The Calm Cockpit Podcast

The Future of Flight Training: Modern Lessons from Backseat Pilot with Nate Ehlers

Season 2 Episode 10
In this episode we sit down with Nate Ehlers of Backseat Pilot to explore how flight instruction is evolving for the next generation of aviators. 
From his own in-flight emergency that sparked the idea for Backseat Pilot, Nate shares how the company grew from cockpit reference tools into a full-scale resource for CFI candidates. We discuss why so many aspiring instructors waste valuable time reinventing lesson plans, and how structured systems can help candidates focus on what really matters; learning to teach, communicate, and lead from the right seat.
We also dive into the future of aviation education, including how AI can be used to sharpen oral exam prep, improve teaching delivery, and create realistic mock check ride scenarios without replacing human instructors. Nate explains the balance every instructor must learn between allowing mistakes and maintaining the “safety bubble,” plus what students should look for when choosing a flight school or instructor. 
If you’re pursuing your CFI, mentoring students, or simply curious where aviation training is headed, this conversation offers a smart look at the resources and mindset that supports aviation educators to achieve the highest standards with maximum efficiency. 
 
Link and Discount Code:
Nate is giving listeners a super-generous 20% off all products from The Backseat Pilot! 
Find everything you need to help support your CFI checkrides and to teach future students: from CFI lesson plans, annotated Airmen Certification Standards, reference cards, CFI prep courses, this is the real deal. Nate provides CFI training that gets you ready for the real world with three ways to support you through your training, from ongoing community practice, to small group focused prep, to one-on-one coaching. No matter where you are in your CFI journey, there's a spot for you at Backseat Pilot. 
 
https://thebackseatpilot.com/
20% discount code: CalmCockpit
 

Monday Briefing: Rise, Grind, and Get Uncomfortable

Season 2: Bonus Episode
Monday Briefing 7
This episode breaks down what it actually takes to build a mindset that drives consistent performance—not just temporary motivation. Instead of chasing positivity, the focus is on developing mental control, disciplined execution, and a system that makes outperforming others inevitable.
 
Get Comfortable in the Uncomfortable, and be your best!

Failure Isn’t Final: How to Comeback from a Setback

Season 2 Episode 9
 
In this episode we explore how pilots can navigate failure, recover faster, and build the kind of resilience that supports long-term success in aviation. 
We’ll discuss check ride failures, perfectionism, and the myth of the flawless aviator. You’ll hear why one setback is rarely career-ending, how many top pilots have failed along the way, and why those struggles often create stronger instructors and safer professionals.
Failure is reframed not as a personal flaw, but as the gap between expectation and reality—a moment that often triggers a powerful stress response. We break down why setbacks can feel so overwhelming, how they affect performance, and why nervous system regulation must come before mindset shifts. From timed recovery periods to practical tools like the “worry appointment,” this conversation offers pilots a healthier way to process mistakes without letting them define the future.
The episode closes with a powerful reminder: success and failure are two sides of the same coin. What matters most is how you respond, what you learn, and your willingness to keep moving forward.
 
Links:
Self-determination theory: A quarter century of human motivation research. Great article from the American Psychological Association with research links and in-depth discussion of the theory in practice.
 
 

Monday Briefing: The 3 Drivers of Motivation That Get You Unstuck

Season 2: Bonus Episode
Monday Briefing 6
 
In this Monday Brief,  we explore how motivation really works, and why so many high performers still find themselves feeling stuck. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory (SDT), developed by psychologists Ryan and Deci, the conversation breaks down the three essential drivers of human performance: autonomy (feeling in control of your choices), competence (feeling capable and effective), and relatedness (feeling connected to others).
 
When these needs are met, motivation becomes internal and sustainable; when they’re not, even the most driven individuals can lose momentum, especially if they’re relying on external rewards like money, status, or recognition.
The episode offers practical ways to get “unstuck” by rebuilding these three needs through small, intentional actions. Whether it’s reclaiming autonomy through values-based decisions, restoring competence with quick, achievable wins, or strengthening relatedness through connection and service, the focus is on simple nudges that create real traction. The takeaway: peak performance isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about realigning with what actually drives you, and making small moves that bring you back into sync.
 
Links:
Self-determination theory: A quarter century of human motivation research

Say Again: Communication,CRM, and Cockpit Safety with Brian Schiff

Season 2 Episode 8
 
In this episode we sit down with Brian Schiff to break down what Crew Resource Management (CRM) really looks like in practice—and why it matters for every pilot. From the cockpit of a student pilot to a major airline flight deck, CRM is about using all available resources—people, tools, procedures, and mindset—to operate safely and effectively.
Brian shares a powerful guiding principle about how to pace a flight for optimum safety, how communication failures often come from assumptions, and why a message isn’t complete until it’s clearly read back and confirmed. We’ll also explore practical strategies for managing task saturation, buying time when things feel rushed, and staying mentally ahead of the airplane.
You’ll hear actionable techniques like using plain English when needed, requesting delay or vectors without hesitation, and recognizing your stress level before it impacts performance. Whether flying solo or with a crew, this episode reinforces the importance of clear briefings, assertiveness, and taking full ownership as pilot in command.
 
About Brian SchiffBrian Schiff is a seasoned captain for a major US airline with over 21,000 hours of flight time and experience in more than 100 aircraft types. A 40-year Gold Seal flight instructor and FAA Safety Team Representative, he has also served as an FAA-designated examiner. Brian is widely respected in the aviation community for his engaging, practical approach to teaching and his commitment to advancing aviation safety for pilots at every level.
 
Links:
The Schiff Show TV: a live aviation safety program by Brian Schiff that breaks down real-world accidents into practical lessons for pilots. It blends case studies, procedures, and interactive elements to improve decision-making and promote safer flying. Games, prizes, and FAA WINGS credit available, as well!
Brian Schiff's Website, Captain Schiff.com: all of his writing, many podcasts, shows, and tons of resources applicable to all pilots
 
"Final Approach to Tragedy: Checklist and Discipline Gone Wrong": Schiff Show episode featuring John Niehaus

Monday Briefing: Career Conundrum

Season 2: Bonus Episode
Morning Briefing 5
 
In this Monday Briefing, John talks about his observations representing his company at a career fair talking to pilots in training about the amazing career they have ahead of them. So many times we are asked to pick a lane in aviation and stick with it, which seems to drive anxiety higher during a time where students have enough to worry about already. Goals and visions can change, remember it's ok to pick something, and it's also ok to then pick something different later. Finding a path that makes you happy, makes you a safer pilot!

If a(I) can do it....

Season 2 Episode 7
 
The origin story of all things April 1 and the classic shenanigans that occur on this prank-ish day. 

Monday Briefing: The Five Point Reset

Season 2: Bonus Episode
Morning Briefing 4
In this Monday Briefing we explore how something as simple—and often overlooked—as posture can directly influence pilot performance, energy, and mental clarity. Poor alignment creates unnecessary tension that inhibits breathing, circulation, and neurological signaling, while the body’s natural state of alignment supports focus, mood regulation, and efficient movement. 
 
The Five-Point Reset offers a quick, practical way to return to that state by bringing awareness to the feet, hips, spine, shoulders, and head—releasing tension instead of forcing rigidity—so the body can function as it was designed. This short, repeatable reset fits seamlessly into a pilot’s day, whether in the cockpit or between tasks, and with consistent use becomes a reliable tool for managing stress, sharpening attention, and maintaining steady, high-level performance when it matters most.
 
Links:
Calm Cockpit Podcast Website
Literary Aviatrix: Liz Booker

The Career Multiplier: Liz Booker on Writing and Aviation Leadership

Season 2 Episode 6
 
In this episode we explore the powerful intersection of literacy, storytelling, and resilience in aviation through the insights of Liz Booker, a retired U.S. Coast Guard commander, helicopter pilot, and diplomat whose career demonstrates that writing is far more than a secondary skill—it is a true force multiplier. In a profession that often emphasizes technical precision, the ability to communicate clearly and think deeply becomes a defining edge, opening doors to leadership opportunities, strengthening decision-making, and shaping the broader aviation conversation. Writing sharpens thought, and sharp thinking translates directly to calm, confident communication in high-stakes environments, making it an essential tool for pilots who want to elevate both their performance and their influence.
Beyond professional advancement, this conversation highlights how writing and long-form reading create the “mental white space” pilots need to process stress, manage complexity, and build lasting resilience in a high-demand environment. From journaling as a way to offload mental pressure and reduce cognitive looping, to storytelling as a means of sharing real, unfiltered experiences, these practices foster clarity, emotional regulation, and stronger community connection. Just as importantly, the episode underscores the role of diverse aviation stories in shaping the future of the industry—because seeing someone who looks like you succeed makes the path forward feel possible. The takeaway is simple but profound: developing literacy is not separate from becoming a better pilot—it is a direct pathway to safer flights, stronger leadership, and a more grounded, resilient cockpit.
 
Links:
Literary Aviatrix-Liz Booker's amazing website
 
Air Facts Journal : share your story!
 

Monday Briefing: Hydration Strategies for Clear Thinking and Steady Energy

Season 2: Bonus Episode Morning Briefing 3
This episode explores why effective hydration is not simply about drinking more water but about understanding how fluids, electrolytes, glucose, and micronutrients work together to support cognitive clarity, emotional stability, and sustained energy in demanding environments like the cockpit. 
 
We’ll break down the physiology behind fluid absorption—including the sodium-glucose transport system in the small intestine that allows water to move rapidly into the bloodstream—and translate the science into practical strategies such as morning hydration with a small amount of salt and natural sugar, relying on nutrient-dense whole foods rather than high-sugar sports drinks, and using simple indicators and tracking to fine-tune your personal hydration strategy so that your body and mind remain steady, alert, and ready for high-performance decision making.
Links:
 
Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence - PMC
 
Electrolytes: Types, Purpose & Normal Levels
 
Subjective thirst moderates changes in speed of responding associated with water consumption
 
A drink of water can improve or impair mental performance depending on small differences in thirst
 
Effects of drinking supplementary water at school on cognitive performance in children
 
Effects of Changes in Water Intake on Mood of High and Low Drinkers
 
Paleovalley Essential Electrolytes
 
Literary Aviatrix-Liz Booker
 
LMNT | Zero Sugar Electrolytes | Paleo-Keto Friendly Hydration
Midlife Pilot Podcast