EP7 - The Aviation Therapist, Selling the Westwind, and What Comes Next

<p>This week’s episode covers a lot of ground. We open with our usual Bob-and-Steve hang for the first half hour — talking about the pending sale of the Westwind, what we’re considering as a replacement, and a deep dive into the current state of the single-engine turboprop market. </p><p></p><p>We talk through real-world tradeoffs between aircraft like the TBM, Meridian/M600 class, and PC-12 — cost of entry, mission capability, and what actually makes sense for how we fly.</p><p></p><p>Then we shift gears into something very different.</p><p>In the second half, we sit down with <b>Dr. Abigail Powell</b>, an aviation-focused therapist known online as <b>@theaviationtherapist</b>. </p><p></p><p>We dig into the mental health side of aviation — the parts that usually don’t get talked about in cockpits, group chats, or on layovers. From the pressures of performance and the stigma around seeking help, to hyper-vigilance, compartmentalization, and the unique psychological demands of aviation careers, Dr. Powell brings a grounded and honest perspective that every pilot — professional or recreational — will recognize.</p><p></p><p>We cover:<br />• Why mental health challenges in aviation are often hidden<br />• How stress and anxiety show up differently in high-performance flying environments<br />• Why compartmentalization is both a survival skill and a long-term risk<br />• The realities of asking for help in a career where “weakness” can feel like a liability<br />• Practical tools pilots can use to manage stress and stay mentally sharp</p><p></p><p>This one goes places we don’t usually go — and it’s worth the listen.</p><p></p><p>Guest:<br />Dr. Abigail Powell<br />Instagram: @theaviationtherapist<br />Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://theaviationtherapist.com" target="_blank">theaviationtherapist.com</a></p><p></p><p>As always — if you fly, work in aviation, or just love hearing real conversations from inside the industry, this episode is for you.</p>