In this episode of the AVIATE with Shaesta podcast, we sit down with Capt. Reyne O’Shaughnessy, an airline veteran with 35 years of flying experience and the author of This Is Your Captain Speaking: What You Should Know About Your Pilot’s Mental Health. Reyne shares her inspiring journey from summer typist and flight attendant to the cockpit of the Boeing 747, offering an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of life as a pilot.
Reyne opens up about the mental health challenges unique to aviation, discussing how sleep disruption, fear of disclosure, and demanding schedules impact pilots’ well-being and performance. She also highlights her initiatives to support flight crews, including programs for Aviation Medical Examiners and peer volunteers, and provides actionable strategies for managing stress. This conversation is a must-listen for pilots, aspiring aviators, and anyone curious about the role mental health plays in aviation safety.
Chapter Breakdown
00:00 – Introduction & Reyne’s Career Path
06:15 – Mental Health Challenges Unique to Aviation
14:30 – Overcoming the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Attitude
21:50 – Practical Strategies for Well-Being
29:10 – Initiatives and Future Projects
35:00 – Final Reflections & Next Steps
Whether you’re in the aviation industry or simply interested in mental health and performance, this episode offers invaluable insights into how taking care of pilots’ well-being is vital for a safer and healthier aviation landscape.
Contributors:
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