Like a Pilot

How could experienced pilots forget something as critical as setting the flaps for takeoff? Checklists are meant to save lives—so why do they sometimes fail? This episode of Like a Pilot dives into the dark side of routine—complacency and expectation bias—that can trick even the best professionals into fatal mistakes. Join Phil Wilkes as he unpacks the human factors behind disasters like Spanair 5022 and Singapore Airlines 006, and...

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.

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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 al...

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.

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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 re...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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 int...

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. Throu...

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 t...

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 a...