Welcome to the launch episode of What Follows — the podcast where we explore the people shaping aviation today, and the ideas defining what comes next.
In this first episode, host Nate Thuli speaks with Les Abend about his lifelong journey in aviation, from early childhood inspiration to a career defined by flying, writing, learning, and teaching. Les reflects on what it means to stay proficient as a pilot, why aircraft reliability and safety are deeply connected, and how technology, training, and judgment all shape the modern flying experience.
The conversation explores the realities of aircraft systems, avionics integration, maintenance challenges, risk management, and the importance of staying ahead of the airplane. Les also discusses how pilots can manage complexity, reduce cognitive load, and continue learning throughout their careers.
Key Topics
Les Abend’s aviation origin story and career pathThe relationship between writing, flying, and aviation educationAircraft reliability and maintenance challengesSystem integration and avionics in older aircraftHow technology affects pilot workload and decision-makingSafety, judgment, and risk management in flightCognitive load and staying ahead of the aircraftTraining, proficiency, and lifelong learningLessons from past aviation incidentsMaking aviation more accessible to future pilots
Themes
This episode centers on the idea that safe flying is not only about aircraft capability or technology, but about judgment, preparation, and continuous learning. Les emphasizes that reliability and safety go hand in hand, and that pilots must learn how to manage complexity before it manages them.
Resources
Les Abend — SouthWings Volunteer Pilot Profile — https://southwings.org/volunteer-pilots/les-abend
Les Abend — FLYING Magazine Contributor Profile — https://www.flyingmag.com/bio-les-abend-contributing-editor/
Les Abend — Author Profile / Paper Wings — https://openroadmedia.com/contributor/les-abend
Candid Cockpit Podcast — Les Abend and Mike Strauss —
FAA WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program — https://www.faasafety.gov/wings/pub/learn_more.aspx
FAA Risk Management Handbook — https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-06/risk_management_handbook_2A.pdf
NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System —
https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/
NASA ASRS CALLBACK Newsletter — https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/publications/callback.html
Credits
Host: Nate ThuliMusic: Eugeny BardyuzhaArtwork: Edmond HuotProduced by: Helwing Villamizar
Additional Media
Additional footage and media courtesy of the featured guests and their respective companies, including Airhart, Draco Aircraft, AviNation, Scaled Composites, and EAA.
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