The Pilots Pandemic

28
Aviation #87

A podcast that aims at breaking the stigma of mental health in aviation; Talking about what many aviators are thinking or feeling but are unable to say out of fear. Expect the real, the raw, and no bullsh*t discussions about mental health in aviation, current events in the avworld, with guest speakers sharing how they navigate a life in flight. Hosted and founded by Emma Laczko. A second generation instrument pilot, and creator of the aeromedical reform petition. Co-Hosted by Maddie Miller, an aviation wellness expert, pilot wife and former airline employee.

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Recent Reviews
  • dhvevekakbd x
    A dynamic duo
    These two ladies have a dynamic that is indicative of their success in this sphere. Emma and Maddie’s passion shines through, as they talk with guests, but also in their solo episodes. A pair that truly care, and are doing the work to make the aeromedical system a better system for aviators!
  • ssheffields
    Some ideas for improvement!
    I really like the idea of this podcast and I like the hosts and especially that they are pilot girlies, as it’s hard to find aviation podcasts hosted by women. However, there is a bit to be desired from this podcast and I just had a couple ideas that as a listener I think could improve the experience! -I wish the hosts went more in depth on the topic listed in the title. For example, the episode on the CFI posting the Snapchat of the student, they really only talked about that specific topic for maybe about 10 minutes and it was very surface level and then they moved on to other stories -I feel that some opportunities for great topics and learning lessons are overlooked. For example, the British Airways pilot that was caught doing coke on his overnight before the flight the next morning. First off, the comment about “if you’re going to do coke on your overnight, just don’t tell anyone” I found to be a HUGE yikes. Im sure it was meant as a joke but that’s a really horrible example to set as im sure a lot of newer pilots may be listening. I also found it was a big missed opportunity to talk about how at major airlines, (US unionized airlines at least) it is encouraged that if a pilot shows up to work impaired, the other pilot convince the impaired one to call out sick, instead of reporting him/her. This is so the impaired pilot can get substance abuse treatment instead of losing their right to fly and essentially losing their career. To me this is SUCH an important topic that I feel isn’t talked about enough. Overall I feel like the podcast can be a bit aimless on its topic, at least from the couple episodes I’ve listened to. The last twenty minutes they talk about food or recipes, not aviation related at all. As a listener I would like to see a more in-depth analysis on a specific topic. Anyways that is just my opinion and I hope to see to see a bit of change on the podcast as I believe it has SO much potential! Thanks for reading.
  • ThePilotLife
    An Important Show
    As an airline pilot at a major airline and graduate of the FAA special issuance program, this is vitally important information being shared. Thank you so much for sharing these important stories.
  • ><><><><><<<~<
    This podcast is what we NEED.
    I’m a 1300+ hour CFI who got a DUI 6 years ago and just received my special issuance approval from the FAA after years of drug/alcohol testing, psychological and neuropsychological testing, 14 weeks treatment program, weekly aftercare therapy, twice weekly AA meetings and god knows how much money spent. The system is broken and NEEDS reform. I’m so thankful these girls are doing everything to help. I found this podcast a couple days ago and I’m so grateful they’re spreading the message!
  • Ohio T6 Jockey
    FAA MEDICAL REFORM
    As an 800+ hour GA pilot I am currently trapped in the inefficient web of Oklahoma City. 4 years ago I suffered a “mild” cardiac episode and of course was denied my 3rd class medical upon application for renewal. I have undergoing voluntary medical procedures, contend my congressman, the FAA Regional medical office, two cardiologist, a hematologist, a kidney expert, a respiratory physician and members of the Congressional General Aviation Caucus as well as AOPA And EAA medical advisors in an effort to resolve my issues. The FAA OKC office as well as my congressman and members of the GA caucus have all failed to respond to my concerns either in writing or by telephone and to say the least, those failed responses were frustrating and disheartening. The regional FAA did respond and offer advice, however the advice to contact OKC dell on deaf ears. It is pure frustration after 35 years of flying to be denied that privilege as a result of an outdated, understaffed, bureaucratic system. Four medical specialist in addition to two AME’s have determined from a health perspective that I am fit to exercise my airman privileges, however the ostriches within the FAA see it differently. Frustrating, simply frustrating.
  • Swixix
    Excellent
    I am an aviation educator. Every semester I start my introductory classes with a lecture about the FAA’s antiquated stance on mental health. Every semester I have students that realize they may not be able to obtain a medical, and that their dreams may be impossible. I am so glad to see you taking the effort to address this topic head-on. Well done!
  • bottomfeeder101
    Great podcast
    The topics are thoughtful and provoking, I hope to see more attention to pilot mental health in the near future. Thanks for the contribution to the aviation community
  • ChrisPlaysGuitar
    Groundbreaking
    For too long pilots have had to ignore the signs or hide behind a fake name to get the mental health treatment they need. This podcast seeks to end the stigma and change the way the FAA treats pilots who seek the help they need.
  • Flysky98
    Thank you for your efforts!
    Maddie and Emma are paving the way for much needed medical reform in the US. This topic is something that needs to be brought to the spotlight, and they both are doing a great job of just that. Keep it up!
  • wiisabi
    Things that need to be said.
    I’m not even halfway through the first episode, and I’ve already clicked the five stars. This is a subject that needs to be talked about, in the way that she talks about it. Keep it up. You are speaking for a whole bunch of us that think aeromedical reform is long overdue.
  • Jackieb12003
    Thanks for Creating Awareness, Emma!
    Emma’s personal history with aviation has been both joyful and tremendously painful. These experiences have prompted Emma to put compassion into action with the creation of The Pilot’s Pandemic. Emma’s podcast is interesting, heartfelt, and most importantly, The Pilot’s Pandemic is making an important contribution to aviation. Thank you, Emma!
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