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 Topics

Les 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 pilots

Themes

This 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.

Resources

Les Abend — SouthWings Volunteer Pilot Profile — https://southwings.org/volunteer-pilots/les-abend

Les 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-abend

Candid Cockpit Podcast — Les Abend and Mike Strauss —

FAA WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program — https://www.faasafety.gov/wings/pub/learn_more.aspx

FAA Risk Management Handbook — https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-06/risk_management_handbook_2A.pdf

NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System —

https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/

NASA ASRS CALLBACK Newsletter — https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/publications/callback.html

Credits

Host: Nate ThuliMusic: Eugeny BardyuzhaArtwork: Edmond HuotProduced by: Helwing Villamizar

Additional Media

Additional footage and media courtesy of the featured guests and their respective companies, including Airhart, Draco Aircraft, AviNation, Scaled Composites, and EAA.

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Season One brings together pilots, engineers, builders, aviation media leaders, operators, historians, and aerospace innovators for conversations about the people and ideas shaping the future of flight.

In this preview, Nate introduces the first season’s guest lineup, including legendary airline captain and author Les Abend, Johannes von Thadden of Draco Aircraft, Jacob Peed of AviNation, Greg Morris of Scaled Composites, Peter Manice on airline operations, and Hal Bryan of EAA.

From commercial aviation and STOL aircraft to aerospace experimentation, aviation media, airline operations, and the preservation of aviation history, What Follows explores the stories behind one of the world’s most inspiring industries.

Season One begins Thursday, May 21.

Key Topics

* Commercial aviation and pilot storytelling

* STOL aircraft and adventure aviation

* Aviation media and community

* Aerospace innovation and experimental aircraft

* Airline operations and real-time decision-making

* Aviation history and legacy

Featured Guests This Season

* Les Abend — Airline captain and author

* Johannes von Thadden — Draco Aircraft

* Jacob Peed — AviNation

* Greg Morris — Scaled Composites

* Peter Manice — Airline operations

* Hal Bryan — EAA

* And more to come…

Credits

Host: Nate ThuliMusic: Eugeny BardyuzhaArtwork: Edmond HuotProduced by: Helwing Villamizar

Additional Media

Additional footage and media courtesy of the featured guests and their respective companies, including Airhart, Draco Aircraft, AviNation, Scaled Composites, and EAA.

Follow Airhart

Visit Airhart and follow along for new What Follows episodes, clips, and updates.

Website: AirhartYouTube: Airhart on YouTubeLinkedIn: Airhart on LinkedInInstagram: Airhart on Instagram