Final Approach: Courage in Flight and Compassion at Home With Dr. Jonathan Knaul

Dr. Jonathan Knaul, PhD, CD, is a retired Royal Canadian Air Force test pilot with over 30 years of service, including 23 years in flight testing on helicopters, UAVs, and specialized aerospace systems. He now serves as a Rotary-Wing Flight Test Pilot Instructor and Safety Manager at the National Test Pilot School in Mojave, California, where he trains the next generation of test pilots and engineers. 

An Associate Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and licensed Professional Engineer, Dr. Knaul has contributed to both aviation and space research while holding leadership roles in the military and industry. He is also the author of Final Approach: A Test Pilot’s Story of Caring for Loved Ones, blending his experiences in aviation with powerful lessons in resilience and caregiving.

In this episode…

Balancing a demanding career with the responsibility of caring for aging parents can feel overwhelming and isolating. Many face the emotional strain of supporting loved ones through illnesses like cancer or dementia while still trying to maintain their stability. How do you endure such challenges without burning out?

Dr. Jonathan Knaul, a highly accomplished aerospace engineer, shares how he navigated these challenges by drawing on lessons from aviation and military service. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, preparation, and compartmentalization — skills he relied on both in the cockpit and at home. Dr. Knaul also emphasizes the value of recognizing vulnerability, particularly when burnout begins, and taking action by seeking medical advice or professional caregiving support, much like putting on your oxygen mask before assisting others.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Dr. Jonathan Knaul, test pilot instructor at the National Test Pilot School, about his book, Final Approach. Dr. Knaul discusses the complexities of balancing service and family and opens up about emotional vulnerability, caregiving strategies, and mental health in the aviation profession.