Smart Pilots, Dumb Mistakes: What 100 Safety Reports Taught One Airline Captain About Flying Safer with Jeffrey Madison
What if the smartest pilots are the ones willing to admit their dumbest mistakes? In this eye-opening episode of The Pilot Network Podcast, airline pilot and author Jeffrey James Madison shares how overconfidence, complacency, and fatigue often sneak into even the sharpest flight decks. From being inspired by Tuskegee Airmen at 35, to nearly running out of fuel for a friend’s dream plane, Jeffrey explains why learning from others’ mistakes can be just as powerful as your own experience. His book Yikes! captures 100 real pilot stories that could save lives—and funds the Victor Kilo Fund to help the next generation take flight. Jeffrey’s humor, humility, and honesty make this episode a must-listen for anyone serious about flying safer and smarter.
What if the smartest pilots are the ones willing to admit their dumbest mistakes? In this eye-opening episode of The Pilot Network Podcast, airline pilot and author Jeffrey James Madison shares how overconfidence, complacency, and fatigue often sneak into even the sharpest flight decks. From being inspired by Tuskegee Airmen at 35, to nearly running out of fuel for a friend’s dream plane, Jeffrey explains why learning from others’ mistakes can be just as powerful as your own experience. His book Yikes! captures 100 real pilot stories that could save lives—and funds the Victor Kilo Fund to help the next generation take flight.
Madison’s humor, humility, and honesty make this episode a must-listen for anyone serious about flying safer and smarter.
About Jeffrey
Jeffrey is an airline pilot, aviation human factors safety SME, mentor pilot, and award-winning media professional with a reputation for making every team stronger. With over 25 years of experience in aviation—as an airline pilot, flight instructor, safety subject matter expert, and author—he combines technical skill with deep storytelling instincts.
Beyond the cockpit, Jeffrey is an award-winning creative director, producer, and writer. He’s also a veteran science journalist, prolific climate change reporter, and recognized thought leader in the climate space. As a trained Climate Reality Leader, he brings clarity and urgency to one of the most pressing issues of our time.
Whether hosting a podcast, moderating panels, anchoring coverage, or mentoring future professionals, Jeffrey is known for his empathy, collaborative spirit, and ability to explain complex ideas in a way that resonates. Simply put: he plays well with others—and helps others play even better.
Explore more about Jeffrey and his work at: https://www.jeffreymadison.com/
Connect with Jeffrey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-madison-writer/
Chapters
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Transcript
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