The Pilots Pandemic

On this weeks episode… the FAA has turned a new leaf by removing some HUGE barriers surrounding mental health for pilots. Tune in now to hear all we know regarding the newest policy change surrounding aeromedical policy’s. • https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2023/june/01/faa-removes-more-aeromedical-barriers-for-mental-health-concerns • If you or a loved one is struggling, help is avail...

This week we spoke to Adrian known as @cheesepilot on TikTok and Instagram. Adrian is an airline pilot as well as a veteran who was deployed in Afghanistan. After an eye opening experience with his platoon, Adrian opted to talk to a professional about his experience. Almost 9 years later, after having received his 1st class medical 7 years in a row, he was denied for paperwork pertaining to this i...

This week we are solo and wanted to share some of our hard truths from our experience in flight training. Since Maddie is a new student pilot we have the opportunity to talk about some things you may have long forgotten or things that you’re dealing with right now in your flight training. Keeping it very much on brand, we focus on some of the unspoken feelings and struggles some folks face when st...

This week we sit down with our guest and new friend, Victoria Sides-Clark. We met Victoria this year at sun and fun and hit it off immediately when she shared she had navigated the special issuance pathway due to some heart surgeries she underwent as a child for congenital heart defects. Despite doctors giving her a clean bill of health, the FAA required further testing that some of her doctors di...

In this episode, we sit down with Teagan, a trans pilot who is currently navigating the FAA’s aeromedical system. Teagan shares her experiences and challenges in trying to renew her 1st class medical certificate as a transgender individual. We discuss the requirements, the additional hurdles that trans individuals face. Teagan also talks about her personal journey as a trans pilot and the importan...

This week we are solo and breaking down some of our highlighted aviation news headlines. To get our thoughts listen now… SOCIAL LINKS- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thepilotspandemic https://instagram.com/emneonicon https://Instagram.com/thefitaviatrix Link for aeromedical reform petition: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic WEBSITE: https://msha.ke/thepilotspandemic/ SPONSORS: www.avi-foods...

This week we spoke to long time supporter and Pilot, Mitchell Banks. Mitchell reached out in 2021 to tell us his story and how he resonated with our mission after having his medical revoked five years ago. Now we are finally sitting down to discuss his aeromedical journey and how he still doesn’t have his third class special issuance. • SOCIAL LINKS- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thepilotspande...

This week… We discuss Maddie’s introduction flight and celebrate her officially becoming a student pilot!! As well as some aviation news headlines. The FAA announces it’s investigations on many of the near miss incidents that have been occurring more frequently and the new nominee for FAA Administrator , Mr. Phillip Washington, is facing criticism over what some say is a “short aviation résumé” as...

Listeners be advised: this week we will be discussing topics that might be triggering to some listeners . Before listening to this episode we would like to make it extremely clear to our audience that our guest removed himself from duty/flight line before the following events. We are extremely grateful to be able to share Jon’s experience with you and hope we can give some perspective on the impac...

This week we are solo and discussing the shocking letter that came out from the Southwest Pilots Union, SWAPA, painting a very colorful picture of the downfall of Southwest. Captain Tom Nekouei (SWAPA 2nd Vice President) doesn’t mince words in his letter and left us stunned to hear the reality of things behind the scenes at Southwest, “I do, however, begrudge earning vast personal wealth while run...

Our guest this week has a chilling story that reminds us how pilot healthcare aversion can become a safety risk in the flight deck. Melissa Florez is a flight attendant, student pilot and former firefighter. On a routine flight her crew was faced with an in flight emergency they had never expected. Listen now to find out more… • If you or a loved one is struggling, help is available. Dial 988 for...

This week we are joined by repeat guest and fan favorite, Joe LaRusso. Joe is a pilot and aviation lawyer that helps aviators get their wings aka their medical license . Joe reached out and wanted to come back on the show to spill the tea over some, you guessed it, FAA gossip. This time they are in hot water over pulling 2000 plus medicals from retired military pilots. We question whether this is...

This week we dive into our DM’s and discuss a common thread amongst aviators and why pilots are hesitant to be vocal about aeromedical reform. We also talk about the importance of taking action and how breaking silence is crucial in de-stigmatizing healthcare for pilots and by doing so, possibly “saving a life”. • If you or a loved one is struggling, help is available. Dial 988 for the Suicide and...

Our guest this week is retired Cardiothoracic surgeon Steve Harrington. Steve has been trying to get his medical back for almost two years. As a physician he has great perspective on how flawed the current aeromedical standards & policies are and the consequences of such an outdated system. Listen now to hear more-> ••• If you or a loved one is struggling, help is available. Dial 988 for the Suici...

Our guest this week is Chris Nathan. Chris is a third generation pilot and aspiring general aviator. After obtaining his private pilot he received a letter from the FAA regarding his 3rd class medical. 2 years later, Chris is still battling to get back in the left seat. We discussed the consequences of the FAAs archaic standards in relation to the DSM 3 and how this has caused major issues in Chri...

This week we spoke to fellow podcaster, Bryan Morrison, of the Pilot Project Podcast. His podcast aims to ‘help new pilots learn what it takes to succeed in the world of flight’. We have an insightful conversation about his PTSD diagnosis, accepting when it’s time to seek help and practicing mindfulness in your day to day life as well as the cockpit. Listen now to learn more about Bryan and head o...

On this weeks episode- When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When the FAA makes a colossal mistake, we make a podcast episode. oh and we also got some good news… finally. •https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/11/business/faa-flight-delays-outage.html •If you or a loved one is struggling, help is available. Dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. SOCIAL LINKS- Instagram: https://Instagram.com...

Another solo and more av news. Wells Fargo VP takes a pee pee in business class and we’re back on the topic of the pilot shortage… This time discussing new changes we are starting to see unfold in the industry as well as things to be aware of when making career choices with your well-being in mind. Space, piss & upgrade bliss. •Resources for this episode below. ABC news article: https://abcnews.go...

This week we recap our holiday shenanigans during our break, as well as the holiday disaster that is Southwest. During their recent Christmas travel meltdown, an article was published making light of a recent internal survey that points to toxic culture in which FAA managers at the agency’s Dallas-area office “don’t listen to concerns raised by front-line inspectors, and instead seem more interest...

In true holiday fashion we decided to close this year out with our most chaotic episode yet… from Maddie’s McDonald’s trauma response, to Emma remembering when she realized Santa wasn’t real; as well as updates on the some of our 2022 Av news headlines. Forgive us, or don’t… we don’t really care. Goodnight 2022. If you or a loved one is struggling, help is available. Dial 988 for the Suicide and C...

This week we are taking a break from our usual content to enjoy a lighter subject with Michael Schneider; the founder of Pilots To The Rescue. PTTR is a non profit organization specializing in helping out all kinds of animals. From your furry friends at the shelter, to wild ones, PTTR has helped every kind of four legged critter you can think of. To learn more info listen now or head to pilotstoth...

TW: Suic*de. This week we are joined by special guest, Tessa Daniel, to remember her late husband Chris Daniel. Chris was a captain at PSA; a regional carrier of American Airlines. Chris had been struggling with depression and alcohol use when things came to a head in June of this year when he unfortunately took his own life. Chris’s story is all too familiar with those who have lost their lives t...

This week we are sitting down solo dolo to recap thanksgiving and some relevant aeromedical news. Emma shares her recent Spotlight in the AOPA magazine and all that’s happened since. We also talk about Billy Hoffman’s piece in the American Scientific regarding mental health in aviation. Grab a beer and a box of Kleenex, the girls are back. If you or a loved one is struggling, help is available. Di...

TW: SA & SUI Our guest this week is Leslie Grainger. Leslie has been a professional airline pilot for 7 years and wants to share her experience within the industry. From heavier topics to lighter ones, our guest gives great insight on her career as a female within the industry. If you or a loved one is struggling, help is available. Dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. SOCIAL LINKS- Insta...

This weeks episode is with guest, Rich Rafferty; Rich is a CFI who has gained a large following through his instructing videos on Instagram & TikTok. Rich contacted us after seeing a post in relation to the recent passing of CFI, Joey Starr. Joey and Rich had crossed paths in college at Liberty University. We had an honest discussion about the realities of work load and wage being a CFI. We also t...