The physiological effects from stress can lead to significant challenges on the flight deck, particularly when operating an aircraft as a single pilot. Proper use of checklists is one way that single pilots can maintain focus on the tasks at hand when they start to feel stressed. “Based on my experience in the dual-crew world, [I still utilize] the challenge-and-response method when I’m by myself, even though it might look a little silly,” says Polymer Resources Pilot Elliott Fisher. “The more stressful the situation might be, the more I force myself to slow down.”
In this episode of NBAA’s “Flight Plan,” host Rob Finfrock speaks with:
Elliott Fisher, pilot, Polymer Resources, and Founder of Base to Final LLC
Todd Hotes, flight operations management and chief pilot, Polymer Resources
Charlie Precourt, chairman, Citation Jet Pilots Association Safety and Education Foundation
The NBAA Flight Plan podcast, which ran from 2009 to 2025, provided an overview of important developments affecting NBAA members, and the association’s work to advocate for their interest. The archive of past episodes will remain available for your enjoyment. Please note that no new episodes will be released.
NBAA welcomed a recent FAA aeromedical policy update encouraging pilots and air traffic controllers to seek counseling and mental health support early and without fear that receiving talk therapy would jeopardize their medical certification, marking an important shift in the agency’s approach to mental wellness.
NBAA announced a partnership with MedAire, an International SOS company, which extends MedAire Wellbeing Services access to individual NBAA members at a preferred member rate, marking the first time aviation professionals can enroll independently of their flight department.
At the 2026 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference, the “Plotting a Modern Route for Mental Health in Aviation” session will feature insights on the impacts mental health and personal fatigue can have on those working in a profession that always demands top performance.