The Pilot Life

The Pilot Life

Author: Aviation Language: English Episodes: 34
The Pilot Life moves beyond the technical checklists and flight manuals to explore the human stories woven into the fabric of aviation. This podcast connects you directly with the voices of the industry-from regional first officers to retired captains, dispatchers to engineers-who share the moments that define their careers. Conversations delve into the unexpected challenges of a stormy night approach, the quiet satisfaction of a perfect landing, or the complex logistics of running an airline. It’s about the business decisions made on the ground and the scientific principles mastered in the air, all framed within the unique lifestyle this profession demands. You’ll hear firsthand accounts that balance the undeniable romance of flight with the gritty realities of training, schedules, and life away from home. For anyone who’s ever looked up at a passing jet and wondered about the people inside, The Pilot Life provides that window. Each episode is a candid discussion, offering more than just stories; it’s an immersion into the culture, the pressures, the camaraderie, and the personal triumphs that you simply can’t get from a textbook. Tune in for an authentic perspective that grounds the dream of flight in the actual experiences of those who live it every day.
Episodes
Captain Yokko Okamura / Horizon Air [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:17
"I was not trying to become a first, I just wanted to be an airline pilot". Captain Yokko's drive to become an airline pilot was truly remarkable, overcoming vast obstacles at a time when Japanese women were not allowed…
Terry Shaffer / Flying the F8 in Vietnam [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:20
Great conversation with Captain Terry Shaffer, retired airline captain, former fighter pilot, and all around great guy! From his early dreams of Hollywood stardom to flying the F-8 off aircraft carriers, to teaching and…
Kali Retzler / Part 135 Captain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:38
Great conversation with Captain Kali about her journey to the pilot seat of a Cessna Grand Caravan and the challenges overcome along the way. She has a ton of great insights for pilots looking to pursue a career in aviat…
Captain Ty Frisby / Aerobatics to Airlines [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:28
Great conversation with Captain Ty about his aviation journey from Aerobatics to the Airlines. He shares a lot of great instructional content on his podcast as well as instagram account. Talk Flying podcast https://www.y…
Greg Wooldridge / 3-Time Blue Angel Flight Leader [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:06
In this episode, we sit down with Captain Greg “Boss” Wooldridge, a respected leader in naval aviation history. Greg is the only pilot to have led the Blue Angels three times, a rare distinction that speaks volumes about…
Mike Swanigan / Alaska National Guard / Airline Captain (ret) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:45
A full circle moment to sit down and chat with Captain Mike Swanigan aka "Swani" about his amazing journey to the flight deck. His dreams of becoming a pilot as a young boy were quickly dashed when he found out that Afri…
Captain Ernie Meeks / Southwest Airlines [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:30
Awesome conversation with Captain Ernie Meeks aka "Big Ern" ( yes, we get the backstory on that call sign!) From early dreams of being a pilot to flying the C-5 Galaxy - One of the largest military transports in the worl…
Arlette Donzey / Airline Pilot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:23
The saying "the best things in life aren't easy" comes to mind when hearing Arlette's aviation story. From a young girl in Germany pursuing her dreams of flying to the skies over the United States and beyond, It has been…
LaMar Haugaard / 40 YEAR Airline Pilot at Horizon Air [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:54
Such a privilege to sit down with LaMar, one of the longest tenured Horizon pilots where he also served as the chief pilot for 2 decades. Great conversation covering the history of the airline and lessons learned in near…