Like a Pilot Phil Wilkes

What is the best way to evacuate a building? How should you seek help in an emergency? In this episode of the Like a Pilot podcast, host Phil Wilkes delves into the critical aspect of communication during emergencies, drawing insights from aviation protocols and research into group dynamics. Along the way we’ll initiate an evacuation on board an aircraft, visit London and the scene of the tragic King’s Cross station fire, and head to the scene of a murder in New York to find out what social psychologists have discovered about bystander apathy. Join Phil now for a thought-provoking exploration of critical communication skills that transcend the skies and offer invaluable lessons for navigating life's emergencies.

What do British cycling, Formula 1 and modern flight training tell us about the power of making small changes in what we do? In this captivating episode of Like a Pilot, host Phil Wilkes immerses listeners into the high-stakes world of piloting, starting with a dramatic engine failure scenario during takeoff. This intense experience serves as a backdrop for exploring the evolving landscape of modern flight training. Phil delves into the shift from focusing solely on critical scenarios like engine failures to emphasizing core competencies crucial for safe flight and the transformative power of incremental change. With insights from aviation training to elite sports, this episode inspires a mindset of continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence in any endeavour.

In this immersive episode of the Like a Pilot podcast, host Phil Wilkes takes us for a ride into the world of flight simulators, revealing the cutting-edge world in which pilots perfect their craft. But this episode goes beyond the mechanics of simulators. It dives deep into the philosophy of deliberate practice - a methodical approach to mastery that transcends aviation, applicable to any skill you're aiming to excel in. Through anecdotes, expert insights, and compelling analogies, including an inspiring look at the practice routines of the Kansas City Chiefs and elite musicians, Phil illustrates how deliberate practice can help you soar to new heights in any endeavor.

In this thought-provoking episode of Like a Pilot, we explore the critical role of knowledge in high-stakes environments. Join host Phil Wilkes as he delves into the importance of a strong foundational understanding, using the harrowing story of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster as a backdrop. We'll examine how knowledge is the bedrock upon which all higher-level skills are built, from comprehension and application to synthesis and evaluation. This episode isn't just about aviation; it's a compelling look at how deep knowledge impacts decision-making and problem-solving in any field. Whether you're an aspiring pilot, a professional in another discipline, or simply a lifelong learner, Understand… Like a Pilot offers valuable insights into how knowledge can empower us, give us options, and enhance our performance in any aspect of life.

Forget fancy gadgets and high-tech gizmos – on the flight deck, sometimes it's the simple things that make the biggest difference. We're talking about the secret weapon of pilots and surgeons, and the surprisingly powerful tool that can transform your everyday life; the good old-fashioned checklist.

Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just curious about the secrets of the cockpit, join Phil as he explores the hidden depths of checklists. We'll hear stories of how checklists can save lives, avert disasters, and even boost personal productivity. We'll touch on their surprising power, and times when checklists went wrong.

Fasten your seatbelts for a journey into the world of checklists – where crossing off items becomes a satisfying victory, and every tick is a step toward a more accomplished you.

In this gripping episode of Like a Pilot, join Phil Wilkes as he delves into the high-stakes world of decision-making under extreme time pressure. Drawing from the famous US Airways Flight 1549 incident, where Captain Sully Sullenberger successfully ditched an Airbus A320 in the Hudson River, Phil explores decision making in the most time-critical of predicaments. From gathering crucial information to analyzing options and making and re-evaluating decisions, the episode unravels the thought process behind Sully's life-saving choice. Learn how practiced decision-making processes, even in seemingly impossible situations, can be the key to successful outcomes. Buckle up for a riveting exploration into the cockpit's decision-making dynamics at 30,000 feet.