Like a Pilot

Phil Wilkes
Like a Pilot

Like a Pilot is your passport to behind the flight deck door. Join your host, Phil Wilkes, A380 pilot and trainer with four decades of flying experience as he unveils the soft skills pilots harness every time they step into those high-speed aluminum and carbon fiber giants we call airliners. From leadership to decision-making, teamwork to communication, we'll explore the 'how' and 'why' behind aviation being one of the safest modes of travel. Fasten your seatbelts, and let's embark on a journey through the skies, where pilots' expertise provides a blueprint for high performance in any field.

  1. APR 3

    Confirm… Like a Pilot | What Are You Looking At?!

    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 reveals flight deck tricks you can use to stay sharp and fight bias in any field. And along the way, we’ll hop on a Japanese shinkansen bullet train to uncover the surprising power of shisa kanko, "pointing and calling".

    33 min

  2. FEB 28

    Reason... Like a Pilot | Speculating on Jeju, Potomac and Toronto

    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. Join your host, Phil Wilkes, as he explores James Reason’s Swiss Cheese Model, the systemic approach to accident investigation, and how we can apply these lessons beyond aviation. Because whether it’s in the cockpit or in life, sound reasoning always wins out over knee-jerk reactions.

    22 min

  3. JAN 27

    Crash... Like a Pilot | Lessons From United 232

    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 allows 184 people to survive against all odds. The lessons from this incredible story—leadership, communication, and persistence—resonate far beyond aviation and can be applied to any field. Tune in for a deep dive into one of aviation’s greatest feats of survival and human resilience.

    58 min

  4. 11/22/2024

    Breathe... Like a Pilot | Overcoming Startle & Surprise - Part 2

    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. Discover how this technique, used by pilots, US Navy SEALs, and even athletes, can help you handle stress, fear, and unexpected challenges in your own life. With insights into the science behind startle responses and practical guidance on breathing techniques, this episode is your guide to mastering your physiological and emotional recovery in moments that matter most. Don’t hold your breath—tune in now to learn more!

    14 min

  5. 11/02/2024

    Recover... Like a Pilot | Overcoming Startle & Surprise - Part 1

    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 returning to the lessons of Air France 447, to show why it’s essential to start recovering from startle before taking decisive action. And, as always, there’s a takeaway for you—a tool to help you tackle life’s unexpected twists with a calm, clear mindset. But be warned, this episode comes with a “BANG!” It’s not for the faint of heart!

    26 min

  6. 09/09/2024

    Automate… Like a Pilot | Lessons From Air France 447

    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 the French BEA to release the findings of their accident investigation. What they would uncover were lessons about human interaction with automated systems that are pertinent not just for pilots but for us all.

    50 min

  7. 07/02/2024

    Confess… Like a Pilot | Self-Reporting in a Just Culture

    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 as he takes you behind the scenes of airline operations, delves into real-life stories of pilots who’ve confessed their mistakes, and reveals how these practices can revolutionise other industries. Tune in for an eye-opening journey into the heart of aviation's Just Culture and its profound impact on safety and accountability.

    33 min

  8. 05/06/2024

    Evacuate... Like a Pilot | Communicating With Intent

    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 to the scene of a murder in New York to find out what social psychologists have discovered about bystander apathy. Join Phil now for a thought-provoking exploration of critical communication skills that transcend the skies and offer invaluable lessons for navigating life's emergencies.

    29 min
See All (15)

Trailer

About

Like a Pilot is your passport to behind the flight deck door. Join your host, Phil Wilkes, A380 pilot and trainer with four decades of flying experience as he unveils the soft skills pilots harness every time they step into those high-speed aluminum and carbon fiber giants we call airliners. From leadership to decision-making, teamwork to communication, we'll explore the 'how' and 'why' behind aviation being one of the safest modes of travel. Fasten your seatbelts, and let's embark on a journey through the skies, where pilots' expertise provides a blueprint for high performance in any field.

Information

  • Creator
    Phil Wilkes
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Phil Wilkes
  • Show Website
    Like a Pilot

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