The Pilot Life takes you behind the cockpit and into the lives of aviation professionals. In each episode, we sit down with pilots and other aviation experts to hear their personal stories, unique experiences, and the highs and lows of life in the sky. Whether you're an aspiring pilot or just fascinated by aviation, The Pilot Life offers an authentic, unfiltered look at what it really means to live and work in the world of aviation.
Épisodes
Phil Wiltse / Horizon Air Captain (ret)
27 août 2026 · 46 min
This Great conversation with Captain Phil Wiltse reflecting on his 35 year flying career with Horizon Air. He has witnessed nearly the entire 45 years of Horizon Air from a ground agent at the newly formed airline, to a check pilot and instructor on the E175. “The information provided in this…
Mark Drake / B787 Captain / Hawaiian Airlines
1 juil. 2026 · 52 min
Incredible conversation with Captain Mark covering his nearly 5 decades in the aviation industry, with a remarkable 39 years at Hawaiian Airlines. From the early days flying with his Dad around on TWA metal, to his current position as a Captain and Check Pilot on the B787, his aviation journey has…
Max Lyons / Hillsboro Aviation
10 juin 2026 · 50 min
Pull up a chair and sit down for a great conversation with Max. A 4th generation logger and world traveler, his career path changed when he ventured out on a solo trip that would inspire his dreams and set him down the path of aviation. A remarkable adventure full of surprises! Check out more…
Captain Yokko Okamura / Horizon Air
20 mai 2026 · 37 min
"I was not trying to become a first, I just wanted to be an airline pilot". Captain Yokko's drive to become an airline pilot was truly remarkable, overcoming vast obstacles at a time when Japanese women were not allowed to become pilots. An inspiring journey pursuing her dreams to become an…
Learn to fly in 2026
13 mai 2026 · 26 min
Terry Shaffer / Flying the F8 in Vietnam
29 mars 2026 · 45 min
Great conversation with Captain Terry Shaffer, retired airline captain, former fighter pilot, and all around great guy! From his early dreams of Hollywood stardom to flying the F-8 off aircraft carriers, to teaching and training the next generation of airline pilots, his stories and experiences…
Kali Retzler / Part 135 Captain
4 mars 2026 · 37 min
Great conversation with Captain Kali about her journey to the pilot seat of a Cessna Grand Caravan and the challenges overcome along the way. She has a ton of great insights for pilots looking to pursue a career in aviation with her great stories from learning to fly in Hawai‘i. Check out more…
Captain Ty Frisby / Aerobatics to Airlines
3 févr. 2026 · 30 min
Great conversation with Captain Ty about his aviation journey from Aerobatics to the Airlines. He shares a lot of great instructional content on his podcast as well as instagram account. Talk Flying podcast https://www.youtube.com/@tyfrisby Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ty_frisby/?hl=en “The…
Greg Wooldridge / 3-Time Blue Angel Flight Leader
16 janv. 2026 · 1 h 01
In this episode, we sit down with Captain Greg “Boss” Wooldridge, a respected leader in naval aviation history. Greg is the only pilot to have led the Blue Angels three times, a rare distinction that speaks volumes about his leadership, trust, and performance under pressure. His career spans…
Mike Swanigan / Alaska National Guard / Airline Captain (ret)
24 déc. 2025 · 53 min
A full circle moment to sit down and chat with Captain Mike Swanigan aka "Swani" about his amazing journey to the flight deck. His dreams of becoming a pilot as a young boy were quickly dashed when he found out that African Americans were not allowed to be pilots. His resilience and drive kept him…
Captain Ernie Meeks / Southwest Airlines
27 nov. 2025 · 1 h 02
Awesome conversation with Captain Ernie Meeks aka "Big Ern" ( yes, we get the backstory on that call sign!) From early dreams of being a pilot to flying the C-5 Galaxy - One of the largest military transports in the world. Ernie's aviation journey has taken him around the world and back again! He…
Arlette Donzey / Airline Pilot
19 nov. 2025 · 50 min
The saying "the best things in life aren't easy" comes to mind when hearing Arlette's aviation story. From a young girl in Germany pursuing her dreams of flying to the skies over the United States and beyond, It has been quite the journey to the flight deck for Airline Pilot and accomplished…
LaMar Haugaard / 40 YEAR Airline Pilot at Horizon Air
11 oct. 2025 · 48 min
Such a privilege to sit down with LaMar, one of the longest tenured Horizon pilots where he also served as the chief pilot for 2 decades. Great conversation covering the history of the airline and lessons learned in nearly 40 years of airline flying. Check out the video here:…
Steve Randall / Oceanic Ferry Pilot to Airline Captain
3 sept. 2025 · 1 h 03
Sit down for a jolly good chat with Captain Steve Randall! From crossing the Atlantic Ocean in small, general aviation aircraft to flying the big iron for the airlines, his aviation journey is one for the books! And speaking of books, he is an accomplished aviation author and master story teller.…
Bobby Nikkhoo / Pacific Flight Academy Co-Founder / Airline Pilot
3 août 2025 · 46 min
Great conversation with Bobby ; Hawaiian Airline pilot and co-founder of the Honolulu based Pacific Flight Academy. We talk Career pivots, flying during Covid, starting a flying academy and so much more! Check out the Pacific Flying Academy here: https://www.pacificflightacademy.com…
Captain Ron Kirkland / F-14 Fighter Pilot
4 juil. 2025 · 1 h 11
Captain Ron is one of the most experienced, and most humble pilots I have ever met. His story is simply incredible, from flying P-51 Mustangs, Mig-21s and F-14's to heavy iron like the Boeing 747. Sit back and enjoy his aviation journey!
Jessie Doros / B737 Pilot / Alaska Airlines
17 mai 2025 · 1 h 01
Excited to share my conversation with Jessie, a pilot and friend I've had the privilege of knowing for 25+ years. She entered the airline industry during the early 2000's, a difficult time to start your airline dream. Hired, furloughed, corporate pilot, airline pilot, around the world and back.…
F-14 Pilot breaks down TopGun scenes
19 avr. 2025 · 17 min
Huge thanks to Captain Ron "Rhino" Kirkland for indulging me in my breakdown of famous TopGun scenes. Awesome to be able to sit down with someone who flew the Tomcat and speak about the capabilities and performance of this amazing aircraft. Be sure to check out his full podcast on an upcoming…
Captain Kenny Williams / Alaska Airlines
12 avr. 2025 · 59 min
An honor to sit down with a personal mentor and talk about Kenny's amazing aviation career. From his first awe-inspiring experiences in small bush planes to becoming one of the original pilots at Horizon Air, where he helped lay the groundwork for a regional airline that would reshape Northwest…
John Swanson / U-2 Pilot
10 mars 2025 · 42 min
In this episode, we sit down with aviation legend, John Swanson, for a conversation that spans over five decades of flying experience. From piloting the iconic OV-10 to soaring at high altitudes in the U-2, John has seen and done it all. With nearly 21,000 hours of flight time — that's over two…