Episode 20:  Aviation Trailblazers - The first African American female pilot in the U.S. Air Force

To view the video version of this podcast episode,  click here. From successfully living with HIV to finding out that because of that diagnosis you can no longer follow your dream to become an airline pilot could be devastating to most people. But this news didn’t stop James Bushe fight to achieve his dream. James is a true trailblazer; he changed the law to become Europe’s first newly qualified airline pilot living with HIV. He made the decision to waive his right to anonymity to help others who may be in the same situation as him: "HIV should be no barrier to anybody pursuing whatever their dreams are and becoming whatever, they want to be." You can find James on Twitter & Instagram under @buschepilot or follow his blog pluspilot.net James is a pilot for Loganair https://www.loganair.co.uk/

To view the video version of this podcast episode, click here. Being the pilot of a Spitfire is something many aviators can only dream of, but Matt and his team decided to embrace a the challenge by flying their Silver Spitfire around the world! Such a trip had never been attempted before and it took this iconic aircraft, and the pilots, from the Grand Canyon in the west to the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji in the East. “By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this iconic single-engine aircraft we hope to climb “a pilot’s Everest”.” Learn more about the team and their journey at www.silverspitfire.com

To view the video version of this podcast episode, click here. The “how to become a pilot” podcast mini-series was created to help budding aviators understand the process of becoming a pilot. Listen to professionals as they share their expertise and the role they play in the become a pilot journey. In this episode we meet flight safety expert Brent Crow. He shares his love for aviation and the importance of safety in flight training.

To view the video version of this podcast episode, click here. The Airbus A380 took it’s first flight in April 2005 but in 2019 Airbus announced that it would cease production of this iconic aircraft. Then in March 2021 the final A380 left the assembly line. It was a joy to speak to Sophie Blanchard about her experience as a Captain of this “Giant of the Skies” and her experiences on board including being part of an all-female A380 crew on international women’s day 2019. She also shared her positive outlook for the future.

To view the video version of this podcast episode, click here. Taking those first steps towards your aviation career can be overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you know you’re making the right choice? In this episode we speak with Chief Instructor Kyle Portela about the route to become a pilot in the USA and what to consider before choosing your flight school. www.cae.com/becomeapilotphoenix

To view the video version of this podcast episode, click here. In this episode we welcome back Theresa Claiborne to talk about her role as board member of Sister of the Skies and the great work they do! Sisters of the Skies is an organization made up of professional black female pilots who represent less than ½ of 1% of the total professional pilot career field. Currently, there are less than 150 black women pilots in the United States holding Airline Transport Pilot, Commercial, Military, and or Certified Flight Instructor Licenses. Their goal is to drastically improve these numbers through mentorship, professional development, STEM and outreach and scholarships. https://www.sistersoftheskies.org/

To view the video version of this podcast episode, click here. The Concorde was one of the most iconic and recognizable passenger aircrafts of all time. This amazing aircraft took its first flight over 50 years ago, in 1969, and it could go from London to New York in about the same time as an Airbus 320neo currently takes to go from London to Helsinki! In this episode we spoke to John Hutchinson to find out about his life as a British Airways Concorde Captain. John is incredibly passionate about aviation and his love of flight is apparent, we hope you enjoy listening to John as much as we enjoyed speaking with him!

To view the video version of this podcast episode, click here. In 1982 Theresa became the very first African American female pilot in the United States Air Force. Then, in 1990, Theresa joined the world of commercial aviation and is now one of the very few black, female Airline Captains in the USA. In addition to her successful flying career Theresa is one of the founding members of “Sisters of the Skies” who aim to “develop pathways and partnerships to increase the number of black women in the professional pilot career field”. Theresa is a true trailblazer and it was a great pleasure to hear her story! https://www.sistersoftheskies.org/

To view the video version of this podcast episode, click here. In the first of our “how to become a pilot” series of podcasts, we discuss assessment with Emma Akhurst MSc, Lead ADAPT Psychologist at Symbiotics. Emma shares the science behind assessment, what to expect during a CAE assessment plus hints and tips on how best to prepare!

To view the video version of this podcast episode, Click here. Our search for dream pilot jobs brings us to Papua New Guinea, where, as a missionary bush pilot, Ryan Farran provides a vital link for supplies and medical transport for people living in some of the most remote places anywhere on earth. Ryan’s journey to becoming a pilot is as unconventional as the landscape in which he now flies, and it was only when he found his purpose that flying became part of his life’s work. Check out his YouTube channel to see his flights or visit his Patreon for extra exclusive take-off and landing footage https://www.patreon.com/MissionaryBushPilot