The Pilots Pandemic

This week we are joined by Morgan, known as @le_captain_morgan on Instagram. There’s a good chance if you’re on IG that you’ve seen one of her hilarious aviation inspired reels. Morgan tells us about her flight training experience as a 141 student and what got her into aviation; how she’s taken those experiences and turned them into creative content that any pilot can relate to. She’s just as funny as she is online. Go check her page out on Instagram @le_captain_morgan SOCIAL LINKS- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thepilotspandemic https://instagram.com/emneonicon https://Instagram.com/thefitaviatrix Link for aeromedical reform petition: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic WEBSITE: https://msha.ke/thepilotspandemic/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

This week we give you our honest opinions… I mean truly, brutally, honest opinions on the FAA’s Instagram. A recent post on their IG captioned, “@FAA: Regulatory authorities worldwide consider Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) a disqualifying condition for pilots, but proper diagnosis of ADHD is a complex process. Tap the link in our bio” has spread like wildfire through the community and gained over 400 comments in the past week. We answer some follower questions and discuss the recent news of FAA administrator Steve Dickson resigning. Kick back, relax, and prepare for the ultimate roast… hosted by yours truly. (***we will be posting a slide on our Instagram with resources to contact in regards to advocating for Aeromedical reform****) Link for FAA ADHD article: https://medium.com/faa/pilots-with-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-6518967ac46e AOPA Member Services Phone: 1.800.USA.AOPA Link for aeromedical reform petition: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic WEBSITE: https://msha.ke/thepilotspandemic/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

***The views expressed in this episode reflect only those of the speaker and not necessarily those of the Department of Defense, the US Air Force, or the Brooke Army Medical Center.*** This week we are discussing aeromedical reform with Aeromedical researcher, Dr. William Hoffman. Dr. Hoffman is a physician, aeromedical examiner, and researcher who leads an aeromedical research group in the United States Air Force. He and his team are working to understand the pilot healthcare barrier and their studies are the largest to ever be conducted on pilot healthcare seeking behavior. While this issue is often common knowledge to pilots, it has almost 0 reference in medical literature. Dr. Hoffman is also the award winning author of ‘Wing of Deceit’ and his latest book ‘Intrepid Pursuit’ is available now! We will be posting any and all information regarding future and upcoming studies on our Instagram and website, stay tuned. UND SUMMIT: https://youtu.be/zNUA7dL_mgo CASE STUDIES: Pilots' Healthcare Seeking Anxiety When Experiencing Chest Pain - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33533702/ BOOKS: https://www.amazon.com/Wings-Deceit-riveting-aviation-thriller-ebook/dp/B07QRG3VMV https://www.amazon.com/Intrepid-Pursuit-disaster-decades-making/dp/1733906843 SOCIAL LINKS- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thepilotspandemic https://instagram.com/emneonicon https://Instagram.com/thefitaviatrix Link for aeromedical reform petition: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic WEBSITE: https://msha.ke/thepilotspandemic/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

We are solo this week and discussing solo pilot operations; the risks involved and how this would change the face of the airline industry. For this episode we will mainly be referencing the ALPA white paper that warns of the dangers of single pilot operation. SOCIAL LINKS- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thepilotspandemic https://instagram.com/emneonicon https://Instagram.com/thefitaviatrix Tiktok: @emneonicon @fitaviatrix Link for aeromedical reform petition: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic WEBSITE: https://msha.ke/thepilotspandemic/ https://www.alpa.org/-/media/ALPA/Files/pdfs/news-events/white-papers/white-paper-single-pilot-operations.pdf?la=en --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

Meet Evanthia, a 19 year old aircraft technician and maintainer. Evanthia discusses the challenges she’s faced as a young professional and also as a female, in one of the most male dominated industries within aviation. Learn what a day in the life of an aircraft maintainer is like at one of the busiest airports in the country. SOCIAL LINKS- Instagram: @esoldaa https://Instagram.com/thepilotspandemic https://instagram.com/emneonicon https://Instagram.com/thefitaviatrix Tiktok: @emneonicon @fitaviatrix Link for aeromedical reform petition: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic WEBSITE: https://msha.ke/thepilotspandemic/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

This week we switch things up and pod swap with the ‘Cancelled for Maintenance’ podcast; “A behind the scenes look into the gritty, non-glamorous, life of an aircraft maintainer.” We sit down with Six and MBP to discuss the roots of their platform, and what inspired them to start podcasting. Sharing their stories via comedy has made a significant impact to their own mental health but also to their coworkers and others within the aircraft maintenance industry. Join us for a laugh or two… and as always keep the blue side up and the brown side down. SOCIAL LINKS- CANCELLED FOR MAINTENANCE: Facebook- @cancelledformaintenance, Instagram- @canxformaintenancepodcast. Twitter- @cxmxpodcast website and merch at www.cancelledformaintenance.com Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thepilotspandemic https://instagram.com/emneonicon https://Instagram.com/thefitaviatrix Tiktok: @emneonicon @fitaviatrix Link for aeromedical reform petition: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic WEBSITE: https://msha.ke/thepilotspandemic/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

This week Emma and Maddie sit down with Maddie’s good friend John Ferreira. John is a Captain for a major airline, father of two, and Author. John has been through the Special Issuance process and says it changed his life for the better. His super inspiring story reminds us all how it is possible to put yourself first, get the help you need, and still have a successful aviation career. https://www.amazon.com/Epiphanies-Project-Twenty-Personal-Revelations/ SOCIAL LINKS- Instagram: https://instagram.com/epiphaniesproject https://Instagram.com/thepilotspandemic https://instagram.com/emneonicon https://Instagram.com/thefitaviatrix Tiktok: @emneonicon @fitaviatrix Link for aeromedical reform petition: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic WEBSITE: https://msha.ke/thepilotspandemic/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

We are closing out the past year with some rather comical aviation news. The Trevor Jacob “I crashed my plane” video has been circulating the av community for the past two weeks. We giggle over the bizarre details, and obvious red flags from the video; then changing focus to some of the the darker aspects of social media & how younger generations seem to be creating riskier content to feel seen by their peers. The aspects of those impulsive measures, the world of internet bullying, cancel culture and why we can and should simply take a break when social media turns dark. RESOURCES: https://thedesktopaviator.com/2021/12/28/trevor-jacob-and-the-dumbest-youtube-scandal-to-date/ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S074756321730568X https://phys.org/news/2017-08-social-media-culture-risky-inappropriate.html https://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/blogs/anxiety-loneliness-and-fear-missing-out-impact-social-media-young-peoples-mental-health. SOCIAL LINKS- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thepilotspandemic https://instagram.com/emneonicon https://Instagram.com/thefitaviatrix Tiktok: @emneonicon @fitaviatrix Link for aeromedical reform petition: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic WEBSITE: https://msha.ke/thepilotspandemic/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

The girls are joined this week by guest and friend Emily; creator of the Pilots With Clipped Wings page. Emily had around 900 hours of flight time when she experienced some unexpected physical setbacks. These concerns ultimately led to choosing to ground herself. Emily shares her Clipped Wings story and gives valuable insight into her life outside of being a pilot. Emily reminds us all that there is a WHOLE lot more to life than your identity and status as an aviator. “Your worth is not measured by your medical certificate” SOCIAL LINKS- Instagram: @emiwree @pilotswithclippedwings https://Instagram.com/thepilotspandemic https://instagram.com/emneonicon https://Instagram.com/thefitaviatrix Tiktok: @emneonicon @fitaviatrix Link for aeromedical reform petition: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic WEBSITE: https://msha.ke/thepilotspandemic/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

Emma and Maddie converse over the UND Summit, who was there, what they discussed, what it means in the aviation world, and what we can do to keep pushing for aeromedical reform. The UND Mental Health Summit was held in Chicago, December 15, 2021, in honor of John A. Hauser; a UND aviation student who passed away in October of this year. John was a compassionate person who should be here today, and if it would have been for different mental health protocols enacted by the FAA, one could hope he would still be here. - We utilized Flying Mag article as a general outline of the summit but direct summit links can be found on UND Aerospace YouTube for further detail. https://www.flyingmag.com/und-hosts-summit-on-mental-health-in-aviation/ //// Resources shared in the flying mag article: Airlines Pilots Association Health Watch: https://www.alpa.org/news-and-events/air-line-pilot-magazine/addressing-covid19-mental-health-toll Airlines Pilots Association Mental Health & Family: https://www.alpa.org/committees/family-issues/mental-health AOPA Mental Health Resources: https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources/health-conditions/mental-health FAA Mental Fitness: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/pilot-mental-fitness //// SOCIAL LINKS- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thepilotspandemic https://instagram.com/emneonicon https://Instagram.com/thefitaviatrix Tiktok: @emneonicon @fitaviatrix Link for aeromedical reform petition: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic WEBSITE: https://msha.ke/thepilotspandemic/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

This week on the pilots pandemic Emma and Maddie breakdown the ERAU planned shooting, the severity of the mental health stigma that surrounds the planned shootings, as well as the warning signs that may have shed light on the students mental fitness. - We do not condone the students actions but want to hold space for a mental health talk to be covered. - Because this happened on an aviation campus we feel inclined to shed light on the aversion habits to care seeking by aviators which could be a factor in this planned shooting. - Resources for Embry Riddle Students can be found here; Embry Riddle Counseling Resource: Erau counseling Ig page @eraucounseling counseling center: https://daytonabeach.erau.edu/about/counseling phone number: 386-226-6035 /// another great on-campus resource for erau is the center of faith and spirituality! the center of faith and spirituality also deals with anyone in a mental health crisis!! so they’d be another great resource!! The center of faith and spirituality, does not require a student to be religious to see anyone there. here’s their website: https://daytonabeach.erau.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/ ERAU school has started pushing this app called “my ssp” and in their words describes it as: “ERAU has partnered with MySSP to provide emergency and ongoing support to all ERAU students via 24/7 texting and phone. Students can access helpful resources and virtual counseling services in your preferred language and during evening and weekend hours. MySSP is available to ERAU students from anywhere within the U.S. or internationally. SOCIAL LINKS- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thepilotspandemic https://instagram.com/emneonicon https://Instagram.com/thefitaviatrix Tiktok: @emneonicon @fitaviatrix Link for aeromedical reform petition: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic WEBSITE: https://msha.ke/thepilotspandemic/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

Emma and Maddie sit down with Emilee to talk about her position as an Air Attack Pilot, her transition from 121 to 135 flying, tackling the ins and outs of being a woman in aviation & her inspiration behind flying. GIVEAWAY: Maddie is give away a free cup of coffee to listeners who rate, review and subscribe to the show. Each week we will take the names and put them in a random raffle. The winner will be announced on that weeks ep and Instagram (unless you tell us otherwise). Current signature count: 8,537 SOCIAL LINKS- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thepilotspandemic https://instagram.com/emneonicon https://Instagram.com/thefitaviatrix Tiktok: @emneonicon @fitaviatrix Link for aeromedical reform petition: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic WEBSITE: https://msha.ke/thepilotspandemic/ Emilee’s Social Links: @little_emilee6 @ladyaviators --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

This week Emma and Maddie break down news articles covering the ongoing pilot shortage. The girls unpack how this could affect the av industry and certain pressures already in effect at certain airlines. “The root cause of the coming shortage varies by region: In the United States, it’s an aging workforce facing mandatory retirement, fewer pilots exiting the military, and barriers to entry, including the cost of training.” What does the pilot shortage look like today and where will this lead the future of the industry. Get in the know now! SOCIAL LINKS- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thepilotspandemic https://instagram.com/emneonicon https://Instagram.com/thefitaviatrix Tiktok: @emneonicon @fitaviatrix Link for aeromedical reform petition: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic WEBSITE: https://msha.ke/thepilotspandemic/ Resources: Fox Business: https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/airlines-staffing-shortages-safety-ntsb Delta, United, American Pull regional routes: https://www.businessinsider.com/united-will-stop-flying-to-11-us-cities-indefinitely-list-2021-11 Sources of Pilot Fatigue: https://code7700.com/fatigue.htm Oliver Wyman Article: https://www.oliverwyman.com/our-expertise/insights/2021/mar/after-covid-19-aviation-faces-a-pilot-shortage.html How women can solve the pilot shortage: https://www.forbes.com/sites/oliverwyman/2020/03/06/how-our-daughters-can-solve-the-pilot-shortage/?sh=5ac2f6429a64 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

On part two of our episode with Teya we discuss some heavy topics. We talk about what it was like for her to lose a close friend to a plane crash, and the frustrations of being unable to seek help because of FAA regulations. When things seemed to look the worst she realized she must keep their dream alive. Before the passing of her friend Parker they had plans of starting an air service that offered pilots with a CPL an alternate way of time building; flying folks into the back country of Utah. Teya is currently taking the steps to continue building the business they created together. She was an absolute pleasure to speak with and a very inspiring human being. Thanks again Teya. SOCIAL LINKS- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thepilotspandemic https://instagram.com/emneonicon https://Instagram.com/thefitaviatrix Tiktok: @emneonicon @fitaviatrix Link for aeromedical reform petition: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic WEBSITE: https://msha.ke/thepilotspandemic/ Teya Instagram: @ _tee_uhhh --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

Proof you can do both; our guest this week is female pilot Teya, who received her CPL 6 months pregnant. She is a female pilot, CFI, mother and friend. Her journey into the aviation world is not only unique, but inspiring. We discuss her adventure to becoming a CFI and how she’s overcome life’s battles. Balancing mom life with her life, and what it’s like to be a female CFI. Teyas’ story is touching and heartfelt. She continues to maintain a beautiful mindset through the complexities of life, all while being a blast to speak with. PART TWO NEXT WEEK SOCIAL LINKS: //// Instagram: @_tee_uhhh @thepilotspandemic https://instagram.com/emneonicon https://Instagram.com/thefitaviatrix //// Tiktok: @emneonicon @fitaviatrix LINK FOR AEROMEDICAL REFORM PETITION: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

//: On this weeks episode Emma and Maddie recap the recent events following the UND student pilot fatality. “UND pilot was dealing with ‘mental health concerns’ NTSB report finds no mechanical problems in fatal UND crash.” -We discuss the importance of news coverage and it’s pros and cons. Maddie talks about the family confirming a mental health issue and how this could be huge in changing a NTSB report. Emma talks on how the student was flying with an undisclosed mental health issue and how often this occurs; as well the responsibility the FAA has to make sure pilots can seek help before tragedy occurs. -Hauser's family established the John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Initiative Fund, with the UND Alumni Association & Foundation. The fund can be found online at undalumni.org/JohnsFund. As of Monday morning, more than $20,000 has been raised for the fund. ///We give our condolences to the Hauser family and all who have been effected by this tragic event\\\ LINK FOR AEROMEDICAL REFORM PETITION: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic NTSB: Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation may contact them by email at : witness@ntsb.gov Friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov. You can also call the NTSB Response Operations Center at 844-373-9922 or 202-314-6290 Memorial contributions may be made to the John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Initiative (https://undalumni.org/JohnsFund). SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE : 800-273-8255 SOCIAL LINKS: //// Instagram: @thepilotspandemic https://instagram.com/emneonicon https://Instagram.com/thefitaviatrix //// Tiktok: @emneonicon @fitaviatrix --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

Emma and Maddie have been keeping up with the current news and following up with people that are near the current investigation. This is a conversation we wanted to create around the UND crash as it has sparked action in the mental health arena for pilots. //// 📍The tragic passing of a UND student just last week has a multitude of pilots wondering why they still have no access to mental health care, and even if they do they are threatened with the loss of their medical if they do get help. \\\\ 📍Emma goes over details that have been coming out in local newspapers; Covering the UND aviator and the little we know about those final moments. //// 📍Maddie gives feedback on how it feels to have a member of your family die in a plane crash, and that speculation can be beneficial in understanding a crash. //// 🎙Pilot Podcast Questions review. We cover how Pilot shortage may fuel the mental health for pilot movement as well as what we think is most pressing for airlines to cover. //// 🖊 We are at 6,800 signatures & counting on the Human Rights for Pilots Petition, our goal is to get to 7,500 so the petition will be pushed to a decision maker. Maddie is doing a 200$ cash prize giveaway for her 33rd bday on November 15th. //// BDAY PRIZE RAFFLE //// Maddie’s wish is to get the Human Rights for Pilots Petition to 7,500 signatures. She’s holding a 200$ raffle for those who sign &/or donate to the petition. //// 💵1$ = 1 entry 💵1 signature = 1 entry 📌Donations go through our Change.org Human Rights for Pilots Petition 📌Winner will be contacted via email, to keep anonymous. If you’d like us to share your handles we will. 🚨 PSA: If you donate anonymously we will need to see a screenshot of your donation sent to our email: pilotspandemic@gmail.com 📌Our signature goal is 7,500 and Maddie would love to get to that goal for her birthday! //// 🗣SOCIAL LINKS: //// Instagram: https://instagram.com/emneonicon https://Instagram.com/thefitaviatrix //// Tiktok: @emneonicon @fitaviatrix  //// 💰Link for petition to enter into raffle: https://www.change.org/p/the-pilot-s-pandemic-and-the-urgent-need-for-aeromedical-reform?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_27196217_en-US%3A7&recruiter=1066829849&recruited_by_id=ff24e4e0-71c7-11ea-ae85-953541f00f43&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial //// Our condolences go out to the UND Aerospace community, to John Hauser’s family, and to all those struggling to cope with this tragic loss. 📫NTSB: Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation may contact them by email at : witness@ntsb.gov Friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov. You can also call the NTSB Response Operations Center at 844-373-9922 or 202-314-6290 Memorial contributions may be made to the John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Initiative (https://undalumni.org/JohnsFund). SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE 📞: 800-273-8255 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

Emma went MIA but she’s back with a new addition to the pod, Maddie Miller. Maddie is a Aero-med reform advocate, aviation wellness expert, pilots wife and former airline employee. On this weeks episode we discuss the following. -how Maddie started down aeromedical reform path - her naivety in thinking safety orgs were going to follow through on safety risks - Union talks with MEC heads & lawyers for job action -AMAS claims of wanting to help pilots with special issuances -the facade the aviation industry puts up around mental health for pilots -Emma’s FA Gma takes a tumble on some cobble stone & pops had anxiety over the association of devils lettuce -Cash Prize Incentives for Human Rights for Pilots Petition Links for everything: https://linktr.ee/emneonicon https://msha.ke/thefitaviatrix/ Instagram: @emneonicon/@thefitaviatrix Link for petition: https://www.change.org/apilotspandemic --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

This episode I sit down and talk to Maddie known as the fit aviatrix on Instagram. Maddie is a former airline employee, pilots daughter and a pilots wife. We talk about issues within the industry, how to stay healthy on the line and the impact aeromedical standards have had on the aviation community. We also touch on the topic of relationships and what being a pilots wife is like. Maddie provides app based training for pilots and crew who are on the go. We discuss the importance of a healthy lifestyle and how to achieve that anytime, anyplace. Go give Maddie a follow on Instagram @thefitaviatrix --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support

Today I have the pleasure of speaking with fellow female aviator, Claire Schindler. Claire is a corporate pilot, event coordinator for CA Sky Kids, and advocate for aeromedical reform. We talk about Claire’s journey and her passion for flying; the ins and out of a professional aviatrix, and facing adversity in the work place. She opens up about mental health, the struggles the pandemic has posed for pilots, and how to stay physically and mentally healthy on the line. We also talk about her involvement with Sky Kids. ‘Sky Kids is an Arizona tax exempt and IRS 501c(3) charity dedicated to providing children and youths in the Valley of the Sun with special needs the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build self esteem and confidence through the unique experience of flight.’ You can donate to the charity at skykidsusa.org . Huge thanks to Claire for coming on the show, it was such a great pleasure to speak with another woman in aviation. I really admire her journey and everything that aviation means to her. She is definitely someone to look up too. You can follow Claire on Instagram @gillians_list Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to the show, thanks for listening! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepilotspandemic/support