safety and decision-making. Through anecdotes and practical advice, listeners are encouraged to approach their flight training with a focus on mastering the fundamentals and developing a strong situational awareness.Takeaways: The importance of understanding risk management as a pilot cannot be overstated, especially when flying IFR. Instrument flying requires a different mindset compared to VFR flying; preparation is crucial. Students should focus on understanding the whys behind instrument procedures, not just memorizing them. It's essential to recognize when you're becoming overwhelmed during instrument training and to communicate that. Establishing a routine and using checklists effectively is vital for successful IFR flying. Feeling comfortable with the aircraft's systems and procedures helps build confidence in instrument conditions.
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E319 - Cheese Pilot's Journey and FAA Challenges
The Pilot the Pilot podcast welcomes Cheese Pilot, an aviation enthusiast and simulator instructor, who shares his unique journey into aviation and the challenges he has faced along the way. The conversation dives into Cheese Pilot's early fascination with flying, sparked by a memorable air show event during his childhood. Despite the initial setback of financial barriers that deterred him from pursuing a pilot's license, Cheese Pilot's path took a dramatic turn when he enlisted in the Army. After serving, a serendipitous discovery of using his GI Bill for flight training led him to a successful career in aviation. However, his journey is not without challenges. The discussion highlights the complexities and frustrations of navigating the FAA’s medical certification process, particularly regarding mental health evaluations, which have affected his ability to work as a pilot. Cheese Pilot emphasizes the importance of mental health in aviation and advocates for a more supportive system that prioritizes pilots’ well-being, reflecting on how lack of understanding can lead to significant career disruptions.Takeaways: The FAA's mental health evaluation process needs significant reform to be more efficient and supportive. Pilots often face daunting challenges when seeking help for mental health issues due to stigma and bureaucratic hurdles. Cheese Pilot emphasizes the importance of open conversations about mental health among aviation professionals. The transition from general aviation to commercial flying can be overwhelming without proper guidance and training. The experiences of individuals like Cheese Pilot highlight the need for greater awareness of mental health in aviation. Building a successful online presence can provide valuable resources and support for aspiring pilots. Companies mentioned in this episode: Garmin Sirius XM Aviation Learn the Finer Points Sporty's Air Wisconsin ATP University of North Dakota Arizona State University Chandler Gilbert Community College Aeromed Legal Harvey Watt Pilots Mental Health Campaign RAA Allworth Airline Advisors
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Layovers and Lessons: Inside the Life of a United Airlines Pilot
Links referenced in this episode:sportys.com/sxmofferThe discussion with Paul Holte explores not only his professional journey as a pilot but also the personal sacrifices and adjustments he and his family had to make along the way. He reflects candidly on the financial struggles of starting at Continental, where he earned a meager $25 an hour, contrasting it with the more lucrative opportunities available today for new pilots. Volti's experiences illustrate the broader narrative of the aviation industry, including the evolution of pay structures and job opportunities over the years. He emphasizes the value of building relationships within the industry, which often leads to job opportunities that are not publicly advertised. The episode captures the essence of being a pilot today, highlighting the need for adaptability and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook despite the industry's ups and downs.
The Pilot to Pilot podcast is a place for aviators to come for inspiration and encouragement. We aim to help all types of aviators to continue pursuing their aviation dreams, whether that be flying commercially or flying for fun.
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