In this conversation, Eoin will let us in on how he’s been able to harness his communication through his life and career, and what we can do to follow suit. How we can "be the thermostat, not the thermometer."

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Adam about the ways he works across nations and cultures that may have differing — and even contrasting — views of safety, and how the lessons he’s learned from doing so might translate to our own individual lives.

Joining me in this episode is François Lassale, the new President and CEO of VAI. In this lead-up to his first VERTICON as CEO,  I’ll speak with Francois about his vision for the industry and how he plans to guide us there. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Roni about the turbulent world of weather forecasting, and our relationship as pilots to the natural world around us.

In this episode, I’ll speak with Jesse about the lessons we can draw from his circumstance, and what a road back to flying might look like for himself and others in his shoes.

In this conversation, Wendell will explain how the guidance of five life coaches — five mentors designated to five different areas of his life — has kept him from stagnating, and how we can relate that practice to our own lives and careers.

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Simon about the process of writing the book. He’ll take us inside his experience as a mountain pilot, explain some common errors people make when flying in the mountains, and much more.

Access to the mountain flying handbook: https://manual.sha-swiss.ch/en/mountain-handbook-reading-sample/inhaltsverzeichnis

Website Swiss Helicopter Association: https://www.sha-swiss.ch/de/index.html

In this episode, Maurice will give us an inside look at the work of a blade tech. We’ll follow the process of blade repair, from it’s initial damage to it’s return to service. We’ll learn technical insight, like the difference between working on a metal blade vs a composite blade. And finally, Maurice will give his advice on how to better maintain our blades as aviators. 

Today, I’m speaking with Chris Holder of Concorde Battery about the work their company is doing to provide dependable power to the industry.  We’ll look at the development of aircraft batteries over time, common misconceptions about batteries, the future of power in aviation, and much more.

Against all odds, he did just that. In roughly a year, Dwight was back to flying, with no further heart complications. His story exemplifies a spirit of of perseverance and self-advocacy from which we can learn.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Chris Baur — industry co-chair of the USHST — about launching the new program, and why mental health might be the most urgent, yet overlooked, issue in aviation.

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Dr. Pupulidy about aviation safety reform; how we can can discard the ideas that have been holding us back, and empower pilots with the skills to think on their feet. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Carl about his work engineering aircraft; from the nitty-gritty technical details, to his larger ideas about humans and our relationship to the machines we fly. 

I spoke with Nick about ICARUS, and why it’s making such an impact in the industry…but I was just as interested in his story — how a pilot at his lowest point channeled frustration into innovation. 

Our guest today is John Roberts. John is the Senior Training Manager at the Transportation Safety Institute. In a previous career, John flew helicopters in the army, where he retired with the rank of CW 5. 

In this episode, John will tell the story of a UIMC event he survived while flying in the army. What was his thought process as he entered the clouds? And what decisions were key to his survival? 

Also — we'll speak with John about his current work at TSI, the evolution of UIMC training equipment, and much more. 

If you’ve listened to this podcast, you’ve almost certainly heard me reference this book. I believe that understanding Kahneman will help us better diagnose the problems we face as pilots. 

And so, for the next four episodes, released each Thursday over the next four weeks, I’m going straight to the source — exploring Kahneman’s book and directly relating his ideas to aviation. 

Having started with the company in 1983 — before MBB merged with Areospatiale to create Eurocopter — Larry has a remarkable amount of insight about helicopters, and how they work. 

In this episode, Larry will give us an overview of his extraordinary career, from flying in the the deserts of Iran to the Amazon rainforest. 

We’ll take a look at the early history and development of the BK117, and why that specific airframe has stood the test of time. 

Then, later in the episode, Larry will recount a harrowing experience of his that occurred while flying in Peru…a story that — when I first heard it — shaped my outlook on safety…and may have saved my life. 

Raphael Paquin and Fabien Bernard are experts in human factors engineering. They work together at Airbus in France, where they find new ways to bring flying closer to the human experience. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Raphael and Fabien about their work. We’ll look at all things human factors, from the emerging use of augmented reality in maintenance, to the century-old method Japanese metro workers use to increase safety by 84%. And much more. 

In this conversation, Seth will trace his career back to the start. How did a boy piecing together a model airplane in his father’s office go on to work accident cases in Chile, Russia, and beyond? Also, we'll talk about the surreal nature of accident sites, what it takes to be a successful investigator, and much more. 

Matt Johnson flies for Metro Aviation, at an air ambulance program based in Southwestern Ohio. An accomplished pilot and pilot examiner, Matt is one of the industry’s most forward-thinkers when it comes to our working relationship with weather. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Matt about Green Dot Syndrome, and the steps we can take to prevent it. Also, Matt will tell us about his work as an examiner, and how the recently adopted airman’s certification standards are changing testing in the US. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Rusty about finding one's place as a pilot, a student, a leader, and everything in-between. We’ll look at the truth behind the pilot shortage, the importance of camaraderie, and much more.

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Jeff about his life, his work, and what it means to serve as a link between those who develop aircraft, and the pilots who fly them day-to-day.

In this conversation, Nick will guide us through his cleverly named “Enjoy Retirement” checklist — a set of ten rules that, if followed, secure a pilot’s best chance of a long career. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Eleanora about her unique and fascinating field; how can we recognize what drives our bodies to act, and use it to be more conscious aviators? 

Update:

In this episode, Bruce briefly discusses his friend and IndyCar driver, Dario Franchitti. In the discussion, Bruce explains the reason Dario, who was a licensed helicopter pilot, chose to sell his helicopter after his friend Colin McCray was killed in a helicopter crash. Bruce incorrectly stated that the crash occurred because McCray was “flying in horrible weather trying to maintain VFR in hard IMC conditions.” A listener in the UK contacted us, providing the correct reason McCray crashed. The AAIB report indicates that McCray was flying low level, at high rates of speed, while executing steep turns. Complete details may be found at: Eurocopter AS350B2 Squirrel AAIB Accident Report

In this conversation, Chris and I will examine the importance of open dialogue in safety; why we should feel motivated to share the lessons we’ve learned from our shortcomings, and withhold judgement from others doing the same. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Marcus about his unique line of work. We’ll delve into his process, from gathering eyewitnesses testimony, to analyzing video, and building the final accident reconstruction. 

Our guest today is Mike O’Donoghue. Mike is an aviation consultant based in the UK. With decades of experience as a pilot and examiner, Mike studies how emerging technologies can support the human element of aviation. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Mike about his research into electronic conspicuity — using new technologies to transmit and detect location in flight. How do EC systems give us a better picture of our surroundings in the air? What are the current limitations of these systems? And how can we best use them without neglecting our own instincts as aviators? 

2) Kim Hutchings trains members of high risk-industries how to better manage their stress. I’ll speak with Kim about ways pilots can practice mindfulness in their day-to-day operations. 

3) Mona Polson is an engineer at Bell. She found herself immersed in aviation at an early age, soloing a Stearman for the first time at 16. After her father survived a midair collision in that same plane, Mona was inspired to pursue a career in safety. I’ll speak with Mona about cultivating a diverse skillset, and how doing so has enriched her place in the industry. 

Our guest today is J Heffernan. J is a lifelong aviator with a wide variety of experience, from flying in presidential unit HMX-1, to working in safety roles at HAI, Sikorsky, and Air Evac Lifeteam. Since 2018, he’s helped run Helicopter Safety Alliance, an organization devoted to bringing SMS knowledge to small operators. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with J about the lessons he’s learned through his illustrious career. He’ll tell us about his roots in the military, and how they informed his approach to his civil career. J will recount an inadvertent IMC event he survived, and how it changed his perspective on safety. Then, we’ll speak about breaking down barriers; how competitors in the industry can work together to reduce accidents for all. 

And, much more. 

Fred's memoir "Flying Sideways" is available now at https://www.fred-north.com/

Thierry Couderc is the Vice Chair of the European Helicopter Association. In this conversation, Thierry and I will speak about aviation regulation in a changing world. Theirrey will tell us about his work integrating drones into European airspace, and some of the challenges he’s faced doing so. 

We’ll speak about Bird Strikes vs Drone Strikes. What are the major differences between the two — and how can flight regulations better address these differences? 

Then, we’ll speak about safety advocacy; how despite the competitive nature of our industry, the goal of reducing accidents and saving lives should reach beyond make, model, and manufacturer. 

In this conversation with Faith, we’ll examine aviation outreach in today’s world.

Faith will break down the origins of HowToHelicopter; how the page she started as a fun pastime grew a following of over two hundred thousand people across her different platforms. 

We’ll learn about Faith’s personal backstory as a mechanic; and the philosophy she brings to her new role as industry ambassador.

Then, we’ll talk career paths. How an interested young person can get their foot in the door, and take their first steps toward changing our industry. 

And, much more.

In this conversation with Nataly, we’ll examine the science of human factors. We’ll talk about the impact small details make in our comprehension. Why do we pay more attention to safety labels written in lowercase? And why are warning alerts more effective in a female voice? We’ll break down at the science of language — how errors in wording have led to disaster in flight, and how we can communicate better as a multi-lingual industry. 

Then, we’ll look to the future; how people like Nataly are changing the way we interact with our aircraft. 

In this conversation with Kevin, we’ll examine mental health in aviation. How can we find the vulnerability we need to address internal struggles in an industry that often rewards just “toughing it out?” Kevin will take us through his personal journey, the shame he felt at his breaking point, his  path to recovery, and how a character from a 1970’s sci-fi series gave him the strength to believe in himself again. 

In this conversation with Loreto, we’ll examine aviation from a lawyer’s perspective. How can liability differences between commercial airline and helicopter flights affect the mindset of pilots? We’ll learn about Loreto’s legal background in Chile, and how working with the families of accident victims changed her approach to safety. Loreto will speak about her work in the Chilean Space Association, and break down the safety lessons pilots can draw from NASA’s Artemis program. And finally, we’ll look at the bigger picture; how the insight of non-aviators - minds like Loreto’s - might be just what we need to help prevent future accidents. 

Jessica experienced her first brush with helicopters when she was air-rescued after an accident climbing a rock tower in Red Rocks, Nevada - an event that would planet the seeds for a new chapter in her life.

Now in a second career as a helicopter pilot, Jessica hopes to one day fly for short haul rescue programs in U.S. national parks, and give back to the climbing community that shaped her. 

We’ll speak with Jessica about her transition to aviation from guiding adventure sports, the air rescue mission that opened her eyes to helicopter flight, the similarities between flying and rock climbing, her experience flying glacier tours in Alaska, and the importance of building relationships in aviation.

In this first installment of a two-part conversation, we’ll speak with Jay about his early days photographing aircraft in Odessa, Texas. He’ll tell us how he came to know renowned aviators like Jimmy Doolittle and Eddy Rickenbacker, how he acquired the mach meter from the first manned flight to reach a speed of mach 3, and how a mistake made while photographing an air-to-air warhead led to an otherwise unattainable image.

Hosted by Bruce Webb. Written, Edited, and Produced by Logan Evans. Intro Voiceover by Tamera Ankrah. Artwork by Lou Kiss.