Think Like an Owner

A Tour of Aviation Safety with Erika Armstrong - EP.265

Apr 22, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Erika Armstrong, a seasoned pilot and aviation expert, shares her captivating journey from corporate jets to major airlines. She highlights the evolution of aviation safety and training, emphasizing the shift towards real-world decision-making skills for pilots. Erika also discusses the impact of technology on flying, the need to inspire future aviators, and how simple community initiatives could reignite interest in aviation. Her passion shines through as she sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation of pilots.

56:36

Episode guests

Erika Armstrong

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

A strong safety culture in aviation relies on leadership prioritizing safety over timeliness, empowering employees to prioritize safety decisions without fear of repercussions.

Modern pilot training has shifted to scenario-based learning, focusing on decision-making skills under pressure rather than rote memorization for better real-world preparedness.

Engaging communities through events like open houses and airshows can rekindle interest in aviation careers by showcasing the excitement and accessibility of the industry.

Deep dives

Importance of Safety Culture in Aviation

A strong safety culture in aviation must begin at the leadership level, as it sets the tone for the entire organization. When leaders prioritize adherence to safety rules and empower employees to speak up, a culture of safety is cultivated throughout the company. This is particularly critical in high-stakes environments like business aviation, where the desire to meet the needs of paying clients can overshadow safety considerations. Leaders should communicate that while timely arrivals are important, priority must always be given to safety, allowing employees to make decisions that may delay flights without fear of repercussions.

Intro

4min

The Realities of a Pilot's Life: Challenges and Sacrifices

2min

Efficient Packing Tips from a Seasoned Traveler

2min

Aviation Thrills and Teaching Transitions

18min

Understanding Aircraft Stalls and Spins

2min

The Evolution of Aviation Safety

15min

Reviving Aviation: Challenges and Opportunities

11min

Challenges and Innovations in Sustainable Aviation

3min

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