From Seeing No Female Pilots to 99s Maple Leaf Chair | Cailyx Madensky

Skyward Special Announcement

Skyward is taking a pause through spring as I focus on completing my Canadian Flight Instructor Rating. Season 2 returns in June with new episodes, guests, and upgrades.  Tap this to send Mercedes a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2505283/fan_mail/new]

Why Pilots Are in Pain — And How to Fix It | Dr. Jackie White, Aviation PT

Pilots spend hours locked in cramped cockpits — and their bodies pay the price. In this episode of Skyward, host Pilot Mercedes sits down with Dr. Jackie White, PT, aviation physical therapist and founder of Skyline Wellness, to talk about what's actually going wrong in pilots' bodies and what to do about it. Dr. Jackie breaks down the most common complaints she sees — low back pain, neck stiffness, shoulder tension — and why the cockpit itself is part of the problem. She shares simple movement habits you can do between flights, how to stay fueled when food access is unpredictable, and why catching an issue early is the difference between a quick fix and months of chronic pain. Whether you're a student pilot, CFI, commercial pilot, or just someone who spends too much time sitting — this one's for you. In this episode: → Why pilots get low back pain (and how to prevent it) → The muscle imbalance caused by right-rudder dominance → Mobility moves you can do between flights → Nutrition on the go: what to keep in your flight bag → How Dr. Jackie works with pilots remotely Chapters 00:43 Introduction to Aviation Physical Therapy 03:02 Dr. Jackie White's Journey to Aviation Physical Therapy 06:03 The Path to Becoming a Physical Therapist 09:00 Experiences at Sun & Fun Airshow 12:02 Merging Aviation with Physical Therapy 15:00 The Birth of Skyline Physical Therapy 18:01 Tailoring Rehab Programs for Pilots 21:06 Common Physical Complaints Among Pilots 31:32 Family Connections and Mobility Insights 32:41 Understanding G-Forces and Their Impact on Pilots 35:27 Challenges for Flight Students and Instructors 39:34 Hydration and Nutrition for Pilots 41:58 Nutrition Strategies for Pilots 45:39 Non-Negotiable Health Practices for Pilots 50:37 Success Stories in Pilot Health and Fitness 55:34 Addressing Muscle Imbalances in Pilots 01:00:23 Gender Differences in Pilot Health 01:02:07 Simple Tips for Immediate Relief 01:03:57 Future Plans for Skyline Wellness Subscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if this episode hit home, comment your biggest physical complaint from flying below, and share with a fellow pilot! Find Dr. Jackie & Skyline Wellness: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHHOlv4WkU/nMLW8qqb0dQLFAdXrbtzrg/view?utm_content=DAHHOlv4WkU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h403d708cb5&fbclid=PAT01DUARSdl9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAade5gtAtesn546nUynes53vMIoPHxvQ2URgZHX24bqG83NNJal4QDivr_tNyw_aem_auVFP91tO4J3hU924ZPnWA Learn more: If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes: Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedes Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com If you're looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_... Patreon Community is up and running! If you're looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here's your spot! / skywardpodcast 🎙️ Hosted by Pilot Mercedes With years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who's been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights! Tap this to send Mercedes a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2505283/fan_mail/new]

From Seeing No Female Pilots to 99s Maple Leaf Chair | Cailyx Madensky

Cailyx Madensky shares her inspiring journey into aviation, becoming a commercial pilot trainee, and leading the Ninety-Nines Maple Leaf Chapter. We discuss overcoming COVID delays, the power of mentorship, staying motivated through setbacks, and building community with Let’s Discover Aviation Now events. Chapters 00:57 Introduction to Aviation Dreams 02:59 The Journey Begins: From Curiosity to Training 05:57 Navigating Setbacks: The Impact of COVID-19 09:04 Family Ties: Sibling Support in Aviation 12:04 Mentorship and Guidance: Key Influences 15:03 Lessons Learned: Patience and Persistence 17:55 Future Aspirations: Goals in Aviation 21:07 Advice for Aspiring Pilots 22:53 Community Engagement: Involvement with the 99s 23:31 Introduction to the 99s and Personal Journey 25:44 Community Engagement and Event Planning 30:08 The Impact of Introductory Flights 35:40 Inclusivity and Opportunities in Aviation 39:24 Connecting with the 99s 44:11 Future Aspirations for the Maple Leaf Chapter Subscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if these lessons hit home, comment your biggest training mistake below, and share with a fellow student pilot! Learn more: If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes: Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedes Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com If you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_... Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot! https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast 🎙️ Hosted by Pilot Mercedes With years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights! Tap this to send Mercedes a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2505283/fan_mail/new]

ALPA Union, Dreams Take Flight & Special Olympics Impact | Alivia Chanyi

Pilot Mercedes welcomes back Alivia Chanyi, First Officer at Jazz, sharing ALPA’s pilot advocacy, two-crew safety push, mentorship, Dreams Take Flight’s magical Disney trips for kids, and Special Olympics impact. Inspiring aviation + community stories! Subscribe, comment your favorite moment, share with aviation friends. Chapters 01:03 Introduction to ALPA and Mentorship Programs 02:50 Advocating for Aviation Safety and Security 06:03 Career Development and Community Building in ALPA 08:57 Dreams Take Flight: Creating Magical Experiences for Children 11:49 The Role of Air Canada in Dreams Take Flight 15:10 Planning a Dream Flight: Logistics and Volunteer Efforts 18:00 Personal Connections to Dreams Take Flight 21:05 Involvement with Special Olympics 24:11 Encouraging Community Involvement and Support 27:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Subscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if these lessons hit home, comment your biggest training mistake below, and share with a fellow student pilot! Learn more: If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes: Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedes Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com If you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_... Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot! https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?ut... 🎙️ Hosted by Pilot Mercedes With years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights! Tap this to send Mercedes a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2505283/fan_mail/new]

Women in Aviation Canada: What are the 99s, Northern Lights & CWIA? | Alivia Chanyi

Discover how The 99s, Northern Lights Aero Foundation, and Canadian Women in Aviation empower women in Canada's skies! Pilot Mercedes chats with First Officer Alivia Chanyi (Jazz Aviation, CRJ pilot) about scholarships, mentorship, outreach, and building community in an industry where women are still underrepresented. Key highlights: * The 99s history & global growth * Northern Lights: Elsie MacGill Awards & events * CWIA conferences & connections Inspired by women supporting women in flight? Share your thoughts—which org excites you most? Subscribe, like, comment, and share with aspiring pilots! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alivia Chanyi and Women in Aviation 01:16 Alivia’s Background and Involvement in Aviation Organizations 03:29 The History of the 99s and Its Significance 06:55 Growth of the 99s in Canada and Worldwide 10:30 Community Projects and Initiatives in Canadian Chapters 11:37 Scholarships and Support for Women in Aviation 13:24 Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Aviation 16:12 Educational Outreach and Inspiring Future Generations 22:53 Northern Lights Aero Foundation’s Mission and Activities 26:09 Elsie MacGill and Her Legacy in Aviation 28:49 Nominations and Recognizing Women in Aviation 31:29 Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the Industry 35:50 Partnerships and Community Engagement 42:28 Canadian Women in Aviation and Its Role 44:35 Upcoming Events and How to Get Involved 46:17 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts Subscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if these lessons hit home, comment your biggest training mistake below, and share with a fellow student pilot! Learn more: If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes: Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedes Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com If you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_... Patreon Community is up and running! If you’re looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here’s your spot! https://patreon.com/Skywardpodcast?ut... 🎙️ Hosted by Pilot Mercedes With years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights! Tap this to send Mercedes a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2505283/fan_mail/new]