In this episode of Think Like an Owner, I sit down with Erika Armstrong, a pilot, author, and aviation expert whose career has taken her from corporate jets to major airlines to the university classroom. Erika shares stories from her early days in aviation, from sleeping on crash pads with seven other pilots to flying charter flights into some of the most challenging airports in the country.

We dive into what it was really like working in aviation in the 1980s and 90s, how pilot training has evolved, and the importance of standard operating procedures and safety culture in modern aviation. Erika offers insight into how pilot mindsets are shaped by training environments, and how she’s working to help the next generation of pilots think beyond rote memorization and develop real-world decision-making skills.

We also cover:

• Why aviation today is exponentially safer than in past decades
• How teaching methods are adapting to generational differences in students
• The impact of technology on flying, navigation, and safety training
• Why aviation needs to do a better job inspiring future pilots
• How simple changes, like more open houses at airports, could reignite excitement about aviation

Erika’s passion for aviation is infectious, and her practical experience offers an inside look at the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation of pilots and aviation leaders. This conversation is packed with lessons on leadership, training, and the importance of building strong, resilient safety cultures.

Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn. 

Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/

Links:

Erika on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/achickinthecockpitb727/

Advanced Aircrew Academy - https://www.aircrewacademy.com/

Support our Sponsor:

Inzo Technologies - https://inzotechnologies.com/

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:04:00) - Erika’s career on the road

(00:05:42) - Tips for packing lean

(00:07:34) - Erika’s favorite places she has flown

(00:11:05) - What made the 727 fun to fly

(00:15:02) - Erika’s transition from flying to teaching

(00:20:29) - The process of training pilots

(00:26:39) - Why aircrafts shake during a stall

(00:28:00) - How training regimens have changed

(00:30:56) - Safety cultures

(00:39:15) - Advice for aviation leaders

(00:41:07) - Common phrases from safety-focused CEOs

(00:43:18) - The pilot shortage

(00:55:07) - Electric planes