In this episode of The James Spearman Show, Erika Armstrong—airline and corporate captain, bestselling author of A Chick in the Cockpit, and LinkedIn’s #1 voice in aviation—joins James to share her journey through 25+ years in aviation. From discovering her passion by accident to flying 28 different aircraft and leading safety training at Advanced Aircrew Academy, Erika reflects on career-defining moments, pilot psychology, and the evolution of aviation safety.
They explore the importance of scenario-based training, the impact of automation, and how pilots navigate emergencies with situational awareness and personal minimums. Erika also shares insights from writing her book and discusses the broader need for representation, leadership, and mentorship in aviation.
Takeaways
Erika Armstrong found her passion for aviation by accident.
Networking is crucial in the aviation industry.
Defining moments in flight can shape a pilot's career.
Safety training has evolved with technology in aviation.
Understanding pilot psychology is essential for safety.
The importance of speaking up in the cockpit cannot be overstated.
Training should focus on scenario-based learning for pilots.
Automation has made aviation exponentially safer.
Pilot personalities can affect decision-making in emergencies.
Visualization techniques can help pilots prepare for emergencies. Understanding the aircraft's signals is crucial during emergencies.
Training pilots to think critically can improve safety outcomes.
Situational awareness is key to effective decision-making in aviation.
Real-world scenarios often differ from simulator training.
Personal minimums can help pilots make safer decisions.
The journey of writing a book involves significant editing and patience.
Women in aviation face unique challenges that need to be addressed.
The aviation industry is evolving with new technology and training methods.
Communication between pilots and aircraft systems is vital for safety.
Encouraging more women to enter aviation can help diversify the field.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Aviation and Unique Journeys
01:39 Discovering a Passion for Aviation
03:37 Defining Moments in Flight
10:52 Career Progression and Networking in Aviation
15:03 Advancements in Pilot Training and Safety
23:44 Understanding Pilot Psychology and Decision Making
29:16 Understanding Aircraft Emergencies
32:36 The Importance of Situational Awareness
36:34 Training for Real-World Scenarios
40:34 Personal Minimums in Aviation
42:41 The Journey of Writing a Book
45:31 Women in Aviation: Challenges and Perspectives
As always, a heartfelt thank you to our guest, Erika Armstrong, for joining us and sharing such a powerful perspective on what it means to lead, mentor, and evolve in aviation.
Be sure to connect with Erika at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/achickinthecockpitb727/
And be sure to check out her best selling book:
“A Chick in the Cockpit: My Life Up in the Air” at - https://www.amazon.com/Chick-Cockpit-My-Life-Air/dp/1933016140
If you’d like to learn more about Erika or explore her work, check out:
A Chick in the Cockpit – Erika’s official site with articles, resources, and updates
Advanced Aircrew Academy – Where Erika leads strategic safety training for flight departments across the country
Want to learn more about aviation? Check out our website
https://www.spearmanaircraft.com/
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