Podcast Episode Summary: Pilots - Part Three

Introduction

In the final installment of the Pilots series, Katherine wraps up her conversation with Marco and Nate—two seasoned regional pilots whose combined 17 years of flight time have given them more than a few stories to tell. This episode is a mix of myth-busting, industry truths, and the kind of pilot-lingo-fueled banter that gives you a peek behind the cockpit curtain.

From “souls on board” and why that phrase lingers, to the moments when aviation and pop culture go hilariously off-course, this one’s a must for anyone who’s ever looked up and wondered what life is like at 35,000 feet. If you’re a writer digging into aviation, a listener who loves behind-the-scenes chats, or just someone who enjoys a good origin story, you’ll find a soft place to land here.

Let’s hang.

Here's the link to this specific podcast episode on my website. Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other major platforms!

Timestamps

00:00:49 What movies, media, pop culture gets it wrong?

00:06:50 So with call-ins, call-outs, when you're talking about anything over the radio? What certain points need to be hit in order to be understood? What are you identifying?

00:13:38 What is something that you think most people in your field would like to have changed?

00:16:18 The divorce rate for the pilot

00:19:59 Is it something that you notice, more wild with the younger crowd, more wild with the older crowd?

00:21:09 Is there a physical item related to piloting or aviation that you guys cherish?

00:24:48 How does one adapt the pilot speak?

00:25:57 If I weren't in this field, I would never believe what?

00:29:11 You've mentioned the newer prospects and stuff. Is there any advice that you have for them outside of just keep pushing through?

00:35:15 And when they refer to your passengers, they say, how many souls on board?

00:36:53 You mentioned souls being old terminology. Is there other old terminology that's bled through?

00:37:15 Alpha, bravo, trolley, delta, echo. You guys have that memorized now?

00:37:52 So if you weren't a pilot…  

00:43:27 So best job ever.

00:44:12 What got me into aviation?

00:49:01 What are pink tags?

Key Takeaways:

1. Pop culture rarely gets pilots right

Movies dramatize the cockpit, but pilots say the real thing is more about precision than adrenaline. The gap between entertainment and aviation reality shapes public misconceptions about the job.

2. The words matter—radio talk isn’t just jargon

From clearances to cockpit chatter, aviation language is built for clarity, not flair. Pilots break down how communication keeps people safe and how it reflects culture, hierarchy, and confidence in flight.

3. Behind the uniform: burnout, stress, and sacrifice

Irregular hours, emotional distance, and intense responsibility can wear pilots down. These stories reveal the human cost of aviation careers and why mental health needs to be taken more seriously in the industry.

4. Advice to new pilots? Think endurance, not ego

It’s not all cinematic flair. New aviators need patience, humility, and a long-game mindset. Success in aviation often looks more like consistency than charisma.

5. Why they keep flying: joy, gear, and small moments

Despite everything, pilots return to the skies for the same reasons they started: the sound of a favorite aircraft, a smooth landing, or the simple awe of seeing the world from above. Purpose often lives in the details.

Editor's Note:

We’ve all seen the movie pilots: cool, confident, with sunglasses and a flair for one-liners. But real-life pilots? They’re a fascinating blend of discipline, humor, and unexpected vulnerability—and in this episode, you’ll hear exactly that.

As a writer, this final chapter in the series was gold. The way Marco and Nate peel back the layers of industry norms, emotional toll, and linguistic quirks gave me more than material—it gave me perspective. If you’ve ever tried to write an aviation scene or build a character in uniform, you’ll want to eavesdrop on this.

And if you’re just here for the vibes? Buckle up. You’re in good hands.

Links & Resources:

1. Phonetic Alphabet via Wikipedia

2. Radio Communications Phraseology and Techniques Guide supplied by the FAA

3. Reddit AMA's (Ask Me Anything) with Pilots

4. Aviation Slang from Sierra Hotel Aeronautics' website

5. Part One of this Series

6. Part Two of this Series

May your metaphors stay smooth and your stories stay airborne,

Katherine Arkady