Skyward Podcast
By: Pilot Mercedes
Language: en-us
Categories: Business, Careers, Leisure, Aviation, Education, How To
Hi, I’m Mercedes the host of Skyward, a podcast to inspire and educate you in everything aviation and aerospace! I’m so happy you’re here. I started this podcast to share stories and facts about the amazing world of aviation and aerospace.In each episode, I talk about exciting things like how to become a pilot, go to space, or chat with pilots, engineers, flight attendants, and people who love everything aviation and aerospace just like you! My goal is to inspire, educate, and help you love the skies even more.Hit the Subscribe button to join my advent...
Episodes
Can you join the RCAF with NO flight experience? | RCAF Maritime Helicopter Pilot From Zero Experience to CH-148 Cyclone Instructor
Dec 15, 2025In this episode host Pilot Mercedes sits down with Captain Jason McGillis, an 18-year Royal Canadian Air Force maritime helicopter pilot and current CH-148 Cyclone instructor.
Jason takes us from joining the RCAF straight out of high school with ZERO flying experience → flying the legendary Sea King on deployments around the world → transitioning to the modern fly-by-wire Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone → and now teaching the next generation of Canadian naval aviators.
We go deep on:
Joining the Canadian Armed Forces as a pilot with no prior flight time
The intense RCAF pilot training pipeline (Phase 1, 2, 3 explai...
The First NASA-Funded Scientist to Run Experiments During Suborbital Spaceflight | Dr. Rob Ferl
Dec 01, 2025What really happens to living cells in the very first seconds of weightlessness?
In this episode of Skyward, host Pilot Mercedes sits down with Dr. Rob Ferl – Distinguished Professor and Director of the new Astraeus Space Institute at the University of Florida – and the very first NASA-funded scientist to personally conduct real-time biological experiments during a trip to space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard (flight NS-19).
This is NOT another tourist story. If you’ve ever wondered what the edge of space actually looks and feels like from a scientist-pilot’s seat, this is the closest...
Duration: 01:26:36Go or No-Go? Essential Pilot Decision-Making Tips for Student Pilots
Nov 17, 2025Struggling with go or no-go decisions in aviation? Join Pilot Mercedes on the Skyward Podcast as she breaks down the critical factors every pilot needs to consider before flying. From regulatory vs. personal minimums to the I'M SAFE checklist, weather challenges, and aircraft capabilities, this episode is packed with practical tools for student pilots, private pilots, and even seasoned aviators preparing for a checkride or routine flight. Learn how to make safe, confident choices and avoid common pitfalls with real-world insights and a personal story of a checkride failure. ✈️
Free Show Notes:
https://docs...
Duration: 00:18:33Canadian Pilot Overcomes Diabetes Barrier | Air Canada Captain's Return & Flight Training Journey
Nov 03, 2025Host Pilot Mercedes welcomes former Air Canada Captain & Lawyer Steve Steele to discuss his diabetes diagnosis that grounded him in 1986, the fight to allow insulin-dependent pilots in Canada (until early 2000s), simulator instruction in Hong Kong, family flexibility, and global aviation health rules. Key insights on pilot training, health barriers, and returning to the cockpit.
Essential for Canadian pilots, flight training, and aviation podcast fans.
Free Show Notes:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d_R4MKTXpJovr5VAnc511OKv2k2p4wwBtahLf3evr-A/edit?usp=sharing
Learn more: Duration: 01:26:17
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Flight Training | Pilot Mercedes’ Tips for Aspiring Pilots
Oct 20, 2025In this episode of Skyward Podcast, Pilot Mercedes shares the 5 things she wish she knew before starting flight training. Discover how to build an aviation community, prepare for transitions, balance well-being, stay resilient, and tackle the steep learning curve of becoming a pilot. Perfect for aspiring aviators looking for clarity and confidence! ✈️
Free Show Notes:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uftde7jJVT3MwD5GGUR2lA2LghVF4qaHXvZHxTwl12w/edit?usp=sharing
Learn more:
If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to P...
Dini Petty's Pink Helicopter News and Aviation Adventures
Oct 06, 2025Pilot Mercedes chats with Dini Petty, legendary Canadian Pink Helicopter Pilot, beloved talkshow host, and author, about reporting breaking news mid-flight, her rise as a live TV star, and decades of aviation adventures.
Dive into inspiring stories of breaking barriers in the skies and media—perfect for aviation enthusiasts and aspiring pilots.
Subscribe to the Skyward Podcast for more educational pilot tales, helicopter insights, and bold journeys.
Learn more:
If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/so...
From Dream to Sky: Pilot Mercedes’ Aviation Story
Sep 22, 2025In this engaging episode of Skyward, host Pilot Mercedes is interviewed by her sister, Trinity Celeste, a fine art musician. Discover how Mercedes’ passion for aviation took flight, leading her from a childhood dream to earning her pilot’s license at 16. She shares insights into her journey through the aviation and aerospace industry, including challenges, triumphs, and her inspiration for starting Skyward to highlight diverse stories in the field. Perfect for aviation enthusiasts and anyone inspired by stories of ambition and resilience.
Learn more:
If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reac...
David Cottrill’s Aviation Lessons & Flying Tips
Sep 08, 2025Part 2 of Skyward Podcast features David Cottrill diving into aviation’s challenges, from navigating US and Canadian airspace to a high-speed Cessna Mustang test flight. Packed with pilot training tips, aviation safety insights, and stories from complex airports, this episode is a must for aspiring pilots and aviation lovers.
Learn more:
If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_skies/
Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com
If you’re looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use B...
Duration: 00:57:38David Cottrill’s First Flights & Pilot Journey
Aug 25, 2025In Part 1 of David Cottrill's story he shares his journey from a small-town dreamer to a licensed pilot. Hear gripping tales of his first flight in a Cessna 172, rigorous university training, and cross-country adventures with his wife and friend Conrad. Perfect for aviation fans and aspiring pilots! Tune in for Part 2 for more flying lessons and stories.
Learn more:
If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_skies/
Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com
If you’re looking for a...
Duration: 00:38:18Angel Flights & Mercy Missions: Soaring to Save Lives with Volunteer Pilots
Aug 11, 2025Embark on an inspiring journey into the heart of Angel Flights and mercy missions, where volunteer pilots transform lives by providing free air transportation for patients seeking critical medical care. In this episode, we dive into gripping, real-life stories of hope, courage, and compassion, showcasing the profound impact on patients, families, and the pilots who make it all possible. Learn about the logistics, challenges, and rewards of these life-saving flights, and discover how you can support or join this extraordinary movement. Perfect for aviation enthusiasts, healthcare advocates, and anyone moved by stories of human kindness. Subscribe and share to...
Duration: 00:26:36Sky Queen of the '70s: An Air Canada Flight Attendant's Untold Story! Part 2
Jul 28, 2025Skyward - Episode 4: Sky Queen - Janice Ward Part 2
A former Air Canada stewardess who shares her thrilling journey from the 1970s to the 2000s. From navigating strict appearance rules to forging a sisterhood in the skies, her stories reveal the glamour, challenges, and joy of life at 30,000 feet. Buckle up for a nostalgic ride through aviation’s golden era!
Learn more:
If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_skies/
Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com
If...
Duration: 00:39:13Sky Queen of the '70s: An Air Canada Flight Attendant's Untold Story! Part 1
Jul 14, 2025Skyward - Episode 3: Stewardess Stories with Janice Ward. A former Air Canada stewardess who shares her thrilling journey from the 1970s to the 2000s. From navigating strict appearance rules to forging a sisterhood in the skies, her stories reveal the glamour, challenges, and joy of life at 30,000 feet. Buckle up for a nostalgic ride through aviation’s golden era!
Learn more:
If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_skies/
Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com
If you’re look...
Duration: 00:38:01Heritage, Friends, and Lessons | Alan Ash
Jun 30, 2025Skyward - Episode 2: Heritage, Friends, and Lessons with Alan Ash
On this episode of Skyward, Pilot Mercedes welcomes Alan Ash, an FAA commercial licensed and instrument-rated pilot from Florida. From his father’s passion for flying to co-owning a plane and exploring the skies, Alan shares his inspiring journey and the lessons learned along the way. Don’t miss this deep dive into the world of general aviation!
Learn more:
If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_skies/
...
Challenges And Triumphs | Alivia Chanyi
Jun 16, 2025Join host Pilot Mercedes for the inaugural episode of Skyward, the podcast that lifts the curtain on aviation’s most captivating personal stories. In this episode, Mercedes welcomes, Alivia Chanyi, a First Officer at Jazz, a regional airline partner of Air Canada. Alivia shares her inspiring path from student pilot to the cockpit, revealing the passion, perseverance, and love for aviation that fueled her journey. From overcoming challenges to celebrating triumphs, her story is a testament to the human spirit behind the wings.
Mercedes and Alivia dive into key themes, including the importance of personal minimums, the po...
Duration: 00:46:43