The Pilot Life takes listeners behind the cockpit and into the lives of aviation professionals. Each episode features pilots and other aviation experts sharing personal stories, unique experiences, and the highs and lows of life in the sky. It offers an authentic, unfiltered look at what it really means to live and work in aviation. The show is for aspiring pilots and anyone fascinated by aviation.
Episodes
Captain Karen Ruth / 40+ years as a Professional Pilot
A great conversation with retired Delta Airlines Captain Karen Ruth. Her aviation journey began as a young girl looking up to her neighbors who happened to be Northwest pilots. Through grit, determination and hard work, she succeeded in achieving her dream of becoming an airline pilot!Check out more aviation podcasts and content here:https://www.instagram.com/thepilotlife121/“The information provi
Phil Wiltse / Horizon Air Captain (ret)
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 podcast is for entertainment purposes only. This is a personal vlog and the opinions expressed are solely
Mark Drake / B787 Captain / Hawaiian Airlines
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 been, in his own words...a fairly tale. Mahalo to Captain Drake for sharing his pilot life story with
Max Lyons / Hillsboro Aviation
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 aviation podcasts and content here: / @thepilotlife “The information provided in this video is for e
Captain Yokko Okamura / Horizon Air
"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 airline pilot. Check out more aviation podcasts and content here: https://www.youtube.com/@UC
Learn to fly in 2026
Terry Shaffer / Flying the F8 in Vietnam
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 are certain to enlighten and entertain. Check out more aviation podcasts and content here:https://www.yo
Kali Retzler / Part 135 Captain
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 aviation podcasts and content here: / @thepilotlife Learn more about the Pacific Flight Academy here
Captain Ty Frisby / Aerobatics to Airlines
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 podcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@tyfrisbyInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ty_frisby/?hl=en“The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. This is a personal podcast and t
Greg Wooldridge / 3-Time Blue Angel Flight Leader
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 decades of excellence—from a distinguished Navy career, to the flight deck as a FedEx pilot, and now impacti
Mike Swanigan / Alaska National Guard / Airline Captain (ret)
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 on a course to become not only an Air National Guard pilot, but also the Chief Pilot and eve
Captain Ernie Meeks / Southwest Airlines
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 is currently a B-737 pilot for Southwest Airlines where he shares his aviation stories a
Arlette Donzey / Airline Pilot
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 skydiver Arlette Donzey. Sit back and enjoy her story!Check out her Instagram page for
LaMar Haugaard / 40 YEAR Airline Pilot at Horizon Air
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:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im7F3MKtAOk“The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. Thi
Steve Randall / Oceanic Ferry Pilot to Airline Captain
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.BOOK GIVEAWAY! (2 LUCKY WINNERS) DRAWING 9/10/2025 AT 12PM PDT📘 🎉 Visit the YouTube Video and leave a co
Bobby Nikkhoo / Pacific Flight Academy Co-Founder / Airline Pilot
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.comhttps://www.instagram.com/pacificflightacademyFollow The Pilot Life for more aviation content:https://www.instagram.com
Captain Ron Kirkland / F-14 Fighter Pilot
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
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. Enjoy the conversation with Jessie as she talks about her journey to the flight deck of Ala
F-14 Pilot breaks down TopGun scenes
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 episode of The Pilot Life where we talk about not only his journey to the Navy, but also flying
Captain Kenny Williams / Alaska Airlines
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 aviation.After joining Alaska Airlines, his career progressed over three decades, during which he
John Swanson / U-2 Pilot
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 years in the sky — his expertise is unmatched.John's impressive career includes flying for Del
Joe Blunt / A10 Pilot / Airline Captain
Hop aboard the mighty A-10 as we sit and reminisce with Captain Joe Blunt about his Air Force training, transition to the airlines, and everything in between. Joe is simply a great guy and awesome pilot who I've had the pleasure to work beside. One of the great aviation minds in the industry!Check out the video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITrkvbGZO2g
Greg Perry / Retired Airline Captain
Awesome experience to sit down and chat with Captain Greg Perry and reflect on his over 30 years in the aviation industry. Great stories about leadership, overcoming challenges, and good ol' fashioned flying fun!
Joe Sprague / CEO Hawaiian Airlines
At an early age Joe was fascinated with all things aviation. As a young boy, he would ride around on his toy airplane eyes pointed skyward. His dreams of becoming a pilot took him from the sun-soaked beaches of Florida as a student pilot, to the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska flying floatplanes. When circumstances led Joe out of the flight deck, he didn't see it as the end of a dream...jus
Tom Perkins / Airline Pilot / Country Music Singer-Songwriter
Tom Perkins has seen his share of L.I.V.I.N'With over 3 decades in (and out of) Aviation, he's seen the comings and goings of good times, not so good times, and everything in between. His aviation roots tie to his Grandfather who was a WW2 pilot....and he's also a Nashville singer-songwriter where he pursues his lifelong passion for music. An incredible story teller, musician, a
Brandon Bailey / Chief Pilot American Airlines / Fighter Pilot
I first met Brandon Bailey over 20 years ago as a new pilot working on his commercial license. In the years since, he has served the United States in combat operations as a F-15 fighter pilot, is an Airbus Captain and Chief Pilot for American Airlines, and currently flies the F-15 for the California National Guard. In addition to all of his career successes, he is still the amazingly humble and ki
Captain Doc Eide / Retired Alaska Airlines Captain
An amazing conversation with a generational pilot who witnessed the deregulation of the airline industry , as well as the transitioning to the jet age, and the safety improvements seen in the industry.He shares his experiences flying the Twin Otter through SE Alaska, as well flying the Boeing 727 and MD80. Music licensed bywww.epidemicsound.com“The information provided in this video is for enterta
Rob Sandberg / Airline Captain & T-6 Pilot
Captain Sandberg comes from an aviation family, with both his Father and Grandfather serving in the military. Amazing stories about his family, the Condor Squadron, lessons learned following an engine failure, and so much more. Grateful for Rob sharing his story with TPL!“The information provided in this video is for entertainment purposes only. This is a personal vlog and the opinions expressed a
Simon Dunn / Former Hostage / Airline Pilot
Simon's journey to the flight deck is like none other. As a young man, his love for aviation developed after watching both his Father and Uncle serve for the RAF. He completed his private pilot's license in Oklahoma, and was working in Kuwait City, when he was taken hostage at the Iraq border. Interrogated for 7 days, and sentenced to 8 years in Abu Ghraib, his dreams of becoming a pilot
Erika Jackman / Delta Airlines Captain
Sit down with Captain Erika as she tells her aviation story, the adversity she has faced, and her journey to the Captain seat for Delta Airlines. Check out the Vodcast at the following link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASuFwNrhqlg*The views expressed in this podcast are solely the views of the host and the guest and do not reflect any organizations they have worked for in the past or are curren
Perry Solmonson / Horizon Airlines Captain / Mountain Climber
Captain Perry Solmonson is not only an accomplished aviator and business owner, but has also tackled the 7 summits, the 7 highest peaks on each continent. The flying bug bit him early in life, and his passion for the industry, and mentorship is undeniable. *The views expressed in this podcast are solely the views of the host and the guest and do not reflect any organizations they have worked for i
Blue Angel / Around the World at the Speed of Sound / 30 years later
Captain Larry Packer reflects on his experience as Blue Angel #2 during the 1992 season when the documentary "Around the world at the speed of sound"was filmed. Incredible stories of adventure, sacrifice and camaraderie. Larry's Journey to jointing the Blues!https://youtu.be/osKA3qqcZho?feature=sharedCheck out the 1994 documentary here:https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Angels-Around-World
Chuck Spaeth / Alaska Airlines Aviation Pioneer
What an opportunity to sit down with an aviator who experienced the incredible growth of the aviation industry from the 1960's to the 1990's.Captain Chuck is a true pioneer, joining the airlines in 1961 as a DC-6 Flight Engineer. He obtained his pilot's license and became one of the incredible legends to eventually fly as an Alaska Airlines Captain. There is a lot to learn from a pi
Brad Tilden / Retired Airline CEO
Watch the episode here:https://youtu.be/5AsFuqd5-jY?feature=sharedBrad Tilden is a general aviation pilot and the retired CEO of Alaska Airlines. In this episode, we sit down with Brad to find out about his aviation roots, including his Dad who worked on the "moon buggy" first utilized on the surface of the moon during Apollo 15. He got his pilot's license as a young man and continu
Cory Peters / Aerial Firefighter
Cory has an incredible aviation story from the early days of flight instructing, to operating regional jets in Europe, performing aerial firefighting for over a decade, and now flying as a pilot for a legacy US airline. Check out the video version of this podcast on Youtube with expanded content!Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf4iOF34spaZUAC-ZdOUwJQ*The views expressed in this podcast are
Larry Packer / Blue Angel
Strap in and sit back for an amazing conversation with former Blue Angel and current Airline Captain Larry Packer.He shares his experience as a Naval Aviator flying off United States' Aircraft Carriers in the A-4, A-6 and F/A-18 Hornet as well as his incredible time as Blue Angel #2 during the early 1990s. After a distinguished career in the Navy, he joined the Oregon Air National Guard flyin
Rod Machado / CFI & Author
So grateful to have the opportunity to sit down with world renowned CFI and Aviation Humorist Rod Machado. He shares stories and lessons learned from over 5 decades of flying experiences. Check out all of his amazing books and aviation content here:https://rodmachado.com/*The views expressed in this podcast are solely the views of the host and the guest and do not reflect any organizations they h
Kieran Geehan / United Airlines Pilot
Super special episode to kick off the podcast with a dear friend and B787 pilot. He has a great story : immigrated from Ireland and France as a young man, fulfilled a life long passion to become a pilot, and now is living his dream. So grateful he took the time to share his story with us. Check out Kieran's photography here:https://www.machphotographer.com*The views expressed in this podcast
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