Like a Pilot

Phil Wilkes

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.

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20 episodes
monthly
Avg 26 min
English

Episodes 20

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S1 · E22
September 3 · 29 min
Sleep... Like a Pilot | Jet Lag, Shift Work and Sleeping on the Job
How do pilots deal with jet lag? Where do they sleep on an aircraft? Wait! What? Pilots sleep while they’re at work? In this episode of Like a Pilot, Phil takes you behind the scenes of long-haul flying to explore the strange world of crew rest, tactical naps, body clocks and sleeping at all the wrong times. We’ll look at American International Airways Flight 808 and discover what happens to performance when we stay awake too long. We’ll also unpack the two factors that determine when you’re actually ready to sleep. After excursions to London and Laguna Seca Raceway, Phil will leave you with some practical strategies for resetting your own sleep when shift work, travel or life knocks it sideways.
S1 · E21
May 20 · 27 min
Catastrophize… Like a Pilot | Weighing Risk
In thunderstorms and pouring rain, Air France 358 touches down in Toronto. Nearly half the runway is already behind it. Seconds later, the Airbus A340 is in a ravine, destroyed by fire. How does a serviceable aircraft, flown by experienced pilots, run out of runway? In this episode, we look at useful catastrophizing — structured “what if?” thinking — and why risk management is not just about identifying threats. It is about weighing responses, watching for indicators, and actually executing when the moment arrives. Because a Plan B only protects you if you actually use it.
S1 · E20
April 3 · 16 min
Model… Like a Pilot | Role Models and Mentors
We often think of role models as polished success stories. But in aviation, some of the clearest lessons come from people you would never want to become. In this episode, Phil explores how pilots learn by watching the people around them — the captains they admire, the ones they don’t, and the mentors who shape their growth more directly. From flight decks to ski slopes to race tracks, this is a story about role models, mentors, and why good modelling isn’t copying. It’s careful borrowing.
S1 · E19
March 24 · 31 min
Lead… Like A Pilot | The 10 Principles of Leadership
Leadership is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot, but what does good leadership actually look like? And why does it matter at all? We’ve all had bad bosses. The screamer. The idea-stealer. The plain incompetent. The one asking for sacrifice from behind a locked door. In this episode of Like a Pilot, Phil looks at the damage bad bosses cause and offers an alternative: a practical, no-nonsense guide to leadership that applies just as well in the flight deck, the boardroom, or around the kitchen table.
S1 · E18
February 11 · 34 min
Work… Like A Pilot | Do, Defer, Delegate or Dump
In this episode of Like a Pilot, Phil answers a question from Miss Seven that’s crossed every passenger’s mind: "What do pilots actually do up there when the autopilot is flying?" (Apart from drinking coffee and chilling, of course.) We’ll step inside the cockpit to unpack workload — the finite mental capacity we all have, how overload creeps in quietly, and why too little workload can be risky too. Along the way, we’ll revisit two devastating reminders of how quickly margins can disappear: American Airlines 965 and Swissair 111. And you’ll leave with a simple, practical workload management framework you can use immediately — whether you’re flying an approach, running a shift, leading a team, or drowning in emails.
Dec 19, 2025 · 2 min
Where's Wilkesy?
Where’s Wilkesy? In training. I’ve been back in full student mode while changing fleets, so the Like a Pilot podcast has been put into a holding pattern until the New Year. In the meantime, why not dive into the back catalogue. Perhaps start with the Christmas themed checklist episode, or revisit our most-listened-to deep dive on automation lessons from Air France 447 (a few lawyers in the news lately could probably use a refresher on that one!). Search Like a Pilot on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
S1 · E17
Jul 9, 2025 · 25 min
Focus... Like a Pilot | Performance vs. Results
Ever frozen under pressure, knowing you were capable of more? This episode of Like a Pilot dives into why fixating on outcomes often leads to anything but success. From cockpit to canoe slalom, you'll hear how elite performers—pilots, Olympians, and race drivers—master their minds by focusing on what truly matters: the process. Discover how shifting your attention from the fear of failure to the precision of your performance can fundamentally transform your results, unpacking practical tools and revealing how even 'pink elephants' can help you silence self-doubts and stay laser-focused in the moment. Ready to unlock your true potential? Tune in now!
S1 · E16
Jun 11, 2025 · 24 min
Believe... Like a Pilot | Challenging the Story in Your Head
When life punches you in the face, what is that voice in your head saying? When you’re beating yourself up, what’s the worst thing you tell yourself about yourself? A military pilot earns her wings but can’t shake the feeling she got there by accident. A test pilot finishes a mission but still feels like a pretender. In this episode, we unpack the voice that questions your competence, your right to be here, your ability to do the job. And you’ll learn three tools to challenge the stories you’ve been telling yourself—because the most dangerous beliefs are the ones you never stop to question.
S1 · E15
Apr 30, 2025 · 24 min
Debrief… Like a Pilot | Don't Tell Me What to Do!
Is your feedback resonating? Does it foster growth? For pilots, every flight is a lesson, and well-facilitated debriefs provide the fuel for mastery. In this episode of Like a Pilot, Phil Wilkes explores how structured debriefs turn ordinary feedback into real growth. This isn’t just about aviation—it’s about transforming how you listen, how you reflect, and how you lead. Whether you’re mentoring a colleague, coaching an athlete, leading a team, or parenting at home, stop telling—start guiding. Discover how structured reflection, powerful questions, and active listening create space for people to own their learning and actually improve. From the cockpit to the boardroom—and even your living room—this episode will change the way you approach leadership, teamwork, and communication.
S1 · E14
Apr 3, 2025 · 32 min
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".
S1 · E13
Feb 28, 2025 · 21 min
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.
S1 · E12
Jan 27, 2025 · 57 min
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.
S1 · E11
Nov 22, 2024 · 13 min
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!
S1 · E10
Nov 2, 2024 · 26 min
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!
S1 · E9
Sep 9, 2024 · 50 min
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.
S1 · E8
Jul 2, 2024 · 33 min
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.
S1 · E7
May 6, 2024 · 29 min
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.
S1 · E6
Apr 5, 2024 · 24 min
Improve… Like a Pilot | The Power of Incremental Change
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 into the shift from focusing solely on critical scenarios like engine failures to emphasizing core competencies crucial for safe flight and the transformative power of incremental change. With insights from aviation training to elite sports, this episode inspires a mindset of continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence in any endeavour.
S1 · E5
Mar 5, 2024 · 14 min
Practice... Like a Pilot | The Art of Deliberate Practice
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. Through anecdotes, expert insights, and compelling analogies, including an inspiring look at the practice routines of the Kansas City Chiefs and elite musicians, Phil illustrates how deliberate practice can help you soar to new heights in any endeavor.
S1 · E4
Feb 21, 2024 · 13 min
Understand... Like a Pilot | What's the Point of Knowledge?
In this thought-provoking episode of Like a Pilot, we explore the critical role of knowledge in high-stakes environments. Join host Phil Wilkes as he delves into the importance of a strong foundational understanding, using the harrowing story of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster as a backdrop. We'll examine how knowledge is the bedrock upon which all higher-level skills are built, from comprehension and application to synthesis and evaluation. This episode isn't just about aviation; it's a compelling look at how deep knowledge impacts decision-making and problem-solving in any field. Whether you're an aspiring pilot, a professional in another discipline, or simply a lifelong learner, Understand… Like a Pilot offers valuable insights into how knowledge can empower us, give us options, and enhance our performance in any aspect of life.

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