Les Abend on Reliability, Risk, and the Pilot’s Mindset

Welcome to the launch episode of What Follows — the podcast where we explore the people shaping aviation today, and the ideas defining what comes next.In this first episode, host Nate Thuli speaks with Les Abend about his lifelong journey in aviation, from early childhood inspiration to a career defined by flying, writing, learning, and teaching. Les reflects on what it means to stay proficient as a pilot, why aircraft reliability and safety are deeply connected, and how technology, training, and judgment all shape the modern flying experience.The conversation explores the realities of aircraft systems, avionics integration, maintenance challenges, risk management, and the importance of staying ahead of the airplane. Les also discusses how pilots can manage complexity, reduce cognitive load, and continue learning throughout their careers.Key TopicsLes Abend’s aviation origin story and career pathThe relationship between writing, flying, and aviation educationAircraft reliability and maintenance challengesSystem integration and avionics in older aircraftHow technology affects pilot workload and decision-makingSafety, judgment, and risk management in flightCognitive load and staying ahead of the aircraftTraining, proficiency, and lifelong learningLessons from past aviation incidentsMaking aviation more accessible to future pilotsThemesThis episode centers on the idea that safe flying is not only about aircraft capability or technology, but about judgment, preparation, and continuous learning. Les emphasizes that reliability and safety go hand in hand, and that pilots must learn how to manage complexity before it manages them.ResourcesLes Abend — SouthWings Volunteer Pilot Profile — https://southwings.org/volunteer-pilots/les-abendLes Abend — FLYING Magazine Contributor Profile — https://www.flyingmag.com/bio-les-abend-contributing-editor/Les Abend — Author Profile / Paper Wings — https://openroadmedia.com/contributor/les-abendCandid Cockpit Podcast — Les Abend and Mike Strauss —FAA WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program — https://www.faasafety.gov/wings/pub/learn_more.aspxFAA Risk Management Handbook — https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-06/risk_management_handbook_2A.pdfNASA Aviation Safety Reporting System — https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/NASA ASRS CALLBACK Newsletter — https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/publications/callback.htmlCreditsHost: Nate ThuliMusic: Eugeny BardyuzhaArtwork: Edmond HuotProduced by: Helwing VillamizarAdditional MediaAdditional footage and media courtesy of the featured guests and their respective companies, including Airhart, Draco Aircraft, AviNation, Scaled Composites, and EAA.Follow AirhartVisit Airhart and follow along for new What Follows episodes, clips, and updates.Website: AirhartYouTube: Airhart on YouTubeLinkedIn: Airhart on LinkedInInstagram: Airhart on Instagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatfollowspodcast.substack.com