Whiskey Alpha Pilot

About Whiskey Alpha Pilot

"Try Not To Crash." The last thing my instructor said when I went solo. Sound familiar? Welcome to the only flying podcast where the pilot's still figuring it out. Some pilots like to think they know everything. Some people think they do. Me, I'm still looking for the checklist, still trying to remember which end of the runway to take off from. Try Not To Crash is for everyone who's still learning, which is all of us. I'm Wayne. I learned to fly in my early fifties, and I own a one-fifth share in a Cessna 172 called KK, based at Elstree just north of London. I'm a private pilot, not an instructor, so don't come here for a lesson. Come here for the honest version: what it's actually like to learn, to stay current, to fly a share, and to muddle through general aviation in the UK without pretending I've got it all worked out. I'll talk about my own flying journey, the good days and the bad, and a fair few of the cock-ups in between. And because everyone likes to think pilots are sky gods (we are, obviously) who must have an opinion on absolutely everything, I'll have a nosy natter about the wider flying world too, the stuff that affects how and where we get to fly. What I won't do is sit here calling the cause of an accident. That's not my job and I'm not qualified for it. But I'll gladly tell you how it all feels from someone who prefers to fly with the windows in front, not at the side. Student pilot, later-in-life learner, or just someone who likes aeroplanes and honest stories? Pull up a headset. We never stop learning, and the day we do is the day we should stop flying. You'll find me on YouTube as WhiskeyAlphaPilot, where I actually show you the flying, and at whiskeyalphapilot.com. Be safe, have fun, and of course try not to crash.

Publisher

Wayne Allen

Category

education · leisure · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Feb 2024

Latest episode

5 Jan 2025

Latest episodes

8 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Jan 2025

   3 Years as a Pilot - where did I go wrong?

   Send us a textWhat if the thrill of soaring through the skies is occasionally shadowed by the turbulence of criticism and life’s obligations? Join me, Wayne, as I take you on a journey through the highs and lows of my adventures as a private pilot on the Try Not To Crash podcast. On this special episode, marking three years since I earned my Private Pilot License, I get candid about the challenges and rewards of flying. From the unpredictable UK weather that often grounds my plans to the bala...

2. 

   5 Jan 2025

   Try not to Crash -- The rest is easy.

   Send us a textWelcome to Try Not To Crash, my journey into the aviation work as a 55 year novice pilot. Join me, as I humorously recount my journey through the world of general aviation in the UK. From the whims of weather to the quirks of my trusty Cessna, flying isn't as straightforward as it might seem. I'm not your go-to for aviation news or crash analyses, but I promise a genuine account of the highs and lows of my aviation adventures.If you've ever wondered what it’s like to ...

3. 

   27 Apr 2024

   Missing in Action :: Where's Wayne been???

   Have you ever had those days when the universe seems to conspire against you, grounding your plans and testing your patience? Well, strap in and tune in, because that's been the theme of my life recently! I'm Wayne from Whiskey Alpha Pilot, and it's high time we caught up. I've been dodging business curveballs and wrestling with the British weather gods, which sadly means my trusty C172, and I have been spending more time apart than I'd like. Guess what happens when you post a video titled "How Not To Land"? You get a viral sensation and an avalanche of colorful commentary! I'll share the unexpected journey one of my YouTube flights took—from a few thousand views to causing quite the stir online. It's a wild mix of armchair critics, genuine concern, and a few good laughs. But here's the kicker: through it all, it's about staying true to the joy of flying and the community it creates. Flying is a case of ups and downs - lefts just not hit the ground on the downs I'm a UK based private pilot (PPL(A), who started to learn to fly in my 50s. I passed (just), but every flight is a learning experience. I currently own 1/5 of a Cessna 172 - but I am not sure which bit is mine. Follow me on Social Media Website https://whiskeyalphapilot.com/ (https://whiskeyalphapilot.com/) Twitter/X https://twitter.com/wayneallenpilot (https://twitter.com/wayneallenpilot) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whiskeyalphapilot/ (https://www.instagram.com/whiskeyalphapilot/) Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyAlphaPilot (https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyAlphaPilot) YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@WhiskeyAlphaPilot (https://www.youtube.com/@WhiskeyAlphaPilot)

4. 

   1 Apr 2024

   The Price of Take-Off: Unveiling the Financial Journey of Private Pilot Training

   Ever wondered how heavy your wallet needs to be to take to the skies? Buckle up, as I take you on a financial voyage into the world of pilot training. From the adrenaline-pumping trial flight that kickstarts your logbook to the nuanced selection of an aircraft that suits your stature and budget, like my trusty PA-28, I try to cover it all. I offer practical tips on how to navigate payments to flying schools while keeping your investment secure, and offer my take on the surprising costs that come with solo flights and ground school essentials. It's not just about the money; it's about making smart choices that keep your dream of flight a reality. Strap on your headset and let's talk about the less-discussed aspects of becoming a pilot—the ones that hit your bank account. I'll take a look at the membership fees and hidden costs, the benefits of ground school versus self-study, and why  a medical certificate should be at the top of your checklist. And don't worry, I haven't forgotten the joy that comes with this journey; we'll explore the importance of connecting with fellow aviators and seasoned pros who can offer a windfall of advice. So, join me as we share laughs, insights, and maybe a few gasps at the price of charts, while always circling back to the ultimate goal—flying safely and with sheer delight. I'm a UK based private pilot (PPL(A), who started to learn to fly in my 50s. I passed (just), but every flight is a learning experience. I currently own 1/5 of a Cessna 172 - but I am not sure which bit is mine. Follow me on Social Media Website https://whiskeyalphapilot.com/ (https://whiskeyalphapilot.com/) Twitter/X https://twitter.com/wayneallenpilot (https://twitter.com/wayneallenpilot) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whiskeyalphapilot/ (https://www.instagram.com/whiskeyalphapilot/) Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyAlphaPilot (https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyAlphaPilot) YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@WhiskeyAlphaPilot (https://www.youtube.com/@WhiskeyAlphaPilot)

5. 

   10 Mar 2024

   Navigating Your Path to the Pilot's Seat: Insights into Starting Flight Training

   Ever dreamt of touching the clouds and commanding the skies? Your journey to the captain's seat begins here, as I help to unfold the map to your flying aspirations. The runway to the skies is paved with crucial decisions—starting from your trial flight to selecting the right flight school. With a blend of personal experiences and expert advice, we navigate through the essentials of financial preparedness, and why a heart-to-heart with your potential flight instructor could make all the difference. If the sky's the limit has always been your mantra, let's turn that into a flight plan! Brace yourself for a captivating exploration of the vast skies as we dissect the intricacies of flight training options and the financial nuances of soaring. Discover how to strike the perfect balance between passion and practicality, ensuring your time in the cockpit is both exhilarating and economically sound. I'll share insider tips to safeguard your investment in flight school and reveal how to find harmony with your instructor for an optimal learning experience. It's not just about the destination; it's about relishing the climb. Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for takeoff into the world of aviation, where your dreams of flight are cleared for departure!

6. 

   3 Feb 2024

   How long to learn to fly?

   How many hours does it take to learn to learn to fly? A question with many answers, all of them right. or wrong. Discuss.

7. 

   3 Feb 2024

   Top Tips for Student Pilots

   Top tips that every student pilot should know before starting learning to fly. There is lots of advice out there, but these are a few tips that I found hightly useful in my quest to learn to fly - I hope you do too!! My podcasts may be edited for brevity and entertainment I am not a flight instructor. If in doubt consult a qualified instructor. The internet will not teach you how to fly. https://www.whiskeyalphapilot.com

8. 

   2 Feb 2024

   Learning to Fly :: Gaining a night rating

   Learing to fly is great until you find you cannot fly at night - for that you need a 'Night Rating'. 5 hours of instruction, cross country, navigation and a few full stop landings is all you need - who am I kidding. This is a personal podcast from my experiences of learning to fly, and flying in the UK. I am not a flight instructor. All details have been edited for entertainment and may contain errors and inaccuracies. If in doubt consult your own flight instructor.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

526,171

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

5

Social presence

94

YouTube

86

Engagement

68