The Pilot Life

Send us a textA full circle moment to sit down and chat with Captain Mike Swanigan aka "Swani" about his amazing journey to the flight deck.His dreams of becoming a pilot as a young boy were quickly dashed when he found out that African Americans were not allowed to be pilots. His resilience and drive kept him on a course to become not only an Air National Guard pilot, but also the Chief Pilot and eventual Vice President of Flight Operations for Alaska Airlines. An amazing story told through the eyes of a pilot who witnessed some of the most transformational times in the aviation industry. Check out Captain Swani's podcast "Talking Flight" here:https://talkingflight.libsyn.comFollow The Pilot Life for more aviation content:https://www.instagram.com/thepilotlife121/?hl=en“The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. The opinions expressed are solely those of the participants and do not represent any associations or institutions they may or may not be affiliated with unless expressly stated.”

Send us a textAwesome conversation with Captain Ernie Meeks aka "Big Ern" ( yes, we get the backstory on that call sign!)From early dreams of being a pilot to flying the C-5 Galaxy - One of the largest military transports in the world. Ernie's aviation journey has taken him around the world and back again! He is currently a B-737 pilot for Southwest Airlines where he shares his aviation stories and experiences on his social media channels "Flyin with Big Ern". A truly enjoyable experience and so grateful for the opportunity to spend some time with Captain Ernie. Check out more of his content below!https://www.youtube.com/@UC3sGT-zxmi0MNKR5M4SzJgg https://www.instagram.com/flyingwithbigern/?hl=enhttps://aviatorintelligence.comFollow The Pilot Life for more aviation content:https://www.instagram.com/thepilotlife121/“The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. This is a personal vlog and the opinions expressed are solely those of the participants and do not represent any associations or institutions they may or may not be affiliated with unless expressly stated.”

Send us a textThe saying "the best things in life aren't easy" comes to mind when hearing Arlette's aviation story. From a young girl in Germany pursuing her dreams of flying to the skies over the United States and beyond, It has been quite the journey to the flight deck for Airline Pilot and accomplished skydiver Arlette Donzey.  Sit back and enjoy her story!Check out her Instagram page for some incredible flying content:https://www.instagram.com/arlettedonzey/?hl=enFollow The Pilot Life for more aviation content:https://www.instagram.com/thepilotlife121/“The information provided in this video is for entertainment purposes only. This is a personal vlog and the opinions expressed are solely those of the participants and do not represent any associations or institutions they may or may not be affiliated with unless expressly stated.”

Send us a textSuch a privilege to sit down with LaMar, one of the longest tenured Horizon pilots where he also served as the chief pilot for 2 decades. Great conversation covering the history of the airline and lessons learned in nearly 40 years of airline flying. Check out the video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im7F3MKtAOk“The information provided in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. This is a personal podcast and the opinions expressed are solely those of the participants and do not represent any associations or institutions they may or may not be affiliated with unless expressly stated.”

Send us a textSit down for a jolly good chat with Captain Steve Randall!From crossing the Atlantic Ocean in small, general aviation aircraft to flying the big iron for the airlines, his aviation journey is one for the books! And speaking of books, he is an accomplished aviation author and master story teller.BOOK GIVEAWAY! (2 LUCKY WINNERS) DRAWING 9/10/2025 AT 12PM PDT📘 🎉 Visit the YouTube Video and leave a comment to enter to win!Purchase his book here: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️https://redwoodbusdriver.comFollow Captain Steve on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/redwoodbusdriver/?hl=enFollow The Pilot Life for more aviation content:https://www.instagram.com/thepilotlife121/