The Calm Cockpit Podcast
The Calm Cockpit Podcast
Podcast Description
Join John Niehaus, a professional pilot and flight instructor and Gita Brown, a yoga educator and student pilot as they share how the latest tools in stress reduction, well-being, and high performance mental training can improve your abilities as aviators. Through this podcast they will show how understanding these techniques can create a mindset of excellence not just in flying, but flight training, proficiency, and aviation safety.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The show focuses on topics like mental training for pilots, stress reduction techniques, and strategies for achieving high performance in aviation. Episodes include discussions on endurance building from around-the-world flights and essential habits for high performers, presenting a blend of practical advice, personal anecdotes, and expert insights into flight safety and proficiency.
Join John Niehaus, a professional pilot and flight instructor and Gita Brown, a yoga educator and student pilot as they share how the latest tools in stress reduction, well-being, and high performance mental training can improve your abilities as aviators. Through this podcast they will show how understanding these techniques can create a mindset of excellence not just in flying, but flight training, proficiency, and aviation safety.
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
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