[EP1] Welcome to the Pilot Wife Podcast

Hello, and Welcome to the Pilot Wife Podcast.   No matter where you are in your journey as a pilot wife, spouse, partner or family member, this community is for you!   If you are new to the aviation and pilot lifestyle, you may be wondering -   What the heck have I gotten myself into? Is this for me? Am I the only one with these questions? What’s the next 10 or 20 years going to be like? What about kids and family?   I get it, these are common questions most of us had. I’m Jackie Ulmer, your Co-Captain and host, and as I began thinking about this podcast taking flight, I had a fun walk down memory lane with all of the stories and experiences to be shared. Today, I am at 33 years and counting as a pilot wife, and I never really thought about all of the insight gained from over 12,000 days of this! Marriage, kids, moving, furloughs, paycuts, upgrades, aircraft changes, training, more training, check rides, medicals, loneliness, dealing with all the real life stuff that happens while they are flying.   We have a funny joke in my house. Any time a conversation starts with “Mark was flying”, it’s going to be a train wreck. Trees falling on roofs, plumbing issues, power outages, garage door falling off the mounts -yep - “shiznit” happens. You’ll be hearing from many other Pilot Wives in every age group, geographic area, in various companies and with LOTS of great stories, experiences and tips to share. Know this - whatever you are going through - we have someone who’s been there, too!   We know all about the erratic schedules, disrupted plans, re-assignments at the most inopportune times, frustrating communication when they are flying, or in their “man cave.” We know about domicile and airplane changes, flight medicals, uprooting and moving, just when you are making friends and settling in.   We’ve known the loneliness at times, and have found strength in our pilot wife community - a group who truly “gets” it. We understand the anxieties and worry of what they are up to in their “resort style life.”   Most of the time it’s not so “resort like!” We’ve learned to make the most of the down times, and enjoy every bit of the good times. Add this podcast to your favorites; share it on your Pilot Facebook groups and on Instagram, and with anyone you know who might enjoy it, and find value in it.   If you like what you’re hearing on the show, grab the   Pilot Wife Checklist - 7 Keys to To a Fabulous Pilot Wife Life. Go to PilotWifeChecklist.com And, if you have a question or comment - ask.PilotWifePodcast.com