Welcome aboard! This podcast opens the world of aviation by exploring topics in depth and connecting theory with real-world practice.
As a 25-year-old commercial pilot, I’ll guide you through each episode that blends theory with cockpit experiences and share one piece of wisdom I’ve learned along the way—something to carry beyond the skies.
Whether you’re dreaming of flight training, already flying, or simply fascinated by airplanes, this is a space to learn and grow together.
#5 Navigating Liminal Space: Four ways to steady yourself in transitional life phases
In this episode, we step into the quiet, often disorienting realm of liminal space—the in-between moments that shape our biggest transitions. We unpack what it psychologically means to stand on the threshold of a new life phase and explore why these undefined stretches can feel so unsettling. Join me, as I share 4 simple ideas on how to make this transitional phase worthwhile. And as always, we close with a bit of wisdom—this time a little something to journal about.
Sources
ScienceDirect (Journal article) (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950285324000516)
Healthline: Liminal Spaces in Psychology (How to cope) (https://www.healthline.com/health/liminal-space-psychology#how-to-cope)
Verywell Mind: Liminal Space (Mental health effects) (https://www.verywellmind.com/the-impact-of-liminal-space-on-your-mental-health-5204371)
PubMed Central (PMC11200516) (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11200516/)
Forbes: 7 Emotional Challenges To Manage When Changing Careers (Joseph Liu) (https://www.forbes.com/sites/josephliu/2023/11/09/7-emotional-challenges-to-manage-when-changing-careers/)
ADHDer: Career transition anxiety (evidence) (https://www.adhder.net/p/career-transition-anxiety-evidence)
Shetty, J. (Host). On Purpose with Jay Shetty: Episode featuring Emma Watson.
Maté, G. When the Body Says No: Exploring the Stress-Disease Connection. Vintage Canada, 2003.
💌 Get in touch on Instagram @flywithnell
🎧 Intro credits go out to my friend Fabian Valentini
💘 Big thanks to my copilot V for always uploading my episodes and bravely handling the technical chaos
💫 If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate your support by following or rating the podcast
👩🏼✈️ As always, stay curious, stay kind — Nell
19 Nov 2025
#4 The hidden art of taking off
In this episode, we dive into the often overlooked art of takeoff from the pilot’s perspective. I break down how an airplane truly gains flight, explore the key V-speeds that shape every departure, and unpack the critical decision points that define this high-energy phase of flight. And as always, we close with a bit of wisdom—this time on how steady study and consistent effort can carry you exactly where you want to go.
Find some of the sources here:
Aviation Safety Magazine – Briefing the Takeoff (https://aviationsafetymagazine.com/features/briefing-the-takeoff/)
FAA Safety – P-8740-44: Takeoff Safety (https://www.faasafety.gov/files/gslac/library/documents/2018/Nov/164492/P-8740-44.pdf)
Flight Safety Foundation – Takeoff Risks (PDF) (https://flightsafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/asw_sept08_p28-32.pdf)
Airbus Safety First – Control Your Speed at Takeoff (https://safetyfirst.airbus.com/control-your-speed-at-take-off/)
FAA – Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Ch. 5 (PDF) (https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/07_phak_ch5_0.pdf)
Aviation Safety Magazine – Takeoff Planning (https://aviationsafetymagazine.com/features/takeoff-planning/)
💌 Get in touch on Instagram @flywithnell (https://www.instagram.com/flywithnell)
🎧 Intro credits go out to my friend Fabian Valentini
💘 Big thanks to my copilot V for always uploading the episodes to Spotify and bravely handling all the technical chaos
💫 If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate your support by following or rating the podcast
👩🏼‍✈️ As always, stay curious, stay kind — Nell
21 Oct 2025
#3 Navigating Self-Doubt in the Cockpit: Four Ways to Steady Your Confidence
In this episode, we explore self-doubt and imposter syndrome in aviation, and how they quietly affect confidence and skills.
We’ll explore how these factors potentially influence your performance, decision-making and communication in the cockpit.
This episode offers four thoughtful ways to ease these feelings and support your well-being as a pilot.
💌 Get in touch on Instagram @flywithnell (https://instagram.com/flywithnell)
🎧 Intro credits go out to my friend Fabian Valentini
💫 If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate your support by following or rating the podcast
👩🏼✈️ As always, stay curious, stay kind — Nell
The information was gathered from these trusted sources:
Levine, D. (2022). Neuroscience of Emotion, Cognition, and Decision Making: A Review (https://commons.erau.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1857&context=jaaer)
The Psychological Aspects of Flying — Pilot Institute (https://pilotinstitute.com/the-psychological-aspects-of-flying/#:~:text=The%20key%20is%20managing%20stress,is%20an%20essential%20pilot%20skill.)
Biological Psychiatry: The Impact of Cognitive Factors on Emotional Regulation (https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(24)01761-X/abstract)
How to Overcome Self-Doubt — Psychology Compass (https://psychologycompass.com/premium/self-doubt/)
10 Oct 2025
#2 EASA Licensing Essentials and the Curiosity Challenge
In this episode, take a deep dive into pilot licenses, recent industry developments such as Electronic Personnel Licensing and Extendend Minimum Crew Operations. We reflect on the curiosity challenge—how preconceptions can limit true understanding and even be painful when they’re hidden in the questions we ask.
Find some of the sources here:
Aviation Authorities' Research Agenda 2025 (https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/general-publications/aviation-authorities-research-agenda-2025)
EMCO-SIPO Extended Minimum Crew Operations / Single Pilot Operations Safety Risk (https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/research-projects/emco-sipo-extended-minimum-crew-operations-single-pilot-operations-safety-risk)
EASA Pauses Single-Pilot Research – Flying Magazine (https://www.flyingmag.com/easa-pauses-single-pilot-research/)
Flight Crew Licensing Update: EASA’s Pilot Training Paradigm (https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/flight-crew-licensing-update-easas-pilot-training-paradigm)
Easy Access Rules: Flight Crew Licencing (Part-FCL) (https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/easy-access-rules-flight-crew-licencing-part-fcl)
💌 Get in touch on Instagram @flywithnell
🎧 Intro credits go out to my friend Fabian Valentini
💫 If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate your support by following or rating the podcast
👩🏼✈️ As always, stay curious, stay kind — Nell
10 Oct 2025
#1 Pilot
In this first episode, I talk about my path in aviation and why I started this podcast—to create a comfortable space for learning about aviation and personal growth. At the end, I reflect on overcoming the fear of creating something unnoticed and why every small impact matters.
💌 Get in touch on Instagram @flywithnell
🎧 Intro credits go out to my friend Fabian Valentini
💗 The quote I shared in the end was told to me by my dear friend @Lucajohanna — You can find her podcast here https://open.spotify.com/show/5Nq1hya7ah6Yw2lgrhvoo7?si=UudMB0DmQgGE7rU1dXLq-A
💫 If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate your support by following or rating the podcast
👩🏼✈️ As always, stay curious, stay kind — Nell
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