The Calm Cockpit Podcast

Season 2 Episode 10

In this episode we sit down with Nate Ehlers of Backseat Pilot to explore how flight instruction is evolving for the next generation of aviators. 

From his own in-flight emergency that sparked the idea for Backseat Pilot, Nate shares how the company grew from cockpit reference tools into a full-scale resource for CFI candidates. We discuss why so many aspiring instructors waste valuable time reinventing lesson plans, and how structured systems can help candidates focus on what really matters; learning to teach, communicate, and lead from the right seat.

We also dive into the future of aviation education, including how AI can be used to sharpen oral exam prep, improve teaching delivery, and create realistic mock check ride scenarios without replacing human instructors. Nate explains the balance every instructor must learn between allowing mistakes and maintaining the “safety bubble,” plus what students should look for when choosing a flight school or instructor. 

If you’re pursuing your CFI, mentoring students, or simply curious where aviation training is headed, this conversation offers a smart look at the resources and mindset that supports aviation educators to achieve the highest standards with maximum efficiency. 

 

Link and Discount Code:
Nate is giving listeners a super-generous 20% off all products from The Backseat Pilot! 

Find everything you need to help support your CFI checkrides and to teach future students: from CFI lesson plans, annotated Airmen Certification Standards, reference cards, CFI prep courses, this is the real deal. Nate provides CFI training that gets you ready for the real world with three ways to support you through your training, from ongoing community practice, to small group focused prep, to one-on-one coaching. No matter where you are in your CFI journey, there's a spot for you at Backseat Pilot. 

 

https://thebackseatpilot.com/

20% discount code: CalmCockpit

Season 2: Bonus Episode

Monday Briefing 7

This episode breaks down what it actually takes to build a mindset that drives consistent performance—not just temporary motivation. Instead of chasing positivity, the focus is on developing mental control, disciplined execution, and a system that makes outperforming others inevitable.

 

Get Comfortable in the Uncomfortable, and be your best!

Season 2 Episode 9

 

In this episode we explore how pilots can navigate failure, recover faster, and build the kind of resilience that supports long-term success in aviation. 

We’ll discuss check ride failures, perfectionism, and the myth of the flawless aviator. You’ll hear why one setback is rarely career-ending, how many top pilots have failed along the way, and why those struggles often create stronger instructors and safer professionals.

Failure is reframed not as a personal flaw, but as the gap between expectation and reality—a moment that often triggers a powerful stress response. We break down why setbacks can feel so overwhelming, how they affect performance, and why nervous system regulation must come before mindset shifts. From timed recovery periods to practical tools like the “worry appointment,” this conversation offers pilots a healthier way to process mistakes without letting them define the future.

The episode closes with a powerful reminder: success and failure are two sides of the same coin. What matters most is how you respond, what you learn, and your willingness to keep moving forward.

 

Links:

Self-determination theory: A quarter century of human motivation research. Great article from the American Psychological Association with research links and in-depth discussion of the theory in practice.

Season 2: Bonus Episode

Monday Briefing 6

 

In this Monday Brief,  we explore how motivation really works, and why so many high performers still find themselves feeling stuck. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory (SDT), developed by psychologists Ryan and Deci, the conversation breaks down the three essential drivers of human performance: autonomy (feeling in control of your choices), competence (feeling capable and effective), and relatedness (feeling connected to others).

 

When these needs are met, motivation becomes internal and sustainable; when they’re not, even the most driven individuals can lose momentum, especially if they’re relying on external rewards like money, status, or recognition.

The episode offers practical ways to get “unstuck” by rebuilding these three needs through small, intentional actions. Whether it’s reclaiming autonomy through values-based decisions, restoring competence with quick, achievable wins, or strengthening relatedness through connection and service, the focus is on simple nudges that create real traction. The takeaway: peak performance isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about realigning with what actually drives you, and making small moves that bring you back into sync.

 

Links:

Self-determination theory: A quarter century of human motivation research

Season 2 Episode 8

 

In this episode we sit down with Brian Schiff to break down what Crew Resource Management (CRM) really looks like in practice—and why it matters for every pilot. From the cockpit of a student pilot to a major airline flight deck, CRM is about using all available resources—people, tools, procedures, and mindset—to operate safely and effectively.

Brian shares a powerful guiding principle about how to pace a flight for optimum safety, how communication failures often come from assumptions, and why a message isn’t complete until it’s clearly read back and confirmed. We’ll also explore practical strategies for managing task saturation, buying time when things feel rushed, and staying mentally ahead of the airplane.

You’ll hear actionable techniques like using plain English when needed, requesting delay or vectors without hesitation, and recognizing your stress level before it impacts performance. Whether flying solo or with a crew, this episode reinforces the importance of clear briefings, assertiveness, and taking full ownership as pilot in command.

 

About Brian Schiff
Brian Schiff is a seasoned captain for a major US airline with over 21,000 hours of flight time and experience in more than 100 aircraft types. A 40-year Gold Seal flight instructor and FAA Safety Team Representative, he has also served as an FAA-designated examiner. Brian is widely respected in the aviation community for his engaging, practical approach to teaching and his commitment to advancing aviation safety for pilots at every level.

 

Links:

The Schiff Show TV: a live aviation safety program by Brian Schiff that breaks down real-world accidents into practical lessons for pilots. It blends case studies, procedures, and interactive elements to improve decision-making and promote safer flying. Games, prizes, and FAA WINGS credit available, as well!

Brian Schiff's Website, Captain Schiff.com: all of his writing, many podcasts, shows, and tons of resources applicable to all pilots

 

"Final Approach to Tragedy: Checklist and Discipline Gone Wrong": Schiff Show episode featuring John Niehaus