Explore every episode of the podcast Like a Pilot

In the wake of three major aviation accidents in as many months, the speculation machine has been in overdrive—fuelled by social media, 24-hour news cycles, and self-proclaimed experts. But what happens when misinformation spreads faster than the facts? In this episode of Like a Pilot, we examines why jumping to conclusions is dangerous, not just for aviation safety but for real people caught in the storm of public opinion.

Join your host, Phil Wilkes, as he explores James Reason’s Swiss Cheese Model, the systemic approach to accident investigation, and how we can apply these lessons beyond aviation. Because whether it’s in the cockpit or in life, sound reasoning always wins out over knee-jerk reactions.

In this episode of Like a Pilot, we delve into the extraordinary events of United Airlines Flight 232, one of the most dramatic and miraculous aviation stories ever told. What begins as a routine flight turns into a fight for survival when a catastrophic mechanical failure leaves the crew with no functioning flight controls. Join your host, Phil Wilkes, as he explores the remarkable airmanship, teamwork, and problem-solving that allows 184 people to survive against all odds. The lessons from this incredible story—leadership, communication, and persistence—resonate far beyond aviation and can be applied to any field. Tune in for a deep dive into one of aviation’s greatest feats of survival and human resilience.

What if the key to staying calm under pressure was something as simple as… breathing?

In this episode of Like a Pilot, we wrap up our two-part series on managing startle and surprise with a powerful yet often overlooked tool: breath control. From aviation to elite military training, controlled breathing has been proven to reset the mind and body, helping professionals navigate high-stakes situations with clarity and composure.

Discover how this technique, used by pilots, US Navy SEALs, and even athletes, can help you handle stress, fear, and unexpected challenges in your own life. With insights into the science behind startle responses and practical guidance on breathing techniques, this episode is your guide to mastering your physiological and emotional recovery in moments that matter most.

Don’t hold your breath—tune in now to learn more!

Ever wondered what happens when pilots encounter the unexpected? In this latest episode of Like a Pilot, we're diving into the critical skill of managing startle and surprise in high-stakes moments. We’ll explore how professionals respond to those jolting situations with clarity and control. Along the way, we’ll examine real-world aviation incidents, including China Eastern 583, Atlas Air 3591, West Air Sweden 294 and a we'll be returning to the lessons of Air France 447, to show why it’s essential to start recovering from startle before taking decisive action. And, as always, there’s a takeaway for you—a tool to help you tackle life’s unexpected twists with a calm, clear mindset. But be warned, this episode comes with a “BANG!” It’s not for the faint of heart!

In the early morning hours of 1st June 2009, Air France flight 447 was cruising at 35,000 feet, enroute from Rio de Janeiro Galeao to Paris Charles de Gaulle when the autopilot disengaged. Less than four and half minutes later, the Airbus A330 would plunge into the Atlantic Ocean with the tragic loss of the 228 souls on board. It would take two years for the flight data and cockpit voice recorders to be found and a further year for the French BEA to release the findings of their accident investigation. What they would uncover were lessons about human interaction with automated systems that are pertinent not just for pilots but for us all.

How can admitting mistakes save lives? Why is self-reporting crucial in aviation? In this episode of the Like a Pilot podcast, host Phil Wilkes answers a subscriber’s question as he explores the transformative power of a Just Culture, where honesty and transparency are key to maintaining safety. We’ll uncover how pilots use self-reporting to learn from errors without fear of punishment, ensuring safer skies for everyone. Join Phil as he takes you behind the scenes of airline operations, delves into real-life stories of pilots who’ve confessed their mistakes, and reveals how these practices can revolutionise other industries. Tune in for an eye-opening journey into the heart of aviation's Just Culture and its profound impact on safety and accountability.

What is the best way to evacuate a building? How should you seek help in an emergency? In this episode of the Like a Pilot podcast, host Phil Wilkes delves into the critical aspect of communication during emergencies, drawing insights from aviation protocols and research into group dynamics. Along the way we’ll initiate an evacuation on board an aircraft, visit London and the scene of the tragic King’s Cross station fire, and head to the scene of a murder in New York to find out what social psychologists have discovered about bystander apathy. Join Phil now for a thought-provoking exploration of critical communication skills that transcend the skies and offer invaluable lessons for navigating life's emergencies.

What do British cycling, Formula 1 and modern flight training tell us about the power of making small changes in what we do? In this captivating episode of Like a Pilot, host Phil Wilkes immerses listeners into the high-stakes world of piloting, starting with a dramatic engine failure scenario during takeoff. This intense experience serves as a backdrop for exploring the evolving landscape of modern flight training. Phil delves into the shift from focusing solely on critical scenarios like engine failures to emphasizing core competencies crucial for safe flight and the transformative power of incremental change. With insights from aviation training to elite sports, this episode inspires a mindset of continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence in any endeavour.

In this immersive episode of the Like a Pilot podcast, host Phil Wilkes takes us for a ride into the world of flight simulators, revealing the cutting-edge world in which pilots perfect their craft. But this episode goes beyond the mechanics of simulators. It dives deep into the philosophy of deliberate practice - a methodical approach to mastery that transcends aviation, applicable to any skill you're aiming to excel in. Through anecdotes, expert insights, and compelling analogies, including an inspiring look at the practice routines of the Kansas City Chiefs and elite musicians, Phil illustrates how deliberate practice can help you soar to new heights in any endeavor.

In this thought-provoking episode of Like a Pilot, we explore the critical role of knowledge in high-stakes environments. Join host Phil Wilkes as he delves into the importance of a strong foundational understanding, using the harrowing story of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster as a backdrop. We'll examine how knowledge is the bedrock upon which all higher-level skills are built, from comprehension and application to synthesis and evaluation. This episode isn't just about aviation; it's a compelling look at how deep knowledge impacts decision-making and problem-solving in any field. Whether you're an aspiring pilot, a professional in another discipline, or simply a lifelong learner, Understand… Like a Pilot offers valuable insights into how knowledge can empower us, give us options, and enhance our performance in any aspect of life.

Forget fancy gadgets and high-tech gizmos – on the flight deck, sometimes it's the simple things that make the biggest difference. We're talking about the secret weapon of pilots and surgeons, and the surprisingly powerful tool that can transform your everyday life; the good old-fashioned checklist.

Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just curious about the secrets of the cockpit, join Phil as he explores the hidden depths of checklists. We'll hear stories of how checklists can save lives, avert disasters, and even boost personal productivity. We'll touch on their surprising power, and times when checklists went wrong.

Fasten your seatbelts for a journey into the world of checklists – where crossing off items becomes a satisfying victory, and every tick is a step toward a more accomplished you.

In this gripping episode of Like a Pilot, join Phil Wilkes as he delves into the high-stakes world of decision-making under extreme time pressure. Drawing from the famous US Airways Flight 1549 incident, where Captain Sully Sullenberger successfully ditched an Airbus A320 in the Hudson River, Phil explores decision making in the most time-critical of predicaments. From gathering crucial information to analyzing options and making and re-evaluating decisions, the episode unravels the thought process behind Sully's life-saving choice. Learn how practiced decision-making processes, even in seemingly impossible situations, can be the key to successful outcomes. Buckle up for a riveting exploration into the cockpit's decision-making dynamics at 30,000 feet.

Join Phil on a riveting journey through the skies as he explores the critical role of conflict resolution in ensuring safe flights in the high-stakes world of aviation. In this episode, Phil delves into the nuanced realm of flight deck communication and the power of having difficult conversations. From catastrophic aviation accidents to life-saving measures, we'll uncover the invaluable lessons learned from the past and discover how pilots tackle conflict within their teams. Learn how culture, communication tools and well-defined processes combine to create a harmonious environment in which the ultimate goal is not 'who is right,' but 'what is right.' Don't miss this episode as we bring you inside the cockpit to reveal the secrets of teamwork, open dialogue, and mitigating conflict at 30,000 feet.

Meet your host, Phil Wilkes, as he welcomes you aboard the Like a Pilot podcast.