Скачать или смотреть A Tour of Aviation Safety with Erika Armstrong - EP.265

In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Erika Armstrong, a pilot, author, and aviation expert whose career has taken her from corporate jets to major airlines to the university classroom. Erika shares stories from her early days in aviation, from sleeping on crash pads with seven other pilots to flying charter flights into some of the most challenging airports in the country.

We dive into what it was really like working in aviation in the 1980s and 90s, how pilot training has evolved, and the importance of standard operating procedures and safety culture in modern aviation. Erika offers insight into how pilot mindsets are shaped by training environments, and how she’s working to help the next generation of pilots think beyond rote memorization and develop real-world decision-making skills.

We also cover:
Why aviation today is exponentially safer than in past decades
How teaching methods are adapting to generational differences in students
The impact of technology on flying, navigation, and safety training
Why aviation needs to do a better job inspiring future pilots
How simple changes, like more open houses at airports, could reignite excitement about aviation

Erika’s passion for aviation is infectious, and her practical experience offers an inside look at the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation of pilots and aviation leaders. This conversation is packed with lessons on leadership, training, and the importance of building strong, resilient safety cultures.

Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn. 

Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/

Links:
Erika on LinkedIn -   / achickinthecockpitb727  
Advanced Aircrew Academy - https://www.aircrewacademy.com/

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Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:00 -Erika’s career on the road
05:42 - Tips for packing lean
07:34 - Erika’s favorite places she has flown
11:05 - What made the 727 fun to fly
15:02 - Erika’s transition from flying to teaching
20:29 - The process of training pilots
26:39 - Why aircrafts shake during a stall
28:00 - How training regimens have changed
30:56 - Safety cultures
39:15 - Advice for aviation leaders
41:07 - Common phrases from safety-focused CEOs
43:18 - The pilot shortage
55:07 - Electric planes