Pilots Squawking is a podcast about flying, the people who do it, and what it’s really like behind the headset.
Hosted by Dale Pearson from Left Seat Culture, each episode features conversations with pilots from across aviation, from students and instructors to content creators, competition pilots, airport figures and everyday flyers.
We explore how people got into flying, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, the challenges they’ve faced, and what keeps them coming back to aviation.
Whether you’re a student pilot, experienced aviator, or simply fascinated by flight, you’ll find hones
Solo at 14, Instructor at 16 | Amelia Richardson | Pilots Squawking EP5
In this episode I’m joined by Amelia Richardson – a glider pilot, instructor, aviation content creator and one of the UK’s youngest gliding instructors.Amelia started flying at just 13 years old, soloed at 14, and became an instructor at only 16. We discuss her journey into aviation, why gliding is one of the most affordable ways to learn to fly, how becoming an instructor at such a young age shaped her confidence, and why she believes every powered pilot could benefit from experiencing gliding.We also talk about:• Learning to fly as a teenager• Becoming a gliding instructor at 16• Why gliding makes better pilots• Cross-country flying without an engine• Landing in fields and energy management• The gliding community• Women in aviation• Building an aviation following on social media• Working as cabin crew• Career paths in aviation• The future of flyingWhether you’re a student pilot, experienced aviator or simply fascinated by aviation, Amelia’s story is inspiring, honest and full of practical lessons.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider subscribing and sharing it with another aviation enthusiast.
3 Sept 2026
What Pilots Get Wrong About ATC & Airports | Darren Lewington | Pilots Squawking EP4
Welcome to Pilots Squawking — a podcast about flying, the people who do it, and what it’s really like behind the headset.
In this episode I’m joined by Darren Lewington, a pilot, air traffic controller, airport operations specialist and co-founder of Aerotiques.
We discuss:
• what pilots often misunderstand about ATC
• radio telephony and common RT mistakes
• zone transits and controlled airspace
• how air traffic controllers view pilot behaviour
• the challenges facing UK general aviation
• airport operations behind the scenes
• why flying is becoming more difficult and expensive
• the future of microlights and GA
• Aerotiques and preserving aviation history
We also talk about aviation culture, professionalism, confidence on the radio and what keeps people passionate about flying after decades in aviation.
6 Aug 2026
Why We Fly, Pilot Mindset & UK General Aviation | Flying Dark Lord | Pilots Squawking EP3
Welcome to Episode 3 of Pilots Squawking — a podcast about flying, the people who do it, and what it’s really like behind the headset.In this episode, I’m joined by Geoff Cockrell, better known online as Flying Dark Lord, to talk about:* learning to fly later in life* NPPL vs PPL flying* microlights and modern aircraft* aircraft ownership and the EuroFox* changing aircraft types and pilot confidence* flying in Europe* aviation YouTube and social media* risk, judgement and decision making in aviation* what really makes a good pilotWe also discuss:* the WT9 Dynamic* why pilots need humility* aviation checklists and complacency* how flying changes your mindset* motorcycles, focus and risk* balancing work, life and aviation* why so many pilots become obsessed with flying* the UK GA community* and why flying can feel surprisingly therapeuticIf you’ve ever thought about learning to fly — or wondered why pilots are so passionate about aviation — this is a thoughtful and honest conversation.❤️ SUPPORT GeoffYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@FlyingDarkLordInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/flyingdarklord/
Welcome to Episode 2 of Pilots Squawking — a podcast about flying, the people who do it, and what it’s really like behind the headset.In this episode, I’m joined by microlight pilot Rees Keene to talk about:* microlight competition flying* representing the UK at the World Air Games* how navigation competitions actually work* flying with and learning from his dad* risk, judgement and decision making in aviation* what competition flying teaches you as a pilotWe also discuss:* life running Over Farm* balancing farming and flying* weather forecasting and real-world flying decisions* learning to fly as a young pilot* map reading vs GPS navigation* strip flying and microlight clubs* the RAF, aircraft engineering and maintenance* and what really makes a good pilotIf you’ve ever wondered what competition flying is actually like — or how flying fits around real life and work — this is a fascinating conversation.
4 Jun 2026
What It’s REALLY Like Teaching People to Fly | Sammy Lovett | Pilots Squawking EP1
Welcome to the very first episode of Pilots Squawking — a podcast about flying, the people who do it, and what it’s really like behind the headset.In this episode, I’m joined by microlight instructor Sammy Lovett to talk about:* learning to fly in the UK* becoming a microlight instructor* the reality of teaching students* how pilots actually fund their training* risk, decision making and confidence in aviation* why flying can completely change your perspective on lifeWe also discuss:* British Young Pilots* C42 vs Skyranger Nynja* instructor training and exams* student pilot mistakes* whether aviation is becoming too expensive* and what keeps pilots coming back to flyingIf you’ve ever thought about learning to fly — or wondered what life as a flying instructor is really like — this is a great place to start.
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